Author Notes*

Ok so I am finally posting this chapter. It's not as long as I wanted to make it but I wanted to go ahead and get something out there for all you guys I killed with the cliffhanger. 3 Few things:

There is some cherokee words (translated as best I could) in the first part of the chapter so I will provide a word key.

Again, this is unbeta'd so if there are mistakes, that is all on me. I hope you enjoy! Thanks for reading!

Cherokee Words:

Ayoli - Child

Anidawehi - Angel

Waya - Wolf

Ayohuhisdi - Death

"Ayoli... Awaken... We have much to discuss and very little time. Come now anidawehi... Awaken." Betty could hear a voice on the wind, calling to her. Her eyes shot open in a panic, fearing what could beckoning to her, but saw nothing. No other people, no Jughead, nothing but green grass and bright stars. As she sat up to take in her surroundings, Betty felt a rush of pain in the front of her head and cried out. She fought the strong urge to retch from the pain when she heard the voice speak to her again.

"Don't worry ayoli, the pain is temporary but a necessary part of this process when you enter our plane without the use of aids to help you see our visions. You will become accustomed to it soon enough, however. I regret that our first meeting must be this way, but time is not on our side I fear." Betty looked around but still could not see anyone. In fact, all she could see for what looked like miles was beautiful swaying grass and the night sky.

Silver and dark blue swirls danced in the sky, adorned by millions of tiny diamonds that glistened in the heavens above. The cool breeze ran across the plain, almost bringing the lush blades of bluish-green grass to life. Betty had never seen anything so peaceful in all of her life. For as far as she could see, the dance between the sky and the earth continued.

"Hello, who's there? Why am I here?" Betty's voice bounced back off the void as if she were in a deep canyon in the desert. She felt the air around her begin to shift and watched as the stars fell from the heavens and swirled around, forming the shape of a man. He wore an ornamental headdress with two giant antlers, giving the appearance that the man had horns growing from his forehead. He was clothed with leathers around his waist and deerskins draped around one shoulder, leaving much of his chest bare except for the lines of angry red war paint drawn on his skin like he was preparing for battle.

As he stepped closer, she could see the necklaces he wore were made from rattlesnake tails and wolf fangs. From her position on the ground he seemed much taller than Betty, most likely standing head and shoulders above her. He had dark eyes and long inky black hair that fell down around his shoulders as he stood stoically above her, reaching his hand down to help her to her feet.

"Do not fear ayoli, I mean you no harm. I am Utkin, The Horned Serpent, first Chief of the Uktena. I come to you now to warn you, daughter of the Great Spirit, there is a great darkness coming to your lands. Ayohuhisdi, or Death as your people may call him, has appeared and descended on both our tribes. We must act quickly, only you and the waya can stop it. It is your destiny." Betty's eyes grew wide as she allowed him to help her up, stumbling backwards before finding her footing. This couldn't be possible, how was she supposed to stop death? Was it even possible to kill death?

"What? How? I'm just a Watcher, there's nothing special about me." Betty stood gaping at the man in front of her as he walked closer. She could see that his eyes began to change from an obsidian black to a glowing yellow, just like Jughead's eyes had when they were about to bond. She couldn't explain why but she found an odd comfort in it. Uktin gently placed his hand on Betty's shoulder before he spoke again.

"You are more than what you believe, young one. You have the blood of all the Watchers in your veins. You are destined to bond with the new Alpha, my descendant. My grandson. Your story was foretold long before you were ever created. The combined powers your two spirits possess will be the only thing that can stop what is coming, what has already begun. You must fulfill what has been foretold, stop the death bringer and save your tribe and mine. I will guide you along the way, all you need to do is follow your instincts, they will tell you what to do." Betty watched as the stars exploded before her eyes in a brilliant flash of blinding light. The shock wave knocked her off her feet and she felt herself tumbling deeper into darkness with no end in sight.

"Betty...Betty wake up...Betty please..."

"Betty!" Jughead shook Betty's shoulders, desperately trying to get her to come back to him. The shrill screams of the blood soaked girl at the edge of the clearing were the only thing that could be heard in the woods. "Come on Betts, please wake up, baby. Please." Jughead whimpered and held her in his arms. He was relieved when he felt Betty stirring and let out a pained moan. Suddenly, Betty shot out of his arms into a sitting position, panic written on her face as she searched for the source of the screams.

