Shane jerked awake as the SUV hit a hole in the road. Groaning, he tried to straighten up as best he could. His shoulder screamed in pain and his stomach felt as if it were on fire. Turning his head slowly to the left, he squinted at the man sitting next to him. He looked familiar but Shane couldn't remember where he'd seen him before. Turning to his right, he bit back a harsh sound to find Wellington sitting next to him, his green gaze focused on Shane.

"I told them you couldn't die, the witch and that dèmon refuse to let your soul leave this world. That's ok though, I have a little surprise for you, you smug bastard. Touch my things will you, think I won't retaliate? Just wait, Allen will be punished for his treachery even if that means killing you myself."

Shane glared at Wellington, aware that he wasn't in the position to argue. Moving to a more comfortable position, Shane flinched at the sharp pain that moved up his arm and down his back. Biting back a groan, he jerked at the soft hands on his shoulder.

"Venez, vous vous blesserez à nouveau si vous ne restez pas immobile."(Come, you will injure yourself again if you do not remain still.)

Shane blinked at the soft spoken man, frowning as the bright gray green gaze focused on him. Shaking his head, he moved back from the other, the pain in his shoulder making his head pound with his heartbeat. "W-who are you?" Voice hoarse, Shane tried to clear his throat to speak again. When a cup was pressed against his lips, Shane lifted his free hand. Despite how shaky he was, he managed to hold the cup and take a few sips. Sighing inwardly at the coolness of the water he studied the man watching him. "Where am I?"

"Est-ce que vous...vous parlez ou comprenez le français, non? Mon anglais n'est pas très bon j'ai peur mais si on doit..."(Do you...you speak or understand French, no? My English is not very good I'm afraid but if we must...)

Shane blinked in surprise at the soft voice, he knew this man but from where? "H-how do I know you?"

"Vous êtes celui qu'ils recherchent oui? Vous connaissez Sadie et Andrès DuBois et Allen...Allen Jones? Sa mère, elle était amie avec leur mère. Je me souviens des enfants, tellement de tristesse pour ceux qui sont si petits. Tu es..."(You are the one they are looking for yes? You know Sadie and Andrès DuBois a-and Allen...Allen Jones? His mother, she was friends with their mother. I remember the children, so much sadness for ones so small. You are...)

Shane looked closer at the older man, studying the weathered face in front of them. "C-comment...tu connais Sadie, Drè, et Allen? Comment, qui êtes-vous pour eux?"(H-how...you, uh, you know Sadie, Dre, and Allen? How, who are you to them?) Watching as he reached down into a small bag, Shane frowned at his smile.

"Ils t'ont cherché. Le mystérieux qui voyage avec elle et le fou."(They have been looking for you. The mysterious one that travels with her and the lunatic...) He studied Shane, watching him closely as he spoke.

Shane slowly eased to a more comfortable position, hissing in displeasure as his arm throbbed and stomach protested the small action. He glanced over at Wellington, letting out a soft breath to find him focused on his phone. Turning back to the other man, Shane stared at him. "Désolé, nous avons eu l'air familier. Vous ai-je déjà vu quelque part?"(Sorry, have we, uh, y-you look familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?) If this man knew the family then maybe he had a chance at getting back home. "S'il te plaît, je dois rentrer à la maison, si tu connais la famille..."(Please, I need to get back home, if you know the family...)

"Ce sont mes petits-enfants, vous verriez leur père en moi. Pardonnez-moi, je suis Sebastiàn Alejandrò Dubois. Vous êtes Shane oui? Allen a parlé de vous, a été très catégorique qu'il vous amènerait ici. J'avais espéré qu'il avait tort, mais je vois qu'il ne l'était pas."(They are my grandchildren, you would see their father in me. Forgive me, I am Sebastiàn Alejandrò Dubois. You are Shane yes? Allen has spoken of you, has been most adamant that he would bring you here. I had hoped he was wrong but I see that he was not.)

Shane blinked in surprise at the statement. How was this possible, as far as he knew their grandparents...Shane's thoughts broke off as the SUV came to a stop. Looking out the window, Shane frowned at the darkening sky and small crowd outside of the SUV. "What the fuck is going on now?" He muttered under his breath.

