Luna’s POV:

* I don’t know how long I had been asleep. Although I’m not sure I would have called it sleep. I peered over Maggie’s shoulder. He was gone. That couldn’t be right, could it? Oh dear lord, please don’t let him have left yet. Scanning the room I noticed his shirt on the floor. Surely he wouldn’t have left it behind, right? Scrambling out of bed I watched as Noah and Maggie quickly found each other. Speaking softly in the stillness.* Watch over her Superman. There is something that I have to take care of.

 

*I searched the lab but found no sign of him. On a hunch I tried Maggie’s office. There he was. Lija had his long frame hunched over the desk as if in sleep. I knew better. I waited patiently in the doorway for him to notice me. He sighed then looked up at me. He turned his blue eyes to mine.*

Lija: What do you want, Oya?

Luna: Just a moment of your time. *I waited for him to say something, anything. I worried my lower lip waiting for his answer. His eyes left my face glanced to the clock on the wall then back to meet my gaze.*

Lija: You have exactly five minutes. And it better be good.

Luna: *I nodded slowly. It was good. It was damn good. I took a step into the room and closed the door. Other than lifting an eyebrow he said nothing. I squared my shoulders and told myself that I could do this. Leaning back against the door I let my hair fall forward, it acted as my shield.* Are you serious about returning to your pard?

*It was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. I could feel the weight of his gaze on me. He was suspicious, he had reason to be.*

Lija: *I nodded slowly. I wondered just what she was up to.*

Luna: * I let out a breath that I hadn’t realized I was holding.* Take me with you.

* His eyes widened in shock then turned cold. I shivered slightly. Lija could give Edward a run for his money, with that look.* Please, its not what you think.

*I crumpled by the door, on the verge of tears. I needed him to listen. REALLY listen to what I was about to say. I’d only get one shot at this. So many people were depending on this. I heard him pad over to me and felt the energy and heat radiating off of him. He knelt down beside me stroking my hair. How I wanted to give in to that calm soothing touch.* Gabriel, has paid me a visit. He has given me an ultimatum, either I give him the night of the next full moon. Or he’s going to… he’s going to turn Maggie, or Esther, maybe both.

* Pulled away from him, away from his touch. I didn’t deserve it, maybe I never had. I’d unleashed the monster, knowing that I might not be able to put it away again. I should have been stronger than Gabriel, but I wasn’t, maybe I never had been. I pulled my knees up to my chest and hugged them. Looking out at Lija through the curtain of my hair.* Don’t you see? I had to ask you. I couldn’t go to my pard with this, they’d never agree. My friends don’t really understand what he’s capable of. But if I go with you, where those I care about can’t be hurt. Then maybe, maybe I could live with myself afterwards. *My voice had dropped to a hoarse whisper. I sat there looking at him, from behind my hair, hiding. I waited, waited for what his answer would be.*

 

 

Lija’s POV:

*To say I was surprised at her request was an understatement. I could feel the conflict she was going through. She cared more about her friends than
life itself. She needed them. Needed them to be safe. To be there for her as much as she was for them. It was something most would have a hard time
understanding. I pushed the hair back from her eyes. And tried to look calm.*

Lija: Do you know what you're asking? *I held up a hand before she could answer.* If you go back with me, you may die.

Luna: I know. But it's a risk I'm willing to take. I can't...won't let Gabe hurt Maggie. Or Esther either for that matter. There is Spring to consider.

*I sat down beside her on the floor and pulled her close, taking in her scent. It was so familiar now.*

Lija: Will you fight beside me?

*I lifted her face to meet her eyes.*

Lija: It will be a fight. I need to know that I can count on you. I will tell you this, Oya. I will protect you with my last breath. Will you fight beside
me?

Luna’s POV                        

*I knew that his going back would come at a price, and yes I had anticipated what that price would be. So basically what it came down to was, could I really do this? Could I really do this knowing that I might never come back? The answer was so very simple, yes, yes I would do this. I would do it to protect those I cared about most.

I leaned into the Tore's side. It was kind of funny, if you thought about it. When he'd first shown up I hadn't liked him, hadn't trusted him in the least, but somewhere along the way he'd earned my loyalty. I don’t know quite how it happened or even when it happened but he had my loyalty. The silence stretched between us. He knew my answer but would force me to say it aloud.

I turned to look at him. Drawing in a sharp breath, this was why Maggie was so attracted to him. He seemed to look through your facade to the real you. Did I want to know what he saw? I shook my head. I think not, I didn't want to know that badly.* Yes Lija, I'll fight beside you. I knew that was part of the deal when I asked. Now I need to know exactly what we're walking into. How big is the pard? How much of that is trained muscle? Do you have any supporters at all? *I ticked the questions off on my fingers. Then stopped when I felt his gaze settle heavily on me. I just stared at him, again I had that sensation that he knew that the well ordered calm was just a mask to hide how terrified I really was. I stared at him waiting, waiting, for what I didn't know?*

 

Lija’s POV

*Her questions were good ones how was I to tell her
that I didn't like the odds. Truth is always best.*

Lija: The pard is about thirty strong. The Nimir Raj
and Tabitha each have three main guards. Of course she
has at least three others that will protect her if
called on. Of course all she has to do is make a claim
that I am a threat and the whole pard will turn
against me. Supporters? *I laughed harshly.* I think
you could easily say zero. Patrick and I looked out
for one another. We protected the weaker ones. But we
weren't there all of the time. So I guess you could
say we're walking into the middle of hell.