"Ju-juggie? What happened?" Betty asked in a hoarse voice, her throat dry and scratchy. She couldn't understand where she was for a moment. Last thing she remembered was someone screaming and blood. So much blood.

"Oh thank God, you're ok!" Jughead exclaimed, hugging her to his chest. "Betts you passed out, probably from the shock of what we...found but I was so scared. Keller is on his way, and he called both of our parents. Something bad happened Betty, something really bad." Jughead turned his head to look back into the clearing where the grotesque scene lie. Betty slowly sat up further but winced when she felt the sharp pain in her head return, the action frightening Jughead. "Betts, what's wrong? Are you ok?"

"Yeah I'm fine, um, apparently it happens. Jug, something weird happened to me just now and I don't know-," The sounds of sirens and yelling could be heard in the distance and they could see the sheriff's car's arriving on the scene. Betty wanted to tell Jughead what happened but knew that now was not the time to discuss it. Right now, she was going to have to explain to her parents why she was in the woods with the heir to the Serpent throne all alone. She wasn't sure if she was fully prepared for the apocalypse that was headed their way.

Jughead could sense her apprehension and hugged her even tighter to his chest in a protective fashion. "It's gonna be ok, Betts. We don't need to give them anymore information than is necessary. Now's probably not the best time to inform your parents that we are dating, let alone that I've decided to bond with you. I promise I won't let anything bad happen to you, baby."

Betty was glad that he understood why she was nervous and figured it had a lot to do with their connection to one another. "I know Juggie, just whatever I say to them, remember that I want you and the things I might say to them are just a cover, ok?" Betty pleaded with him. Jughead nodded and kissed the crown of her head, rubbing her back to help her keep calm.

"ELIZABETH PAULINE COOPER! WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU DOING WITH THAT JONES BOY?!" Betty froze, hearing the thunderous voice of her father even over the police sirens. Jughead squeezed her one more time, a soft growl escaping his lips before her father could wrench her from his arms. He could see the hatred in her father's eyes when he stepped between them and went toe to toe with Jughead.

"If I ever see you near my daughter again, I'll-" Hal started to threaten Jughead before a hand clamped down on his shoulder. FP Jones stood menacingly over Hal Cooper, bared teeth and fangs protruding, a deep growl rumbling in his chest. The tension between the two men was palpable.

"You'll what, Hal? Please, finish that sentence. I dare you!" FP narrowed his eyes waiting for Hal to take the challenge. Seeing that things were about to escalate, Betty stepped between the two men. She couldn't have their father's ripping each other to shreds in the middle of the woods. She placed a hand on each of their chests and pushed them away from each other.

"Dad, stop it. Now is not the time for...this." Betty said, waving her hand back and forth between the two men. "Jughead is new to school and I was assigned to be his peer mentor so I was just getting to know him a little bit. Besides Dad, he's my friend now, so please be nice to him. For me, ok?" She begged her father, doe eyes staring up at him. Hal gritted his teeth and let out a huff of air before stepping away from FP and Jughead.

"Ok Elizabeth, I will let this be for now. But we are going to discuss this when we get home." Hal said coldly, stalking off towards the clearing where Sheriff Keller had already begun accessing the scene. Betty closed her eyes and sighed knowing that an argument surely awaited her when she got home.

"Hey kids, you guys ok?" FP asked, gently rubbing Betty and Jughead's shoulders. "You aren't hurt are you?" Betty looked down at her feet and shook her head. Jughead looked past her, over her shoulder to make sure Hal was preoccupied, before pulling her closer to him. He needed to have her close to him. He had a terrible feeling building in his stomach and he needed to make sure she was safe.

"Yeah Dad, we're ok. I think. Betty had a bit of a shock but I think she's ok now. It's really bad Dad, I've never seen anything like that in my life. I don't know what did that to whoever that poor soul was, but they are definitely not human. I don't even know what could have ripped them apart like that. I can say for sure it wasn't one of our people, but what the hell is strong enough to do that?" Jughead rambled, hands shaking and itching for a cigarette to calm his nerves.

"Ayohuhisdi." Betty said flatly, answering his question but staring off into space. FP and Jughead instantly froze, both knowing what that word meant and what the prophecy stated. Without thought Jughead latched on to Betty's bicep startling her out of her trance.

