I linked Cameron, “Have you and Rick gone through old records of who was reported missing?” Cameron answered, “Yes, we have a meeting with Sophia next week. I want to know how many joined her pack. I’m not looking to take them back, and I told her that. I just want to see who is truly missing. You think Hammond could’ve been involved in whatever this is.”
I explained, “Alpha Eric thinks they could be abducting people for… well, we aren’t sure yet.” Cameron nodded, “I’ll have a better idea next week.” I nodded. I linked Alpha Eric, “Cameron is meeting with Sophia next week to see who she absorbed into her pack. He should have a better idea of who is truly missing after that.” Alpha Eric groaned, “I have a bad feeling.”
I admitted, “I’m not getting a good vibe either. At least it’s not our packs involved in the problem.” Alpha Eric agreed, “That’s true. We have one missing human in our territory, and the police have strong evidence she ran away from abuse. They are still looking because they want to talk to her since she’s fifteen. That doesn’t seem like what’s going on, but we all need to be on alert I think.”
I focused back on the meeting. One of the uncles and aunts said they wanted to honor James and Allison’s wishes regarding Lexi and Heath. I linked Matt, “Bullfuckingshit.” Matt agreed, “Something else is there for sure.”
Their denial rang hollow and untrue. Matt linked, “They should’ve at least demanded a meeting to hear it from them. That would've at least been a way to pretend to care about their grandchildren. They could’ve even tried to sway their decision. Or at least see them one day a week or something.”
I linked my dad, “At least they told them about Lexi and Heath.” I looked at Jordan, and it clicked for me. I linked my dad, “What do you want to bet Jordan told his kids, who then told their cousins? I bet their other aunts and uncles didn’t tell them.”
My dad questioned, “Do I look like a sucker to you, son? I won’t take that bet. I don’t like these people. My wolf and I want to tear them to pieces.” I questioned, “Ratchet doesn’t like them?” Bolt huffed, “None of the wolves in this room like them. Thor is ready to claw their throats out.” I was surprised he hadn’t already, he tended to do what he wanted.
I raised an eyebrow and looked over at Alpha Eric. He looked cool as a cucumber, but so did Haley. My dad told me, “Ratchet is furious. If they disrespect Lexi one more time, I might not be able to hold him back. Well, I could but I don’t know if I’d want to honestly.” I couldn’t disagree with him.
Bolt huffed, “If Rachet gets to come out so do I.” I said, “Fine by me, Bolt.” Bolt seemed appeased by this answer. I glanced at the picture handed to Lexi and Heath. I linked my dad, “Have you ever seen her?” My dad frowned, “Unfortunately, I have not. The person who would have the most insight would’ve been Alpha Allister.” I sighed, “Of course, and he’s dead so we can’t ask. We could ask Beta Alfred Senior.” My dad said, “It’s worth a shot.”
I linked Alpha Eric, “Have you or your dad seen either of those people?” Alpha Eric replied, “I haven’t not. If you get me copies, I’ll ask my dad.” I asked, “Copies?” Alpha Eric just nodded. I linked Matt, “I need Ted to get the gossip. Alpha Eric said if I got him copies of the pictures, he’d ask his dad if he saw Betty or Hanson.”
Matt said, “Well, they aren’t in here so...” I pointed out, “He could link his dad to come in here.” Matt offered, “Maybe he sent them to run errands Omega’s usually do.” I questioned, “Why would he send his dad too?” Matt snorted, “If you gave Nadine Omega work as a punishment, wouldn’t your dad go with her to perform the tasks?” I admitted, “Valid point.” Matt joked, “I live to serve, Alpha.” I rolled my eyes at him.
I linked Matt, “Seriously?! They didn’t even see Betty?” Matt huffed, “It doesn’t seem like it.” I locked eyes with Matt. We could use that information about their drops to track Noah and Hanson’s people. We could do the drop at night. I bet King Arthur would help us if Susanna asked him to.
Dietrick said Lizzy could be in Heath’s Shroud. I linked my dad, “That seals it for me. He’s an idiot.” My dad pointed out, “Stockholm is a thing.” I sighed. That was true. I still thought their family was full of idiots.
Lexi wanted to go home. Matt linked, “I still need to send Ted out for details.” I rolled my eyes, “You could stay, you don’t have to come with us.” Lexi put them in their places again. They at least looked embarrassed by their actions. A few even looked ashamed. Their children were all glaring at them with anger, a few even hatred.
Lexi asked if they ever checked on them. The look on their faces told me the answer before one of the uncles did. They hadn’t. They relied on Jordan for updates. Lexi’s anger was a fire in my chest that didn’t seem to be burning out.
