"Ethan?"

I felt my heart drop as I stepped closer to him. The dirt around him was littered with blood that was slowly oozing out of his neck into his fur that was sticky; dried yet a little wet as the blood slowly dripped out from under the collar.

He looked up at me with wide eyes and let out a warning growl. I let out a hot breath and kept walking. He growled again, but I didn't care. I couldn't stand the sight; the sight of him chained to a damn pole. The sight of my male hurt and tired; the silver must have kept him from sleeping.

He started to growl but my beast whimpered at him. "Ethan, please."

He huffed as we walked slowly to him. My wolf was going insane but there were nothing we could do. I warned her, she needed to keep her head together. We had to try to keep it together.

But my heart was breaking at the sight.

The silver. I could hear it burning. I shook my head and walked carefully until my nose was close to his. He whined and looked at me a little pained. If my wolf could tear up, she probably would have. She whimpered some more and nuzzled his cheek; letting the pull between us fill our bodies with endorphins to temporarily hide the pain.

He sighed as she licked his snout before she looked him over. Chocolate fur with stains of red around raw skin and tired blue-green eyes, very tired eyes. We looked at the collar and tried to see if we couldn't do anything about it. I got pretty close to it when Ethan nudged me away and shook his head.

"Just let me try?"

He shook his head some more and whined. I looked back at it and cringed. It was on there pretty tight. If I moved it, it would probably just hurt him more.

My beast whined some more then started to lick away at the blood that stained his fur. She was thorough and frantic with her work; Ethan let out soft rumble which made me smile inwardly.

She got up to his neck where he stilled. Even covered in blood he smelled amazing; his neck smelled amazing, but I knew now was not the time. Still, I let her lick at the area and clean off the crimson that was staining his chocolate fur. The more I licked, the more he purred and whined to me. It made me smile some more, at least he was feeling better.

After we were done, I stepped back and laid on my belly in front of him. He reached out his nose to me and grazed it against mine. My beast whimpered some more and scooted closer. I turned my head slightly so I could look at him. He gave me what looked like a half smiled and huffed.

"Can you link at all?"

He shrugged and I didn't want to push him too hard. But still, I just wanted to make sure he was ok. I had to know.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. You shouldn't be here–" he cut me off with a low growl. He gave me a long look and let out another long breath.

My beast stirred. I got up and walked carefully to him; making sure that I didn't move him too much so I didn't cause the silver to rub involuntarily. My beast got down on her belly then scooted up to lay with her back against his belly.

He purred softly then nuzzled closer to us. He licked the top of my head threw his front paw over us; if it were any other circumstance then I would say it was a cozy position we were in.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the tree, or any of the other stuff. I just–I didn't know how. I saw so much that scared the hell out of me and you were, well we were–," I sighed as I paused. "I should have, I should have had more faith in you. It was wrong, I'm sorry. Maybe if I did then you wouldn't be here. I've been so selfish, I'm so sorry. I ju–"

"I had my head up my ass sunshine, it's alright," his strained voice gently said into our link.

I blinked hard as he nuzzled my head. I felt him rumble which made my beast purr again. If we could we would rip that collar off of him, but only a key would unlock it. Utter bullshit if you ask me.

"I should have listened to you from the beginning sunshine."

"We're a mess."

He huffed. "Don't feel bad, I would take a lifetime of these if it meant keeping you safe. Speaking of, you shouldn't be here, it's not safe sunshine."

I blinked hard again as my heart twisted. Ethan sighed and cuddled into me more. His beast started to lick at my head to comfort me, which was absurd since he was the one chained up.

"I don't care Ethan."

"I do."

I let out a sigh and nuzzled my head against his then licked at his paw. "We could try to break you out?"

"No, we don't want to start that. When I take this pack back, I'm doing it the right way so there is no question as to whose it is."

My beast rumbled in approval of our male. "I'm going to kill her. Slowly."

He chuckled and licked at my head again, drawing a soft whimper from my lips. "I don't know what I'm more excited to see, you defanging Larissa or my mark on your neck." My beast purred at the thought. I felt my body flush as Ethan nipped playfully at the skin around my neck. "Because you better believe that as soon as I am out of this damn thing, that's the first thing we're doing."

