Unchained

It now or never!

The next morning Hayden and Devlin carried their luggage out to their SUV while Ava sat at the kitchen table drawing a picture for her grandparents. She told Hayden that she wanted them to have something from her so that they could look at it everyday and remember her after they left. Ava had asked repeatedly if her grandparents could come with them. Ava was smart for her age an apparently Hayden's parents didn't keep much from Ava. Even though she was only five, she knew that they were in hiding. So, when she had asked her parents if they could come, she had already had the answer to that before the question ever left her mouth. It still didn't make anything any better for her as she pouted an gave them the silent treatment after they explained the reasons why they couldn't come. Hayden had told her daughter that only a miracle would get them to leave their very well hidden hiding spot. She knew her daughter was trying to come up with a solution in her head as she always did with any challenge. The thing with this was that she couldn't come up with one even if she tried harder than she ever did.  Soon as Devlin closed the back hatch they walked around to the drivers side of their SUV. Charlie was standing there with her arms crossed, looking a bit pissed. So, were you going to tell us? Charlie asked accusingly with one brow lifted. Tell you what? Hayden asked with a smile on her face. Were you guys even gonna tell us that you were leaving? Charlie spat angerly. Hayden gave her a sad smile an walked two steps towards her but she didn't get very far before Charlie threw her hand up in a gesture to stop her in her tracks. Don't! I don't need an excuse Hayden, or a hug, I need you to tell me why? Charlie expressed as her eyes grew wide an a worried look replaced the angry look. Her eyes began to fill with unshed tears. Charr, Please. I was just about to come over an ask if you guys wanna come with us. We are going to go see my parents. They are the only ones that can give us answers about Ava. I'm out of options an I don't know who we can trust after what Hunter an Kensley did. Hayden commented. Charlie put her hand down an wrapped her arms around herself. You know we can't come with you Hayden. Xavier has all these people to look after. He is trying to get answers from Hunter about Kensley, it's a dead end. He truly acts as if he didn't know anything that was going on under his roof with his mate. He is as dumbfounded as we are. You know I would love to go with you guys. Xavier would as well. He was worried the minute he seen you loading the SUV. He says its a suicide mission with no one to back you up. Charlie explained. Hayden took another step towards Charlie an she didn't stop her this time so she continued to step closer until she was only a few feet from her. Well, can I at least get a hug before we go? Hayden asked softly. Charlie gave her a sad smile and a tear fell down her cheek. Charlie reached out an pulled Hayden in for a hug. She held her for a moment. You know we haven't been apart since we were five years old. Please be careful out there, and if you need us, call, we will come as quick as we can. Charlie said as she pulled back to look at the woman she had grown up with, her best friend, her sister. Please. Be. Careful. Charlie boldly stated each word. Hayden wiped at the tears falling from her own eyes as she nodded. You know we will. I really wish you guys would consider coming with us. We leave in an hour. Hayden suggested as she stepped back. Charlie looked over at Devlin an then back to Hayden. I will talk to Xavier, but, I already know the answer. There is too much going on here right now. Why don't you see if Amony will go with you guys, that way we know you have backup. We all know if she goes, Aleski will not let her leave without him. Charlie smiled. Hayden looked back at Devlin. We can ask? Hayden stated it as a question to Devlin. Devlin nodded an pulled his phone out. Hayden turned back to Charlie. Ava told me that the evil will come here looking for her, she said as soon as it realizes that she isn't here, it will leave an try to track her down. It will leave everyone here alone. You guys will be safe without us here. Hayden reassured her. Bullshit! You know everyone here wants you here, safe or not, that is what family does, they fight for each other. Charlie replied with her hands on her hips. I didn't......... I didn't mean it like that Charr. I just meant that you guys don't have to worry about that if we aren't  here. Hayden stuttered out. Well either way, be safe an come home soon. Charlie said as she embraced Hayden one more time. Seriously though, hurry home. We are gonna miss you guys so much. She added. We are gonna miss you guys too, but we are only gonna be gone for a week at most. Enough time to get answers, then we are coming back here before flying out to the Island. Hayden replied. Charlie furrowed her brows. You guys are going to the Island too? Charlie asked. Yeah, I would love if you guys come with us there. We are gonna take a little vacay, away from all the stress and all the threats Ava has against her. I just want to give her some good memories before she has to grow up to soon, ya know... to save our world..... again. Hayden explained as she looked back at Devlin, who was still