The Alpha Wants Everything Book 1 The King's Queen
Chapter 70: Don’t call me that!

Kane sat in a chair outside her room in the medical ward. He had sent the guards away and he paced the hall for a bit, now he sat there staring at the door. Wondering what he would be walking into. Angry! Hella fucking angry! As much as I don’t want to deal with her being angry, I don’t think that’s what I would be walking into! I want our mate! I do too! Then let’s go get her! He just sat there staring at the door, unable to get up, his heart heavy.

“I don’t think staring at it is going to make it open, I think you have to actually get up and open it.” Johnny’s voice startled him.

“For someone that just lost their mate, you seem quite jovial” Kane commented, changing the subject.

“I feel relieved, like a burden has been lifted and I am no longer suffocating.” Johnny sat in the chair next to him.

“What did you do with her?” Kane asked.

“She is in a room on the second floor, heavily guarded, two outside two mated inside, they were made aware of what she did to Luna and they have no interest in helping her in any way. She is not to leave that room except for doctor appointments and is allowed no visitors except you and me. She is not allowed to be in any room alone that includes the bathroom. All meals will be brought to her. When my baby comes into this world, I don’t give a shit what happens to her, and I told her as much.” Johnny answered.

“Did she try….” Kane began,

“Of course she did. ‘Johnny I didn’t mean it’ ‘Johnny I’m sorry’ ‘Johnny I love you’ that one made me laugh, then I got angry. She also mentioned the bond, I said what bond it broke this morning. I was shocked she didn’t realize it, then I remembered who she was, she would have to think of someone else besides herself.” Johnny said, interrupting him.

“What do you want done with her after the baby is born?” Kane asked. Truthfully he was still trying to mentally prepare himself for what he was going to walk into and welcomed the distraction. The bond should have allowed him an insight to what she was feeling, but all he felt was emptiness.

“That depends on you, she might no longer be my mate but she is still your sister.” Johnny looked at him.

“Any familial tie to her severed the second she put a hand on my mate. I don’t care what happens!” Kane replied,

“Then I want her gone, not just out of the Howlers, out of the eastern states. She will have nothing to do with my baby other than being the….what did Dax call the woman that gave birth to her once….an incubator.” Kane studied Johnny for a moment, he did look lighter, the sparkle to his eyes were back, he sat taller, he looked younger and acted more like himself.

“What are you going to do about her?” He asked, looking at the door to her room “Are you just going to stare at it? Or are you going to actually go in there?”

“I’m trying to prepare myself for what I am about to face.” Kane replied, looking back at the door.

“$20 says you get something thrown at you” Johnny said, with a grin.

“That would be welcome, but I don’t think it’s anger I would be walking into.” Kane said,

“Well you’re not gonna know sitting out here, grow a set and go replace out.” Johnny smacked him on the back trying to encourage him.

“Now I remember how big of an asshole you really are, I think I liked you better when you were suffocating.” Kane muttered,

“That hurts brother! That really hurts!” Johnny said, laughing. Kane knew Johnny was right, the longer he sat in the hall the worse it was gonna be when he did go in there. Standing up he took a deep breath and moved towards the door.

“We’re unloading the truck right now, we’re all kinda curious about what’s in the box she had hidden.” Johnny said, behind him.

“It was hidden for a reason. Whatever’s in it she doesn’t want to be seen by anyone.” Kane replied over his shoulder.

“We can’t get it open anyway.” Johnny shrugged, watching him. “You gonna stand in front of the door now? Well at least you’re closer” Johnny cracked up laughing.

“Isn’t there something you should be doing?” Kane grumbled at him, he could hear Ky laughing in his head as well.

“Talk to her! Oh, Damon says to make sure you check behind the couch, in case you can’t replace her.” Johnny said walking away down the hall.

Taking another deep breath, he opened the door, stepping inside he saw her sitting on the couch, with her back to the door. Her knees were pulled up under her chin, her one good arm was wrapped around them. She looked so small sitting there engulfed by the big room, the big furniture, she was the smallest thing in it. She never turned to look at him, never uttered a word to acknowledge he had even walked in. She sat there staring straight ahead, every once in a while taking a deep shaky breath. He closed the door behind him and moved further into the room.

“Baby!” A piece of his heart broke when she tensed at the sound of his voice. What did you expect? Last time you spoke to her you were angry and yelling! True he couldn’t expect her to be at ease right now. Not when he was so harsh and sharp with her earlier. He had to apologize, he knew she did nothing wrong, he had to tell her it was all for Lacey’s benefit. He had to make Lacey think she got away with it.

He heard her stifling back a few whimpers, the sudden movement of her body must have caused pain. Moving quickly he sat behind her, a second piece of his heart chipped off when she moved away from his touch.

“Are you ok? Are you in pain? Do you need me to get you something?” He asked, he wanted to hold her, tell her how sorry he was. He didn’t mean to cause her that kind of pain. As if sensing what he wanted she moved further away from him, and the one word she did say, chipped another piece of his heart.

