"And that's what we did for my seventh birthday!" Patricia sounded excited and I couldn't help but give a small smile. My stomach was still in knots from my rather abrupt wake up call but the little girl was honestly adorable and I appreciated the distraction. "I know people think it's weird that I like rocks cause I'm a girl but I do! Papa Jason says that it's okay and that rocks are neat! He helped me pack them all cause I have lots. I've got a pretty purple one. It's all shiny and sparkly. It's called amitist."

"Amethyst, Pat." Jason's correction was low and when I glanced at him he had a small smile on his face as he looked in the rear view mirror. It was clear he adored his niece and she loved him just as much back. She constantly hung off of him, her bubbly personality and rather loud pink wardrobe at almost odds with his nearly severe, stoic demeanour but he gave her hugs and kisses all the same.

"Yah! It's really pretty! I got that one for my seventh birthday. I love it! It's my favourite." She gave a happy sigh and I resisted the urge to look over my shoulder at her. My stomach was already a little nauseous, especially after I had to throw up after Jason had stopped at what he called a fast food restaurant when it got lighter out and got me an egg sandwich and a hot chocolate. They had been really good but the grease had upset my stomach and it wasn't long after I ate that we had to stop because I ended up puking. I had apologized to the rather serious male and he had just shrugged and told me fast food wasn't for everyone.

My stomach was just tetchy from the whole thing to be honest. Brochan had gotten me out of bed and all but tossed me into the truck. He had been tense, agitated, angry almost, and my stomach sank to think about the fact he was probably mad at me for it. I had messed everything up again. I was causing problem again and he had to deal with it. I rubbed the back of my hand with my thumb, remembering how he hadn't looked at me at all but then rubbed my hand on his cheek and gruffly told me to be good. I didn't understand it. I didn't understand why it always had to be like that.

"Do you have a favourite rock?" At Patricia's question, I pinched my lips together slightly. I didn't know much about rocks or anything like that. Father hadn't really allowed me to have pursuits outside of cooking and cleaning. It wasn't my place.

"I'm not sure. They are all really nice." I said it slowly, hoping it was a good enough answer for her and she giggled. I was happy she was giggley, she had been a bit somber and weepy earlier. It seemed as though her leaving had been as much of a shock as it had been for me.

"They are! I love fossils and crystals and shiny rocks! I like colourful rocks too and brown rocks! I like rocks with metals and princess gems! They are all so cool!" She fairly gushed and that made me smile. It did make my heart pang slightly for Dana and Mike's kids. It had been hard saying goodbye to them. Amaya had cried when she learned I was leaving and I hated doing that to her but everyone had been right. It just wasn't safe.

"They are, lil bit." Jason nodded as he slowed the truck down before glancing at me. "She wants to be a geologist when she gets older." There was that faint smile on his mouth, his gaze warm as he looked from me into the back seat where Patricia was buckled into her booster seat.

"Yah! They get to play with rocks all day! I want to do that. Papa Jason says I gots to do really, really, reallllly well in school and I am!" She clapped her hands, the excitement clear in her voice and I nodded.

"That sounds like it would be a lot of fun." I liked that he was catering to her wants, humoring her in what she wanted to do with her life rather than telling her it wasn't her place. It was nice to see that, to see him fostering her sense of discovery rather than crushing it.

"We should be coming up to the pack territory soon." He glanced at me, his dark eyes flicking down me and then back up. "You feeling okay?" At the question I nodded. My stomach was still off but I knew it wasn't just the fast food. Everything that happened before we left played in my mind. Brochan and the abrupt wake up call with no explanation. Jason explained that they had to do it that way so Stenton wouldn't find out and try to stop them. I understood it, to an extent.

I didn't want Stenton stopping me from leaving either. The thought of him trying had my stomach in even worse knots. I was just... I was upset a little bit that Brochan hadn't told me himself what was going on. I felt horrible over it, that he probably was still so angry at me he couldn't even look at me. I knew it was my fault but it didn't stop the hurt I felt at it either.

