All Hands on Deck

Embry could feel Quil and Jacob watching him cautiously as he did a final check on the diving equipment and then finished getting into his wetsuit, the fishing boat they borrowed from another pack member's dad rocking in the choppy waves. Not far off, there was a rocky island that jutted out of the waves.

It was time to get Freja.

He wasn't sure how, but Lette and Hans managed to find that Sven was hiding out in a small island cave that could only be accessed underwater - or at least as far as they could tell. There were only two others with him and they were certain that Freja was there as well though they had yet to see her as they had overheard Sven speaking with the two about leaving for the clan soon.

Embry was relieved that he could go along, though none of them were too sure what to expect once they got inside. Lette and Hans had tried to explore as much of the island and cave as they could without getting caught - maybe even find Freja and sneak her out. But they had nearly run into one of Sven's henchmen and decided to go back and get reinforcements before doing anymore.

The plan was that they were going to go through a short hidden tunnel to a small cavern where Embry could leave his gear. They would then search together until they found Freja, figuring four together would be better to overpower Sven and the other two Hasvfru. Not to mention, Embry's ability to scent Freja would make the search easier.

While Sam and Jacob had wanted more of a plan before they set out - and the rest of the packs were disappointed they couldn't help more - Ingrid and Embry were eager to get Freja back, not wanting to chance that Sven would move her to somewhere even harder to get to or take her back to the clan, which could involve launching an entire war to get her back - they still weren't completely sure how Michael would react with Ingrid, Oscar and Astrid certain that he wouldn't allow Freja to go free, while Hans and Lette thought he might.

And there was nothing the packs could do about any of it, being unable to swim to those depths.

"Are you sure about this?" Jacob asked for the 20th time. Embry glanced up at him and then continued zipping up his wetsuit. He didn't say anything as he pulled on his flippers and then the tanks. "I mean… maybe you should wait on the boat and let them go in."

"I'm going in," Embry said sternly, glaring at his best friend. "Freja is in there and she needs me."

"But we don't know what you're going-"

"I'm going in, Jacob!" Embry shouted, his patience beyond frayed at this point. In his opinion, they had waited too long as it was.

Jacob snapped his mouth shut and looked over at Quil, silently begging him for help. Quil just gave him a pained expression and looked back at Embry, who was nearly ready to get into the water. He knew that no one in the packs wanted him to go into the cave. There were too many unknowns. There were a lot of small passageways and caverns that would be difficult to phase in. They weren't even sure where all of them led. And if Sven or one of the others got him in the water, Embry couldn't fight back as well. But he was determined to help rescue Freja.

"Look, you just need to trust me," Embry said. "Lette and Hans said I'll be okay." Another look passed between Quil and Jacob. "I'm doing this no matter what you say."

Jacob stared at him a few moments before sighing and stepping up to him. He placed his hand on Embry's shoulder and squeezed hard.

"Just be careful. And bring her home," he said. Embry smiled slightly and nodded.

There was a thump on the side of the boat and Embry looked over the edge, seeing the three Havsfru bobbing in the waves. He still wasn't used to how they looked transformed though he was familiar with Freja. Hans looked as though he could rip his head off, though all three were various shades of vicious.

"It is time," he said.

Embry nodded and turned back to Quil and Jacob as he slid his mask on and then stuck the regulator in his mouth. He gave them a thumbs up and then sat on the edge of the boat. Taking a deep breath, he leaned back, falling into the water.

It was disorienting at first, not being able to see anything but bubbles around him as he sank. But soon, they cleared away and he looked over, seeing the three waiting on him, their hair floating around them. Lette then motioned for him to follow as they turned and took off, moving smoothly and easily through the water at a speed that was difficult to keep up with even though he knew they had slowed down for him. Glancing around, Embry couldn't see much of anything until they came up to the island, the group diving down a bit deeper until they came to a small opening that he almost missed.

It was weird, not being about to hear or smell much of anything. He heard the regulator and his breaths, the bubbles of the water. It wasn't until then that he realized just how much he had come to rely on his heightened hearing and smell. But hopefully not for long. Once they were able to get out of the water, he would be able to scent Freja and hopefully get her out of here before it came to a fight.

The tunnel was dark and Embry had to rely mostly on feeling his way through, though he could see the flicker of Ingrid's tail in front of him, guiding him along. It felt like it went on forever, but soon enough they had entered a cavern, now rising up to the surface. They broke through, the three Havsfru quickly getting out of the water as they transformed, Hans turning to help Embry out. Moving fast, he pulled off his gear and wetsuit, now donning just a pair of shorts in case he needed to shift. Looking around, there were three openings that led off to other parts of the cave. He then closed his eyes and took a deep breath, taking in the various scents. It was cold and dank, with the overwhelming smell of seawater. But then just underneath it, he could smell her.

