"I can believe we have been on the run for almost twelve months" spoke Roman, remembering when he had joined up with the pair of Dean and Seth, they had be reluctant to do so at first then thought better of it when they realised his son and Zarah would be in more danger. To the Samoan it felt like old times, on the run together from a common enemy. Back before either of them started the business or before they had met the person they wanted to settle down with. He knew both of them were missing home, they missed what they had and the people they loved. Just as both of them knew they were doing what they were for a reason, despite missing out on so much since running all over the country, Mexico and Canada to lure Shane away from them. "I wonder how everything is back home?" added Roman, although he had been with them for twelve months he was still unaware of what Dean had truly missed out on.
"Paige is probably still angry at Seth for breaking his promises but still running her company, Zarah god knows since you pretty much up and left her with your son without so much as a goodbye, so hating you would be my guess and Renee, I'm guessing occupied with our child, he or she would be four months now" responded Dean revealing for the first time that his wife was pregnant when he left to run, he knew Roman was shock to say the least where as Seth felt sympathy for him, especially when Dean didn't know if he had a son or a daughter, he didn't even know what the name of the child was and he had missed out on everything so far when it come to the said child. "I just hope she hasn't given up on any of us, I don't think I could bare it if she had moved on with her life" added Dean knowing there was a chance after so long, the others would believe they had been caught and killed, he hoped with everything that wasn't the case as no matter what his heart belonged to Renee.
"They haven't well at least two of them haven't" came a rather familiar voice to the three of them, for Roman it brought back memories he would rather forget, where as for Seth and Dean, hearing Corey's voice was a sign of hope. "Got orders from the Princess to bring you three back to Tampa, and yes Dean there is a little girl waiting to meet you there" added Corey, revealing he wasn't there to give any sort of update on how the others were doing, but to take them home again, as well as inform Dean that he was indeed the father of a little girl. Corey held out a little picture of the girl to Dean, seeing how the man in question took it with such care, a smile spreading across his lips at seeing his wife and daughter, he quickly spotted her blond hair and hazel eyes.
"Paige sent you?" asked Roman confused as to why she would send someone to fetch them when she knew the dangers of them returning so soon, especially when Shane was at large. "Shane is still out there, it will be too dangerous for us to come home so soon" added the Samoan quickly tying his hair up in a bun at the back of his skull. If he was honest he didn't want to go back home just yet, he was enjoying the time he had with Seth and Dean slowly rebuilding the relationship he once had with them. Plus he knew Zarah wouldn't be happy to see him after he left her with their new born son without explaining anything or even saying goodbye to her.
"Wait what do you mean two of them haven't given up hope?" asked Dean just catching on to what he meant, he could at least find reassurance that Renee hadn't due to her hand writing a message on the back of the photo saying how much she loved and missed him, he knew that meant either Paige had but sent Corey as a curtisy or Zarah had given up hope. Either way he knew it would be devastating for the one in which hope had been lost for. "Who gave up hope on seeing us again?" added Dean, he had a feeling he knew it was, although he could see the dread appearing on Seth's features at just the thought of having to live without Paige, especially when she had been the reason he had held on for so long. Even Roman had uncertainty in his eyes about the current situation.
"Zarah, about two months ago she said she was going to move on with her life. She packed everything up and left, she only told one person where she was going and left a note for you Roman" responded Corey explaining Zarah had left after ten months of waiting, just as he could see the relief come to the eyes of Seth and Dean at knowing they were wouldn't have to mend a broken heart. "The car is waiting, be going back to Architect's Armoury for the time being, Renee has been staying there with Paige this whole time" added Corey revealing which mansion in Tampa they would be going to and where Renee had been staying, he could see the small smile come to Dean's features at realising she wasn't alone when going through her pregnancy, just as he made a mental note to thank Paige.
"Where did she go?" asked Roman, finally being able to form words and asked where his baby momma had gone to, he also dreaded reading the note she had left for him, knowing it would show her raw emotions towards him, and show just how much he had no doubt hurt her by disappearing in the night. He knew on in that sense Seth and Dean were right, they had both left letters to the ones they loved, Seth even taking Paige's necklace with him and leaving his own chain to give her reassurance he would return to her. Corey could only lead them to the car and shake his head at the same time, not being able to answer the simple question due to the person she had told going missing a few days before hand.
