The Alpha's Angel

Chapter XII

Madeline's POV:
"Hey, angel."

"Hey. I'm sorry I didn't call sooner. I was just wrapped up in everything."

"Of course. I understand. Believe it or not, I can survive without you for a few hours. So? How is she?"

He was no fool. His tone told me he had far less hope than I did. "It was Sam. Red Moon. Just right next door and we never knew. He just needed her alive. Nothing more than that. It's awful, Jason. And her mother is even worse. Mara's starting to flush the drugs out, but Sarah's another case. She probably won't pull through. God, I can't imagine what Roy's going through right now."

"Mara's Dad, right?"

"Yeah, having to sit waiting for two people. Having younger kids. The Claiming ceremony was the first time I saw the twins smile in a long time."

"I know. When was your first smile?" he asked hesitantly, probably thinking I'd shut him down.

"The first one I meant? At the lake, I think. It was certainly my first real laugh. I forgot for a bit. You brought me freedom, Jason."

"Well, if all it takes to make you happy is pulling me into the water that's easy enough to manage."

"I think there was a little more to that day than that, Jason." I sighed as I sank under my covers. "Talk with me until I'm tired?"

"Of course, angel."

"Tell me what you're working on. Honestly." He was silent for a moment. "Jason, I don't know why you expect me to believe you're just playing a businessman, but I need your honesty."

He sighed. "Alright, but I need you to trust I'm taking the best measures I can in this. I've been getting some questionable letters recently. Lists of other packs."

"Packs connected to ours? Or is it something here? Tied to his mess with Red Moon?"

"No. It's moving down from the states above us. I need to figure out how to avoid raising panic while I see who else is getting these letters. Starting with Ethan and Carter."

"And why couldn't you tell me this? How long have you been hiding this, Jason?" He sighed. "How long, Jason?"

"Madeline, you were so close to rejecting me already."

I huffed, irritated at the time span. "Jason, answer me honestly in this, has anyone we know been threatened? Your parents or aunt or cousin? My family? Pack members?"

"There's no warning, Madeline. I think they want me to find a pattern in their strikes. Common hits. Common deaths. You know there's nothing I won't do to keep the California packs safe, don't you?"

"Yes. Of course. I get why you were worried to tell me, but it wouldn't have scared me away. I want to help with this. I'm your luna now, Jason. Or whatever this position is called. Doesn't that count for something?"

"Of course it does. I will keep you in the loop, angel. I promise. Look, it's getting really late. We should both get some rest. I can't imagine how exhausted you are after worrying about Mara. Get some sleep and tell your brother I want to come over soon, alright?"

"Goodnight, Jason."

"Goodnight, angel."
~~~~~
I knew well enough kids could flip from one mood to another in a split second, but with just how often it was happening to the clinging pair stuck to me all day it was still startling. I couldn't blame them though. It was amazing Mara was home, but she was still unconscious and there were all the little things to worry about.

Madeline, you should bring the kids to the hospital. Mara's in good enough shape for a few visitors.

I couldn't hold back my sound of excitement at the doctor's news, but I didn't give the curious eyes around me any explanation. Thank you, Dr. Ross. We'll be right down. "Ryan, Violet. We're going to go down to the hospital again. Mara's awake."

"Really?!" they both asked.

"Yes. But we're going to walk there and you have to be very gentle, okay?"

"Okay," Ryan quickly agreed, tugging my arm as he had the route memorized by now.

She was just being helped back to the bed when we arrived. The evidence of our enthusiasm couldn't be contained, much to Roy's amusement. Despite my warning the twins had no hesitation in hugging her as soon as she was situated. Through their obnoxiously loud excitement there wasn't a single word one could separate from the next. After all that died down a few new audible facts were provided.

"Madeline's a luna, too," Ryan informed her, snuggling closer. "Mara, where did you go? Everyone was so scared for you. Ethan was always angry. And you came home hurt and wouldn't wake up."

"Buddy," she started, a sad look in her eyes. I could only begin to imagine what memories would hang over her for many more months. Years, likely. "I'm fine," she said, not knowing how to give a child such a cruel answer.

"What about Mom? Why was she there?"

But she was rescued from another difficult response by activity down the hall. "In technicality she has the right to decide who takes his position or if the packs blend," Holden was saying.

"She doesn't know anything about the Red Moon pack. She wasn't exactly a guest there," my brother responded, sounding irritated. I wouldn't want to put that pressure on Mara either. "I won't push her on it. She doesn't need that pressure. I'll handle it." The pair entered the room and whatever Ethan had decided to carry down here was forgotten on the floor. "Thank God."

The look they shared was enough for everyone else to clear out. Ryan and Violet weren't exactly thrilled at being dragged out so soon, but with their father's reminder of mates and telling them privacy was needed they begrudgingly agreed on the condition they'd have a snack. But what more can you expect from kids?