Yawning, I stretch my arms and legs. My eyes slowly open to a dim light shinning in the room. My eyes are a tad foggy so i blink a few times to regain clear vision. The light gently outlines a room that's familiar but not mine. I moan lightly as I lean up on my elbows. Huh, how did I get in Jayden's bed? I turn my head to the other side and jump a bit. Jayden lies there asleep and lookiong as content as ever. His right arm hangs near where I was just lying. I notice the bracelet I put on him is still clamped to his wrist promptly.

It brings back the memories from before I passed out. I still can't believe Manus knew I was me the whole time. I'm assuming he saw how similar I was to Mom when he loved her and those feelings transfered over to me. It makes a disgusting shiver scatter through my body. Spreading across my limbs like a hoard of spiders.

Not only did he start to get feelings for me, but he actually wanted me back, not my Mom. Ashely was even planning on helping him. I think that's what freaks me out the most. How real the situation was. The fact that a person was willing to help the criminal we are trying to prosecute, just for her own sick reasonings. She even received an artifact from him. The necklace my mom was telling me about. How could I have not noticed the similarity in the pictre Mom drew compared to the one on Ashhley's neck? I should have known that was the case. I won't be so naive about a situation like this again.

Speaking of which, as soon as I put my bracelet on Jayden, he was able to gain control of his own mind again.  The gem on the bracelet, it must be the artifact my mom stole. That's why she told me to do it subtly. She didn't want anyone noticing so that they didnt assume it was an artifact as well. There is only one way to find out whether or not it's an artifact.

I reach out and grab the bracelet in my hand. I try to slip it off Jayden's wrist but to no avail. It doesn't budge even an inch. I smirk to my self. That damn mother of mine gave me the artifact. Well that explains how I survived the fall off of the roof. This artifact is the one that protects your body from outside damage.

A moan sounds from Jayden as his arm reaches out of my grip and slinks around my body. He pulls me down and into his chest. I giggle as he nuzzles into my hair.

"How come you always wake up before me?" He asks gently.

I shrug. "The early bird gets the worm I suppose."

He sighs, "but I want to see your sleeping face every once in a while too you know."

I giggle at that comment. "I'm glad you haven't seen my sleeping face, I guarantee you it isn't a cute one."

"Every face you make is a cute one." My cheeks glow red. Dammit, how does he always get me to blush. It's not fair how flustered he makes me.

"How did I get into your bed by the way?" I change subjects quickly to avoid anymore embarassing moments.

"Funny story, glad you asked actually. You see, a large helicopter flew in through the ceiling in my dad's office and sent squad guys down to get you. You should have seen how many men they sent. Uncanny. They relayed you up and into the helicopter then all the way over to my room then fixed all the ceilings in a matter of minutes after landing you safely in my bed. It was rather impressive if I do say so myself, you missed quite the spectacle."

I roll my eyes at the nonsense rolling off of his tongue. "Haha Mr. Comedian. I get it, it was a dumb question. You carried me here."

He smirks, "I don't know, I kind of like my story better. It has more pizzazz to it."

"You are something Mr. Renalds... you sure are something." I sigh and add, "but really what happened after I knocked out?"

His face falls from joking to serious. "You mean what happened to Ashley?"

I nod. I'm not sure if I really want to know the answer though, judging by Jayden's facial expressions. I have a feeling I'm not going to like his answer.

"My dad agreed on probation."

"Probation?" I squeal. "That's all she gets? Your dad realizes she got into your head right? She even tried helping Manus, and all she gets is probation?"

"Keep in mind my dad is the Alpha and Ashley is his right hand man's daughter. He can't just imprison his Beta's daughter. You know how much hell he could cause this pack if he feels personally victimized?"

"Keep in mind" I mock his words, "that she convicted a felony and practically treason against the pack. Once everyone finds out what she did and realized she got away with it, people will start losing respect for your dad."

"That's why no one can find out."

"What? She's just going to go on living her normal life?"

"No, she will be watched almost every second of the day."

"That's not enough, this is ridiculous. If I committed something like this, I would be out of the pack in a heartbeat, no second thoughts would be made."

He frowns, "you know that's not true. I would never let that happen."

"Jayden let's face it. If your dad had a reason to get me out of this pack, I would be gone. Even you can't stop him. He strongly believes in his grandfather's rules and dictations. There is nothing that you could do to stop him."

Jayden for once has nothing to say. I think he finally understands the predicament I have been in since I entered this pack and realized he was my mate. Although Jayden can influence his father, it doesn't change the fact that he still doesn't like me and wouldn't hesitate kicking me out of here if I did something to break the rules.

