Chapter Sixty-One: A Bittersweet Goodbye!

Evelyn:

The alphas stared at me, the series of questions never ending. Joy glittered in their eyes, the immense stress laid beneath my polite smile. Running his hand through his hair, Evan slid over a pile of black files. Why was there always more work than I could work through?

"We did some research on a new hunter's organization." Evan expressed with a quiet fury in his eyes, my face falling. "I am aware you have demons, angels and everything after you. We need to nip this in the butt before it becomes a problem." Devin wandered in, his tired eyes falling on us. Looking worse for wear, his messy hair told me a tale of sleepless nights. Motioning for him to sit down, he reeked of something fierce. Where the hell had he been? He had a habit of disappearing, my brow rising in suspicion.

"When was the last time you slept?" I inquired cautiously, focusing on Evan's gray designer suit. "Are your quarters not up to your standards?" Rubbing his forehead, dirt covered Devin's white t-shirt. He had disappeared for a while, his past week having been spent camping in the woods. Snatching a piece of fried chicken, he took a bite.

"I took a hike to clear my mind. I have been through Hell and you know that." He snapped hotly, my eyes narrowing in his direction. "You could shut the death glare down." Softening my expression, it suddenly became clear that I was the leader of them all. Leaning my head back, a long sigh poured from my lips.

"You guys don't actually think that I am your leader do you?" I asked impatiently, snapping my head back. An awkward silence hung in the air, no one meeting my eyes. Grappy wandered in, taking a seat on the counter. Folding his arms across his chest, he blew his hair out of his eyes. Of course he was going to confirm my worst fears.

"I believe they do. My brothers do as well, so get used to it." He uttered simply, his foot tapping incessantly. "You saved us all. We owe you our loyalty as our captain." Instead of processing all of the eyes on me, my leadership roles had been piled onto me. Tucking a piece of hair behind my ears, everyone seemed to follow me blindly. Tears welled up in my eyes, the weight on my shoulders dragging me to the damn floor. This wasn't fair, the work kept suffocating me.

"I appreciate it all but I don't d-" I began, Devin putting his hand in the air. Cupping my shoulders, his intense gaze snapped me back to reality. Silent tears streamed down his cheeks, the emotional agony showed on his face. Wiping away his tears, this man had been broken down to an empty shell. Something else hovered behind him, my lips pressing into a thin line. Was it a death shadow?

"You can do it. We just have to work as a team and not separate units." He comforted me with a sad smile, his hands rubbing my shoulders. "I know you care more than we ever could. Take your crown with vigor and guide us through this war." Chewing on my lips, this was the first time he spoke up for me in such a way. Rising to his feet, he ruffled the top of my head. Something ate at me, the way he was speaking sounded like a desperate cover for a goodbye.

"Evie, you are the strongest of us all. You see the bigger picture. You helped me without thinking." He continued sweetly, shoving his hands into his pocket. "I am going to take you out to dinner. You know, just the two of us. I want to show you something. Do I have your permission, Hudson?" Nodding once, he marched upstairs to take a shower. Turning my attention back to the files in front of me, everyone was expecting me to step up. Opening the first one, they all seemed young. Such horror haunted me at the idea of probably having to kill them, my heart sinking. Just looking at their pictures, I knew they wouldn't give up.

"How about we watch them for a hot minute and attempt to sway them to our side?" I suggested serenely, scanning the page. "If they don't comply, we can kill them." Fear burned bright in their eyes at my harsh words. We didn't need another group to battle, the chair creaking as I stood up. Bowing in their direction, a major migraine throbbed violently. Chewing on my nails, I took a second look.

"Try the three strike program." I suggested calmly, a sigh of relief flowing freely from their lips. "I am sorry. Life has been pulling me in all sorts of directions as of late. Please be patient with me. Perhaps you could get their leader's number. I would really love to have a discussion with them. I apologize sincerely for any hurt emotions. I am excusing myself. I have a dinner date to get ready for. It isn't even close to dinner time. I am still going to get ready. Thanks for the meal. It was nice to see you guys again. Shall we meet up again next week?" Excusing myself, I needed a longer break. Entering our room, the lock clicked behind me. Sliding down the wall, I buried my face into my palms. Flynn slumbered peacefully in his crib, his tiny snores doing little to make me feel better. Spiraling into a panic attack, it took mere seconds for each breath to grow labored. Feeling my heart beat way too fast, curling into a ball did little to help me. Devin climbed into the window, his knock snapped me out of it.