"Ils prévoient de faire un exemple de vous. Allen mon plus jeune petit-fils était impliqué avec celui-là...ce bâtard à côté de vous. Il a essayé de...Sadie a été blessé par lui tout comme Allen. Ils disent que vous êtes son champion, oui? Tu es celui qu'elle et Il ne laissera pas mourir, oui? Celui pour mon petit-fils et petite-fille, tu lui es-tu promis?"(They plan to make an example out of you. Allen my youngest grandson was involved with that one...that bastard next to you. He tried to...Sadie was hurt by him as was Allen. They say you are her champion, yes? You are he who She and He will not let die, yes? The one for my grandson and granddaughter, you are he promised to them?)

Shane nodded, unable to deny the answer when this man obviously knew so much. "Dans quel délai pourrez-vous les contacter? Je dois rentrer à la maison avec ma famille."(How soon will you be able to contact them? I need to get home to my family.) Studying the small group of buildings to their left, Shane made sure to take notice of anything important. His gaze sharpened when a small yellow light flashed in the trees behind the third cabin. A small grin curved his lips as he turned back to Sebastiàn. "Vous les avez vus, Bray et Dean, ils sont proches?"(You've seen them, Bray and Dean, they're some where close?)

"Oh! Oui oui, le mystérieux a refusé de croire que vous n'étiez pas dans la région. Je vais devoir le lui faire savoir, oh c'est bon, oui? Vous serez en mesure de rentrer à la maison bientôt, ne vous inquiétez pas. Je ne laisserai rien arriver jusqu'à ce qu'ils puissent venir pour vous."(Oh! Yes yes, the mysterious one refused to believe you were not in the area. I will need to let him know, oh this is good, yes? You will be able to go home soon, do not worry. I will let nothing happen until they can come for you.)

"Merci, je ne sais pas comment je vais pouvoir vous rembourser mais...merci."(Thank you, I don't know how I'll be able to repay you but...thank you.) Shane whispered, watching as a blonde woman walked over to Sebastiàn's door. "Qui es-tu avec ces gens?"(Who are you to these people?)

"Beauregaurd, Sr et moi avons grandi ensemble en tant qu'enfants, meilleurs amis de naissance. Mon père était le chef de son père avant de déménager ici en Amérique. Quand il a été doué avec son propre restaurant, mon père en a fait son héritage, un que ma petite-fille a bien construit, non?"(Beauregaurd, Sr and I grew up as children together, best friends by birth. My father was the chef for his father before moving here to America. When he was gifted with his own restaurant, my father made it his legacy, one my granddaughter has built up well, no?)

Shane stiffened as realization hit him. "That's how the families know each other? You and the elder Wellington..."

"Get out McMahon, I have something to do and someone I need to go see."

Shane frowned at the voice, turning to glare at the man behind him. Slowly easing towards the door, Shane bit back a hiss of pain as he was pulled from the backseat. Fighting back a wave of nausea, Shane glared up at the grinning man. Leaning back against the vehicle, Shane watched as Wells helped Sebastiàn from the vehicle. He was surprised at how gentle he was with the other, wondering just how well Wellington knew the older man.

"He is special to my father-in-law so we take care of him as best we can. But now, it seems that we find ourselves in a dilemma. There are whispers on the wind that the children of the blood feud shall be denied to us because of you."

Shane glared at the woman in front of him, watching as she gave him a small smile. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"I am speaking of the witch's child, my grandson and of the angel, the light that you would give your life to protect."

Shane stiffened as he watched Amalia step back. "You can't have either of them, not Clayton and damn sure not Amber. I'll kill you all before I let you anywhere near them."

"You're a smug one for having been shot and kidnapped. Maybe you're feeling better, a fight shouldn't be to much for you now, should it?"

Shane turned to glare at Wells, heart racing as he spotted his phone in Wells left hand. "Why the fuck am I still with you."

"I have something I want you to hear. We are going to see just how much your precious Allen loves you."

Shane felt his stomach clench as he watched Wellington go through his call history. He knew A.J would do anything to get him back, even if it meant giving in to what ever Wellington wanted. "You can't be sure he'd answer. If they think I'm dead they won't answer the call."

"True, if we used your phone, however, I have mine."

Shane listened as the phone started ringing, stomach fluttering at the possibility of hearing..."

"Who is this?"

Shane felt his heart stop at the tired voice, struggling to hold back his reaction to hearing it. "You son of a..."

"Ne dites rien d'autre, vous ne lui donnerez que la réponse souhaitée."(Do not say anything else, you will only give him the desired response he is after.)

