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The ride back to Blood Moon Falls consisted of a lot of pit-stops. There were the usual needs to use the bathroom or stop for food, but most of the stops were for Langley. 

Depending on how severe the injuries to a Werewolf are (from what Thorton was explaining to me one night), it's possible for the healing ability to kick in. Small bruising, scrapes and cuts were usually gone the next day though severe bruises and deeper gashes took a bit longer. A few days, the week the most. 

 That being said... Langley was expected to be able to heal herself because of what she was. But that wasn't the case. 

The she-wolf was extremely fatigued, there was still swelling on the sides of her face and under her chin, and the bruising all along her face, neck, arms, ribcage, and legs still looked fresh... and painful. 

With what Aunt Penny had taught us over the years, Thea and I were able to clean and wrap up the deep gashes. When we first attempted to help Langley, the she-wolf had been in and out of sleep. We had approached her from where we placed her in the car and I had just been handed the just-purchased First-Aid kit by my cousin when Thea reached over for Langley's arm. 

The moment Thea touched her, Langley's eyes snapped open; the gold shimmered with a violent gleam. She'd startled both my cousin and me when she'd lashed upward with a snarl; her wolf teeth bared in warning. 

Thea and I stayed still, cautiously watching the she-wolf who was breathing hard as she glanced at us both. 

My cousin swallowed, slowly raising a hand and frowned, "Langley... It's me... Thea." 

She shook her head, promising the she-wolf that she had nothing to be afraid of. That she was safe with friends now. 

Hearing my cousin's voice must have soothed Langley with the way her bared teeth started to shrink back to normal. Her sneer faltered slowly and she allowed herself to slump back against the pillow we bought for her. Langley shut her eyes, leaning her head back and swallowed hard. 

She winced as she did so and then groaned when trying to shift herself. Thea made a soothing shushing noise as she attempted to lean forward and help her friend. Langley's blue eyes glanced up at Thea who didn't notice this. My cousin was too busy trying to make sure Langley was comfortable. 

Once she was, Langley winced again, whispering out an apology for when she lashed out. 

I grinned a bit, shaking my head while placing my hand on top of hers. 

"It's okay, Langley. You don't have to apologize for anything. It was only a defense mechanism I am betting you relied on all these years."

I stopped, my face faltering as I felt so guilty that she'd been alive all this time. She'd been hidden away and tortured while the rest of us went on with our lives. I knew that we didn't know she was alive... but it didn't make me feel any less guilty. 

I blinked, frowning a bit when nudged by my cousin who had apparently been asking for the First-Aid kit. I swallowed, nodding and handed it over. 

The whole time that Thea was tending to Langley's arm, I was sitting there watching. But then I happened to glance up and felt my eyes widen seeing that the she-wolf was staring at me. It was a hard kind of stare---though I'm not sure if it was good or not. She looked to be concentrating. 

I glanced away, lowering a brow before clearing my throat and jabbed a thumb over my shoulder to announce that I was going to go get Langley something to eat and drink. Thea nodded, not really paying attention though I still noticed the she-wolf's gaze was on me. 

As the days we traveled went on, the few times I assisted Thea with Langley, I was just there. I didn't really do anything since Thea handled most of it. 

I was just supervising.

But then came the time we were making another stop to order food from a diner and Thea was needed inside because Dennison just couldn't help himself from getting into an argument with the chef. Apparently, when the food was being made and boxed for us, Dennison was checking each one to make sure the order was correct.

He happened to get to the last box that was just added to our pile and opened it up. Maddox was standing nearby and was scrunching his nose, muttering that he hated onions. Of course... the box Dennison had opened was Maddox's and so when Dennison brought it to the waitress's attention it was like a slap-in-the-face to the chef.

The chef and Dennison got into an argument---the chef was claiming that Dennison was being ungrateful. On the other hand, Dennison was actually defending Maddox and even stretched the truth a little to say that Maddox was allergic to said-onions. 

Good ol' Dennison...

This, of course, ensued an altercation when Dennison snatched a handful of the food from Maddox's box and smashed it into the chef's face. Which is where Thea came in. 

My cousin was dragged away but not before shoving the First-Aid kit at me and telling me to stay with Langley. 

My eyes widened, hearing myself swallow loudly and whined, "But I don't want to!" 

Thea was already running towards the diner with our Uncle Thatcher who came to get her. She looked over her shoulder, snapping at me to stop being a baby and do as I was told. 

I narrowed my eyes, sneering after she turned away. Looking down at the First-Aid kit with a frown, I muttered, "I'm not a baby... You're a baby..." though I knew my cousin wasn't anywhere near to hear me. 

After my moment of self-pity, I stiffened. My gaze lifted as I felt the left side of my face burning. Slowly, I changed the direction of where I was looking and locked eyes with Langley. She was staring at me through the back window; her blue icy eyes really the only features I could see of her since she was in a slumped position. 

Blinking a few times, I mentally warred with myself to wait until my cousin returned to approach Langley. I'd been so successful up until this point of avoiding anything more than eye contact with the she-wolf. 

I now had to go into the lair alone. Fucking Dennison...

"What are you doing?"

I yelped, the First-Aid kit flying into the air from me being startled and practically flinging it. I reached up, juggling it until I caught it and hugged it to me. 

Frowning, I looked over my shoulder at an amused Thorton. He stood with his head tilted slightly and a slight tug on the corner of his lip.

"Shit, Thorton! Don't do that!" I scolded, taking a fist to punch him in the shoulder. 

Thorton gripped where I hit him, hissing, "Owwww!" then growled at me, "What are you hitting me for!?"

"What are you scaring me for!?" I shot back.

"I wasn't trying to scare you!" Thorton scoffed, throwing his hands upward. "It's not my fault you scare easily! For an Advanced Hunter, that's pretty shitty!" 

"Ex-Hunter," I reminded him, raising my brows. 

Thorton rolled his eyes, nodding with a dismissing wave in my direction. "Yeah, yeah... Now answer my question."

I sighed, shutting my eyes and grumbled that I might have been trying to delay conversation with the she-wolf in the car. My brows rose, gritting my teeth as I told him that said-she-wolf was watching us as we spoke. 

Being as discreet as Thea would, Thorton frowned and tipped himself slightly to the side to look around me. I snapped at him to not be so obvious, but Thorton blinked a few times then straightened. 

"She's giving you quite a look, Kale. What'd you do? Wrap her wrist too tight?"

I smacked Thorton's arm, grumbling that I haven't touched her. That my cousin had been helping her all this time. 

"Oh..." Thorton frowned, "Then I wonder why she keeps staring at you." 

"I don't know..." I peeked over my shoulder, Langley still watching me. "Sigh... I just... Don't want her to lash out at me or something."

Thorton and I stood there a bit longer before he suggested that he go along with me. 

"I don't know anything about medical attention, but I can keep you company?"

I'd take it. I'd take anything, honestly, than to be alone with Langley. 

The walk to the car was constant mutterings between Thorton and I to devise a plan if the she-wolf was to go bonkers, but Thorton weakly grinned as he kept his sight on Langley while directing to me, "I think she can hear us..."

I looked at Langley whose blue eyes disappeared behind the gold of her inner beast. 

Well, fuck...

Thorton cleared his throat, nudging me forward a little harder than necessary and telling me to hurry up and open the back door. I shot him a look over my shoulder before tossing him the kit. Once the back was open, I stood there and Langley sat there. 

We both stared at the other until Langley dropped her gaze to the kit in Thorton's hands. She nodded at it, looking back to me and hoarsely asked if I'd change the bloody bandages now.

Hesitating, I swallowed. I let out a slow breath as I approached her. Sitting down, I scooted closer and motioned for her to hand me her arm. She complied. She didn't say anything but was still staring at me. I could still feel it as I turned to gesture for Thorton to hand the kit over. 