"Ha," I chuckled deviously. "We'll see if you can even catch me first."

"Oh sunshine, not even trees will stop me this time," Ethan chuckled out before nuzzling the top of my head. My beast purred and relished his closeness as the pull started to slowly churn; a void we couldn't fill, yet at least.

We laid there quietly for what felt like it was too damn short when Evan came back to get me. Ethan raised his head up slightly as his beast stirred until he realized it was Evan. Evan gave me a sympathetic nod before backing up into the bushes. I sighed and started to slowly untangle myself from Ethan, who whined as my presence left him.

The run back was hard and sleeping on my own was harder. Lyanna was Evan in the spare room, but in my room at night, I felt so lonely. I got up quickly and tip-toed through the kitchen to Elliot and Derek's room. Elliot knew I was coming before I opened the door. He was sitting in bed with a smile and waved me over.

I sighed and crawled in bed with him while my heart started to twist a little. I bit back a sob. I knew I had to be strong but sometimes even the strong ones need a little cry.

"Shhhh, Char, It's going to be ok," Elliot cooed to me as he pulled me close to him. I nuzzled against his chest while he stroked my hair and let me have a cry on his shirt.

"Sorry about your shirt," I sniffled out.

He kissed my hair and sighed. "It's fine little one, I have plenty more if you need them."

I nodded and let sleep call to me, pull me into a place of happy dreams where blue-greens eyes stared back at me. I slept better than I expected that night. When I woke up the house smelled like pancakes and coffee. I smiled and sat up to see Evan sitting at the edge of my bed.

"Morning little sister." He walked around to me and hugged me tightly for a moment before kissing my hair. "We have a couple of new developments."

I felt my heart flip. "Really?"

"Yup," he replied almost cheerfully. Any news on a lead was good news for us. "Come on, Derek is flipping pancakes for you."

I smiled and scooted out of bed then stretched up tall. My limbs felt better today, my body felt better. I sighed and pushed a side of my hair behind my ears. "How's Lyanna?" I asked with a knowing smile.

Evan turned with a dreamy smirk as he stared at something over his shoulder. "Perfect."

"I'm happy for you Ev." I kissed his cheek before walking out of the room to the kitchen.

Ryder was already eating up some bacon and Derek was trying to teach Lyanna how to flip pancakes. If I didn't know any better, it would have been a perfect morning, but there was a pain in my chest. A pain from missing him, Ethan.

I tried to push the pain away. Dwelling in it wouldn't do us any good. Derek was suddenly at my side and crushing me into a hug. "I am so glad you're ok, I'm so sorry I wasn't here."

"I know, there's only so much grilled cheese and tomato soup I can take," I replied deviously.

"Hey!" Elliot shot me a mock scowl while Derek chuckled then kissed my forehead.

"Come on, we have pancakes."

"Morning Ghostrider."

I slid into a chair at the kitchen table and smiled at Ryder. "Morning Maverick."

Lyanna walked around to me with a cup of coffee and a warm smile. She rubbed her cheek against mine before walking to Evan where he pulled her into a kiss then a tight hug.

Ryder rolled his eyes and muttered something while Derek put a plate of fluffy pancakes in the middle of us. I felt my belly growl. Elliot passed around plates while Lyanna set down some syrup and a plate of crispy bacon, as it should be.

I took a sip of my coffee and let it warm my bones up before I looked over to Evan. "Alright, let's hear it."

Evan nodded then walked over to a chair and sat down. "Alright open the link up so Levi the Tikanni crew can listen."

I reached into a place in my mind where I felt it buzz, felt our link buzz. It was like something clicked. I opened my eyes and grabbed a few pancakes while I felt other people stir on the other end.

"Morning everyone," Liam said through the link.

"Morning," Evan answered as Lyanna sat down in his lap.

"How's my sister?"

"She's fine you asshole," Lyanna teased back.

I chuckled into my pancakes while Ryder just gave Evan a devious smirk as he wiggled his brows. Evan shook his head and wrapped an arm around Lyanna's waist before he kissed her cheek.

"Alright, everyone shut the hell up, let's get going," Levi ordered. He sounded grumpy this morning, he probably didn't have his coffee yet.