Shane sucked in a harsh breath, watching as Wellington turned to face him. He wanted to wipe the smirk off of his face, to just wrap his hands around Wellington's throat and squeeze until he couldn't breath anymore. "What is it you want."

"Him of course, I wish to see what he is willing to do for you."

"Shane...i-is that you? Are you...god please if it's you say something."

"Awww baby you sound so heartbroken. Should I come comfort you?"

"Wells? How did...what the fuck do you want, where is Shane, I know he's with you! Let me talk to him, Wells! Please, put Shane..."

"No, I do not wish to do that. I want to know just how much this posh boy means to you. What are you willing to do to get him back?"

"If you have to ask that then you don't know me at all."

Shane felt a surge of pride shoot through him at the harsh statement, grinning at the look of anger on Wellington's face. "He's not going to give you what you want. You could kill me and still not have him, he will belong to me even in death."

"Shane? Shane jesus we thought you were dead, are you ok, have you..."

"You would show more emotion for this smug, arrogant bastard than me?! I gave you everything you could ever want and you would still..."

"You son of a bitch! You gave me nothing but heartache and grief! Shane has given me everything! You give him back to me Wells or I swear when I see you I'll make you regret it!"

"You would dare threaten me while he stands here at my mercy?! You would still deny me what I want..."

"It's not fucking about you it's about Shane! He has kids and a family that needs him. You have to let him go, please, just let Shane come home."

"I think he will stay with me a little longer."

"No! Wells please, what do you want from me! You can have anything you want just let Shane come home."

Glancing over at Sebastiàn, Shane frowned. "Si je vous laisse ici, serez-vous en sécurité?"(If I leave you here will you be safe?)

"Ils ne me feront pas de mal et Abigail ne le permettrait pas non plus. Vous devrez être prêt, il semblerait que vos amis sont arrivés."(They will not harm me and Abigail would not allow it either. You will need to be ready, it would appear that your friends have arrived.)

Shane looked up to see a flash of white then black moving through the trees. "Juls and Seth are here."

"Comme le mystérieux et son compagnon. Ils sont une paire étrange mais unique à voir ensemble."(As is the mysterious one and his companion. They are an odd yet unique pair to see together.)

Shane nodded, forcing himself to remain still, he kept his gaze on Wellington and Amalia. "Je ne peux pas te laisser ici, je ne leur fais pas confiance pour ne pas te faire du mal et la famille a assez perdu. Venez avec moi, vous pouvez nous aider à comprendre comment prendre soin de cela une fois pour toutes."(I can't leave you here, I don't trust them not to harm you and the family has lost enough. Come with me, you can help us figure out how to take care of this once and for all.) When the elder man nodded, Shane let out a soft sigh of relief. He watched as Wellington turned to Amalia, whispering amongst each other. "I'm going to kill him when this is all over."

"You are finally thinking like the family brother. Lean forward some so I can cut your hands free."

Shane moved up, slightly bent at the waist and sighed once Seth had cut the tape around his wrists. "Make sure Sebastiàn makes it back to Bray and Dean. They will know where to go and what to do from there."

"And you?"

Shane looked to his left and saw it, the bright flash of red that he had been waiting for. "I'll be helping as much as I can with clean up." Shane turned his head, squinting at the brunette behind him. "Allen..."

"Is in a hotel in the city with Chris. Sadie threatened to drug him if he didn't stay. Great show too, he's almost as dramatic as Chris."

Shane pushed back a chuckle, shaking his head as he watched the trees. "Get Sebastiàn to Bray. He means a lot to the family so we don't want him hurt."

"It is good to see you still on your feet frè."

"After two months I didn't think I was ever going to get back up but I had a doctor who wouldn't let me die." Glancing over to his left, Shane saw the slim shadow, white hair bright as the stars. "Please say you have my stuff, I owe this bastard."

"We are not here for him we are here for you and Amalia. She has been after Clayton since he was born, it is time to eliminate the threat to the family, starting with the head of the snake."

Shane frowned, watching as Juls looked at the man behind him. "You know him." At her nod, Shane sighed. "Seth's taking him to Bray and Dean, Sadie is moving through the trees, we need to get to her."

Seth nodded as he led Sebastiàn through the dark mass of trees and bushes. Shane slowly eased away from the SUV, aware that he would move slower than usual. "She kept telling me that no matter what happens I can't die."