"What did you say Betts?" The tremor in his voice made it clear, Jughead was terrified. Betty looked back and forth between the two men, trying to remain calm and not draw her father's attention.

"I said 'Ayohuhisdi'. Death. That's what I was trying to explain to you Juggie, something happened when I was passed out. I saw something... well someone to be more exact, and I don't know what it means but I know it's not good." Betty whispered so they could not be overheard by her father or the sheriff. FP glanced at Jug and nodded.

"Ok, Dad, call another meeting with the elders so that Betty can tell them what she saw. We need to get ahead of whatever is coming down so we're not caught up in the aftermath. Betty, you and I will see if we can get information from Keller when he interviews us. We have to figure out who, or what, this is before it happens again." Jughead stated while wrapping an arm around Betty protectively, instantly going in alpha mode. "Betts, do you have your phone, maybe we should take some pictures to help us remember the details of the scene?"

"We can if you want but there is no need, they are all up here." She said, tapping on her temple. "But if all else fails I can get the crime scene photos from the crime lab, I know a guy. Plus, there is no way my Dad or Keller will let us get anywhere close to the body, so taking photos is almost pointless." Betty stated, looking back to see her Dad walking towards them.

"Come on Elizabeth, it's time to go. Sheriff Keller will take your statement in the morning when you have had a chance to rest." Hal grabbed Betty's elbow roughly and started to drag her towards his car before she could protest. Jughead eyes flashed yellow in an instant as a low growl formed in his throat but the look on Betty's face as she shook her head told him not to intervene. FP placed his hand on his son's back to guide him towards the sheriff while whispering in his ear.

"She's gonna be ok, kid. She's tough, that one. Believe me, I know how fiercely protective we can get over our mates but sometimes you have to reel that in for the greater good of the moment. Betty knows how to handle herself, especially against her parents. Come on, let's get this interview over with so we can figure out what to do next." FP tried his best to reassure Jughead but he couldn't shake the fear that was overwhelming him at the moment.

I hope you're right Dad. I hope you're right, he thought as he watched the tail lights of her father's car disappear into the distance.


"Dad I-," Betty started once her they were alone in the car but her words were lost when she saw the look on her father's face. His eyes were ice cold, his nostrils flaring in rage. Betty sunk back into her seat and remained quiet for the rest of the drive home. She knew better than to push Hal Cooper when he was this angry. She pulled her hair free of it's ponytail and ran her hands through it to detangle it, watching the town go by outside her window.

As they pulled into the driveway he turned to her and simply said "Family Meeting" before getting out of the car and slamming the door. Betty sighed again, balling her fists tightly until she felt that rush of relief from digging her nails in and slowly she opened her door to walk inside. She hated when her father got this way. He had always been hot-headed and quick to anger, often taking his anger out on her and her siblings.

As Betty opened the front door she could hear her parents shouting back and forth while Chic stood beside them trying to get them to calm down. He glanced her way when he heard the door open and gave her a pleading look. Betty could see the fear in his eyes but she knew it wasn't for himself but for her.

"I swear to God Hal, don't push me. Just. Don't." Alice stated before she locked eyes with Betty and rushed to hug her tightly. Alice might be a helicopter parent most of the time but that was just her insane way of protecting her children whom she fiercely loved. That included standing up to Hal whenever he tried to attack them in any way.

"Oh my baby, are you ok? Your father told me what happened, stumbling across that terrible sight. You must have been so terrified. I am so glad you aren't hurt, thank goodness you weren't out there alone. Who knows what would have happened if Jughead had not been there too." Alice smoothed down Betty's hair as she gripped her around the neck.

"What I want to know, Alice, is what the hell she was doing in the middle of the woods with that serpent in the first place. And a Jones to top it off. God Elizabeth, all this training were putting in and you start acting just like her." Hal shouted earning a death glare from Alice. Chic stepped around his father to come stand behind Betty in solidarity. Hal wasn't going to win this fight easily.

"I told you Dad, he's my friend. We met at school today and I thought that with the treaty and negotiations going on that it would be only right that the future Watcher and Serpent Alpha get to know each other. Diplomacy and all that, right?" Betty lifted her chin to show her father that she was not afraid of him.

