Secrets & Pain

POV ALPHA ARCHIE

Emerald's face isn't giving away a damn thing. I was planning on doing this differently, and it wasn't going to be after such a fantastic morning or lunch. The way we laughed, our off-the-wall conversation about screwing of all things, building better relations with my pack members. It's all been nothing short of amazing. 

I was worried about seeing her for the first time after my teenage outburst of silent treatment and being an utter asshole. She told me she noticed me and would be there for me no matter what.

Why I blurted that out? I could not tell you; maybe the anticipation? Or it's a fact I trust her. I've never trusted anyone with my entire being, not even Topaz. Yes, I loved her and wanted the world with her, but trust is difficult for me. Topaz got the most faith I could give at the time. 

Blaze is calm, relaxed, and collected, just sitting there waiting for her to say something. As for myself, my heart is beating like I've run a marathon. And my mind is going a mile a second, overthinking everything. Worried she might bolt out the door and never look at me the same. Though maybe when she hears my story, she will. 

"Topaz," she whispers. My whole body freezes in place as I look into those eyes, those beautiful green eyes. In some ways, mind me so much of Topaz. In others, Emerald are so much prettier. They are brighter and more intense. Looking at them, I can tell she is more determined, wiser, and stronger than her long-lost cousin. And though it sounds very shitty to say, I wish the moon goddess would have waited and given me her. 

Emerald clasps her hands, resting them on the island completely calm. She tilts her head, giving me a little smile, "talk to me, Archie, explain."

'I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't that.' Blaze is chuckling up there. Both are confused by this reaction, and damn makes me fall slightly more. 

Declan! The man had to point it out to me and hate how much I've come to respect him. I not only respect him but genuinely really like the guy. 

Need out of this house, the walls are caving in, and those eyes will be my death. 

I'm finally able to move, so I walk around the island holding my hand out for hers, "please, I need to go outside. I'll tell you everything."

Emerald, being who she is, takes my hand with a smile and lets me lead the way. I bring her outback down the paved pathway to a table by the pool. Once we sit down, I want to know exactly what she knows about Topaz. So that's what I ask her.

"I knew you had a Luna and that she was pregnant when the war happened. From everything I've read, though, I know you wanted it that way. For people to think he did too."

The basics. Everything that anyone can know with a single search. She's never found a picture of her which, in a way, surprised me. Though there are very few, I've got almost all of them deleted from every existing file. 

But with her being the way she is, I'm surprised she never found one and made the connection. Topaz was pretty, very pretty but not the caliber of Emerald. The family resemblance is there, though.

But now I need to tell her the story. 

"Topaz went into labor and had our son the day before the attack. No one knew because of the threats. I didn't want anyone using him against me or harming him to get to me. So they were locked in here. A day later, the attack happened. Topaz did not want to listen to me, I begged her to stay inside to protect our child, but she left him with her mother and ran out of the house. She was killed the second she went beyond the gates. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't have saved her. When her mom mind-linked me, I was on the fair east end fighting myself. In that attack, I was almost killed too. I got in a standoff with the other Alpha, and no, I do not say or try thinking of his name. I ended up getting the upper hand. After I was healed, I had Topaz's mother and father move in with me to be closer to their grandson. They were mourning their daughter. I needed help. I was an Alpha busy cleaning up war but also nineteen. About a week later, I woke up, and they were gone. Her parents took my child and ran off. I still do not have a reason because though I was young, I loved that boy with everything in me. If I could, he was with me. I had it set up when I was in my office, so he was there too. It was rare I even left him alone with her parents. Maybe they were upset that I didn't care. Topaz got killed at the time. I was livid Emerald; I fucking hated her with everything in me. Blaze too. She left our child with her mother, who was loving but no fighter at the time. They could have killed him too. Still, to this day, I won't lie; I hate her. A small part of me loves her for carrying my child, but that's it. Everything I've ever felt for her was gone that night; what I found strange is Blaze didn't even care and still hasn't registered pain with her. Do you know how long it took for me to find my son Emerald?"

At this point, she's crying, and it's killing me to see that. But I know as a woman, kids or no kids. Something of this nature would shatter any woman's heart. Even the glint in her eye tells me she is livid with Topaz too. That validates my feelings. Though I never needed it, it makes me feel a thousand times better. 

She sniffles, wiping away a tear, "how long?"

"I found them almost a year ago; he turns nine soon. They had my son for eight years, and when I found them, Emerald...." Blaze is snarling and wants to taste their blood. Everything in me turns hot, burning with rage. It feels like I'm standing in the middle of a burning building.