"Are you ready to go?" He voiced cautiously, his voice falling at the sight of me. "I am going to give you the break you deserve." Sitting me on the bed, he wiped off my makeup. Passing me my bag, he held the mirror for me. Noting his wet hair, the black bags underneath his eyes matched mine. Trauma had kidnapped sleep from us, a quiet understanding passing between us.

"I am not an expert or anything but you aren't keeping it together all that well." He pointed out with a quiet smile, my shaking hand struggled to put on a fresh bit of eyeliner. Wiping underneath my eyes, he wasn't wrong. Saying nothing else, he let me finish up. Shutting the mirror, he placed it on the bed. Unlocking the door behind me, I walked downstairs. Grabbing my car keys, it had been a while since I had driven her. Waving goodbye, Hudson continued to entertain them as we exited. Taking the keys from me, he slid into the driver's seat. Sinking into the passenger seat, my hands still shook violently. Peeling onto the road, he made sure to drive carefully. Grappy popped into the back, Devin not responding at all.

"I see you finally showed up." He joked kindly, smoothing out his light navy jacket. "I was wondering when you were going to show up. You two are attached to the hip." Trees turned to concrete, a dark cloud hung over the exit he turned down. Something felt off, my radar jumping off the charts. Sensing lost souls, quiet tears stained his cheeks. Squealing to a stop at the destroyed gates, glowing balls bounced around aimlessly. Stepping out of the car, Grappy put on a heavy white sweatshirt on my shivering body. Shoving my hands in my pocket, snowflakes began to fall from the sky. Crunching through the snow, the Everlasting Winter of Lost Souls had been plaguing this land. Turning towards Devin, he scratched the back of his neck.

"I take it you need me to free their souls." I commented distantly, their pleas ringing in my ear. "I have no problem doing that. You need to let them go first so I can chant the prayer of the Winter Moon." The corner of his lips twitched in the saddest smile I had ever seen, his fingers scratching at the top of his hands. Pressing his palms together, he had nothing to worry about. Snow crunched around us, Grappy brandishing his blade. Ripping my dagger from my neck, my scythe grew in my palm. Ice crept underneath my feet, a shadowy figure whizzed by me to strike down Devin. Leaping in the way, the shadow of death slammed a blade into my shoulder. Dropping to the ground, a dark ending played out in my mind. Struggling to my feet, this fate had to be avoided. Stepping back, it all made sense. Today was Devin's day of death, my heart sinking. Ripping the blade from his heart, Devin spun the blade in his quaking palms. Shaking my head, this was the last thing I wanted. My gift to him was supposed to be sweet freedom after a dark chapter in his life.

"I have to die today." He sighed with a gracious smile, hovering it over his heart. "I was supposed to die that day with my clan. Death himself visited me and now you are here. I know you can't reap my soul but you can help me free them right." Stepping back, my scythe rattled in my palms.

"You don't mean th-" I began, the dagger sinking into his heart. Mouthing thank you, the snow caught him. Scarlet painted the snow, his heart beating the last time. Sinking to my knees, the shadow of death disappeared. My old man stepped out of the shadows, his arms yanking me into a fatherly embrace. Burying my head into his shoulder, a strained huh escaped my lips the moment he pressed his palm against mine. Pausing for a moment, the wind whipped our hair around.

"Together we will guide the souls back to Heaven." He whispered softly into my ear, lifting up my chin with his finger. "How strange? The old you would have protested every minute of what we are about to do." Gritting my teeth, my hand slapped his hand away. Tears flowed freely from my eyes, the simmering rage boiling inside of me exploded.

"I don't get it!" I roared brokenly, shoving him away. "Why can't he cheat death! He already s-" Gripping my shoulders, tears welled up my old man's eyes. His shadow of death had been chasing him down this whole time, the hike making sense. Suicide was his plan, his guilt stopping him ironically. Every part of me hated this, the nightmare never ceasing to end.

"Death is hard. I am glad to see that you still feel heartache." He explained shakily, wiping away my tears. "If we do this together, we can send them all to Moonie's territory in Heaven." Swallowing the lump in my throat, I pressed my palms against his. Ice crept out from underneath our boots, Grappy choosing to hang back. Sitting down on the nearest rock, he leaned against the tree behind him. A blast of wind shot out from us, the souls floating into the sky. Glancing over at Devin, his soul burned the brightest. Holding my composure until he made it up with his people, the snow slowed to a stop. Catching the last snowflake in his palm, the ice particle melted to nothing. Collapsing into his arms, he rubbed my back as every emotion soaked his shoulder. Holding me until the tears stopped, Grappy had wrapped up Devin for me. Fighting back more tears,he lifted him to the snow covered ceremonial table. Laying my head on his chest, golden flames flickered to life in my palm. It was time to take care of his body the proper way, a howl pouring from my lips.