Embry's eyes opened, focusing on one of the tunnels.

"She's that way," he said softly, already starting towards the opening.

"Let us go first," Lette said, stopping him. He frowned, but then nodded, feeling as though it was best if they were the first to engage until he could get a sense of how to fight.

They moved near silently through the corridor on bare feet. Embry spoke softly every so often, telling them where to go as he continued to follow Freja's scent. It was getting stronger. They then came to an opening and Embry nearly barged through it, hearing voices and knowing that Freja was in there. Ingrid stopped him, shaking her head quickly and motioning that they needed to watch first - assess the situation. Embry took a deep breath, trying to stay calm thought he ended up bouncing on the balls of his feet. He wanted to get in there and get Freja. He could clearly hear Sven talking to the others, laying out some sort of plan for going back to the clan and dealing with his father.

Lette peered around into the cavern a few moments and then motioned for them to gather around.

"It is Sven, Aleksander and Oliver," she whispered, looking at Hans, who nodded. She then looked at Embry. "They are great fighters and it looks as though they are about to leave. She is there, but tied up. We will take care of Sven, Aleksander and Oliver, but you… go for Freja once the way is clear."

Embry nodded, clenching his hands into fists. He wanted to get this over with. And possibly punch Sven if he got the chance. The three Havsfru turned back to the opening, with Lette and Hans peering back into the cavern again as they whispered a plan of attack among themselves. Ingrid stood just behind them, unable to see in, but she nodded along. With a final glance back at Embry, they then all rushed into the cavern. Embry heard a shout of surprise and then a loud splash. Looking around into it, he saw that Hans had dragged one of Sven's minions into a large pool, while Lette engaged with Sven himself, moving rather quickly and managing to use the element of surprise to her advantage. Ingrid was frozen, staring in shock at the third, who was giving her a strange look. It was then that Embry noticed he had short, white-blonde hair just like Freja and Ingrid.

Oh shit. This wasn't good.

Rather than focusing on that, Embry launched into the cavern, looking around until he saw Freja on the ground, quickly trying to get out of rope that was tied around her wrists and ankles. Hearing his heavy footfalls, she whipped her head over, eyes wide.

"Embry, what are you doing here?" she shouted.

"Rescuing you," he replied, dropping to the ground and working on the ropes. It didn't take long for him to get the ones around her wrists undone, though he growled in anger when he saw the bruises.

He really wanted to kill Sven, but knew he couldn't waste any time. The Havsfru were keeping the others busy so that he and Freja could escape. He could still hear them fighting, the sound of large splashes echoed around the cavern, as did hisses and snarls. While he wanted to check on how things were going, it was important to get out of the cavern and back to the boat.

"Is that my mom?" Freja asked.

"Yes, but we've got to go. Now," Embry said, finishing with the ropes on her ankles and then pulled her up to stand. For a moment he held her close to him and then dropped a quick kiss to her lips.

Freja smiled and nodded, taking his hand as he turned and started to pull her back the way they came.

"Where do you think you're going?" a cold voice called out and the noises around them falling silent.

Embry and Freja froze, turning to look over. Hans was still gone, though Lette was now on the ground, knocked out, while the other Havsfru stood next to Sven. The prince had his arm around Ingrid's middle, holding her tightly against him, with a jagged knife held to her throat. Whatever shock Ingrid had earlier was gone, no longer bothering to fight against him. Her eyes were darting around as though she was trying to come up with a plan. Though they faltered when they fell on the Sven's minion.

"Let her go!" Freja shouted, taking a step towards him, anger clear in her eyes. A growl escaped Embry's lips as he tightened his hold on her hand.

"Don't worry about me! Get out!" Ingrid shouted, meeting Freja's eyes.

"So she is alive," Sven said, glancing down at her mother and then over at her, a cruel grin filling his face. "And she is much more fetching in person." His eyes then fell on Embry. "Should have known you'd come."

Embry narrowed his eyes at him, feeling his rage coursing through his veins and rumbling to the surface, but he fought it off. He had a feeling it wouldn't do them any good if he shifted in this small space. The last thing he wanted was to accidentally hurt Freja or anyone else on their side.

"You leave with him and I will kill her," Sven said. "Your choice, Freja. What I promised before still stands. You come with me and I leave them alone."

Embry looked over, seeing a stern expression on Freja's face as she stared at Sven. God, he hoped that she wasn't about to do what he thought she was. Now would have been a good time to be able to read minds. But all he could do was stand there in agony as Freja said nothing.

Fuck, what were they going to do?

