Twenty-four hours later, I was sat with Sage's head on my lap, having hardly left her side.

The twisting of the door handle caught my attention, and I hoped to god it wasn't that fucker who did this to her.

Her brother.

A familiar head popped around the door. "Any change?" she faltered before stepping inside. Her eyes sought my approval to enter, closing the door gently behind her.

Returning a weak-arsed smile, she knelt beside Sage, taking her hand in hers. I continued to stroke her hair, loving its silkiness against my fingers.

'Wake up baby, please.' I ushered silently, my thoughts floating across the empty space between us.

Silence was my reply.

Our link had been severed.

It was killing me, having her this close and yet not here with me.

Barely resisting a sigh, I had no control over the emptiness of despair that ravaged my mind, body and soul.

I was nothing without her. She was the other half of me.

What the fuck would I do if I lost her?

My wolf whimpered in response; he was just as lost as I was.

"I still can't get my brain around it," she heaved, snapping me from my dark thoughts.

I nodded my head as the sound of Sage's ear-piercing shriek from yesterday lodged itself in my head—a scream I would never forget.

"I know you don't want to hear this but you can't blame him, Hunter."

I growled.

Yes, I fucking could blame him. Whatever he'd done had caused this shit-storm.

And even worse, I didn't have a fucking clue what to do to make it right.

"It's killing him too... He's out there blaming himself."

Avoiding eye contact. "I'm not asking Pearl. Just keep him away from me and—" I ran my finger across Sage's cheek. "And her. I don't want that fucker anywhere near her. Or so help me God Pearl..."

In my head, I couldn't stop thinking he'd done something to our bond, the one we shared since we'd marked each other.

It wasn't fucking rocket science to see he hated my guts and wanted Sage to walk away from me.

Pearl held up her hand in submission. "Okay, message received loud and clear."

I didn't want to be angry with her. This wasn't her fault. "Sorry Pearl, my head's fucked. I can't deal with how he's feeling at the minute."

She barely managed a smile, dropping the subject. "You need to sleep, Hunter. Sitting here ain't helping. The rest of us can take turns sitting with her, keep her company."

My jaw clenched. "I'm good. I need to be here, just in case I get through to her. Or she's trying to come back to me."

I was almost certain something or someone was stopping her.

"Hunter, if she knew that I let you sit here just moping, not looking after yourself—she would rip me a new one. Now I'm not asking, I'm telling. Grab a shower, something to eat and I will sit here with her... and I'll talk non-stop. And if that doesn't wake her up nothing—." She froze. "—Shit, Hunter, sorry I didn't mean..."

I cut in. "It's fine Pearl." But maybe she had a point. I needed a shower and speak with Zander.

Perhaps the only way to wake her up was to find this dream-walker monster and make him undo what he'd done to her.

"You'll stay right here with her. I don't want her alone Pearl?"

She nodded fiercely. "Yeah, won't leave her side, pinkie promise." She wiggled her little finger in front of me, prompting something that I hadn't done for nearly a day...I smiled.

"Okay." Softly, I lifted her head and manoeuvred myself from under her. Grabbing some pillows, I gently propped her head upon them. The ache in my chest was almost unbearable. Bending down I kissed her dry lips. She felt cold. To anyone, it would look like she was sleeping. Grabbing a nearby cover, I placed it softly over her.

'Come back to me baby.'

Closing my eyes as I kissed her again, before forcing myself to leave her side.

Heading to the kitchen, it surprised me to find Ruth sitting with Zander. No doubt he would have told her what was happening.

Thankfully, she'd tipped up with enough food to feed an army and half my wardrobe. It then more or less took a fucking bulldozer to get her to leave—walking her to the car and insisting she not return until we sorted this. Ruth meant too much to me to have her getting caught up in this shit.

Almost ripping the breath from my body, she hugged me tightly. "Don't you go getting yourself hurt or worse? You listen, Hunter—and that goes for Zander too. Have each other's backs. Don't make me beat your sorry behinds."

"Yeah, quit worrying Ruth. Nothing is going to happen to me or Zander." A bitter taste stung the back of my throat. She looked at me, her lips in a tight line, clearly not believing, but nodded and got in her car.

>>>

Quickly showering and changing, I made my way back to the kitchen to see some familiar faces. John and a few of his pack members were sitting with Zander going through some plans. As I grabbed myself a coffee, the door burst open and in came Gunner's wolf dragging a much smaller wolf by the neck. He spat it out as everyone hushed.

'Found this one on the border Boss.Runt's from the West Side Pack.′ He grunted. 'Fuckin' smell 'im a mile off.'

Zander's eyes flicked to mine, not needing to read his thoughts—this had been inevitable.

Slamming my cup down, almost spilling its contents, I walked over to the runt. "Shift," I instructed. "Fucking shift now, or I swear to god I'll—"

He shifted, now butt naked in front of us. Misha offered him a small towel to cover himself. He refused to make eye contact.

