I argued, “They aren’t dead. We met them recently.” Anne gasped and stepped back. She looked at Tony, “But….” Tony explained, “I saw the pictures. I knew your grandfather, actually I knew them all. They were dead.”

Heath asked, “Who showed you the pictures? Who are Betty and Hanson Newcome?” Anne rubbed her forehead, “They died too. Before you were even born. Your father killed Hanson. Betty, she couldn’t stand it and killed herself.”

I frowned, “Are you ok, Anne?” Tony started rubbing his head too. Anne answered me, “It’s just a headache.” I asked Heath, “Who are Betty and Hanson?” Heath said, “Hanson killed our parents. Betty is his sister who’s been telling our family we didn’t want to meet them.”

Anne started shaking. Ted asked, “Mom?” Then she passed out. Ted caught her and screamed, “MOM!” Tony went down next. Heath was stunned. Chase looked at Matt. Derrick said, “They must be bewitched or hexed. That’s some seriously dark magic.”

I asked, “What?” Heath said, “The names Betty and Hanson Newcome caused this, and we kept saying them. Anne and Tony were trying to figure it out and fight the magic. Then we said our family was alive. A spell took over them. They aren’t supposed to remember the truth. SON OF A BITCH!”

Tony and Anne shook themselves when they woke up. Anne rubbed her head and asked, “What happened?” Tony flashed over to her. He rubbed her arms, “Anne? Oh god, is it your head?” Ted said, “You passed out too, dad.” Tony questioned, “I did? What were we talking about?” Heath answered, “The Newcome’s.”

Tony sighed, “That’s a sad story. Their son would’ve been the Lieutenant, but something happened with him and your grandfather. God rest his soul; he was a good man.” Heath said, “What happened to Betty and Hanson’s parents?” Anne sighed, “Well, they were murdered but it was never solved.” Heath muttered, “I think I can solve it.”

I was reeling. Chase linked me, “Are you ok?” I nodded. Tony said, “Anyway, I think they had a little brother too. For the life of me though I don’t remember what happened to him.” Heath assured him, “It’s fine.”

Anne said, “Let’s go back to talking about the babies!” She asked me, “What colors are you thinking about for the nursery?” I laughed, “I haven’t decided yet. I just told Chase and Heath. We need to tell Chase’s family and get an appointment with the pack OB. We know it’s a boy and girl though.”

Anne excitedly said, “We could go right now to the Shroud OB.” Heath cleared his throat, “I think Chase wants her checked out at the pack.” Chase picked up that without missing a beat, “I do. I’d feel more comfortable with my people. No offense, but there’s still a leak here that’s after Lexi. I want to take every precaution.”

Anne nodded, “No, of course you’re right. I didn’t think of that.” We talked for a while longer before they left. I looked at Heath, “I’ll talk to Haley. She can have Katie see if she can undo the magic placed on them.” Heath nodded, “I was going to ask Bjourn, but Haley will be better. I could ask the Bishop brothers myself, but Katie will come faster if Haley asks.”

I observed, “At least their actions make sense now.” Ted yelled, “IS someone going to explain what the hell is going on? You guys KNOW who murdered your parents?!” Heath said, “Our grandfather and Uncle told me and Chase after you took Lexi home.”

I sighed, “Damn it. We have to meet with them, don’t we? I need to call James anyway.” Heath said, “I’ll give you his number. I talk to both him and Jasper now. Apparently, the rest of our cousins are jealous.” I laughed, “Just make it clear to the adults we are meeting to share information. I don’t know if I can forgive them. I'm running low on forgiveness right now.”

Chase smirked, “Hormones?” I nodded even though that wasn’t entirely truthful. I meant because of Sophia. Heath shot me a smirk. Damn it! He knew me too well. We stayed for a bit longer. Heath asked, “When do you want to meet with the family?” I admitted, “I don't know. Tomorrow you and I need to chat.” I was embracing the universe not giving me a minute. Maybe it had a point. If Sophia and Heath were going to be together, I wasn’t going to stand in their way. It was mean.

