I watched from Nancy's SUV as Shawn and Kera dragged Jake away. He was yelling profanities and saying something about how it wasn't his fault but nobody seemed to give a shit. I sure didn't.

Nancy was declaring her dominance to a small group a few yards away. I wasn't sure how I felt about the whole thing yet but knowing she was still livid with me and focused on them... well I'll just sit here and enjoy another cigarette while my loving mate cools off.

I knew this wasn't what she wanted but with a little luck this could help ease the tension between them instead of making it worse.

"Is she going to be done with them soon? I was hoping to see about a raise."

I shot an eyebrow to Jason as he approached me with a smug smile on his face. He was filthy. His hair was a mess and blood and dirt covered his naked body. I wasn't sure if I was getting used to seeing nudity now or I was just that drained.

"Already? You just started? Wait a few weeks first."

"Oh! Is that how it is now? Alright. But just so you know, I'm not helping with the rest of this. I was more than happy to make a mess of this place, but that's as far as I'll go. I gotta preserve some dignity, ya know?"

"Jason... you're standing in front of me naked... And you're talking to me about dignity?"

"I'm a firm believer that if you got it then it's selfish to hide it, and I definitely got it. Have you seen the numbers I get?" His smile widened as he gave me a wink "Being a werewolf isn't all about just seeing how much beer we can drink. That's just one of the many perks."

"I was going to ask you to help me get the others."

"I think I did plenty already. I want nothing to do with what happens next and I doubt you do either. I wouldn't of done this but I didn't forget our agreement. Greg is watching the others so you have nothing to worry about. You know how he doesn't know when to give up." He laughed to himself "I really don't get what Linnea sees in the little runt but to each their own I guess."

I was a little taken aback and upset at his comment. How the hell could he have a problem with Greg? Maybe he just hates humans. He still shouldn't be talking about Linnea's mate like that.

I almost said something but decided against it. Now wasn't really the time and we might still need him. Frank wasn't going to be happy hearing about Jake.

"I'll let Nancy know." I said trying to not let my emotions known. If he picked them up, he didn't let on.

I watched him shift into his wolf form and take off into the hills in a full run.

"I want to go. As much as the thought of hearing Jake being tortured would lift my spirits, I really don't want to be around for it. Don't get bitchy with me, but I don't trust Nancy and I sure don't trust the ones she's talking with. She's not been very secretive on how she feels about my mate or the pack and watching her now is making me more than a bit nervous."

My sister said coming up to me. She spoke matter of factly with no trace of her usual soft manner. Everything was replaced by something more edgy and harder. The way she referred to 'her Mate' and the pack killed any doubts I had about her not being Ashley's mate if tonight hadn't already. She sounded like an overprotective mother sensing her child was in danger. I found it strange that she could change so much in such a short time but what really shook me was that it has made me see just how much I have.

I rolled the thought of what was going to happen to Jake focusing this time on my feelings only to discover I felt nothing that I should. Normally I would be appalled by the idea, but instead, if anything, I took pride in what all this meant for Nancy.

"She isn't. I'm not going to let her." I answered my sister sternly who was continuing to eye Nancy suspiciously.

"You think you can stop her? For Christ's sake, Crystal, look around! If she tries something there would be nothing to stop her. Don't go pretending that's escaped her attention.

"You're the one who wanted me to ask her to come!"

"I know that! And I'm grateful to her. I just don't want anything to change that. Is she going to help get Ashley back? Has she said that?

"Well.... not in so many words. But she's here, isn't she?

"For you, yes. Anything past that I'm not so sure about. That's what has me worried."

Looking around it was hard to say JoAnn was unjustified in being concerned. While I knew she had wanted to do something, things were different then. With Jake out of the way, maybe they could find away to coexist.

"You go get the others and let me deal with Nancy."

She turned back towards me with a face that I recognized whenever she thought I was being crazy. I'd seen it many times over the years.

"You're crazy! Didn't you just hear me-"

"I know how to handle her. Somewhat anyway" I said with a shrug.