"Morning Levi," I said sardonically.

He sighed as something else stirred in my mind. "Charlie girl, you ok?"

"Peachy, Derek made pancakes."

"Shit," he hissed. "Lander bring me my damn coffee."

"Someone's cranky," I muttered.

"What else did you expect girly?" Lander answered. "Lyanna, how are you?"

"Fine dad," she replied with a blush. I heard a faint growl over the link which made Lyanna blush a little more.

"Tell your mate that he and I will be having a talk real soon..."

"He can hear you, ya know?" Evan added.

"Oh, I know you can boy," Lander answered a little darkly.

Ryder bit back a laugh while Evan shook his head into a cup of coffee. Elliot slid into a seat next to Derek and started to munch on some bacon while I drowned my pancakes and sorrow in syrup.

"Alright Ev, update, now," Levi ordered.

Evan sighed while Lyanna played with the hairs on the back of his neck. "So first, Ethan is fine. He's obviously not thrilled about his situation, but he's fine. Thomas has patrols guarding him or did. We were able to switch it around and get our men out there, I have extra out there too just in case. Grandad's been out there a lot with him too."

"Good, keep it up. What about Charlie?" Levi replied.

Evan nodded. "We are still waiting on Andrea to wake up, we are sure she will soon. Temperature is hot in favor of us. We've got guards outside the house round the clock. No one is coming near this house unless we know about it. Once Andrea is talking it should all go away, the assumptive charges that is, and Ethan should be released."

"What about that little shit?" Levi growled over the link.

"Larissa?" Lyanna replied. A growled rumbled from my lips. The damn she-wolf. I should have let those rogues have her ass.

Levi growled lowly over the link. "What is the procedure after? That girl lied. Blatantly lied and got Ethan collard because of it."

I growled again. Evan rubbed my arm which made me calm down. I took a long sip of my coffee then stuffed some pancakes angrily into my mouth, hoping the carbs would soothe my anger.

"Well," Evan sighed. "Per pack laws, it's like all, up to Thomas. However, she lied about rogues, put the pack in danger, harmed Char and her mate. Since a mate is involved it changes things. It means that Char would have a say on what to do, the pack's also leaning that way."

"And what do you want to do girly?" Lander asked.

"Things that would make the devil himself blush," I bit out.

Levi chuckled darkly while Ryder nodded approvingly. "That's my girl." He sighed a little while I swallowed down another pancake. "Now, girl you can't kill her. That shit deserves to live with her miserable excuse for a life forever, but you have my permission to–"

"Beat the shit out of her?" I finished.

"Beat the living hell out of her girl," Levi added. My beast rumbled in approval. That bitch wasn't walking for a while after I would be done with her, hell she would be lucky if she walked at all.

"Alright, next up Ryder let's hear it," Levi said.

Ryder sighed a little and put his coffee cup down. "So Remi and I found a few interesting spots but we can't pinpoint anything yet. It smells like, and I know this is crazy, but it smells like something is holding the scent. We get traces of in these weird clusters. I don't know. Remi's out right now looking and I am going to bring Jake and meet up with him. I think we're really close though."

"So if that's the case, if something is sucking the scent up, what do we do?" Liam asked.

"Call those damn witches Lander," Levi grumbled.

Evan nodded. "He's right. We may not smell the magic but that doesn't mean it's there. This isn't a natural cause, this has a witch involved somehow, I know it."

Lander grumbled then sighed. "Alright, I'll do it today."

"Good, now what about witnesses?" Levi asked next.

"Billy said that Sam may have a woman that saw something when Charlie was attacked at her home, but she seems a little shook up. She's going to go over there sometime today and talk to her. He also things there is an old warrior who saw rogues ten years ago. He's got Martin following up and should get back to us by the end of today or tomorrow." Evan finished and took a long sip of coffee then gave Lyanna a chaste kiss that made her blush. My heart warmed up for them; it was good to see Evan with someone who made him look at happy as he did.

"Alright, what else? You get into your dad's office Ev?" Lander asked.

Evan sighed a little. "I was going to wait until this collar shit blew over, the pack house has too many eyes on it. I also feel like Ethan needs to go with me, he spent a lot of time there with Eli. He may remember something from back then.

