Willow's Choice

Twenty-Six

I was surprised when Valor made us get up then and there and Pierre led the ceremony. It was simple, impulsive, and spontaneous, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. Our whole family was there and that was plenty audience and it was all I could ever want.

I smiled as I held a giggling Ava who seemed to be getting bigger by the second and I knew she'd begin walking soon with how fast she was growing. I could see Valor watching me from the corner of my eye.

"Can I help you Mr. Black?" I asked with a grin.

"Just admiring my beautiful family, if that's okay with you...Mrs. Black." He said as he stood up, Ava's sightline immediately snapping to his and she smiled as she reached up for her father.

I smiled as he lifted her, peppering her face with kisses as she giggled heartily.

His phone rang and we both instantly quieted. Calls were only supposed to come if they found anything. Valor had hired some of the best hunters to find Stefan or anyone with a connection or information regarding him.

Raven and Solomon ran in as if on cue, both of them breathing heavily.

"They found one of his men." Raven said to me.

I needed to see who it was and I bolted outside before anyone could stop me.

I ran until I came to the clearing, I could see my parents, brothers, and Cassius, Giselle, and Pierre, as they formed a group as Cassius held a man who was bound with his hands behind his back. I watched as pack members who'd volunteered to search and some of the returning coven members began to gather at the spectacle.

I immediately recognized him. He had drank from Valor. He had almost killed my mate. He was with Stefan.

"Move." I said firmly as I spoke into the sea of people.

Everyone's heads turned and the immediately parted at my order, Cassius throwing the man to the ground where he dropped to his knees.

I stood tall as the man recognized me.

"You know who I am, don't you." I said.

The man looked at me, nodding quietly.

"You almost killed my mate. You were there when I was taken." I said.

"I know." He said as he dropped his gaze.

"Look at me." I hissed.

"Look up." I heard in Valor's warning baritone.

I knew he was behind me because I could feel his hand on the small of my back as he stood next to me.

The man looked up, his eyes falling on Valor and I knew he had accepted his fate already.

"Where is he?" Valor asked.

"Please. Kill me already!" The man said, his eyes bulging and his fangs showing as he yelled.

"I asked you a question." Valor said, ignoring the man's request.

I watched as the man began laughing, tears coming from his eyes as he broke into a cry.

"He wants her. He's tasted her blood and he won't stop. Not until she is his and he's put his child in her." The man said as he looked at me, his eyes holding pity.

"I'm sorry. Please." The man whispered.

"Then tell me where he is." I whispered.

"I'm not sure where he is. He never stops moving, but he is based up north somewhere. There's a small town he feeds from." The man said.

I nodded, taking a step back as I took in the information. I had what I needed and knew what I needed to know.

I turned, watchingValor who stalked forward quietly and calculated, his eyes focused on his prey.

"No! No! Pl-

I blinked as the man's cries went unfinished at the snapping of bone and I heard his body slump against the ground. I knew what was coming and what had to be done in order to protect my loved ones. Anyone could be bought, anyone could be betrayed. I needed to make solid moves and this was the only way to secure my family's future and well being.

I stepped over the body, walking into the house, following an unbothered Valor who had the same goal in mind.

"You feel like taking a trip up North?" I asked him as I entered.

"I'll follow you anywhere." He said smirking.