Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer, my OCs belong to me

This chapter is dedicated to Alphabloodwolf, WriterNMomma, maggiepie123, M-Bianca94, Asherah Isa, Anonymous Guest, Taylor eaglebear, Fadewind and Noble

This is the second chapter I've posted today


Loki

The battle wasn't as interesting as I thought it might be. It was hard to really take anything in, it was all a blur as me and Leda worked together. She struck at their senses and I tore through their bodies easily.

The battle was meh, but the rescue mission was awesome. I still don't know how I managed to snag on Billie's mind, even now it was weak and she was right there on the other side of the curtain while Carlisle… She needed a lot of help right now and he had to fix the physical before we could try to fix the mental.

Her mind was fluctuating and mostly not there at all, that's why I'm surprised I actually managed to even read her mind from three miles away when I wasn't even aiming for it. The only reason I could come up with is that Billie had a sudden burst of lucidity and called out to her family for help. Since I was the only telepath at that point in time not in the middle of shredding through the League I was the one who picked up on it. I obviously went to get Seren's help immediately since her and Rupert were acting as a sort of inter-species red cross, and along with Leda, we set out on the trail I felt strongly after I'd actually connected with Billie's mind.

Whatever it was that put me on Billie's trail it was lucky, I don't think we would have come across the truck where it was hidden, or maybe the vamps would have killed Billie, Isla and Brah when they got confirmation that they were losing.

It didn't matter, main thing was, we got Billie back to safety. Even if she had a major recovery ahead of her she wasn't in the hands of the enemy anymore. She was being cared for by Carlisle while Isla, who as far as I could tell was Billie's new boyfriend's sister, told us about everything they'd been through thanks to the League. Brah was some dhampir kid reared on the farm and put in Isla's cage to mate with her.

Isla told how she'd kicked him in the balls and he seemed to confuse it for sex, but every time Isla came back to this point I watched Brah because he was getting twitchy and looking real suspicious. I had to check his mind just to be sure. I mean he could be a plant, waiting for us all to let our guard down before he attacked.

I didn't get anything negative from his mind. In fact he was ridiculously loyal to Isla. He'd meant it when he vowed his protection to her even thought he knew…

Seriously dude? You knew she was scamming you all along? I asked.

Brah locked eyes with me and frowned.

It's me, Loki. I'm telepathic. I read your mind because… I wasn't sure how to tactfully put this.

You can't be too careful. Brah said. I understand things. I just haven't got the learning. And yes, I knew Isla was lying but I gave her the idea if you think about it. I didn't want to force her and the vampires would let her be for a week or two if they thought she was pregnant.

Way to go Bro. I said, and gave him a smile. But you have to tell her.

Yes.

Now?

He shrugged. Well Isla was wrapping up her story anyway, so it seemed like the best time.

"Well then we got back here. Seren fainted and I was shown where I could go to change back and get dressed, and well there's no more." Isla finished up.

"Well I guess there's more we can talk about later. But right now someone else wants to talk to you." I said, nodding toward Brah and Isla turned to look at him.

"You wanna talk now Brah?" She asked.

It was clear Brah didn't want to do this in front of everyone and Isla was pretty intuitive because she turned back to us and asked, "Is there somewhere private?"

"You can use the place where you changed." I said, pointing at the makeshift cubicle.

Isla nodded before she led Brah over to the curtained off area.

"I think I should see if Carlisle needs help with anything." Seren said in a subdued voice, and she was looking a little sick.

"I'll come help you." Rupert said as he put his hand on her shoulder and Seren melted into it for a moment before they both walked off.

It is just awful what happened to Billie. Leda thought sadly as she leant into me.

That's an understatement. I replied as I put my arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

I feel a searing rage deep inside me. I feel I could take that rage and turn it into a weapon and burn all those who would hurt our beloved Auntie Billie. Leda said firmly.

I'm right there with you Lee. If he's not out there today, I'll track down that bastard Ritchie and tear him apart. And I let out a growl.

We will do it together for the sake of Billie. Leda said firmly.

"For Billie." I promised aloud.

Isla and Brah came back to us. They both looked a lot happier, and I guess it was pretty good to have all that weight lifted off your shoulders.

"What happens now?" Isla asked me, like she thought I was in charge.