Nancy stopped talking as I approached. No doubt sensing me as her emotions also completely changed. They were no longer the raging inferno as earlier. Still, I knew to proceed with caution as this could get ugly fast.

"Are you done here? I want to leave."

She looked past me letting her guard down enough to know she was watching JoAnn.

"She's going to get the others."

She let out a long breath and nodded. "Why don't you go with her? Maybe get a hotel room and I'll find you later."

The way she said it only confirmed JoAnn's suspicions even if she wasn't so quick to suggest I leave. My stomach started turning realizing this wasn't over yet.

"You are going to help Ashley, right?"

A male she had been talking with snickered at the question causing me to shoot him a dirty look. He stopped immediately lowering his head.

"Why would I do that?!" Nancy asked. "I came here for you - not them! The way I see it this provides me the golden opportunity to not only get rid of Jake and Ashley, but Frank too. I know you don't understand how things work but we're still at war with them. And if Frank didn't have me targeted before, he will now that Jakes no longer in charge of it. I plan to strike before he does, so go! Go get your sister and make sure she doesn't return tonight."

I stood in disbelief at what she said. How could she think there was a war when she could clearly see the place was all but deserted with just two or three left aside from Ashley's parents. Clearly any war they might of been at was over.

"I'm not going to let you just murder her parents, are you fuckin insane?!"

"I never said anything about that, Crystal. Don't be putting words in my mouth. Where's Jason?"

"He left." I heard myself tell her while suddenly grateful he's an asshole. Whatever reason she wanted him for couldn't be good.

"That grateful little shit..." I heard her mumble to herself clearly not pleased by the news. "Fine. Blake can take you." She said motioning to him.

"Take me where?"

"Back to the bar. Linnea's. I don't give a shit as long as it's away from here."

I took several steps away from her while trying to process this. Sweat formed on my forehead as I tried to think of something to defuse the situation. JoAnn being Ashley's mate was something I was still not wanting to admit but I knew her and Kera was close. I really didn't see anything good coming from Nancy doing anything, especially after I just reassured JoAnn she wouldn't do anything.

"I'm not going anywhere but to let Shawn and Kera know you're as much of a liar and backstabber as your husband."

"I don't expect you to understand right away-"

"Oh save me the bullshit, Nancy! I don't want to hear it.

"Enough! I'm not arguing this with you, Crystal. Now you can go willingly or not but either way you are going. You're on thin ice as it is, don't push me further."

"Fuck you, Nancy!" I tried to run but her whole body slammed into me before my foot even hit the ground. I screamed something as I swung wildly at her.

Nancy said something to the others but I didn't catch it before they took off running. She was still in her human form which actually made it more difficult to get away from her as her right hand gripped me by the throat and the other blocking my blows as I struggled to breath.

She leaned down on top of me bringing her face close enough to mine that I could feel her breath on my face.

"Stop this!" She seethed.

I managed to get my hands under her chin to try pushing her only for the side of my face igniting like a bunch of firecrackers someone lit. Even the sound was much the same.

Between the slap and her grip on my throat still, everything started to go blurry, then it went dark.

———-

I shot up in a room I didn't recognize. Rays came through through the thin white curtains on the small windows. Upon closer inspection having to wait for my eyes to focus they appeared to be sheets.

It was small. Maybe forty square feet. Aside from the dressers along the far wall, the double bed I was on, and the closet that looked like it was added after the fact, there wasn't much room for anything else except for the strange man sitting beside the door.

My head started splitting in half as I tried to get up. Wincing, I didn't even notice him leave. The vibrating current that runs through me whenever she was around, was as always impossible to not notice.

"You're up. Good. I'll have some Tylenol brought for you. In the meantime, you need to stay in bed."

Nancy's voice was soft and comforting which I found even more scary than if she was yelling and strangling me. Where was I and what happened only made my headache hurt worse when I tried thinking about it.