Emerald takes my hand in hers and squeezes it, "I know you want revenge, but right now, finish. Tell me what they did. Focus on having your son back and how much you love him. Can tell they aren't dead but paint the picture in your head that they are."

'Throats ripped out. Intestines

were all over the ground, and every limp was ripped from their body. Sounds damn good to me.' Blaze is sleazing, foaming at the mouth, ready to do that. But Emerald, that girl could hail a tornado with just her words, her touch, and again those eyes. 

Blaze even relaxes, focusing on his bloody picture, and so do I. It's a damn good picture. But she doesn't know that the one thing stopping me from killing them, well, Topaz's father, is Emerald. He's her bloodline, and I'm not sure she wants to meet him. Maybe she'll kill him herself because something tells me when I tell her that my son is a distant relative of hers, all hell is going to break loose in that tiny but incredibly sexy body of hers. 

'Declan,' Blaze rolls his eyes and mumbles. Reminding me of that small fact, but for crying out loud, it's helping me calm down thinking about her. 

'Let a man dream for a minute!'

Reality hits me of how hard I'm squeezing her hand, and I instantly drop. "I'm sorry!"

"Don't be, warrior, remember? I can take the pain now. Finish before you can't."

I snort and chuckle, "point very well made. But okay...." letting out a deep breath, I lean back in my chair and stare deep into her eyes. That is the only thing going to keep me calm enough to get through this.

"When I found them, they were starving and beating him, Emerald. He looked nothing of the Alpha blood he held. My son was thin and brittle, angry. So fucking angry, and I couldn't blame him. Didn't stop him either. The first time I saw him, he was thrown in some broom closet of their house. And because he didn't know me, he went full-on trying to attack me. Though he was weak could tell there was a fighter in there. I had to pin him down, and the second I told him I was his dad, that I was taking him home and that he would never have to see them again, he started bawling his little eyes out. It took everything I had not to rip them apart in that living room. When they saw me, they both were crying and pleading. There is only one reason I kept them alive and one reason only."

At this moment, it's best Gem is asleep because there is enough rage running through her that it wouldn't matter. I could let her lose on those two, and she would rip them to shreds without help from Gem, me, or my people. No one! 

I could also tell she was angry with me for not killing them. Even though I didn't meet her yet, I didn't want her to be mad at me for being someone who would kill another Eros. I knew there was a matter of time before finding out, and I still don't know how she's handling that. Still, I wasn't going to be another evil person to take another life of her family without her knowing why. I wanted proof of who she was, to keep them alive long enough for her to understand why I needed to do this and for her to forgive me.

With just one quick look at a few pictures, I connected with her and when we met knew that she was going to be or needed to be a permanent person in my life.

"I'm not one to kill for the hell of it, but in this instance, I would have no such issue. Will gladly kill them for you."

"Em..." I run a hand through my hair, "To...Topaz was a descendant of the Eros bloodline. I didn't kill them because things started clicking in my head, even though I had zero proof when I saw your picture two years ago. I knew you had to be some relation to Topaz. You probably know, but we have everything on file when you're with an Alpha, the Luna, and/or children. Samples of blood, hair, everything. I ran Topaz's immediately after seeing your picture. The test confirmed she was an Eros. I think she would have been your third or fourth cousin. When I captured her parents, I ran their blood. Her Father, Augustus, came back as an Eros. As I said had no proof you were one, just something in me knew, and then when I met you a couple of weeks ago. Clearly, you were just more of a prominent member of the bloodline. And I know that this makes zero sense, but another thing happened when I saw your picture. I don't know how to explain it. But when I went to kill them, I couldn't. The thought of you being upset with me for killing your family, for being another monster to kill an Eros. They didn't deserve that, I never believed they did, but to me, Augustus does. Still, though, just the thought of disappointing you, hurting you, or you thinking I did something like that just for who he was. Couldn't take that chance."

Emerald stands and starts pacing the length of the pool. Again, she's good at controlling her facial expressions, so I can't determine her thoughts or feelings. I'm waiting for her to bolt and never see her again. Will destroy me and put me back to how I was before, but I made a vow not to force her to say or tie her down. No. This is her life, and it's up to her if my son and I fit into it. 

"Is that why I'm here? You want permission to kill him?" She sounds a little pissed but hell no! That's not even close to why she's here. I stand and walk over, grabbing her hands. What possessed me to do that? I don't know, maybe so she sees how honest I'm being.