"Get to know each other? The hell you are, I would sooner ship you off to the sisters before I would allow my daughter to get anywhere near one of those flea-ridden, mangey-" Hal yelled before Alice stepped in his way, anger flashing in her eyes as she stared Hal down.

"Finish that sentence Hal. Please, open that pandora's box." Betty had never heard her mother's voice sound so chilling before and even she was terrified. Her father just stared back at her mother, each waiting for the other to flinch. Hal moved first, snatching his car keys and coat off the rack.

"I'm going to sleep at the Register tonight. Elizabeth, you better think long and hard about whether that thing is worth ruining your family." With that, Hal slammed the door, leaving them all clinging to each other. Once they heard the car pull away, they all let out the breath they were collectively holding. Chic caught a distraught Betty as she sank to the floor, the weight of the entire day just too much for her to bare.

"Chic, I need you to take your sister upstairs and help her to bed. I have something I need to take care of. Ok?" Alice looked at her eldest child, eyes pleading. She walked over to her desk, pulling out a small bottle of purple shimmery liquid and passed it to Chic.

"I know about the bruises, put some of this on them before you put her to bed and it should be gone by morning. Ok, son?"Chic nodded and picked Betty up bridal style and carried her up the stairs to her room. Once he got there, he pulled her shoes and socks off and covered her up before checking to make sure both her windows were locked. He kissed her on the forehead and rubbed the liquid on her neck, watching the bruise fade before he headed back downstairs to see his mother slipping her coat on.

"Mom? Where are you-? Wait, you aren't going after Hal are you? Because this needs to stop. You know that, don't you?" Chic stood above his mother on the steps. He was afraid of what would happen if Alice tried to go after Hal all alone.

"Of course not Chic, he can rot in that facade of a news outlet for all I give a damn. I need to go speak to a source. Something is happening and I have to make sure you and your sister are going to be safe. Just please, lock the doors behind me and turn on the field. I changed the coding to only allow someone with Smith DNA to enter once it's activated. There's no way he can break through that without severely hurting himself in the process. Just watch over your sister, I'll be back soon, ok?" Alice paused before turning back to her son, "And Chic, if something does happen, I need you to get my book and your sister to safety," Alice said quickly, running out the front door before Chic could get in a word of protest.


Jughead and FP sat in the back room of the Whyte Wyrm discussing the prophecy and how it could relate to him and Betty and maybe even this murder. Jughead had just lit up his cigarette when they heard a commotion coming from the bar area. FP groaned and rubbed his face in frustration.

"Jesus, what now?" FP grumbled and flung the door open to run into the main bar. As they turned the corner where the wall was still being cleaned up, they saw Alice Cooper and Daisy Jane, one of the bars regulars, in a very heated discussion. Alice was seething with rage and FP knew this was not just an average misunderstanding. He had seen that look on Alice's face many times in the past, it never ended well.

"Look DJ, I don't give a damn what you say, I know FP is here, I know his kid is here, and if you don't get the hell out of my way, half of the Southside will know I'm here." Alice spat, lifting her hand to present the black flame of a fireball to the intoxicated woman. FP walked up to her to whisper in her ear.

"Alright Alice, there'll be no need for that. Daisy Jane has just had too much to drink and as you can see," FP motioned to the rubble in the corner, "we had a little incident in the bar earlier today. Come on, let's go talk in the back." FP placed his hand to the small of her back, leading her to the back office. As they got closer FP turned to Jughead, halting him in his steps.

"Look, I need to handle this so I need you to get home to Jelly. Sweets and Toni are there now but I know she would rather have her brother with her. We will handle the other situation tomorrow when we can find out what your girl saw." Jughead nodded and walked away letting FP and Alice step into his office alone. Before she could get to far into the room FP spun her around, grabbing her by her biceps gently to look into her eyes.

"Christ, Alice have you lost your damn mind? First off you can't just come in here and start threatening to throw fireballs at people, I do still have a business to run. Secondly, if the wrong person sees you come in here the whole treaty could be in jeopardy. What if Hal followed you?" FP's eyes softened as he brushed a stray hair behind her ear. "I can't lose you again Ally, I just can't. We know what he is capable of, and I won't be able to live with myself if he hurts you again."

