No Time to Plan
Melanie tore her gaze away from her mate. I quickly realized Elise was needed in this meeting too. Once she got there, I explained what was going on. Sadly, this all meant Cassie and Cayden’s pups were in danger too.
Heck, my non-existent pups were in danger. Probably even more danger because eventually it would get out that I was the White Wolf. Freya snarled, “They will never touch our pups.” I hoped not because I knew our daughters would be hunted right along with our sons.
It annoyed the crap out of me because, yet again, we were not going to be a normal freaking couple. Freya apologized, “I am sorry that you guys don’t get something normal. I wish our first run had been that moment for you, I really do.”
I replied, “Selene took that from us, not just me. She took us from each other and took us from Xander for years. She’s the literal worst.” Freya snickered, “She kind of is. I am glad you’re not upset with me. I would’ve hated to fight you on things.”
I told my wolf, “We will probably fight on things, but I am glad we get along. I would never blame you for what Selene has done to us, and what the universe has thrown at us.” I felt Freya’s pride in me. I just hoped I continued to make her proud.
I really didn’t want to explain about everyone going evil. The biggest impact would’ve been Haley going evil. That would’ve seriously tipped the scales in the Ring’s favor, because she could take people’s powers. If she was bad, then everyone was seriously screwed.
In truth, it was a horrible plan on their end. They didn’t turn Haley evil. Heck… they didn’t really even accomplish turning Arion evil. They manipulated him into making poor decisions, but he had the last laugh.
Arion ended up turning everyone remaining on Alania’s side against her. He gave everyone their last straw with her. Which was really a big moment. The Ring lost their inside person and insight into the promised siblings’ movements.
Who was Alania in contact with within their circle? That was the question. I just needed more time to research. I was getting a suspicion. I just needed a few more pieces to be certain. I pushed those thoughts aside.
I felt bad delivering this news to Cassie and Cayden. Cayden had unknowingly been a lifeline for me when I was drowning. Yet here I was giving him really bad news. Freya linked me, “You are giving him more time to plan to protect his pups. Our brother in law is not going to be upset with you.”
People being upset with me over what I found was something I always worried about. Cayden was studying all the papers handed to him with fervor. The plan was not to let anyone know what Cassie’s pups were capable of.
Now that we knew where the leak into the Ring came from, that was feasible. Plus, Cassie’s pups didn’t live in this realm. The Hackura would keep what they could do a secret. It was rare for a Hackura to betray their race.
Loyalty literally ran in their veins. I’d already put up traps and alerts for Cassie and Cayden’s pups names. I did that right after they were born. Just like I had alerts on Kai’s name. Nothing was going to happen to a niece or nephew of mine… certainly not anything planned long term.
Haley seemed really upset about what I’d found… which wasn’t what I wanted. I quickly had to point out she’d never blame or want Cassie to blame herself because people were coming for Xander. It simply wasn’t Haley or Cassie’s fault.
It was Alania’s. I asked Freya, “Can I go to the Beyond without Arion bringing me?” Freya answered, “Not yet, but eventually we can. We can go to Limbo though. That’s where Werewolves who need to accept their wrongdoings are.” Good.
I wanted to talk to Cassandra if she was still there.
Freya growled, “She’s still there. I know every wolf there.
” Interesting. Maybe I could kick her butt for all she did to my Xander.
Or help her move on. I would just happen not tell Cassandra that moving on for someone evil like her…
meant she was going straight to Hell. That was practically a noble quest.
Cassie was pissed the Ring wasn’t being logical. I mean… were they ever? Freya answered, “They have their moments.” Even a broken clock was right twice a day. They had some smart people, which irked me.
They had a scientist who I LOATHED! She helped develop things that hurt Xander…
and she called me unstable. ME! Freya snickered, “I feel the need to point out, she didn’t call you, Melanie, unstable.
” I snorted, “I’m Red One and Bravo One.
So… she called both those people… who are me… . unstable… and she’s EVIL.”
I paused then added, “Plus, she hides… and annoys me with her inventions because she hurt Xander. She’s unstable…
I’m over my death wish…but I was never unstable…
that she was….there was the one moment…but that doesn’t count from her perspective.
” Freya agreed, “Yes, she does have to die.” She definitely did.
