On the Right Tack

Embry sat staring at the coffee table as voices roared around him. In the time it had taken him to drive back, he had called Freja's grandparents, briefly informing them of what happened and to expect the packs. He then drove like a maniac, not even stopping to properly check out from the cabin. He would deal with that later.

But now that he was here and had explained what happened, it seemed no one could figure out what to do. He glanced around, the feeling of helplessness washing over him.

Who was he kidding? They couldn't track Freja through the ocean and they had no idea where they had taken her. If they had gone back to the clan, it was far off, somewhere in the middle of the ocean, too deep for them to even dive to. If only there was a way to get in touch with someone else in the clan, or Freja's mother. Maybe then they would stand a chance in finding her.

"Hey, we'll get her back," Quil said softly, patting Embry on the back. He looked over at his best friend and then over at her grandparents, both of them wearing the same defeated look.

They understood just how impossible it was going to be. But it seemed that no one else in the packs had realized just yet.

"We can go back to the cabin and try to get a trail," Seth said.

"Did you forget the part where they dragged her into the ocean?" Jared asked, frowning at him. "How the hell do you expect us to track them through the ocean?"

"I don't know. A boat?" Seth said, frowning at him. "It's better than just giving up."

"And what if they're keeping her underwater somewhere?" Paul's voice sounded from Sam's cellphone. He was currently driving in from Seattle and was on loudspeaker.

Embry wasn't sure if it was necessary, but apparently Sam had called in everyone. Even Leah was on her way from Portland, according to Jacob. Looking around the room, Embry started to wonder just what the whole point was to anything. Even though they were strong and had numbers, they couldn't fight underwater. Maybe if they could find a way to draw them out on land, they might have a chance.

"Look, we're not going to figure anything out if we keep yelling at each other," Sam said sternly. He looked over to Astrid and Oscar. "Is there anything else you can tell us?"

The elderly couple looked at each other a few moments before Astrid looked back at the wolf packs.

"We know where the clan was located, but it was decades ago. They could have moved," Astrid said. "And it is hard to get to. Located in depths far too deep for a normal human to dive. They like to stay hidden."

"What about getting in contact with someone?" Jacob then asked. Embry snorted, earning a few looks of irritation, though Oscar and Astrid only gave him looks of sympathy.

"We cannot," Oscar said. "We have lost our true forms. We cannot transform. Which means we cannot go find anyone or communicate with them. Not to mention, we were exiled. If we went back to the clan, Michael very well could kill us."

"What can you tell us about how they fight?" Jared asked.

"Underwater in our true forms, we are strong. On land, still strong, but not as good at fighting," Oscar replied. "We are more used to fighting under the water, so if you could draw them on land, it would be better."

"And I suppose you can't track them, right?" Jacob asked gently. Both Oscar and Astrid nodded sadly.

"If we had our forms, yes, it is possible. But not now," Astrid said, tears quickly filling her eyes. She took a deep breath and then stood. "I'll just… I'll get some tea."

She then walked into the kitchen. Embry sat back on the couch, his self-hatred growing. How could he be so stupid? They knew that Sven would try something. He shouldn't have left Freja alone. If he had been there, he could have stopped them from taking her. Easily overpowered two of them with Freja there to help. They must have been watching them. That's the only way they knew that they were going to the cabin.

Sven had been waiting patiently for the moment to grab Freja, and he had handed it over to him on a silver fucking platter.

Embry was vaguely aware that the debate had started up again, though he wasn't paying attention. After everything he and Freja had been through, this was how he lost her. But then again, he couldn't help as a bit of hope snuck in. Freja was strong. There was always a chance she would get away. That she could escape and come back. And then they would go somewhere far away from the ocean. While it would be uncomfortable for Freja, maybe they could settle somewhere on a lake. A large lake. That way she could still be near water, but would be safe from Sven and the clan. He remembered her telling him that full Havsfru couldn't stand to be far away from the ocean. It might be the one thing that could save her in the future.