"Right now I would like you both to find an empty bed to sit on and I'll come inspect you when I'm done with Billie." Carlisle answered instead. "I've no doubt you are both malnourished and possibly dehydrated. I'd prefer it if you both sat still until I'm sure."

"Ok." Isla said.

"Loki. Perhaps you and Leda would like to show them both to some spare beds." Carlisle suggested.

"Will do." I said with a salute.

"Thank you." Carlisle said with a smile that soon became grim when he turned back to tend to Billie.

"Come on." I said.

Me and Leda led Isla and Brah toward the back of the tent where there was likely to be two spare beds near each other. There weren't many left, turned out a lot of dhampir had been injured during the battle.

Loki? That you? I heard a mind call out to me and I wasn't sure who it was.

Yeah? I said carefully.

It's me. Zeke. Can you come here? I frowned and tried to locate him.

"Leda, can you handle this a mo?" I whispered to her.

She looked up at me with a frown but nodded her head and took over the reins on steering Brah and Isla to empty beds.

I finally found Zeke sitting up on a bed with a bloody bandage covering the entire left side of his face. Some dhampir girl with blond hair was sat next to him holding his hand and fussing over him a little intimately. I felt annoyed. Zeke was meant to be with my sister.

I need to ask a few favours. Zeke said, his one visible eye locking on me but other than that he didn't move his face. First up, get rid of Marnie for me.

That blonde drooling all over you? I asked.

I know. It's annoying. Can you get her gone? He asked.

Can't you? I shot back, feeling angry.

I'm not allowed to talk while I'm undergoing treatment, doctor's orders, but every time I take my hand out of hers she pulls it back. Please help a bro out? He pleaded.

"Hey Marnie, you can go now, next of kin is here." I said.

Marnie turned and looked up, then up some more until she met my eyes.

"Next of kin?" She demanded.

"He's my cousin and until I get him home to Auntie Prue, I'm the next of kin. You've done well looking after him so far, but Zeke needs some guy time now." I said, unable to hold back my antagonism over the fact that she was sniffing around my sister's man. I guess it's a wolf thing.

"Well someone had to be here to look after him." Marnie said a little snidely, but she got up. "Well Zeke, I mean it, anything you want, you know where to find me." She bent as if to kiss him.

"I don't think so." I said, pulling her away enough that I could get between them. "Zeke is supposed to keep his face still."

Marnie scowled at me. She blew an air kiss at Zeke before flouncing away. I watched until she was gone before I turned back to Zeke.

What the hell dude? You're meant to be with my sister. I reminded him.

And I intend to be. Zeke said as he very carefully swung his legs off the bed and held his hand out to me. Can you help me up please? I know it sounds weird but you've no idea how many muscles you use in your face just trying to stand up.

Where are you going? I asked as I helped him to his feet.

To find Mags. I'm worried about her. I can't feel her mind and I have to…

"No Zeke, back into bed." Esme said as she spotted him standing up. "If you don't rest then the treatment won't hold."

"What happened?" I asked.

"Zeke had an accident out on the battlefield." Esme said as she helped a reluctant Zeke back into bed. "Now you make sure he doesn't get out again." She charged me and I'd have to obey now, it was a direct order from Esme.

I sat down in the chair Marnie had been sitting in and looked Zeke in his one visible eye.

What the hell happened and where is Mags anyway? Why isn't she here with you? I asked quickly as each question popped into my mind.

Look, it was an accident ok. I shouldn't have tried approaching her from behind when she was in berserk wolf mode. Zeke said, a little on the defensive side.

Berserk wolf mode? I questioned and as my eyes fell on the bloody bandage on the left side of his face my eyes widened. Did Mags do that?

No. He said firmly but I felt the stutter in his mind. Yeah. It was an accident ok. He said firmly. Like I said, I shouldn't have come up behind her.

Ok. Take it from the top. How did this happen? I asked, because I had no idea why he was being so defensive if Mags had done this to him.

I was running to her because the battle was over, then I got her call that there were more vamps incoming and she was running directly for me. Luckily Zeke had a good visual imagination so I was getting all this in sound and pictures as he told me with his mind voice. I picked up speed. If I could reach her we could fight together. That's when the floor turned to mush and I fell into… You don't need to see that.

See what? I asked curiously as I got a flash of darkness and flames.