It didn't stop me from understanding though. Especially about them making sure I left quietly and quickly. Alpha Stenton had made it very clear what he thought about me leaving, I was only slightly upset that Simon and I would be running away. I would never be able to be safe in the pack, the Alpha would give me to Delta Regan even if Brochan said no. And Mike reassured me that Brocha told Stenton no multiple times.

"You didn't say much after the whole quickly leaving bullshit. You okay with all that?" At the question I froze slightly before giving a half shrug. I didn't really know what to say or how to respond to it without getting into trouble. "Honestly, precious, you can tell me the truth." He had glanced over at me but I clasped my hands together in my lap and fiddled with my nails.

"Yah! Papa Jason is a really good listener!" Patricia chirped it out and Jason chuckled slightly.

"Adult conversation, lil bit, put on your headphones and watch some videos on your tablet." The words were said firmly but still somehow gently and I swallowed hard.

"Okay!" She giggled and there was the sound of some movements in the back before I could faintly hear the sound of some bubbly cartoon that was muffled by headphones.

"It's alright. I'm not going to be upset or angry with you. Mene knows what fucking nonsense had been put in your head, precious, but I don't play like that." His words were said evenly and almost firmly and I linked my fingers together and swallowed hard.

"He won't stop...will he?" I nearly choked on the words as I said them. There was nothing there that was safe for me, it was clear the Alpha hated me. He had warned me about what he would do, what would happen but I still belonged to Brochan and he still tried to make him give me away.

"Regan?" The name gave me pause and I glanced at the larger male.

"And the Alpha too." I said it slowly and he nodded.

"None of them will stop because they don't like me." It was strange to say. I never did anything to the males. I had been a dutiful female, I tried my hardest to do everything right. But he hated me, all of them did. I didn't know why the ranks hated me so viscerally.

"Yah, you aren't white and half mundane. Stenton has got a huge problem with that. Blood purity and all that nonsense." He shook his head and we turned off the highway onto a gravel road. "But his whole hard-on with giving you to Regan, the sick bastard, is pretty fucking low, even for him." He glanced over at me again and I just squeezed my hands together and swallowed harder as my stomach knotted worse.

"I don't think you should go back, precious. I didn't think you should have come back the first time but shit happens and sometimes it just fucks everything up despite the best of intentions." The statement was surprising and I looked over at him in slight shock and he gave me a half smile.

"I knew what waited for you when you came back. I didn't want that for you, for any female." He shook his head, his hand tightening on the steering wheel. "I knew you needed to stay gone when I figured out Getts was lying about what he found and what he was saying and took it to Stenton. I told him what I saw, what I knew, and what I found. He Commanded me not to tell Brochan. He told me I wasn't allowed to interfere with what was happening. That set the tone for how Stenton was going to deal with this. I was checked out from that moment forward." There was a heavy tone of agitated anger to his voice that had me fidgeting in my spot.

I knew what I did and how much it was my fault. "I did take Maeve away for two months." It came out nearly as a whisper and he scoffed.

"You didn't take anyone anywhere, precious. You were chased and happened to get into a situation where it was do or die. There was no conscious decision there on your part." The truck slowed down and he tsked slightly. "They told you they thought you were going to die. That tells me everything I need to know about the situation. Stenton knew what happened, I told him. He chose to craft a false narrative and stuck with it. The onus is on him, besides I believe he kind of knew where you were the whole time. Everything was just too convenient, you know?" He shrugged as we pulled into what looked like a tiny village. "And here's Vis." He muttered it out and we pulled alongside a small gravelled street, in front of a small, two story house.

He put the truck into park and I swallowed hard as he looked at me. I could tell he was, I could feel it. "You can't go back there, precious. I think you know that." His words echoed what Simon had told me and what I knew deep down to be true. "You're right, Stenton won't quit. He'll keep doing his best to get rid of you. He wanted you dead on that post but I fucked that up. He wanted to give you to Regan so that sadistic fuck would do his dirty work for him. He won't stop because you're a half-black, half-breed, and he can't stand that you're in the pack." The words made me flinch slightly and Jason sighed.