talking on the phone. When she looked back at Charlie, she had a smile on her face. What is it? Hayden asked her. Charlie smile widened. I was just thinking about what you said. I think I can talk Xavier into a vacation if its just for a week or two. After you get back maybe things will have calmed down. Charlie explained. Hayden gave her friend a smile. Okay, you have a week to talk him into it. Make it happen. Hayden replied with a small laugh. Charlie stepped back to give Hayden some space. Tell Ava that Aunt Charr loves her so much and we will miss her so much. Charlie said sincerely. Hayden looked behind Charlie towards the porch of their house. Tell her yourself, she is right there. Hayden said as she pointed to the porch. Ava came out the door carrying her baby doll an a little purse with some of her important toys in it. She had a notebook an coloring book under her arm. She smiled as soon as she spotted Charlie. She ran down the stairs and over to her. Auntie!!!!! Ava yelled joyfully. She dropped her books and purse an wrapped her arms around Charlie's waist. Charlie bent down an lifted Ava with ease. Hey there big girl! You know I am going to miss you so so so so so much! Charlie expressed as she leaned in an kissed Ava on the cheek. Ava leaned back in Charlie's arms an gave her a questionable look. You aren't going with us? Ava asked curiously. Charlie shook her head. I'm afraid not love. We have to stay here an help with the pack. Uncle Xavier is the Alpha, remember? He has to be here. Specially right now. Charlie replied. Ava furrowed her brows. Why can't Uncle Derrick stay and replace him, isn't he Beta? That is his job when the Alpha has to leave. Ava stated. Charlie looked over at Hayden with question in her eyes. Hayden shrugged her shoulders an smiled. Charlie turned her attention back to Ava. How do you know all of that? Charlie asked Ava. Ava smiled. I hear you guys talk all the time. I know Derrick is Beta. I've heard you guys say that. Ava explained. Charlie laughed. You know, you are the smartest little girl I know. Charlie told Ava with a kiss to her cheek. Ava laughed with her. I will miss you so so so much Aunt Charr! I really want you to come with us..... Pretty Please. Ava begged. Charlie gave her a small smile. Guess what? She asked her. What? Ava replied. We can't go with you right now, but, when you get back in a week, we get to go on vacation with you. How does that sound? Charlie asked her. Ava smiled really big an hugged Charlie around the neck. That sounds great!!! Ava yelled. Soon as Ava pulled back from the hug Charlie gave her one last kiss on the cheek an put her down. I can't wait! Ava yelled as she bent over to pick her books an toys up. She had thrown everything down except her baby doll, she still had that tucked under her arm while she picked her things up. Hayden opened the back door to the SUV so that Ava could lay the toys in the backseat. Soon as Ava laid her stuff down, she turned an ran back to Charlie to give her one last hug. Tell Uncle Xavy an Ashton I will miss them. Ava stated as she continued to hug Charlie around the waist. Charlie rubbed her hand over Ava's back. I sure will sweet heart. Charlie replied. Ava let go an looked up at Charlie. I love you Aunt Charr, See you later alligator. Ava said with a big smile. After awhile crocodile. I love you too big girl. Charlie said with the same big smile playing across her face.

Aleski an Amony had agreed to go with them on their trip. Amony felt that she could be useful in helping Ava locate Hayden's parents. Although Ava swore that she knew exactly where they were going, Amony still worried that the witch had set the spell exactly that way on purpose so that it would lead them on a wild goose chase. Either way Aleski an Amony felt better being with them just incase something happened on the road an they had no back up. They sat in the thrid row seating while Ava slept in her car seat. Devlin was driving for now, following the coordinates that his daughter had drew for them. From what Amony had seen on the paper, it was going to be a three day drive. It was showing a location in the hills of California. Amony leaned her head against Aleski's shoulder an closed her eyes. They might as well get some rest in while they could. Aleski leaned his head against hers an did the same. Hayden looked over her shoulder at her daughter an smiled. She glanced in the back at Amony an Aleski an sighed. Yep, it was going to be a long drive indeed. She looked over at Devlin an smiled. He glanced at her quickly and smiled back. He turned his attention back towards the road. Go ahead Beautiful. Get some sleep. I will be fine. I can drive until we get there. Devlin stated with a small smile still on his face. Are you sure? Hayden asked. Yeah I'm sure. This is the best map I've ever had. I know exactly where I am going. Devlin laughed. Hayden looked over at her daughters drawing an smiled. She wondered how she had been able to draw coordinates like that or if she had just seen them in her mind an copied them down. I'm not really sleepy though. Hayden replied. Devlin glanced at her again. What's wrong? He asked knowing his wife all to well. I'm just a little nervous is all. I thought my parents were dead almost my whole life. Now I find out from our five year old daughter that they are