She lit into them then apologized to Jordan, even calling him her uncle. His face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. His string, Scarlett, rubbed his back encouragingly. She even teared up a little bit. Jordan’s kids were all smiling at each other.
The other aunts and uncles looked at Jordan with envy, but he didn’t even notice. He was too happy. Their mom’s mother had to step on their moment. I linked my dad, “Is this woman for real? They are her only link to her dead daughter? That’s been true this whole time.” My dad growled back, “Manipulative bitch.”
Haley finally had enough and used her power to make them tell the truth. The answers she got surprised even me. They didn’t push because they didn’t really want to see Heath or Lexi. Not even their grandparents? They were that upset with James. And they had the audacity to be jealous of Lexi calling Jordan uncle?! Heath’s fist was tightening so hard his knuckles were white.
All the cousins' faces were showing their shock and rage. When they brought Haley’s family into it, I sat forward in my chair ready for this to end in a fight. I was not alone. Every wolf in the room was ready to defend Haley. Heath even stood.
I was not surprised when Haley’s Hackura brothers came forward. One had the uncle by the throat. Prince Bjourn and Prince Marcus’ eyes were blazing with weapons drawn. Alpha Eric was right next to them. His eyes were pitch black and his canines were elongated.
My dad linked me, “He couldn’t have actually believed it was the same. I mean honestly, it’s not even remotely the same thing. No one said hey, Haley is being treated like shit. Wanna take her?” He paused then said, “If that had happened and they said, nah, we’re good. Then it’s the same. Seriously? How dumb are they? They just pissed off the ROYAL FAMILY of the Hackura. Faerie kept her abuse locked down tight. No one heard a whisper of it.” I replied, “They are somehow getting dumber with each passing minute.”
Haley spoke in Fealish. Alpha Eric choked on his water. I linked him, “What did she do?” Alpha Eric smirked, “You will die laughing when you find out.” I pressed, “You’re not going to tell me?” Alpha Eric replied, “Trust me when I say that when you find out what she did will be so much funnier if I don’t tell you.” I questioned, “Is it good?” Alpha Eric answered, “It’s pretty damn hilarious.”
Alpha Eric kicked them out. I linked him, “That was so nice I can’t believe Beta Dylan didn’t comment on it.” Alpha Eric replied, “He’s probably pleading with Emmaline over link to tell him any Fealish words she understood from what Haley said.” Probably.
Jordan, his family, and the other cousins remained behind. My dad linked, “I don’t know if I’d call them cowards. Alpha Eric’s wrath is no joke, nor is the Hackura’s.” Matt, Derrick, Ted, and Sally shivered when Bjourn said this wasn’t over for them. Jordan didn’t look like he cared at all. In fact, he looked beyond pissed he never knew why he was the only one who wanted to push for Lexi and Heath to be with them.
Bexley and King Aiden arrived. Alpha Eric groaned, “Perfect.” Bexley was going to say something until she saw others in the room. She quickly clammed up. I linked Alpha Eric, “What was she going to say?” Alpha Eric replied, “I’m asking Haley.” I waited.
Eventually he told me, “They found one of the keys to the bank vault. She was going to explain it to Lexi. She’s still got another place to check as this is likely mostly for King Arthur. She doesn’t know who Lexi’s family is though, so she didn’t say anything.” I nodded, “It looks like we are going to the super-secret fairy vault then.” Alpha Eric snorted, “It does look that way.”
Aiden was being coy and not blurting out their news. I raised an eyebrow. My dad linked, “It seems the Fairy King likes your mate.” I agreed, “He must. Or this is out of respect for his sister.” Heath decided the group here could stay. I guess we’d find out if they were trustworthy really damn fast. Better to know early on, I guess.
Aiden explained. Haley muttered under her breath, “His name is Sir Arthur.” Alpha Eric kissed her forehead. Jordan was very confused about what the fairy vault had to do with Lexi and Heath. After it was explained Jordan was annoyed. Probably because her mother didn’t just warn James what was coming.
Aiden seemed annoyed at the reminder of his mother. I linked Alpha Eric, “Why is he annoyed about the mention of his mother’s name?” Alpha Eric replied, “It’s hard finding out your mother isn’t the person you’ve had pictured in your mind. He’s grappling with that reality in many ways.” I raised an eyebrow at him but said nothing.
I linked Matt, “Ok, you Ted, Sally, and Derrick stay here. We need to know what is happening with Alpha Eric’s parents. He’s making cryptic comments and my curiosity is next level. I feel like a Beta blood right now.” Matt linked, “Seriously? I can’t go to the secret fairy vault?” I reasoned, “This is just the first trip. You can come next time.” Matt sighed, “Fine.”