"I hope Brochan is able to get out of it and come to you." I closed my eyes and a large hand grasped my chin and turned my head. I opened my eyes and Jason stared at me. "But even so, all I want now is that you heal and you can be happy even if it means without Brochan by your side if he can't leave Sublatus." His dark eyes seemed to search my face before he gave a sort of wry smile and let my chin go. "Despite what the ranks think, I doubt there is a male around who actually deserves you, precious." He shook his head slightly, "Work on yourself here, with Duffy. Try your hardest to heal because that was some traumatic fucking shit that you went through and remember you can't go back, not now." With those words he pulled off his seat belt and got out.

The opening of the door sent a cold breeze through the truck and I shivered. I pulled off my own seat belt before I grabbed my jacket from where it was tucked beside me and pulled it on right as he opened the back door and got Patricia out. The blanket had been put into the back with Patricia shortly after we had left Sublatus. I carefully opened my door and climbed out of the truck, closing the door gently behind me. The house was a plain slate grey and didn't have any extra trimmings. Jason came around the truck, my suitcase in his hand, Patricia's hand in his other.

"Hi!" She let go of his hand and skipped towards me, grabbing mine without pause. Jason chuckled slightly, shaking his head before he started up the small concrete path towards the front door. I tightened my hand on Patricia's as I followed him. I was aware of several shifters watching us as we made the small trip and I felt a little uneasy. I hoped they had been told I would be arriving because I hadn't asked if it was something that had happened.

Jason opened the screen door with a faint creak of the spring, holding it open with his back as he knocked on the inner door with his free hand. There was nothing in response and he knocked again. The door was yanked open and a shorter, white haired female with a slightly thicker frame scowled up at him. "What do you want?" She snapped it out, her lips pinched together as she narrowed her eyes at him and my stomach knotted up even worse.

"I've brought your ward." Jason shifted out of the way gesturing at me with his free hand and the older female looked from him, her brown eyes landing on me and she pursed her lips as she looked me up and down. I tugged on my jacket, hoping to get it to sit straight, my anxiety churning my stomach and cramping. I was terrified she wouldn't like me, that she didn't want me there.

There were several moments of stiff silence before she grinned at me, giving an almost throaty chuckle. "Ohhhh you're going to be trouble." She clapped her hands once and rapidly gestured to me. "Come in! Come in!" She sounded excited as she moved out of the doorway. I glanced up at Jason and he gestured towards the interior with his head. I nodded and swallowed hard before I headed up the small set of stairs, leading Patricia behind me as I came into the house.

"I'm Duffy, you can call me such. Danny told me your name was Menza. Interesting name. I like it." The older female gestured me to follow her and I did and she lead us into a kitchen. I could hear the door closing and Jason following behind. "Sit, sit." Duffy pulled a chair away from her table and gestured to me. "You too, little miss." She gestured to another chair at Patricia pulled her hand from mine and quickly scurried to the chair and climbed on it with a giggle. "Taking liberties are we. I don't recall inviting you." Duffy's words were nearly scathing as she looked at Jason, her hands on her hips.

"Luggage." He lifted my suitcase, giving a slight smirk and she tsked before rolling her eyes.

"I guess. Set it down and come sit. It will be good for you and the little one to stretch your legs before you leave." She moved over to a cupboard and pulled down three glasses as Jason came over and pulled a chair out, sitting down it with a sigh as he stretched his long legs out underneath the table. "Whiskey?" She looked over her shoulder at Jason and I looked at him as he shook his head.

"Probably not. Still have to drive a few hours." He ran a hand over his shortly cut hair before giving her a smile. She huffed before turning on the tap and filling two of the cups. She brought them to the table, setting one in front of me and then the other in front of Jason.

