23. Taken

Artemis’s POV

Me and Blake walked all the way to the council room.

He grabbed my hand and entangled our fingers together.

I gave his hand a squeeze as we entered the room.

The council had emotionless faces on. They stared at our hands as we entered.

We approached the podium looking down at our hands.

“The council has reach a decision.”

Me and Blake looked up with hopeful eyes.

“We have decided to—”

“—Allow you and your mate to be together.”

I huge smile spread across my face.

“If the Moon Goddess paired you up together, she did it for a reason. You two may leave when you feel like it.”

I couldn’t contain my excitement. I pulled Blake onto a giant hug and kissed his lips.

“Let’s go home.” He smiled at me as I nodded.

* * *

We arrived back at the pack house.

The guards took our bags as we entered the house.

All the windows where covered and all the lights where turned off. Leaving everything pitch black.

“Hello?” I called out.

All of a sudden the lights turned on revealing Gina, Jamie, Iesha, Justin, johnny, Noah, and Xander.

Me and Blake blinked a few times to adjust to the light.

“Welcome back!” They all yelled out.

Xander was in the middle of the room on a tricycle, wearing a red and white vertical striped shirt, and in a giant adult diaper.

I purses my lips into a thin line to keep myself from laughing.

Blake had his fist in his mouth to stop him from laughing.

“Xander? “Did you just get back from baby quartet practice?” I joked.

He glared at me. “I lost a bet, alright.”

“Was the bet to see if you would actually put it on?” I asked letting my laughter out.

“Actually, it was about if he could actually teach one of the puppies to skate board.” Justin answered.

“I’m guessing you won, Justin.”

He smirked and nodded.

“So what did the council say?” Gina asked looking hopeful.

“Let me guess, they allowed you two to stay together.” Xander guessed as I nodded.

“How’d you know?” Blake asked.

“I wasn’t born yesterday.”

“Are you sure about that?” I joked.

His glare returned.

“Where’s Midnight?” I asked.

On cue midnight came running and jumped into my arms, barking.

“I’m guessing you missed me.”

She barked once.

“Did you miss me?” Blake asked.

Midnight whined and tilted her head.

“I’m guessing that’s a no.”

“It’s a maybe.” I explained.

I set her back down on the floor.

“Alright, well, we’re back now everyone can just return to their normal lives.” I said.

“But we made barbecue .” Iesha pointed out.

“Ooh, food!” I ran to the kitchen.

We spent the next few hours, talking, eating and playing with the puppies.

I even told them about my mom and dad.

They were surprised that I was half werewolf but they were still happy that I told them.

Blake had to leave because he missed out on meeting and pack duties.

I wanted to call my grandparents, so I went upstairs to mine and Blake room.

I took out my laptop and called my grandparents. Since I haven’t talked to them in a while.

No answer.

That’s weird.

They always answer me.

Well might as well go out for a walk. I haven’t hunted rogues in a while.

I put on my hunters attire and started wondering the forest.

I saw something shining in one of the trees.

I slowly walked towards it with caution.

It was an envelope with a gold coin attached to it.

I picked it up and read it.

Are you missing something Artemis? I think you are. I took Hank and Linda. I will not give them up easily. I will send you another note soon. And don’t tell that little boyfriend of yours or they might just die of unnatural causes.

~Logan

I started to tear up. Logan has my grandparents.

I have to do what he says. I can’t loose them.

The gold coin attached to the note was my grandma’s. I guess in my family the women have a thing for gold coins.

I wiped away my tears and made my way back to the pack house.

‘Artemis are you ok?’ Blake mind linked me.

‘Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. It’s nothing you have to worry about.’ I replied.

‘Ok. I’ll be home soon. I just wanted to make sure you’re ok.’

‘Blake I’m fine. You should know by now that I can take care of myself.’

‘Alright. I love you.’

‘I love you too.’

I blocked him out and entered the pack house again.

I went upstairs and found another note in the same envelope sitting on the bed.

I closed the door and locked it.

I slowly opened it.

This time it wasn’t a letter our note. It was multiple pictures of my grandma and grandpa.

They had bruises on their faces and arms. Cuts on their stomachs and legs.

I broke down crying to see them like that. It was all my fault.

I wiped away my tears and hid the pictures and the note in the very corner of the closet.

I

can’t tell Blake. I can’t risk my grandparents lives.

I took a warm shower and got dressed in some PJs.

I heard a knock at the door. I opened it and revealed a very tired Blake.

He has small bags under his eyes and he looked like he was about to collapse.

I put his arm around my shoulders and wrapped my arm around his waist and led him to the bed.

“What have you been doing all day? You look awful.” I ask while setting him down on he bed.

“Thanks. I appreciate the compliment.” He said sarcastically.

I laid down next to him and glared at him.

He laid his head on my shoulder and pulled me closer to him.

“I went to four meetings, I had papers to file, and I had to train the guards today. That’s why I’m so tired.” He spoke up.

“Well go to sleep. You’ve always been worried about me, now it’s my turn to worry about you.”

He simply nodded and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Me. I couldn’t sleep at all, knowing my grandparents are in danger.