My own personal hell. You don't need to see. You're just a kid and Mags would never forgive me for scarring your psyche. Zeke said in a definite way, but that made me all the more curious.

Ok. I said for the time being, I could question him about it when all this was over, Mags was the most important thing right now. But what do you mean you fell into your own personal hell?

Ritchie must have come up behind me. I felt the ground swallow me and I was gasping for air, but then it all stopped and I looked around to see that Ritchie was now a bloody smear on the battlefield and Mags was taking care of the leech bitch who scarred me, along with a few other vamps. I'm sure one of them was Diego, a fetcher and lure. Not important I guess.

No. What's important is that Mags took out Ritchie. Like seriously? He's dead? I asked in awe.

Yeah. Zeke confirmed.

Did you hear what he did to Billie? He deserves it. I said firmly.

I'll have to hear that another time, like I said, I'm worried about Mags. She was in a rage and I wanted to calm her down, but instead of calling out to her with my mind or my voice I reached out with my hand. I must have registered as another vamp in her berserking mind because she turned around and it was completely instinctual.

Zeke really believed that. He didn't hate Mags for clawing half his face off. He was just absolutely worried about her.

What happened then? I asked, because I couldn't think why Mags wouldn't help a wounded Zeke, even if she caused it.

Obviously there was that moment of shock but then I looked up into her eyes, tried to think to her that I didn't blame her, but she seemed paralysed with the shock and her mind was closed to me. It has been ever since. Then Marnie reached me and started fussing over me while I continued to beseech Mags to read my mind, to read that I didn't blame her. Marnie must have seen me looking because she turned to Mags and gave her a stinking look. That's when Magda legged it for the hills. I tried to chase after her, but battle fatigue and blood loss made me woozy and I was brought here. Since then I can't feel Mags.

Feel her? I asked, because I didn't really understand that bit.

Look. Since we've imprinted I can always feel Mags about, even if we're miles away from each other I know she's fine, or unhappy or whatever. I can feel her, but since this… He shook his head, then hissed as his hand flew up but stopped short of actually touching the bloody bandage.

"Hang on." I said and closed my eyes to concentrate.

I sent my mind out searching all around until I snagged on Magda's mind and then I knew the exact reason Zeke couldn't sense her.

Mags has locked her mind down tighter then Fort Knox. I said. That's why you can't sense anything.

Why would she do that? Zeke asked, sounding a little lost to be honest.

She probably feels guilty. Who am I kidding, this is Mags we're talking about, she does feel guilty and she doesn't want to read the accusation from your mind. She's locked herself down and there's no way in until she opens it again. She's a lot more powerful than me. I admitted.

Can you sense where she is? Zeke asked.

Yeah. I confirmed.

Will you go to her? Tell her to open her mind to me? Tell her to read me and see that I don't blame her?

Of course. I said as I shot to my feet. I'll be as quick as I can.

I turned around and almost walked right into Carlisle.

"Ah Loki, I'm glad you came across Zeke, you can help us now." Carlisle said happily.

"Help?" I asked.

"Yes. As you can see I'm trying a new treatment with Zeke. I'm using bandages soaked in dhampir blood to help aid his recovery. In my research I've found that the blood of the vampire-wolf hybrids holds the most healing properties. Would you be so kind as to donate a pint?"

I opened my mouth to protest.

"If this works then it's likely that Zeke's face will be healed as good as new, possibly back to before the original scarring." Carlisle stated.

I knew how much it bugged Mags that those scars had kept Zeke a prisoner of his trauma, I had to help and hopefully flag Dad to go find Mags.

"Ok." I said.

"Excellent." Carlisle said with a grin and tapped the bed to the left of Zeke. "If you'd just like to sit up here and I'll get the equipment."

You're supposed to get Mags. I don't care about my face. Zeke said as I climbed up on the bed.

"Loki, Carlisle told me what you are doing. It's very noble of you." Esme said as she pushed a glass into my hand. "Sip this please."

It turned out the glass was full of apple juice. I sipped it while I carried on my conversation with Zeke.

Well I see it as a better investment that I give you my blood so that you heal and get rid of what will become a constant reminder of Mags' mistake if you scar badly. I pointed out.

I didn't think of it like that. Zeke said thoughtfully. Good point.