"No, Emerald, they can stay locked up until they die for all I care. You are here because my son deserves to know the good of his bloodline. He's part Eros, and to him, they are all evil. I want him to know that is not true. No one knows he exists in my pack after I found him because he's scared. He's afraid he's this evil little boy that will hurt everyone because his grandfather was. He seems to think it's inside him and hasn't come yet. You are pure Emerald. Everything about you is good, exceptional. Even your anger is clean, and you think quickly and logically. There is no evil in that boy. He cries every day and wants to protect everyone, but in his mind, this is how. I need help proving he's not, that your not, that Augustus was just a bad seed. And I need you, Emerald. You make me believe that I can let this go, let people in, and trust people again. You're bringing me back to life. That's why you are here. I want you in our life, as his family, as my friend. Take Alpha to Alpha if that's all you can give me."

Emerald's face splits into that gorgeous smile, and she wipes away her tears, "do I need to smack you in the back of the head? I told you I'm here, going to be here. We are friends, Archie. For crying out loud, you are the father to one of my cousins. I'll always be here for both of you, and we will get to you. Right now, I would like to meet your son."

She kept telling me, but I accepted her words instead of running this time. Emerald is willing and wants to be in both of our lives. I couldn't ask for anyone better. I might not get her in every way I desire, but as I said, take her any way she'll let me. 

I'm looking forward to her meeting Julius, but I wonder how he will handle it. Knowing she's an Eros, he might freak out, get angry, or who knows. Emerald, though, I am optimistic she will be able to find some common ground. 

"No smacking necessary, and okay, come on."

Every fear I had washed away, maybe a tad worried still, but that's it. I take her to the third floor, where all the rooms belong to him besides mine. 

I've been trying for almost a year to get him to come out to the pack, but he refuses. He stays in this house only and our yard. He asks for my schedule daily. He won't come down or sneak outside when he knows we are in the office. 

I hate that he feels like this. He shouldn't; Eros is an extraordinary bloodline. I just had my child with a girl whose parents went mental. After catching them won't lie always wondered if she ever endured the same punishment. Have a hard time believing in that, though. Augustus and Caroline adored Topaz; she was like their very own princess. Never once did I see her slightly scared or put off by them. So I think she has never been punished and abused like my son.

As we make our way down the hall, we hear his laughter. And I already know who's causing such a fit out of him. Adam. My Beta and I only talked a little outside of work-related topics, but they bonded the second we found Julius. He loves my son like his own and has never been more proud, grateful, or admired him more until that moment. 

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Emerald smiling ear-to-ear, hearing him, and it warms my heart, knowing that my son's laughter has the same effect on her. 

His bedroom door is ajar, so I push it open to see Adam and Julius sitting on the floor with a mountain of sweets. Any candy a child could want and shouldn't have in copious amounts. Adam is sitting across from Julius, tossing candy for him to catch in his mouth, and when he does, they both start laughing and cheering. 

Emerald giggles quietly at the scene in front of her, and I love they are having fun. But not loving the amount of junk my son is consuming. 

"Would you mind telling your Dad why you need all of that candy?" They both snap their heads at the sound of my voice, and when it comes to Julius, Adam doesn't care to be honest or playing the fun uncle card. Julius looks worried but more humored than anything. 

No one answers, but Adam tosses a piece directly at Emerald with a grin on his face, and I'll be damned if she didn't just catch it. And just like that, she catches Julius' attention. He's cheering for her. Adam winks at me, and now I know exactly why he did it. To form some safety net for them to start talking. 

"So one of you going to tell us what you are celebrating in here?"

I'm confused by the question, but Julius tilts his head smiling at her, "how did you know that?"

"I grew up with three boys, best friends, and a beta similar to Adam. When there was something worth celebrating, he would buy me ice cream because it's my favorite, and the boys' mountains of candy, doing the same thing. So out with it, what did you do that is worthy of the sugar high your poor dad will have to deal with later?"

Julius' eyes grow wide, "ohh! I love ice cream too! But, uhm, well, I was behind in school, like really behind. I passed all my tests today, so now I am caught up."

I'm over the damn moon proud! He was far behind to the point that he could not attend school. Julius is smart as hell, but since they never enrolled him after second grade, technically speaking, he couldn't just go back. He should have been in fourth grade this year.

I step closer to him with the biggest smile, "you are all caught up? As in, you finished fourth grade too?"

"Yes, he is!" Adam is brimming with pride too. 

