Unchained

Finders Keepers

The whole team besides the ones that stayed back were a few miles out from the location on the map. The dot on the GPS blinked as they drew near. Devlin drove the pack van with Hayden in the passenger seat. Aleski, Amony, Fane, Charlie and Dena sat in the rows of seats behind them. Charlie anxiously looked out the window as the landscape rushed by her in a blur. She couldn't focus. It was becoming harder and harder the longer she stayed away from Xavier. She hadn't heard anything else from their mate bond since the last time they were abruptly cut off. She bit at her finger nails when Devlin announced that they were in the location. She looked at Hayden with hopeful eyes when Hayden turned around in her seat to check on Charlie. You ready? She asked as she watched Charlie drop her finger from her mouth an spit out her finger nail. She looked down at Charlie's hand. She had chewed her nails on her right hand into bloody stumps. Charlie nodded. Yes! I am ready! Hayden... I need to get him back...... and soon. Charlie said as she pulled on her jacket an yanked the vans sliding door open with a loud crack. Hayden climbed out of the passenger seat an went straight up to Charlie. She grabbed her by the shoulders. Charlie, please, try to keep it together for a little longer. I see that you are unraveling. I mean you bit your nails to the quick. I can't say that I know how you feel, because frankly... I don't, so I won't go there. I just know that you have to keep your emotions in check. I can not lose you. Hayden expressed as her eyes became watery. Charlie blinked a few times with a blank stare. Hayden, it feels like my wolf is trying to yank me out of my own damn body an leave me buried somewhere. When they say that your wolf is apart of you, they mean it. But my wolf is furious with me. She wants to find our mate. RIGHT.NOW. Charlie said strictly and matter of factly. Her eyes became red rimmed an her own eyes started to water. Hayden pulled Charlie into a hug. I am here for you. Just tell your wolf that we are here now. We will find him. Unharmed. Hayden stated as she let go of Charlie an looked her into her eyes. I need you Charr. We can do this. Together. Hayden added as she looked at her best friend. I need you to Hayden. More than you will ever know. I know we are here to find him but I can't get my wolf to calm down an that is the scary part. Charlie said as she leaned into the van an grabbed her weapons. She had a long sword an a nine millimeter hand gun. She placed the strap that held the sheath for the sword around her shoulder and stuck the gun into it's holder at her side. Let's Go. That is the only thing that will calm my wolf down. When we reunite with our mate. Charlie stalked off after Aleski an Amony standing by the cell tower. Hayden looked up at the tower an wondered why there was one out here in the middle of nowhere. She scanned her surroundings. It was all mountains and valleys as far as she could see. Devlin walked over to her as the other vehicles pulled up and everyone started to shuffle out. We are going to look here. Devlin pointed at the map on the screen. We are taking everyone that was in our cargo. I think the others are already teamed up as well. You ready? Devlin asked. Hayden didn't say anything, she just nodded an followed the way that Charlie had walked off too. When she walked up to their group, Amony stood with her eyes closed. She was focusing on Xavier's energy. She wanted to see if she could sense his aura as she did when she needed to find someone. When she opened her eyes she shook her head. Charlie sighed. I knew it. That asshole is keeping him drugged. We won't be able to sense him unless he wakes up for a brief moment again. She stated as she started up the closest hill. Everyone in their group followed. The other groups set off in different directions. They all made sure that their walkies were working before they set off. Halfway up the mountain the first group had already found a cave and cleared it over the walkie. The other stuff coming out of the radios were just chatter. Hayden thought as she spotted a dark spot in the mountain they were currently hiking up. It was more of a alcove in the side of the mountain. She pointed at it an Devlin looked. It is worth a try. Devlin told her. Hey guys! This way! He yelled to the others who had started to go the other way, they doubled back when they seen what he was pointing at. When they got closer they realized that it was an alcove that opened up into a big cave. The opening was at least ten foot high. Hayden stopped at the entrance an looked up. There were bats hanging from the ceiling. I don't think they would be here if someone were staying in there. Hayden commented. Depends on how quiet they are. If they aren't being loud enough to spook them, then they would be. Devlin stated as he slowly walked into the cave. I am not getting anyone's scents though. I don't think they are in here. He added.  