It was utterly uncomfortable, let me tell you. And I had no idea why!

I'd finished re-wrapping both wrists and placed ointment on the few cuts she had on her legs and arms by the time I was able to rest the two ice packs from the cooler on the severe bruises on Langley's legs. 

The last thing I had to do was put ointment on her face, back and shoulders. 

She obviously knew this since she winced as she tried to sit herself up. I then gave up on being distant from her and decided to assist her. 

"Hold on..." I sighed, shifting into a better position so that I could wrap an arm around her waist but the moment I did, I wish I hadn't.

Langley suddenly regained her Werewolf agility and quickly latched her arms around me. Her quick reflex to get a firm hold set me into a panic. All I could feel was her fingers digging into my shoulders and her face wedging itself into the side of my neck. The prickling panic made the hair on the back of my neck rise as I was shouting for Thorton to help me.

The low growl vibrating against my chest must have halted Thorton in his steps since he stammered to Langley---or me... or both---that everything was going to be okay. For that split moment, she'd pulled her face from my neck then went back to hiding again. 

I swallowed, looking upward as I mentally prayed that my cousin and the others would come back soon!

But just as I was seeing my life flash before my eyes (dramatic... I know...), Langley slowly leaned backward. She still held onto me but there was enough space for me to see eye to eye with her at a more or less comfortable distance. 

Langley's blue eyes suddenly shimmered before a soft smile etched on her lips.

"It is you..."

My brow shot upward as I blinked repeatedly, trying to soak in what she said.

"Is me what?" was my dumb reply.

The she-wolf's smile was still in place as she sighed and sat back against her pillow. 

"For the longest time... since the day I saw you guys again..."

Her voice was still hoarse, but at least she wasn't whispering anymore. 

Langley stared at me, tilting her head. "I could smell Easton."

My brows shot up again. I glanced at Thorton who gave me the same look before shrugging silently. I frowned at Langley, shaking my head that I didn't understand. 

The she-wolf laughed a bit, wincing from doing so, but still kept that smile. 

"I'm sorry I frightened you, Kale," she mended. "I didn't mean to. I just haven't seen my brother in so long. The longer the days passed and my senses started to work on healing, I kept thinking I was going crazy. I swear that Easton's scent was so strong that it was like he was right in front of me."

Langley sighed, looking at me with a softer gaze than before.

"I just missed him so much."

Unsure of what to say, I bit my lip and tried to think of what I could respond. But what do you say to someone who had lost all hope of being with her family again after so many years?

Langley's smile widened a bit, bringing to light that she could swear that the last time she was around that her brother and I were never seen close enough for his scent to rub off. She added that from what she recalled, Easton was enjoying the one-sided chase for someone who wanted nothing to do with him. 

"Course..." Langley shrugged a shoulder. "That's because you hated that he teased you so much."

I winced, scrunching my nose as my face felt hot from remembering way back then when I first met Easton and the Six. 

Easton definitely wouldn't lay off. He'd gone so far as to deliberately rearrange his seating placement at my Aunt Penny's wedding just so he could sit beside me. It was just the beginning too. 

Time and time again, that blond Moody-Asshat (though I have to say he was not even a tad moody as he is now) took any and every opportunity to stand next to me, to stare at me, tease me... the list goes on. 

I even remember his first successful attempt to caress the side of my face and promise that he would "protect me". 

Wise guy...

"So that brings me to wonder..." Langley's words brought me out of my thoughts, me frowning back at her while her blue eyes narrowed slightly. Curiously, of course. "Why do you smell so strongly of Easton?"

I swallowed hard, feeling my eyes getting wider by the second. I didn't even know that I smelled like Easton. 

There was that one time with Thorton's brother mentioning that I smelled like Easton, but that was because I thought it was from having that make out with him behind my house. I could understand that with me rubbing against him, the scent of his clothing just lingered. 

Apparently not.

It's not that I was embarrassed to tell Langley that the reason I am practically doused in her brother's Werewolf cologne was that I have been quite intimate with Easton a few times---Fine! Tons of times!

I think it was just not wanting Langley to think that Easton forgot about her. That he'd pushed her aside completely and was all honky-dory. Though come on, you and I both know that Easton Quinn has been so fucking far from happy all these years. He's just started to let us peer at the old Easton and I was a bit nervous that Langley would resent me for it.

Langley's brow rose, her head tilting a bit as she studied me.

"You're related to Thea, Kale," she suddenly pointed out like I didn't know that. She then made her other point. "So I already know you're a terrible liar. If you try to... it won't work. She was horrible in coming up with cover ups to everything so I know for a fact that you are the same---"

"How do you figure?" I asked offensively.

"---so let's just spare each other the hardship and just tell me what's going on."

I felt my nose scrunch, making me switch back and forth between looking at her and Thorton who was giving me a sympathetic look while shrugging a shoulder. I rolled my eyes, shaking my head as I muttered under my breath.

I was unable to look at Langley when I winced while admitting, "I... Uh... Well..." 

My eyes looked upward, trying to find the push to just tell her. I don't understand why it was so hard to do so. 

"Crap..." I groaned, "Why is this so hard to say!?"

I turned to Thorton, silently pleading with him to help me out here. He obviously took the hint.

Thorton looked right at Langley and bluntly admitted, "Your brother is in love with Kale." 

That brought me some relief, to be honest. I guess hearing it from someone else that what Easton and I had was real, made me feel a bit coy. I could feel my face was heating up and my teeth gently biting my bottom lip. 

When I looked up at Langley, she was still looking at Thorton but her eyes narrowed more as she slowly questioned, "My brother... is in love?"

Thorton and I looked at one another then back to her. We nodded and Thorton clarified, "Yeah... He's in an actual relationship with Kale."

Langley's brow rose, glancing at me. She looked back to Thorton and raised her finger to point at me.

"This Kale?"

I frowned at her, mentally scoffing that my name wasn't very common. Unless it was in a smoothie. Which I still resent my parents for, by the way.

As though I wasn't sitting there, the pair were going back and forth. 

Thorton nodded, brows raised and pointed at me. "Yes. This Kale."

"You're not kidding..."

Thorton shook his head, "Nope."

Langley's nose scrunched, tilting her head slightly and there was a grin tugging at the corner of her lip.

"Wow..."

It was my turn to scowl at the both of them, waiting thirty seconds more to acknowledge that I could hear them. Then I raised my voice to shout at them that I was---in fact--- sitting there and could hear them. I then looked to the she-wolf and mentioned that I was a bit offended with the way she was taking this news.

Langley laughed lightly, resting back against her pillow. 

"I'm sorry, Kale. I didn't mean for you to feel bad about my reaction. I just... It's surprising because you were straighter than an arrow the last time I saw you---"

I winced, narrowing my eyes.

"And my brother may have been a bit consistent with his chase of you... But I didn't think he was actually serious about wanting to be with you."

Langley must have seen something on my face in reaction to her words because her eyes widened and grimaced as she tried to sit up. I leaned over to help her and she mumbled her thanks then explained herself further.

"I just meant... Easton has always been a flirt and so I didn't think much of his flirtation towards you because I thought he just liked teasing you. He would say that it was fun to see your reaction."

Langley pursed her mouth to the side, scrunching her nose.

"But... I really didn't know that his interest in you wasn't just a joke. Especially when he was in a relationship already with Leo."

The she-wolf glanced at Thorton when I grumbled, turning away from them. 

"What'd I say?" I heard her ask Thorton.

My friend sighed heavily, "It's not your fault, Langley... It's just... well... Leo and Kale don't get along all that well. Since the moment Leo found out about Easton's on-going flirtation with Kale, the guy has been causing trouble for the two."