Don't worry Bro. I'll telegraph Dad. He can talk Mags around better than me anyway. I promised.

"Put your left arm out like this." Carlisle said as he held out his own arm and I copied. "Now you will feel some pressure under the band, but tell me if it feels very constricting." He added as he put a blood pressure cuff around my arm.

He pumped it and I felt it tighten around my arm, but it was just a constant pressure and not uncomfortable.

"Now to find the perfect vein." Carlisle explained as he investigated my arm. "There." He added as he kept the place with his left thumb and reached for the alcohol sponge he'd just opened and rubbed it on my skin over where my vein bulged on the surface.

Then he picked up the needle and though I didn't really want to see something sticking into me, I was also curious. After all I'd never had a single jab in my life, dhampir immune system stands up to anything, so it was a first for me. I watched Carlisle carefully placed the long needle against my arm.

"You'll feel a pinch." Carlisle said and looked up to see I was watching him. "Most people look away."

"I wanna see." I said with a nod.

"Very well." Carlisle said and pushed on the needle.

It did sting and I felt the needle ghost inside me. It felt weird and I tried not to squirm as Carlisle taped the pipe to my skin with surgical tape to hold the needle in place. Then he checked on the length of the pipe as it began to fill with deep red and inch its way along to the bag. I had to look away then because I felt a little queasy.

"Are you ok?" Carlisle asked.

"Yeah." I said, keeping my eyes on Zeke. "I'm just not used to my blood being outside my body."

"Of course." Carlisle said as he placed a ball in my left hand. "Keep squeezing this ball, Esme or Seren will check on you in five minuets."

"Ok." I said.

How you holding up? Zeke asked.

Ok. I think. Just, this is new. I explained.

It is weird the first time you give blood. Zeke agreed. Have you talked to your Dad yet?

I'll try and get him now. I promised and sent my mind out searching for Dad. Damn. He's gone to help flush out any remaining League vamps hiding out in the farm. It's five miles to the south of here.

"Shit." He muttered, then let out an annoyed growl as he reached for the left side of his face again but stopped before he touched the bandage that was looking a little less bloody now.

I'll go find her as soon as I'm done giving blood. I promised.

"Loki? What's going on?" Leda asked as she came up to the foot of my bed.

"I'm giving blood for Zeke." I said and pointed toward him.

Leda looked to Zeke and her eyes went wide.

"Goodness Zeke, what happened?" She asked.

"There was an accident and his face got mangled. Carlisle's trying to heal it with blood soaked bandages, but Zeke has to keep his face still until it's healed up. Therefore he can't talk." I replied.

"Oh dear." Leda said as she sat in the chair and she took both his hand and mine. "I will keep you both company."

Tell her thanks. Zeke said and I saw him give her hand a squeeze.

"Zeke said thanks."

"You're welcome." Leda said and raised his hand to kiss it. "After all, you are my boyfriend's sister's boyfriend, that's as good as family."

I saw Zeke's body shake slightly, like he was holding back a laugh, and couldn't help my own little laugh at how adorable Leda was. I couldn't wait until this was all over with and we could get back to just us for a while. Leda turned and smiled at me before she kissed my hand too.

"I've come to check if we've taken enough blood." Seren said as she stepped up to the left side of the bed and checked the bag. "We're halfway there. I'll be back in five minuets."

"How are you holding up?" I asked.

"I'm good, why?" She asked, stopping and turning back to me.

"Well, Billie drained you. Shouldn't you rest or something?" I asked because she was looking pale and had circles under her eyes dark enough to rival a very hungry vampire.

"I need to help out here. I can rest when we get home. It won't be long. I heard that all the medical staff and patients are going on the first plane." She said a little in monotone, but I put that down to her being tired.

"Plane?" I asked.

"Yeah. Jane wants to get all the rescued dhampir back to the Ranch as soon as possible. We're right on the edge of Coalition land here, if any of the vamps in the neighbouring countries hear what's happened today they might make a play for a shed load of tasty treats." Seren said and it was clear she was holding back on a sob.

"So we got rid of the League and now we have to worry about other countries?" I asked, feeling suddenly drained.

"Well, once we're out of here they'll have to get through Maria and you know how ruthless she is, so we're safe from them. Right now though, a lot of the dhampir are sitting ducks." Seren said, managing to sound a little reassuring on the former.