“Fine!” That was all she said, no emotion behind it, nothing. He stood up and moved around in front of her, he wanted to see her face, he sat down and she turned her head away from him. He reached out and turned her to face him. He thought his heart would shatter. Aside from the swelling and bruising of her cheek her face had no colour in it. Her eyes were dull, lifeless orbs staring back, but not at him, she wouldn’t look at him. She looked defeated, like she was beaten, she looked empty, she had nothing left to fight for. Now he understood the empty feeling he felt in the hallway.

They sat in silence, for a while. He didn’t know what to say to her, how was he going to explain his actions? How could he apologize? Would she forgive him? He fucked up! The second he entered the room and saw her, he knew he fucked up. He wasn’t so sure he could fix it this time. She got up from the couch and walked towards the bed.

“You can leave, I’m tired and I don’t need you here. I’m fine being alone.” He watched as she tried and failed to get into the bed several times. His mind reeling from what she just said. He could leave, she didn’t need him.

“Little mouse, you can’t get into the bed without help,” he said. Her shoulders stiffened, and she bit back the whimpers the movement caused.

“Don’t call me that! I’m not a little mouse, I’m not some weak, pathetic creature. I don’t want to be called that anymore” finally some emotion entered her voice, anger, pain, hurt laced her words. She slowly moved a chair towards the bed and used it to climb up. Her movements were slow, each one seeming to cause her more pain. But once she was in the bed she laid down with her back to him and curled into a ball.

“Baby! Don’t shut me out!” He was almost begging her.

“Leave! I don’t want you here anymore. Just leave me alone!” Her voice trembled and cracked at the end, but she stayed strong refusing to let him see her hurting. She wouldn’t cry in front of him, she wouldn’t cry in front of any of them. She wouldn’t let the pain show, the hurt. Her thoughts, Carl’s words, the ones Lacey repeated all swirling, some whispering, some screaming all crashing into her. Carl was a monster, a liar, but Lacey, she was supposed to be her friend and she heard how easily those words came from her mouth.

He sat there watching her like an idiot, she was telling him to leave her alone. She didn’t want him there, he heard the pain in her voice, he felt her hurting, but she was fighting to control it from showing. She didn’t want to look weak, didn’t want him to think she was weak. She’s not weak! He didn’t think she was weak, he never thought she was weak. She’s the strongest person we have ever met! His anger brewing, once again. Lacey did this! Ky hissed. She took my name! She hurt her! She stole it from me! Caused her pain! Touched what is mine! Turned our love against us! Filled her beautiful head with poison! Told her lies! Keeping his voice calm, and controlled.

“I will not leave you alone. I have something I need to do, but I will be back. I will bring you something to eat.” He stood up and walked out of the room.

The second the door closed behind him she shed the first tear. Weak, pathetic little mouse, worthless, useless little bitch. The more these words were said, the more hurt she felt. He’ll come to his senses, you don’t deserve him, you don’t belong here, they’re not your family, you don’t have one, you’ll never have one, you’ll never belong here or anywhere. Shutting her eyes tight did not stop the flow of tears as the words flooded into her, repeating themselves over and over again. He should have rejected you, you should leave and stop being selfish. She could feel her body shaking as her sobs raked through her, each one causing more and more pain. Leave leave leave leave leave leave! An eternal loop playing over and over. She should leave, what’s stopping her. She doesn’t belong here. She doesn’t belong with him. None of them are her family. She was only fooling herself. She couldn’t stop the words, she couldn’t stop the tears, the sobs, the pain, she couldn’t stop any of it.

Kane moved to the second floor, it was easy to spot which room Lacey was in. Two large guards stood on either side of the door. As he approached they stood straighter and bowed in his presence. He opened the door and the two guards on the inside stood to attention, he told them to wait outside, they bowed leaving the room and closing the doors behind them. As soon as the latch clicked, Kane pinned Lacey to the wall by her throat.

“You stupid little bitch! You stole it from me, you touched what was mine and took my name” his azure blue eyes glowing as he spoke to her.

“K-K-Kane p-pl-pease!” She begged,

“You selfish, spoiled, little girl. You were always jealous of everybody that shone brighter than you. Had to replace a way to destroy them. You are the truly weak and pathetic one. You always have been.” His voice was deep, ominous. He could feel her trembling beneath his hand, taking in several breaths trying to control her fear.

“The second you opened your mouth I knew you were lying. That is the reason she is a queen and you are and will always be nothing. The only reason I have not snapped your neck is the baby you carry. The next time you see Johnny I would say thank you for making you an incubator for his child, it is the only reason you’re still breathing. But the second that baby is born, I’m not sure you’ll remain that way” Kane released her and she fell to the floor. Her cries pierced the room, but they fell on deaf ears.

“W-what ab-about wh-what d-d-dad s-s-said?” She blubbered.

“What did my father say?” Kane asked, walking away from her.

“T-to w-w-watch over me” She answered. He laughed low and sinister.

“No, he said to be careful and watch out for you. He knew your jealousy would get the best of you someday, that you would try and destroy whatever I built. They would be ashamed of you.” He moved towards the door, opening it letting the two guards back in.

“But, but, but I’m your sister!” She cried out to him

“I don’t have a sister, I never did! I never once thought of you as my family” he said over his shoulder as he walked out of the room. Next he went to the kitchen to fix Dax something to eat.

