Chapter 44

~Aaden POV~

I clutched Derek's hand in the darkness of the vehicle, drawing power from him, as he returned the gesture. I realized that in that moment, I had needed it more than I'd first thought. I missed our baby desperately, driving myself crazy with questioning thoughts of whether he was safe, was he comfortable, had Amy feed him properly so that his little belly wouldn't swell with gas?

"Babe," Derek murmured in my ear, calming me instantly, "he's okay, and he's going to stay that way." "I know, I know, but I'm not there. I can never be sure unless I see it." Derek smiled, a mixture of slight worry, sympathy and love, before leaning in and pressing his lips to mine. "Amy has him, and remember, he's got Spencer, Amy, and Jessica there. They'll guard him like, well, wolves." I laughed lightly and shook my head, feeling my eyes light up so that I could make out his facial expression.

His eyes went red in return, before dulling back into the darkness.

I hadn't meant to fall asleep, but I was startled awake suddenly by a speed bump, and found myself cuddled into my sleeping husband's side. His arm tightened around me, even though he hadn't woken up. I met Farren's eyes in the mirror. "We're on the outskirts of Natalie's manor. You should probably wake Derek up." She said quietly, once again checking the mirror to look for the van following us. The van held Vlad, Jared, Ethan, and a few more vampires and wolves for backup.

"Hon," I said, pushing against Derek's chest gently. Derek sat up, gripping my arms. When he'd done that the first time, he'd scared me to death, but I expected it now. He'd never get past his nightmares, but I'd be his comfort. "Hey, babe, it's okay." I reached out and stroked his cheek. "Sorry," he sleepily mumbled, "bad dreams." "I know, I saw images while I was sleeping." I kissed him.

"What time is it?" He asked, unbuckling his seatbelt and pulling himself forward. "She'll be in her chambers by this time." "That's good news for us," I said, and my hands itched to spill her blood. The growl built up in my chest, aching to be let out, but I swallowed it. The clock read 2:07 A.M. She'd either be in for a rough wake-up call, or just never wake up again period.

Derek snickered before pulling me back to him. "Who'd have known you'd be this brutal?" "I've got red on my mind for two people only Derek, and that's Natalie and Lorcan Kern. Everyone else willingly puts themselves on the list because they won't take their noses out of the air for two seconds." "Understandably." "It's different than what I felt as a human. Now, I've got wolf instincts, and that's to protect and defend my mate and my child. Natalie is going to get her just desserts." "They are well earned," he growled, his lips tight.

"Alright you two, engage quiet mode. If we're not careful, Natalie or her accomplices will make us out." Farren said quietly. She pulled the car over into the woods to hide, and shut off the engine. Derek hopped out, helping me out before gently shutting the door. "Okay," he said, turning to whisper into my ear, "Natalie's room is on the third floor. She'll be three doors down to the left of the stairs. The door will be blue. You sneak up the stairs, and I'll meet you there shortly. Let's go speak with the wolves."

I took his hand, accepting his offered power and giving him some of mine. We walked hand in hand to the wolves. I worried, wondering if any of them might die tonight. The thought terrified me. We stopped in front of the five of them, my eyes flitting to Jared. There was a lot at stake here. He had Amy to return home to.

They lowered their heads submissively, awaiting orders and they were given. "Jared, you're going to escort Aaden to the third flight of stairs, once she's arrived, you stay and cover her back. If she needs help, you be the first there. Yvette," he turned to the new wolf ally who had joined us approximately three weeks ago, "I want you and the other wolves to sweep the terrain. If you come across an unwilling house member, recruit them if they're willing, but if this isn't the case, leave only casualties. We cannot afford to leave anyone behind who may spy or tattletale." "Understood," she said, before leading the other three away.

"Where are you going?" I asked as he gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "I've got some business to take care of. I'll meet you momentarily." He leaned down and gave me a rather intimate kiss before releasing me to follow through with Jared. "I love you," I whispered, hoping he'd hear. "Love you," I made out before leaving.

It was finally time to serve justice.

~Derek POV~

I crept quietly around the corner of the house, hoping there weren't any preseason leaves on the ground. I forced myself not to worry about my wife, because I knew she'd be okay. She was the Luna, she was flawless and powerful, and she had Jared with her. I believed at that point that the only one stupid enough to mess with her would be Natalie.

I scoped out the yard, watching proudly as Yvette and another form took out the guard on the back porch soundlessly. She nodded to me before disappearing into the blackness again. I ran to the porch, slipping a piece of wire into the lock and expertly unlocking the massive door. Once inside, it was clear that Yvette had made good on her task, as there were four bodies on the floor, recently bloodied.

Silently, I made my way down into the basement, and was caught off guard by a stray person. I hid myself, waiting for them to walk by, and when they did I reached out and snapped the bone in their neck, catching the body before it thudded on the concrete.

I hated the smell down here. Blood, fear, and cruel amusement. I had one task, one I was going to make good on if nothing else. After that, I'd never see this hell on Earth again.

I made myself pace my steps, though I was ready to spring at the smallest sound. Finally, I reached the designated door, and heard weeping behind it. I wanted to go kill Natalie right now myself, but I had promised Aaden that she could have her. As to not frighten the girl inside, I opened the door softly. "Please," the girl whimpered, "please, don't."

"Hush," I murmured, coming to sit on the bed, reaching out and using my claw to pick at the padlock on her cuffs. "Oh, Derek!" She whispered, relief flooding her.

I finally got the second lock undone and stood, holding out a hand to her. As soon as she could stand, she crashed into me, burying herself in my chest, and I held her, letting my chin rest on her head. She was trying not to cry, but couldn't help it.

"It's okay. I've got you now, and you'll never be sent back to this hell, I promise."

**This is it everyone! Who else is ready to see the end of Natalie? Who is this mystery girl that Derek obviously has a deep connection with? Please, tell me what you think! Have a good one!**