I opened my eyes to see her standing before me in an unbuttoned flannel shirt and cutoffs with who I assumed was just watching me standing behind her in the doorway. She looked at me like one might a wounded animal which didn't do anything to lift my spirits.

"Where am I? Where's JoAnn? Where's-"

"Shhhh, shh, shhh, shhhh!" She put her finger to my lips as she tossed her arm around my shoulders and pulling me tight against her. "They are fine, I promise you. There's nothing to be worried about."

I found myself being pushed back down and realized we were next to the bed so sat down. Nancy sat with me never letting go.

Then why aren't you letting me leave?"

"Because it's still dangerous and I don't trust you. But don't worry, Frank should come looking for his brother tonight and then this whole thing will be over. Until then, you need to stay here."

I tried pulling away from her as I started to panic but her grip was as strong as always. Was Kera and Shawn still alive? Was Ashley? Did JoAnn know what happened yet? A million questions flooded my head at once.

"No! I don't wanna stay-"

"I can lock you in the storage room! This isn't the worst place I can put you, Crystal!" She said in a commanding tone that made me go instantly still. "Don't push me!"

I tried to run for it but it was a poor attempt. The guy was still blocking the door and even if he wasn't, I was no match for Nancy's speed.

"Alright. Storage room it is." She said throwing me over her shoulder like I was a bag of potatoes. My kicking and screaming did little as she carried me down two flights of stairs.

The storage room was nothing but an empty concrete room not much bigger than a pantry. My heart raced when I saw it as I've always had a phobia of small dark places. Up to my early teens my parents sent me to Sacred Heart for "treatment" that often included hours locked in similar rooms. I wasn't even sure I could lay down in it without touching the walls.

"Nooo! Please don't put me in there. I'm sorry!" I begged to no prevail.

"It's for your own good, Crystal. If you behave, I'll let you out later. Right now, I need to deal with my brother-in-law so I don't have time to deal with you."

I hated how she spoke to me like I was a child in a time out. Her grip was still extremely tight when she put me down.

"Hopefully it won't be more than a few hours."

She said calmly before turning away. Filled with panic and anger I jumped on her back clawing at anything I could grab before the other guy was pulling me off her. Turning my attention to him I felt momentarily satisfaction when he let out a yelp from one of my hits but it was short lived as I was shoved against the wall as they left.

I don't know how long I cried and banged banged against the door until I finally succumbed to exhaustion. My hands and ribs were killing me and after sitting in the concrete floor for awhile my ass joined in.

To make matters worse, it was cold. The concrete providing no insulation or warmth. I'd sleep for what seemed only minutes before I'd have to change positions for one reason or another. It seemed like forever when I heard the door finally being unlocked.

"Next time be more worried about yourself than a damn werewolf. We don't need help and we certainly aren't worthy of it from you, trust me. But for the record, Nancy is fine. Better than fine actually. You on the other hand..."

I stared up at Jason not sure if I wanted to smack that smug smile off his face or hug the shit out of him. There was also no denying the truth in what he was saying. I settled for the hug as I jumped up and wrapped my arms around him.

"Hey, don't worry! Frank is dead along with most of his pack. The poor fucker spent all his energy chasing Ashley and those with her he didn't even notice he was walking into a trap until it was too late. Maybe locking you here was a good idea, it wasn't pretty but at least it was quick. Good riddance I say! I didn't really know him but the few times I served him at the bar he never tipped."

He shook his head as if to erase the memory from his head.

"Nancy's seeing who all is going to follow her or run off wherever. I figured while she's busy with them I'd get you out of here. You're welcome by the way."

"I pulled away after a minute or so. He looked like he was ready for a dream date not having some big fight. Not a single hair was out of place. He had a black leather jacket over a black dress shirt and jeans.

"Were you there? What happened to JoAnn and Ashley?"

He shook his head. "Of course not. She told me on the phone when she demanded I get my ass back here. She assumed I was in lakeside, but I never left The Valley. I figured ya need me for something. Right now she thinks I'm driving over.

I nodded in agreement.