I pick up Julius giving him the biggest hug, "I'm proud of you, buddy."

"Does that mean me and Uncle Adam aren't in trouble for all the candy?" He asks in his pleading little boy voice. I laugh as I put him back on his feet, "no but let's put the rest away, and you can have more later after dinner, deal?"

"Ooookaayyy..." he pouts. Then I see him tilt over, glancing at Emerald, curious about who she is. Now he's okay with adults but wants no part of children. Thankfully, Emerald does not look like a teenager.

As I watch him, he smiles at her and then marches up to her with his hand out, "I'm Julius."

"I know. My name is Emerald." She shakes his little hand, and he starts studying her. And hits me beside my staff. He's never seen me with a woman. I will never subject him to that besides work acquaintances when he's ready, friends or if I genuinely meet someone.

I was going to tell him it wasn't like that, but he made an observation that surprised me.

"You're an Alpha, right?"

She nods, smiling, "that's one of many things I am."

"What are you?"

"Well, besides an Alpha, I'm a Beta and a warrior. Oh, and the coolest person your dad has ever met."

Adam throws his hands up, "what am I chop liver?"

Julius gets a good laugh out of that one and looks over at me, "do you agree with her dad?"

I smirk at her, "I do, buddy."

"Kind of think she is too but isn't being all those things rare?"

The kid has been learning. "Yep, sure is, but she comes from two strong bloodlines."

Julius looks down at his feet, "good ones or bad ones?"

Kneeling in front of him so he can look me in the eyes, "buddy, keep telling you most bloodlines are good. Sometimes there is just a bad person. It has nothing to do with blood. It has to do with how you carry yourself."

"Were there bad people in your bloodline?"

That question hits me like a ton of bricks. He's never asked me that before, and I've always been scared to tell him. Only because he is already so damn hard on himself for a kid about to turn nine. No nine-year-old should be living or thinking the way he does.

Emerald steps closer, "may I?"

I am still determining what she plans on doing, but I know this is her way of getting closer. She is a gentle soul and able to speak logic to people who have no interest in learning or caring. He does, though. 

She sits on the floor, and Julius sits across from her without asking. I watch her smirk at me when she grabs a piece of candy handing it to him. He doesn't need more, but I'll let it slide. He smiles a little when he takes it from her, and she taps his nose.

"Do you like people being honest with you?"

Julius nods, "yeah, those people lied to me about a lot. I hate lying."

"I hate lying too, so I'm going to be honest, okay?"

He nods his head while eating his candy bar. "Your grandfather on your dad's side was a mean man. He did terrible things and hurt people, but you know what?"

He shrugs his shoulders looking defeated, knowing there are bad people in both his bloodlines, and I hope she knows where she is going with this. I don't need him thinking he's this awful child.

"Lived with him until he was seventeen, and your dad is not bad. Not even a little bit close. He might sometimes be mad at the world, but he's a good man. He is an excellent Alpha who takes exceptional care of his pack."

Julius looks up at me and smiles. Mine matches him because never has anyone given me so much praise, and I can tell she's being honest. She's not just saying it to please him.

"That's true," he adds.

"Do you think you are bad because of what those people did?"

"Uhm, well, I'm scared that I am going to be mean like them. Hurt little kids like they did. I don't want to do that. I don't want to be like them. Especially Augustus, he was the meanest." 

Emerald nods, folding her hands in her lap, "Okay, let me ask you this. Say you had a friend and you were out eating ice cream. You heard this other kid picking on another kid, saying mean things because he didn't come from money. What would you do?"

Julius thinks for a second and shrugs, "put my ice cream on top of their head and tell them not everyone is lucky enough to come from money. To shut up because money isn't guaranteed."

I'm blown away by that answer, but I also find it funny. I wouldn't mind him doing that at all. Emerald giggles, "see, you wouldn't hurt them. You would make sure they knew it wasn't nice. You aren't a bad person because Augustus is. My great-grandfather wasn't, my mom wasn't, and I'm not."

Julius looks wide-eyed at her, "you are an Eros?"

"Yes, I am. I only knew a few days ago, but I've always known their history—the best we can piece together anyways. Ezekial was a fantastic alpha, honestly a lot like your dad. My mom was amazing. No woman was sweeter than she, and I miss her every day. And me? Well, as I said, I'm pretty cool. My best friends would attest that I am pretty freaking awesome. Plus, I love helping people, and something tells me you do too. Telling you, Julius, even if you wanted to be bad, I doubt your dad will allow that. You are powerful, and you have Alpha bloodlines running through you. Sometimes you get angry, we all do, but it's how you handle your anger that matters. Like for me, I train or run. Or....." she leans over, pretending to whisper, "eat lots of ice cream."