"What about the rest of us?" Leda asked.

"Everyone else will be heading home the same way they came here." Seren said but turned when there was a yell. "Excuse me, it sounds like Vee is trying to get out of bed on his broken leg again."

Why did Billie drain Seren? Zeke asked.

She didn't do it on purpose. I said. Short story is, Ritchie crushed her mind and now Billie thinks she has no hands which means her power is on constant.

Oh no! You have to help her right now! Zeke yelled in my mind and he actually jumped up to his feet. Get her out of the hell!

I can't do anything like that until she's physically well. I replied. I hate to admit it, but I'm not the strongest telepath in the family. Gran is. Then Mags. Then Dad. Then well I'd like to still say it's me, but it's probably Addie. At least I'm better than Lydia and Astrid, but I don't think it's enough to help Billie.

"You don't understand! You have to…gah!" Zeke said and actually clutched at the bandage this time.

"Come now Zeke." Leda said, putting her arm around his shoulders and stroking his arm. "We will all do our best for Billie, but getting worked up will help no one."

Zeke relaxed into Leda's arms and she hugged him for a moment.

"I think you are supposed to stay in bed." She whispered.

Zeke pulled out of her arms, tapped her shoulder gently and returned to the bed.

I just know what it's like to have Ritchie crush your mind. The longer she stays in that hell the harder it'll be to convince her that reality is real. Zeke thought sadly.

I'll see what I can do as soon as I'm done here. I said as Leda sat back down and took both our hands again.

Do it for Billie. Zeke thought.

I will. I promised, although I wasn't sure how I'd do having lost a bit of blood here.

"Let's take a look at that bag." Esme's cheerful voice cut through the depressive cloud that had grown around us.

"It's bound to be full by now." I said, trying to sound cheerful.

"And you are right Loki." Esme said with a smile and she pulled the surgical tape away from my arm and then removed the needle.

She pushed a cotton wad to the needle hole.

"Hold that there for a minuet while I get your drink and snack." Esme instructed.

"I can't go now?" I asked, I already had a lot of things to do without wasting time sitting here.

"You have to wait fifteen minuets dear." Esme said as she picked up the bag of blood and carried it around to Zeke's bed. "Leda, you'll have to move from there I'm afraid, Carlisle will need access to Zeke's left side."

"Of course Esme." Leda said and rose to her feet. "Would you like me to get the drink and snack for Loki?"

"Oh that would be a big help my dear." Esme said with a smile. "You'll find them in the nurses station at the back. A glass of juice and a couple of cookies."

"Very well." Leda said to Esme before she turned to me. "I'll be right back."

"Thanks." I said, and gave her a smile.

"I'll be back immediately my Loki." She said and squeezed my foot before she went off further toward the back of the tent.

I turned my attention to Esme who looked like she was preparing things, like a pair of scissors, a bowl and a lot of gauze. Esme went away and came back with another bowl, this one was steaming with boiling water.

Leda came back to the left side of my bed and she placed a glass and a plate with a few cookies on the little table. She smiled at me and picked up one of the cookies and brought it up to my mouth. I raised an eyebrow at her, but leant forward and bit into the cookie. I chewed on it and Leda looked lovingly into my eyes.

"You're my brave god of mischief indeed." She whispered as she brought the cookie up again and I bit and chewed. I will reward you handsomely when we're alone.

That a promise? I asked.

Of course. She replied and kissed my cheek.

I look forward to it. I said before I ate the rest of the cookie.

"I have everything ready." Esme said and I turned to see that Carlisle was back.

"Thank you." He said and kissed Esme's cheek before he snipped the end off the blood bag and poured half of it into the bowl. Then he put some of the gauze strips in to soak.

I watched the almost imperceptible communication between Esme and Carlisle. Esme moved around to Zeke's right side.

"Are you ready Zeke? This may hurt when we remove the gauze." Carlisle warned.

Take it away Doc. Zeke thought wryly.

"He said, take it away Doc." I informed Carlisle.

"Very well." Carlisle said and he moved up to Zeke.

Zeke let out hisses but I couldn't see what Carlisle was doing since his body was in the way. When Carlisle moved to pick up an absorbent pad and dip it in the steaming bowl I got a look at the left side of Zeke's face.