A few minutes later we were in JoAnns car heading to Langhurst. I was sure Nancy would catch us leaving but I didn't sense her anywhere around which was odd. Turns out the place was her and Jake's place so it would seem like she's been there but oh well. Thank the moon goddess she was away. Right now i never wanted to see her again.

"Can I use your phone? I need to make sure JoAnn is alright. And you better not of gotten more than two scratches on this or she'll have your ass. I might be able to cover you for one since you helped me but two is dangerous ground."

"He snickered. "No coverage out here. And she has nothing to worry about."

"Except for gas. I don't think there's enough to get to my place. You better get some more." I said eyeing the meter. "I'm the one who's always running out."

I waited in the car as Jason went in to get gas. A few minutes he came out opened my door and tossed me a small bag with a pack of cigarettes, a hotdog, Milkey way, and a Pepsi.

"Figured you might need those. Have you eaten today?"

"No and I'm starving I said grabbing the cigarettes out of the bag and struggling to open them.

"Those aren't edible. That's why I grabbed you the hotdog and candy."

I shot him a smile "first things first."

"Yeah, yeah, stay where I can see you." He said as I crossed the lot and went to stand by the dumpsters to enjoy my smoke.

About thirty minutes later we were pulling up in front of my trailer. It felt so good to be home even if the feeling was hollow without Dobby being all anxious to see me. I wondered if he was still at Ashley's.

I unlocked the door and Jason followed me inside. I hit up the kitchen grabbing a venom for me and a beer for Jason when I heard him get a message on his phone.

Jason fumbled with it nervously taking a quick look before putting it back away. If he had no signal in town, he definitely wouldn't out here. Most people don't. It was weird but then suddenly something Greg said came to mind that never felt right.

"Greg said you picked up JoAnns car yourself?"

"Yeah. Nancy was throwing a fit and it would've taken the human forever- no offense." He laughed taking a large drink of the beer.

"How did you know where she lived?"

"Greg told me." It came out half a statement and half a question and totally a lie. There was no way he did. The only way Jason could've known is if he had been there before. Nancy said it was Jason who told her where I lived he could've easily followed Joann or Jake at some point.

I couldn't breathe suddenly. My breath forming becoming solid and stuck in my throat. My head screamed at me about how I knew better. I did. But as usual I try and give people the benefit of the doubt.

"Why JoAnn? Me I get, but she didn't do anything."

"She was convenient. I knew Jake would be blamed for it and it would drive him and Nancy apart. The only thing I didn't expect was her falling for you. Where the fuck does that happen?"

His smug tone made me wanna gag but I knew I was in deep trouble and needed to think of something fast. Jason tensed up as he talked about how he was never appreciated and how badly I treated him. I treated you far better than you deserve asshole, she's mine!

"Spare me the pity Party. I'm sure your mate is out there somewhere but instead of focusing on yours, you decided to focus on mine and you think I should feel sorry for you? Linnea's from Sweden and she found hers."

He squinted his eyes, they looking more of his wolf, than him.

"What, You think you can run the pack? I'm the one who earned it you're just some slut her fucked her husband. Once your gone, she'll have no choice but to see that."

Aren't you forgetting she'll know it was you? C'mon Jason there's not like a long list of candidates."

"I lied about Frank. He's not dead. Him or someone from his pack could've found you out here. I'll try and act heartbroken."

I ran for the back door but he was on top of me before I hit the hallway. My rib screamed as he brought his claws into my shoulders have turned. I knew if I fell I was done for so I forced my legs to not buckle. Turning around in circles, I rammed backwards into the corner separating the hallway and the living room.

After about three blows I felt his grip weakened. Throwing everything I had into the fourth finally got him to let go. My legs were worn out from supporting both our weight making me move sluggishly down the hall.

He was back on his feet in seconds. Knowing the back door was locked, I wouldn't have time to mess with it so I ran to my bedroom slamming the door just as he hit it. The moon goddess must've been blessing me as he was standing up in wolf form. His paw slipped on the door as it opened a few inches from the blow, only to get caught when it closed again.