"I can't believe that's all she is getting for this. It makes me sick. She tried to separate us Jayden."

"But she didn't."

I frown, "that's not the point." I take a couple deep breaths to calm down. "This is ridiculous. But at least she no longer has possession of that stupid necklace."

"Yeah, my dad made sure to put it somewhere safe."

"At least we can use Ashley in the testimony against Manus. We now have another witness that received a stolen artifact from him and he tried to convince her to commit treason. And even though she did commit treason, he still convinced her to, I suppose." I say trying to convince myself that this situation isn't all bad.

"That's true. Don't worry, he will be convicted for life for everything he has done. I won't let him get near you." He squeezes me tighter in our embrace, reassuring his words to me.

I nuzzle my head into the crook of his neck, "thanks Jayden it means a lot."

A knock sounds on the door.

"Coming," Jayden mumbles begrudgingly.

He sighs and releases me from our embrace. He tosses the comforter off his body and throws on a pair of shorts over his boxers. I watch the toned muscles in his back ripple as he makes his way to his bedroom door. I hear the door crack open followed by the sound of a frantic voice.

"Is Sophie in here? Please tell me Sophie is in here!" Lexi cries.

"Relax, she's resting in bed." Jayden tells her honestly, trying to soothe her crazed state.

"Oh thank god," she then adds, "move aside please."

I hear her foots steps quickly scramble into the room. I see her a few seconds later with her platinum blonde hair tossed up into a messy bun. She's wearing a loss fitting tank top with yoga pants. It looks like she was just lounging around her house lazily.

"Sophie are you okay?" Her voice is gentle as she asks. Jayden waltzes over to his bed and sits down next to me, causing the bed to dip.

I laugh lightly, "yeah Lexi I'm fine, I only fainted for a little while. It didn't take too much out of me."

Her face contorts to confusion. "You fainted? Oh my god, what happened?"

"Wait," I start to ask, ignoring her question. Clearly confused I add, "if you didn't know I fainted why were you asking if I was okay?"

Her eyes go wide, "you mean you don't know?"

"Don't know what?" I ask her, starting to get annoyed.

Worry crosses her eyes as she says quietly, "Manus got loose."

--------------------------

Jayden slams the door of his dad's office open, neglecting to knock. The Alpha is on the phone. He looks up as Jayden storms into the room. I quietly and slowly follow Jayden in and shut the door behind us. As soon as Jayden heard the new, he need confirmation. Not only that, but he is pissed. Especially since we found out through Lexi.

"Keep looking. I want the whole woods scanned, do you understand me?" The Alpha asks through the phone, clearly ignoring his sons disrespect. I hear a muffled voice respond on the other end. "I don't care how many men we need for the search. Get it done. Now!" He hangs up the phone. He glances up at Jayden.

"Why the hell didn't you tell me Manus got out? Don't you think that would have been some useful information for us considering he is after my freaking mate?" Jayden hisses through his teeth.

The Alpha's eyes lower angrily. "Don't use that tone with me. Also, we didn't realize until early this morning and I didn't want to disturb your time alone." He adds lowly, glancing back and forth between Jayden and myself. My cheeks grow red and I slide further behind Jayden, shielding myself from the Alpha's glare.

"Oh don't give me that crap. We should have been informed the instant you knew. Especially since the one in danger here is Sophia."

"Jayden your neglecting to realize that not only is Sophia in danger but the rest of our pack is too. Manus has his own pack out there who are still following his orders. Also we have reason to believe that he is in possession of the third artifact as well, rendering him a huge problem for this pack. So I hope you can understand that finding you and telling you about his disappearance is the least of my worries right now."

Jayden growls lightly, but not in a threatening manner, more in an annoyed manner. "So you have reason to believe he is in possession of the third artifact but what does that mean for us? What kind of power does the third artifact possess?" He finally asks.

"We're not sure just yet. I have people trying to scrounge up true information about the artifacts but it's hard to separate fact from fiction now-a-days." The Alpha adds annoyed.

"The power to boost his strength." I whisper, remembering my Mom's drawings and story.

The Alpha looks up at me, "what did you just say?"

Jayden turns around to look at me as well, clearly shocked. I step out from behind him and say, "the power of the third artifact. It can boost the strength of the holder."

"Are you sure about that?" The Alpha asks.

I nod, "yes sir."

"Where did you get this information?"

"My mother sir."