"Do you want snacks?" She set the empty glass on the table before moving over to her fridge.

"Ooooh! Yes please!" Patricia nearly bounced in her spot and I watched as Duffy chuckled as she opened the fridge. She pulled out a bowl and a juice box.

"I've got some ambrosia salad left over from the potluck last night." She brought the bowl to the table and I went to stand up, ready to help when she pinned me with a look. "Sit down. I'm not decrepit and I'm still a good host." She waved me off as she set the juice box in front of Patricia. My cheeks flushed hotly and I grasped the cup of water, taking a small sip as she grabbed four bowls and spoon, setting them down on the table before she took her own seat. "Got tired of Mr 'I'm an Alpha' Stenton did you?" She looked at Jason as she scooped a bit of the fruit salad into a bowl and he gave a strained chuckle before nodding.

"You could say that. A lot of things were happening that made me realize I didn't want lil bit growing up there and that it wasn't safe." Jason's face looked like it was carved from stone, a testament to how upset he was with the subject and Duffy nodded, as if she completely understood his position.

"We are gunna see great aunty Audrey!" Patricia lifted her juice box, taking a big drink from the straw as Duffy set a bowl in front of her, putting a spoon in it for her. "Thank you!" Patricia nodded enthusiastically before setting her juice box down to take the spoon.

"You're welcome." Duffy gave a rather prim nod as she slid a bowl across the table for me. I gave her a small smile and took it. My stomach was still a little off but I knew I needed to eat something or I would get even worse nausea later. "Make sure to eat all of that, you're looking peckish." She pointed at me with her serving spoon and I nodded quickly, not wanting to upset her.

"She threw up earlier." Patricia said it right before she took another big spoonful of her salad with a hum of enjoyment.

"Is that so?" Duffy eyed me up and I hunched my shoulders before taking a small spoonful of the creamy fruit salad. It was tasty but she was making me nervous with how intently she was staring at me.

"I got her some fast food. It didn't settle right with her. So that's my bad." Jason interjected it and Duffy looked away from me before scoffing again.

"Of course it didn't. Nothing but grease in that food. Missing all the good things." She waved the serving spoon slightly before giving Jason a bowl. I took another spoon full before glancing at Patricia. She had the bowl nearly right under her chin as she spooned the salad into her mouth until her cheeks bulged.

"Pat, chew your food please. Before you choke." Jason's voice had a tone of correction and the little girl giggled around her mouth full before nodding, pushing the bowl away as she started chewing.

"Testament to my good cooking skills." Duffy looked proud as she took a spoon full for herself. "Oh! I forgot." She got up once more and I watched as she headed for the cupboard. She pulled out a bottle of amber liquid and uncorked it. She carried it over and sloshed a bit into her empty cup. "I like my afternoon whiskey." She nodded as she corked the bottle and carried it back over to the cupboard. "Drove my Drew nuts but he knew better than to say anything."

She sat down with a groan before grinning at me. "You and I are going to have a lot of fun. I know my Danny wanted you to watch over me cause she thinks I'm getting old but I'm still sharp as a tack." She picked up her glass of whiskey and gestured with it before chortling. "You might have to flash a pretty smile here or there to keep me out of the pack jail but that's the extent you need to take care of me." She looked utterly gleeful at the thought and I stared at her, wondering if she was actually telling the truth or not.

"So are you going to listen to them if they want you to move?" Jason asked it and I turned back to my small bowl of ambrosia salad. I carefully ate a small spoonful, taking a small sip of water afterwards.

"Fuck no!" Duffy nearly cackled. "I'm too old to listen to them trying to dictate my life to me. Once you get to be my age and your hair turns white, you get a free pass on ignoring the whining pups." She waved her hand flippantly as she took a drink of her whiskey.

They continued chatting about nothing as I slowly finished what was in my bowl and drank all the water that was in my cup. It was a bit later when Jason gave a heavy sigh and looked at his niece. "Well, lil bit, we should get going if we are going to make it in good time." I looked at the little girl and she stuck her bottom lip out.

