Once we got there, I followed the instructions I’d been given. Micah came with me to put in the code. Once we were in, I popped down with EJ. EJ tried to hold Theo back, but he left then wailed for our mother. My heart wrenched at the emotional pain my brother felt.
I prayed, “To all the Gods and Goddess please let my mother be able to save Jane. I’ll patiently wait for Melanie's arrival if he can just have his mate.” We were being shot at, so EJ threw up his shield. Once they stopped shooting, I moved with my men and easily had the situation under control. They were not expecting us at all.
A Hackura took off for Madeline, the Beta’s daughter that had been taken, cell. I knew that man in question. He was one of Angus Crawford’s best friends, Drier. He was a good guy. Madeline would probably be heading to the Hackura realm. He was likely going to be a Squadron Leader in a few years under Cayden. Something told me Madeline might just feel rather safe in the Hackura realm right now.
Plus, I knew Madeline could fight but she preferred to design dresses. She was quite good too. She worked for one of our businesses. I’d sent her a proposal about opening her own place. That could be done in the Hackura realm easily enough.
I popped in and healed her while Drier held her. It didn’t take too long. Mom was still healing Jane when I was done. I was ready to step in if need be. Mom was stronger as a healer than I was, but if she couldn’t bring Jane fully back to health, I could jump in from where she’d left off.
The second mom was done healing Jane; she sat up and instantly wrapped herself around Theo. His relief was practically washing over me. I was ridiculously happy for my little brother. Madeline had information and I nearly cheered.
FINALLY, a break! They could tell us who the sniper was. I was excited for a whole minute. They didn’t remember details but my Aunt Katie was all over this. They just knew the girl was a fighter named Swiffer. She wiped the floor with her opponents but first let them beat the shit out of her. WHAT?!
Oden and I were enraged to a degree I didn't understand. I linked Gage and Phil, “Who would do that? Who would have that be their thing?! AND WHY?” Gage answered, “I plead the fifth because my thoughts are having thoughts.”
Phil agreed, “Phil also pleads the fifth because of the crazy thoughts that will have you roaring in anger. Let’s take a beat and discuss the crazy, possibly correct, theories later.” Fine. They thought it was about money.
I linked my Gamma and Beta, “That type of fighting style has to be about more than just for money. She could make that by winning. Why is she punishing herself?” Oden whispered, “Maybe her family died.” I snapped back, “STOP THAT! This can’t be Ashley. She won’t meet us or let us help her. I can’t. You know I can’t handle this being Ashley.” Gage and Phil were quiet.
Oden apologized, “I’m sorry, Alexander. I can’t either, but you think it if I do.” He was right, but I needed to stop. Ashley couldn’t be that hurt all the time. She was the Female Lead Warrior of a shitty pack who people LOVED to attack.
Though they didn’t attack as much since she turned seventeen. They had attacked a lot when she’d just taken the job, but not since she’d proved herself at every turn. They’d backed off when they realized she had a strategic mind as well as physical strength.
I walked out of the room with Elise following me asking questions. My mind swirled with questions of my own. If this was Ashley, what could I even do? Nothing. I hated that answer. I NEEDED to do something. I just couldn’t think of anything.
Elise pointed out that the sniper wasn’t trying to die, but that she wanted revenge. Yes, but revenge for what? Oden sighed. I winced realizing the answer: Her family. I needed to look into who killed Ashley’s family.
Last I knew it was unsolved, but someone clearly had to have more details. It couldn’t just be rogues. They’d have hunted them down by now if Ashley was the sniper. Elise and I both admitted we were worried then she left. Micah walked up announcing, “That IP address no longer exists. I emailed back and it bounced. My dad and I will keep trying.” I nodded.
There was one thing I could do. Something I should’ve thought of earlier. I took out my phone and dialed the number I’d dialed so many times now. The familiar beep came across. Isighed, “I’m officially worried about you. It’s not a natural state for me. I tend to be calm and on occasion angry.”
I paused admitting, “Very angry. I’ve been accused of being moody, which is probably true. I learned something about you tonight and it unsettles me. I am scared for you. I’m begging you to let me help you. I have money. More money than I could ever need actually.”
“You don’t need to let people beat the shit of you before you win a fight. You can set up a drop with me that I won’t even use it to find you. I’ll find you another way. I’m a partial Fairy so I cannot lie. Please, let me help you. I can’t stand this. For Laxenread and what’s it done for my family alone I could fund what you’re doing.
“You saved my brother's mate and got us here. You’ve saved my family more times than I can count. You’ve got someone assigned to threats on Maverick. I think all my siblings have someone assigned, but we know he has one. You’ve saved my best friend from Hunters. Please just think about it.”
“I fully intend to find you. I WANT to meet you. I DO NOT hate you. I don’t know what you’re fighting routine is about but it needs to stop. It’s not healthy for anyone let alone someone doing all the things you’re doing. You need to be in top shape at all times.”
I cleared my throat, “Your fighting style honestly sounds like you're punishing yourself. Everyone else thinks it's for more money, but I don’t. Please stop and just let me fund what you’re doing. Keep fighting if you want, but don’t let yourself get hurt so badly. For me. I know I mean something to you, and I wish you’d tell me why. Just think about it.” The machine cut me off.
Cayden commented, “That was an interesting appeal.” I turned to face him saying, “You know I’m right.” Cayden agreed, “I believe you are.” Oden linked, “Alarm bells are ringing in my head.” He was right. I asked, “Do you know who the sniper is?”Cayden shrugged saying, “I don’t.” I heard the subtext in his tone and saw it on his face.
I snorted, “You think you do though.” Cayden titled his head acknowledging, “You’re not wrong. I think I do, but I have no proof.” I offered, “I can help you get some.” Cayden sighed, “I wish you could. I’m working on it.”
I stated emphatically, “If you need anything please let me know. It’s important to me.” Cayden raised an eyebrow saying, “If you get a response to that appeal you just made, will you let me know?” I sighed, “If you heard the response then you heard it. I don’t know if I would tell anyone. I promised not to use it to track them down.”
I ran my hands through my hair, “I’ll find them, Cayden. I can feel it. Or they will find me. I’m not sure which. I just can’t think of someone doing this to themselves. Especially when I can help. Maybe I’m an ass for using myself when it’s clear they care about me, but I can’t think of someone doing that.”
Cayden shrugged, “You use what you got. At minimum, you’ll make them consider how they do things. It’s very clear to everyone you do mean something to her. So, it does have to make her think about it harder if you object.” I nodded. He opened a portal and took his group home.
I popped my men home and ran upstairs to write Ashley an email back. I knew I probably shouldn’t tease her, but I just might. I knew I was far too excited about our emails. I just couldn’t help it. I watched Melanie dance again. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Oden linked, “And ours.” I hoped she was.
I minimized the video to type my email back to Ashley. First, I linked Phil, “Quietly look into who killed Ashley’s family.” Phil replied, “Who do you love? Who’s your favorite cousin?” He walked into my room.
I raised an eyebrow answering, “You. Why do I love you?” Phil laughed, “I’m awesome of course. Walker, you remember is now mated to Blair. Who IDOLIZES Ashley Griffen and the ground she walks on. He now has tidbits for me on the elusive and reclusive Ashley. Like what happened to Ashley’s family other than they were murdered and people blame her.”
I somewhat demanded, “Hit me.” Phil said, “Alright.” He punched me in the arm and teased, “I gotta take my shots where I can. Ashley Griffen’s family was killed by Hunters and Witches. They all blame her because the family was supposed to be at some event. They came home because she was upset, she’d gotten grounded and yelled at them.”