It looked nasty. There were four tears down his skin and the blood on his skin from the treatment made it look a lot worse than it probably was. Carlisle washed the blood away from Zeke's skin and checked where the lines where his skin was opened up.

"It looks a lot better already." Carlisle said as he picked up a clean pad and placed it over Zeke's closed left eye and taped it in place with surgical tape. "I think you might be healed up nice by this time tomorrow." He added as he began to place the gauze drenched in my blood over the left side of Zeke's face.

I took the glass Leda handed to me and began to drink it while I watched as Carlisle finished with Zeke's face.

"I'll be back to change the gauze in two hours." Carlisle said as he gathered all the stuff he'd used together and moved away.

"Esme?" I called.

"Yes dear?" Esme said, coming back to the foot of my bed.

"Am I ok to go now?" I asked.

"Give it another five minuets. I'll come let you know." She promised me.

The longer it takes the more I'm worried. Zeke thought.

"Me too Bro." I replied, and I sighed deeply, I needed to get out of this bed.

"You need to eat your other cookie." Leda said, holding it out to me.

"You're right." I said and I took it off her and ate it in two bites before I finished off the rest of my drink. "Do you wanna come with me?"

"Of course." Leda said with a nod.

"As soon as Esme gets back we're gone." I said firmly.

Thanks. Zeke thought toward me.

As soon as Esme reappeared I was up on my feet and ready to go.

I'll have Mags back here ASAP. I promised Zeke as I took Leda's hand and we headed toward the field hospital entrance.

I stopped dead as we neared the door as Gran and Gramps stepped through.

"Gran?" I gasped.

"Loki? You made it through?" She asked.

I nodded.

"Everyone else?" She asked.

"As far as I know. We haven't had time to regroup yet." I said and my eyes travelled to the bed where Billie was out cold with the blanket pulled up over her.

"Billie!?" Gran exclaimed and run to her bedside.

"Don't touch her hands!" I yelled as Gran went to grab one.

"Why not?" Gran asked.

"Because she hasn't got control of her power right now." I replied, figuring it was the simplest explanation for the time being.

"Why not?" Gran asked.

"Well…" I trailed off and closed the distance between Gran and me.

I took her hand and took Gramps' hand too so I could show them both at the same time. I showed them everything I'd witnessed personally, everything Isla had told us, and what Zeke had said about Mags taking Ritchie out. That had to be a comfort right? Knowing the guy who did this to Billie was nothing but a bloody smear on the grass outside.

"No. No. No. No." Gran said, pulling her hand out of mine and shaking her head. She dropped down next to Billie and placed her hand on her forehead. "Oh Baby, what have they done to you?"

And that was something I'd never seen before, tears were streaming down Gran's face as stroked back Billie's hair. I could sense Gran's attempts to get into Billie's mind.

"Ye gods!" Grandpa gasped and I turned to find him pressing his fist to his mouth.

His eyes were wide and his face was screwed up as he fought back the pain. He'd be crying too if he could. I felt totally out of my depth, but I did the only thing I thought I could. I placed my hand on Gramps' shoulder before giving him a manly hug.

"You did well Loki." Gramps said as he tapped my back. "To think we were so close behind them. We could have stopped all this."

"How did you guys get here anyway? Last I heard you were heading to Hawaii." I said.

"We went to warn Billie, but when we got there it was too late. The League had already taken her. Essie and I set out on the new yacht, it was ocean going after all, while Marlin, Will and Addie stayed behind to take care of Kekipi."

"Kekipi?" Isla gasped and she leapt up from the bed she'd been resting on and run up to us and grabbed hold of Gramps. "What do you mean by take care of?"

"He was in a bad way, but I'm sure with my sister's medical skills he will make a full recovery." Gramps replied as he looked up into Isla's face. "Isla I presume?"

"Yeah." Isla said, frowning. "How do you know?"

"This is my Grandpa." I replied. "Billie's father."

"Oh. Fo' suah? You're Billie's dad?"

"Yes. I am Tobias, and that is my wife Essie, but as you can understand she is otherwise engaged at the moment." Gramps said as he gestured toward Gran.

"Billie has her hair." Isla observed.

"It is a family trait." Gramps agreed. "Have no fear Isla, Kekipi is fine, I'm certain. Besides, if he had died Billie would know for he imprinted upon her."