Right, but first they needed to find a way to save her now.

Suddenly, there was a crash and a shout from the kitchen. Immediately everyone was on their feet, rushing in. Astrid was frozen in shock in front of the door, a broken mug on the floor, as Embry strode up to her. He then looked over, seeing what had caused her to react.

Standing on the deck in front of the door were three naked people: two women and one man. They all had long, wet hair that clung to their skin. And one of the women looked exactly like Freja.

"Ingrid," Astrid murmured before she launched herself forward and threw open the door.

Reaching out, she pulled Ingrid in, wrapping her arms around her long-lost daughter as tears streaked down both of their cheeks. Embry watched on, his mouth falling open in shock at the sudden appearance. The other two looked at the large gathering with cautious eyes. They were all slender, but solid muscle, with the man the tallest.

"Okay, I get it now. They really like being naked," Embry heard Seth whisper behind him. Embry turned, shooting him a sharp look.

"Please, come in," Astrid said, turning to the others and ushering them in, though she still kept her arm around Ingrid. "De är vänner. I assure you, they are friends."

The two walked in, still casting cautious looks towards the wolves.

"I will, yes, clothes," Astrid said, turning and looking to Oscar. He nodded and rushed out as Embry, turned and ushered the wolves into the living room, giving the Havsfru a bit of privacy.

"Wait, so that's Freja's mom?" Quil asked softly, looking at Embry. He nodded, glancing to the kitchen and then back at him. "So… you know what this means. We have three Havsfru in there. They could track Freja."

Embry started a bit, not sure why the thought hadn't hit him yet. Right. There were three Havsfru in the kitchen who could transform. They could help.

Hope started building in his heart as Oscar rushed down the stairs, his arms full of three, thick fluffy bathrobes. Soon enough, Astrid was ushering the three into the living room, the wolves quickly moving so that they could sit on the couch. Astrid perched on the arm of the sofa, still holding Ingrid's hand and randomly reaching out to stroke her hair.

Embry couldn't help but study her, still rather amazed at how much alike mother and daughter looked. And while he knew that Havsfru aged differently than humans, especially when in their true form, he couldn't get over the fact that Ingrid barely looked older than Freja. Finally she turned from her mother, her swirling eyes landing on Embry. He gulped slightly. While he knew that Freja hadn't had time to tell her mother about him the one time they met, he felt like she somehow knew.

"I did not expect such a gathering," Ingrid said, finally speaking as she then looked around the room. "But I sense they are not human." She looked up at Astrid questioningly.

"Yes, they are wolves - shapeshifters. But it is so very different from our stories. And it would seem that our Freja has bonded with one of them," Astrid explained, looking over at Embry. He felt his cheeks heat up as Ingrid looked at him, her eyes wide.

"You are Embry," the other woman said, now smiling. He nodded, smiling tensely and wondering who she and the man were. "Freja mentioned you many times when she was with us. I am Lette and this is my mate, Hans. We are also half human. Freja invited us to visit and well, when Sven returned to the clan incensed by her rejection, we decided it was time we came."

"He's taken her," Embry said.

"We suspected," Hans replied, now frowning. "But we had hoped we would get here in time. He disappeared one day and we did not stop until we arrived."

"We found Ingrid just before we reached shore," Lette said, looking to Freja's mother.

"I managed to stay nearby, watching," Ingrid said. "I did not trust Sven, even when I saw that he left. And what I have feared has come true."

"There were two of them, but neither were Sven," Embry said. "They followed us down the coast to a cabin where we were going to stay for the weekend. They took her while I stepped out to the store."

He flinched, the guilt overtaking him again. Fuck, why had he left her alone?

"They were likely waiting for you to leave. While they do not trust wolves, they will not underestimate your strength on land," Lette said.

"Can you track them?" Embry asked, his heart starting to pound. Lette glanced at Hans and Ingrid, then nodded when she looked back at him.

