Exsis frowned, “She would be. Those rat bastard sky and earth fairies. She should’ve been treated like a Princess. Fucking earth and sky fairies. Fabian belongs in Yuit pits Fren hell (Fabian belongs in the pits of hell).”

I linked Matt, “What the fuck did he say?” Matt answered, “Well, I believe the gist is he was cursing Fabian to hell.” I got that. Exsis explained, “This knife has specific targets. Someone paid a demon with their soul for it. It’s ancient. The last time it was used was when the Holloran family rose to power in Faerie. Our supposedly dead former Queen, her sister, and he who shall not be named great grandfather took the throne from a deranged earth Fae family.”

Alpha Jackson snorted, “It must have been bad for Fairies to say deranged given what was done to my sister-in-law.” Exsis ignored the jab explaining, “The reign that earth family inflicted upon our realm is a dark time in Fae history, Alpha Jackson. We rejoiced when that family was killed.”

He continued, “The Princesses family member sold his soul for this knife. Nothing could’ve saved its target once the skin is pierced by this knife. The Princess saved your life, Alpha Chase. If it touched you, even a slight cut, it would have killed you.” Everyone was growling.

My dad went to get the knife, but Exsis popped and pushed him away. He explained, “You are the blood of Alpha Chase. You should not touch the knife because you would become very sick. Someone not related to him needs to take it. I must call the King.”

A pop sounded. Aiden announced, “I was already called. Well, my sister texted.” King Aiden studied the knife. I groaned, “So, I have to avoid this knife the rest of my life? If it ever touched me, I would die? Great. That’s just great.”

Aiden smiled, “No, you do not need to avoid it the rest of your life. My sister and I are going to destroy it.” Prince Marcus questioned, “You guys can do that to an ancient demon relic? I feel like if Logan were here, he’d call bullshit.” Aiden said, “As he spends the most time with demons, sure. I’m surprised given who this is about that he’s not here.” Huh?

Prince Bjourn cleared his throat, “That’s not the point. Answer my brother’s question.” Aiden answered, “So he doesn’t know. I hear you. We could not destroy it right away, no. I need to gather some supplies. It will take me some time. But can we do it? Yes, we are the promised siblings. I can’t believe the demons allowed this plan to come to fruition given that information is known to the supernatural world. They had to know the odds were this would fall into my sister’s hands, which means it would be in mine. Maybe they think I don’t know how to destroy it. I’ll have to figure that out later.”

Alpha Eric and Haley popped back to us. Alpha Jackson questioned, “How do we keep this knife safe then?” Aiden was staring at Haley. He popped to her, pulled her into a hug, and spoke in Fealish. I linked Alpha Eric, “What is he saying?” Alpha Eric replied, “He’s granting her the peace of the earth.”

Bolt whined in my head. I felt really bad. I apologized, “I’m so sorry. I…” Alpha Eric cut me off, “You did nothing wrong. Jackson was keeping us up to date, and I know why she did it. I am glad you’re not dead. No one wants that. Least of all my mate.”

I spoke out loud, “Haley, I’m so sorry.” Haley replied, “I’m not. I didn’t give you a choice, and I’d do it again. My issue with being touched is my fucking issue. I’m getting better. Normally, I have more time to decide. It was….” She trailed off then eventually said, “I’m better than I used to be at handling it. If you want to blame someone you should blame whoever decided to sell their soul to kill you. It’s technically their fault, you were the victim.”

Bolt linked, “She’s right.” I knew that. She squeezed both King Aiden and Alpha Eric’s hands. She popped in front of the warlock demanding to know, “Who gave you that knife? Who paid the price?” I snorted, “Do we need to ask? It was Noah Calvert.” Haley shook her head, “No, the fucking Troll would never do that.” I looked around in disbelief.

I realized the only two people agreeing with her sentiments were Aiden and Sally. Sally asked, “What’s the catch with the knife? If there’s one thing Noah cares above all else, it’s his life.” Exsis complimented, “Very astute. Selling one’s soul is a tricky business. Once the one you want dead is killed, you die as well. That’s the price of the knife. A life for a life.”

The warlock answered looking at me, “I do not know who paid the price.” Haley snapped her fingers in front of his face. He looked her in the eye. She repeated, “Who?” He answered, “Betty Newcome.” Haley threw up on him and Alpha Eric went to her.

Matt gagged and dropped the warlock that was now covered in vomit. Haley snapped the warlock clean as he screamed it got in his mouth. Haley whispered, “I’m sorry. I thought I was done.” I assured her, “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

Heath ignored what she said and what happened instructing her, “Ask him who Betty Newcome is, Haley. I need to know her new identity.” Ok, so that’s how to deal with this situation. I could ignore it all too. I linked everyone in the yard, “Don’t bring it up. Heath knows her better than us, and he’s avoiding it. Let’s follow his lead here.” Everyone replied, “Yes, Alpha.”

