little one

chapter twenty five

thea's pov

"How do we stop someone with no face?" Acacia stumbled over her words, growing frustrated with her limited words, "I do not know if that makes sense? I can not think of a word for it. I am sorry if I am saying it wrong."

"I understand what you mean. I can't explain it any better." Her eyebrows were furrowed, still not appeased with my assurance.

"You do not need to lie. I know that my English is not good." Before I could respond the boys walked in;

"Sprite, there's nothing wrong with your English, I swear. I'm an Alpha. We're like George Washington we cannot tell a lie." He smirked at her and she looked back confused.

"I do not know who George Washington is, but OK." Her nose scrunched up, and Jace smiled giving her a kiss on the nose.

"Anyone who has a problem with the way you speak isn't worth your time. You don't think any less of Thea for her stutter, do you?" Ugh, it's annoying how charismatic and charming he is sometimes. I don't understand how he always knows the right thing to say.

"Of course not." Acacia looked offended at the thought.

Sebastian came up behind me, and I jumped slightly when he placed his hands on my shoulders. I still wasn't used to how quickly and quietly he moved. Jace was kneeling down by Acacia's side, caressing her cheek and whispering to her.

*

After Acacia gathered herself, the boys told us they had come to inform us that lunch was ready. So we all made our way to the kitchen, Acacia and I sending glances to each other every so often. Both of us were nervous to bring up our pasts. We were fully aware of our mates and their emotions. Our past being somewhat of a triggering situation for them, as they held guilt over not finding us sooner.

None of us wanted to admit that the threat we had faced was not completely gone. Our captors may have been killed, but none of us could ignore the writing on the wall;

They weren't acting alone.

It wasn't possible. Rogues weren't designed to work in groups, they rejected packs and every bit of order that came with it.

I have no doubt that our abusers were merely puppets in some evil man's sick show.

They were merely pawns, and now it was our job to find the chess master.

*

Though it was obvious the boys were more than curious as to what we had been discussing, if they had any clue they didn't say. I appreciated their restraint, I'm sure it was obvious when they entered that the topic was distressing. And we all know how Alpha males get when their mates in distress. They were trying, for our sakes, to reign in their protective instincts. They didn't want us to feel suffocated, or controlled by them. They wanted us to feel free, independent. They wanted to give us back our sense of self.

"S-so Seb-bastian... Acacia and I-I were t-talking." I finally gathered the courage to speak up, my eyes not leaving my plate.

"What were you talking about love?" He was trying and failing, to keep the concern out of his voice. Tried to hide his growing curiosity. He never failed to amaze me with his compassion and concern for me. He fought against his basic instincts for me, even when it hurt him, all to make sure that I was happy. That's more than I could ever ask for.

"Our k-kidnappings."

His jaw tensed, and I could tell he was struggling. He hated the thought of me hurting.

"Seb. These weren't random acts. I think we all know that." Everyone at the table grew silent, and I started to worry that I shouldn't have brought it up. In a split second, I felt like I was a child again, saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.

I started to panic again, and Sebastian noticed. "Little One, I'm not upset with you. It's OK. I just hate remembering where I found you. And I don't want to admit that what you said is true, because... if it is... There is a very good chance that Acacia and you are still in danger. And I have no idea how to protect you from something I don't know. I will protect you with my life, Thea. You know that. I just don't know to protect you from this, and as an Alpha, as a mate, that's a hard pill to swallow. What kind of Alpha am I if I can't even protect my Luna?" I didn't know what to say to reassure him. I didn't know how to tell him how very wrong he is when I can't rebuke his claims. I didn't know the answers, and that killed me. But before I could say anything Jace spoke up;

"All we can do is try to figure out the root of this. Who is running this, and why? I know this is hard for you both, and Thea I don't want to upset you more especially after what happened. I'm doing my best not to baby you Acacia. That would be insulting to how strong of a woman you are. But I can't help but want to protect you, and maybe that's why I haven't pushed you to talk. But you're right. We need to solve this." He caressed Acacia's cheek, gazing at her adoringly.

"I don't want either of you stressing if you can't remember something, got it, Thea? It might take time for you to remember everything. Maybe we should talk to Ainsley before getting into this. She's been looking into... PTSD after... everything that's gone on." Sebastian spoke up.

I honestly didn't mind Ainsley. She's been nothing but nice during the checkups we've had. And, as much as I'm nervous about dealing with everything, as much as I wouldn't like to admit that my mental health needs attention, I wanted to solve this mystery. My curiosity trumps my fears every day.

"I do not know about you Thea, but I think Ainsley could be helpful. She has been very kind to me. She gave me some books to improve my English." Acacia was smiling softly, and I was reminded yet again how sweet she is. I hate that she feels like she shouldn't speak, because of her fractured English. It may sound a little stilted, but it wasn't that noticeable if you weren't paying attention.

"I t-think that's a good idea." I could tell Sebastian was trying to hide his shock, but the man had a terrible poker face.

"Are you sure you want to do this today? You just got out of the hospital." I guard at Sebastian annoyed.

"I. Said. I. Can. Handle. It." Jace and Acacia looked stunned at my outburst. I was a little shocked myself, but the longer I stayed here the more confident I was becoming. So if anyone was to blame for my temper tantrums it's... Sebastian. Blame him.

"Yes, dear." I wanted to slap that smug little smirk off his face. Smartass.

AGGGHHHHH! SORRY FOR THE SHORT KIND OF FILLER CHAPTER BUT THAT'S JUST KINDA HOW IT FLOWED. DON'T KNOW WHY IM YELLING.

ok i'll stop.

updates will be longer from here on out, so I wanted to get atleast something right now, because I have a lot of school work going on, and it's gonna be difficult to write for a bit.

thanks,

-ej

ps. did this chapter totally suck, or am i just being too hard on myself?