"We can find where they have taken her. And I believe that with three of us, we can get her back," Lette said. "Though Hans and I are not as strong, I do not think they have many wherever they are. Michael… he tried to talk Sven out of the idea of Freja as his mate. Sven would not wish to anger his father like this and he would not ask for his help."

Ingrid stiffened next to Lette, wrapping her arms around her as a deep frown set it.

"Color me surprised," she muttered. Lette looked to her, her face softening.

"I had heard stories… whisperings of you… but never had I thought them true," she said, reaching out to take Ingrid's hand. "Freja thought you were dead. We all did. And Michael did nothing to correct us, but each time he looked at Freja, there was great pain there. And regret. I think he was trying to make amends."

"With my daughter? Even while he left me alone and to rot in some far off sea? Threatening to kill her if I so much as thought to try and escape? To return?" she hissed, her voice rising. "I was able to break free and come here because he finally grew tired of me and had not come in years. Once he got a child from me, he no longer cared, though he would still very likely kill me should he find that I have left. Or my daughter. Or my parents."

Lette and Hans flinched as the wolves remained silent, though Embry could see a few of them exchanging looks. Hell, even he was thrown for a loop. And now to find out that Freja had a half-sibling out there. Or well, chances are she may have already met them, if they were with the clan. But didn't and couldn't know.

There was just as much drama with Havsfru as there was with the vampires.

"But you can find Freja," Sam pushed, trying to get the conversation back on course. Embry shot him a grateful look. They didn't have time to waste sitting here rehashing old grievances.

"We will do this," Hans said.

"When you find her, I want to go too," Embry said. Pretty much everyone in the room gaped at him with that. "She's my imprint… my… mate. It's my duty to protect her. I failed before, but I want to help bring her home."

"Dude… you realized all this shit is underwater, right?" Quil said, stating the obvious.

"We can get a boat and diving gear. I'm certified," Embry said. He knew it was a long shot, but he felt like he needed to do something.

"Let us find her first, and then, if it is possible, you may come with us," Hans said. He looked over, seeing Lette giving him an exasperated look. "He's her mate. Would you be willing to sit back and let someone else rescue me?"

The woman swallowed, her expression softening as she looked back at Embry.

"Very well."

OOOO

Embry walked into the kitchen a bit later while the others talked about where Lette and Hans would start looking. It was decided that Ingrid would stay here for the time being, unsure of whether Michael knew she had escaped yet. But she too would go when they launched the rescue mission.

"So, you are my daughter's mate."

Embry jumped and spun around, not hearing Ingrid walk up. She must have gone upstairs and changed, now dressed in a pair of Freja's jeans and one of her sweaters, her feet still bare. A sharp pain of longing shot through him, being slightly overwhelmed by the scent of Freja on the clothes. He nodded.

Ingrid moved closer, studying him with a curious look on her face. Now that he was getting a better look at her, he could notice some differences. Freja's nose was slightly rounder. Her face not as sharp as Ingrid's.

"You have kind eyes," Ingrid murmured. "And great bravery. Wanting to go rescue her even though you know it may take you somewhere where you cannot go."

"I have to. I need her to come home," Embry replied. "I love her."

Ingrid was silent a few moments before a soft smile filled her face.

"I can see that you love her very deeply," Ingrid said. "You have the same look in your eyes when you speak of her as my husband did. As I am sure I did when he was…" She stopped and looked away, tears filling her eyes while she blinked rapidly. "Not a day goes by that I do not miss him." She looked back at Embry, determination filling her eyes. "Michael took everything from me. I will not let his son do the same to my daughter."

"We'll find her and bring her home," Embry vowed. "No matter what."

Ingrid stared at him a moment before a large smile broke out and she nodded.

"Yes, you will make a good mate for my daughter," she said. She then turned, starting to go back to the living room.