We at least need to check! Charlie yelled as she stomped off through the cave. The bats started to rustle but didn't take flight. They were still hanging there, upside down with their wings spread an their red eyes open an watching them. Hayden studied them for a moment before she took off after Charlie. When she caught up to Charlie, Charlie was peeking around a corner with her sword drawn. Hayden stopped and watched her. Charlie must have noticed that no one was in there because she lowered her sword an walked further in. Hayden followed. They came to a cave wall a few feet down into the pitch black. There was no need to light a torch or break out the flash lights because their eyes adjusted well to the dark. Amony walked up to them. Come on ladies, let's go check the next one. Charlie took out her phone an deleted the first set of coordinates that she had on her phone. The next cave is just over the next mountain, to the north. She stated as she put her phone back into her pocket. She put her sword back into it's sheath an turned to give Hayden a ominous look. Hayden was very worried about her friend. She had never seen her act this way. She worried that her wolf was closer than even she thought to taking over. Hayden pushed her worries aside an ran over to Devlin's side. Can you mark this location off the map so everyone else knows not to check here? Hayden asked him. Yeah, I'm sure I can. He responded as he fiddled with the iPad. And done. He added, pushing a few more buttons. The location he had pinned on his map went away. He got on the radio an cleared it as well for good measure. Good, there is a mountain to the north that Charlie is wanting to check next. Hayden stated. But, there is one more before we reach the one on the north side. Devlin suggested. Just let her Devlin, we can double back if we have too. They won't be going anywhere. Xavier is probably still unconscious. Hayden pleaded. Okay. I just don't want to leave any stones unturned is all. Devlin replied an gave her a soft kiss. He started to walk away an she grabbed his arm. He turned an looked at her with worry in his eyes. What is it? He asked her softly. I just want you to know that I love you with all of me. If we don't get out of this alive..... I just wanted you to know that. Hayden said softly. Devlin gave her a sad smile. I love you too Beautiful, with all of me. But, we are getting out of this..... All of us. No one is dying today. Devlin stated with confidence. Hayden took him by the hand and they walked the way that the others had went. They were already way behind them. She looked out over the mountains. They seen that their friends were over halfway to the other cave. They hurried to catch up. She studied the landscape an she couldn't ignore the fact that is was beautiful. Everything was lush green. Even in late autumn. She guessed it was because this land was untouched by humans. She smiled as she stepped over a boulder that had white daffodils growing up from the side. She bent down an picked one an put it behind her ear. Devlin smiled at her. They continued to speed walk so that could catch up to their group. Amony looked back at them when they approached. Where have you two been? She asked with a smile. Right behind you. Hayden replied. Devlin nodded. She just stopped to admire the beauty of this place, see. Devlin pointed to the flower stuck behind Hayden's ear. Amony nodded. Beautiful. She stated. Aleski took her hand as they came to the cave entrance. Charlie stood at the mouth of it with her sword out. She turned around when they approached. She put her index finger up to her lips. They all took their weapons out. Charlie started forward slowly. Careful not to make any noise. She had heard a whimper when she walked up. She was the first one to step up to the cave so no one else seemed to have heard it, even with their supernatural hearing. She crept through to the first corner and peek around it. She could see that something was laying on the floor of the cave but couldn't tell what it was. She tip toed up to it when she seen no one there. She leaned down and picked the object up. It was a syringe. She turned to the others, holding it up for them to see. She placed it in her pocket an kept moving. She rounded another corner an stopped in her tracks. There hanging in the corner of the cave was a half naked girl. Her toes barely touched the floor. Charlie thought about the pain that the girl must have been in. She was blindfolded so she didn't know that they were there yet. Charlie didn't want Devlin's father to know that they had found his hiding spot so she didn't release her yet. Charlie crept past her to another opening. She peered around the corner as the other's followed her closely. Weapons out, ready for anything that was about to happen. Soon as she looked into the opening she ran in. There laying on the bed was Xavier. He was unconscious but he looked unharmed. Charlie jumped across the bed an landed on him. She started to shake him. BABE!!!! BABY!!! IT'S ME!!! WAKE UP! Charlie yelled.  Hayden ran over to her an put her index finger to her lips. She didn't know if Devlin's father was still in the cave but she wanted to take him by surprise instead of alerting him to their presence. Devlin walked over to the girl when she started to whimper after hearing Charlie yell. He untied her hands an she collapsed against him. He pulled up her shirt that was down over her waist an helped her get her arms back through the sleeves. After making sure she was no longer exposed he removed the blindfold. Her eyes were red rimmed and she looked very pale. Fane walked over to help Devlin. Damn, Who knows how long he has been feeding from her. Fane said with disgust in his tone. When the girl started to whimper again, Fane pulled the gag from her mouth. Thank God. I thought I was as good as dead here. The girl said with fear an exhaustion in her voice. What is your name? How did you get here? Devlin asked. The girl looked at him with fear in her eyes. YOU! She said with venom in her tone. Get away from