"Otherwise we still have eyes and ears open. Lyanna mentioned squeezing Aaron for information as well as Larissa, well, we were going to let Char do that." He shot me a dark grin which made my beast rumble in approval. I nodded while Levi chuckled softly.

"Tell me about Aaron, what about Amber?" Lander asked.

"Well, Lyanna said that, and Liam jump in here if you or Evangeline remember, but Lyanna was talking about how Evangeline told her that Arron was like terrified of Ethan at the council meeting, he and Amber. Could barely handle being around Ethan's wolf. Then a day later he challenges my brother to a fight he was always going to lose? I don't know, the more I think about it the more strange it is."

"He's right uncle," Liam added. "I was there the whole time, I remember. His wolf couldn't handle being that close to one more powerful than him, let alone in a room with so many alphas. It doesn't make sense that he would go from a scared kitten to spewing off all that bullshit. Why challenge Ethan like that? He knew he was going to get his ass beat, so why?"

Levi mumbled something for a bit before someone stirred. "Maybe something there brother," Lander mused.

Levi hummed in agreement. "What about the girls?"

"Larissa had to have known something. I feel it," Lyanna said. "Why the hell would she lie about rogues that almost killed her? Lie about someone who saved her life? It's just insane!"

"You think Thomas knew sis?" Liam asked a little tensely.

Lyanna looked at Evan for a minute and shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not. On one hand, he knew. He knew and worked with Larissa who already hates Char. On the other, he didn't and Larissa just hates Char. Larissa probably already knows how much Thomas doesn't like Char, and that something like that is a great opportunity to strike."

Levi growled a little. "Tail her for a few days then when Ethan gets out of that damn collar let my girl have a go at her."

My chest vibrated while Ryder nodded into his coffee. "I can do that," I said almost too enthusiastically.

Evan rolled his eyes and nodded. "Not sure about Amber though. She doesn't like Char, but she did make Larissa back up when Ethan was beating the hell out of Aaron. I don't know, what are you thinking uncle?"

"Those kids are not that young, how old are they?"

Evan mused for a second as he stared into his coffee cup. "Well, Aaron is twenty-one and Amber is twenty-four."

"Amber was around fourteen then when the attack happened and Aaron was around eleven. Now, Arron may not remember much, but if something was going on that girl sure as hell may."

My eyes widened. She probably did know something that fake blonde piece of shit Barbie. I felt my chest rumble as Evan's hand tightened around his mug. Lyanna rubbed his arm soothingly then kissed his neck where his mark was. He shivered then let out a deep sigh before nodding.

"What should we do then?"

"Who is she screwing right now?" I heard Evangeline chime in.

Evan raised his brows and looked at Ryder. Ryder shrugged a little. "Don't know sis but we could find out."

"Better question, who does she want to screw that is not my mate," I added. Evan looked at me curiously while Ryder cocked a brow. "Girls like that are full of themselves and hair dye. When she's drinking and around him, she'll brag to impress him. Believe me, I've seen it plenty of times."

"So we just need to find this douche bag?" Liam asked.

"Anyone else she's been favoring?" I asked.

"Jake," Ryder said begrudgingly. "She's always had a thing for him."

"Looks like Jake is taking one for the team then," Lander chuckled out.

"He doesn't have to sleep with her, he just needs to get her to talk," I added a little reassuringly because Ryder looked almost horrified.

Levi chuckled a little darkly. "Charlie girl you never cease to surprise me. Alright, is that it?"

"Yup, anything on your end?" Evan asked.

"Not yet but Levi's about to tear the pack up looking," Lander replied.

Levi rumbled then let out a tired sigh. "Alright, same time tomorrow and I want to know if anything changes. And dammit, keep my pup safe. So help me God Evan, do not make me come down there, because I will and I will tear that damn pack apart. Understand?"

Evan groaned then nodded. "Roger that."

The link dissipated right as Derek and Elliot looked at us amusingly. I forgot they both couldn't mind link with everyone, just Levi and I. Although, I wonder if they could with Ethan?