Long after her tears had fallen, and the pain had subsided some, Dax pulled herself from the bed. The words still swirled around her head. Everything crashed on her. She thought she finally found a place she belonged, but it was another lie. She’ll never have a place she belongs. No, don’t think that! Leave, you don’t belong here! Don’t listen, block it out! She didn’t belong here, this was not her world and no matter how hard she tried to fit she didn’t. No matter how much she fought she would never belong. Looking around the room, just ingrained that. She was just a little mouse, in a world made for bigger predators. No, we belong here, don’t give up! Her wolf begged her, but it was drowned out by all the other voices in her head. Looking towards the door, one thought popped into her head and it was the only choice she had. Leave! She’s made it on her own before. Leave! She could do it again. What about the nutcases? Leave! Moving slowly to the door, she took one last look at the room then turned the handle.

“Fido, Fido help!” Her wolf called out for Kane’s wolf, but there was no answer.

“Fido! Earth to Fido”

“Luna!” A gravelly voice greeted her. She stared straight into a wall of muscle. Craning her neck up it was the two guards that brought her here. They bowed in her presence but stood firm blocking her exit.

“I’m leaving” Dax declared, then swallowed softly. They looked at each other then shook their heads. Using more of their large forms to block the doorway.

“But I want to leave” Dax replied, again they shook their heads.

“No Luna!” One said.

“Why can’t I leave?” She asked looking back at the men

“Alpha’s orders!” Replied the other.

“Alpha’s orders?” Dax questioned them. “I’m a prisoner?” Her eyes widened, but how could she be surprised. Again the men shared a look, but neither one confirmed what she already suspected. She was a prisoner. She was trapped here and would never be allowed to leave. Nodding her head she turned back into the room and closed the door behind her. What else could she do? In her condition she couldn’t fight them, and she highly doubted she’d be able to talk them into letting her go. Defeated, deflated, and dejected, Dax looked back at the room she was standing in. Her prison! Fresh tears filled her eyes as a cold, empty, hopeless feeling washed over her. She didn’t fight, she just let it in. Let it consume her, fill her. She had nothing left. Welcome to my life!

“I thought for sure you’d be unconscious on the floor in the medical ward by now.” came Johnny’s voice behind him as he, Kenneth and Damon entered the kitchen.

“Pay up!” Kenneth said to Johnny who placed $20 in his waiting outstretched hand.

“You made a bet?” Kane looked at them,

“We bet on a lot of things,” Damon replied, repeating what Johnny said the other day. Marco walked into the kitchen and immediately started mumbling under his breath when he saw Johnny.

“What did you do to Marco?” Damon asked, looking at Johnny.

“He seemed to get a little too much enjoyment out of calling me a moron. So his head might have made a connection with the table a few times.” Johnny replied, Marco spun to face him, his eyes wide.

“Mi prendi in giro? Tu sei quello che vuole che continui a ripetere la mia storia, quindi quante volte ti chiamo idiota dipende da te (Are you kidding me? You’re the one who wants me to keep repeating my story, so how many times I call you an idiot is up to you)” Marco growled at him. “Your fault….ti ho chiamato idiota”

“You didn’t need to enjoy it, you little shit!” Johnny growled back.

“ENOUGH!” Kane growled at them both. Under any other circumstances this would have been funny, but these weren’t those circumstances.

“Did he at least use English?” Damon asked.

“Vaffanculo Damon!” Marco hissed at him.

“No, I had Carter’s phone,” Johnny replied.

“Carter won’t even be in the same room as me.” Kenneth commented. “Though he assured me he understood the need to have me interrogate him and not Johnny, he still leaves the room when I enter it.” He added,

“What did you do to Carter?” Johnny asked,

“A Kenneth piace rompere le ossa….break bones, le persone non mentono quando gli infliggi dolore. Ti dicono tutto quello che vuoi sapere fintanto che lo fai smettere. (and people don’t lie when you inflict pain on them. They tell you everything you want to know as long as you make it stop.)” Marco explained. “Sì inizia con le dita.” Then he wiggled his fingers.

“You broke his fingers?” Damon asked,

“Just on one hand. Don’t look at me like that. It actually made me feel bad.” Kenneth answered,

“No wonder he doesn’t want to be in the same room as you” Damon commented. As if on cue Carter walked into the kitchen, took one look at Kenneth, narrowed his eyes and was about to walk back out before Kane stopped him.

“Carter!” He could see Carter’s left hand was bandaged.

“Yes Alpha!” Though he was speaking to Kane he never took his eyes off of Kenneth. He was fighting to keep control of Milo, as his anger pooled around him

“Dax is in the medical ward, relieve the guards on her door and stay with her till I return.” Kane ordered,

“Yes Alpha!” Carter bowed and immediately left the room.

“Are you sure he understood why you needed to interrogate him like that? Cause he looks like he wants to kill you!” Johnny remarked.

“How is she? Did she talk to you?” Damon asked, the look he saw on her face when she passed him in the kitchen is ingrained in his brain.

“She told me to leave, she was fine being alone and she didn’t want me there.” Kane replied, a low growl slipped from him.