Isaac said, “I have a better question. Why the fuck would Betty Newcome care about Chase?” Matt speculated, “Chase coming into the picture is what started the house of cards falling down around them. I’m sure the Newcome’s blame him. If he’d stayed away from Lexi, their plan could've worked.” My dad sighed, “True.”

I waited for Haley to ask about the saying, I was certain we all were. She was hugging herself saying nothing. Finally, I asked “Shouldn’t Hanson have sold his soul then?” Prince Bjourn spoke, “If this line of thinking is right it’s likely Betty Newcome is brainwashed. She’s Hanson’s puppet. He doesn’t want to die. He now wants your daughter instead of Lexi. He plans to kidnap her.” I growled.

Prince Marcus said, “That will NOT happen, Alpha Chase.” I growled, “No, it fucking won’t!” Heath shouted, “EXCUSE ME?! HE WANTS EMMA?” I raised an eyebrow, turning to Bjourn. I asked, “You didn't tell him?” Bjourn answered, “We told him there was an emergency involving Lexi.”

Heath reiterated, “Hanson wants Emma?! Are you fucking serious?” I nodded, “Yes, he left a note saying Lexi was ruined. Noah still wants her, but he plans to take Emma as a baby.” Heath punched a rogue.

Sally sighed, “Noah knows it’s hard for our women to be surrounded by anything but happiness when they are pregnant. She needs her cocoon of love and he’s trying to put her into a state of panic. Does he know her at all? If he keeps pushing, she’ll snap to anger. She’d kill him herself.” I asked, “What?” Matt agreed, “What he said.” Sally opened her mouth but Heath stopped pacing.

He interjected, “Lexi saw Emma in the future. That means we stop this. Right, Haley?” Haley sighed, “That’s possible. Or he goes underground. We know he doesn’t get Emma as a baby….” She paused and looked at Aiden.

I questioned, “What is that look?” Haley answered, “Or we get her back.” I roared, “NO ONE IS TAKING MY LITTLE GIRL!” My dad and Cameron got in my face to talk me down. Cameron agreed, “You’re right, they won’t. We have dad, and they didn’t count on that. He kept Susie a secret from basically everyone, even the pack. They won’t see him and his plans to keep Emma safe coming.” My dad snorted, “He’s not wrong. I have all the crazy keep people safe plans. You’re welcome.”

Alpha Eric said, “I agree. I’ll give you whatever you need Chase. All your allies will. No sick bastard is getting their hands on your pup.” Prince Marcus added, “We agree too. Alpha Chase, meet Uther.” I turned to see another Hackura male materialize beside them. He nodded to me, “Alpha Chase.”

I greeted, “Hi Uther. No offense but why am I meeting Uther?” Haley explained, “He’s a guard.” I turned in shock, “You’re giving me a guard? A Hackura guard?” Prince Bjourn replied, “Yes, just until Hanson and Noah are caught. Uther is here to guard Lexi. If she gives birth prior to Hanson and Noah being dealt with, another two guards will be assigned for your children. Free of charge.” I was blown away.

I drew a conclusion then asked, “For Haley?” Prince Marcus said, “We would do it for her, yes. But we are doing it because Lexi is family to us. Not quite a sister, more of a cousin, and we protect our own. My father himself issued this assignment.” I was stunned.

Prince Marcus looked at his sister, “Can you do this right now, little one? Are you alright? We can get answers without you, it just might take more time.” Haley shook her head saying, “This is for Lexi. I can do it.” Aiden frowned.

Alpha Jackson studied her. Hell, all of us did. She looked bad. My dad linked me, “I want to tell her to go home, but these are my pups and grandpups in danger.” I didn’t reply. I was trying to think of something to say via link to Alpha Eric.

Right as I thought of something to say Alpha Jackson asked, “How did you know what the knife was, Haley?” I linked Alpha Eric, “She didn’t answer Marcus’ second question.” Alpha Eric responded, “Which is an answer in and of itself.”

I sighed apologizing again, “I really am sorry.” Alpha Eric told me, “Blame sadistic fairies Alpha Chase. She’s doing much better. She’s given Lucas a hug before. She just needs more time to make sure she’s ok with it. She reacted to seeing you in danger, and basically gave you a hug. This wasn’t your fault or hers. Don’t feel bad about it, I’ll take care of her. This was an improvement anyway.”