Thorton paused, though I felt him staring at me. 

"Kale didn't even know that Easton and Leo had been together all this time. And up until recently, when Leo confronted your brother about their relationship, Kale had been kept out of the loop. Your brother didn't mention that Leo was his boyfriend all these years. So in a way..."

He paused again and I was the one who finished the sentence.

"I felt stupid," I muttered, frowning at my sneakers. 

Langley remained quiet, as did Thorton. 

"I thought that it was just a part of Easton's game. I thought I was just like everyone else. Like Leo." 

I glanced at her, seeing how soft her gaze became. 

"But he admitted that he loved me. In front of Leo too." 

I sighed, grinning a bit. "It was all I wanted really. I just wanted to know that I was different than how he saw Leo. I... I never thought that someone like Easton would."

The she-wolf tilted her head, letting out a calm sigh. She started smiling, shaking her head while reaching over to touch my hand. 

I licked my lips, shaking my head, "I hope you're not mad." 

The confusion on her face made me close my eyes and shake my head. I explained to her that I just didn't want for her to think that Easton forgot about her. That he moved on from what we all believed happened those years back. 

"I just saw the way he was spiraling out of control. With the booze... the fighting... and even the time he was spending with Leo. I just--- I know that I was uncomfortable around him all those times when I met him, but as the years went on... He lost that spark. That fire-cracker that I was so used to seeing."

I met her gaze, sighing, "If you are mad, please don't blame Easton." 

"Oh, Kale..." Langley offered a small smile. She motioned me closer and when I did, she wrapped her arms around me. She rested her head on my shoulder, sighing, "I would never want my brother to spiral out of control. I could never ask that of him to be so miserable for the remainder of his life. That's unfair."

She paused to let out a long sigh. She hugged me a bit tighter as she whispered, "I'm so happy for you both."

I chuckled, closing my eyes as I hugged her back. That is until...

"The hell is going on here!?"

Langley and I pulled back a bit though our arms were still around the other to see that the others had approached us. They were all standing in a huddle and looking at us.

My eyes widened when seeing a sudden fiery gleam in those blue-ish-purple eyes of Maddox and I immediately dropped my arms from around the she-wolf beside me. 

Gulping, I chuckled lightly and nodded, "H---Hey, Maddox." 

Maddox's eyes narrowed, the white styrofoam container in his hands crunching from his fingers digging into it. I glanced at this then back up at him before looking at Langley who tilted her head a bit in a coy manner. A blush had painted across her cheekbones and I immediately understood what was happening.

I hopped off the back of the car and pressed my hands against my chest.

"I wasn't---This---It isn't what it looks like!" was all I could think of to say.

Maddox's lip curled, his eyes darkening as he grit his teeth, "And what would that be?"

My brows shot up, glancing at Thea and the others who were doing nothing to help me but instead were observing Maddox's reaction. I swallowed looking back at my long-lost friend.

"Mad---Maddox! I swear! I was just---"

"You're dead," was all he said and I yelped when he shoved his container against a now scowling Dennison and took chase. 

Spinning around, I booked it. I looked over my shoulder, shouting at the others to help me and that Maddox was insane!

"Shit!" I cried, seeing Maddox gaining on me. I faced forward, leaping onto the hood of a car and twisted around to hold out my hands in defense. "Maddox! Bud, listen! I promise I wasn't doing anything! It was a completely platonic hug!" 

Maddox practically growled as he hopped onto the car too. 

"You were touching her!" 

Well, shit... And here I thought Dennison had the fucking worse possession of his wife. 

Clearly, I was wrong.

"But I wasn't trying anything on her! I don't understand why you are so upset!" I gulped, jumping off the car and running around it with him behind me. 

I was making my way back to the group who were all too stunned to assist me. Other than Dennison who looked mighty amused at what was going on. That asshole. 

"Maddox, please! I wasn't trying to do anything with---ACK!" 

The tackle from behind made me hit the dirt road hard. I winced for a second then my instincts kicked in and tried to wiggle myself out of his grasp. Maddox flipped me over, grabbing onto my collar while I pleaded with him to hear me out. 

"You don't even remember who we are!" I reminded him in a shout, grunting as I was trying to get him off me. "Why are you so upset about me hugging her!?" 

"Because you know how you are, Kale! You little shit, I know you like to fuck around just to get a rise out of me! But touching Langley is crossing the fucking line!"

I stopped, my brows rising as my eyes widened. My struggle ended and yet he was staring down at me like he used to when in a serious fight. Swallowing, I blinked a few times to just let this moment sink in before seeing the sudden realization on my friend's face. 

Maddox's sneer faltered, his eyes filling with a mixture of being stunned and horrified as he looked my face over. 

Squinting, he whispered, "K---Kale?"

I blinked, nodding slowly in case he'd go off the hinges again. 

Without letting me go, Maddox lifted his head to the others. He stared at them as I leaned my head back to see the upside-down group. 

"Th--Thea?" 

Maddox stared at my cousin who beamed with teary eyes and nodded, "Yeah, Maddie! It's me!" 

Maddox's brows furrowed, blinking repeatedly before giving a look over at the others. I swallowed, glancing at the tight grasp he still had on me and I chuckled up at him while patting his hands. 

"How about you loosen your grip, Bud? This is my favorite shirt."

Maddox stared at me, realizing what he was doing before scrambling off me. He raked his fingers through the front of his hair and squeezed his eyes shut. 

I quickly got up with the help of Thorton and warily watched as Maddox was suddenly breaking through the Elixir he was given. He pressed his hands firmly against his face, taking a deep breath and then dropped his hands to his chest. He frowned at it, slowly letting his hands rub against it before he grabbed the bottom of his shirt and lifted it. 

His eyes widened seeing the claw-marked scars reminding him of how he was supposedly killed to begin with. 

Maddox lowered his shirt, lifting his head to see Thea. He suddenly swallowed, his eyes tearing as his lip quivered, "Bruiser..."

Thea beamed, breaking out into a run as did Maddox. He bent, wrapping his arms around her when she jumped up to hug him. Thea sobbed, so happy to have her best friend back. Maddox was just the same. His eyes squeezed shut, shaking his head as he hugged my cousin. 

I glanced at Dennison whose eyes narrowed and a small grumbling growl made its way past his closed lips. I rolled my eyes, remembering 'once upon a time' and then happened to see the she-wolf in the car a few feet from the group. She was wearing a small smile but I knew she must have been a little disappointed. 

I looked back to Maddox and Thea who he set down. He raised his hands to her face, beaming, "Look at you, Bruiser! I can't..." 

Thea laughed, wiping her tears and nodded that she looked a bit older than before because it had been seven years since they last saw each other. Maddox's brows went up, trying to let what she said sink in.

"Seven years?"

My cousin nodded, sighing that he's missed a lot. She shrugged a shoulder that she was no longer known as Thea Saranto but Thea Dennison---to which Maddox looked over at a gold-eeyed Dennison---and then added that she and her husband had another little boy.

"We named him 'Maddox'," she spoke softly, tilting her head when she saw the tears welling up in his eyes again. She placed a hand on his shoulder, nodding, "And Eli adores him."

"Squirt," Maddox grinned, sighing, "God, how I missed him! I feel like it was just yesterday that I saw him! He must be... what, twelve now?"

Thea nodded, "Thirteen soon. His birthday is coming up in a few months."

Maddox closed his eyes, shaking his head that his head was spinning. My cousin nodded, explaining that it was the after-effects of the Elixir wearing off. She laughed that he had me to thank for triggering it by making it look like I was canoodling with Langley. 

My friend turned to look at me, brow lowered as I stared wide-eyed before quickly grinning and nodded, "You're welcome."

Thea laughed, sighing, "He's exactly the same if you're wondering, Maddie." 

