I turned searching for someone to help. I spotted him, “Gunner, we don’t know what we are going back to. I’d rather be on the safe side and have him armed.” Gunner pulled a gun out from behind his back under his shirt and handed it to Ted. He nodded, “Happy Bachelor/Bachelorette party, man.”
Ted questioned, “You were packing this whole time?” Gunner smirked and winked at Ted, “I’m always packing.” Ted blushed. Gunner said, “I enjoy the technical side of missions, but I do go out in the field. We are never unarmed.” Ted said, “Well, I don’t want to take your weapon.” I assured him, “He has more.”
Ted looked back at Gunner. He asked, “Where the hell is he hiding all this?” Gunner smiled, “I couldn’t possibly tell you that.” I laughed then handed Sally a knife. She frowned, “I don’t know if….” I interrupted, “Indulge me. It’s just case.” Ted said, “As if they would bring us back if it wasn’t safe. Matt would shit bricks if anyone tried.”
I said, “A bachelor party…” Ted interrupted adding, “Of DOOM.” I rolled my eyes, “Sure of DOOM is supposed to be as safe as you can be with DOOM in the damn name. Sally, you having this knife will give me peace of mind knowing you are armed if you need to be. Do it for the pregnant lady.” Sally sighed and took the knife.
She said, “I don’t really have a place for it. For the record, I am also a pregnant lady.” I teased, “Maybe we will give birth at the end of the month together.” Gunner left and came back with a garter that had a place to hold a knife. He handed it to her saying, “You have a slit in that dress so use that leg.” She nodded and did as he said.
Emmaline announced, “I’m popping Lacy and Dylan to our OB then I’ll take you guys home.” I agreed, “That sounds like a plan.” A portal opened and the Hackura came through. Harper grabbed Gunner. He said, “Apparently my little sister is about to send us some intense emotions.” Gunner wiggled his eyebrows, “I’m assuming since you’re smiling these are good emotions.” Harper confirmed, “Yes, we need to go find Calista good.” Gunner laughed and they went off in search of her.
I nibbled on my lip muttering, “I hope Emmaline comes back soon.” Ted laughed, “We are about to hear interesting things, aren’t we?” I answered, “Oh yeah.” Emmaline popped back as all the moaning started. She blushed crimson, “Right... well... let’s go.”
We all grabbed hands as Nadine came running in. She was frazzled. I asked her, “Are you alright?” I felt bad we almost left without her. I was clearly more affected than I’d thought. I was trying not to feel, but I was clearly letting some get to me. I almost left my future mother-in-law in another realm.
Nadine explained, “I was on the phone with Susie. Haley popped her to the safe room. Susie is worried about her brothers and Frank.” Emmaline said, “Well, let’s not make her wait any longer for answers. I know waiting sucks.” We all took hands and popped back.
Chase’s eyes relaxed when he saw me then took in our group. Susie was brought outside and visibly calmed when she saw everyone. I was shocked to realize the man on the ground was Noah. Sally gasped and I pulled her into a hug. She whispered, “I barely recognize him.” I admitted, “You’re doing better than me. I don’t recognize anything but his hair.”
Ted said, “Damn. Haley doesn’t mess around man. You have to love her. If anything happens to Matt, and it better not, I’m calling her to get my revenge by proxy.” Sally was shaking. I linked her, “Sally?” She glanced at me and was startled. She replied, “I’m sorry. I forgot we can do this now.” I asked, “Are you ok?” She said, “I just…. I haven’t seen him up close since I realized all the things he did to me.” I assured her, “He will NEVER touch you again.”
Derrick came over to us, and I released Sally so he could hold her. He kissed her forehead and she clung to him. She reached back and took my hand. Noah was getting his ass handed to him by the fairies. Frank linked me, “Are you alright?” I replied, “I’m fine.” Cameron was next, “Are you ok, Lexi?” I teased, “I think that’s my line. You guys were in danger, not me.” He still evaluated me. The pack doctor even came over to check mine and Sally’s blood pressure.
Frank linked, “Don’t give him trouble. It was my order.” I allowed it so Sally wouldn’t say anything. Plus, I was certain I was going to be able to get payback as often as Frank seemed to be in danger lately. Noah began to choke drawing our attention back to him.
Ted linked me, “What did Emmaline do?” I said, “She’s drowning him. From what I’ve seen he could turn to water shortly. Be prepared to run out of the splash zone.” Ted grumbled, “That’s better than he deserves.” I said, “Look at him. He looks like the earth itself chewed him up and spit him out.” Ted shrugged, “He deserved every second of that and more.” Sadly, he didn’t just turn to water.
