Chapter 10

Ten

"I have a new motto: Expect the worst, then multiply that expectation times ten. This way when the worst happens, but it's not multiplied by ten, I'm pleasantly surprised. Yes, I know. I'm a genius. You're welcome." ~Peri

T he trip from the Adams to the Henrys lasted only a few seconds. Then, Lilly's feet were on solid ground, specifically the sidewalk. Thalion and Cyn appeared a second later, Peri having mentally shared the information with Cyn.

Lilly turned slowly and saw the house where she'd raised her daughter. Emotions welled up inside her. There were lights on, and she could see shadows of people moving around inside. It was someone else's home now, and they would make their own memories. A sense of nostalgia ran through her. She closed her eyes, picturing the inside of the house. For a moment, she could even smell the familiar scent of home.

"No time for sentimentality." Peri's voice intruded on her recollections. "We're on a schedule."

"No, we're not." Lilly sighed and turned back to face the Henrys' house. "You just made that up."

"Maybe." Peri lifted a shoulder. "Or maybe when I called Elle before coming here, it put us on a schedule because Jewel has been frequenting supernatural brothels that only allow those with a certain amount of dark magic to enter."

"What?" Lilly practically shouted. Of all the things Peri could have told her about Jewel, repeated visits to a place for people to hook up was not at all on her radar. Why would it be? Jewel was mated to a werewolf, a possessive one at that. Not that they weren't all possessive, but Dalton and Jewel had been through some crap, and he never let Jewel out of his sight. "How?" Because, again, he never let her out of his sight.

"I don't know all the details. I haven't spoken to the beta yet, but from what I know, she takes Dalton with her, but he can't go in," Peri explained.

"He doesn't have enough darkness in him because his mate is a gypsy healer," Cyn said.

Lilly still couldn't get past the part that Dalton was with Jewel when it happened. "He lets her?" Again, Lilly was seriously confused. "He hasn't tied her ass to a chair or bed to keep her from going?"

"I have no idea why. From what Elle said, Dalton apparently looks like he did when Jewel had been taken by Volcan. He's a wolf barely hanging on to his sanity."

"Was she with Elle, Sorin, and Dalton?" Cyn crossed her arms and widened her stance.

Peri shook her head. "Jewel is at the Colorado pack mansion. But Anna and Gustavo were with Elle and Sorin. Dalton felt like he needed to see if another healer could go inside and if Anna could pick up on something that was drawing Jewel to those places. Elle was going in with her."

"Dalton must be desperate to ask the mate of another gypsy healer to allow her to go into a place filled with so much darkness," Thalion offered.

"I would imagine so," Lilly nodded. "Okay, you're right. We're on a schedule. Let's get this done so we can help Dalton." Peri held up her hand. "You think you need to keep wearing the sunglasses for the Henry's or are you going to fill them in on your new history?"

"I think we need to get in and out." Lilly said, as her hand reached up to push she sunglasses up further on her nose. "I can get into my story sometime when we aren't worried about killer hybrids."

Peri shrugged. "Works for me, Queenie."

They walked up the steps to the Henrys' front door, and Lilly knocked.

"We will stand guard again," Thalion told Lilly, and they each took up positions on either side of the door.

The door opened, and Sarah's eyes went wide. "Lilly?"

"Surprise," Lilly said, lamely. "I'm sorry to just show up like this." She fidgeted with the sunglasses, already feeling like she should remove them.

Sarah waved her off. "Are you kidding? It's so good to see you! Holy cow, come on in." She pushed the door open wider. "And your friends, too. Everyone, come inside." She stuck her head out and looked at Cyn and Thalion. She didn't seem surprised at their clothing. "You two coming in?"

"Thank you for the offer." Thalion's tone was as regal as he was. "But we will stand guard while they fill you in on why we're here."

Sarah nodded and then shut the door. She motioned for them to head to the living room. Brian stepped around the corner just as they were sitting down, and his eyes lit up as he looked at Lilly.

"It's so good to see you." He held out his hand to her, patted it once, and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"It's great to see you two as well." More emotions surfaced. Lilly hadn't considered that coming home would be so hard or that she'd feel such a sense of loss. "This is Peri and Gwen, high faes from the Fae Realm."

Both of their eyes widened. "It's very nice to meet you." Brian cleared his throat as he looked at Lilly and then back at the fae. The two simply smiled.

"How are Jacque and Fane?" An eager smile spread across Sarah's face.