Laughter warms the room, and Julius's laugh only makes us laugh harder. Emerald continues to render me speechless. Declan is lucky as hell. There is no better than her. She is pure perfection and will be the most fantastic mother and Luna. And I'm hoping Declan is wise because he would be a fool not to use her Alpha gene on top of her being Luna.

After a few minutes, Julius calms down and gets a shy smile I've never seen before.

"So you think I'm not bad like him?"

Emerald shakes her head, "not even close, buddy. Answer a question for me. What would you want to happen to them if it was up to you?"

'What the fuck!' Blaze is snarling, pissed at her for the first time. I am, too, but I'm trying to control it. I need to because there is a reason she's asking. I hate him having to even think about those people but trust them. That's what it comes down to. I fucking trust her.

Julius straightens his shoulders, "I thought about that for a long time. When Dad first found me, I wanted them to die. I was so mad."

"And now?" Emerald grabs onto his little fist to calm him down. And he does instantly. His body relaxes, and he has the most innocent look. 

"They lied to me. My dad does love me. I want them to go far away from us. I want them to live knowing how bad of people they are and that they will never get to see me again. They can't hurt, yell at, or talk to me ever again."

I can hear my heart crack. Not only can I listen to it, but I can also feel it. Dropping to my knees, I pull my son to me, hugging him like I did the first time I saw him again. Like my life depended on it.

He's an extraordinarily strong boy, my little Alpha in the making. My heart is out of my chest. Julius never told me they said I didn't love him but damn glad he knows that's a lie. I'd lay my life out for my boy. And if he wants to let them go, we can do that, and I'll do it the right way. 

As I'm hugging Julius, I reach one arm over to Emerald and graze her cheek, mouthing thank you to her. She touches my hand, smiling at me, and I want to kiss the living hell out of her. 

Emerald runs her hand down Julius's back, so I let go so he can look at her. She cups his cheek with one hand, "do you mind if I talk to them first?"

Julius shrugs, "if you want to, I don't know why you would."

"Because he's my blood. I want to look him in the eye and ask why he hurt such an incredible little boy."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

POV BETA ADAM - DARK MOON

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Emerald has accomplished something we have all worked towards for a year within thirty minutes. Archie obsession with this girl for the past two years is now apparent to me. I mean, see that at the training camp. She did something for him. He was less grumpy when we got back, and that's the most I've seen him interact with someone he didn't know+

. 

When Dean called with the news of Emerald taking on ten rouges and being seriously hurt, he left immediately without a flight or anything. He needed to make sure she was safe. Though I know Carter and how that pack is when it comes to this girl, she is their Queen. Even Luna Esma is head over heels for her. She would probably hand over the title to her if she asked. 

When they got home yesterday, I knew these two had something. When I heard her call him an asshole and was going to tell her not to say that, he mind-linked me laughing, telling me to let it go. Shocked. I've never heard his laughing at something other than his child.

Then watching him in that meeting. Archie told me how Declan said everyone would fall for her, and he was not wrong. All those men, including Bradley, started falling for her. And it's not just her beauty that captivates you. It's everything about her. 

Declan is one lucky son of a bitch. I hope he knows that. And this shows me how much Archie respects Declan because he would be all over this girl if he didn't. Any man in their right mind would try getting this girl.

I'm done between us having that interaction in the kitchen and seeing her with Julius. In love with this beautiful girl, and there is not one damn thing I can do about it. And for a brief second thought about what it would be like when she left. I don't like the idea. I don't know how any of us will handle that. 

As I watch Julius attack Emerald in the biggest wolf hug I've ever seen him give can't help my smile. 

'Feed them and get them cleaned up in fresh clothes. Once I'm done with my meeting with Bradley,

please bring them to my office. Emerald can talk to them, and I want to, also. Then when it's dark enough, we will release them.'

To hear Archie accepts what Julius wants is no surprise, but on this matter, it is. I glance over at him replaying his mind-link in my mind making sure everything I heard was true. He gives me a nod, and I get my answer. 

For Emerald's sake, it's a good thing Archie stopped the daily beating of Augustus and tongue-lashing toward Caroline. She was scared enough by his presence alone, so his glares or yelling were enough. He would let out Blaze and circle her torturing her. I'm not judging; I wanted them killed until Julius revealed his truth. 