“What did you say?” Johnny asked,

“That I wouldn’t leave her alone, but there was something I needed to do and I would be back with something for her to eat.” Kane answered, he ran his hands through his hair. His shoulders felt tense, his body felt tense. He wouldn’t feel better till she was back in his arms where she belonged.

“Did you go see Lacey?” Damon couldn’t hide the disdain in his voice. “Find out why she did this?”

“Yes, but not for that reason. She stole my name, she destroyed it. I almost broke her neck! If she wasn’t acting as an incubator I would have. She doesn’t want me to call her that anymore.” Kane could feel his anger rising again just thinking about it. She was his little mouse, she was strong, fierce, intelligent and he liked the way she would squeak when he grabbed her bottom.

“Name? What name?” Damon asked, it was Marco who answered.

“Piccolo topo….Little….mouse!” He said, looking at them all.

“What? No, not little mouse. How did she destroy it?” Johnny was upset by this. He liked little mouse. It suited her, she was so tiny and got into such big troubles.

“Lacey ha detto che era debole e patetica come un topolino e ha capito perché lui la chiamava così. Era gentile e non voleva ferire i suoi sentimenti. L’avrebbe chiamata piccola tigre se avesse pensato che fosse forte e feroce.” Marco again answered

“Lacey said she was weak and pathetic like a little mouse and understood why he call her that. He was being nice and didn’t want to hurt her feelings. He would have called her little tiger if he thought she was strong and fierce.” Kenneth translated, when it became clear Marco wasn’t going to make an attempt at helping them understand what he said.

“You didn’ tell me that!” Johnny snapped at him.

“Ero troppo occupato godendo ti chiama un deficiente più e più volte. (I was too busy enjoying calling you a moron over and over again.)” Marco snapped back.

“I am not translating that” Kenneth snapped at Marco

“Fottuto idiota stronzo” Marco looked straight at Johnny when he said it.

“You little shit! I should snap your neck” Johnny went to lunge at him, but Damon grabbed a hold of him.

“Dovrei uccidere di nuovo qualcosa e seppellirlo nel cortile in modo che si decompone. (I should kill something again and bury it in the yard so that it decomposes.)” Marco growled at him. Damon held onto Johnny tighter as he struggled to go after Marco.

“I should kill you and stick you in a box and put it somewhere not in the ground.” Johnny growled back, he had no idea what he said but it didn’t sound good. Marco went to lunge at Johnny, but Kenneth had a hold of him.

“Provalo, ti spaccherei come uno stuzzicadenti, deficiente. (Try it, I’d smash you like a toothpick, moron)” Kenneth was struggling to keep a hold of Marco, he might have been the shortest of them but he was quick.

“ENOUGH” Kane bellowed. “Control yourselves!”

“Cosa ti è preso? What has gotten into you?” Kenneth hissed at Marco pushing him away from Johnny. After they both bowed in submission to Kane.

“I do not have the patience for this from either one of you.” Kane glared at them both.

“Sorry!” Johnny said, a little ashamed of his behaviour and at being scolded by his Alpha. Though he continued making side-eyed glances at Marco.

“Sì, spiacente!” Marco apologized, but he never took his eyes off Johnny.

“Marco, why don’t you go check on Jackie?” Damon suggested,

“Sì” Marco was trying to keep control of his anger as he walked out of the room, a string of low growls escaping him.

“What did you do to him?” Kenneth turned on Johnny.

“It’s not like I broke his fingers.” Johnny fired back,

“I was told to interrogate Carter, so I did.” Kenneth countered a low growl emanating from him.

“And I was told to interrogate Marco.” Johnny spit back, releasing his own growl. Damon stood in between them pushing Johnny back.

“What the hell is wrong with you two?” Kane snapped. It’s not like Johnny or Kenneth to just attack like that.

“Maybe you should go check on your bitch boy. I think I hurt his feelings.” Johnny seethed at Kenneth, his eyes flashing yellow. Kenneth, not backing down, lunged at Johnny, but ended up connecting with Damon. All three crashed to the floor in the kitchen. Growls and snarls could be heard as they wrestled and threw punches at each other. Kane stood in the kitchen, he could feel the fire inside raging out of control, he was becoming madder and madder. The growl started low and deep, then rose getting louder and louder. Johnny was thrown into one of the fridges, Kenneth into the stove and Ky now had Damon pinned by the throat on the island.

“I SAID THAT WAS FUCKING ENOUGH!” He bellowed, Johnny and Kenneth sat on the ground staring wide eyed at him, as he squeezed Damon’s neck.

“THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU ALL?” He could feel Damon struggling under his hand to get him to release him.

“ARE WE ALL GOING TO BEHAVE NOW?” Johnny and Kenneth both nodded their heads. Ky released Damon and threw him to the floor. He coughed and sputtered gasping for air as he held his throat.

“WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU ALL?” He repeated his question. It seemed Ky had control of the body, while Kane controlled the mind.

“Non lo so! I’m just….” Kenneth began, he went to get up but kept his ass planted when Ky turned to look at him.