"We don't know, the person she told went missing a few days ago. We suspect Shane is behind the disappearance. Paige also sent me to get you due to Evolution sending teams after you. You three will be safer in the mansions, she's made some upgrades to them in the last twelve months" responded Corey revealing Paige had been keeping an eye on the situation despite being heartbroken, instead of being angry she had focused on Renee and what she had needed, in this case the father of her daughter. "Your daughter's name is Freya by the way. The name you said you wanted to call a daughter" added Corey directing the last part to Dean, seeing the man get into the front of the car and once again look at the picture, finally knowing the name of his little girl.
"How are the girls doing?" asked Seth, speaking up for the first time. He didn't know what to expect but was thankful Paige never gave up, if it wasn't for her keeping an eye on things then they would have ran into the trap which was no doubt waiting for them. He also knew Renee would probably be delighted to see her husband once again and get some well deserved rest since she had no doubt been looking after her daughter non stop since she was born. He was kind of excited about being able to go back to the place his heart was after spending so long away from it and the woman in which he had called his own. He also knew there was a high chance Roman would despise being in the mansion, due to having to be around those who were happy and had something he could only desire.
"They're doing okay, Paige keeping Knight's Raven going keeping all of us happy. She agreed to keep the illegal side of it going on the condition I be the one to keep it under control. All the business ideas have been successful so far. She gets down once in a while, mainly from missing you, AJ mentioned she cried herself to sleep, every night for the first six months. Where as Renee has had her hands full with baby Freya, Charlotte takes over when Renee needs rest. She has also been running her own little internet business as well as making a little book for Dean so he can see everything upon returning. Again she was heartbroken but was thankful you left her a letter to explain everything. As far Zarah, she was angry when she found out you had left, she initially thought you were on a job somewhere but realised after a month or so that you weren't coming back. She tried searching for you, but when she couldn't find any sign you were okay, she began to get angry at you for leaving her to raise your son on her own, eventually she gave up and left" replied Corey in response and revealing Zarah had taken it the hardest when it come to finding out the man she loved had left her. She had no way of knowing he was alright due to him not taking his mobile phone with him.
At Architect's Armoury, Paige was currently in the living room with Renee, the four month old in the play pen for the time being. Both women patiently waiting for the message to say that the boys had been found and were on their way back. After all it had been almost two weeks since Paige had sent Corey along with the Wyatt's to go and bring them home, Karl and Luke had informed her of the plans Evolution had been putting in place as well as the locations these traps would be. Every time the ring tone sounded or the phone dinged both women hope got stronger, even if they were let down by it just being a notification or someone calling about something else. They knew they couldn't give up hope now and just wanted to see the people they loved again. Twelve months of just looking at photographs didn't do much in comparison of being able to see them in person, hear their voices and laughter or even hold them in a bone crushing hug. All the photographs had done was remind them of what they no longer had.
"He's got them" excitedly expressed Paige once she had checked her phone after it had dinged, she could see the uncertainty in Renee's eyes turn to nerves and excitement. The raven haired princess knew what the Canadian worried about, knowing she was uncertain of how her husband would take to their daughter and vice versa. "Come on Renee, you have looked forward to this from the moment they left, nothing is going to go wrong if it does then you have me here to help you put things right again" added Paige attempting to give the new mother the encouragement she was clearly in need of, especially when she seen the way Renee looked over to where Freya lay in the play pen, attempting to bat the toys dangling above her, she clearly enjoyed the sound of the bells when she hit them.
"I know, you've been so helpful over the past twelve months or so, helping me out with Freya and making sure she has everything she needs, all while running Knight's Raven, entertaining your cousin, mending your own broken heart and making sure the rest of us have a safe place to call home and a business to run. You really are an amazing woman, you deserve you happiness too Paige" replied Renee, knowing despite all the pain and heartbreak Paige had remained strong and had done what was necessary for those who called her boss. She had even granted the wish of both Becky and Charlotte and allowed Bayley and Sasha to join them thrust reuniting the four horse woman. The four also running their own business thankful for all the help Paige had granted them.