Evan went over the meeting contents with them which seemed to calm Derek down but not by much. He was still worried and apparently the vampires were as well. I could see it on his face, dread. I think we all felt it though, brewing deep in our bellies.

"So tell us about the vamps?" Ryder asked.

Derek sighed and looked to Elliot who nodded. "Well, our council of this region is getting, well I wouldn't say worried but more wary. There hasn't been unrest like this since the attack, but with the news of other rogues from the alpha meeting, it makes them nervous.

"Rogues aren't good for anyone. It means humans potentially finding out about us, or disrupting harmony between us. They have a reason to be worried, I don't blame Leo and Alex.

"But the treaty, while it's quite old, is still sensitive. Neither species likes anyone butting in their business unless absolutely necessary. I think we're fine as of now but if it gets worse then I could see talk of maybe stepping in happening."

"Shit," Evan hissed. He sighed a little and rubbed his tired eyes.

"Ev, you need to sleep," Lyanna softly said.

He sighed and nodded. "I know, I know. We have a lot to do though."

"An hour won't hurt you and Derek is here, please?" She gave him these puppy dog eyes that were hard for even me to resist. I smiled a little to myself as Evan caved. Lyanna got up then pulled him up with her with a satisfied smile that reminded me so much of Claire.

"Alright, stay inside and wake me up if anything happens."

We all nodded and watched him disappear with Lyanna into a back room. Ryder rolled his eyes then helped himself to the bacon that was left on Evan's plate. Derek chuckled while I just rolled my eyes.

"Well Ghostrider, I saw we watch our favorite movie today?"

I smiled and nodded as he shoved the pancakes in his mouth. "Let's do it Maverick."

Ryder and I watched 'Top Gun' along with 'The Sum of All Fears' with Elliot and Derek. Evan slept for more than an hour, more like four, and I couldn't blame him. He looked exhausted.

Eventually, Lucy came back. She was trying to get Emmet to come back but he refused as long as Ethan was chained up. While I did feel bad for her it made my heart swell to hear it. My beast agreed, she was happy the silvering male was our there watching over our mate.

We distracted Lucy with popcorn, cookies, and champagne. Derek had some in the refrigerator and said that there was never a bad time for bubbly. I had to agree; we ended up having a picnic in the living room while 'Double Jeopardy' played on the television.

I still felt anxious though. I missed Ethan. My neck was dully throbbing and the pull was twisting. I tried to reach out to him and link him, but he never responded. I assumed that it was the silver, at least that's what I kept telling myself. If I let my mind go to those places where it thinks of every horrible possible thing than I knew I would be out that door and back to him before anyone could stop me.

It wasn't until I felt someone run in through my door. Through my door and bringing news that made my wolf howl in joy. Jake was panting as he leaned over and looked at all of us. "Andrea's awake."

"What?!" I jumped up as Ryder went back and banged on the bathroom where Evan had just walked into.

Evan rushed out as I started to walk towards Jake. My beast was ready to go, ready to see Ethan. "What's going on?" Evan asked as he walked to Jake.

"Andrea's awake, she's on her way here to see Char. A warrior said Thomas is too."

Evan's face darkened a bit. "Stay here Charlotte." He followed Jake out of the door, leaving me with my mouth hanging open.

"The hell I am!" I marched towards the door but was pulled back by Derek.

He hugged me tightly to him as the feeling and scents of other wolves enclosed in on us. "Char, please," he pleaded into my hair.

I let out a rumble as the pull twisted. Lyanna walked to me and took her hand in mine then nudged her chin to the window. I nodded quickly and let her pull me over so we could peak through the shades.

Jake was right. Andrea was walking with Billy behind her and a group of warriors. She looked beat up as hell but that wolf held her head damn high. She had bruises all over her arm and a purple cheek, yet she looked almost radiant with her long golden hair flowing behind her.

Behind her though, in the distance, we could see Thomas. Thomas followed by Amber, a limping Aaron, and another group of warriors. My wolf stirred a little at the sight. She snapped out; she was more than ready to show them her teeth and rip those keys out of Thomas' hand.

Andrea got to my cabin and turned down the path then walked straight up the steps to Evan. From here I could see her say the words. Evan shook his head and pleaded with her but she let out a fierce snarl. "Evan," she warned.

