Fallon POV
Seeing Libby and Mother Agnes brings me so much joy. I hate that something is happening with Bruce, but part of me worries it is a setup. Maybe that is why Alpha Mayhem is on edge. He looks more worried today sitting here with Mother Agnes than the day I showed up wanting answers.
I feel a strong arm come around me and pull me in for a warm embrace. "Ryan, I need your help. Are you willing to help Bruce?" I ask him. I close my eyes and try to enjoy his embrace for a moment. Any moment in Ryan's arms is heaven.
"I will help you in any tasks you ask for my help and the ones you don't. You are my future wife, my love and my mate. I am yours and you are mine," Ryan says. He kisses my temple.
I notice Mother Agnes watching us. I try to listen to her mind. He loves me, I say to her through a link with her mind.
I know she answers and then looks away. She terminates the mind link. I am not sure what is going on with her either. Everyone is on edge. It cannot be just because Umbra took Bruce. There has to be more. Maybe they are like me and worry it is a setup.
"She is baiting us, and we are walking right into it," Mother Agnes blurts out.
"We can agree on that," Alpha Mayhem speaks up. I see the tension between Mother Agnes and Alpha Mayhem, but something is bringing them together, and it is not just protecting me.
"Do you think Bruce is in on it?" I ask. I look at Ryan and hope my question doesn't hurt him. Bruce was my friend, and Ryan is my lover. There is no reason for Ryan to be jealous. I want to be with Ryan. I let him mark me as his mate. I do not notice any tension coming from Ryan.
"I don't think so," Ryan speaks up. Everyone looks at him.
"Well, think about it. Bruce loves Fallon. He is not going to set her up, but Umbra might use Bruce to trap Fallon. We have to go in carefully. We can rescue Bruce, but we cannot put Fallon in any danger," Bruce says. He looks worried for me. He reaches for my hand and squeezes it hard. I listen to Ryan breathe for a moment. I can hear the worry in his breathing.
"Maybe Fallon should stay behind," Libby suggests.
Alpha Mayhem shakes his head. "We will never get close enough without Fallon, and you know it. My wolves will protect her and kill anyone who tries to harm her. My daughter has my word on that. She will survive, but others might not," Alpha Mayhem says.
"We can't risk her for Bruce," Ryan interjects.
Alpha Mayhem shakes his head and touches Ryan on the shoulder. "This is not about Bruce. We have to put a stop to Umbra now, or she will haunt Fallon as long as she is walking the earth. For Fallon's safety, this has to be done," Alpha Mayhem explains.
Ryan nods his head in agreement. "I will protect her and lay down my life for her," Ryan says. Alpha Mayhem takes the pledge from him and shakes his hand.
"Libby?" Alpha Mayhem asks.
"My brother is important to me. I love him, and I want to see him free from Umbra. I also want to see her dead. She will hurt more people until she gets her hands on Fallon. I will protect her and lay down my life for her," Libby says.
"Mother Agnes, you will stay here until this is over," Alpha Mayhem says. Mother Agnes shoots a go to hell look at him, but she knows he is right. She has to stay behind; she is not the witch she once was.
"When do we leave?" I ask. I am going on another adventure. I should be training, but I guess this counts as training.
Ryan kisses my cheek. "It does count as training. I will be there, Alpha Mayhem will be there, and we will protect you," Ryan says.
"I thought I was the badass reaper. Why do I need to be protected?" I ask.
My father steps closer to me. "You don't, but we are going to protect you anyway. You can probably kick everyone's ass there and let us sit on the sideline, but your powers are young and still developing. I do not want to chance it," Alpha Mayhem says.
Libby and Mother Agnes are speaking to one another in an old language. It is not like the one I heard Bruce speaking in but something different. Libby and Mother Agnes eventually finish their discussion.
"We should go now. We would get there about the time it gets dark. Mother Agnes says there is an old speakeasy that we can go in and surprise Umbra. The tunnel is closed off and can only be opened with a password. It is our best shot at killing Umbra and maybe rescuing Bruce," Libby says.
"I think we should wait a few hours. I want to make sure it is pitch black dark when we reach Umbra," Alpha Mayhem says.
Libby looks back at Mother Agnes. Mother Agnes shakes her head to agree with Alpha Mayhem. "We agree," Libby says.
"Now that all of this is settled, Mother Agnes, Libby, the two of you can settle into the house for a rest and maybe some food. Mother Agnes can stay here while we are gone. I will make sure a few of my wolves stand guard over her," Alpha Mayhem says.
Mother Agnes and Libby start making their way into the house. "I will be home soon. I want to spend time with them before we leave," I say.
Ryan kisses my forehead. "Be with your family. I need to prepare for the battle," Ryan says.
I follow Mother Agnes and Libby into the house. I look back at Ryan and my father talking. I try to listen to Ryan's mind, but he is blocking me. What are they up to?