Maddox stared at me, smiling and motioned me closer. I warily eyed him, nose scrunching as I asked if he was going to hit me. 

"I'm not gonna hit you, Kale," he laughed, motioning me over. 

I glanced at Thorton who nodded in encouragement to go. I groaned, practically dragging my feet until I was about two feet from the tall guy. Wincing, I mentioned that it was probably best to not hug since he didn't seem very fond of those.

Ignoring my suggestion, Maddox pulled me close and I yelped from how tight he was squeezing me. Frowning, I was trying to wiggle away from him, snapping that I couldn't breathe! 

"Shut up, Kale," Maddox sighed, not letting me go. 

"I'm serious, Maddox! I can't breathe! And what the hell---" I grunted, my attempt to escape futile. "---have you been eating that made you fucking stronger than a rock!" 

I pleaded with my cousin to help me but she shook her head, reminding me that I didn't have to hide my feelings anymore. That it was okay to tell Maddox how much I missed him. 

"Lies!" I grunted, managing to get an arm out. I used my free hand to push against Maddox's forehead but that only made him laugh while I cried out for Thorton to help me. 

Thorton replied that I seemed to be handling myself quite well and I shot him a look over my shoulder that I'd kill him!

He laughed, shrugging that it was better if I did because if he touched me in any way, Easton might kill him. 

"Oh that's right!" Thea cried.

Oh crap. No. No, dear God, no!

"Wait! Thea, don't---"

"Kale's dating Easton, Maddie!" my cousin announced, clasping her hands together. 

I felt both Maddox and I cease our struggle and then felt the guy staring at me. I looked away, frowning as I cleared my throat and swallowed, "It's new."

Maddox slowly raised a brow, grinning, "Easton? As in... Easton?"

"Easton! Yes! What other Easton do you know, you fuck!" 

My friend laughed, setting me down and ruffled my hair. I slapped his hand away and then flipped him off. 

"Wow! And here I thought you were completely terrified of the guy, Kale!"

I looked upward, pursing my lips. Nodding to the side, I mentioned he wasn't completely wrong. 

"But you're dating him now? How'd that happen?"

Unable to think of anything else, I deadpanned, "Him," while pointing at Thorton whose eyes widened. 

"Whoa, whoa! Kale, what'd I do?" 

"What do you mean what'd you do?" I narrowed my eyes. "Did you forget that Easton would go off the fucking rail if you so much as looked at me?" 

The guy's face was surprised then he chuckled, "Oh yeah..." 

Rolling my eyes, I looked back at Maddox squinting his eyes and nodding that he could see it now. Easton and I, I mean. I sneered at him, waving my hand in the air that instead of teasing me and my newfound realization of being attracted to the same sex, he should be thanking someone else for the return of his memories. 

Maddox raised a brow and then looked in the direction I was pointing. 

Sitting so quietly, with her shoulders raised, Langley stared at us. 

I peered at Maddox whose eyes softened in an instant the moment he looked over. Thea and I grinned, watching him take the steps towards the car. My cousin beamed, whispering to me that this was the best day ever. 

I nodded in agreement, walking with her as we looked forward to see that when Maddox reached the car, Langley looked down, turning her head away. She looked almost embarrassed, I was assuming it was because of how she looked at the moment. I understood that she probably didn't want Maddox of all people to see her that way. 

My friend frowned, tilting his head as he reached up to place some of the she-wolf's hair behind her ear. So that he could see her face better. When she still didn't look at him, Maddox's fingertips gently turned her face by her chin. 

Langley's blue eyes were teary, glistening to that beautiful hue that I was also quite familiar with. 

Maddox frowned, looking her face over as he raised his hand again, his fingers tracing the side of it. He couldn't stop looking at her and Maddox slowly shook his head as he whispered, "I thought I lost you."

The trembling lip on Langley's part and the small intake of breath made Thea squeeze my arm that she was hugging. I gently placed my hand over hers in a silent gesture to understanding that I was happy to see this moment too. 

"I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you," Maddox swallowed, moving Langley's hair out of her face. 

Langley shook her head, whispering that it wasn't his fault. That he didn't know who she was. Or knew about her, to begin with. She bit her lip as gently as she could though she still grimaced from the cut it had. 

"But I missed you too."

My friend continued staring at the she-wolf, his gaze filling with a deep emotion that I hadn't seen in so long.

Langley's words hurt. I knew they did because it was something neither of them had control over but it was so painful for Maddox because being able to protect those who needed him had always been something he was good at. 

Ever since I knew Maddox, looking out for others has always been a top priority for him. Especially when Thea and Eli came into the picture. They were the center of his world before Dennison came charging back in... and then Langley happened. 

It was just the beginning that I saw but even then... Even then I saw that Langley was becoming everything to Maddox. She was his hope to being... normal... and loved back in the way he'd always wanted. 

Maddox's brows furrowed more, sitting down beside Langley whose blue eyes widened at the way he was looking at her. She swallowed hard, blinking repeatedly while Maddox's hands held the sides of her face. He leaned closer, resting his forehead against hers and let the side of his nose caress hers. 

Watching such an intimate moment between the two, I felt a little intrusive and was feeling the blush coming on but at the same time... it was perfect. Being able to see them fall back into place where they left off so many years ago.

"I'm here now," Maddox affirmed with a small nod, lingering on how Langley was silently questioning him. 

He slowly let his gaze fall to her lips then lifted up to her blue eyes. 

"And here I'll stay... got it?"

Langley stared back for a moment, her brows furrowed a bit before her face relaxed and there was a small smile on her lips. She nodded once and replied, "Got it." 

The smile on Maddox's face was like it was Christmas and opened the best present ever. He wasted no time closing the tiny distance between them to kiss Langley. The she-wolf's gasp was caught short but she quickly fell into the emotion now shared. Her fingers grazed the side of Maddox's face, temporarily pushing aside any pain she was still in. 

I grinned, sighing as I turned to see Thea wiping her tears and giggling. 

"Looks like things are starting to look up, Thee." 

She looked up at me, beaming. "I couldn't agree more, Kale. And I am going to bask in this temporary happiness for as long as possible." 

Thea looked over at her two friends still lingered in their long-overdue intimate kiss. 

"Because they deserve it."

I chuckled, sighing that she was right. But that she was just as deserving of happiness too. 

"I am happy though, Kale," Thea frowned. She tilted her head, explaining that she had Dennison, her boys, and her family. She looked over at Langley and Maddox. "And now that I can see a long, lost love between two beautiful souls mended... I'm more than any word to describe happiness." 

My arm wrapped around her shoulder, tugging her closer to me so that she had to look up. I raised a brow, grinning that she was one of a kind and that I was honored to be related to her. Thea playfully nudged me, shooting me a look as I laughed and bent to kiss the top of her head.

Letting out another long sigh, I suggested, "What do you say we get back on the road then? I'm sure there's a little guy back at home who is going to be ecstatic with Maddox's return."

Thea blinked, looking up at me as she realized I was referring to Eli. 

Her brows furrowed slightly, her gaze switching to someone behind me and I looked over my shoulder at Dennison who was in the middle of conversation with my dad. He was nodding to something being said and was wearing that famous scowl of his. 

I kept watching Dennison as I muttered to my cousin, "You're worried about him... aren't you?"

"I am," Thea admitted. "He did all this for Eli, Kale. And my son won't see it that way. He'll just acknowledge that Maddox is back in his life... probably pushing Auric further away." 

I frowned, pursing my mouth to the side. I mentioned how Maddox used to feel the same way when Dennison came back into Thea's life. My shoulder shrugged while I looked at my cousin. 