me! She yelled an squirmed trying to break free from Devlin's hold. Fane took hold of her and nodded for him to let go. She hugged Fane an cried into his chest. Get him away from me! That is the man that tricked me! The girl yelled. Fane laughed. No my dear, you have him mistaken for his father. His father is the one that kidnapped you and brought you hear. We are looking for our friend. Xavier. Fane said as he pulled back from her. The girl looked at him then turned and looked at Devlin. Your right, but you look so much alike. He just has longer hair. His eyes are not kind either. She stated. I'm sorry, I panicked. My name is Melody. I met him at a bar. You know the one out on Highway forty. The Blue Moon. The girl stated. Yes, The friend that we were looking for, he owns that club. He must have been staking the place out an found his next meal there. How did he get you here? Fane asked. The girl looked confused for a moment. He told me that there was this big after party and that he wanted to take me as his plus one. Melody answered an then closed her eyes in pain. Sorry, I am not feeling so good. He has had me here since Saturday. What is today? She asked. Today is Wednesday. I am sorry he has done this to you but once we get out of here, I can make it all go away. If that is okay with you. Fane suggested. Melody nodded. I need some rest. She said as she closed her eyes an laid her head on Fane's chest. He picked her up bridal style an went into the room that Charlie and Hayden were in. He laid her across the massive bed beside Xavier an Charlie growled. It's Okay. She is very weak. She needs this. Fane stated as Charlie looked back to Xavier. Fane looked at Devlin with wide eyes as he stood back up. Devlin smiled an shrugged his shoulders. How long do you think it will take him to wake up? Fane asked. Devlin shrugged again. Maybe ten to fifteen minutes, maybe an hour, I know it won't be long. His metabolism runs high because he is a werewolf. That gives us a little time to look for my father. Devlin stated as his eyes flashed red then back to blue. Let's go then. We may want to let the others know our location as well. Tell them to come just incase he is still here. Fane suggested as they turned an left the room. Aleski, Amony an Dena stood in the middle of the cave looking at them. What? Fane said as he stopped in his tracks. I don't know? Why don't you ask the half naked girl you just fondled. Dena stated with a snarky attitude an turned an went back towards the cave entrance. s**t. Fane said an followed her out. He is in troooouuuble. Aleski stated with a laugh. Well, I am sure she will get over it. He was just trying to help. Amony stated with a smile. 

It took and hour an a half for Xavier to finally crack his eyes open and another half hour to get him to move. In that time they had searched for Theron. Devlin had finally let them in on his fathers name. There was no sign of him an they couldn't place where his scent had went from the cave entrance. I can't believe we found you! I am so happy. Charlie squealed as she rained kisses on his face. I didn't even know I was gone at first. Until he slipped up an let me open my eyes. He was injecting me with wolf's bane. It makes our nerves an muscles stop working an we can't stay awake no matter how hard we try. That is some strong stuff. I still don't feel fully awake. Xavier stated. I don't know. This was too easy. I think this a trap somehow. Devlin stated as he looked up at the cave ceiling then back down to the cave floor. He doesn't run. He has to be here some where...... watching. This doesn't feel right. He added.  Where do you think he is hiding? Why do you think he is still here? Amony asked. I am not sensing his presence. She stated. I just know him. He wouldn't have given up this easily. He has tried to kill me on more than one occasion. s**t! We need to get home. You see this is the trap! He is going after Ava!! Devlin said as he gathered up his things. Hayden jumped up. Devlin! Attica placed an invisibility spell on the house. He won't be able to find them. She yelled. The spell only works for people that have not seen the house already. He has seen it! I know he has! He went right next door to get Xavier out of his bed. There is no way that he did not see our house! Devlin yelled. Oh My GODDESS!! Hayden cried an covered her face. Xavier can you walk? Fane asked as he went over to the bed. The girl was still asleep an she whined when he bumped the bed. I think I can. Xavier said as he scooted closer to the edge of the bed. He planted his feet on the floor an stood up. He was still a little wobbly but he could manage down the mountain with some help. What about the girl? Xavier said as he looked back at her sleeping form. Fane looked at Dena and she nodded. Fane leaned down and scooped her up in his arms. She had gotten over it quickly after she realized she was being a jealous b***h. She had apologized to him instead of Fane apologizing to her. He hadn't meant to make her feel that way. He was just trying to help someone that was in trouble. The girl moaned as Fane adjusted his hold on her. She was still weak an her heart beat was very slow. He worried that she wouldn't make it through the night. They all walked out of the cave an started down the mountain in a hurry. Charlie and Aleski helped Xavier walk with each of their shoulders under his arms an their arms around his waist. Charlie looked over at Hayden an Devlin, they walked in silence with a worried look on their faces. 