Emmaline wanted him to know how Haley had felt. I shuddered remembering Haley screaming on the ground. I’d seen her take a bullet herself with less pain. Hell, I’d seen her take a punch and crack a rib. I didn't want to think about it.
I hated that Haley went through that kind of pain. She wasn’t really designed to lose people she loved. Apparently, none of the partial fairies in their family would go through this pain since Haley had already. Could the Fairy Goddess throw Haley a damn bone?! Did she always have to be the one to suffer? Why was it always her? I’d kick the Fairy Goddess’s ass if I ever met her. When would it be enough for her? When would Haley suffer enough to just let her be?
Oscar gaped realizing he could get wings. Jenna smiled and bumped him. I read her lips as she said, “My winged fire fairy.” Aiden must already have his wings already. That’s why Gerdest wanted both Haley and Aiden to come back to the Hackura realm. His wings must be literal fire if Jenna thinks Oscar will have fire wings.
I turned back and Noah locked eyes with me. I searched them for the boy I once knew, but he wasn’t there. Nothing of that boy was left. I made up my mind Noah would die tonight. I would not put anyone I loved at risk despite their plans for him.
Especially for Emmett’s sake. I wasn’t willing to delay any longer than the few hours left in this day. We could figure everything out later. We didn’t need Noah alive, we needed him dead. Emmaline winked at me then offered to help us. I knew she was reading my soul. Probably Sally’s too. Emmaline knew we needed answers and fast.
In Chase’s arms I still wasn’t letting myself feel everything that had flown through my mind when Noah said I would hear him die. I couldn’t yet. Noah interrupted our moment with his dribble that icicles stalled. Emmaline winked at me then mouthed, “You have my back, and I have yours.” It’s a shame we didn’t meet sooner.
Aiden was throwing a party of some kind. Oscar and Jenna might go, but Alpha Lucas didn’t look like he’d be having Emmaline pop them in for the party. Noah broke that moment too, saying he would kill Sally and her child. Growls erupted from everywhere.
Sally asked me, “Why are they growling?” I replied, “Other than they have standards and threatening a pregnant woman is uncalled for? You’re their Gamma Female. Everyone here loves you.” Sally linked me, “They should know he’ll never shut up unless he’s dead. Noah always thinks he gets the last word.” I assured her, “He won’t because he will die tonight.” Sally clarified, “You’re going to kill him?” I admitted, “Yes.” She nodded. I could see her visible relief at my words.
Derrick handed Sally to me and strode over to Noah. I linked Sally, “Or Derrick will kill him.” Chase ordered him not to though. Sally shot me a worried glance. I said, “Haley told me Alpha’s cannot command their Luna’s. Besides, I’ll explain it to Chase. He won’t say no to me. He will agree. Noah dies tonight. He’s done tormenting us with his existence. He’s crossed the damn line coming for our kids.”
Sally huffed, “I’d kill him myself for threatening my child.” I said, “I know exactly how you feel.” I did. There was something primal that started pounding in my veins when Noah said anything about my children. Or did anything against them.
Frank linked me, “I see you plotting things over there.” I replied, “It’s a full on plan. There’s no plot to it.” He chuckled, “I see.” I shrugged because I wasn’t going to apologize for protecting my family and Frank didn’t appear to be asking for one. Nor did it seem like he was telling anyone what he noticed.
Ted linked me, “I still have that gun, I could shoot him.” I replied, “Put a pin in that.” Ted pressed, “I’m serious. I’ll shoot him for my girls.” I said, “I know you are serious. I am too. I’m not saying no, just not right now.” Ted nodded.
I told him, “Right now I need you to step away and call Susanna. Let her know our plan.” Ted asked, “And what is our plan?” I explained, “Noah will die tonight and will never bother her again.” Ted exclaimed, “I love this plan. That’s an odd feeling. Normally, I dislike your plans.” I snorted and rolled my eyes pointing out, “Just mission plans.”
Ted walked away from us and said, “Yeah because you usually put your ass on the line for whatever is going on. It’s nerve wracking. Just one time can you say I have this mission plan that is minimal risk to me? Noooo you’re all my ass will be bare and swinging out for all to see.” I swallowed my laugh.
Noah addressed Sally. I linked her, “You don’t have to answer him.” Sally disagreed, “I do. I need to know what he’s planning. I need to know if Hanson will continue it for him. I have to protect my family.” I nodded. I really didn’t think she cared what Noah thought of her anymore.
Ted linked me, “Susanna said kill the bastard good and dead. Speaking of said bastard, is he for real with this shit right now? She doesn’t get to decide if she has a baby?” I said, “He’s insane and controlling. Of course he’s serious.” Derrick lost it.