"Wait… so Freja has a brother or sister?" Embry said, stopping her. Ingrid froze slightly and turned, a sad look coming into her eyes as she nodded.

"Yes, a brother," she said softly. "But I fear I do not know if he still lives. Or if he knows about me." Embry frowned slightly, the thought occurring to him for the first time.

"Wait, Sven isn't-"

"No," Ingrid said quickly, shaking her head. "He is not my son. My son's name is… Kenneth, after my first and only love. Though I do not trust that Michael kept that name."

She then wrapped her arms around herself and turned, walking back into the kitchen. Embry turned back to the window, looking out over the ocean as he took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

They would find Freja. And they would bring her back.

OOOO

Freja sat in the small cavern, glaring at the thick ropes that bound her wrists and ankles together. She had been trying for the last hour or so to wriggle out of them, but found they were tied too tight. She had long ago developed rashes and bruises and knew if she kept this up, she would start bleeding. But still, she couldn't help but try to break free.

But maybe this wasn't the way.

The longer she sat alone trying to break out of the rope, the more she thought that she needed a new tactic. And she knew that Sven would come back eventually.

As though he sensed her thoughts, Freja looked up, seeing Sven saunter into the cavern, a thin sarong tied around his waist. He looked down at it and then up at her.

"I thought, perhaps if I wore something, I might appeal to your human side," he said lightly. His eyes fell on the ropes and the bruising they were causing. "I wish I did not need to keep you tied up. This could be much easier for you."

"If I agree to be your mate," Freja said dully. He nodded.

"I think if you truly thought about it, you would find it is the best way," he said, starting to pace slowly in front of her, glancing at her every so often. "You are a creature of the sea, Freja. It will always call to you. I can give you that. I can understand that. Your wolf, he will never understand."

Freja bristled, but fought to keep from doing so. She needed to remain calm. To show no emotion. Sven stopped pacing, standing just in front of her.

"You belong in the ocean. You belong with me. Only I will make a suitable mate for you," he continued. "Have you even stopped to think about how compatible you are? If you should have children, what sort of abomination would they be? And a wolf? Never have our kinds gotten along."

Freja bit her tongue, trying to keep from shouting out that the packs were the first time he had ever met a wolf - or well, shapeshifters that happen to turn into wolves. That they were nothing like the stories. But she needed to watch herself if she wanted any chance of escape.

Instead, she tried to look as though she was considering his words, looking away from his eyes.

"Ah… now you seem to be listening," he said, sounding pleased. Freja still maintained her calm expression.

"If I stay with you, will you leave my grandparents and the packs alone," she said, staring at the rock floor. While she wanted to appear willing, she also wanted his word that he wouldn't hurt her family in the meantime.

"I will not," he said.

"And my mother. Could you talk to your dad and get him to let her go?" she said, worried she was saying too much. There was silence and Freja ventured a look at Sven.

He was staring at her, a confused look on his face. Apparently Michael hadn't shared everything with his son.

"I'll go with you… I'll agree to be your mate. But only if you can promise me that they'll all be safe," she said. She didn't bother hiding her feelings. She knew he would only believe her if she appeared truly honest.

And well, she obviously couldn't escape from here, but maybe if he took her back to the clan, she could find a way.

"I can see he didn't tell you. She's alive. He killed my father and took her way from us, keeping her locked up somewhere and threatening to kill me and my grandparents if she tried to leave and find us," Freja said. "I will go with you and be your mate, but only if you can guarantee that everyone I care for will be safe."

Sven was silent, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded.

"Consider it done," he said softly, turning and walking out.

Freja breathed a sigh of relief as she leaned back against the wall. But part of her thought that she saw a bit of disappointment in his eyes as he turned away.

OOOO

Yep, stuff is going down. I can't help it. I like to end stories on a bit of a dramatic note. And since I've finished up all my writing and editing - I'm going to post the last four chapters in one go.

Thanks for reading and following!