alive an they have been alive this whole time. I don't know if I should be angry or happy. Hayden replied. Devlin reached over the console with his right hand an placed it on her knee. He rubbed his hand up an down. I know this is hard Honey, but I think this will be good. They said they did it to protect you right? Maybe they will explain everything when we get there. If we can find where they are. I know our daughter is powerful, but, so is the witch that helped hide them. I think they just wanted to shield you from this side of yourself. The thing is, Fate couldn't keep us apart. I believe we were destined to be together. Devlin explained as he took her hand in his. Hayden gave him a sad smile. I would have done anything to prove that you were real. I remember the first time that I seen you in my dreams. I couldn't keep my eyes off of you. You looked like someone out of a playboy magazine. Tall, dark, and handsome. I thought this is definitely a dream. No man that looks the way you do would want a simple woman like me. I mean when I looked at your twelve pack an your toned muscled shoulders, I just wanted to touch you an never stop. When my eyes met your eyes for the first time and locked onto your bright glowing sky blue eyes, I never wanted to look away. When I ran my hands through you thick black hair. It felt like silk. Any woman would think they are dreaming and that you couldn't be real. Hayden said with a smile. Devlin raised his eye brows. You really think you are a simple woman? I think the first time I seen you, I thought this beautiful sexy woman would never go for a vampire like me. You are far beyond simple. I love your curvy body, your long legs an round butt, your nicely formed breast, it's perfect, you very long black hair, and those green eyes, I can't get enough of them. You are the definition of the perfect woman. You are smart an kind, beautiful, witty, quiet until someone makes you mad. Then watch out! Devlin laughed. Hayden smacked him on the shoulder an quickly held his hand again. She laughed an then looked at him. I love you. I don't know what I would have done if you didn't find me Devlin. Devlin glanced at her and then back to the road. I love you too Beautiful. I don't know what I would have done either. I needed to find my soul mate when I ran into you. I have been dreaming of you long before I seen you in the dream realm. I knew I had to find you. Devlin explained. Hayden studied him for a moment, taking in the information he had just given her. All these years together and he had never told her that part of it. You dreamed of me before you seen me in the dream realm? Hayden questioned. Devlin glanced at her again an then back at the road then back again. Yes, I thought I had told you that. Does it change anything? Devlin asked. No, I was just wondering how that happens? Hayden stated. Devlin gave her a sad smile. Because I was close to losing myself until I seen a spark of hope, You. Hayden turned in her seat to face him. Why have you never told me that? Why were you close to losing yourself? What does that even mean? Hayden threw questions at him. Hayden, there is something I haven't told you, and for good reason. Devlin said nervously. What is it? Hayden asked softly, nervous that there was no coming back from what he was about to confess. Devlin drew in a breath. I haven't told you because I know you would look at me differently. Devlin explained nervously. When he knew that Hayden was waiting for more information he reluctantly kept talking. My father is still out there somewhere. I don't get along with him for many different reasons, but the main reason is because he tried to kill me on a couple of different occasions. He knows about the Prophecy Child. I didn't know what he was talking about then, but obviously I do now. Since it's our daughter he was taking about a hundred years ago. I didn't know that I would spawn the Prophecy Child, now I'm guessing he knew all that time. I chained him in a cave away from civilization about thirty years ago. It wasn't easy. When I went to check on him right before we met for the first time, some how he was gone. He is unchained and I don't know where he is. Devlin said softly. Hayden sighed an looked out of the passenger window for a few moments trying to gather her thoughts. Devlin reached back over an took her hand again. Are you mad? Devlin asked. Hayden looked over at him. Devlin, I'm not mad, I just wish you would have told me. I don't know what to think. Is he still going to come for you, or her. Hayden said as she gestured to the backseat. Devlin looked at her with worry in his eyes. I don't think so. I think he was trying to prevent me from mating with you, that is already done so I don't think he has anything to prevent now. She is already here. Devlin said referring to his daughter. Hayden looked back to their daughter. She looked so peaceful sleeping. She had her doll laying against her chest. Hayden looked back at Devlin. Whatever happens, we will get through it. We always do. Together. Hayden replied as she squeezed his hand. Devlin smiled at her and went back to looking at the road. They both looked out the window looking ahead. They would always look ahead, not in the past, from now on. They would make it to her parents an find answers about their daughter. Together. 