"Third time is a charm my friend. Her magic is strong but it is also his as well. Love will do things to us we never imagined possible."

Shane nodded, following Juls around the SUV and into the trees. "How do you plan to get Amalia, Wellington never leaves her side." Shane tried to hide the pain moving through him. "That family is unnaturally close and for some reason it starts with Beau, Sr."

"They have a very jaded history, from the information you sent with Alistair, we will need to be prepared for anything."

"If you were not thought to be dead I would kill you myself."

Shane grinned as he kept walking, he knew to stop would cost them more than just time. "Well I'm not, where is he?"

"At the hotel, once he was called we were ready to come get you and granpapa. He was very adamant that this was were you would be brought. I had thought he'd forgotten about this place."

Shane took a quick look at his surroundings, frowning at the low hanging trees and clear sky. "Where are we?"

"The dark bayou's of Louisiana. My daddy is buried here, his ghost, rotten just as he was, haunts this swamp with his madness. We must leave this place before he taints you as well."

Shane looked up to see Bray and Dean standing next to a dark green Cadillac. "I see you brought a friend." Winded and in pain, Shane nodded when Dean walked over and helped him into the car. "I don't know what the fuck you're talking about Wyatt but let's go. I have someone who I need to see."

Bray nodded, his bright gaze scanning the trees around them. "Li pral vin pou nou Sadie, refize l 'ofrann bèt abityèl l' ap fè l 'vin pou nou."(He will come for us Sadie, to deny him his usual sacrifice will make him come for us.)

"Li pral gen sèvis ofrann bèt li zanmi m ', pa enkyete. Li se yon sakrifis san ki nesesè ak yon sakrifis san li pral resevwa."(He will have his sacrifice my friend, do not worry. It is a blood sacrifice that is required and a blood sacrifice he will receive.) Sadie walked over to the car, leaning down she studied Shane. "Shane?"

"If you tell me I have to wait to see him I will fucking kill anyone standing in my way." Shane stared up at the smiling face. He was sore, tired, and missed his family. "Sadie..."

"Wyatt will take you to the hotel, he may or may not already be sleep, let him rest. He has not been sleeping well the past few months."

"I can imagine why." Shane sighed as he eased back on to the seat. "The boys..."

"Are still with Allen, your mother felt it would be good for them to remain with him. She will arrive tomorrow afternoon to make sure the rime(rumors) are true. Amber will be especially happy to see you as well, so be safe, Shane. Red and I will see you in the morning, we have much to talk about my friend."

Shane nodded, giving her a small grin before the door was closed. Turning to Bray he studied the silent man watching him. "Wyatt?"

"Third time you have cheated death Shane, I am beginning to think there is more to you than we originally thought."

Shane frowned at the statement, giving Bray a brief nod before he turned back around. He knew they didn't always get along but after all these years, Shane was sure he'd proven himself. "Thanks, I think."

"Sister Abigail said long ago that it was fate we met you, Juls and I. If it had not have been for you I wonder where my friend would be now."

Shane grinned as he laid his head back against the seat. He understood and was grateful for their friendship as well. "She was right and for that I am glad. Now let's go before these idiots figure out..."

"To late, looks like someone has a temper when things don't go their way."

Shane looked up at Dean's comment, surprised to see the sky light up in a ball of fire. "That's Sadie and Juls, damnit I thought she said..." He started when the car pulled off into the trees. "No, Bray we have to..."

"Ils iront bien, Sadie et Juls. Vous devez obtenir de la nourriture et vous reposer."(They will be ok, Sadie and Juls. You must get some food and rest.)

Shane looked at Sebastiàn in surprise. "You seem so sure of that." When the gray head nodded and he gave Shane a mysterious smile, Shane studied him closely. "You knew they were going after Amalia and Wellington, that's why Allen..."

"Shane, phone call."

Shane turned to Seth, taking the phone held out to him. "Hello?"

"Shane?!"

Letting out a rough sigh, Shane grinned. "God it's good to hear your voice."

"You're an asshole you know that?! What the fuck Shane I asked you not to go anywhere alone and when you do you end up missing for two god damn months! What the actual fuck McMahon?!"

Shane grinned as he held the phone away from his ear. Looking up at Seth he glanced down. "How long has he been like this?"