"I am sorry that I couldn't help you." I sobbed in a defeated tone, cupping his hand. "Thank you for being my friend. Enjoy Heaven, you silly fool." Golden flames devoured his body, Grappy pulling me into a brotherly embrace. Watching the flames devour his body, a sigh of relief escaped my lips the moment a gust of wind blew his ash into the sky.

"Can you stay here with me until I feel like going home?" I asked Grappy politely, Death ruffling the top of my head. "I assume you have a whole pile of paperwork." Flashing me an exhausted smile, he kissed the top of my head.

"See you later, kiddo. I am indeed swamped with a load of work." He returned pensively, tapping his finger on his chin. "How about I stop by for dinner this weekend? We can binge whatever you want to watch. I do need some grandfather time. See you later." Disappearing in a sea of black ribbons, I collapsed onto the ceremonial table. Laying on my back, the only thing I could do was watch the blue sky come out. Sitting down next to me, he waited patiently. Not expecting me to speak, the way we clicked felt seamless. Unable to take my eyes off the sky, an endless amount of time passed.

"What do I tell the others?" I pondered with a deep breath, my teardrops melting the snow underneath me. "I am going to look like a monster. Did I do the right thing by putting him to rest in his town?" Crashing down next to me, our hair mixed.

"I think so." He answered with uncertainty, leaning onto his elbow. "He told me from Heaven to do it here. The other alphas will understand. You worry too much." Smiling bitterly to myself, the emotional agony seemed raw still. Clearing his throat, his voice snapped me back to reality.

"I will cut anybody down who disagrees with you." He threatened hotly, a single wave from my hand shutting it down. "Violence isn't necessary, is it? No wonder everyone wants you to be the master of us all." Resting my hands on my bump, this was the part of the world I didn't want my children to experience for a long time. My scythe shrank back down to its dagger form, Grappy clicking it back into place. Sitting up, I rested my wrists on my knees.

"Do you want to go to the diner?" I offered quietly, his crooked grin told me the answer. Taking my keys from him, I climbed into the driver's seat. An envelope stuck out of the vent, Grappy passing it to me as he got in. Using one of my claws to open the thick envelope, a necklace with a fang on it crashed onto my lap. Picking it up, a name had been carved into the tooth. Next to it lay a golden coin. How odd?

"Alyssa?" I mumbled under my breath, the letter fluttered in my lap. "I suppose I should read it." Holding the letter in my hand felt wrong, tears welling up in my eyes at the sweet words on the paper. Clearing my throat, I needed to hear the words out loud.

"Dear Evie." I wept softly, large teardrops staining the page. "If you are reading this, I am on the other side. There is a little girl named Alyssa, my little sister. She is currently with a family friend. She will need a home because they can't take care of her forever. Could you take her in for me? I know you can show her the world and what it can give. She is my life and I sent her away knowing what was going to happen. Give her this necklace as proof. Thank you and wear your crown with pride. Give this gold coin to Blake. I need to pay him back. Goodbye for now. Signed Devin." An address had been scribbled across the bottom of the cage, my fingers typing it into the GPS. Clipping the seat belt into place, the engine rumbled to life. Peeling onto the road, trees turned into pavement. Turning on the radio, generic music filled the silence. The destination was a couple of hours away, a ball of dread bubbled in my gut. Why did I have to take her in? Grappy knew better than to say anything, my fingers drumming on the steering wheel. The snow turned to a torrential downpour, the visibility growing worse by the second. Driving carefully, the journey took three hours instead. Giving Hudson a quick call, I told him that I would be getting a hotel for the night. Hanging up the phone, the necklace felt heavy in my palm. Walking up to the door, the door swung open. A dirty blonde haired woman glared at me, her eyes falling on the necklace. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her hand yanking me in. Locking the door behind me, her arms yanked me into a desperate embrace. Tears soaked my shoulder, her petite body standing a good three inches below me. A seven year old girl skidded downstairs, her scarlet waves cascading down her back. Ocean blue eyes pierced my soul, my heart breaking for her. Gripping the hem of her ivory sweater dress, a broken wail burst from her lips. Crashing back upstairs, a door slammed shut.