Back in Orlando, Summer had returned from her trip. Although she had told her parents and sister it was a trip with friends she knew that rouse wasn't going to last much longer, due to one of the people she was supposed to be away with had been collared by her father and questions, she knew he could be relentless when he wanted and no doubt knew wherever she had gone it wasn't with friends. She knew she would be in for a lot of questioning, her uncle Mark no doubt interested in her whereabouts as well. He had been looking for his oldest daughter since she had disappeared during the night over a year prior. Not leaving any information on her whereabouts at least not for him to find.
"Summer" called Kane from the living room, when she entered the large family area, she was meant with her father standing in front of the fire place, looking at the family photos that were placed there. Each showing a different family member at a different point in time. She knew the one in which he held in his hands was the one of when she, Emma and Paige were in high school, the three of them with wide smiles on their lips as they stood in front of the amusement park, excited for the days events and the inevitable fun they were going to have. "Where we you?" asked Kane, turning to face her, the flames of the fire lighting up parts of his face in an unnerving way, to the point Summer felt a shiver go up her spine, from then she knew she was in trouble. "I know you weren't with Natalya, Eva or Jo-Jo so where were you?" finished Kane, making it clear he knew she wasn't with the people she had told him and her mother she was with. Just as he could see a hint of a smile on Summer's lips, no doubt from the amusement of how she was a grown adult and he could still scare her a little when he needed to.
"To see Paige" quietly responded Summer, just louder than a whisper as he wiped a hand through her shiny golden locks. She knew instantly the anger he had towards had disappeared being replaced with curiosity to learn one of his girls knew where Paige was. "I deciphered the letter she sent, she's still here in Florida, but refuses to be anywhere near uncle Mark due to her being convinced she is a permanent reminder of his past and the guilt he has" added Summer explaining she had found the code in Paige's letter and worked out where her cousin had gone to,. She knew there would be a lot of questions heading her way.
"Is she okay?" asked Kane, knowing Paige didn't want to be found and had thrust not asked where she was living now, he knew it would kill his brother to know she was so close and still in the state, yet not being able to contact her in any way. "Is she happy?" added Kane, despite Paige being his niece he still looked upon her as another daughter and would accept her wishes even if he didn't agree with them, he knew there wasn't anything he could do to bring her home again. So he was content on knowing if she was okay and happy where she currently resided. He knew his own oldest daughter in Summer was quite literally the only link any of them had to the Raven haired beauty now, something that was much better than what they had for the last year or so.
"She's fine, has protection there if anyone attempts anything. She lives comfortably in a rather luxurious mansion, and is content on running Knight's Raven, from what I can tell she and her council had steered it away from the illegal side of things. She has also been helping a close friend of hers out and also given loans to all those in her close circle so they can start there own business off" responded Summer, answering the first question her father asked, informing him of how different Paige was now, how much braver and confident she was. "She's a little heartbroken at the moment due to her lover being forced to run near enough a year ago, he wrote a letter to her before leaving so she knew why. She still has hope he will come back to her, he even left his favourite chain with her so she knew he would come back" continued Summer, a smile coming to her features at remembering what her former protector turned lover had done to keep her safe and give her reassurance that he intended to come back to her. It wasn't long before she began to search through her phone for the selfie she had taken with Paige while on her most recent trip.
"Can you send this to me?" asked Kane upon seeing the smiling picture of Summer and Paige, he had noticed she had become so much more confident in who she was compared what she had previously been, she wasn't a scared child any more, but a strong willed woman who would do what she had to in order to protect those she loved dearly. "I'm gonna get it framed so we can add it to the others. And I'm not going to ask her exact location, I respect her wishes of not wanting to be found and know she will contact us when she is ready to, if she ever is" spoke Kane revealing why he wanted the picture, Summer could only smile and nod knowing her uncle Mark was going to take it the hardest, especially when his missing daughter was so close yet refused to contact him or even reveal herself to him.
"I promise you she is safe dad. Believe me no one can get into the mansion without being in the system or being let in, that place can stand a nuclear blast" spoke Summer seeing the smile come to her father's lips at learning her cousin was probably the safest person in the family. She could also see the confusion on how the mansion was so safe. "There is hand print recognition and a code to get through the front door, the windows are bullet and blast proof, there is a safety bunker in the basement, and an active security system that informs anyone in the house is someone has entered without authorisation and where they entered from. Not to mention there is always someone in the house keeping an eye on the camera's and an entire armoury in case anything happens" added Summer revealing just how protected the house was, she had personally never seen anything like it, yet loved how her cousin had made it her own home and safe haven.