FP stepped closer, bringing Alice into his arms as he nuzzled the faint bite mark on her throat. Her scent calmed him, like it always had, ever since they were young. No one, not even Gladys, could calm him how Alice could. He needed her like he needed air to breathe. Alice gripped him tighter as he started to gently lick and suckle on her pulse point, making her breath catch. She let out a lustful moan as FP's hands began to roam over her body, caressing her breasts over her blouse.

"FP we-we can't, you know that. We have to stick to the plan. You know this honey. After Jug's ceremony the treaty won't matter anymore and then we can be together." She whimpered, feeling his canine's graze her throat as she ran her hands into his hair. "I'm here about the prophecy and what happened today."

With that, FP pulled away from her enough to talk but refused to release her fully. "I know Ally, I had a feeling after what happened you'd be contacting me in some way. I just didn't think it would be in person. What happened after they got home? Is Betty ok?" FP asked, pressing his forehead to rest on hers.

"Yes, she's exhausted and shaken up but I think it's because her powers are getting stronger. She is getting close to 17 now and you remember what happened when my powers came in full force. Just imagine what she must be feeling given what she is." Alice sighed and stepped out of FP's arms. She walked to the small loveseat beside the desk and sat down with her head in her hands.

"They haven't bonded yet, right? I mean, I didn't see a mark, but I have to know. It's too soon, isn't it FP?" Alice looked up to see FP walking over to sit beside her to grip her hands. He could feel her trembling but he wasn't sure if it was from fear or need.

"No baby, they haven't. But you know they will, it's inevitable. Look at me Ally," FP dipped his head lower to meet her gaze, "It was the only way to stop the death-bringer. You and I saw the same thing as the elders that night. Those two kids were meant to be together, just like we were, but nothing can stop them like it did us." Alice nodded silently, tearing falling down her face. She couldn't help but feel like this whole damned situation was all her fault.

"I know all this FP, but that doesn't mean I'm any less terrified for my child. I already lost Polly to those bloodsuckers, what if... what if something happens to her too? What if Jughead can't protect her? What if they were wrong and she isn't strong enough?" Alice wrung her hands, fighting to keep from falling apart.

"Ally, there was a reason you never told Hal the truth about your Mom and it's the same reason you didn't bind Betty's powers when she was born like you did the other two. You knew she would need more than just her Watcher blood to get through this. You just walked past the results of how strong she is with only that enchanted protection stone to amplify her powers. She's stronger than all of us. I think if anything, she'll be the one protecting Jug not the other way 'round." Alice chuckled through her tears, leaning into FP's touch as he wiped them from her cheeks. She could feel the electricity coming from his touch and it helped to soothe her fears.

"Please tell me you at least kicked Viper's ass after what he pulled on my baby girl?" Alice stated, eyebrow quirked in question.

"You know I did Ally. Although, after Betty knocked his ass through a wall he was pretty sloppy with his defensive moves. But trust me when I say he won't be able to pull that shit ever again on another girl. Hilda and Zelda sure know their potions, I'll give them that. I just pray I never cross those two in any lifetime." FP smirked. He leaned forward to cup her face and give her a soft kiss.

"You're practically family FP, they wouldn't do that. Well, unless I tell them to do it." Alice smiled briefly as she pulled back before twisting her hands again. "I'm just scared FP. I thought we still had time to prepare, at the very least until Jug's birthday. I guess part of me hoped that this wouldn't fall onto our kids at such a young age." She sighed, remembering the night of the prophecy like it was just yesterday. She was just as afraid then as she is now.

"I know baby, I know. But this is out of our control, we can't fight destiny. Look at us, we're proof of that." He said softly before bringing his lips to her forehead in a gentle kiss. Alice caressed his cheek and smiled lovingly at him.

"4 more weeks. 4 more weeks." She chanted to herself. FP grabbed her hands and kissed her knuckles. "4 more weeks, baby." he whispered. They kissed softly for a few more minutes, neither pushing to go any further, just enjoying the peace that filled the room. Alice pulled away after a few more minutes to collect herself.

"Um, FP. When are we going to tell the kids the truth? I think it might be time to sit them down and tell them everything. Hal walked out tonight because Betty defended Jug and I fixed the enchantment on the house to keep out anyone I don't want there until this all blows over. I need to get a drop of your blood so you and the kids can get into the house in case something happens. Anyone else will have to have an invitation and I have no plans to allow that monster back into my home. Not after everything he has done." Alice stated, grabbing a stick pin and crystal from her bag. She pricked his finger and placed a few drops on the crystal before she placed the crystal back into its case.

