Chapter 69

A week passed, a nice calming week where I started my new painting and visited with my new cat; Parker, who's favourite person, other than Duma, was naturally Raph. Parker would curl up next to him on the couch and the bed and insisted on following him into the bathroom. It was fun to watch, mostly because Raph couldn't stand it.

Thresh told the Beta and Gamma, that we were going to Portland, Oregon on Pack business.

I was confused why I was going at first, but pushed it away. I guess I was the Beta's mate and had responsibilities too, which I didn't mind.

Charm apparently always stayed behind, to look after the Pack. But I think it was just because it was safer for her and Thresh didn't want her hurt. Which I thought was cute. She had also been a little sick for the past week or two, and she looked very tired. I was a little worried for her but I'm sure she will recover.

We packed our bags and said goodbye to Duma and the brothers. I called my family and told them I was going to the US for awhile, and I didn't know how long. They told me to be safe and that they loved me.

It was five thirty in the morning and I was naturally a morning person but I would most likely be dropping off to sleep later in the day.

We drove to the airport in a rather impressive caravan. Thresh drove in the middle of two black sedans and then Raph drove behind them, a black sedan was behind us and Thomas was at the back with another black sedan trailing him.

'Wow, lot of sedans.'

"You know, I don't have a passport." I said as he parked his sports car.

"That's okay, we don't go through a customs and we'll land on a private runway." He said, handing his keys to another Lycan, who gave me a hard glare, I glared at him back.

'Huh, weird.'

I refocused on what Raph had said, "Isn't that illegal? I mean, we'll be flying over the border."

"Don't worry." He came and patted my head. I raised my chin and stared at him, waiting for him to answer me.

But he ignored me and walked right past me grabbing my hand as he did and pulling me along.

I glared at his back. -Tell me.-

-Tell you what?-

I frowned, -Are we committing a crime?-

-Not a crime per se.-

-Raph.- I said annoyed.

-Don't worry. We've done this dozens of times before.-

I sighed and decided to ignore the fact that I might be committing an illegal action. Even though I was still squeamish.

We got into the private plane and Thresh explained that the Alpha of the Portland area was concerned with what he'd heard about Spruce and demanded a genuine explanation.

Thresh had complied and was bringing his Beta and Gamma as well.

-Isn't it suspicious?- I asked Thresh.

-Yes, very.- He replied.

I was surprised by such a straightforward answer. -Then why go?-

-I would like to see what he actually wants.-

I nodded and he ended the connection.

During the four hours it took to get to Portland, I got to know Thomas pretty well. He was a joking guy, not like Bradley a little more crude, but he was funny. Every once in a while I'd catch him staring into space with a vacant look in his eyes. I remembered what he'd been like in my weird dream and asked Raph, -What was wrong with Thomas before?-

-What do you mean, did he say something?-

-No, it's just… when I was out for that week or so, I had a bunch of weird dreams. I can't figure out why. But in one of them I saw Thomas, he was standing in a destroyed room and his eyes were all black, and his voice sounded like… well, like an Elf. What was wrong with him.-

Raph was silent for a while.

-After we'd met that first time and I said I had to go, it was because Thomas and another Lycan were waiting in a car outside.-

-Really?- I swallowed not knowing how I felt about two Lycans being outside my employers house, and even more little Paul's house. They now had a new nanny, and I'd met her when I went to college, she was nice. But I would miss Paul.

-Yes, we were on our way to the west side of the island when I picked up your scent. Anyway we had reached a gas station and James, the other Lycan that was with us, he's a hunter, he scented Elves nearby. So we drove off but they tapped Tom's mind.-

-What does that mean, tapping?- I asked, curious. I recalled when Thresh had called my ability tapping and was curious to know if it was similar.

-They take control of his mind, and once they have a hold on him, they don't let go. Most Lycans never recover but the Alpha killed the Elf that did it. So Tom healed. But he'll never be the same.- Raph said solemnly.

I knew I wouldn't be, someone else reaching into your mind and controlling it, I looked at Thomas, I think it's a miracle that he's still sane.

Raph turned in his seat and handed me a silver chain, "What's this for?" I asked.

"To protect you. -Elves can't tap your mind if your wearing one of these, also some of their magic can't affect you.- Luna made it especially for you." He finished with a smile.

-Will there be Elves in Portland?- I asked, frightened.

-No, probably not. But I just want you to be safe.- He took my hand and kissed it. I smiled at his action.

"So, Charm makes the chains?" I asked curiously.

"Yes, it's a Faerie talent. They're the only ones who can craft them." He answered.

"Wow, so is your Pack the only one with chains?" I asked.

He pondered that, "Yes, and no. A few other Lycans are mated to a Fae. Some of those Faerie have the ability, some don't."

"If you shared the chains with other Packs wouldn't they be more resistant to Elves?" I asked.

I looked up at Raph's face because he wasn't answering. I turned and looked at the cabin, all eyes were on me. I felt a little embarrassed under there gazes, they looked angry.

"We don't give away our chains." I looked back at Raph, he spoke with a distant tone, like he was somewhere else.