Barely an adult, a kid—seventeen at most. I recognised his face. He growled at me.

Prick.

"Drop the attitude, runt."

He lowered his eyes. Zander's chair scraped across the tiled floor. He walked towards the kid and yanked him from the floor. "This is how it's gonna work. I'm going to ask questions and you're going to answer. Understand?"

He dragged him, forcing him to sit on the chair, before pulling his chair up alongside, plonking himself down. Under all the bravado, I knew the kid was shit-scared. His fear wafted through my nose; my wolf sniffed behind my eyes, smirking—itching for a fight.

"He doesn't need to talk; I can get inside his head and get what we need," barked Sylar.

I couldn't look at him as my hands curled into fists.

I kept my eyes on the kid. "Hear that runt, and it won't be pleasant if I let him get inside your head." I gestured with my thumb in Sylar's direction.

The kid didn't speak, but he got the message.

Zander leaned in closer. "Are you here on your own?"

The runt clamped his mouth shut. I took a step towards him, his eyes flicked to mine. "He can get inside your head kid, but I can still beat the shit out of you, yeah?"

His face paled. Point made.

"Yeah, I'm alone," he muttered, lowering his eyes.

"Was you sent to scope the place?" challenged Zander.

Silence.

This was taking too damn long. I walked behind him and placed one hand on the back of his neck and squeezed.

It didn't take long for him to sing like a canary.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm to report back, with numbers and the layout. Stuff like that."

I released my grip. "See much better when you just answer the fucking question, yeah?" I pushed his head forward.

"Have you fed anything back to them yet?" asked Zander.

"No, he found me." The runt flicked his head up in Gunner Wolf's direction.

Zander continued. "Tell me, kid. Are all the London packs heading this way?"

The runt shrugged his shoulders "Don't know, they asked me to keep an eye on you and report back. That's it—that's all I know."

My eyes flicked to Zanders. I calculated how many numbers were in the London packs. With the northern packs, we would roughly be even. But I didn't know what supernatural shit they were packing.

"Are you sure kid? Anything else you want to spill before I let Gunner loose on you?"

His face paled. Everyone knew Gunner's reputation. His being worse than mine.

Gunner growled, albeit more like a chuckle. The runt shook his head.

Still not looking towards Sylar, I directed my instruction towards him. "Get inside his head Sylar and if you're able to block off any link to his pack—do it!"

"I can do that." He stalked closer to the runt, placing his hand on top of his head.

"No, please. I told you everything I know," cried the kid.

"Relax kid, it won't hurt—much."

I didn't have a clue if it would hurt or not. The kid flinched a few times before Sylar set him free. A vacant stare now sat on the runt's face.

"It's done." I forced myself to look at Sylar, but he was watching Zander, clearly not wanting to look at me either.

"And he wasn't lying—the packs are heading this way. They're planning a dawn attack," he said, turning his attention to Misha and Gavin.

"Good," I replied, wanting this over with. "Do you have a basement here?" I looked at Gavin.

"Yeah, follow me." I wasn't planning on following.

"Gunner, if you would do the honours and escort our friend here and make sure it's secure."

Gunner shifted, rising to his feet, flexing his bulging biceps in a dominant show of power. He grabbed the runt by the scruff of the neck. "C'mon sunshine."

The kid murmured a grunt but put up zero resistance. Whatever Sylar had done to him was working.

Waiting for them to leave the room. I turned my attention to Zander and John. "We need to be ready."

Zander nodded. "We've already got a game plan, the packs with us are ready. Are you?"

I was more than ready. "You really need to ask?"

'You don't have to play the tough guy with me, Hunter. If you want to stay with Sage, I understand,' he counselled.

My hands balled into fists.'

I can't sit here and do nothing. And you're gonna need me.'

It wasn't a lie. It was driving me batshit being close to her and not being able to talk to her, feel her emotions. I needed to kill something or someone.

'Good,' he replied with a flick of his head.

Misha, who'd been quiet suddenly jumped from her chair, a look of despair etched on her face. "She can't be here!"

"Who?" "Who can't?" questioned me and Zander at the same time.

"It's not safe for her. Why would she bring her here—now?"

"Who?!" I asked again, slightly irritated.

Neither she, Sylar or Gavin answered, although it was clear they were mind-linking each other.

'Car heading up the drive. John's pack has them in sight,' linked Zander.

Sylar walked to the window. "They're here."

I turned, peering his way. A car had pulled up outside and I watched a woman and a little girl exit the car.

My eyes told me enough. She was Misha and Gavin's child—she was the spitting image of her mother.

Misha rushed to the door and flung it open.

"Mummy." I heard the little girl say. She couldn't have been more than five years old. I watched Misha scoop up the little girl and clasp her tightly. Her skin bunched around her eyes, obviously communicating with the woman who had brought her daughter.

Heading back inside with her daughter. Gavin walked over and kissed the top of his daughter's head. "Hey, pumpkin. Was good for Aunt Josey?"