"You have to let Eli figure things out on his own, Thee. You can't push him to decide what is right and wrong. Not on your terms anyway. Eli has to learn that by himself. He has to come to terms that everything you and Dennison do is for his and his little brother's safety. But... But if Eli has to learn the hard way that it is okay to have room in his life for two father-figures than so be it."

I could see the worry on my cousin's face and I hugged her to me again. 

"Eli is always going to love Dennison as his father first, Thea. And that kid is going to learn a lot sooner what it would be like to not have him around."

"What do you mean?"

"Well..." I paused, looking off to the side to string the correct words. Once I did, I looked back to her. "It'll be hard to see... but I can already tell you that Dennison is going to step aside once Maddox is back in the picture. And though Maddox loves Eli, there's nothing compared to a father's love."

I reminded Thea on how Dennison wanted to find Maddox for his son. He wanted for his son to be happy again. Even if it meant that Dennison wasn't the reason. I further explained that with Eli being reunited with Maddox would be hard for Dennison to watch, but that the twelve-year-old was going to realize his mistake of saying those hurtful words to his father.

"How do you figure?" Thea frowned. 

"Because, Thea," I raised a brow, "when these strangers come looking for Eli, who do you think will be at the very front of the front line to defend him? Who do you think is going to be willing to risk his life without even a second thought? What do you think is going to happen when Eli is told that the man who he's hurt so badly... who has loved Eli from the moment he found out about him... could have a high chance of dying because these bad strangers want the kid so bad?"

Thea's frown deepened, nose scrunching as she shook her head. 

"Kale... Why does it have to become so drastic for Eli to reconcile with Auric?"

I pursed my mouth to the side, shrugging a shoulder. 

"Because whatever we're doing now... isn't working. Unfortunately, Eli will come to terms with being in the wrong with Dennison when shit either is about to hit the fan... or already has."

My cousin sighed, closing her eyes. She groaned that she would rather not see anything drastic have to happen to anyone else she loves. I smirked, scoffing a breath.

"That's the brakes, Cousin."

Thea rolled her eyes, punching my arm and I yelped, holding the spot she hit. 

"Ow! Dammit, Thea! That still fucking hurts!"  

"Oh, don't be such a baby..." Thea teased, scrunching her nose as she was walking past me to where her husband was standing. 

I grumbled under my breath, waiting for her to be a good distance before muttering that she was the baby.

"You got a lot taller, Kale."

I turned wide-eyed to find Maddox standing beside me with his arms crossed. I eyed him warily, frowning that I was surprised he was able to stop sucking face with Langley long enough to remember that there were other people around. 

Maddox grinned, not turning towards me. "At least I didn't beat the shit out of you for touching her in the first place..."

Narrowing my eyes from the side, I scrunched my nose to give the side of his face a long hard look. I reminded him that Langley happened to not be my type, anyway.

"Yeah..." Maddox's cheeky grin widened. "That's because her male counterpart was actually the one who tickled your fancy." 

Sneering, I punched Maddox in the arm and he chuckled out a pained groan as he rubbed the sore spot. Then I mentioned how much happier he was... and I hated that.

"No you don't," he replied, grinning at me. "You missed me too much."

"You know what I didn't miss though..." I raised my brows at him. 

"What?"

"You throwing shit at me when I'm sleeping. I've had some good sleep with that missing from my life."

"Really?" Maddox raised his brows back at me. "And here I thought you didn't get sleep at all with your new boyfriend keeping you up all night." 

"Dammit, Maddox!" I growled, punching him again. 

I pointed at him, raising my brows. I warned him that he was not allowed to poke fun of my relationship with Easton. That it was still in its early stages and that my Moody Asshat was difficult to tame as it was.

"Moody Asshat? A... term of endearment, I'm assuming?"

"You assume correct!" I sniffed, lifting my chin. 

Maddox laughed, shaking his head and sighed as he wrapped an arm around my neck to pull me in. I grumbled, trying to wedge out of his grasp. Maddox didn't notice---or ignored me if he did---and told me how great it was to have his old partner in crime back with him. He then apologizes for teasing me but that he wanted me to forgive him.

"Oh yeah?" I raised a brow after stopping long enough from my struggle. I narrowed my eyes at him, scrunching my nose that if he wanted he could make it up to me.

When he asked how, I mentioned that he could buy me a cake. One with ice cream inside and with buttercream frosting on top.

Maddox's brows furrowed, his eyes squinted the entire time before I fell silent and then he sighed, shaking his head. 

"I'm assuming that the writing will be the same as always?" he questioned, raising a brow. 

I sniffed that as a matter of fact, it would be. Lifting my chin, I opened my mouth to reply and Maddox spoke in unison with me, "You do you, Kale... You do you."

I stopped, shooting my friend a look while he grinned at me that he was enjoying seeing my feathers all ruffled up. 

"It's a nice change," Maddox nodded, releasing me so that he could join the rest of the group who had gathered by Langley. 

"Wait till I find something to sick Dennison on you, Maddox!" I shouted at his back.

At the mention of his name, Dennison raised a brow when turning to look at us then rolled his eyes before turning back to the group. 

Standing alone, I sighed. I found myself grinning at the idea of seeing my family becoming whole again. Aside from the Eli and Dennison dilemma, everything was falling back into place. 

It just made me that much more excited to go home and see Easton. 

  ❦ღ❦   

"Kale..."

The sound of my name being spoken was rousing me from what I realized was a long sleep. I didn't open my eyes just yet though I did scrunch my nose from being disturbed. 

"Kale, wake up!" 

I groaned, turning my head away until I felt something slap me. The sting of it hurt like a bitch and my eyes snapped open before turning my head to give a sleepy-eyed glare at the two males grinning at me. 

Thorton bit his lip, covering his mouth and shook his head as he pointed at Maddox who was leaning over the backseat from where he was sitting with Langley. He'd squeezed himself back there even though the guy was a large build. Apparently, he didn't mind since Langley was more than happy with him there.

Maddox raised a brow, grinning, "Wake up, Sunshine. We're almost home."

Home. 

It was still surreal to hear Maddox say it since he's been gone so long. But it felt like everything was normal again because of how he said it. There was a longing tone in his voice and I could see that it affected Langley too with how she was leaned back against him. She turned her head to look up at him, holding the back of his hand of the arm that had wrapped in front of her. 

Maddox kissed the side of her head, making Langley's eyes close and sigh. 

I sat up, frowning a bit from the sun shining in my eyes. Though my face still hurt from Maddox slapping me (which I'd have to get him back for later), I looked out the window on my side. There were bits of sunshine rays flickering between the tall, green forest trees that looked so familiar.

I grinned, turning to Thorton who looked away from his window at that moment to smile at me. He nodded, raising a fist between us. I glanced at it then smiled back as I bumped my fist against his. 

"We're almost home!" Thea cried, sitting up more and looking at her husband who glanced at her. 

It was a bit later, after a few turns through the neighborhoods until reaching the lonlier dirt roads that I felt antsy. I smiled, turning to look at the couple in the backseat. Letting my gaze meet Langley's, I beamed, "He's going to be so happy to see you."

Langley smiled back, letting her head rest against Maddox's chest under his chin. 

"So am I," she replied.

I faced forward again, seeing that Dennison pulled up to the back part of Aunt Penny's house. The moment he stopped, I unbuckled my seat belt and exited the car. While Thorton and I went to open the back part of the car, the back door swung open and a squealing, "Daddy! Mommy! You're home!" seven-year-old came springing out.

Aunt Penny was right behind him, wiping her hands on her apron as Alice was coming out behind her.

"Slow down, Maddie! You'll fall!" Alice warned, though it went through one of the kid's ear and out the other.

Little Maddie beamed as he raced towards our car. Thea sped up a bit to meet her son halfway and lifted him up into a tight hug. Maddie giggled, squeezing his eyes shut as he hugged his mother. 

