“Michelle, it would be better for you to stay here,” Charlene said.

“For me, but not for Liam and Aden.  They are how he controlled me before.”  I didn’t want to go back, but I would to keep them safe.

Compassion flooded Nana’s expression.  I wished I had her strength.  That was it, I thought with realization.  Maybe there was a way for all of us to stay safe.

“Emmitt said Elders are stronger, more powerful than any other pack member.  Maybe one could come with me, and one could stay here,” I said, hopefully.

The group remained quiet for several moments before Thomas spoke up.  “Neither you nor your brothers will be put at risk if we lure Blake here.”

“I understand that you don’t believe so, but you don’t know Blake.”  And neither did I, not really.  But the memory of his hand tightening around my throat made me desperate to keep my brothers safe.  He was coming for me.  I didn’t doubt that.  If I left without my brothers and he caught me again, at least I wouldn’t have their wellbeing holding me back from trying to escape.

Sam cleared his throat.  “Let’s think on this for a while.”

“Not too long,” I said, wondering if Blake already knew of our location.

“We’ll meet again tonight,” Charlene said firmly.

I had little hope they would come up with a plan that didn’t involve me facing Blake.  But, my worst fear wasn’t that Blake recaptured me.  I feared never seeing my brothers again and never knowing if they were as protected and loved as I wanted them to be.  Another thought pierced my heart.  Would they grow up without any memories of their parents or me?  Because of their ages, it was a possibility.  Yet, what other choice did I have but to leave them here?  My selfish need to stay with them wouldn’t protect them.

Knowing what I needed to do, I nodded at Charlene.  That’s all they were waiting for.  The others stood and started filing out completely unaware of the probable future tearing me apart.

Emmitt’s hand settled on my shoulder.  A comforting touch.  A reminder that it wasn’t the future yet and that I still had today to make unforgettable memories with my brothers.

I rose, took Emmitt’s hand, and headed out the door.

*    *    *    *

Gregory and Mary found us while we were on our way to dinner.  I sent the boys ahead to eat with Jim, Paul, and Henry while Emmitt and I headed to the soundproofed room.

When we entered, Charlene was in a whispered conversation with Thomas.  Whatever they discussed, she looked very adamant.

Sam and Nana spoke with two newcomers, imposing men who stood just inside the door.  The older of the two closed the door behind us.  He was leaner and older than the other, but in no way less impressive.  The younger, larger man rivaled Jim’s size.  With long, thick legs, he towered over his partner and stood with his massive arms crossed as he silently listened to Sam.  I much preferred Emmitt’s leaner build but didn’t mistake their size differences to directly relate to their abilities.  I knew better; I’d watched Emmitt and Jim “rough house” at the lake and Nana take on two larger men.

Emmitt led me to an open chair, and as usual, he held it out for me.  The papers on the table caught my eye—four airline tickets.  Two had names I didn’t recognize. Another had Emmitt’s name.  The last ticket had my name on it.

My heart skipped a beat.  I’d known I would have to go back, but I couldn’t settle on how I felt about it.

“We spoke at length,” Thomas said, noting the direction of my gaze.  “We think an information-gathering trip to your old home, with the protection of an Elder, is a good idea.  Those tickets are only if you agree to our plans.”

Charlene moved toward the table, and Thomas considerately pulled out her chair even though she scowled at him.  They’d obviously disagreed about something.

“Jim and Nana Wini will stay with the boys at all times as will Mary and Gregory,” Thomas said.  “Paul and Henry will be with them, as well, but no other werewolves will be permitted near them as a precaution.”

I sensed Nana Wini’s influence in the decision to limit their contact.  Gratitude swamped me.  It had to be tough to find out the complete control she’d thought she had was just an illusion.

Thomas continued.  “While keeping the Liam and Aden safe, we will not let them feel isolated.  We’ll keep them busy, just like today.  In the event something does happen, Mary and Gregory will be their first line of defense followed by Jim and Nana Wini.”

My hands grew cold at his words.

“At that point, Nana Wini would put a call out.  I promise you, the entire pack will answer.”

I could only nod in agreement due to the lump in my throat.  It gave me chills hearing Thomas talk like that, but I was glad they’d thought it through.  My brothers would be well guarded.

Under the table, Emmitt reached over to give my hand a gentle squeeze.

“Good,” Thomas said.  “Next, let me introduce you to the men who will be protecting you.  This is Carlos and Grey.”

The two names on the tickets.  Carlos, the muscled man with a beautiful tan, black hair, and incredibly dark eyes, nodded at me when Thomas said his name.  Grey, less bulky with a head of thick, curly grey hair and merry blue eyes, winked at me.

“Both Nana Wini and Sam have examined their intentions,” Thomas said.  “In addition to that, I personally vouch for them.  Grey is my older brother.  He has been with me through many challenges and has never let me down.  Carlos has been with the pack since the day he was born.  Even as a youth, he displayed tremendous courage and loyalty at the risk of personal harm.

“We don’t want to take any unnecessary risks.  Either Grey or Emmitt will be with you at all times, and you will not be going to your old home, yourself.  The closest we agree you should go is to the city.  From there, Carlos will act on your behalf.”

Everyone’s eyes rested on me. Though in their eyes three werewolves might seem like good protection, I would rather have an Elder.  Someone who could trump Blake.

“Will Sam be coming with us?” I asked hesitantly.

Sam smiled slightly.  “Grey is an Elder and can communicate with us as needed.”

“Oh.  I thought there were just two Elders,” I said, meaning him and Nana.

“No,” Nana said frowning slightly.  “Though, our numbers do concern me.”

Sam heaved a sigh but didn’t speak.

“I think we need to give it consideration,” she said looking at Sam then Grey.

“Give what consideration?” I asked, not understanding.

“There is a candidate waiting to become an Elder,” she said with reservation.

“Waiting?” I said.

“We can’t communicate with him like we should and hesitate to allow him to take the oath,” Grey said, speaking for the first time.

“He might be the key,” Sam said. “What Winifred experienced when those two came to challenge has been noticed before.”  He sighed. “But, never to the degree she experienced.  We don’t give commands very often.  We believe in free will, so we’ve never tested the completeness of our communication with each individual.  We just send out information when it’s needed.”

He looked at Nana Wini.  “What you discovered is a bigger issue.  We need to think of the possibilities.  The new candidate, with this communication limitation, might be able to communicate with the others like him.”

I didn’t understand their concern.  If they had someone who could communicate with the others, why not use him.  Nana seemed to read my mind.

“An Elder has vast power and a huge responsibility to that power,” she said.  “When a candidate approaches us, we inspect their mind thoroughly.  If we allowed a candidate to take the oath without making sure their intentions were honest and true, they could die.”  I frowned, confused.  “When we take our oath, we are bound to serve the pack’s best interest. Always.  Our decisions may not be right all of the time, but they must be made with the right intentions.  If we ever did anything knowing it would cause the pack harm, or wasn’t in the pack’s best interest, we would die instantly.  It’s the tie to all of our kind that controls us as much as we control them.”