Author's Note: This story is set after Tom's training as a Spook even though I know Joseph is still writing the last books, but this is just how I wish things ended, especially for Tom and Alice and the whole story is on Alice's POV, hope you like it. I do not own anything, all those rights go straight to Joseph Delaney. R&R :)

Chapter 12: Secret Conversations

The next morning, I woke up with sun rising. Meg was already awake and I helped her to make breakfast. In a few minutes, everybody else was up too. We ate breakfast in a happy mood. Everything was perfect. After breakfast, we were preparing to leave but Mr. Proctor had to talk to Old Gregory, so our trip back to Chipenden was going to wait a little, besides that Jason didn't know where to go and we needed to figure that out too. Tom and I were going great, we couldn't stop smiling at each other and even though Jason said he liked me he was acting like he didn't care if we were together. He didn't say anything but I knew he was upset. Tom and I were in the couch talking and I have to confess, we were making out a little too, when Jason left saying he was going to get some fresh air. I couldn't help to notice that Jason was acting a little weird. Tom said it was normal, Jason had always been like that and I didn't have to worry. Anyway, I got worried because I considered Jason my friend and I told Tom I was going to talk to him.

"You don't have to worry, Alice," he said to me. "He's fine."

"Haven't you seen his face? Something is going on, I'm sure," I said.

I got up and left the house. I followed Jason. He was heading to the back of the house. He continued to walk and I got curious. Where was he heading to? Finally, Jason stopped near a tree and sat on its shadow. I was about to say something when somebody appeared. It was Mab.

"Hello, Jason. Why do you look so sad?" she said,

That was interesting. Mab worrying about somebody else who wasn't herself, that was new. I hid myself behind a tree to hear what they were talking. Jason got up,

"You are Mab, right?" he asked,

"Yes, and you are Jason Ward. Tom Ward's brother," she answered.

"What are you doing here? What do you want from me?" he asked looking around.

"You don't have to be afraid of me. You helped me to escape last night. You didn't hold me so tight like Tom, that was very kind of you. Now, it is my time to help you," Mab said smiling.

"Do really believe I'm going to be so stupid to trust you?" Jason laughed.

"You know what? Forget it, I could help you to get Alice for you and set you guys up. But I'm sure you can do it on your own," Mab said.

"I beg your pardon?" Mab had gotten his attention.

"Well, don't you think that without Tom on your way things would be easier?" she asked.

"Yes, but what do you mean with that?"

"Last night, my sister Jannet died and it's all Tom's fault and this is not the first time people in my clan died because of him."

"And…? I still don't get it," Jason said getting impatient.

"Oh my! You're so slow," Mab said.

"Hey, it's not my fault if you don't go straight to the point," Jason complained.

To me that conversation was going too far. Jason was entering in Mab's game. I understood what she meant with 'things would be better without Tom' and I was just curious to know where this was heading to, but I just couldn't see a happy ending for this story.

"Just say it Mab. I don't have much time. They'll look for me soon."

"I want Tom Ward dead!" she screamed.

"Why?" Jason asked.

"Because he killed my sister, he killed many other people in my clan. I want revenge," Mab said angrily.

"And do you want me to help you?" Jason asked.

"Yes, if you help me to kill Tom Ward, Alice will be alone and you can take the chance and get closer to her. What do you say?"

"I don't know… I have to think," Jason said.

"Think faster," Mab shouted.

"Well…" Jason started to say.

It was when I smelled and heard Tom calling me and Jason. I got out of my hidden place and ran towards Tom who was coming from the path I followed Jason. I bumped into him and he held my arms.

"Alice, what happened?" he asked.

"Jason is conspiring with Mab against you," I said.

"What? That not possible. Jason would never do that, he is my brother," he answered in shock.

"But I heard Mab making the suggestion to him. She wants him to join her," I said exasperated.

"Alice, don't worry. Jason would never try to kill me," Tom kissed my forehead and hugged me.

"I don't want to lose you," I said hugging him back.

"You won't lose me. Did you hear Jason agreeing to kill me?"

"No," I said.

"Then there is no reason to worry," he kissed me.

When we broke apart, I saw Jason coming in our direction.

"Hey, we were looking for you. It's time to go," Tom said.

"Ok, let's go," Jason answered walking with us back to the house.

"Are you coming with us? Or are you going somewhere else?" I asked.

"If you guys really don't mind if I stay with you," he answered.

"That's ok. You're family and in Chipenden you'll always be welcome," Tom said smiling.

We walked back to the house, but I still had my doubts about what I heard. But maybe I was just hallucinating that Jason would turn back against his own brother. When we got the house, Old Gregory and Meg were outside saying goodbye to Mr. Proctor. He waved at us and entered the house and we finally left Pendle. Tom asked Jason if he wanted to talk to Jack but he refused saying he didn't want to be treated badly. Nobody said anything about that because we were used to Jack's reactions toward all of us. When we got to Chipenden, Old Gregory and Meg continued to walk to Anglezarke. Tom, Jason and I went to the spook's house where we were welcomed by the boggart and a very delicious lunch. Jason got one of the guest rooms next to mine and he seemed pretty happy with his new home. As for me, I was just happy to be home with the man I loved.