I smiled, turning to see that Thorton opened the back already and was reaching in to assist with Langley. I did too, extending my hand out so Langley could grab hold. She winced as she tried scooting to the edge and I shifted so I could wrap my arm around her waist and lift her out instead. 

It was easier for her since she sighed in relief before thanking me. I nodded, looking up at Maddox's brows rise when seeing little Maddie being handed over to Dennison. 

The little boy squealed as he clapped his hands against his father's cheeks and laughed, "Hi Daddy! I missed you lots! Did you miss me too!?"

Dennison smiled, kissing his son's forehead and replied that he did. Then the boy turned to look over at us. His face brightened and his eyes went wide.

"Cousin Kale!" 

He wiggled around so that his father could put him down. He was almost set down before he just jumped out of Dennison's arms and sprinted towards me. I glanced at Thorton who nodded in understanding and took over in assisting with Langley. Then I turned forward to brace myself.

With his arms outspread, little Maddie jumped up mid-laugh so that I could catch him. I lifted him up, feigning a long groan and winced, "Jesus, Maddie! You got heavy! We've only been gone a week!" 

Little Maddox giggle behind his hands and then tilted his head that I was so silly. I nodded, frowning a bit. 

"I am, aren't I?"

It made him laugh again.

When he settled, I turned to the trio beside me. Maddie tilted his head so that he hid part of his face against mine. He only peered with one eye at the others. 

"Maddie, you remember Thorton, right?"

Maddie nodded, smiling a bit and silently waved at Thorton who nodded, "Hey there, Little Guy!"

I looked at Langley and Maddox who both looked stunned to see the child in my arms. They must be unsure if Little Maddie belonged to Dennison since the child was smiling. Something Dennison doesn't do very often.

I'm kidding... sort of.

"Maddie," I looked at the child in my arms then pointed at the two new strangers to him. "These are two friends who your Mommy and I haven't seen in a very long time."

I raised my brows, tilting my head a bit. Pointing at Langley, I annunciated her name slowly so he would be able to say it too, but it ended up coming out 'Laney' instead.

"Close enough," I nodded then heard Langley's "Awww..." when Maddox grinned a bit that she was so pretty. 

I raised a brow, asking little Maddox, "More than Vi?"

The pair stared at me oddly while I waited for the boy's reply. Little Maddie's eyes widened, blinking a few times before blushing and shrugged his shoulders.

I then looked at Maddox, Sr.

"Maddox..."

While the older one looked at me, the little one in my arms tilted his head to stare at me. I winced, realizing that I was going to have to get used to that.

Clearing my throat, I looked at little Maddie and said, "Do you remember Mommy telling you that when you were born she gave you a name that was very special to her?"

He nodded, glancing at the others then back to me.

"And do you remember that your name belonged to someone else first?"

"Uh huh..." he nodded.

"Well... This," I pointed to Maddox, Sr., "Is that someone. His name is Maddox too. He's your uncle."

Little Maddie's eyes widened, mouth dropping open as he turned to look at the older man with his same name. The boy's nose scrunched after a moment, blinking once... twice...

"You don't look like me though, Mister!"

I laughed, along with Langley and Thorton. Maddox weakly grinned, turning to me who explained to the child that just because he shared the same name didn't mean he was going to look like the person.

"You just have the same name, Kiddo."

"Oh..." he frowned, almost as though he didn't understand still. Which he probably didn't.

Maddox, Sr sighed, grinning, "He looks more like Thea."

I nodded, smiling. 

"Hyper like her too," I added.

"I heard that, Kale!"

"Whoops..." I winced, looking over at Thea who paused her conversation with Aunt Penny and Alice to shoot me a look. This made little Maddie laugh behind his hands again and I gulped that luckily Little Maddox didn't have either of his parents' temper. Yet.

My dad walked over, reaching for Little Maddie and placed him on his hip as he addressed Aunt Penny approaching with the others.

"Where is everyone?"

Aunt Penny shrugged a shoulder that the Six had come over for breakfast earlier but then they all took Eli to the high cliff for a picnic. Eli had been pouting the past few days so Easton thought it would be good for him to get out of the house a little.

"Course," Aunt Penny weakly grinned, "Easton had to carry Eli over his shoulder the whole way since he was protesting the whole idea."

"Sounds like Eli..." Thea sighed, looking up at Dennison.

Aunt Penny patted my cousin's hand before setting her gaze on Maddox, Sr. and Langley. She became so excited, flinging her arms upward and scared the living shit out of them from her abrupt move to throw herself at them.

Luckily Thatcher caught her by the waist just in time and pulled her back against him. My aunt grumbled, squirming to get away. 

Maddox, Sr. sighed that he and Langley had a lot of catching up to do with the rest of us. My dad patted him on the shoulder, letting him know to take it one day at a time. There was no rush. When he nodded, Maddox turned to Langley who was now leaning a little more against him. 

Hilda, the quiet caretaker for Maddox who traveled with the others in the truck, rushed over to help with the she-wolf.

"Oh dear..." Aunt Penny's eyes widened. "I'm so sorry, Langley! I didn't even think about bringing you in and off your feet!"

"It's alright," the she-wolf began but was interrupted when hearing the laughter coming from the woodsy area.

We all turned, looking at the dirt path entrance of the forest where the Six and Eli were coming out from. Eli was actually looking a little more pleased than normal as he held Easton's hand while the blond was telling him something.

The others laughed, shoving one another until looking up at us. One by one they started slowing down and it wasn't until Eli and Easton looked behind them to frown at the stunned faces that the pair faced forward.

Eli's hand slipped out of Easton's, the kid's gaze lingering on someone in our group.

Brows furrowed, Eli took one step forward. His brown eyes looked lost for a moment.

"Maddie?"

The kid swallowed, taking another step forward then suddenly cried through a tearful sob, "Maddie!" as he broke out into a run.

Maddox, Sr. left Langley's side for a moment to meet Eli halfway. The way Eli leaped into his arms almost knocked the guy over. But Maddox held him anyway. Eli squeezed his eyes shut, tears slipping down his face as he cried, "I knew it! I knew you were alive! I could feel it!"

I sighed, grinning as I felt relief that Eli was able to have that peace of mind now. 

My gaze rose from the hugging pair to the blond standing about a twenty feet away.

Easton's Adam's apple bobbed heavily, his blue eyes watering and his bottom lip trembling. He wasn't looking at anyone but the she-wolf standing near me. She sighed, letting her shoulders sulk as she smiled, "Easton..."

I hadn't heard such a heart-aching sob choke out of Easton since the last time he'd seen his sister. When he thought she was dead. 

Easton curled forward, his arms around his stomach as he seemed to be trying to breathe through the erratic sobbing he was doing. He fell to his knees, still hunched forward and I felt Langley's hand on my arm. She was gripping tightly to my sleeve and I knew what she wanted. Needed.

I wrapped my arm around her waist, assisting her with walking to Easton. She kept looking up between taking steps and she swallowed hard, tears slipping down her cheeks. A shaky breath left her lips while trying to move faster.

Once she'd reached what she felt was close enough, Langley tore herself from me and fell down in front of her brother. She reached over, crying as she let her hand brush over his curls. The she-wolf shook her head, whispering to her brother that it was okay. That she was okay. That she was home again.

Easton just continued to sob. His body shook so much that Langley scooted closer to pull him near. The blond wrapped his arms around her waist, crying into her lap and Langley shut her eyes, swallowing. 

"My baby---baby sister!" he choked out, shaking his head as he sat up. "Langley!" 

His blue eyes that were already so bright, became even brighter. Almost like a non-existent color in the blue spectrum. He shook his head, reaching for his sister who hugged him the moment he pulled her close. She now joined in to accompany his sobbing, trying to speak of how much she missed him and that she was so happy to see him again.