Chase and Heath simultaneously yelled, “Tomorrow?!” I said, “Yes, tomorrow. Before Chase’s head explodes, can we do it at my home office? I’ll have Haley, for tomorrow only, charm my office so no one can hear us.”

Heath agreed, “I’ll make it work. When?” I thought about it then said, “In the afternoon. I need to talk to Haley and have nurseries snapped together.” Heath laughed, “I’ll be there.” I hugged him, “I want you to be happy.” Heath smiled, “I am happy.”

That wasn’t what I meant. I wasn’t going to stand in his way of having Jasmine and Joe. They looked close to Emma and Emmett’s age anyway. I was trying to remember their features, but I was drawing a blank. We left as a group.

We ran back to the house where Nadine, Susie, Frank, Cameron, and Reagan were waiting. I looked at Chase. He grinned, “You wanted to talk to them.” Cameron shouted, “She did? You said family meeting. Emergency family meeting, Chase.”

I slapped Chase’s arm, “You scared them!” Chase sheepishly said, “I said it wasn’t bad.” Nadine snorted. Frank grumbled, “Emergency, Chase. You said emergency.” Ted, Matt, Sally, and Derrick ran off.

Frank raised an eyebrow, “That does not give me comfort. That reminded me of rats fleeing from a sinking ship. WHAT is going on? Someone tell me because my mind is running away with options. None of which I even remotely like.”

Chase gestured to the living room, and we all sat down. He linked me, “Do you want to tell them?” I replied, “No, you tell them.” Chase said, “Well, I’ve got some news.” He paused. I nudged him, “You’re being mean!” Chase laughed, “Anticipation.”

Frank lost it, “ANTICIPATION?! We have been waiting FOR A HALF HOUR! I’m anticipated out, son. Tell me your news. Is Lexi supposed to go on some long mission? I won’t stand for it. We need her here. I’ll track her brother down myself and tell him that. I don’t care if he runs around and punches me repeatedly.”

I laughed, “I’m actually out of the field for now.” Frank sat back, “Oh.” He stood and hit the back of Chase’s head yelling, “That’s your news! I was worried SICK!” Reagan looked at me and gasped, “NOOOO!” Followed by a squeal, “Really?” I winked.

Cameron’s questioned, “What are you squealing about? That she’s out of the field? Why would she lie about that, Rea?” Reagan rolled her eyes, “Men.” Nadine laughed, “Agreed.” Susie jumped up squealing, “ARE YOU PREGNANT, LEXI?” Frank and Cameron’s jaws dropped. Chase confirmed, “She is, with twins.”

Now everyone was shocked. Susie squealed and ran around the house screaming. Howl's ran out around the pack. I looked at Chase questioningly. He smiled, “I might have announced it to the pack.” I snorted, “Might have?” Chase grinned broadly admitting, “You caught me, I did. I’m a proud father to be.”

Frank picked me up and spun me around. He declared, “Three, Nadine! We went from no grandpups to three! We’re catching up to our friends.” Nadine laughed, “I know.” Frank asked, “When will we be seeing these little ones?”

Reagan asked, “Do you have names?” I smiled, “We need to see the pack OB. Haley had to heal me twice, so that’s going to speed up the process. Oddly, we do have names. Because Haley showed me the future, and I met them. By the way Chase, in that future vision I was pregnant again with twin boys. Heath’s string was pregnant with twins too.”

Frank choked, “What? I’m going to get more grandpups soon!” Reagan clasped her hands together begging, “Please tell us their names!” Cameron seemed baffled, “Is everyone going to gloss over Haley showing Lexi the damn future?”

I laughed, “I didn’t just see it, I was a part of it.” Cameron waved his arm around, “Come on people! We HAVE to discuss that!” Reagan smacked him, “We NEED to know their names.” I announced, “Their names are Emmett and Emma.” Everyone gasped.

Nadine fanned her face, “Oh that’s just so beautiful.” Chase quietly asked, “You’re not mad?” Nadine said, “Oh Chase, of course not! She’s your mother, she always will be. She raised two amazing boys. I love you both as my own, but she will always be your mother.”