"They're doing good." Lilly nodded. She pushed the sunglasses up on her nose. To their credit, if they thought it odd she was still wearing them, they didn't show it. "I don't know how much Fane shared with you before they left, but we're here because there are some bad supernaturals that might be targeting you and Jen's parents."

Sarah leaned forward, resting her elbows on her legs as she looked at Lilly. "You mean bad werewolves are coming to Coldspring?"

"Not just werewolves." Peri's eyes shifted from Brian to Sarah. "Vampires and hybrid vampires."

"Fane didn't mention either of those." Brian's brow furrowed. "Or fae." He eyed the newcomers.

Peri shrugged. "He probably thought learning about one supernatural species was enough for the time being."

"Regardless of what he told you then," Lilly said, "what's important is that you know there are other dangerous supernaturals. They've been spotted in Coldspring. Jeff, the local pack alpha, has his people out dealing with any vampires or hybrids."

"So what do we do? How do we kill them?"

"Oh, snap." Peri grinned. "I like how she thinks. Living on the edge, Sarah." The fae pointed at her. "And while that is badass, I would advise you never to attempt to kill a supernatural. It will not end well for you. But I admire your gusto for violence."

"Peri's right," Lilly motioned to the high fae. "It would be way too dangerous for you to fight beings that are stronger and faster than you. Please, just notify Jeff if you see something out of the ordinary. Do you have his contact information?"

"Yes." Brian nodded. "Fane's father, Vasile, made sure we had it."

"Good." Lilly nodded her head as she tried to decide if she should even go into anything more, considering they weren't asking her about the sunglasses. There was much she could fill them in on, but they didn't have time for that. And she didn't want to disrupt their lives, but it was necessary for them to know they're in danger. "Well." Lilly stood up, and Peri and Gwen followed suit. "We need to speak with the Coldspring Alpha and see how we can assist his pack. If you need anything, you can call my cell, or Jacque's, or Jeff's. Okay?"

Sarah and Brian nodded and stood up as well.

"Will you tell Fane and Jacque we said hello?"

"Absolutely, Sarah. It was good to see you both." Lilly smiled as Peri, Lucian, and Gwen followed her to the front door. "We'll be in touch." She waved and then stepped outside.

Peri looked at Cyn. "We're headed to the Coldspring compound."

Cyn nodded as Thalion took her hand. "We need to check on my people. Unless you need us to come with you."

Lucian wrapped an arm around Peri, and Gwen held out her arm to Lilly. "I think we got this for now," Peri told her. "We'll call when we need you."

Thalion nodded, and then they were gone.

In the next breath, Gwen flashed, and their feet had barely hit the ground before people started coming out of a large house. Though not quite a mansion, it was much bigger than any in the main part of town. There were smaller homes dotted throughout the large piece of land as well. Lilly realized, looking back, she'd always assumed some rich family lived there and had built homes for their adult kids all on their own piece of property. It was in the southernmost part of town, a part she rarely drove to. Out of sight, out of mind. As she took the sunglasses off, her attention was drawn to the man walking at the front of the group. She recognized the Alpha, Jeff, immediately. She couldn't remember how many had been in the Coldspring pack back before, when Lucas had been in charge, but she was pretty sure it wasn't this many.

When Jeff was around twenty feet away, he called out, "Peri, Lucian, Your Majesty, all of you." He motioned toward them. "Welcome to our pack." The group of people stopped a few feet behind him.

Lucian stepped forward and held out his hand to Jeff. They clasped forearms briefly, then released each other. Lucian stepped back and planted himself right in front of Lilly and the other females.

"I wish it was under better circumstances."

"How many vampires and hybrids have you had to kill?" Lucian asked Jeff, getting straight to business.

"Five vampires and three hybrids. They were attacking several people in the neighborhood adjacent to yours." Jeff pointed at Lilly. "When my wolves came upon them, we dispatched them. And a fae was able to take the memories from the people."

Lucian folded his arms across his chest. "When was the last time you saw either kind?"

"Six in the morning. Our night patrol came across some vampires that were trying to find shelter from the sun."

"And you're actively hunting them?"

Jeff nodded at Lucian. "Correct."

Lilly looked past the men and saw that all the pack members that had come out with Jeff were now dispersing into smaller groups heading in different directions.

"They're going out to relieve the night-shift hunters."

She looked over at Jeff. "Your pack has gotten big."

"A result of all the rogue packs that went legit and needed places to go," Jeff explained. "It's been interesting, to say the least."

