“The connection Reiya has with Xander is needed. And then the connection between Hunter and Reiya is needed. The three of them are the key to her plan. The problem is there’s nothing halfway about it. Either they succeed or they’ll be lost forever.” Lita hopped onto her hippogryph and looked at the pack house in the distance. “We aren’t going to worry them over it. Let’s just keep working on what we’re doing. Maybe Asher and I can take their place.”
“We won’t give up while we have time. We’ll get right back to studying in the archives when we get back.” Asher kicked his feet into the hippogryph and the three took to the sky. They had a lot of research to do and were running out of time.
Hunter sat the phone down and poured himself another cup of coffee. He had just gotten off of the phone with Reed and had gotten a full report on the Briar Coven. They had finally had a few days of quiet. A week, to be exact. He was finally able to talk to Reed about everything that had happened with the witches.
“Is everything okay?” Freja asked as he took a seat.
“Yeah, they’ve elected a new leader now. It turns out that everyone involved has been taken care of. There’s only one that’s unaccounted for … Meryl’s granddaughter. And from the description Reed gave me, it’s the same child that injected me with the blood potion.” Hunter’s silver eyes looked at Freja.“They’re not sure where the girl’s been hidden away. I’m not worried, though. She’s just a child. I’m sure she won’t be a problem for us.”
Freja sipped her coffee. “She was just doing what she was told. I hope wherever she is, she’s able to live a normal life now.”
“Jin, are you sure you’re alright? I could have brought you breakfast in bed.” Chasen frowned at Jin, who was happily eating a bagel beside him.
Ciana giggled and shook her head, along with Freja. Chasen had been worrying over Jin nonstop.
“Chasen, let the poor girl eat. She needs to eat for her and the cub she’s growing inside her.” Hunter chuckled and shook his head.
“I don’t want to hear it. I know you’ll be even more protective over Freja.” Chasen snorted and looked back at Jin.
“Chasen, I’m fine. Now, please. Like your brother said, let me eat.” Jin giggled and swatted at Chasen.
Chasen sighed and looked at Hunter and Freja. “You sure we shouldn’t go and hunt down this child? Take care of her now before she becomes a problem?” He was already in overprotective father mode now.
Hunter chuckled. “I didn’t even think you were listening, what with how concentrated you were on Jin. No, I don’t think we have to worry about it. Besides, the covens are still looking for her. They’ll probably find her. She’s only a child.”
Renee trotted into the pack house, with Sam beside her. “Okay, we are sooo throwing a baby shower for you. It’s going to be so much fun. I can’t wait to go shopping for the new little bundle. Susan and I were just looking at baby stuff, and I am beyond excited.” Renee sat down next to Jin as Sam chuckled.
“Any excuse to shop.” Sam chuckled as he looked at Hunter knowingly.
The sun was shining brightly as the wind blew through her silver hair. Her sapphire eyes held a smile as she looked at the familiar territory in front of her.
“Oh my goodness, I’m so excited. Hurry, Lee!” Reiya squealed as she rode on top of a blue dragon.
Lee chuckled as he continued to flap his wings. To his side was a red dragon, carrying two passengers.
“Thank you for coming with us, Xander.” Reiya grinned as she looked over at the red dragon.
“Lila is back with Dex anyway. Besides, it is safer for you if we travel together. We know that mate of yours slacks on the job.” Xander grinned as the blue dragon growled lowly.
“I can’t wait to see the looks on Chasen’s and Hunter’s faces when we get there!” Brody held Chelsie close to his side. He couldn’t wait to tell his brothers about his mate and that he was going to be a daddy.
“Brody, look! There’s the pack territory. We’re here, we’re here!” Reiya squealed as she bounced around.
“Hold still, Reiya. The last thing I need is you falling off.” Lee flapped his wings, shifted downward and soared toward an open area below him. He could see werewolves that were sparring suddenly stop and look up, gawking at them as they descended.
“Hunter!” The doors to the pack house burst open, revealing a panting Winston. “Reiya is here!” he breathed out heavily.
“Wait, what?!” Hunter jumped up to his feet, he and Chasen grinning widely at each other.
“She and Brody just landed at the upper training ground.” Winston grinned at Hunter and Chasen’s childlike excitement.
Reiya looked toward the pack house and saw Hunter running out. She squealed and took off toward him. He opened his arms, and she leaped into them. He twirled her around and tears began to stream down her face.
“I missed you so much.” She sniffed into his chest.
Brody grinned and pulled his brother Chasen into a big hug. “You’re looking weak,” Brody teased as he hugged his brother tight.
Chasen chuckled. “I’m not the one who died. I swear, if you ever die again …” Chasen choked out the last part. He felt so much relief holding his brother in his arms.