“Angry!” Johnny finished,

“Molto arrabbiato” Kenneth agreed,

“So you attack each other, that’s your solution to turn on each other. Why are you not angry?” Ky turned to Damon,

“Who says I’m not?” Damon choked out, still lying on the floor. “It’s her!” ….grrRrRrRRRrRrRrrr….

“Don’t you put this on her!” Ky growled at him,

“Easy puppy! She’s hurting and we’re all feeling it. So we’re all fucking angry. Cause the person that caused it is still fucking breathing. And because we can’t touch her, we’re turning on each other. Don’t look at me like that, I dare you to tell me you haven’t thought of at least six ways for her to die. Titan’s in favour of ripping her to pieces, I hate playing 1000 ways to die with him.” Damon said, glaring at Johnny.

“The only reason she’s still alive is that child. We better replace a way to fix this or that child won’t be a good enough reason for long.” Kenneth said from the floor in front of the stove.

“Don’t you touch my child or I’ll rip you limb from fucking limb” Johnny growled at him.

“ENOUGH!” Kane barked, azure blue eyes staring at Johnny. “Kenneth’s right, we need to fix this.”

“How?” Johnny asked,

“Fix feisty pants!” Damon said, sitting up leaning his back against the island. Their first meeting flashing through his mind where she blamed him for the squeak she emitted. Though their first encounter only lasted minutes there was something about her from that moment that captured his attention.

“How do we fix her?” Kenneth asked, thinking of the first time he saw her, she threw Kane’s shoe and her asking him directly if he was a werewolf and why they were all so fucking tall. Right then he knew she was special.

“By figuring out what broke!” Johnny said, the first time he met her, was when he walked into the warehouse looking for the artist from the show. Her work inspired him to have something created for Lacey. There was this tiny ball of fire, standing before him, too strong, too brave for her own good. He didn’t know her story then, but he felt drawn to her. An overwhelming need to protect her flooded through him, he couldn’t explain it then anymore than he can now. But it felt like the right thing and it still does.

“She looks defeated, like she has nothing left to fight for. Like everything was taken from her. Empty!” Kane said as he sat on the floor, his back to the island.

“Think about what was said to her. Worthless, undeserving, weak, pathetic. Who does that sound like?” Kenneth commented, leaning against the oven.

“Carl! Those are all things he said to her over and over again. They’re cemented in her head. I catch them every once in a while through the bond.” Kane responded,

“Her reply, or her wolf’s reply was telling Lacey she didn’t need to be reminded, they play on a loop in her head. You don’t go years being told something like that, to believing you’re not in weeks. There’ll always be a moment of doubt.” Damon heaved a sigh, then rubbed his throat.

Johnny looked at the marks around Damon’s neck and grimaced.

“He’s got a thing for your throat!” He commented,

“Clearly, and I didn’t even do anything this time, I was trying to break you two up.” Damon motioned to Johnny and Kenneth. They all looked at Kane.

“Don’t look at me, he’s not sorry. Never is!” Kane shrugged,

“Good to know! Lydia is gonna see this and freak the fuck out, then mother me to death. If you don’t see me for a few days, call a hostage negotiator. She damn near lost it the first time.” Damon complained. Kenneth just cracked up laughing.

“Seraphine is pregnant!” Kenneth commented when he calmed down. When he looked up three sets of eyes were staring at him.

“Congrats and I thought Damon was quick,” Johnny remarked,

“Congratulations brother, welcome to crazy town!” Damon said,

“Must be something in the air! Congratulations Kenneth!” Kane added,

“She cries….a lot. This morning I questioned her footwear choice leaving the room and she broke down….She was wearing bunny slippers. Next time I’ll just let her wear the fucking slippers” Kenneth ran his hands over his face. This time Johnny started laughing.

“Cooks are gonna be pissed we trashed the kitchen” Johnny said looking at the dent he made in the fridge as he stood up.

“Never mind the cooks, the 900 hungry werewolves that won’t get supper cause the stove is broken won’t be too pleased either.” Kenneth commented as he looked at the stove.

“And he’s not sorry!” Damon said, looking at Kane.

“He wasn’t sorry when he broke the medical van, his solution was telling me to buy a new one. How sorry do you think he’ll be over the fridge and stove?” Kane replied,

“Why would he? He’s not the one that has to replace it” Johnny grumbled.

They moved from the kitchen to the office. Kane sat in his chair leaning back. The last time he did this she curled up and fell asleep telling him he smelled like winter pine and rain. Everything reminded him of her, his heart hurt, he ached to touch her, hold her, tell her it was all going to be ok. Or better if he could tell her this was just a really bad dream and everything would be fine tomorrow. He wished it was a dream, but it wasn’t, it was real, it was happening and the fallout was crushing. She’s heard those words so many times, why now? Why now what? Why would they defeat her now? His brows furrowed, Ky had a point, why would they defeat her now, she’s always come back.

“What’s wrong?” Johnny asked, breaking him from his thoughts.

“Why now?” He asked,

“Why now what?” Kenneth asked, raising a quizzical eyebrow.

“Why would they defeat her now? She’s heard those words so many times and has always come back, so why now? What was different this time?” Kane asked. They sat in silence, thinking about that for a moment.