OOOO

Freja's heart was pounding. She hadn't been expecting a rescue, knowing there was no way for the wolves to track her. So she was beyond shocked when Lette, Hans and her mother charged into the cavern. While her mother had frozen at first, her fighting spirit finally came back and she attacked Aleksander, one of Sven's so-called best friends in the clan, who had been adopted by Michael when he found him abandoned as a child. However, for whatever reason, Freja sensed her mother was holding back, not really wanting to hurt him.

But then while she and Embry were focused on getting her out of the rope and out of the cavern, the tide had turned. And now Sven was standing there with a knife to her mother's throat, demanding that she go with him and he would let Ingrid live.

Freja met her mother's eyes, feeling tears prick at her own. She had just found her and now she was faced with losing her. Again. That she would really die this time.

She felt Embry squeeze her hand, letting her know that he was there. But it was a really impossible decision. If she went with Sven, she would save her family. However, she wasn't sure if she'd find another way to escape. He would definitely be watching her more closely. But at the same time, Freja knew that she couldn't live with herself if she sacrificed her mother.

"It's okay, Freja. It's okay. Go now while you can," Ingrid said, her gaze glancing over to Aleksander again before locking with Freja's.

"I can't let him kill you," Freja whispered, already taking a step towards them. She then noticed how close to the edge of the pool Sven was standing.

Perhaps there was a third option.

A calm washed over Freja as her mind was made up. She looked over at Embry, smiling slightly in a way that she hoped he understood what she was doing. A pained expression came over his face as he shook his head.

"Don't do it," he said. Freja stepped over to him and kissed him before wrapping her arms around him.

"Trust me," she whispered.

She then let go of him and turned to Sven, a determined look coming over her face as she locked eyes with him.

"I go with you and they all go free," she stated. A smug grin broke out as Sven looked over at Embry.

"I always win," he said and for a moment, Freja almost looked back, praying that Embry wouldn't phase. But she kept her eyes ahead, focused on the plan. She just needed to get her mother out of the way and then she could take Sven down. She had gotten the one up on him before, surely she could again.

She drew closer, her eyes scanning over her mother, who was now sobbing and shaking her head, not wishing for Freja to give herself up. But this was the best way, she couldn't help but feel. She finally stopped just in front of them.

"Let her go," she said, her eyes turning hard. Sven lowered the knife, his eyes watching Freja.

He loosened his grip on Ingrid and Freja started to feel relief. She just needed her mother out of the way. He made as though he was about to push her away, when suddenly he pulled her back and in one smooth movement, sank the knife into her mother's side.

In that moment, it was as though the entire world stopped. Freja couldn't move as she heard her mother's shriek of pain, and watched as Sven pulled the knife out, blood now pouring out. She took a step towards her, but Sven grabbed Ingrid's arm and shoved her over and out of the way.

"NO!" Freja bellowed as rage quickly took over.

She turned to Sven, seething as she felt her skin start to ripple. His eyes widened in shock as she swiped out at him, not being able to avoid the sting of her claws as four wounds opened up across his chest.

She then launched towards him, the two tumbling into the pool as Freja transformed, striking out at Sven so quickly, he could barely fight her off, the knife disappearing in the struggle and barely able to transform himself. He tried to swim off, but Freja grabbed his arm and landed a powerful kick of her tail that sent him back into the rock wall. He narrowed his eyes at her before he shot over, the two locked into a fierce battle, trying to claw at each other and kick. Freja wasn't sure what was happening, but she knew that she couldn't allow him to win. To continue hurting those she loved. All she could do was allow her instinct to take over as her anger fueled her.

Finally she had him pinned against the wall, squeezing the life out of him with more strength than she thought she possessed.

Freja, no! She heard Lette shout in her mind.

It's what he deserves!

Michael will not allow you to live if you kill his son and heir!

For a moment, Freja hesitated. She knew Lette was right. But she wanted to end him. To make sure that he wouldn't hurt anyone ever again.

We should go!

Freja stared at Sven, noting the look of panic in his eyes as he struggled to get her to let go. He was afraid of her, that was clear. Oh god, she was turning into a monster. No, she was turning into them. She didn't want that. She was better than Sven and Michael.

Freja finally let go, glaring at him.

Leave me and my family alone. Never come back, she ordered. He nodded.

Freja didn't wait to watch him leave as she turned and swam back to the surface, pulling herself out and quickly making her way over to her mother. Aleksander had her head in his lap as Embry bent over her, his hand trying to stem the blood.

"Oh god," Freja said, dropping next to her. Her mother was breathing heavily and grimacing in pain. She looked far too pale. And there was far too much blood pooling on the rocks beneath her.

