chapter five
1315 Words
Ethan Pov
My stomach drops when I am informed of the news. My palms start to sweat and all I can picture is my mates worry. I have to tell her.
“Thank you. Keep us updated, I will let you know the decision.” I tell my informant and cut the call.
I take a deep breath and run my hands through my hair.
‘She will be so upset’ Bec says with concern. He hates seeing Em sad.
I best get this over with, important decisions are waiting to be made. I mindlink Elijah to meet me where Em is. He tells me that she is asleep in the games room. She was trying to work through some paperwork and fell asleep from exhaustion. I feel so guilty that I am about to add to her responsibilities.
‘Our responsibilities’ Bec adds.
He is right, it’s just hard with Em. She always tries to shoulder everything on her own. We try to help as much as we can without causing her more distress.
I reach the games room in mere seconds and creak the door open. Elijah arrives a moment after me and we both stand in the doorway watching her.
“Why didn’t you move her?” I ask Elijah in a whisper. He knew she was here so I’m surprised he left her where she is. She is sat at the gaming desk. Papers shrewn everywhere. She is lying her head atop the table, fast asleep. She still has the pen in her hand.
“I was worried she would wake. You know she won’t willing nap at the moment,” Eijah tells me with a sigh. “Speaking of, why are we here?”
“I need to wake her,” I say with regret. “I have some news to share with you both.”
He looks at me for a moment, assessing my concern before nodding. He steps toward Emerald and squats down beside her.
He runs a soft and slow hand over her arm, up her shoulder and down her back. She moans softly at the tingles gracing her skin.
“Princess,” Elijah says softly and tucks her hair behind her ear.
Emeralds eyes snap open and she looks around. Slowly she lifts her head and grumbles as she swipes at the drool on her face.
Elijah flashes her a flirty smirk, “save your drool for me later baby.”
She rolls her eyes and pushes at his arm.
“Hey beautiful,” I say and she looks at me. She squints her eyes and purses her lips as she takes in my tone.
“What is it?” She asks and my heart blooms at how amazing she is.
“I have some news from the castle,” I tell her and she perks up to listen. “It’s Arlo.”
“What about Arlo. Did he say what the issue was with Raven?” She asks and stands up.
“No,” I say with hesitation. “Actually. He never made it back to the castle.”
She stares at me, void of emotion or reaction.
“What do you mean?” Elijah asks.
“Well he is missing,” I clarify. “Raven is missing too.”
‘I’m scared, she isn’t moving’ Bec says. Emerald is just staring at me. Unblinking and unmoving. It is causing my anxiety to spike as panic takes over. I grasp her face in my hands.
“Em,” I say whilst staring into her eyes. “Em?”
Elijah runs a hand down her arm and holds her hand. “Baby? Are you okay?”
She still doesn’t respond.
“Em, as next in line they want you to make decisions.” I tell her and her eyes snap to mine in shock.
“Me?” She squeaks in disbelief.
“Yes, you. Jada is a baby so it is you who must step in.” I tell her with a nod.
She scoffs and huffs a laugh whilst taking a few steps backward.
Then she suddenly just pauses. She takes a deep breath and squares her shoulders. Then she strides out the room. I can guess where she is going so I follow her, Elijah following too. She is going to find her parents.
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Emerald Pov
My mother looks positively horrified before a disheartened look washes over her. I can tell she is struggling with the news. Every time they overcome an enemy, a mystery. Something else pops up. My parents thought it ended with Amber’s death. But now it is happening again. We are all feeling the sting from our memories of last time.
I spend the next hour firing out orders to different people.
I walk into my office with the boys in tow. Ethan and Elijah take a seat opposite to Reggie and Jessabelle.
I can see how devastated Jessie is by the news of Arlo being missing. It must be dragging up horrific memories for both of them. And Megan.
“What can we do to help?” Reggie asks immediately, his grip on Jessie’s hand not going unnoticed by me.
“I won’t sugar coat it to either of you. I have to go to the castle. I need to know you can handle running the pack in my absence.” I tell them straight.
Jessie seems confused, “you don’t want us to help look for Arlo?”
“No.” I tell her with finality. “I know you both experienced a lot last time. I need you to be where I know you can handle. If I sent you out to search for Arlo and those experiences started to resurface… you would be a liability to yourself and every other pack member.”
“Wow.” Jessie says and sits back in her chair with a huff. “Say it how you see it Em.” She is being sarcastic, hurt by my words.
‘Take it easy Emerald’ Jamie grimaces.
“I don’t have time to do anything else Jessie. I need to know my sister is safe. And I need to know my pack is safe in the hands of people I trust. My family.”
I don’t miss the brightening of Reggie’s smile. The boy will always be like a puppy dog to me, seeking my approval. But he is family regardless and I would trust no one more with my sister.
“What about Megan?” Jessie asks.
“She is joining a search party.” I tell her. “Along with dad and Yusef.”
“So you aren’t worried about Megan having flashbacks then,” Jessie sits back in her chair with a huff of annoyance again.
I squat before Jessie and take her hand in mine, I tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Look Jessie, Megan did not die. You did.” I tell her with raw honesty. “I will not put you at risk by sending you out there.”
“But you will put my twin at risk?” Jessie asks in disbelief, I don’t miss the slight tremble of her lip.
“Megan did not have the same experience as you,” i tell her.
“If anything happens to Megan,” she says and stands up. “I will hold you responsible.” And with that she storms out.
My stomach churns as I try to hold back the guilt.
“Hey,” Reggie puts a hand on my arm. “She’s just upset with herself, she hates that day being a weakness. We will look after the pack. You just take care of the castle and your brother.” He pulls me into a hug.
I squeeze him tight before letting him go, grateful that he is here.
- Writer