With Corey and the three men that made up the hounds, they had just entered Tampa's borders, Corey smiled at being back in the place he had called home for the last year or so, plus he could hear Dean's breath hitch upon reading the sign that welcomed them to the city of Tampa. Seth on the other hand looked out the widow almost in excitement, at finally being able to reunite with the people he loved so much, he had spent the last twelve months in some of the worst conditions now he just wanted to be able to hold Paige in his arms instead of looking at the necklace or remembering the happier times they had together or imagining what the future could be like had he not gone on the run.
"He's just excited to be able to actually touch Paige again, rather than imagine what future could be in store. Considering he was going to ask Paige to marry him before we had to leave" spoke Dean, a cheeky grin coming to his lips especially when he felt Seth hit the back of his seat. Roman however looked on in confusion, showing Corey he hadn't been informed of what Seth once had planned or had wanted to do. Seth's slight frustration soon turned into a bright smile as they neared the mansion in which he had once called home and had hoped to again. He would happily admit how much he had truly missed the woman he loved and just how much he realised he was lost without her. "We should be there soon right?" asked Dean, he knew they weren't too far from the mansion, even now he could remember its location as well as being able to enter the said mansion without much trouble due to his hand print being in the system.
"We're here" responded Corey, a smile on his lips as they passed through the main gates and also noticing the rather sarcastic sign Paige had placed on the front lawn between two of the many ornamental trees If you can taste this sign it means you crashed into it. "Looks like Paige has been having some fun over the last two weeks. She's placed a rather sarcastic sign between the trees this side about half way up the drive" added Corey, curious as to where she had gotten the sign from in the first place although it did bring a little humour into it, especially when he heard Roman chuckle slightly signalling he had seen and no doubt read the sign as they went passed it a few seconds before hand. It wasn't long before Corey pulled up at the front of the mansion, putting the car into park and seeing Finn with his three most trusted demons had appeared to greet them.
"Seth, Dean. Good to see the pair of you again. Renee is upstairs in the nursery and Paige is currently in her room, after her sugar rush ended. The nursery is upstairs to the left, second door on the right, it connects on to Renee's room" spoke Finn shaking the hand of both men and welcoming them back, he knew both women would be ecstatic to see them despite knowing they were on their way back. He soon stepped aside allowing them two men entry into the mansion, Seth wasting no time running up the stairs although he tried to be quiet and keep his bubbling nerves and excitement under control, he felt like a kid on Christmas day with all his excitement on being able to see Paige again. Dean hot on his heals, both men going separate ways at the top of the grand staircase, Seth taking a sharp right and running down the hall to the end bedroom where as Dean did the same with the left quickly finding the room which was the nursery mainly thanks to the girly sign on the door.
"Come on in Roman" spoke Corey leading the Samoan into the large mansion, and into one of the living rooms, like always they could hear the trickling water of the water features in the back garden, Corey had also noticed the play pen was now in the corner of the room instead of the middle of it suggest Renee was no doubt going to put her daughter down for her nap and catch up on a little sleep herself. "You have the choice, either stay here or in one of the other mansions. Seth called this place home before he went on the run so I doubt he will change that without a good reason to and Dean will no doubt talk with Renee about it. Now he's back they may decide to return to Lunatics Love. So read through this then come and tell one of us" added Corey upon reaching the living room, he handed Roman a little file contacting the details of the mansion they would be putting him up in, if he decided he wanted to have his own place for a little while.
"Your back" spoke Renee, waking up from her little snooze to see her husband standing at the side of their daughter's crib with a smile on his lips at seeing her for the first time. The softness of his expression showing how proud he was although obvious nervous and afraid for the future where as the slight jump at her words told her she had given him a slight fright when she had spoken, he was clearly lost in the moment to the point he forgot she had been asleep in the room. Upon reaching the crib their daughter lay asleep in, she couldn't help but smile at her family finally being reunited again after so long apart. "Are Seth and Roman okay?" asked Renee her concern appearing for the remaining two men especially since she had only seen her husband appear.