"Yes, Daddy." She struggled against Misha's hold. "Down Mummy," she insisted.

"Okay, miss bossy pants... but you know the rules."

The little girl nodded. Letting go of Misha's hand the little girl turned and eyed me carefully.

It was unnerving if I was honest.

"Hannah," scolded Misha, throwing her daughter a warning look. The little girl ignored her mother and walked towards me. I had no experience with kids, hell I found myself a little intimidated as she trotted towards me, looking up expectantly.

"Hello," she declared confidently.

"Hello yourself."

"I'm Hannah," she smiled the toothiest smile I'd ever seen.

"I'm Hun—"

"Hunter, yes I know, she told me."

She? Who's she?

"Where's Sage?" she asked.

"Hannah!" Misha hurried towards Hannah, placing her hand on her shoulder.

"How do you know Sage, Hannah?" I asked, more curious about this kid than seconds ago.

Placing her small hands on her hips, she tsked as if I should have known. "She talks to me."

What the fuck?

"How?" I dropped to her level, making sure I wouldn't mishear her. "When—when did she talk to you, Hannah?"

"Now, she's talking now... I have to go to her." Her little face crinkled.

I looked at Misha before returning my attention to Hannah. Was I missing something here?

"Sorry sweetheart, but Sage isn't talking to anyone."

She pouted. "Yes, she is silly pants. And I have to see her now. Before he hurts her?"

My heart stopped.

Fuck!

I Launched myself back to my feet, running from the room to where I'd left Sage lying on the sofa in the front room with Pearl.

Footsteps were on my heel as I burst through the door to find Pearl towering over Sage.

"What the fuck are you doing?" But it wasn't Pearl who looked back at me.

I'll rephrase that it was Pearl but there was a dark shadowy image across her face—distorting it.

Its red eyes glared back at me. Without thinking, I ran towards the thing and yanked whatever the fuck it was away from Sage and hurled it across the room.

It hissed, slamming into the wall, slipping down to rest on its arse. It hissed again.

Zander and John rushed towards where it had fallen. Only to hear it laugh and kid you not, it was the creepiest laugh I'd ever heard.

I was now at Sage's side. She looked so pale, Dropping next to her I lifted her onto my lap. She was floppy and cold.

Fuck!

I was just about to lose my shit and freak the fuck out. "Something's wrong—she feels colder."

I looked At Zander who with John was restraining the thing as Zander's hand wrapped around its throat.

Obviously, it had control over Pearl or was wearing a Pearl meat suit. I didn't have a clue. It laughed again.

"What or who the fuck are you?" yelled Zander, shaking it roughly.

It chortled again, and it took all my strength not to lay Sage back down and kill it and perhaps kill Pearl with it.

"Sylar, can you get inside Pearls... or whoever the fucks head it is?"

Frozen, he'd watched everything until this point. "Sylar!" I barked.

He snapped out of it.

"No Sylar. I can do it," said Misha, catching me by surprise.

Misha walked up to the creature still in Zander and John's tight grip. She grabbed its Jaw, and I held my breath, still gripping Sage tightly in my arms.

The creature or Pearl suddenly screamed as Misha spoke coldly. "I will give you one chance to leave or I will rip you from this poor girl's body."

Her voice sent a chill down my spine.

"What is it?" asked Zander.

"They call them Shadows. Du-Ponte created them by accident. My closest guess—I suppose you could think of them like tortured souls. They were once wolves. I thought he had got rid of them."

The 'Shadow' laughed again.

"I warned you," she spat out.

My eyes widened as Misha's hand began vibrating. It vibrated so fast you could hardly see any movement. It appeared to phase in and out, see-through to solid and back to see-through. I'd seen nothing like it. She leaned closer. "I can smell you Shadow. I can smell your fear."

I flinched as Misha's phasing hand plunged through the Shadow's face, into Pearl's face. I was sure that would kill Pearl.

To my surprise, the Shadow came rushing out of Pearl's body in a whooshing sound and entered Misha's body.

What the fuck?

Pearl slumped in Zander's and John's grip. I wasn't sure she was alive.

The air crackled and thickened around us. Zander's eyes dropped to mine. 'Can you feel it?'

I nodded. The mass of energy building in the room was like what I'd felt back at the marquee. It whipped around us gathering available air, sucking in power like a tornado. It didn't take me long to figure out it was Misha who held all the power.

"Everyone shield your eyes!" she yelled as her entire body began to vibrate. "Now!"

I hardly recognised her voice, as Gavin yanked Hannah from the floor into his arms, pushing her face into his chest.

"Do what she says!" he roared.

I covered Sage as much as I could, burying her face into my chest. My eyes were tightly shut. The crackling in the room intensified.

Even behind closed eyes, a brightness permeated my eyelids. Flinching, squeezing Sage tightly. A scream echoed through the room and as quick as it had been lit up like a supernova, the room darkened, and I lifted my head.

What. The. Fuck?