Bound by Love

34. What Would Be

The brothers and Wren make it to the meeting spot within moments. Ignoring the others from the council Wren runs to her father, her shaking hands grasp at his clothes and tear filled eyes stare up at him. "Do we know where Stanley is? What do they want?"

Atticus cradles her cheeks, tenderly wiping away her tears. "They're holding him at an old gold mine. They say they'll release him unharmed but their demands are impossible."

"What are they? Whatever it is, I'll find away. I-I have to save Stan. He's just a kid. H-he must be so scared." Wren sobs. "What is it? What can we do?"

Atticus closes his eyes tight, holding Wren close to him afraid of what will happen but unable to lie to her. "Wren, they're demanding you come alone. To exchange yourself for him."

"No!" The brothers yell out in unison. The furious roar of their anger almost drowning out the soft but insistent voice of Wren.

"I'll do it." She states calmly.

Ian shakes his head, "No, Little Bird. We can come with you. With our speed and powers they are no match for us. We can save Stanley."

Atticus frowns, "The letter says they've got several watchers and sensors. They will know if more than just Wren gets within thirty miles of their lair. They say if anyone beside Wren steps within that border they'll kill him."

Gray hisses as he paces back and forth with a frantic hand running over his head. "They're lying. I'm certain." He turns to Wren, eyes and voice begging her to heed his words. "You can't go alone. I can't loose you, we can't lose you."

Van's voice is thick with worry. "It would be the end of us. If ever something would take you from us we would soon follow."

Wren chokes on her sorrow. Knowing that he speaks the truth. "But Stanley... he's my brother, I love him. Surely they need me alive for their plans. I can trade myself and then once Stan is safe you all can come save me."

"It's too risky. My Heart, please. Let us come. I'm sure we can reach him before they can act upon their threats." Gray pleads, falling to his knees in front of her.

Ian's eyes meet hers, she blinks back the blur of unshed tears to see his face filled with uncertainty and fear. "Little Bird, use your gift. See if Gray is right and their threat of knowing if more approach them is unfounded."

Wren nods eagerly, desperate for that to be so. Needing their claims to be false. Everyone freezes around her and then like a movie she watches what would be.

"We can't." She cries out in despair. " their claims are not false. If even just one of you follows behind Stanley dies. I have to go - alone."

"No! There must be another way!" The brothers roar out.

"It'll be okay. They all still think I'm human just with some special blood. They won't expect me to be able to defend myself against them."

Wren draws close, kissing them each tenderly as she fights back the continuing tears. "I love you. Once Stanley is safe, come to me. I will do all I can to keep myself safe."

"Please Angel, don't do this." Van cries.

Wren's lips tremble and her heart aches. "I have to. It's the only way. I love you."

She looks to Atticus, "Where is this gold mine?"

He looks at her with pride and fear fighting to stake their claim upon his face. "It's forty miles south of here at the base of a lone mountain. Wren, you must fight. I can't lose you again. No matter what, know that we will come for you."