An hour later they pulled up out front of their house. Hayden jumped out of the van before Devlin even had time to put it in park. Devlin jumped out when he got it in the driveway an ran after her. He knew that she would run straight into danger in order to save their daughter. Hayden burst through the doors. No one was in the living room. She ran to Ava's room with Devlin on her heels. She threw the bedroom door open. Nothing. No one was there. Aunt Lily!! Derrick!!!! Ava!!!! Ashton!!!! Hayden yelled as she ran through the house. Soon as she got to the back door she took a deep breath in at the sight she seen through the window. Aunt Lily had the kids outside on the back patio, eating breakfast. Derrick sat across the table from the kids with dinosaur shaped pancakes in each hand. He was making them fight an the kids were laughing an playing with their own food. Hayden opened the back door an ran over to Ava. She grabbed her in a big hug. I have missed you so much! Hayden said as she squeezed Ava. Lily looked up at Devlin with a questionable look. We thought that my father was here. He just left Xavier in the cave. We thought that he may have kept us occupied while he came in to, you know. Devlin gestured to Ava. Hi Aunt Hayden!. Ashton yelled. Hayden bent over an gave him a hug too. I missed you so much too Ashton. Have you kids had fun while we were gone? Hayden asked them. Yeah, we went to sleep after you left an we just woke up a little bit ago. Auntie Lily made us pancakes! Ava said excitedly. I see that! I am so happy to see that you are eating them Ava. Ava gave her a incredulous look. Mommy! I love pancakes. Why wouldn't I eat them? Ava asked. Oh, I don't know. I guess I am just being silly. I forget sometimes. Hayden said with a laugh. Ava stood an ran over to Devlin. Daddy! I missed you. Ava squealed. Devlin leaned down an picked her up. And I have missed you too Pumpkin. Devlin replied with a kiss to her cheek. He leaned down an put her back on her feet. He quietly told Ava to finish her food. We need to talk. Devlin said to Lily an Derrick. They walked into the kitchen but stood by the back door so that they could keep an eye on the kids. I think he will try to come for Ava now. We need to take extra precautions to prevent that. What would you guys say to staying here for a little while? Devlin asked. Aunt Lily looked at Derrick. She could tell that he was not thrilled by the idea. Lily smiled at him an then looked at Devlin. I have a better idea. Why don't you guys go stay at our house an we can stay here. He won't know where you guys are when he comes here an finds out that you guys are MIA. I can tell him that I don't know where you guys went. I'll say that you guys disappeared in the middle of the night and that we are staying here to wait until you guys come back. Devlin looked at Derrick an he nodded. He looked to Hayden to see what she was thinking. She shrugged her shoulders. It couldn't hurt anything. BUT. I want you to keep this in bed with you. Hayden said as she took the knife with dead man's blood on it and handed it to Lily. What is it? Lily asked. Why does it look like you murdered someone with it? She added with a disgusted look on her face as she studied the knife. She held it up with her thumb and index finger as if she was handling a dirty diaper. She handed it to Derrick an he took it by the hilt. Thanks. He said and stuck it on the table. I didn't kill anyone with it. It is soaked in dead man's blood so that it will put a vampire down an make him immobile for a good amount of time. Maybe two hours? Hayden guessed. She had never been cut by one so she didn't know. She looked at Devlin an he nodded his confirmation. Ok well. We better get a few things that we will need. You guys can pack a few bags an when we get back we will switch places. Lily said as she leaned in and gave Hayden an Devlin a hug. Where is Charlie? She asked when she pulled away. Hayden smiled. She is tending to Xavier. She is happy to have him back. Devlin stated with a smile. Good. I am happy to hear that you all found him. I knew you would. Is he okay? Derrick asked nervously. Yes. He was drugged with Wolf's Bane so he is still feeling the effects slightly. Devlin replied. Derrick shook his head. Ok .... see ya in a few. He stated as he started for the front door. Hayden glanced out at the kids. They were finishing up their breakfast. Aunt Lily smiled at Ava and Ashton an waved Goodbye. Ava and Ashton waved back an blew her kisses. She acted as if she caught them in her hand an stuck them in her pocket. The kids just thought that was the funniest thing ever. They giggled with their little mouths full of food. Hayden smiled as Ava held her stomach from laughing so hard. She looked at them an wished with all her might that it could stay like this forever. Just them being kids an having fun, laughing, playing and enjoying life. Her smiled faded as she thought about all the things they were about to face. She wasn't scared of Theron. She wasn't scared of the Devil's Flag. The only thing that really scared her was the thought of them, the evil beings that they were, through an through, getting their hands on their little girl and making her evil just like them. She could see in her reflection in the window on the door, that her eyes had flashed red briefly at the thought of them destroying her daughter's innocence. She realized what she needed to do at that moment. Only thing about it was, she couldn't tell anyone about it. Not even Devlin.