"Can't we stay a little bit longer? Duffy is cool!" She clasped her small hands together and Jason chuckled.

"No. We can't." He shook his head, grinning at her. I glanced at Duffy and she was watching them, a small smirking smile on her own face.

"Can Menza come with us? She can sleep in my bed with me! We can bring her back tomorrow! Or next week!" The words had me smiling, Jason laughing loudly, and even Duffy joining in.

"She's not a lost pet, Pat. She's a person." He shook his head and Patricia jumped off of her chair and she came to my side quickly, hugging me tightly around the waist.

"But I like her so much!" The words were muffled from how she pressed her face into my side and I gently rubbed her back, a small, almost sad smile on my face as I remember how Amaya hugged me earlier today. "Can she pretty please come with us?" She pulled her head away, giving Jason the cutest puppy dog eyes I had ever seen. I giggled slightly at that as I looked over at him.

He shook his head, "No, Pat. She stays with Duffy." He caught my eye and winked with a grin. My cheeks flushed hotly at it. I still wasn't used to that and he did it all the time. "You're a little troublemaker." He pushed away from the table and stood up.

"Please?" At the word I looked down right as she batted her eye lashes and Jason laughed.

"No, lil bit. Now say your goodbyes." He gestured to Duffy and then to me.

"Okay." It was the saddest little word as she looked up at me, her eyes shining. "Imma miss you." I turned in my chair, giving her a big hug.

"I'll miss you too." I kissed the top of her head as she hugged me back. I smoothed down her hair gently as she let me go. She practically trudged around the table, holding her arms out for Duffy.

The older female gave her a quick hug before standing up herself. "Do you want some cookies to take with you?" That seemed to perk Patricia up and she nodded quickly. I watched them both and a large hand grasped my shoulder. I turned and looked up at Jason but he bent down lower.

"You're in good hands. If shit goes sideways and you need somewhere to hide, I'm going to be in Iocasus and I might be a bit gruff sometimes but I think I have a lot to offer a female, even if it's just a temporary place to stay." He gave my shoulder a small squeeze, the sincerity clear in his voice and I swallowed hard, watching as he moved around the table, picking Patricia up. Then they were gone, leaving me feeling confused.

The sound of a chair being pulled away from the table had me looking back over at Duffy. She grinned at me. "See? You're going to be trouble." She looked amused but that didn't make me any less confused. Simon kept telling me that when males acted like that it was because I was cute but I still didn't really get it. Duffy picked up her whiskey glass, finishing off what was left before giving a raspy sigh, setting the empty cup down. "Now." She crossed her arms over her chest, leaning against the table, her brown eyes intent on me. "We are going to have a little chat." The words sounded ominous and a flutter of nerves took off in my belly.

"About what?" I nearly squeaked it out and she seemed to study my face.

"A female as beautiful of you, being sent out of a pack like Sublatus? Something happened and the fact my Danny was so insistent I take you in? That means there was definitely something that happened. So tell me." She tilted her head and I blinked rapidly.

"The Delta kept trying to hurt me." It came out in a whisper and I swallowed hard, my nausea coming back full force. I didn't like thinking about it, I didn't want to talk about it. "And Brochan didn't want me under his roof." The words hurt coming out. It hurt, whenever I thought about him it hurt.

"Okay. Good start." Duffy nodded and I looked at her once more. "Now. You're going to tell me everything. Right from the beginning. Don't leave anything out." I stared at her but there was no give to her expression or her tone and I knew she wouldn't take no for an answer. I swallowed hard, open and closed my mouth a few times before I gave a small exhale, thinking about Simon and what he would have told me. I looked at the older female I was to spend the foreseeable future with. "Go ahead. Tell me everything that brings you to sit at my table." She gestured at me with the cup, no judgment to her gaze and I inhaled, opened my mouth.

And did.