Love and Deception

Chapter Twelve

Noah

Noah and Wade returned to Elizabeth’s house with the totem in tow. Both of them were nearly vibrating with rage, though for separate reasons. Wade was so disgusted with the spell that he had mumbled curses in English and the magic language he used the entire way back to Liz’s. Noah was a little concerned at first that he was actually cursing Lucius but Wade assured him that cursing was too far down the dark path and he would never go there. Even for a sorcerer as dark as Lucius. He also mentioned needing to contact his council before he proceeded with the removal of the spell binding Luca. That made Noah even angrier than being told it existed. He felt so powerless and trapped with his inability to enact any kind of plan that didn’t rely solely on Wade. And the idea that Carlie could be hurt by any spontaneous bouts of stupidity on his side made him want to sink his teeth into something even more.

Elizabeth was waiting for them at her table with two extra cups of coffee. She looked at Wade then Noah and tossed a wry smirk at them. “Clearly your day has been as good as mine.”

“The idea that he would get away with this level of corruption and illegality is mind boggling. He went through the same training. The same knowledge was given to him as it was to all those before and after him. This…” He waved one hand at the totem he held in the other. “...repugnant display of the purest evil has been forbidden for millenia. I can’t even fathom how he discovered it in the first place! It’s been erased from this planet and realm! I have half a mind to go back there and force him to relive the trauma of that room over and over until the madness shreds his pathetic mind into an unsortable mess!” Wade railed as soon as Elizabeth had finished speaking. Her eyes had widened at first and then looked to Noah who was smirking. He was totally on board with the sorcerer’s plan for Lucius’ fate. Though he was fairly certain Wade was only venting. He wouldn’t act outside his Council’s wishes. And unless Noah had read them wrong they didn’t seem like the type to appreciate that level of irony. “I have to contact the Council.” He trailed off into a mumble about how much they had to know and what he needed for help.

“In a minute. You both need to hear this.” Elizabeth interjected. That got Noah’s attention though it took a moment to snag Wade’s. She sighed heavily. “They’re here.” She gave Noah an aggrieved stare which he responded by pinching the bridge of his nose. Yes, his parents were exactly what the situation needed. “I don’t even understand why but I suppose Dad having zero patience is to blame, as usual.”

“Wait, your parents are here?” Wade asked. Elizabeth nodded with an eye roll.

“Honestly I’m surprised it took them this long. And you should probably actually blame this one on Mom.” Noah chimed in. His sister’s face contorted into confusion. “Come on Lizzie. I told her she has a grandson. I mean, technically speaking I told Dad but it’s the same thing. How did you think she was gonna react?” Her frown turned into another wry smile.

“Well when you put it like that I suppose it makes perfect sense. Also explains why they showed up at the hospital instead of my house.” Noah looked around the place and grimaced internally. Yeah he could just imagine his father’s reaction to the recycled furniture and shoddy carpets that Elizabeth chose to live with. She had access to a trust fund that would keep her rich-people-comfortable for the rest of her life. Yet she insisted on making her own way and earning everything she had. Of course the trust fund was there for security, just in case.

“They didn’t contact me.” He said with a frown as he double checked his phone to make sure. There was a message from Carlie that let him know she was headed over to the hospital and would he like to meet her there. He sent her a quick text telling her to wait for him and he’d meet her at the door. He definitely needed to give her a heads up. She didn’t respond so he assumed she was driving. Hopefully she wasn’t there yet. “Well, Carlie is on her way there. So that’s great.” Now it was his turn to grumble expletives as he tried to think of the fastest way he could get to the hospital.

“Actually mother specifically requested his presence.” She nodded in Wade’s direction. That information cause his eyes to widen.

“Me?” He croaked. After the embarrassing display of fear he quickly cleared his throat. “Why would she want me? How does she even know about me?”

“Again, telling my Dad anything means that my mother automatically knows it too.” Noah pulled out his vibrating phone again hoping it was Carlie agreeing to his plan. It was an alert set up by his younger brother letting him know that someone was in Carlie’s apartment. Someone not her. He scowled at the phone. Of all the times.

“That still doesn’t answer the why.” Wade sulked.

“I’m sure she probably wants you to try some magic or other on her grandson.” He started to speak when Elizabeth held up her hand and continued. “It’s probably best not to try and tell her no. My dad is here too.” Wade visibly swallowed.

“I guess I’ll call the Council and inform them of the delay. Though I think one of you should inform your parents that there is very little I can do until this is broken.” He held up the totem again. Noah gritted his teeth.

“I’d love to but I just got an alert that someone is in Carlie’s place. If I had to bet I’d say it's Lucius or one of his henchmen. I gotta go make sure he’s not booby trapping the place.” Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose.

“So you’re not only going to leave me to handle giving the parentals bad news but also leaving Carlie to their mercy?” Noah shrugged. It wasn’t ideal but it wasn’t like they would hurt her.