“I have a thought!” Damon said,

“Of course you do. Enlighten us Damon! Impart your words of wisdom upon us.” The sarcasm in Johnny’s voice was not lost on anyone.

“Have you always been this big of an asshole?” Damon asked, looking at Johnny.

“You’re right, that was a touch out of line, I’m sorry, carry on.” Johnny sincerely apologized.

“It’s not just what was said, but who said them. She thought Lacey was her friend. Lacey’s attack just wasn’t any attack….” Damon was saying,

“It was betrayal! If Lacey thinks that, then what’s stopping the rest of us from thinking it and saying it to her” Kenneth interjected, Damon nodded.

“Because she thought Lacey was her friend, and she had no issues saying those things to her, then they must be true and she’s mentally preparing for the next one of us to stab her in the back. So she’ll pull away, for when it happens….it won’t hurt as bad.” Damon continued,

“So she thinks we’re all lying and pretending like Lacey did?” Johnny asked, a growl escaping him, his eyes flashing yellow.

“Yeah. It would make sense in her mind, that if one was then we all are.” Damon said.

“How do we prove we’re not pretending?” Johnny said, looking at him rather concerned.

“Remember how Marco and Carter acted yesterday?” Damon asked.

“You want to tranq us?” Kenneth asked, eyes widening.

“Not all of us, just the one that would make the biggest impact.” Damon said, then looked at Kane, Kenneth and Johnny followed his gaze.

“That makes sense, he’s her mate. If she believes he’s telling the truth, then no reason not to believe us, right?” Johnny said, shrugging his shoulders, this was a good plan. As long as he wasn’t the one to get tranqed this was a great plan.

“You want to tranq me and turn me into a babbling idiot? That’s your plan?” Kane asked,

“You would tell her the truth to whatever question she asked.” Damon said, trying to convince him.

“I tell her the truth already.” Kane replied,

“But now she thinks you’re a big fat liar head!” Damon heard Johnny snicker.

“Why can’t Johnny do it?” Kane asked looking at Johnny

“He’s not her mate!” Damon replied,

“Why can’t you? You’re her brother. Do your brotherly duty and get shot with a tranq!” Kane responded, looking at Damon.

“No, it has to be you,” Damon replied. Kane sat upright in his chair, he didn’t like this idea. This was not a good plan!

“It wouldn’t last as long as it did with Carter and Marco. The doc said when we tranqed you the first time you should have been out for a few days, you were up after 5 hours. So it’ll move through your system fast. Long enough for her to ask a few questions.” Damon was trying to be reassuring. Kane still didn’t like this idea, the thought of having no control over what he said, unnerved him.

“Find another idea!” He stood up and walked out of the office.

“I thought it was a great idea!” Johnny said, Kenneth nodded.

Kane had been away long enough. He grabbed ice cream and brownies and walked back to the medical ward. Carter was standing guard outside her room.

“I thought I said stay with her?” Kane said when he saw him.

“She wouldn’t open the door!” Carter replied. Kane sighed and nodded his head. It was a small hope that she would replace solace in Carter.

“I’ve tried talking to her through the door, but she doesn’t say anything back.” Carter confessed, “One of the guards said she tried to leave”

“It’s ok Carter, you can go now” Kane bit back the emotion that flooded through him, it didn’t surprise him, and he couldn’t blame her, but it didn’t make it any less painful. He moved towards the door, he could hear her moving on the other side. When he opened the door he saw her standing there, she had freshly showered and was in the process of trying to put her pants back on. With her frequent trips to the medical ward she had on the last child sized and not being able to tie it closed due to the lack of mobility in her right arm she had to use an adult’s like a housecoat to keep her back side covered.

He got a good look at the cast on her right arm, now passing her elbow to accommodate the new injury she sustained. He tried not to show his displeasure at the sight, she had seen and felt enough of his anger.

“I brought you something to eat” He held up the brownies and ice cream.

“Not hungry!” She went back to putting her pants on. With only the use of one hand, he watched her shimmy trying to pull them up. He couldn’t help but think of the benefits this new predicament brings. He could offer to help her, but this was quite enjoyable to watch.

“You need to eat something,” He told her instead.

“Do you bribe all your prisoners with ice cream and brownies?” She shot at him. As she stood up looking him right in the eye

“You’re not my prisoner” Kane replied,

“Then why can’t I leave?” Dax fired again

“You’re safe here!” Dax looked down at her broken arm, then looked back up at him.

“Who am I safe from here?” Kane too looked at her arm, he could see how she would get there. His pack was highly trained, and this was not the first attack on her from one of his own.

“Why would you want to leave?” He asked instead of replying to her question.

“I don’t belong here!” She yelled, fighting the tears that again wanted to fall. “This is just a lie, and I am only fooling myself if I believe it.” Kane didn’t know what to say. The dejection on her face, the emptiness her eyes held, the defeat he heard in her voice. I will rip that bitch limb from fucking limb! Ky seethed in his head.

Dax went back to trying to pull the pants up, but she would struggle and huff and sigh. Her face was turning red with each failed attempt. The curse started quiet and under her breath, but began to grow louder. He put the brownies down on the table close to her, but she never lifted her head to look at them. Never acknowledged them.