Seth grinned as he listened to the man now shouting about Wellington's threats to Shane. "Pretty much since you've been missing. I think he's been driving Danial and Chris crazy so they had Sadie come stay with him."

Shane chuckled as he turned his attention back to the phone. "Are you not happy to hear me either sweetheart?" At the swift intake of breath, Shane took the phone off speaker. "Allen, what is it?"

"You're a real asshole Shane. You missed my fucking birthday a-and Ams had a dance recital. Jesus, how long is it going to take for you to get here?"

Shane frowned at the soft tone, shifting on the seat, he glanced up at the clock. "Another hour or so, why, what's going on Allen." Shane listened to the other man as he took a deep breath. "Honey?"

"Don't leave me, ok? I'm an asshole, I know that a-and with everything you've had to go through with being with me...I'm sorry Shane god if something had happened to you I don't think...just, umm, just hurry your ass up please? I'd really like to see you."

Shane felt his eyes drift close as a deep sigh left him. "Yeah, I'd like to see you too. I'll be there as soon as I can, I need to go by the doctors then the hotel." He heard the shivery breath, felt the soft huff as it was released. "After that I am all yours."

"Yeah you damn sure better be because I can't do this anymore like I used to and it would be great if you, you know, would come do this with me?"

Shane grinned, thoughts turning to what was not being said. "As soon as I see the doctor, alright?"

"Ok, umm, I'll see you when you get here."

Shane listened as A.J paused, a frown starting to curve his lips down. "Allen?"

"I love you Shane a-and I'm glad to hear your voice. If you would just...I'd be even happier to see you so hurry up, please?"

"I'm on my way, keep my side warm?"

"Have been for two months, now if you would..."

"I will see you soon, I swear." Shane heard the soft hitch of breath, knew that A.J wasn't an over emotional person and for him to show some small crack in his composure... "Allen?"

"You promised, Shane. You promised..."

"I'm coming home sweetheart, nothing and no one is going to keep me from you any longer. I kept my promise, I said I'd never leave you and..." Shane heard it, the soft sound of distress. "I mean that, I will never leave you, not willingly. I love you and the kids to much to just let go that easily."

"Hurry up Shane, tell who ever is driving to make sure you get here in one fucking piece or I'm..."

Shane grinned as he listened to the other man. Glancing over at the now dozing man next to him, Shane wondered how A.J would react to seeing Sebastiàn again. Shaking his head, he decided he'd think about it later. Letting out a soft breath, he listened as A.J told him about the kids. "Sadie said the boys are still with you."

"Yeah, Dom and Ash don't like their moms new boyfriend. He's an asshole to them Shane, I took them by the house to get their camping gear and he was just...I-I didn't want to...jesus ok so we got into a fight about how he was talking to Asher. I mean he was yelling at him because he couldn't reach his fishing pole! Of all things to yell at a child about instead of helping him? And your ex is a real piece of work, getting pissy with me because Linda wanted the boys to stay with us. I didn't make that decision but she seemed to think she had a right to say something about it."

Shane felt his stomach churn at the revelation, he hadn't known that Marissa was dating again and the fact that he didn't seem to get along with the boys... "Did he hurt either one of them?"

"Dom said he's never put his hands on them but I don't care. He doesn't get the fucking right to treat them like their nothing. So I kicked his ass and told him if he ever spoke to them like that again I'd do it again."

Shane chuckled, groaning at the pain that shot through him. "Honey, I'm going to have to go. I need to get looked at before I can get to you."

"Just hurry your ass up McMahon, seriously, be careful but hurry up."

"I will see you soon, I love you." Shane grinned when A.J repeated the sentiment, voice soft as they disconnected the call.

"He is still so high strung, yes? He was a, how do you say, ah, Wyatt, Wyatt enfant excitable, plein d'énergie."

"He was an excitable child, full of energy."

Shane silently agreed, thinking about the brunette. Leaning back against the seat, he handed Seth his phone. Turning towards the car window, Shane closed his eyes. "He's always been full of energy, even from the very beginning." Something Shane would never want to change. Letting out a soft Sigh, Shane glanced over at Seth. "Wake me when we're there, if I can't walk drag me in do not carry me. Allen's already worried, don't need to make it worse." When Seth nodded, Shane closed his eyes again. He'd get as much rest as he could before seeing A.J and the kids. Once home he had some unfinished business to handle and handle it he will.