I know what Emerald does with the rogues in her pack, so not sure how she would take to the abuse. Though Julius is family, Emerald is probably ready to attack them herself. Also, damn good thing that wolf of hers is still sleeping. She would go wild on those two. 

Pulling my phone out, I pretend to be texting the guard but taking a picture of what's in front of me. Julius is latched on to Emerald while she smiles over at Archie, who is giving her one right back in return. They need to remember this day, and so does Julius. He found a family member proving that he has a good heart and is not evil. And now I no longer fear what will happen to Julius because now he has to know how loved he is. 

After dismissing myself, I go to where we've been holding Augustus and Caroline. We have underground cells in the training facility, but we are still waiting for someone to know about these two. They are locked up in the cells in the basement because the people in this house are the only ones that know besides Emily. She's new, young, and naive. We don't fully trust her. Bad enough we had to with Julius.

The guard is rarely down here because there's no need. No way out or in without two different passcodes. The door is reinforced steel. Those pieces of shit are going nowhere. Plus, I come to check every 45 minutes or so. 

Do need help from Mario, our guard, since they need to shower.

'These two have a meeting with Alpha Archie this evening. He wants them showered. Need you to guard one.'

'Coming.'

Mario never questions shit. You never know if he agrees or disagrees, he does what he's told. Simple. Respect the hell out of him. 

I open the door and lean against the wall, where I can see both cells perfectly. They get a perfect view of me. Unbuttoning my suit jacket, I shove my hands in my pockets, glaring at them. 

Caroline does the same thing she always does, crawling over to the bars and pressing her face between them. 

"What's Julius doing? Is he okay?" Her voice is dry and sounds disgusting. She doesn't care about that boy but is putting on a show. I ignore her like always and roll my eyes. Looking over at Augustus, who's now standing at the bars holding onto them. I've always wanted to ask him a few things, but one is right on top of my head.

"Tell me, Augustus, how many Eros survived?"

He presses his forehead down on the bars, "I don't know, honest."

"Hm. Can you tell me what relation you had to Ezekial?" 

"Cousins."

I start pacing back and forth to make Caroline uncomfortable for her staring at me. Let my anger rise just enough to make them wonder what I'm doing or going to do. 

"Hm, Ezekial had one daughter, correct?"

He nods, "yes, but after the war, the elders funneled them out. I was out in the human world for a meeting. I do not know who survived or where any of them are."

"Elders act on their own, or did someone ask them for help?"

Augustus starts coughing, and because he's answering my questions, I grab a bottle of water off the shelve we keep in sight to torture them. Give one to Caroline, too, since she isn't speaking. 

"All I know is rumors. From what I heard, the Beta and Gamma didn't agree with their Alpha, so they asked the elders for help. They played it off that they got away through the woods while the war was in full force in the middle of town."

"Good." 

That is all I have to say. Not one for disobeying my Alpha, but in that matter, I most certainly would have. The Eros family where nothing short of well-respected, loyal, and honest. They would bend backward to help anyone, even those outside their pack. Considered everyone family. What the hell happened to this one? I don't know.

Mario walks in and nods in my direction, "having Alice standing inside, I'll stand out by the door."

I nod in acceptance and look at these two worthless people, "you two will be meeting with the Alpha this evening. After you shower, you will eat. No fighting, no escaping, no bullshit. I have no issue killing you for hurting my nephew, and I'm sure Mario has no complaints."

"None," Mario growls. 

"A...aaa...about what?"

Glaring into Caroline's eyes while unlocking her cell, "he's made a decision. Now, why don't you enjoy the shower, fresh clothes, and food you are receiving."

Mario takes her by the arm dragging her out of the room. As I unlock Augustus's cell, it's evident he's given up. He hasn't said much since being here, but at first, he would fight back and get angry, but now he's just accepting shit. I am debating if it's an act or if he's just tired.

Grabbing him by the back of the neck, I guide him toward the showers, "tell me, Augustus did you love your daughter?"

"Once upon a time until she betrayed her child, her mate, her family, and everything she believed in."

I slam him into the wall, and my wolf Grey surfaces. We are livid. He's suggesting that our Luna would do such horrid things. I don't know because there was another Beta at the time, but he and his son were both killed that night. But for him to think such things or not tell Alpha Archie? If this is true, why would he take the boy and not tell his Alpha?

"I'll tell him everything."