“You should really eat” Was all he could say to her.

“Not hungry!” She put more force into her words this time and pushed the ice cream and brownies away from her. He could clearly see she was getting frustrated between trying to get the pants up, keeping the hospital gown out of the way and only one hand to use it was understandable. The small strings of curses coming out of her delicate little mouth were making it hard for him to contain his smile.

“Stupid fucking pants, just fucking cooperate with me….fine stay on the fucking floor” she mumbled huffing at them as they dropped back down her slender legs. She stepped out of them and kicked them as she moved towards the bed.

“Do you want some help?” He asked,

“No! Leave me alone!” She was being stubborn, still trying to show him she wasn’t weak. Her movements were still slow, and she would stiffen, sucking in a sharp breath to hold off the whimper from the pain her body felt, but he watched as she tried to climb into her bed all by herself.

“Little mouse….” He started,

“Don’t call me that! I’m not the weak, pathetic little creature you all think I am,” she cut him off, masking the hurt he heard in her words with more anger.

“I don’t think you’re weak or pathetic, none of us do. You have to be one of the strongest people we have met….” He tried again,

“Lacey was good at lying too” and again she cut him off. With the oversized hospital gown getting in her way she started to fall, he was right there to catch her, he would always be there to catch her. His arms protectively wrapping around her, he pulled her against him. The movement caused a tremendous amount of pain to shoot across her back forcing a cry from her. After that she was unable to hold back the series of whimpers that escaped.

“It’s ok baby! I got you, I’ll always be here to catch you.” He whispered, he could feel her body spasm as the pain continued to rip through her. He could also feel her trying to fight against it. She tried to move away from him, but that only caused her more pain.

“You need help!” He said,

“No….I….don’t. I don’t….need….help. Leave….me….alone.” She whimpered, gritting her teeth, fighting against him and the pain. He held her tighter to him.

“Listen little mouse….” She cut him off again, her body stiffening.

“Stop calling me that! I’m not weak, I don’t need….” This time he cut her off.

“I never said you were weak, Lacey lied, she filled your head with poison. I have never lied to you and you know that.” He turned her around to face him, he was starting to get angry now.

“I don’t know anything, you could just be really good at playing pretend or I’m just that stupid.” She was getting angry as well. Good! He thought, let her get angry, he wanted her angry. Anger brought life back to her eyes, colour back to her skin, her cheeks darkening with the heated flush that was starting to spread across them.

“I have never played pretend with you.” He growled at her. Her eyes widened then narrowed on him.

“Don’t you growl at me.” She growled back, poking him in the chest. She’s getting better at it! Ky purred in his head.

“What if there was a way to prove it? Where you could ask me questions and I wouldn’t be able to lie to you.” He asked. She looked at him wide eyed.

“Damon, bring the tranq gun!” He called through the link.

They waited in silence for Damon to show up. She wouldn’t look at him, but he could see her having a conversation with her wolf. He could only hope she was trying to persuade her into believing him and he wouldn’t have to go through with this. Are you crazy? I’m tired! When has he ever lied to you? He could have always lied to me! He’s not Lacey! He can still lie! But he didn’t! How do you know? Her wolf couldn’t answer that. All those sweet nothings could have just been lies and I was stupid and gullible. I have been stupid around him from the start. I let my guard down so fast, wanting to believe what he said. If he lied I don’t know if there’ll be any putting me back together! She had been putting the pieces of her puzzle together and they were falling into place too easily. Then Lacey said all those things and she was doing her best to keep it from shattering all over again. Are you crazy? To let them shoot us again? Ky hissed, he liked this plan even less. They are not going to sedate us this time, just make us more compliant! I don’t like this! I don’t like this either, but she needs to be shown that I am not lying to her. That I have never lied to her! Lacey did this, filled her beautiful head full of doubt! Yes she did! She growled at us! Kane tried to hide his smile, it was a struggle to hide it when she did it. It was the most adorable thing he had ever heard. Trying to be all intimidating! It didn’t work, but it was adorable! You should have said that to her! She would have hit me! You’d be ok! Your concern is touching! I’m concerned for her! Me too! If I surfaced, would her wolf have surfaced? I don’t know! Something worth trying!

A knock to the door, broke his conversation with Ky. When he opened it, Kenneth, Johnny and Damon stood there.

“All of you needed to come?” Kane asked, looking between the three men.

“Yeah!” Johnny said. They would tell him they fought over who got to shoot him, but that wouldn’t end well for them.

“Why?” He asked,

“She’s gonna have to test you, so she’ll have to ask you a question that one of us knows the answer to, and we can tell her if you’re telling the truth or not.” Damon explained,

“I see!” Kane wasn’t buying that excuse for a second. They all just want to shoot us! Ky wasn’t buying it either. He stepped out of the way and let them into the room. She took one look at the tranq gun in Damon’s hands and her eyes went wide.

“Relax feisty pants! We’re not here to shoot you, we’re going to shoot him” He explained pointing at Kane.

“Shoot him?” She asked, looking between all of them.