The facts remained that the Ring was relying on ancient texts. They weren’t taking people into consideration. Like the fact that they wanted Haley to have a bad life so they could give her a chance for revenge. If they knew Haley, they knew she wouldn’t have hurt a single innocent soul.
My mother in law might have taken revenge on those that deserved it, but she’d never have hurt someone who didn’t hurt her. Cassie would never leave Cayden, and Cayden wouldn’t let her turn evil. None of Cassie’s brothers would. They’d lock her up and talk sense into her if she tried.
I didn’t actually think my sister in law would consider it. Revenge on those who deserved it? Sure. Being a mindless killing machine? Never. Neither of them were capable of it. That’s what didn’t make sense to me about the texts.
Why even put that in there? They have to know the chances were slim to none. Some information is best left out because this was the breeding ground of the dissent for the promised siblings. Giving evil the hope that they could snatch something good away.
Dang goddesses and their meddling for evil.
I mean seriously they are not staying neutral at all.
Freya offered, “Their excuse will be that it had to be there for balance.” I snorted, “They wouldn’t know the meaning of the word balance…
. if it slapped them…. in the face.” Freya said, “I agree. They certainly tip the scales to evil more often than they do toward good.”
Which made their whole spiel about balance grate on my nerves.
Xander kept pointing out he wasn’t going to die at the Ring’s hands.
No, he wasn’t. I didn’t know what trap I was going to bait…
but I was going to bait one. I would protect him like I’d always done.
Freya concurred, “We will protect mate at all costs.” Yes, we would.
We got around to the Arion piece of it. I’d found a text that said if the Enforcer was in the Beyond, he could manifest into his human form.
It would require a lot of effort, and training, on his part; however, once he mastered it, he could be around for an hour.
Or so the texts said…. my projections said it would be longer in Faerie.
Maybe he could figure out how to make it longer… in this realm. I really wasn’t going to put restrictions on Arion’s power. I knew he wouldn’t be able to stay around twenty-four seven… as things stood now.
The man was dead, but maybe he could manage to maintain human form for a few hours… in our realm before he faded out… if he could stay a whole day in Faerie… that had merit according to my tables. We’d find out.
I just needed to get Aiden and Haley the passage, and they could give it to Arion. I nearly jumped out of my skin when Arion took form and said hi. Freya snickered at me, “You normally know when things like that are coming.” Ok… well, dead people didn’t take form to say hi often.
Arion must have gone looking for the passage. It wasn’t like it was hard to find. It was in the middle of my desk, highlighted and everything. Haley was really emotional about Arion being able to be with them even if it was for a short period.
My mother in law instantly thought of Megan. I mean she had time… to explain it to Arion’s ex… probably not for long… mate. Megan would probably take her rejection back. Arion couldn’t appear again today though. Well… here. Megan could go to Faerie.
The man would probably be practicing on getting stronger doing this in the Beyond. Arion could still practice the basics… and he could practice appearing in other realms. I’d have to discuss that idea with him.
Titus Cambridge wanted to speak to me. Oh, dear sweet baby Jesus. Freya reasoned, “It’s obviously nothing bad.” I argued, “I don’t think he’s an Arion fan. So… it might not be good.” Freya snorted, “You worry too much.” That was probably true.
My worrying saved people sometimes though. So… was it really bad? I think not. Freya chuckled, “You are amusing.” Everyone filed out. Titus observed me but stayed silent. What was with the Hackura and doing that?
I started talking, “I don’t understand why as a group you all ask to talk to people… and then stay silent. Cayden does it and… well… so do Micah, Aaron, Bjourn, and now you. It’s like you all just want… Oh my goodness you’re trying to make people talk.”
Freya snorted, “Duh.” Well… that was hardly fair. Titus laughed, “Yes, and it works so well with you.” I sighed, “I don’t really like silence. Ok… it’s more than that… it bothers me… a lot.” Titus smiled saying, “I’ve observed that. I wanted to thank you for what you just did for my daughter.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. Titus spoke again, “You thought I was upset.” I said, “Well, you can’t really like Arion… and…” Titus laughed, “No, I can’t say that I do, or ever will, like him. His death has been a weight around my daughter’s neck for some time.”