"Imprinted?" I asked excitedly because it meant something important.

"Yes." Gramps said with a nod.

"I need to talk to Carlisle." I said quickly and I threw my mind out to locate him before I went to him.

"Carlisle, have you administered Plan B yet?" I asked.

Carlisle turned and frowned at me.

"Not yet. I feel as if it's another violation of Billie's choice." He admitted.

"Well you don't have to worry about it. At least I don't think you do." I said quickly.

"Why not?"

"Kekipi imprinted on Billie." I said.

"Isla's brother?" Carlisle hazarded.

"Yeah. He imprinted on Billie so that means that even if Ritchie and Lani did what Isla said they did it wouldn't matter right? Billie wouldn't catch because her cycle has turned to ovulation on command. I'm right, right?" I asked, almost begged to be right.

Carlisle looked thoughtful for a moment before he nodded as he smiled.

"I believe you're right." Carlisle stated. "How did you find this out?"

"Gramps told me. Grandpa Tobias." I clarified when Carlisle looked a little confused over the many people I could use that title on.

"He's here?" Carlisle asked in surprise.

"Grandma Essie too."

Carlisle nodded and moved swiftly to Billie's bed.

"What's wrong with her Grandpa?" Grandma asked as she lifted her head to look at Carlisle with red-rimmed eyes.

"A lot." Carlisle admitted. "Too much that we can hope to heal her while we're in the middle of nowhere. I'm keeping her sedated until we return to the Ranch and I have access to a clean and sterile equipment."

"Clean and sterile?" Grandma asked, her voice rising in alarm.

"Just a precaution." Carlisle assured her.

"But her mind?"

"Essie." Carlisle said gently as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "You are travel worn. I doubt you've slept much the past few days and when was the last time you ate, drank or fed?"

Gran didn't answer.

"Have you at all?"

"No." Gramps answered for her and she shot him a betrayed look.

"You know as well as I that you're gifts work better when you've rested, are well fed, not thirsty and full of blood. Do you want to risk damaging Billie's mind further by going in there unprepared?"

Gran looked about ready to argue, but she subsided.

"You're right I guess. I'll wait until we're back at the Ranch at least, but I don't think I can rest before then. Anyway, Jane's on her way. She's about to pack you off on the first flight." Gran said, looking into the middle distance as her mind snagged on Jane's.

"You and Tobias will have a seat." Carlisle promised.

Then Jane did step into the tent and she looked victorious until she saw Gran and then her face fell.

"What happened?" She asked.

"Brief you later." Gran said flatly.

"I want a full report." Jane replied before she turned to Carlisle. "Can you have everyone ready to travel in ten minuets?"

"I can, but I will need help." Carlisle replied.

"Then I'll send it to you." Jane promised before she stepped out of the tent.

"I'd better go find Mags so she can come see Zeke before he leaves." I realised.

"I am with you." Leda said taking my hand and we stepped outside.

We climbed out of the ditch that hid the field hospital from the enemy. From here there was a good view of the field and I could see all the pyres where the League members were now burning. There was still a few of our vamps moving around the field, picking up stray pieces and throwing them on the burn pile.

"We need to find Mags." I said, sending my mind out searching for her again, starting off vaguely in the direction that I'd sensed her in earlier.

"Here you to are." A voice cut through my concentration and I turned to find Crispin standing there looking not amused.

"Here we are." I said with a frown.

"Come on. We need to leave ASAP or we won't make the bus on time." He said firmly.

"Bus?" I asked with a frown.

"Just come on." Crispin said as he turned me toward the group of waiting dhampir.

"But I…" I began.

"No buts. Get going." Crispin ordered.

I looked to Leda for help.

"Come now both of you, I don't fancy running all the way from Texas to Wyoming." Alec said firmly as he detached himself from the group along with Kitty.

I sent my mind out to Mags again and I sensed she was running back in now with her girls around her. She was determined in her mind to go talk to Zeke. She was already heading there. I didn't need to butt in.

"Ok. We're ready." I said as I took a tighter hold of Leda's hand.

"Then let's go." Crispin said as he made his way to the front of the assembled dhampir. "Please stay close."

As one, we started to run.


Thank you for reading

Reviews are welcome

Gemma x