“Yes, one of them is going to tranq me so I will be compliant and you can ask me questions.” He answered her question,

“And that’s supposed to prove what?” She asked,

“That he’s not a big fat liar head like his bitch of a sister” Damon answered,

“Don’t call her that!” Kane hissed,

“What am I supposed to call her then?” Damon fired back,

“Traitorous bitch for all I care, but don’t ever call her my sister again. She was never my family and became a traitor the second she did that to my mate’s arm” Kane pointed at Dax’s arm. They were all silent for a moment. Maybe he is telling the truth! Maybe, what should I do? Maybe let them shoot him anyway! Better to be sure! This could be fun! Her wolf encouraged her to let this happen.

“Ok!” She finally said,

“Ok!” Kane replied mentally preparing himself for what was about to happen.

“You might want to sit down,” Johnny said, moving a chair closer to the couch for him to sit in. Damon put the tranq gun on the table.

“Aren’t you supposed to be wearing a sling?” Damon asked her,

“Yes!” She answered,

“Why aren’t you?” He asked,

“It’s annoying!” She replied,

“She couldn’t get it back on by herself and wouldn’t let me help her.” Kane added, she shot him a glare.

“Annoying as it is, it’s to keep your arm supported, where is it?” Damon asked,

“Over there” She pointed in the direction of the bed. Damon went to retrieve it then ordered her to stand up.

“Don’t boss me around” she huffed at him. Johnny was fighting to control his laughter.

“Stop acting like a child” He fired back. Kenneth had his head turned away, but his shoulders were shaking from laughter.

“I am not acting like a child.” She countered,

“You’re not acting like an adult either, now stand up” Damon repeated,

“Who do you think you are?” She fired back at him,

“Your older brother, now stand up!” He said again slightly aggravated.

“You can’t tell me what to do” she didn’t even deny him being her older brother.

“Yes I can, I’m bigger than you” she rolled her eyes at him.

“You’re an asshole!” She huffed,

“If you weren’t such a pain in my ass, I wouldn’t be an asshole” he huffed back at her,

“Even when I’m not a pain in your ass, you’re still an asshole” she countered,

“Don’t make me repeat myself!” He narrowed his eyes on her. She matched him look for look, but eventually stood up. When they both started muttering profanities under their breath at each other, the room erupted into laughter.

“What?” They both said in unison.

“I don’t think you needed the test to prove you two really are brother and sister!” Kenneth laughed. They both just stared at him.

“Let’s get this over with.” Kane said, sitting in the chair across from the couch she was sitting on.

“Ok, so how many do you figure?” Damon asked,

“Well, it only took one for Carter and Marco, so maybe two for him.” Johnny guessed, he went to pick up the gun but Damon stopped him.

“But it took ten to put him down fully, well nine, the tenth was a precaution. Let’s face it, we weren’t waiting to see what the darts did, we just opened fire.” Damon reminded him, Johnny bit his lip.

“Three?” He hazard another guess. Kenneth listened to them try and figure out the math, then he picked up the gun and fired one round into Kane’s chest. They heard Kane grunt as the dart struck him, her eyes went wide as she saw it sticking out of his chest.

“Let’s start with one, then add from there” Kenneth said as he put the gun back on the table. No one said a word after that, they watched him to see what he would do. Kane just stared at the dart in his chest.

“Are you ok?” Johnny asked,

“I just got shot with a dart almost point blank range, they don’t exactly tickle when they hit you.” Kane replied, looking at him, his top lip curling back.

“Try another one.” Damon said, this time Johnny picked up the gun, Kane braced himself for another round. His body twitched when the dart struck him. Johnny put the gun back on the table and they waited a bit.

“How do you feel now?” Johnny asked,

“I am sitting here letting you three idiots shoot me with darts. How do you think I feel?” Kane replied, a low growl escaping him.

“So not happy!” Johnny guessed,

“Slightly homicidal as in I am envisioning hanging you by your toes letting all the blood drain to your head and leaving you like that until your lungs collapse, then burying you somewhere in the yard and leaving you to decay.” Before Kane could say anymore Damon shot him with another dart.

“Let’s try three!” He said they all took a few steps away from him and Damon put the gun back on the table. Kane’s head was down, they could hear low snarls coming from him.

“Shoot him again!” Johnny said,

“If you shoot me one more time, I’m going to hang you by body parts until they break off.” He snarled at Damon,

“You shoot him!” Damon said to Johnny. This was not the way they saw this going. A couple darts and he’d be a happy Alpha. Not a couple darts and he’d be fucking homicidal.

“I outrank you!” Johnny said,

“Exactly you’re Beta, you shoot him, he’s threatening to hang me by body parts.” Damon protested,

“I’m delegating, he threatened to bury me,” They both looked at Kenneth.

“Don’t look at me, I shot him first.” Kenneth said. Kane’s snarls were getting louder.

“You can’t leave him like that.” She whispered looking at them all, she might think he’s a big fat liar head, but he couldn’t be left in that state. Kane started to get out of his chair, he was highly agitated and something needed to die. He was half way to standing when he fell back into his chair looking at a fourth dart in the dead center of his chest.