Easton pulled back a bit, taking an arm from around her to brush her hair out of her face. He sniffled, shaking his head that he didn't understand. He didn't understand how she was in front of him when the last time she was in his arms...

He shut his eyes, shaking his head; unable to bring himself to say it.

Langley sighed, licking her lips as she told her brother that she was hidden away. That for years she'd been held captive but that she was free now.

"I'm home. Safe and sound, Easton!" Langley swallowed, sighing that she couldn't wait to see their parents again.

But Easton wasn't going to let this go so easily. And I should have seen this shit storm coming.

Frowning, Easton took a moment to look his sister over. He noticed her face and its damage, along with the rest of her. She'd healed a lot more but was still pretty sore. 

"What..." Easton frowned at her. "What happened to you?"

Langley bit her lip, looking over her shoulder at me and I swallowed, nodding in encouragement. She sighed, looking back at her brother and told him that she'd been held captive for the past seven years. And that she'd been tortured throughout that captivity.

"T---Tortured!?"

Langley nodded, her lips trembling. She weakly smiled that she was doing a lot better now though. That no one had to worry about those people who hurt her anymore.

When he demanded to know who 'those people' were, Langley looked at me again. 

I decided to help her by explaining to Easton that the couple who had removed Langley's body from her grave were Advanced Hunters. That they played it off like they were part of the newfound Society, but in reality they were partaking in an on-going plan with their once-believed deceased son, Evan Gallagher.

"Who the fuck is that!? And what the hell was he doing with my sister!?"

The tone he had I knew was because of Langley, but I'm not gonna lie that I was a bit uneasy to speak more. But I did. I told Easton who Evan was and who he was the father to which then made Easton's blue eyes fill with a fire. 

"Maddox!? This was because of fucking Maddox!?" he shouted, standing up. 

Langley struggled to stand up and Easton quickly helped her. He then looked at Jonah and motioned him to come towards them. He handed Jonah Langley before turning to face me. Or more... looked behind me.

"You!" Easton growled, eyes shimmering gold as he pointed at a now frowning Maddox, Sr. He stood up, hiding Eli behind him who was worriedly looking up at him while holding his hand.

Maddox glanced at Langley who protested for her brother to calm down.

"Calm down!?" Easton repeated, giving his sister an incredulous look. "Langley! I just found out that you've been alive all this time! That you'd been tortured because some twisted fuck had it out for our kind!"

He twisted around again, sneering at Maddox, Sr. 

"This is all your fault!" 

I stepped in front of Easton's blazing gaze and held out my hand. Shaking my head, I assured Easton that Maddox didn't know about anything of this. That he too was just as much of a victim as Langley.

Wrong choice of words, apparently.

"What?" he snapped through grit teeth. 

I swallowed, shaking my head and pleaded with him to give himself a moment to calm down and let us explain everything.

Easton's lip curled, that golden gaze adding to the fire in them.

"You know what I want explained to me, Red?" I swallowed again, taking a step back when he growled as he neared. "What I want to fucking know... is how the fuck did you know about Langley and Maddox to begin with!?"

My eyes widened, not remembering about that minor detail. I winced, shaking my head that I could explain---

"Then fucking do it! I'm waiting to hear your explanation!"

Dennison frowned, shaking his head as he told Easton that it was him who had discovered that the coffins of Maddox, Sr. and Langley that were buried in the cemetery were actually empty. He didn't acknowledge (yet) Easton's eyes widening at this new information. Dennison further explained that the past weeks we were all trying to figure out the whereabouts of Maddox, Sr. in order to find both him and Langley.

Easton's eyes shut, shaking his head as he waved a hand in front of him.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa... Hold on a fucking minute..."

I nervously looked at the Six then over at the other group. 

Was it just me who could feel something bad coming?

Easton narrowed his gaze at Dennison and scoffed, "Did I fucking hear right... that you knew about them missing since... weeks ago?"

The blond raised a brow, growling before Dennison finally nodded, "Yes. We've known for weeks."

"And you didn't fucking tell me!?" Easton shouted. "Are you fucking kidding me right now, Auric!?"

Dennison's jaw tightened as Easton pointed behind him and shouted, "This is my sister! My flesh and blood who I had been distraught over for years! Years, Auric! Does that not mean anything to you!?"

He huffed, "Did you really think it was a fucking smart idea to keep something as vital as the possibility of my sister being alive from me!?" 

I swallowed, pleading with Easton to understand that Dennison was just looking out for him. That he didn't want to disappoint Easton if Langley was really gone.

I wish I hadn't spoken though. Not when that fiery, golden glare switched to me. It was so intense that I took a step back.

Easton scowled, narrowing his eyes more. "How long have you known...?"

"I..." I bit my lip, unable to tear my eyes from his. My stammering worsened the longer I looked at him.

"How fucking long, Red!?" 

Shutting my eyes, I winced out, "A month! A month, okay!?"

I peered an eye open to see the stunned look on Easton's face. He looked utterly distraught as he stepped back. His gaze dropped and jaw clamped shut. Biting my lip again, I tried to step forward to reach out to him.

"Ease... I  didn't---"

"Don't fucking touch me!"

Wincing at him shouting and stepping away from me, I shook my head that I didn't mean for him to feel left out on purpose. That I thought it was best so that his hope wasn't crushed if things hadn't turned out the way they did.

"I can't believe you knew all this time. How you just were able to look at me and lie to me!"

"I didn't want to! I swear!" I protested, hearing the desperation in my voice as I asked him to hear me out. 

Why couldn't he just let me explain!?

Easton sneered, narrowing his eyes as he shook his head that he didn't want to hear anything from me. That he didn't even want to look at me.

I frowned, swallowing that I didn't understand why he wouldn't let me say anything.

"You don't understand?" he raised his brows. He shook his head, scoffing as he looked away. 

He then scoffed again that Leo had been right all along. My back tensed at the name mentioned and yet it didn't stop Easton from going on. The fury in his eyes burned much more as he reminded me that Leo knew Advanced Hunters couldn't be trusted. That they were all the same.

I frowned, stammering, "Ease... Easton..."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He was twisting everything around! He was using the three psychotic Advanced Hunters who had tortured Langley to make a wrong generalization that all of the other Hunters were like them. Me included.

"I'm not like that!" I shouted, trying to tell him that I wouldn't hurt him like that. Or at all. "Easton, I love you! People who love someone don't even think about hurting that person!"

The growl overpowering my words made me clamp up. I felt my chin trembling and I shook my head that this wasn't fair! That he wasn't even letting me speak!

"You know what's not fair, Kale!?" He raised his brows. "What's not fair is that for weeks---weeks!--- you've been on my ass about not trusting you! That you were making me feel like a complete fucking asshole because I wasn't open with you... that I wasn't honest... that you made me fucking believe that you actually fucking cared!" 

Some of the others were trying to calm Easton but I had to make him understand that no one was his enemy. That we were just trying to help him.

"I do care!" I shouted back, brows furrowed. "Easton, if I didn't care then I wouldn't have tried being your friend to begin with! I wouldn't have tried to pull you out of the rabbit hole that you were falling into! I wouldn't have taken that moment to understand that I cared more for you than I wanted to believe!"

Easton shook his head, that sneer on his face again. 

"Leo was right... You're no fucking better than the rest of them. You fucked everything up, Kale, so much that I wish I never fucking laid eyes on you."

There was a painful pinch in my chest and I felt myself starting to shake. When I pleaded with him to stop, to just stop talking because I was trying to think, Easton did the exact opposite. He snapped at me that he couldn't stand looking at me. That I was no better than gum on the bottom of his shoe.

I felt quiet. I looked down, trying to keep myself together while I heard Dennison growl, "That's fucking enough, Easton!"