Grey growls at him, then continue pushing him down the hall. I'll tell Archie in person to see what he makes of it. He hates Topaz, so that will probably not help if any part of it's true.  

Mario tosses me a pair of grey sweats and a black shirt for Augustus to change into after his shower. Because my anger is getting the best of me, I shove him into the stall, watching him fall to his knees and slamming the door. 

Mario raises a brow in interest, giving me a little smirk. But I can't tell him what he just said to piss me off until I speak with our Alpha. My mind is racing, though, wondering how any of that is possible. I wasn't part of this pack when Topaz was killed, or Julius was born. 

I was acquired after the attack because his Beta was killed. My brother is a year older, so he got first grabs at being Beta and wasn't looking like I would ever have a shot. Until Archie was on the phone with my former Alpha at Black Moon, he said something about needing to find a Beta. My Alpha and brother sang my praises and have been here ever since. 

I always knew there was a block up between Archie and me, but I could see the true him within his actions. Who was I to tell him to suck the shit up and let it go when his son, who was only a few days old, was taken from him.

He's been opening up since he met Emerald. He is letting his guard down, becoming more comfortable and happier. Finding out his mate, the mother to his child, and our pack Luna who people still miss dearly, is a trader. This could be a halt to all that progress. Another reason it's good Emerald is here, she won't allow him to backslide. He might get ruthless with his mouth towards here, but something tells me she will handle that with stride. She deserves a warning, though. 

While they finish, I'm pacing in front of the door, trying to come up with an idea on how to warn Emerald and working on keeping Grey back from ripping this man's throat out. Everything he did to Julius, his accusations of Topaz. They have us both ready to rage. But one thing is eating at me and making me feel guilty for even thinking. 

Grey says it before I do, 'I believe him.'

I don't answer. Though she wasn't my Luna then, she is still the Luna of Dark Moon until Archie finds another mate and holds significance within our members. It would be disrespectful and disloyal of me to speak how I feel. I love my job and my pack, and yeah, Arch is a hard man to work for, but I enjoy working for him and not jeopardize that by throwing out my opinion. Because that's all it is, an opinion and a little gut feeling.

Been a few hours since Caroline and Augustus had showered. They were fed and were now being guarded in the small kitchen in the basement. Archie didn't want them to return to the cells after showering; this was the only room without windows, a locked door, and no way to escape. They don't know he's letting them go, but that's for a reason. To scare them. 

I'm not fully aware of Archie's plan. Still, he and Emerald went running around town while Julius stayed back with Alice baking something delicious, I'm sure. All I can do is smell the sweetness flowing through the house. It's making my mouth water. 

I did figure out how to tell Emerald, though, and that's what I'm waiting for now. Archie is awaiting Bradley in his office while he's punishing him. I'll inform her and get her opinion. 

A knock on the front door catches my attention, and I open it since I know who it is. He is looking more worried than pissed off compared to earlier. I take social cues well. He has no interest in pleasantries, and neither do I right now. Nodding for him to follow me, he does, and I knock on the office door and open it once.

"Bradley is here."

Archie stands from his chair and waves his hand for Bradley to take a seat. He nods in my direction, "won't take long, maybe ten minutes. Alpha Emerald find anything to get into?"

He did that to assert her importance to Bradley, who disrespected an Alpha. When he showed her his wolf and wouldn't back down, she could have called it disrespect and a duel to death. And no doubt she would kill Bradley in about 15 seconds.

But what Emerald is doing will not inform him of that. She is now making a mess with his son but a fun one. I snort, "yes, but I will leave that for you to find on your own."

Archie smirks, "I can only imagine with her, but that would do no good. She seems always to exceed those."

"What she's doing wouldn't enter your imagination or mine, but she did tell me to reassure you it will all be cleaned up."

He shakes his head, chuckling, "good to know. Find you both momentarily."

I can't laugh as I shut the door. There is no way in all goddess he will even come close to picturing what she has Julius doing. As I walk towards the basketball court within our property, I ensure I stand back far enough to not get flung with paint.

"Emerald, don't mean to interrupt the uhm, fun, but may I have a word for a moment?"

They both have paint all over them, all over the court. It's freaking everywhere. Emerald bought washable paint while she was out. At first, they were sitting on the ground painting on canvas, but that quickly turned into an all-out paint war. Julius is having the time of his life, though.

She's all smiles and giggles walking up to me, "Julius said he is only giving you 30 seconds to tell whatever it is."

"Of course," I chuckle and nod for us to move closer out of earshot.

