Beneath the Surface

Going under

The next day, Harry called Ashley and I to his office, and the look on his face told me he had some bad news for us. "I'm sending you two to my mother's," he said firmly, his expression telling us this was non-negotiable. "I'm not running the risk of either Brody or Brandon snapping you two up; I've got word they've signed a formal alliance, and that makes the two of them much more dangerous. I'd rather have you two safe and out of the way, especially now you're close to giving birth, Charlie."

I felt cold inside, memories of my break-up with Brody coming to the surface despite my best efforts to squash them back down. I knew, deep down, however, that Harry was not being controlling; he didn't want to run the risk of losing us, but it was still a bitter pill to swallow, especially when I'd made up my mind the night before on my cub's future. Now was probably not the time to bring it up, but I had to say something before we left. "Harry, I've got something I need to tell you first," I said, clasping my hands together, sweat springing out on my palms. 

Harry rose, his face carefully controlled, but open anguish in his eyes. "I'm sorry," he said. "I know what you're going to say, but this isn't the time for it." He came over and took my face in his hands, gently kissing me on the lips. "You'll be much safer if you wait until this is all over. I don't want to be worrying about you two and your cub; Brody and Brandon command a hefty alliance, and it's going to take all our strength to keep them at bay. There's too many packs sitting on the fence, and I have to try and convince them that it will be in their best interests to choose our side. Brody in particular is a monster who needs to be put down, and the sooner we can do that, the sooner we'll all have a safe world to raise cubs in."

I nodded, tears in my eyes. I knew where he was coming from, and though it was cold comfort, I was relieved he was agreeable with the plan for my cub. "Just... be careful," I pleaded. I had no idea how he'd come to mean so much to me in so short a time, but I didn't care. All I cared about was him, and the hope that he'd make it out alive.

"I can try," Harry said, giving me a lopsided grin and another kiss. "I've arranged for GiGi to go with you as well; Barry is rather upset at her 'defection', and he's likely to try and talk her into returning. I don't think she will, but it's better to be safe than sorry." He firmed his shoulders. "You'll be leaving at midday; Mum will arrange to buy whatever the three of you need, including baby things. And she'll talk you through the birthing process as well."

"I'm not terribly worried about that," I said, managing a smile through my tears. "But it's nice to know I'll have experienced hands nearby."

"Mum's birthed three cubs," Harry said with a chuckle. "And countless grandcubs as well. I think it's safe to say she's experienced." His face firmed. "Ladies, I'm sorry it had to come to this. I can think of no two more worthy females I'd rather have by my side. But your safety comes over any revenge you might want to exact - and I know you've both got some words you want to say to those two knuckleheads. Let us do the fighting for you, and save yourselves the strain." He gave us another lopsided grin. "I can take the strain and then some."

"You're an idiot," Ashley said, smiling through her own tears as she threw her arms around him. "Come back safe, please."

Harry held her close, struggling against his own tears as he kissed her. "I'm not going anywhere," he said thickly, gently stroking her hair before giving her one last passionate kiss. "I promise. I'm not leaving you behind, and if I do, I give you full permission to break open the gates of hell and pull me out kicking and screaming by the scruff of my neck."

I giggled, but wisely left them to it. Having only been reunited for a few months, this separation was going to kill Ashley. But she had the strength to endure it. 

As did I.