"She's losing a lot of blood," Embry said. Freja looked over at Lette.

"Is there nothing we can do?" she asked.

"I know of a healer… Not far from here. We can take her there," Lette said. "She will survive but we do not have much time." Freja turned and looked back down at her mother, who reached up to cup her cheek.

"There is something I must tell you," she said before coughing.

"Save your strength, we're going to get you help," Freja said. Ingrid stared at her a moment and then looked to Aleksander. A soft smile broke out.

"At least… at least you can both meet," she said. Freja frowned looking over at Aleksander, who seemed equally as confused. "This is your brother… though I named him Kenneth… Michael… he changed your name…"

Aleksander frowned as he looked down at her.

"My parents are dead. Michael found me and took me in," he explained. Ingrid smiled sadly and shook her head.

"No… you are my son… and… Michael is your father," she whispered. Freja stared at her mother in shock, her mouth dropping open as she looked up, meeting Aleksander's eyes.

Now that she was looking at him, she could see some of the similarities between them. But now was not the time to be hashing this out. Her mother was dying.

"We need to go," Freja said, meeting Embry's eyes. He nodded and looked down at the wound. But before he could say anything he suddenly was jerked back, barely able to shout before he disappeared under the water. "EMBRY!"

Without thinking, Freja jumped to her feet and dove back into the pool, seeing Embry reaching out for her and Sven with a vice grip on his leg, pulling him deeper. Embry was trying not to breath, but he had taken in a few gulps of water. It was clear that Sven wasn't about to give up and he was attempting to drown Embry.

Narrowing her eyes, she pushed herself faster. No one was going to die today.

OOOO

Embry kicked as hard as he could, but wasn't able to get Sven to let go. He thought this was over. While he hadn't been able to see what had happened in the pool, when Freja emerged, a small bit of relief had set in, though it was clear that they needed to get Ingrid help and fast.

But then the bastard just couldn't give up.

Embry tried to hold his breath, seeing Freja swimming towards him with a determined look on her face, but he had taken in some water when he shouted upon first being dragged into the water.

But it was hard, with panic sneaking in, even though he knew Freja would get to him in time. He had swallowed too much water and he didn't think he could last that much longer. Not to mention, he could feel his body wanting to phase, knowing that he was in danger. But that would be the worst possible thing to do right now.

Freja swam past him and he felt the grip on his leg loosen, so he started to swim up, but then he was yanked back down. Giving another hard kick, the grip loosened again, and he pushed himself up. But then suddenly, something strong and heavy slammed into his side, causing his mouth to fly open. Before he could panic again, his head knocked into the side of the pool and everything went black.

OOOO

Freja wasn't sure at what point Sven had given up and finally left the cave for good. Her sole focus was on getting Embry out of his grip and then out of the water. Once she had dragged him back out and laid him out next to her mother, she immediately began CPR, much as she had done that day on the beach when he had jumped off the cliff after her.

The day she had told him everything and found out that they were meant to be together.

"Come on, Embry, breathe!" she shouted as she pounded his chest.

"We must get Ingrid to the healer," Lette said. Freja glanced up at her and nodded.

"Go, I'll take care of him," she said.

"I will stay and help," Aleksander added. Freja glanced at him and shook her head, then turned her attention back to Embry.

She could hear and feel movement around her, but she still remained focused. She was looking at the possibility of losing her mother; she wasn't about to lose him too.

"Come on, breathe," she whispered just before she put her lips to his, breathing for him again.

When she lifted away, finally he began coughing up water, Freja turning him on his side so he didn't choke. His eyelids fluttered, but he didn't wake up completely. But at least he was still breathing and his heart was strong. Freja looked around the now empty cavern and then over at Aleksander.

"We need to get him out of here, but… I don't know how to get him through that tunnel without diving gear… and with him unconscious," she said.

"There is another tunnel that leads out. It is dry," he said. "I will help."

"Thanks," Freja said, still a bit stunned by the revelation that this was her half-brother. Though he appeared just as stunned as she did. It was probably the only reason he was actually helping her right now. Or maybe not. She had thought he didn't want to be doing this earlier. Maybe he had been forced to do Sven's bidding against his will.

"She… our mother… do you believe she'll be okay?" Aleksander asked softly as the two of them lifted Embry. She paused a moment, meeting his eyes.

"God, I hope so…"

OOOO

Okay, so this fight chapter was definitely a lot less detailed than I usually write, but I just could not seem to figure out how to write it. And knew if I obsessed over it too much I would never get it written. And well, I hadn't intended to add Freya's brother in, so that was fun to incorporate. To be honest, I hadn't planned that at all. It came out when I was writing the last chapter and I decided to just go with it.

Thanks for reading and following!