Bruce POV
Ryan escapes with Fallon. I am helpless as he takes his Lycan form and jumps down the steps. Chaos is furious. He runs after Ryan and Fallon, but it is too late. Fallon is gone.
I don't think Ryan would harm her. I know he wouldn't hurt her, but the things he is about to tell her will ruin everything. Dr. Braum and I carefully planned everything out for Fallon; now, everything is a mess.
I wait in front of the door for Chaos to return. I am not chasing Fallon because I know exactly where he is taking her, and I understand why he is taking her there. After Chaos leaves, I will go after Fallon and Ryan. I don't need Chaos to know the secrets I keep.
Chaos returns after looking for Fallon and Ryan for over an hour. He is pissed off as he comes back up the stairs. "They got away. That damn Ryan is faster than I remember," Chaos says.
I expect him to lash out at me about not helping him chase them, but he doesn't say a word. Maybe that is what he wanted. He wouldn't want me to see him kill Ryan or kidnap Fallon. I know more than I pretend. Eventually, I will tell Ryan and Fallon the truth, but for now, the best way to protect Fallon is to play dumb.
"Ryan has always been fast. There is nowhere for them to go. Ryan will stay close by, and Fallon knows no one except her uncles here and the few people I introduced her to tonight. I am sure Ryan is already turning her against all of us. Maybe she is curious or confused, but I believe she will come back to me. Let's give her a few hours, and then we will go after her," I say.
I open the door to room 333. I step inside, but Chaos stays at the doorway. He looks at the number and then at me strangely.
"Did you ask for this room?" Chaos asks me.
I shake my head. "No, my sister got it for us. We thought it would be best to go under the radar under someone else's name," I answer.
That was not the only reason my sister got the room for us. For one, my sister is a witch. I didn't tell Fallon that Libby is a witch. I figured that is something that could be discussed later. After everything that Fallon has been through, do I really want to drop on her that my sister is a witch?
I knew Libby would make damn sure a spell protected the room. She got her early and worked a little magic to protect Fallon. I am positive that is why Ryan bolted. He saw the number 333 and felt the magic coming from the room.
Chaos decides to risk it. He steps into the room, and he is shocked. "What happened?" I ask, playing dumb. I know what happened. Anyone planning to harm Fallon would not be able to pass. I thought something was up with Chaos, and now I know for sure, but I can't tell him that.
Chaos steps back. He shakes his head and looks down the hall. He moves to the wall across the hall from the door. He runs toward the open door of the hotel room. Chaos hits whatever energy field my sister put up and falls to the ground.
Chaos is on the floor. He is visibly shaken. "What the hell!" he growls.
I walk over to the door and look at him. "Is the map in there?" Chaos asks me.
He knows about the map. I keep my expression neutral and raise my eyebrows. "What map?" I ask him.
Chaos gets up from the floor. He is growling and showing me teeth as he moves toward the door opening. "I know she has the map, and I want it. Umbra wants the map," Chaos growls.
I grab the door and close it. Chaos can stay in the hall and work through his anger. When I turn around, the ancestors are there waiting for me.
"Why did you have me take her to see Umbra? You know she wants to use Fallon for her own personal gain." I ask the ancestors.
The three look at each other and then at me. It makes me a little uncomfortable, and I suddenly feel in danger. "We have a plan. You do our bidding," the three ancestors say.
"I don't understand. We need Fallon," I say. I move closer to the ancestors.
Anna moves closest to me. She touches my face. "Bruce, it is your job to protect Fallon. Right now, I need you to wait here. Allow Ryan his time to explain the matter to Fallon and tell her his version of the truth. He will help her unlock the map, and then you may rejoin her on her journey," Anna says.
The three ancestors wait for me to respond. I think it over, realizing I have no say in the matter. It doesn't matter how I feel about the situation or Fallon. The only thing that worries me is that Ryan will turn Fallon against me. I love her. I know I am not supposed to love her, but I do.
The ancestors begin to vanish before my eyes. Anna watches me and smiles. She knows how I feel for Fallon more than the others. "I only want what is best for her," I say as they vanish entirely.
I walk around the suite for a moment. I thought I would tell Fallon everything tonight, but Ryan and the ancestors stole my chance. I should go after her. As the thought races through my mind, the rain and thunder hit the suite's balcony. I rush to open the door and step out of the balcony.
"Let her be. Tomorrow she will be back. I will bring her to you. She has to see the grave and know the lies before you can tell her the truth," Anna says.
Anna's eyes are almost black, and her hair blows in the wind. "I love you," I shout at Anna.
Anna's eyes return to the emerald green from her days with the living. She touches my face. "I know. Trust me. Let her see what she needs to see," Anna says.
Anna disappears into the rain. I know Ryan is taking her to the graveyard, and I know he will tell her all about the lies. I hope the Z brothers are still on our side. If not, this trip may turn into hell for all of us. Fallon could die before she turns 18 if she doesn't accept who she is and take her magic.