"I wouldn't interrupt, but I wanted to warn you and get your opinion on something Augustus said when I was taking him for his shower."

That gets her attention, and she shouts over to Julius she will need two minutes. He pouts but doesn't argue with her, catching my attention. The boy is constantly barging with me.

Emerald motions for me to continue; my anger is controlled now. My annoyance is not, "he insinuated that Topaz betrayed her pack, Julius and Archie. Made it seem that she had something to do with the attack. I thought it best to tell Archie in person, and with his feelings towards the woman already not sure how he'll react."

She starts messaging her temple looking down at the ground. After a second, "I've studied everything on that attack. As a warrior, I wanted to see what went right and wrong. Anything I could find, I learned. Something never added up. Go over that later but always suspected someone in the pack was helping Noah."

"I'm not alone in my thinking, then." You can see the weight lift off me and hear the relief in my voice. Emerald gives me a reassuring smile then I watch her face ultimately change. She gets this mischievous look, and before I know what's coming, she and Julius start flinging paint all over me.

'They messed with the wrong wolf," Grey laughs hysterically. I am, too, as I dart over to the paint and start returning the favor. All you can hear is laughter between us, smiles on all our faces, and color! Paint everywhere! There are stripes and splatters of yellow, orange, blue, green, purple, pink, red, white, and black all over us. We look like walking canvas, and my suit might be ruined, but this is fun. And to see Julius having the time of his life is worth the five-hour clean-up this will take.

I don't know how long we've been doing this. Seems like hours and minutes all at once, but this is worth every minute of my time. We've been in our little world that I don't know when or how long Archie has been out here until Emerald bumps into him on accident.

The glint in his eye the minute he got to touch her, that meant everything to him. Emerald tries not to laugh as she backs up from him, "uhm well hello there Archie."

Archie seems genuinely humored by sight in front of him. And we have to look ridiculous, I'm sure of it. He shoves his hands into his pockets grinning, "Hello Emerald, you look uhm colorful."

We all start laughing as Emerald points to his dress shirt, "told you I'd brighten up that dark & twisty world you live in. Now look at you."

"Dark and twisty?" I bust out another jolt of laughter. Nothing is more fitting for the man. 

"That you did," Archie smirks. He addresses me, "take it as you agree with her observation, I'm dark and twisty?"

I have never been blunt with him, but I did learn in the part of the meeting that I attended that he respects that, so I will be honest. "Won't lie, yes but never judge you for it. I understand why."

He smirks in my direction and starts walking around, looking at all the paint on the court. "Hmm, how to get a man out of his dark and twisted mind? Would you both still consider me that if I did.....this!" 

If you had told me I would be in a paint war with my Alpha, his son, and Emerald this morning would have said to you that you are absolutely out of your damn mind. But nope, here we are, acting the same age as Julius, and Archie loves every minute of this. Our wolves are also pushing forward to join the action, and that's when I see Gem for the first time. Wonder how long she's been awake, but damn, her eyes are beautiful. Their Emerald eyes with added golden flakes within them. Just swirling around. She stayed for a bit before Archie could even notice she was gone. Think Emerald pushed her back, knowing he would make her go heal, and well, we are having too much fun. Also, she will not let him deal with Caroline and Augustus alone. 

We continue with our little war, laughing, bickering, having the time of the century until we hear a slight cough forcing us to stop. When looking over to see Alice beaming, Emily starts fidgeting the second she glances up at her boss. Nothing irritates that man more than she, and I don't blame him.

"Hate to interupt the fun but dinner will be done in thirty minutes and it seems you four are in need of cleaning up."

Julius starts pouting, but I toss him over my shoulder, making him laugh, "sure Emerald will play again but for now time to listen to Aunt Alice. Even if she's a party pooper." 

She giggles as I step beside her, and she playfully smacks me, "trust me I waited until the last minute I could. It did look very fun, next time invite me."

Emerald assures her she will and glances at Archie, "go. I'll clean this up."

"Nope, leave it."

That makes me stop in my tracks, and everyone in the yard stares at him in disbelief. He shrugs and starts walking towards the house, "I like it that way. Everyone get cleaned up and stop staring at me like I am a foreign creature."

Emerald snorts and shouts to the back of him, "you are a freaking foreign creature. Half man, half wolf!"

He puts his hand up, "you know what I mean, Emerald! I can't be dark and twisty with all that color out there. Now you two come in, get cleaned up, you go to the guest house and do the same. That's an order."