He sighs, "of course. How could I forget? Rachel knows so much about the artifacts. She researched them nonstop when we were all younger." His face becomes a little more calm when he asks, "Do you think you can get your Mom here? We are going to need her expertise on the subject."

"Yes sir, I just need to give her a call."

Jayden reaches in his pocket and pulls out his cell phone, "here."

I take it from him and add, "alright I will be right back."

I run out into the hall hurriedly. I dial my Mom's cell number. I place it to my ear and wait. The phone rings twice before I hear a click on the other end.

"Hello?" She asks.

"Mom!" I shout, glad she answered.

"Sophia are you doing okay? Whose number are you calling me from?"

"Jayden's phone."

"Oh that makes sense. I'm sorry I left you alone at the pack house but Jayden was just so worried about your well being that he wouldn't leave your side. He offered to let you stay in his room and I figured you wouldn't mind. Are you angry?" She asks me, genuinely worried.

I giggle, "of course not Mom. I never mind being with Jayden, but that's not what I'm calling about. Actually the Alpha needs you here. Do you think you could stop by? It turns out Manus got loose and we think he could have the third artifact."

The line goes silent. A few seconds pass with no words.

"Mom?"

"Manus got loose and he has the third artifact?"

"Yes, and the Alpha needs your knowledge, could you please come in?"

"I will be there soon." The phone clicks, signaling the end of the conversation.

I drop the hand with the phone to my side and march back over to the office door. Before I get there, the door flings open to reveal Jayden. He starts to walk away.

"Jayden what are you doing?" I ask curiously, following him.

"I'm going to join the search party. I'm going out there, and I'm going to find Manus."

My heart races at the idea of him going out there while Manus is free. He could be killed out there. I couldn't live without him by my side. What is he thinking?

"Jayden please don't go." I beg him.

I catch up to his fast pace as we walk toward the back door. His strides are long and hard. He is determined to get out there.

"No Sophia. I can't stay here and wait around. I need to protect you and I need to be proactive about it or you could get hurt."

I frown, "or you could get hurt."

"Better me than you."

My heart drops. "Don't you dare say that! You're just as important if not more important than I am. If you were ever hurt Jayden, that would kill me more than if anything happened to me." I admit honestly.

His strides come to a halt as we get to the back door. He turns to me. His dark emerald eyes bare deep into mine.

"Sophia, I'm sorry but this is something I need to do. In a sense, I feel the need to avenge everything he has done to you. That's not something I can do here in the pack house."

"He's strong Jayden, and with the artifact he is even stronger. You can't take him head on, you will only get hurt."

He shakes his head, "trust me on this one Sophia, I can take him. My wolf won't let him get away with what he has done. I'm going and that's final."

I see the stubbornness reside in his eyes. Deep in my head, I know that no amount of what I say will influence his decision. This is something he will do no matter what.

"Fine," I say.

He gives me an strange look. Confused by the fact that I've given up so easily.

"Fine?" He asks.

"Yup," I add as I open the back door and start to walk out. He quickly follows suit. "If you're going, then I'm going too."

His hand grabs the top of my left arm. His grip is strong and forceful but not painful. I can tell he is pissed at this new realization. He stops me from walking.

"You can't go out there."

I frown and look up at him. "And tell me why that is?"

"Because you're only going out there to manipulate me into staying. You going out there is completely negating the whole reason I want to go out there in the first place." He growls lightly.

I shrug, "if you're going to put yourself in danger, then I will put myself in danger as well. Whatever we are going to do, we are doing it together. Plus, I want to help take care of Manus. Nothing aggravates me more than the fact that he is roaming around as a free man."

Jayden's eyes darken. Fury rises throughout his body, but I firmly hold my position. Although I think it will be scary to go out there and face Manus, I want justice to be served. He needs to pay for what he has done to Ashley and to me.

"I'm not letting you go out there."

I raise an eyebrow, "well that's not really your call now is it?"

He huffs, "Sophia please. You need to stay."

"I will only stay if you stay. But if you go, just know that I'm going with you."

He frowns at my words, but finally he releases my arm. He looks back at the pack house and sighs.

"Fine if that's how you are going to be, then we will stay."

I smile relieved. "Wait, you're going to stay?"

He nods.

"Thank god, I was getting so worried. Let's go back to your Dad's office and tell him my Mom will be here soon."

I grab onto his hand and pull him back to the door. I know he must be angry with me, but I don't know what I would do if we both went out to get Manus. Even if we found him, there's no guarantee we would be able to capture him any way.