"We'll tell them soon, I promise, but I still want you to be careful with this whole situation. Between what we know Hal to be capable of and the death-bringer, we have no idea just how much danger is out there waiting for us. We don't need Hal getting wind of our plans this close to the finish line." He said. "You should probably get home to Betty and Chic. I need to check on Jug and Jelly anyway. I'll see you soon baby, I promise. I love you." FP wrapped her in a hug and inhaled her scent one last time.

"I love you too FP. Forever."


Betty woke to the sound of her phone blaring the latest catching pop song, signaling it was time for her to get up and train before school. She grabbed her phone and slide the dismiss button before sitting up to stretch. It was still mostly dark outside but she was used to rising before the sun did everyday. It had been that way for her whole life. She looked down and could see she was still in her running clothes from the night before and everything came flooding back to her.

The blood, the screams, the vision, her father's harsh words. They all floated around in her head, making it spin. She had to get up and clear her brain, she knew she had her interview with Keller before school and she wanted to make sure she had her head on straight first. She checked her phone to see missed messages from Jughead, Kevin, and Sabrina. She shot them all back texts to let them know she was ok while she picked out her clothes for the day. There was a light rapping on her door and it creaked open, revealing her mother.

"Elizabeth, training is called off for this morning. Sheriff Keller will be here in about an hour to take your statement so I need you dressed and ready for school before he gets here, ok sweetie?" Betty nodded and slipped into her on suite to take a quick shower. She looked in the mirror and notice that the scratches and bruises from the day before were now gone, only leaving the love bites that Jughead marked her with. Odd...

Betty shrugged it off for now and kept going over in her mind what she was going to say to the sheriff when he got there. She knew she had to give him as little information as possible though. She didn't need his people interfering in an otherworldly investigation and stumbling upon the town's secret. However, she did want to hear what Keller had learned about the deceased and also about the girl who was in the woods with them. Whatever killed this poor soul spared her for some reason and Betty wanted to know why.

As she was putting the finishing touches on her makeup she heard a knock from downstairs and her mother calling her name. Assuming that Sheriff Keller had arrived, Betty grabbed her bag and bounded down the stairs only to be met with a completely unexpected sight: Jughead sitting at the dining room table having pancakes with her mother and Chic.

"Juggie? What are you doing here?" Betty's face lit up when he turned to smile at her, syrup dripping off his chin. She walked up to him, grabbing his napkin to wipe his chin and giving him a small smirk. She sat beside him while her mother walked in from the kitchen to hand Betty a plate for herself. Alice's eyebrow quirked at the two teens in front of her who seemed to forget anyone else was in the room. Alice cleared her throat causing them both to jump apart and focus on their plates instead of each other.

"Jughead said he wanted to give you a ride to school today. Which I feel would only be right given that you too seem to be... close. Anything you wish to share with the group, Elizabeth?" Alice said, her face emotionless. Betty swallowed her food hard and cleared her throat. She knew her mother was probably going to have a fit but since her dad wasn't around, she felt she could be honest with her about their newly formed relationship.

"Uh, yeah. Mom, Jughead and I are...dating. We met at school when Principal Weatherbee assigned me as his peer mentor and we just kind of clicked." Betty grasped Jughead's hand under the table, earning a smirk in return. It made Betty feel all warm and fuzzy inside until she heard her mother huff.

"So, how do you go from that to dating in less than 24 hours?" Alice asked, face still not betraying her emotions at all. Betty looked between her boyfriend and her family, fear starting to take root.

"Yeah, I wanna know that too." Chic said narrowing his eyes, instant protective big brother mode coming across in his actions. Betty was nervous and wasn't quite sure if she should tell them anymore now or not.

"We, um, well. That is, uh..." Betty stumbled over her words until she saw her mother's eyes flicker in delight as she and Chic burst into a fit of giggles. Betty was extremely confused by her family's sudden burst of laughter and could do nothing but stare until her mother had calmed down enough to speak.

"Oh don't worry Elizabeth, Chic and I are only giving you two a hard time. Let's not forget, I do know Jughead's father fairly well. And as such, I know all about the allure of the Jones' men. So I can't really fault you there dear." Alice said with a wink. Jughead choked on the piece of bacon he was chewing which only made Alice laugh harder.

