Disclaimer: The characters you recognize as J.E. are hers. Any other character is a figment of my imagination and any similarities to real persons is merely a coincidence

This story is definitely AU. The characters have the same physical appearance as in J.E.'s books; however I have changed ages of some characters. This is a Babe HEA and Cupcake fans may not be happy as Joe is dead as are Frank and Helen Plum. The Plums as well as Joe are not portrayed favorably, they were bad characters in the original and references may be made in this story as to what their actions were in the original story. References may be made to any of the books in the series, so if you haven't read them all, you may want to wait to read this. That said…

Chapter 3: The Chosen One

I made sure Stephanie and the children were settled in the apartment and then I headed down to my office. I needed to finish up payroll and then I would be free for the afternoon. Thanks to the program Stephanie had put into place three years ago, payroll was now a piece of cake instead of the tedious chore it had been before. An hour later I sat back in my chair and leaned my head against the back of the chair. I closed my eyes and let my mind wander to the events of the past few days.

I still got a knot in my chest when I remembered how I felt when Rafael's SOS reached me the day Katie was born. I had never been so scared in all my life. In those moments I knew I was close to losing the most important person in my life. I clenched my hands into fists. For some reason I had a feeling that everything wasn't over, even though Caden had assured us we were under his protection. I narrowed my eyes and wondered how I could protect my family against them when I wouldn't even see them till they were ready to act. Suddenly I felt the need to turn on the computer. I booted it up and let my hands rest on the keys for a moment and then I started typing.

Two hours later I sat back at looked at what I had found. I printed out the information and decided I was going to take it up to 7 with me to let Stephanie and Rafael in on what I had found out. I wanted to protect them from these people, but in this case, they would need to know what was going on if I was to keep them safe. I knew Diesel would need to be read in on this as well. I made sure I had everything I had printed out and then shut down my computer. I stood and made my way through the fifth floor and took the stairs up to the apartment. I used my key to open the door and silently made my way through the apartment. I knew they were in the den and I made my way there. I paused at the door to watch them.

As I watched, Stephanie sat on the sofa reading Twas The Night Before Christmas to Rafael. When she reached the end of the story, I watched as she closed the book and set it on the coffee table. Without turning around she said, "Might as well come in and show us what you have."

I smiled and moved forward. "No putting anything over on you is there Babe?"

Stephanie shrugged, "Something was off earlier. I can't say exactly what yet, but Caden wasn't as strong as he has been."

Rafael turned with a serious expression on his face. "He's dying. Once he's gone, the throne will be up for grabs. Until a new King is named, anyone will have the opportunity to claim the throne. All they have to do is take out the one Caden has chosen as his successor."

I lifted an eyebrow, "Do they know who Caden has chosen?"

Rafael shook his head. "They're scrambling." His gaze went to Stephanie, "I think that's why those two tried to kill Momma and Katie."

I handed Stephanie the information I had found. "I realize this is folk lore, but fact is often hidden in fiction."

Stephanie stiffened as she looked at the papers I had handed her, "Shit! Do you know what you've found?"

I gave her a puzzled look, "Somewhat. But I knew you would have a better grasp than I would."

"Come sit beside me so I can clue you in as I read."

I moved around the sofa and positioned myself so I had Stephanie in my arms. I felt the warm touch as she slipped into my mind and we connected as she read the report I had brought. I have to say it made a hell of a lot of sense with her input. When she finished, she tossed the papers on the coffee table and sighed. I rested my chin on the top of her head and asked, "So what's next Babe?"

"We have to let Diesel know. He and his family are in danger as well."

"I think you'd be better equipped to handle that than I would Babe."

Stephanie turned to Rafael and held out her hand. I watched as my son placed his small hand into his mother's and the two of them closed their eyes and tilted their heads back. I felt the warmth of them surround me and then there was a popping sound and the unmistakable scent of cinnamon was in the air. Diesel was standing before us frowning, his hands on his hips and a 'What the fuck?' look on his face.

Stephanie smiled, "Sorry Diesel. We have some information we need to share with you."

"What's this shit with popping me in and out. How the hell did you two acquire that ability?"

Rafael shrugged, "I did the popping and Momma did the focusing."

"Well what's so important it couldn't wait for you to go through normal channels?"

Stephanie handed Diesel the papers and we waited while he quickly read them. When he finished it looked like there was steam coming from his ears. He tossed the papers onto the coffee table and growled. "That explains why Caden had to be close in order to protect you. Even then they managed to get through." Diesel's gaze went to Rafael, "It's my guess they think Rafael is the chosen one."

I watched my son's eyes light up and he turned to us, "That's why he said it. Earlier today when he laid his hand on my head I heard him in my mind. He said, 'You are a worthy King.' It was his way of telling me I am the chosen one."

Diesel nodded. "I think so too."

Stephanie frowned, "But Rafael isn't unmentionable."

I narrowed my eyes as a sudden thought occurred to me. "He isn't unmentionable. But he has the power to strip an unmentionable of their power with a thought. To them, he's far more powerful than they could hope to be. In the end, isn't that the kind of ruler you want for your people? Someone who has the power to strengthen them."

We all looked to Rafael and he met our gazes head on. Rafael looked thoughtful for a moment and then turned and wrinkled his nose. "It's going to be a long month. The new King is to be crowned on New Year's Eve. There are several factions who want control."

Stephanie laid a hand on Rafael's head, "I for one have no intention of letting anyone harm my son."

Rafael turned his gaze up to his mom and there was a twinkle in his eyes. "Don't worry Momma. The Three Musketeers are going to ride on this one. When we get done with them, they won't know what hit them."

I smiled as Stephanie grinned down at Rafael and kissed his forehead. "All for one and one for all."

I could swear I heard the sound of Mathew and Lillie giggling along with Rafael as I heard, 'Fucking A dude. Those dirt bags won't know what hit them.' from Lilli and then I heard, 'By the time we get done with them they'll be begging.' from Mathew.

I turned to Diesel and Stephanie and the three of us exchanged an 'Oh SHIT!' look. I think our lives just got infinitely more complicated. There were sounds of children laughing.