"Last patient discharged," Amy said, coming back into the clinic with a clipboard in hand.

"I'm so tired, you might have to check me in soon," Berry said, flopping down on the couch. She looked at Amy. "Isn't it strange they have no memory of anything? No trauma?"

"It was probably a magical memory wipe. We wouldn't be able to detect anything."

Berry shivered. "That's scary. Thinking that someone could wipe your memory? Or change it?"

Amy nodded. "I try not to think about it," she said brightly.

"I feel like I've been doing that a lot lately," Berry mused. It had been five days since Naomi had flown off. She could only assume that she had gone to be with Damien. After all, if Berry had the ability to fly, she would have gone to Eric the first day. How Naomi had resisted the temptation, Berry had no idea. Her heart ached for Eric. They had been apart longer than they were together. Having Naomi was a comfort; they often both woke with nightmares. Now, Berry felt alone in her pain.

A small, nagging, and persistent part of her worried that Naomi had something to do with the returned hostages.

A familiar scent caught her nose.

Berry blinked a few times and sprinted out the door, staring down the main road. Sure enough, there was a car.

Shifting into her light brown wolf in the blink of an eye, Berry began sprinting toward the car. The car suddenly stopped, and a man popped out. Just as quickly, he transformed as well and sprinted toward Berry.

She was running and panting, thrilled, and exhilarated and nervous all at once.

The two nearly collided and shifted back to human form. Eric pulled Berry into a deep hug. Berry began to laugh and pulled him tight.

"Eric?" she asked, blinking away tears of joy as they fell down her voice.

"Is there another man you would hug in this way?" he joked, taking in her face like a dying man drinking water. He cupped her face and kissed her deeply. Butterflies exploded within her.

"I came as soon as I knew," he said. "Your dad was the one who pointed it out, actually." His eyes betrayed a hint of sadness.

"Pointed what out?" Berry asked, laughing.

Eric's hands flew to Berry's stomach. "One plus one equals three," he said. His eyes searched hers intently.

Berry gasped and stepped back. "Really? I thought maybe but didn't know."

"Your dad was going through structures and noticed another beta. A little beta." Eric kissed her on the forehead and took a deep breath, inhaling her scent. "I had to pull so many strings, but I'm here."

Berry kissed him on the chin. "I've missed you so much," she said. Eric nodded and traced her mark with his thumb.

"Me, too. It will all be over on Saturday," he said.

Berry blinked. "A week early?"

Eric nodded. "If Damien has his way, yeah. Have you been sick at all? Any adverse effects?" he asked nervously.

Berry shook her head. "I was late, but no sickness. Not yet, at least. My mom had horrible morning sickness, so I've always expected it, but nada." Eric grinned.

"And how have you been treated?" he asked.

"Well," Berry said. "We've had an interesting few days. When will your part be over?" she asked anxiously.

"Sooner than Saturday," he said. He nodded his head to the camp. "We can talk more there. This sun is hot." The two shifted and ran into camp, the car trailing behind.

When they entered, they shifted back to their human form. Amy stood, watching in amusement. "So, this is the Eric I have heard literally everything about," she said politely.

"You talked about me?" Eric asked, growling in pleasure.

"Nonstop," Amy said. Eric pulled Berry into another hug.

"I had to see you when I heard. I made a deal with Damien. Once he and Naomi connect, I am done. We can stay here until Saturday and then go wherever we please." His eyes held hope.

"Anywhere Damien is," she reminded him.

A quick emotion passed over his face that Berry missed. Was it fear? Shame? "Of course," he said.

Berry snuggled into Eric's chest, relishing in the warmth and comfort that rolled over her. They were pregnant.

"Wait." Berry said, pulling back. "What do you mean once Damien and Naomi connect?"

"Well, your friend will be leaving a little early. But, I hope that I am just as good of company as she is."

Berry stared at him in horror. "Naomi's not here."

"And where is she?" a deep voice asked. Berry turned and saw Damien looming over them.

Berry turned. "She was supposed to be with you."

+++++++++++++++

"You let her leave?" Damien roared, slamming his fist down on the table.

"She was not a prisoner," Daria said. "And if you cannot keep your anger in check, we will have bigger issues." Damien began to pace. Daniel stood silently in the corner. "Where is she?" he asked, leaning over the table aggressively.

"Can't you smell her?" Daniel asked.

Damien whirled and slammed his brother against the wall. "I can smell her on YOU. What have you been doing with MY mate?" he roared.

"Damien," Eric quietly said. "They are your best chance at finding her. Does anyone know why she left?"

"She was upset. She was caught sneaking out and one of our pack members was kidnapped because of it. She was upset and left," Daria said.

"Who made her upset?" Damien asked, half in anger and half in confusion.

"Believe it or not, I upset her because I scolded her for breaking our rules and leaving our pack lands."

The three siblings erupted into arguing and shouting. Slowly, the situation began to dawn on Berry.

"I know where she is," she realized. The shouting continued. Panic began to wrap around her like muggy air, making it difficult to breathe. "I know where she is!" Berry shouted.

Suddenly, the room dropped into utter silence.

"Daniel, when you saw her leave, did she take anything with her?"

Daniel nodded slowly with a glance at his brother. "A gun."

Berry's eyes began to water. "I knew it was too much of a coincidence. Naomi leaving and the captured pack coming back? The Eyeless want magic. That's why they only took gifted. That's how they erased their memories. You guys have said over and over that Naomi was different. Does she have old magic?" Berry asked.

The dots began to connect for everyone.

"She left to make things right for Gregg. She went to the Eyeless."

Damien swore. "When I am crowned king on Saturday, know that Joshua will be the first pack that I erase."

"Damien, where are you going?" Eric asked, jumping up.

Damien shook his head. "Stay with your mate. I will be back with my own."

Eric winced.

Daria and Daniel followed Damien out and Berry started to weep. Eric pulled her into his lap.

Eric waited for the door to close and then leaned in to Berry, staring to her eyes with frightening intensity. "You really care for her?" he asked quietly, intently. Berry looked up, confused.

"She's family," Berry said firmly.

Eric swore and pulled Berry to a standing position.

"We need to get to Naomi as fast as we can. Faster than Damien. I need to make a call."

"What? Why? How?" Berry asked, wiping her red and puffy eyes.

"Damien's not her mate."