"Really though honey, I know how things were with Polly but it was different. I'm very happy for the both of you, really. But..." Alice's smile dropped and a devilish look settled on her face as she turned to speak to Jughead, "If you ever hurt my child, you will find out that there a fate worse than Hell. Am I making myself clear, Forsythe?" Alice quirked her eyebrows and narrowed her eyes at him. To Jughead's credit, he didn't even flinch.

"Crystal. Though you should know Mrs. Cooper, I would die before I'd ever let anything happen to Betty. I promise you that. I'll protect her to my very last breath." Jughead said forcefully, letting Alice know he meant business. Alice could see so much of herself and FP in those kids, it was almost like looking through a window into the past. Her previous fears from the night before were placated and she knew that what they felt was just as strong as what she always felt with Jug's father.

"Well that's good to hear, son. Oh, and no biting her till you are both older, do you hear me? I already had one daughter get knocked up by the semi-undead, I don't need the other bonding before her time. Lord, what would the neighbors think?" Alice said nonchalantly and piled more bacon onto Jughead's plate. Betty rolled her eyes at Jughead's grin when there was another knock on the door.

"I'll get it Mom, that's probably Keller coming to interview Lizzy."


Once they arrived at school, they were met with the sight of there friends still hanging out in the parking lot. They all had grime looks on their faces while Kevin stood telling them something in a hushed whisper. Jughead parked his bike and helped Betty off before he lit up a smoke while they approached the gang.

Sweet Pea had Veronica nestled into his side while Sabrina rested her head on Toni's shoulder, both looking solemn. She could feel the tension rolling off the group, causing her palms to itch for some sense of relief from the anxiety that was building inside her. She turned to see Jughead blowing smoke rings and relaxed at his playfulness.

"I would tell you those things will kill you but..." Betty laughed, shrugging her shoulders, giving Jughead a sweet smile. He took a draw and winked at her, blowing the smoke out before pecking her on the cheek.

"Well, we all have our vices babe, what can I say?" Betty's smile faltered for a moment at the thought of her own vice that she hadn't meant to show anyone, especially Jug. She shook off the thought and noticed some sort of recognition flicker in his eyes. "Betts?" He said softly but she just shook her head. She wasn't ready to talk about this in front of anyone else. Kevin caught her eye and ran to her, engulfing her in a tight hug then pulling back to check her over from head to toe.

"Omg B, are you alright? My Dad told me what happened with that guy in the woods and it was just, gah, horrifying. Poor Midge is still traumatized from the whole thing. Apparently, the guy tried to attack her in the woods and next thing she knew it was a bloodbath. Dad said that after you guys left the scene, they had to take her to the Sisters to be put on a psych hold. I just can't believe it." Kevin lowered his voice so none of the other students could hear. "Did you guys get hurt?"

"No Kev, we're ok. It was-" she choked, "horrible, but we're both ok. I can't believe that happened to Midge. I didn't even recognize her with all that blood on her but I was passed out for most of it before my dad showed up. Did your dad tell you who the guy was?" Betty asked as they all started to make their way into the school. All eyes in the halls were in them as they entered, their strange little group being seen as somewhat of a sideshow attraction. Jughead stayed close to her at all times, his hand never leaving hers.

"All he said was she was in the woods to score some JJ and the next thing she knew the guy attacked her then BAM, dead dealer." Kevin emphasised with hand gestures and dramatic flare. "I know was Moose was called into the station late last night to help Midge because she was having some issues and refused to do anything without him there." Kevin said softly.

"That's horrible." Jughead muttered, deep in his own thoughts. He only knew of a few gangs that still sold Jingle Jangle, sales being down with the introduction of Fizzle Rocks, so he needed to ask his Dad about this at the meeting this afternoon. Once he turned his attention back to Betty and the group, they heard the first warning bell ring.

"Look, I need all of you guys to meet Jug and I in the Blue and Gold after school today. The Serpents are calling a meeting and we all need to be there. I had a dream or a vision or something and all I know is that there is a storm descending on Riverdale and we may be the only way to stop it." Betty stated grimly. "Jug, I'm going to get a hall pass for the last two class periods for the both of us so we can work on a murderboard. We have to figure this all out, and fast."