Lilly thought about what she knew about werewolves and assumed "interesting" meant there'd been violence, which was not shocking when trying to blend packs.

Lucian shifted on his feet, his attention focused on Jeff. "You mentioned one fae. Did the other fae warriors and warlocks that Fane requested show up?"

"They did," Jeff answered. "They've already started assisting by putting up boundaries that alert us to any vamps or hybrids that get too close."

"Gwen"—Peri motioned to her comrade—"will also be staying to help."

Jeff looked at the high fae and bowed his head to her. "We thank you for your assistance."

Gwen simply smiled and nodded. She was a woman of few words, Lilly had noticed.

"We've talked to Jen's family and the Henrys, and they both know and will pay attention," Lilly told the alpha. "Please keep them safe."

"Of course."

"If you need more help"—Lucian placed a hand on Jeff's shoulder—"Fane will send it. Don't try to be a hero and get you and your pack killed."

"I will call if we need help. I wouldn't let my pride stand in the way of the safety of our pack or this town." Jeff lifted his chin, though he didn't look Lucian directly in the eyes. He was letting the more dominant male know that he wasn't a pushover. Lilly had learned a lot over the past years about werewolves and their hierarchy. It was actually quite interesting. It was also helpful when a person was in this current situation and needed to know how to be assertive without getting themselves killed.

"We'll check back in a few days," Lucian told Jeff as he took Peri's hand.

Lilly rested her hand on Peri's shoulder and closed her eyes as they flashed to their next destination.

They reappeared in a forest, the only light coming from a lodge that looked like it had seen better days. The glowing sign hanging above the door read, All You Can Eat BuFae.

"Is this one of the brothels?" Lilly asked Peri.

The high fae nodded and then motioned behind Lilly. She turned and saw three familiar figures coming toward them.

Peri clucked her tongue at the three males. "Dalton, Gustavo, Sorin, you all look like hell."

"Can you please go in there and drag our mates out?" Gustavo huffed. "They need sleep. Both are determined to solve the Jewel mystery tonight."

Peri nodded. "I got this." She reached out through the fae bond to Elle. "Can you and Anna please exit the hell hole? Your mates are five seconds from throwing a furball fit."

"What, exactly, does a furball fit entail?" Elle tilted her head slightly and pursed her lips.

"Trees being uprooted, innocent bystanders being gutted. The usual."

"Is there anyone that comes into these places that's really innocent?"

Peri sighed. Why were all her comrades smartasses? "Just get your butts out here."

A minute later, the door to the den of sin opened, and Elle and Anna came strolling out. Well, Elle was strolling. Anna was trudging. She looked like a strong wind could blow her over. Gustavo hurried over to her and scooped her up in his arms. The Alpha's eyes glowed as he took a deep breath of his mate. She no doubt smelled like other males because there was no way Anna had walked through that shit hole and not bumped into people.

Sorin, knowing Elle wouldn't appreciate being coddled, waited until she reached him and took her hand, pulling her against his side. Elle leaned into him, and Peri saw that she, too, appeared exhausted.

"You both look like death warmed over." Lilly's eyes bounced from one woman to the other.

"That's weird," Elle said, dryly. "I feel as refreshed and unsoiled as a fae warrior that's been repeatedly exposed to disgusting acts of depravity while breathing in air filled with dark magic so thick it no doubt coats your lungs."

Lilly scrunched up her nose. "Sounds lovely."

"Wait to debrief us until we're back at the mansion," Peri told Elle. "There's no sense in having to repeat it to everyone. You'd probably pass out in the middle of speaking."

Elle nodded. "Fair."

Peri looked at Dalton, who'd simply been standing there with his arms crossed, staring at the establishment. He appeared as if he was contemplating burning it to the ground. Peri didn't blame him. The supernaturals that frequented these places weren't exactly upstanding citizens.

Lucian placed a hand on her arm and murmured, "I got this."

Peri inclined her head. Dalton was a wolf, and Lucian was dominant. If the Colorado pack beta refused to go home, her mate could get the male to obey without having to threaten him or toss him around like a rag doll until he realized he would not get his way.

"Dalton." Lucian's voice was low but laced with the dominant power that resided inside of him. "We all need to get some rest. Even you. You can't help Jewel if you're too tired to stand."

Dalton took a deep breath, his wide chest expanding slowly. Then he turned to look at Lucian and simply nodded. Peri found it difficult to swallow as she saw the torment in the wolf's eyes. He and Jewel had been through so much, just like the rest of them, and Dalton looked to be at the end of his rope.