"They're fine, Seth beat me up the stairs, headed to Paige's room, where as Roman I think is downstairs" replied Dean, wrapping his arms securely around his wife's waist and just holding her in his arms again. He was content on resting his head on her shoulder and watching their daughter sleep peaceful and without the care her daddy was finally there with her for the first time. "I wonder how long it would take Seth to finally tell Paige how he really feels for her. He mentioned just after we left he was thinking of proposing" added Dean revealing the youngest of the three hounds had intentions of finally settling down. Renee could only place her hands over her husbands looking at the matching gold bands around their ring fingers and the hidden tattoo that lay beneath.
Down the hall Seth had snook into Paige's room, seeing her peacefully lying on the bed although not under the covers, her raven hair spread across the cushions around her. Like Dean, the one they had come to call Architect could only smile upon seeing the person he had thought about every day since leaving her behind. He quickly took of his jacket and shoes before carefully getting on the bed and laying besides her, being extra careful not to wake her, upon finding a comfy position he placed an arm around her making sure no one could separate them any time soon, it wasn't long before he too fell in to a peaceful sleep, a soft smile on his lips at being able to sleep with Paige in his arms once more and knowing they were both in a safe place. He knew when she woke up, she would be happy to see him after so long and probably wouldn't want to let him go.
Back in Orlando, Kane was at the police station with his brother, in his hands was the picture that Summer had given him. He knew although he didn't know Paige's exact location, he could at least give his brother comfort by telling him she was still alive and safe in her current place she called home, just as he had the picture in his hands to show she was happy as well. He knew Summer was the only link they had to her, and also the only one out of all of them who knew her location after finding the hidden message in the letter to herself and Emma. It wasn't long before Kane gained enough confidence to give the framed photo or at least one of them to his brother, a small smile as he did so, although he wasn't surprised to see the confused expression take over his brother's features.
"When was this taken? I can remember it" asked Mark, looking down at the picture of Summer and Paige smiling at the camera, well it looked like they were actually laughing at something and someone had snapped a photo of them capturing the moment in a still photograph. Kane could see his brother rack his memory attempting to remember what event the picture could have been taken at, or when it could have been taken. Even when Kane himself put his own framed version on his desk with all the other family photos he had there, each one reminding him of happier times and why he was doing the job in the first place.
"It was taken over the last week or so on Summer's last vacation with friends" responded Kane, seeing the way Mark quickly turned around to face him at hearing Summer had seen his oldest daughter. "She's fine, safe and in a secure location, a little heartbroken but still running Knight's Raven on the right side of the law. Summer has said she is still in Florida but I don't know where since I didn't ask" added Kane, giving his brother the news his oldest daughter was still in the state even if she wasn't in the same city as them. "She's alive Mark, that's all that matters, after a year of thinking the worst you finally have confirmation that Paige is still alive and out there somewhere. You finally know there is still a chance to put things right with her" finished Kane, knowing Mark had been thinking the worst when it come to Paige over the last twelve months and practically dreading not being able to make things right with his oldest daughter.
"I just wish she would come home or at least contact me" replied Mark, looking at the new picture of his daughter, her happiness there and seeing how confident she had become in herself now. He smiled a little to himself at least he could be thankful she was alive and the people who had sworn to protect her were doing their job right. He knew if Summer was the other in the photo then she was likely to be the only family member who knew where Paige currently resided and why she hadn't made contact with any of them since the letters. "How did Summer find her? Does she know the reason why Paige hasn't contacted any of us since the letters?" asked Mark wondering if Summer knew the reasons why his daughter had yet to make any sort of communication with him.
"She decoded the letter Paige sent to Emma and Summer. Found out where she was, no idea how she found the mansion though. As for why Paige hasn't contacted us. Is for the same reason she left last year" responded Kane revealing Summer had found the city Paige now called home via the letter in which she and Emma had received. "Incording to Summer, she found little clues in the letter that gave her the location, she also said she has been going to visit Paige for just under a year, she knows more about this than anything. And I don't know Paige's locations because I didn't ask. She will appear to us when she is ready to" added Kane, revealing why he didn't know the location of his oldest niece, he respected her wishes and knew when she was ready to make herself known to them again then she would. Until then they just had to accept she wasn't coming home and trust the words of Summer.