“She’s my mate Lizzie. She’ll have to meet them sooner or later and it’s not like they’ll do anything terrible. Besides, you’ll be there.” He gave her a wide grin which she responded by giving him the finger. “Knew you’d see it my way. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Noah swiped his keys on the way out and waved a hand over his shoulder. Yeah he wasn’t sure he wanted to leave Carlie or Wade alone with his parents but her safety was paramount. She would understand. Noah barely noticed until he was almost to his car that Wade had followed him out. He turned to the sorcerer with a questioning look on his face. “Something else?”

“You mentioned your father hated my kind. What am I getting into here?” Noah took a deep breath and let it out slowly. His father would kill him for telling too much but Wade had a right to know the kind of minefield he was traipsing on.

“Look, a sorcerer once held him in his wolf form for a very long time. It was a terrible time for him and he’s never really recovered. It’s why his eyes are always yellow and he’s really not great at social situations. Though my uncle tells me that part was always the case.” Noah shrugged again. “He won’t trust you and will be very on edge with you around. Just don’t be any measure of aggressive with him and you should be fine.” He looked dubious and clearly worried for his survival. “My mother helps him. A lot. She humanizes him and tends to take the lead when he’s uncomfortable. Also, she asked for you. She might bombard you with her determination and positivity but she won’t hurt you.” Wade nodded and turned to walk back to the house. “Oh Wade? About my dad. You’re gonna need to make a good first impression.”

“Cause he’ll eat me?”

“Yes but I meant more about when in the future you want his acceptance. The first impression going well is going to be very helpful.”

“Why would I need his acceptance in the future?” Noah rolled his eyes. Because the pheromones coming off the sorcerer and his sister weren’t detectable by human noses at this point. Doubtful.

“Right. Just keep it in mind.” And with that Noah got in the car and backed down the driveway. Wade stayed on the sidewalk with a bewildered look on his face.

Carlie

Carlie entered Luca’ hospital room and nearly collided with another person for the second time that week. Except this time it wasn’t a tall man with a white lab coat. It was a petite woman, both in height and frame, with luxurious brown waves pinned away from her face but tumbling over shoulders. Her perfect heart shaped face and soft warm smile would have clued Carlie into her possible identity if she hadn’t caught the subtle shift of animal behind her gaze. This must be another relation of Noah’s. Perhaps she was Alex’s mate. “You must be Caroline. Sorry! Carlie.” She corrected herself with a beaming smile that Carlie couldn’t help but return. When Carlie nodded she was swept up in a hug that spoke to the underlying strength concealed within the deceptively small woman. She also smelt like wolf. And there was something else about her. Something almost familiar.

“Darling, you’re overwhelming the poor girl. She doesn’t know us.” A deep rumbling voice emanated from the corner of the room. Carlie hadn’t even sensed another person. When she turned towards its owner she immediately froze. Her wolf sank down to the ground as flat as possible in her mind at the immense pressure coming off the giant male in waves. His black hair and clothes nearly rendered him invisible in the shadowed corner he’d chosen to sit in. But his face was Noah. An older, much less friendly Noah. They must be his parents. She thought and then immediately swallowed around a suddenly dry mouth. Noah’s father, the man whose golden eyes had ensnared hers, was one of three North American alphas. He controlled the entire middle of the country. Not to mention was so powerful his presence was oppressing.

“Now who’s overwhelming her?” Noah’s mother admonished with a cluck of her tongue. His father blinked and broke the hold with a small nod to his wife. He turned his attention back to his phone and Carlie felt the heavy air of power lighten considerably. “I’m sure you’ve guessed but I’m Noah’s mother. Call me Ari. Though someday I’d love it if you called me Mom.” There was an aggrieved sigh from the corner which caused her to smile quickly. “But enough of that. Alex let us know what he learned and what he thought so we came right here. I hope you don’t mind. Oh also I need you to tell me everything about Luca. What does he like? What are his favorite things? What does he not like?” Carlie’s eyes widened as she tried to hold on to Ari’s train of thought and speeding questions.

“Ari.” The deep voice came again from the corner. She turned her head to look at him and then back to Carlie with a sheepish smile.

“Sorry. I just get so excited. Luca is my first grandchild.” She sat on the edge of his bed and patted his hand.

“It’s alright.” Carlie moved closer to stand by Luca’ head. She brushed a stray lock of hair back from his temple. “Did Alex have any suggestions of what to try next?”

“Actually yes. That’s mostly why I’m here and the reason I’m here now instead of waiting to be invited by my thoughtless oldest son.” Carlie couldn’t help but smile at that. Despite the venom of her words it was said with affection. “If that sorcerer would only move his butt and get here we could start.”

“Start what?” As if on queue an attractive looking nurse who was the perfect blend of the two wolves in the room entered with a terrified looking human behind her. At least he was trying to cover it but the smell came off him like a sour cologne. He was taller than the nurse but not than Noah. He had mousy brown hair that looked like it had a hand run through it one too many times today. He also had a slightly dazed look to his wide hazel eyes. At the sight of the male Ari’s hands clapped together in a very French gesture of pleasure.

“Excellent! Mr. Harper I have great need of your help.”

“I’ll do what I can ma’am. But I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed. I can’t do what you want.”