Three days later Devlin an Hayden was studying the map. They were pulled over on the side of the mountain in California. They turned the map over an over in there hands until they thought they had it the right way. Hayden looked up at the mountain then back to the roads that were in front of them. There was a fork in the road an they were unsure of which one to take. Amony cleared her throat. May I see the map? She asked from the third row seat. Hayden looked back at her. Sure. I hope you can figure it out. Hayden said as she unbuckled her seat belt an climbed over the middle console to hand the map to Amony. Amony took it from her an studied it. Ava was asleep in her car seat after being up for sixteen straight hours. She couldn't get any sleep because she had gotten car sick halfway through the trip. Hayden had found some motion sickness tablets at a gas station they had stopped at in Texas. She had been asleep since yesterday around three in the morning. It was now eleven in the morning an they were trying to figure out which fork in the road to take. Amony held the map back to Hayden an she took it. I think we go right. Amony stated. How sure are you? Devlin asked. Yeah, we won't be able to turn around for three hours if we go the wrong way. Hayden commented. The GPS stated that before we lost service. It's just a very narrow road both ways and we won't be able to turn around until we get to the top. Devlin added. I know hundred percent that is the right way. I feel the magic for one an for two the map is turned the right way. Look in the bottom right corner. Ava drew North, East, South, and West there. Amony said with a smile. Hayden squinted at the small drawing in the corner an laughed. She is so smart. Hayden said with a small laugh as she handed the map to Devlin. Devlin looked at the small drawing an smiled. Okay right it is. It's now or never. I'm so ready to be out of this vehicle. How about you guys? Devlin asked. Yes, I need to get out of here for a few hours at least. Amony stated as she tried to stretch her legs. Aleski laughed. Yeah me too. I need to be out of here as quick as possible. I think my legs are stuck in this position. He said an pointed to his legs. Amony looked down at his legs an then smiled at him. Almost there. Next time we take a plane. She said to him. Sounds like a plan. Aleski smiled. Devlin started up the narrow path on the right. It was very narrow an he hoped that another car wouldn't be traveling down. He didn't want to even think about backing down something that small. The SUV barely fit on the road an one wrong turn of the tires would send them plummeting to their deaths, or a very painful recovery. He didn't think the fall would kill them but he knew it wouldn't be pleasant.

Three long hours later they topped the hill an drove over to the end of the road where it just abruptly ended at some trees. They all looked around. There was nothing there. Just a bunch of trees and a very large field. Hayden opened her door an got out. She immediately started stretching. Everyone else followed suit. Devlin opened the back door an unbuckled Ava. As soon as her feet his the ground she ran over to the middle of the field. Grandma an Grandpa are this way!!! She yelled over to them. Hayden turned to their group. Guess we walk the rest of the way. She said sarcastically. Amony scanned the trees. I don't think it is very far. I sense two people. I think they must allow us to see them. Their cabin is hidden. We will not be able to see it unless they will it. Amony stated as she looked over at Ava who was still running around the field. She is enjoying this scenery. Hayden stated an Amony smiled at her. Yes, she loves it. I can feel her joy. Amony replied with a smile of her own. Well should we get our bags or do we leave them here for now? Devlin said as he walked back towards the SUV. Hayden thought about that for a moment. Leave them. We need to know if they are gonna let us in first. She answered. Devlin grabbed the key from the SUV and hit the lock button. They all started towards Ava, who was still running around with her baby doll clutched to her chest. Soon as Ava seen them walking towards her, she stopped running an waited for them. Hayden smiled sweetly at her daughter. Show us the way Pumpkin. Hayden told her. Ava pointed towards the gap in the trees. This way! Ava yelled an walked the same way she had pointed. Devlin took Hayden's hand in his and they all followed Ava. Amony was smiling at Aleski when a sharp pain hit her right in the stomach. She looked down to see blood coming from what looked like a gun shot wound. Aleski was saying something to her but she couldn't make out what he was saying. She felt her mind go weak an her eyes slowly closed. The last thing she remembered was Aleski picking her up and running towards Ava. 