"Can I ask a favor?" Peri asked as Dalton walked toward the group.

"Ask." His voice was rough, and Peri noticed that his canine teeth weren't in their human form. He was a wolf on the edge of control.

"Will you allow me to speak with Jewel before you go see her?" It was a big concession to make, considering he was her true mate and obviously needed the comfort only his mate could give.

He shrugged his large shoulders. "I wasn't planning on sleeping in our room."

Centuries of experience kept the shock off Peri's face, but inside she was surprised. She'd been told that Dalton had left Jewel, but she'd assumed it was just to try to figure out what the hell she'd been up to. Not that he'd left , left her.

"Peri." Lilly shook her head. The Warlock Queen was telling her to let it go for now.

Lilly should have known better. Peri wasn't about to walk into Jewel's room not knowing exactly what happened. She held out her arms for the others to grab hold but didn't bother to mention that she was taking them to her home to have a "Come-to-Great-Luna" meeting with the Colorado pack beta.

"Umm, Peri." Lilly frowned. "This isn't Colorado."

Peri patted the warlock queen on the shoulder. "Don't let anyone tell you that you're not sharp as a tack. Now"—she turned to face Dalton— "we need to have a chat."

"While you guys chat, I'm just gonna…" Anna pointed to the couch and then plopped down onto it. Elle sat beside her while Gustavo and Sorin took up stances on either end. Both males watched Dalton closely.

"What do you want to talk about?" Dalton's eyes glowed slightly with his wolf as he glanced at Peri and then at Lucian.

"I was thinking about perhaps the outrageous price of tea in restaurants these days." Peri lifted her shoulders dramatically and dropped them.

"Why tea? I'm thinking it's meat prices that are really the issue."

Peri held her hand up at Elle, never taking her eyes off Dalton. "You know damn well I don't give a fairy's ass about the price of tea. I want to talk about the fact that you've"—she pointed at the wolf in question—"fought tooth and nail for you and Jewel to have a life and future together. And now, when the going gets tough, you leave her."

Dalton bared his teeth at her. "I didn't leave her. I'm trying to figure out what the hell is going on since my own mate won't tell me anything. I can't just walk behind her like a damn sad puppy sitting when she tells me to and hoping she will give me a scrap of attention. And who the hell are you to lecture me"—he slammed a fist into his chest—"about my mate?"

"He's sort of got a point," Anna muttered.

Peri shot her a look, but the healer just gave her a small smile.

Anna laid her head back on the couch. "Sorry, Peri. I'm too tired and full of dark energy to be scared of you."

Peri rolled her eyes and then focused back on Dalton. "What's your plan?"

Dalton stared at her blankly, then dropped his eyes as he shook his head. "I don't have a plan. I'm just trying to get from one moment to the next."

Peri heard the pain in his voice, and suddenly the angry man who'd stood before her looked broken. This was the man she remembered when he thought Jewel had been lost to him. She could see the lines on his face, the dark circles under his eyes, and the weight of the world that seemed to have settled on his shoulders.

"Okay." Lucian spoke up when Peri struggled to find words. "We're not going to solve anything right now. Let's just go back to your pack and check on Jewel, as well as everyone else."

Dalton gave a sharp nod.

Peri said nothing. What could she say? The wolf was hurting, and though she didn't agree with how he'd handled things, who was she to judge him and their relationship? "Damn, I think I'm growing emotionally," she told her mate.

Lucian snorted a laugh through their bond. "Only took you a few thousand years."

"Shut up." She held out her arms for everyone. Then she flashed them to the living room of Dalton's pack.

As soon as they reappeared, she grabbed Dalton's arm. "Just give me a few minutes with her, okay?"

Dalton nodded as his eyes went to the stairs that would lead to the room he and his mate shared. His jaw clenched and his eyes glowed slightly. "I'll wait," he said through a tight throat, as if it took a ton of effort to even keep his words under control.

She looked at her mate. "I'll be back in a few."

"Don't take too long. I need to feed you and take you to bed."

"Is that all?" Her lips turned up slightly.

"Behave."

She chuckled through their bond so that only he could hear as she flashed, but she abruptly stopped when she appeared in Jewel's room. The healer wasn't in the bed, and there wasn't any rustling, footsteps, or breathing coming from the bathroom or closet. "Keep Dalton occupied, please," Peri told her mate. "Damn wheelers are going to be the death of me," she muttered as she took up a spot against the wall by the window and decided to wait for at least a little while to see if the idiot-genius showed back up.