18

"I really want to thank you for this... so often its just me and the boy. I love him but he is no substitute for my mate." Carter tells me as we stand around the kitchen counter watching Emily play with little Desmond in the living room.

"He's not ment to be... he is your son and no one can replace your mate. Love him and be a good dad. No one can be a substitute for her but that boy will always love you... who knows maybe you will find someone to love again not as a replacement but as an addition to the love you have for her. You are young you can't stay locked up forever." I tell him.

"I guess... it's hard man. I never expected to be a dad and now I gotta do it on my own. It's stressful and I don't know how to deal. I actually started training Dez. You know kids are more capable than we give them credit for. Being with him helps me not think of her." He confesses.

"Dude Desmond is three. I'm not trying to tell you how to parent but isn't that a little young to train?" I ask. I know he is hurting and I suggested him spending time with the boy but I ment age appropriate bonding.

"He is strong for his age. He will be a great warrior. It's not like I push him to hard just basic stuff and he enjoys it." Carter shrugs.

"Alright man just be careful with the little guy. He is a pup to no matter how strong he is." I end the conversation. As long as the pup isn't hurt I guess its none of my business.

"Dadddy! Emmlee say she gonna haves a baby soon!" Desmond yells as he runs in.

"I heard pup." Carter laughs.

"She be my fwend?" The pup asks.

"I'm sure she will be." I tell him. "But we don't know if it is a girl or boy yet."

"Giwel I'm sures of it." The little guy nods before running back to my mate.

"So you nervous?" Carter asks.

"I never thought I'd have kids. In fact I promised myself I wouldn't... but with Emily I can't think of anything better. Honestly I hope the boy is right. I want a little princess. A boy would be to much like me. I'd ruin him. I'd do better with a little version of Meme to spoil." I answer.

"Well it is rumored that my family has psychic powers so many Dez is right." He laughs as the timer dings for dinner.

"It's been too long sence we've seen each other Carter. You need to come around more." Emily says as we eat.

"Without Faith I kinda just like being with Dez. Sorry to have been so distant its just you were her friend..." Carter responds.

"I know but you still need people Carter. We're here for you." Emily tells him and I nod.

"Thanks... I'll keep it in mind."

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

"So that was nice. I didn't even know you were friends with Carter until today. Its funny how things work out." I say as I help with the dishes.

"Yea... I was more friends with Faith. Carter gives me the creeps to be honest. I don't know why but he always has." Emily responds and I'm shocked.

"But you seemed to like him. You were so nice." I say.

"I still want to look out for him but more for Desmond's sake. Its the least I can do for Faith." She shrugs.

"Well I won't invite him over again without your say so... but honestly I think you're wrong. He's been the nicest guy to me and that kid loves him." I tell her.

"It's just a feeling and I didn't say he was a bad guy and I know you said he is an excellent fighter... I can't explain it so let's drop it. Maybe its just me missing my friend." She says and I nod.

"So when do you think this war will start? I mean its been a while with no attacks. Do you think they gave up? I mean they only have two guys from your group left what can they do?" Emily asks out of the blue as we are getting in bed for the night.

"No way they give up... I don't know when they will come but we will be ready." I assure her.

I lay in bed long after my mate is asleep. How long do we have? Will we be able to save Anhur and Aries? Will they kill them now that Odin and I are no longer there? They always threatened to "terminate the project."

"Hoo hoo ho hoo hoo ho"

I hear the sound coming from outside my window. No way! That can't be what I think it is!

I jump out of bed and ron downstairs in nothing but a pair of shorts. Before I know it I'm out the door and running into the woods.

After a while I stop. I smell them!

"Come on out guys!" I call into the trees.

"Hello brother" the gruff voice closest friend rings behind me.

"Easiest rescue mission ever!" A jester laughs as he steps into view. "And here we thought you'd be in chains!"

"Aries, Anhur!... what are you doing here?" I ask.

"I thought that'd be obvious, commander. Were here to rescue you... however I fear we are too late." Aries says.

"What do you mean? We got him back! We can head back to father and plan our next move." Anhur says.

"How long have you been off your meds Titan?" Aries asks me.

"Since I was taken. Listen guys Father has lied to us. All this time he was the one to kidnap us! I met your parents. There was no drug. We are werewolves born and raised. Alphas at that. You guys need to come with me, meet the King, he can help you then you can meet your parents." I explain.

"You're as crazy as Odin. You know he wrote a journal? He weaned himself off the drugs thinking he could handle the side effects. Thats why he was acting so weird before he died. He was hearing voices, started writing the same werewolf nonsense you are saying. You know that you are delusional right Titan?" Aries tells me.

"Its the truth Aries." I argue and he scoffs turning away from me.

"You met my parents?" Anhur asks and I nod.

"Your dad and little brother were part of my bachelor party. You have a mom and an older sister. You look just like your dad by the way. He misses you." I tell him with a smile.

"It's all a lie Anhur don't believe it!" Aries growls. "Come back home with us where you belong or we'llmake you, Titan. Its two against one and you know im stronger."

"I have a home here Aries. I got a girl and a baby on the way... a family. You could have that too... both of you could! Just come back with me." I beg.

"Not gonna happen brother. We dragged Odin out well do the same for you. Grab him Anhur... Anhur?... Anhur!" Aries yells.

"My parents... they still want me? You can make me remember... like you?" Anhur asks ignoring Aries.

"Yea... your dad is actually the king's cousin. He asked about you. He wants you home." I smile at him.

"We should go with him. Hear him out at least. You know Titan he wouldn't just betray us. Maybe he is right." Anhur tells Aries.

"He is off his meds, Anhur! Listen to me! I'm in charge when Titan can't preform his duties. Fall in soldier!" Aries growls.

"You know I've never been much of a soldier Aries. If there is even a .00001% chance he is right in taking it." Anhur says standing beside me.

"Its two against one brother. Just give it a chance. Let the King explain. Meet your parents. Come on man! Isn't there even a tiny part of you who wants a family?" I try to persuade him.

"I thought I had one. A father. Three brothers. One killed himself and two are abandoning me. Fine! Know this Titan, the next time you see me will be on the battle field and I will show no mercy. Come with me now or I will kill you later." Aries hisses.

"I'm not leaving, Aries." I say and he nods then turns to walk away.

"EJ!" I yell at him and he pauses.

"What?" He turns his head toward me.

"EJ, Emanuel James, that's your name. Your father is Alpha Samuel. He is strong and told me that he hopes you will be strong enough to come home. It takes strength to admit that everything we know is a lie. That everything we've done was wrong. I hope by the time we meet again you are strong enough to admit that... goodbye Aries." I tell him. He just huffs and shifts running away from us and I sigh.

"What's my name then?" Anhur asks.

"Charlie." I tell him as I lead him to the pack house and link the king to meet me.

"Charlie." I barley hear the whisper from beside me.