My feet carried me out of the door before anyone could stop me. Andrea looked over Evan to me and her eyes changed from rage to relief. She stepped around him and pulled me into a tight hug, nuzzling my cheek and letting her beast check me over.

I felt my heart twist at the sight of her bruised face when she pulled away. "Oh my God Andrea, I'm so–"

"Char," she stopped me and hugged me again. "You saved my life. I will never be able to thank you enough."

I sighed and nuzzled her cheek again. "I had to, who else would bitch and have wine with me?"

She chuckled as she pulled away from me with eyes that looked almost glassy. Glassy yet still full of fire. "Let's get Ethan out of that damn collar."

I rumbled lowly and nodded. She linked her hand in mine and walked to stand next to her father, to Billy who was waiting at the bottom of the steps. I let go of her hand as Evan grabbed my arm with a pained concern painted on his face.

Thomas wasn't fuming, even worse, he was cool and collected as he walked up. Andrea rumbled as did Jake. Billy rubbed her arm which made her calm but I could feel her beast creep forward.

Amber looked up at us a little pained as did Aaron. They looked guilty, well Aaron did mostly. Amber's face quickly changed to a stone cold facade that reminded me so much of Miranda, but Aaron's didn't change. He was still beat up as hell from Ethan, but his eyes looked apologetic as he stared at me.

He looked like he wanted to say something as I cocked my brow  and looked at him, but he closed his mouth quickly and looked at his shoes as if he was embarrassed. Curiouser and curiouser.

"Andrea," Thomas called out and it was everything I had to keep a growl down. "Glad to see you're better."

"Thanks to Charlotte," she replied tensely.

He stopped where fence started around my yard and stilled for a moment. His eyes flickered to me then back to Andrea whose back was starting to sprout fur through her shirt. Billy rubbed her arm again and the fur receded, but he looked up at the warriors behind Thomas and gave them a look that made them all shiver.

"Tell me then, tell me what happened?"

"It's like she said," Andrea answered hotly. "We were running and Larissa came up out of nowhere trying to fight Charlotte, which fighting or attacking another pack member outside of sparring is against pack laws," she hissed out. "Charlotte tried to push her off but soon we smelled rogues. There were four at first and we fought them off, but then there were too many. We tore them up but they almost killed us."

The warriors behind Thomas paled and Amber raised her hand to her mouth in shock. She flickered her eyes to me then back to the ground. What was she hiding?

"What else?" Thomas asked.

"Char got me back to the valley in time for help, after that I don't remember because I passed out, but I do remember waking up today and hearing that you put a collar on Ethan because Larissa said this was Charlotte's fault?! Are you insane?!"

"Andrea," Billy whispered to her.

Thomas clenched his jaw and looked over to Evan and I then back to Andrea. "There was no evidence of rogues and I see Larissa running back here in a panic saying Thorne tore you two up! There was plenty of blood to prove it Andrea. I had good reasons."

"Bullshit," she hissed out. "There were rogues Thomas. Rogues on our land and you have done nothing! You let some wanna be she wolf warrior let you put a collar on your beta?!" He let out a low growl but was met by others around me. Andrea was fuming. Billy had his hand on her back but she looked about ready to come out her skin. "Larissa needs to be collard. She deliberately lied and harmed a follow pack member, Charlotte's mate!"

"She will be dealt with," Thomas bit out.

"It should be Char's punishment to give!"

"Andrea," Billy whispered again. She pinched the bridged of her nose and let out a hot breath.

The warriors behind Thomas were whispering now. They looked frightened. Their alpha had rogues on his territory and hadn't done a thing. Oh, I would love to see what they thought if they knew the whole truth.

"Thomas I think my daughter has cleared up this issue," Billy said firmly.

Thomas looked to Billy for a hot moment then nodded. He turned to leave but I wasn't about to just let him walk away. "The keys!" I yelled out.

Thomas turned around and held my gaze for a hot moment before stiffly turning to a warrior and nodded. I walked down the steps as the man fished around in his pocket before he chunked something metal that clinked a little in the air. They hit the ground right in front of my feet and brought a tidal wave of relief with them.

The keys.