This way!!!! Ava screamed. Hayden hadn't known what was happening until it was too late. Someone was shooting at them. She looked over at Amony, limply hanging from Aleski's arms as they ran for the trees. Devlin ran ahead to make sure that Ava was not hit. Soon as he reached his daughter he scooped her up and continued to run. He glanced back to see that Hayden and Aleski was still running behind them. Aleski had Amony gripped tight against his chest as he carried her bridal style. Her arm swung back an forth. Devlin knew that she wasn't dead because he could still hear her heart beating. They ran through the trees an came to another open field. The gunshots sounded a lot closer the more they traveled towards the location Ava was pointing them in. Soon as they all reached the field, Aleski laid Amony in the grass an tried to wake her up. Devlin put Ava down an told her to stay behind him. Hayden blocked Ava from the opposite side. Ava stayed where she was. Then she started to scream. GRANDMA!!!!!!!!! GRANDPA!!!!!!!!!! HELP US!!!!!!!! PLEASE DON'T SHOT ANYMORE!!!! MY AUNT IS HIT!!!!!!! YOU HAVE TO HELP US!!!!! IT'S AVA!!!! MOMMY AN DADDY!!! UNCLE ALESKI AN AUNT AMONY IS HERE TOO!!!!!! PLEASE!!!! LET US IN!!!!! Ava screamed. Right before their eyes a cabin appeared a few few away from where they were standing. Hayden's mother ran off the porch an down to where they were all standing. She immediately gave Ava a hug. Hayden's dad still stood on the porch, a shot gun in his hands. He had a look of worry on his face. He sat the gun against the railing an made his way down the steps. He walked over to Amony, who still laid unconscious in the grass. He had hit her in the stomach, but, that wasn't what was keeping her down. The witch had put a sleeping enchantment on the bullets. I'm sorry. He said to Aleski. I didn't know who it was. I was just trying to protect us. Hayden's dad explained. David. Help him take her into the house. Please. Hayden's mother Michelle asked seriously. I told you not to shoot! Why did you shoot! I told you it was them!!! She added. I'm sorry! I already said I'm sorry! My adrenaline was pumping, all I heard was shoot! David yelled back as he helped Aleski pick Amony up. Devlin shook his head an bent down to pick Ava up. Thank you Pumpkin. I think you just saved us all a lot of pain. Devlin told her. I knew Grandma would hear me. Ava stated. Hayden joined them as they all walked into her parents cabin. She didn't know what to think about all of that. From what she could remember from her childhood about her parents, they still acted the same. They even sounded the same. She was pretty sure they looked exactly the same as well, plus a few gray hairs an a couple of wrinkles. But she was sure that these people were her parents. 

When they walked into the cabin, Aleski an David laid Amony on the dining room table. David fetched his doctors kit from the next room over an brought it out. Aleski watched his every move. He didn't fully trust this man yet but he was sure if the man did nothing, Amony wouldn't be waking any time soon. He held Amony's limp hand as David laid his surgical kit out on the chair beside him. Hayden an Devlin walked into the kitchen with Devlin holding Ava. Michelle was right behind them. The room wasn't very big so they all cramped together in front of the table. David looked over at his wife. Why don't you get them settled in the living room while we get this bullet out of her. David suggested. Michelle nodded an told them to follow her. Ava squirmed out of her dads arms an ran over beside Amony. I can help. Ava announced. They all watched her from the hallway. Sweetie, we need to get this bullet out of her quickly, why don't you go watch cartoons with Grandma, mommy and daddy while we get it out. Okay? David told her. Ava furrowed her brows. She knew they wouldn't listen to her because she was only a kid so she did what she was gonna do anyway. She put her hand over Amony's wound. Her hand and eyes started to glow. Ava could feel that the bullet was enchanted to make its mark sleep for eternity if need be. She focused her energy on the bullet. It hadn't hit any vital organs or vessels. Ava was sure that if it did Amony would automatically heal from it on her own, being an Angel an all. Everyone studied Ava as she continued to keep her light on Amony's wound. A moment later Ava felt the bullet dislodge from Amony"s rib cage, she felt her powers bring it to the surface. The moment she felt the bullet touch her hand lightly, she closed her hand around it. She pulled her small hand back and opened it. In the middle of her palm was the bullet. Amony opened her eyes. She looked around the room an seen that everyone was staring at her. She looked over to her right side where Ava was standing. Thank you little one. I felt like I was in an endless dream. I didn't think I was ever gonna wake up. Amony stated. Ava smiled back at her Aunt. Here, this was keeping you asleep. Ava said as she handed Amony the bullet. Amony looked at it an twirled it in her finger tips. Thanks again Sweetie. Thanks for bringing me back. Amony expressed.