"Would you like to spend the night? Your friend can come in as well. The hotels are filled up because of some convention." The sobbing woman offered sincerely, letting me go. "I am Penny by the way. She is my niece, Alyssa. Are you here to take her to your village?" Crossing my hands, it would be rude not to take her offer.

"Only if you let me cook you guys dinner." I returned warmly, Grappy coming in uncomfortably. "It is the least we can do. Can you guide us to the kitchen, please? What is her favorite food if you don't mind me asking?" Wiping away her tears, she pointed to the all white kitchen. Following us in, a silver stove tempting me. Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, she adjusted her simple t-shirt and jean outfit. Taking off my sweatshirt, she followed us in. Twisting my hair into a bun, her lips parted to speak.

"She likes pancakes with sprinkles. My brother used to make them all the time." She choked out through a wall of tears. "Why did he want you to take her? Am I not enough?" Despair haunted her eyes, my lips pressing into a thin line. She didn't smell like a werewolf, only a human. Not being able to take her from her aunt, I chewed on my lips.

"I am not taking her aw-" I began, a silver bullet striking her in the temple. A fiery explosion rattled the street, orange flames devouring my car. Dodging the bullets, a familiar face came into view outside. It was the leader of the new hunter's organization, my heart sinking. Rage mixed with depression, my whole body quaking violently. Turning to Grappy, his head bowed at my words.

"Take Miss Alyssa to the village. I have to do something. That is an official order." I commanded with a rushed tone, my fingers curling around my dagger. "Her safety is the most important thing." Dropping the fang necklace into his hand, Alyssa skidded around the corner. A long scream burst from her lips, the whole organization piling into Penny's house. Stepping in front of her to protect her, Grappy wrapped his arms around her waist. Protesting violently, her extended fangs sank into his tender flesh. Charging at her aunt's killer, I knocked her to the floor. A knife quivered in my shoulder, her bewildered expression meeting my exhausted eyes.

"I need you to go to safety. Devin wanted you to live." I wheezed, coughing up blood. Ruby splattered across the floor, her thumb wiping away the silent tears streaming down my cheeks. Mouthing okay, she leapt into Grappy's arm. Struggling to my feet, the knife clattered to the floor. Disappearing in a flurry of feathers, the hunter spun another blade in his palm. Ripping off my dagger, the weapon expanded into my scythe. Wicked laughter rumbled in the masked hunter's throat, their matching black leather outfits shining in the yellow light of the kitchen. Ignoring the throbbing ache in my shoulder, the scent was familiar. They were the original destroyers of his town, fresh tears welling up in my eyes.

"We have orders from the king of Hell to kill you. You best let us." He taunted cruelly, the potion he dipped the blade in preventing me from healing. "You are already injured. We also kidnapped your precious alphas and child." Shaking my head, their shadowy aura bathed the house. Horror rounded my eyes, Hudson begging for me not to die through our mental connection. Ice crept underneath my feet, the wood growing underneath the pressure. No one hurt my family, a wicked grin dancing across my lips. Spinning my scythe in my palm, thick walls of ice blocked every exit. Playtime was over, the motherfuckers signing their death warrants.

"Only one of us gets out alive." I barked venomously, low growls rumbling in my throat. "I will tear you guys apart." Charging at him, his men didn't stand a chance. Every swing turned them into minced meat, ruby staining the ice. Fear flickered on the leader's face, a snap of my finger sending ice spikes toward him. Pinning him to the wall, unbridled rage simmered in my eyes. Maniacal laughter burst from his lips, a venom releasing into his system. Foam built around my lips, my head shaking.

"No! You were supposed to tell me where they are." I cried out desperately, his breaths growing shorter. His head dropped forward, his pulse fading away to nothing. Glancing down at my reflection, ruby covered my face and clothes. Shrinking my scythe back down, I sank to my knees. Smashing my fists into the ice, people needed to be saved. Blue and red lights flooded the home, Grappy yanking me out of a busted open window. Taking off into the sky, he healed my shoulder.

"Puck is watching the girl." He informed me briskly, clicking the dagger back into place. "I located the people holding your friends and family hostage. Hold on tight." Tossing me over his shoulder, nothing needed to be said between us. We worked like the team we were always meant to be. Pressing my palms together, I prayed that this would work out.