“How do you know what I want?” There was a hard undertone to her question that hadn’t been there in any of her conversation with Carlie. The nurse, who must have been Elizabeth, sighed.

“He’s not stupid Mom.” She clucked her tongue at her daughter and grabbed a hold of the sorcerer’s hand, pulling him close to the bed.

“All I need from you is to follow me while I locate my beloved grandson and then break whatever is binding him.” Just that? Carlie felt sympathy for the tense look on Wade’s face.

“Mrs Drayvin, I would love to help you but I honestly can’t. All I know about this spell is that it’s tied to this. I have no idea how to break it yet.” He held out a simple looking wooden figurine with a foul stench to it. Ari’s eyes instantly turned a bright green as she stared at the object and her lips peeled back off her teeth in a very wolfish expression of rage. Carlie’s response was similar though she also felt a small amount of heartbreak. There was the proof of Lucius’ betrayal. His choice to endanger her son for the sake of her loyalty. It stung. “Even if I could, Luca’ soul is far out of reach.” She waved her other hand imperiously and pulled him even closer as she sat back on the bed.

“Dear little sorcerer I have a very particular gift. I am able to locate my bloodline no matter where it is. No matter what continent, planet, or realm. Even death itself cannot keep my kin from me.” She paused for a moment staring into his eyes until his shrank back to normal size. “I will use my gift to send my consciousness to his location and you will follow me. Once we are there I will pull him with me. When I meet resistance you will dispose of it. Does that make sense?”

“And if I refuse?” She smiled sweetly.

“He’ll make you.” She nodded her head to the corner and Noah’s father. The heavy pressure filled the small space so quickly it stole Carlie’s breath. Elizabeth looked at her father angrily and Ari seemed completely unaffected. Wade visibly paled as he stared at the imposing figure of Noah’s father. He was decidedly more hostile in his appraisal of the sorcerer.

“Mr. Drayvin.” Wade’s voice was soft but firm and Carlie gave him credit for that. She hadn’t said anything to the alpha and her wolf was still cowering.

“Mr. Harper.” He unfolded his long legs from the chair and crossed the room in three steps to tower over everyone. “I’ll hold onto this while you work with my wife.” He wrapped a surprisingly elegant hand around the figurine and removed it from Wade’s grasp. He clearly did not expect any resistance, nor did he meet any. The sorcerer was trying to break out of the lock of the alpha’s stare. Carlie knew from experience how difficult that was. And she was a wolf. She also noticed the subtle threat in his voice at the mention of his wife. His message was very clear and Wade offered a small nod. Not that anyone would be dumb enough to try and harm that woman. Especially with her mate watching. Noah’s father straightened and looked over the sorcerer’s head to his glowering daughter. “Elizabeth.” He said with a nod.

“Father.” She bit out. He moved back to the corner of the room without ever giving Wade his back. He also studied the object his hand with obvious disgust but also an intensity that was slightly frightening. If he had been able to burn it with his gaze he probably would have.

“Alright. Are you ready?” Ari took command of the room once more and Carlie felt herself getting swept away by the force of nature Noah called a mother. She was holding Luca’ hand and Wade’s in the other. After his nod she closed her eyes and Carlie felt the hair on her arms stand up as well as her wolf sitting in her mind. She could feel the territorial surge with the need to protect her pup but also a deference to the woman before her. The entire room seemed to hold it’s breath in anticipation. Though after several moments of nothing it was hard not to be overcome with another wash of disappointment. She didn’t know why but she had really believed that they would be able to bring Luca back to her. It was silly now in hindsight to have even entertained it. Lucius was far too powerful. He was never going to let her go.

Another tense half hour passed in frustrated waiting. Elizabeth paced the room for the majority and answered a page by telling someone on the phone that she was dealing with a family matter. She then snapped that she would deal with them later when she no doubt met some opposition. Noah’s father was still studying the object in his hands and paid no attention to the quiet ritual before her. It looked like they were merely praying instead of...well whatever it was they were doing. She had no idea how Ari’s power worked but Noah had briefly explained it to her along with his father’s power. Or one of them at least. She snuck a glance at the man in question and felt a shiver steal up her spine. Noah’s father was able to override a person’s will and force them to do as he wanted. It was a skill he rarely used according to Noah. Still, Carlie was hesitant about anyone who could wield that kind of ability.

There was a sudden snap in the air around Luca and in the next instant the figurine in Noah’s father’s hand was crushed in what was no doubt an iron grip. Carlie was about to demand an answer when Ari’s eyes opened with a broad smile. Wade’s eyes opened too and then fluttered as he wavered. Elizabeth caught him and forced him into a chair while he recovered. Carlie didn’t have time to question them as she watched Luca stir. She moved to be in his field of vision if by some miracle he opened his eyes.

Slow, agonizing seconds crept by as his eyelids struggled to open. Carlie’s breath caught and held until the eyes she had longed to see more than anything in the world were finally revealed after a gradual lift of his eyelids. Deep brown orbs stared deeply and directly into hers.

“Mommy.”