"Don't you start your shit, Auric!" Easton turned to him, pointing at the taller Werewolf. "You're on my fucking shit-list too! After knowing about my sister being alive all this time!"

"I didn't know she was alive!" Dennison shot back. "And stop treating Kale like shit! He didn't do anything wrong! I was the one who told him that he couldn't tell you about the empty coffin!"

Easton's gaze heated more.

Dennison scoffed, "If there's anyone to blame then it is me, okay!? I was the one who threatened Kale about telling you! He wanted to! He kept telling me that I shouldn't keep this from you but I was doing what I thought was best! And that included making him stay quiet!"

"You would cover up for them... Your loyalty to all these God damn hateful Hunters is so fucking clear, Auric. Especially since you're married to the fucking worst one!"

I saw Dennison's posture turn into one of defense. His lip curled as his eyes seeped into those of his inner beast. I could even see his nails shaping into claws from how agitated he was.

"Watch your fucking mouth, Easton. I won't tell you twice."

"You're not my alpha, Auric!" Easton shot back. He sneered, "Not since you chose them over us!"

Easton was out of control. I'd never seen him this angry. He was saying things that I know he didn't mean because of how heated he was. I think Dennison understood that too since he was holding himself back from a physical altercation between him and one of his best friends.

I don't know what I was thinking of getting into the firing range with Easton. Honestly... I think that was it. I wasn't thinking. It was just my desperation for Easton to not look at me so hatefully.

"Easton! Please listen to me! I thought I was different! Don't you remember that!?"

 I tried to remind him of what he told me a few times, but it bit me in the ass since he shot back that he did think I was different. That I was supposed to be but I proved him wrong because now he really did see me as everyone else.

He was turning back to argue again with Dennison but I wasn't done. I wasn't done trying to get him to snap out of this rage he was in.

When I pushed myself forward, taking hold of his sleeve to pull him back, Easton lashed out. He'd full on swung his arm while twisting himself around and all I felt was the seering pain against my skin. 

"Kale!" 

"Son!" 

"Oh my God, Easton! Stop it!" 

My hand latched onto where I'd felt the stinging pain. I fell to my knees, shutting my eyes and grit my teeth as I sucked in a breath to ease the throbbing. But it didn't really work. In the middle of me trying to hold myself together, I felt something wet between my fingers and I immediately knew what it was. 

I couldn't help it when I started to cry. It hurt so much! I didn't know if from Easton's hurtful words or him clawing me. Or both.

Someone was kneeling in front of me. I don't know who. But they were trying to move my hand to see the damage. Their voice sounded muffled like it was underwater. It might have been just me feeling so suffocated that I was starting to block everything out. 

There was so many people shouting, loud growls... snarls... and screams all while I was sobbing. 

The person in front of me pulled me close and I winced at the angle since it put pressure on my injured neck. I could feel the vibration of the voice from the one holding me as they were shouting something. But I couldn't concentrate because I was worried about Easton.

I winced as I turned a bit and panted between sniffles from what I was seeing.

Everyone was wide-eyed and frozen in place. Their attention in the center where Easton was flat on his back, staring up with a half-sneer at Thea. He was breathing hard, nostrils flaring. His chin tilted up to keep the tip of the sword from piercing into his neck.

My cousin had this look on her face that only came out with her Hunter Mode. She had a foot shoved against Easton's chest while staring him down. They both didn't speak until Thea grit her teeth and broke their silence.

"I'm not one to take things personally when directed specifically at me, Easton..." she started.

Thea narrowed her eyes, "But when you have the audacity to take out your fucking personal issues on someone close to me... That's when you fucking cross me." 

Before Easton tried to speak, Thea pressed her foot harder on his chest making him grimace. He narrowed his eyes as my cousin swallowed, her eyes teary.

"I don't know what your problem is... And frankly... I don't give a shit anymore... But I have never thought you any less than family, Easton---"

I could see Easton's scowl starting to melt.

"Seeing you hurting so much because of what happened all those years ago made me blame myself. I blamed myself for making you so unhappy. For hurting you when Pritchet killed Langley."

Easton's brows furrowed, swallowing as he glanced at his sister who was wide-eyed, horrified, and being embraced protectively by Maddox, Sr. Then Easton looked at Thea again.

"I'm not saying you didn't have a right to be angry... But how... fucking... dare you take it out on Kale. The one person who didn't have to give a single shit about you! But he did! Out of the kindness of his heart!"

"You don't---"

"I'm not done talking!" Thea warned, eyes blazing. Easton winced but fell quiet.

Thea's nostrils flared, lip curled. She narrowed her eyes more, shaking her head that she had every fucking right to show him what his insides looked like. I shut my eyes, turning my head a moment into the person's chest then looked back to Easton.

"But I'm not going to... for the sake of so much anguish already felt today. And because I know that despite you almost ripping Kale's throat out, he wouldn't want me to hurt you. He'd hate to see you in any more pain than you've been through."

Thea scoffed, shaking her head, "Though I'm not killing you today... I don't want to see you around here again." 

She grit her teeth, sneering, "I don't want you anywhere near my kids... my husband... my family... and especially anywhere near Kale." 

My cousin then looked up at the Six. Her brown eyes dark from the Hunter Mode.

"This goes the same for all of you! If you feel you share just even a fraction of Easton's and these other Weres' feelings towards me and my Hunter family... then stay the fuck away from here! Is that clear!?"

The Six blinked, glancing at one another but remained silent. 

Thea narrowed her eyes, shaking her head before she looked back down at Easton. She leaned closer, sneering, "If you think I'm so fucking heartless to your kind, then I'll give you what you want, Easton. The idea of going back to segregating Weres and Hunters seems to be your ultimate desire."

Gritting her teeth, Thea shoved her foot harder than necessary against Easton who hissed through a wince, "Then so be it."

She stepped off him, turning away after shouting at the Six to get Easton out her sight and off her Aunt's property. The Six scurried to follow the order; rushing over to help up the blond and started heading to the forest. 

Thea's scowl never left her face as she tossed Thatcher the sword and walked over to pick up her youngest son who was crying, "Mommy! Mommy, Cousin Kale is hurt!"

She was muttering something to him as she held him close, walking up to the house. Dennison sighed, closing his eyes and then looked at his father standing with my Aunt Emeel. They exchanged words before heading into the house too. 

Eli looked up at Maddox, Sr. who was in the middle of telling him something. The twelve-year-old frowned, nodding as he started to follow my aunts, Mr. Dennison, Alice and Thatcher into the house.

I felt a shaky breath quiver out of me as I started to cry again. The person beside me who I now knew was my dad from his soft, comforting, "I'm so sorry, Son..." pulled me close again. I wept against him, blubbering as I watched Langley look up at Maddox who brushed her hair out of her face. 

Langley inaudibly was saying something to him and Maddox nodded, raising his brows. The she-wolf then came over to where I was and knelt down beside me. She bent to meet my teary gaze.

Her touch was soft when she brushed back my fringe off my forehead but it fell right back. 

"I'm so sorry, Kale. I don't know what came over my brother... And I... I want you to know that I will make this right."

My bottom lip trembled as I shook my head, whimpering out that she didn't have to fix anything. That she wasn't at fault. 

"It's just... better this way, Langley," I hiccuped, sniffling as I laid back against my dad.

The she-wolf looked disappointed with my response but she nodded that she understood. She then told my dad that she'd help get me inside. My dad questioned about the Six but she shook her head that right now she was needed here. And that she wanted to stay.

Maddox appeared beside the she-wolf, frowning as he asked if I was able to stand. When I didn't reply, my friend let out a heavy sigh and helped me up carefully. We walked to the house in silence other than me blubbering like the baby I was after all.