*She looked at me as if I had just told her a fairy
tale. It was alright...written by the Brothers Grimm.

Maggie’s POV

*having tried unsuccessfully to run away after our um...dreams. I sat there shocked by the familiar way Noah held Luna. If I didn't know better, I would have said they had been in that position before. Or did I know better? There was so much of Noah's past he didn't tell me about. What was one more detail? Maybe they were just comfortable because they were pard, but again how would I know? I was feeling lost and not sure of what was real anymore and could feel the tears threatening to overwhelm me when Luna reached out to calm me. At that moment I was hurt and didn't want to trust her but couldn't help myself. I needed the comforting presence of my soul sister too much. Before I knew it we were curled up in the middle of the bed with the boys on either side and I drifted off.

I don't know how long I slept but I felt a presence leave one side of me then the other. Fear of abandonment had me reaching out for someone, anyone in my sleep. I soon found myself in strong arms. The reassuring purr in my ear told me it was Noah. Drifting back down into sleep, my mental defenses were at their lowest. This was when the voices usually threatened to overwhelm me and I found myself reaching out for Luna as I always did. I found the link but she was distracted. I couldn't tell what was wrong but it was more than just distraction. She was down right terrified. Fighting my way out of my sleepy haze, I eventually heard Noah hushing me, telling me it was just a dream and I was safe. He wouldn't let anyone hurt me. Looking around, I saw both Luna and Lija were gone. Shaking my head, I tried to explain as tears began to pool in my eyes..* NO. It wasn't a dream. You don't understand. Something is wrong with Luna. Please Noah. She's scared and she doesn't get scared. You have to make sure she's alright

Noah’s POV:

*having awoken to Maggie's distress and seeing we were alone, I tried to calm her and coax her back to sleep. As she explained that something was wrong with Luna I tried to believe her. I didn't understand it but the two of them had some sort of link and even if they didn't, Maggie was not going to calm down until I checked it out. After kissing the tear off her check, I stood up and pulled on my jeans. Throwing a blanket over her, I told her* Stay here and get some rest. I will go find out about Luna and let you know what's going on.

*Heading out to the lab, I thought I would run into Maggie's office to grab her clothes in case she decided to get up before I got back. Walking in the door, I saw I had interrupted a serious conversation with between Luna and the Tore.*

Lija: But we weren't there all of the time. So I guess you could say we're walking into the middle of hell.
Noah: *looking from Lija to a fearful Luna, I knew they were up to something. Anger that they didn't trust me with whatever they were hashing out forced my beast nearer the surface and I almost growled as I asked* So what kind of hell are you two walking into Wonder Woman? And why wasn't I invited along for the ride.

 

Luna’s POV

*My head shot up at the sound of Noah's voice. Shit! How could I have been soo stupid? I'd been so sure that they were both sleeping when I'd left. He'd never understand my reasons. He, like quite a few others, would say that I was being cowardly and running away. Maybe they were right. Maybe. I looked from Lija to Noah and back to Lija. He shrugged his shoulders but never said a word.

 

Well that's helpful I thought as I stood up and faced Noah. I put my hand on his chest. His sheilds were down, he was angry, and to make it even more lovely his beast was near the surface, not a good combination. I slid my hand around to his lower back. I pressed myself against him. I could feel the tension in him as he probably wanted to push me away, and maybe he would. Just not right now.

The trick with Noah is timing. You can't just know what or how to do something, you also have to know when to do it. I put my head on his shoulder and rolled my eyes up to meet his. He was still angry. The final touch was when I took my free hand and traced a heart over his heart. He gave a harsh sigh and grabbed my wrist, like I knew he would.* You ready to listen now? *He gave an abreviated nod.* Good then listen up and don't interrupt. *Noah's lips compressed into a thin line, but didn't say a thing, smart man.* I have an obligation to fulfill and I can't get out of it. I think it would be best if I left for a while and take care of this. When I have taken care of this matter then and only then will I come back.

Noah: What exactly have you gotten yourself involved in?

*I didn't want to tell him. I was trying to come up with a plausible lie when the Tore interrupted.*

Lija: Tell him, Oya. He deserves to know.

*I threw a glare at Lija and turned back to Noah. Who now had his arms crossed over his chest. Damn, he wasn't going to let this go. I gave Noah the whole story. To say he was shocked would have been the understatement of the year.*

Noah: Why couldn't you come to us? You know we would have helped you any way we knew how.

Luna: *Exsaperated.* Noah! You know good and well that half that pard lives in fear that I'll lose control of him and tada, they're now living with Gabriel again.

Lija: I think what she's trying to say is that you can't help her.

*Noah's eyes flashed to gold and low warning growl erupted from his throat. Now we were in deep shit. I stood between the two of them, and knew that if it came down to it they would be exchanging blows.*

 

Lija’s POV:

*When Noah's eyes flashed gold I had no choice. He
was not dominant to me. The growl coming from his
throat was met with my own. I grabbed him bhy the
throat and forced him into the wall. Luna gasped and
tried to remove my hand. The look I gave her must have
been enough because she backed off. I returned my
attention back to Noah. My own eyes now a dark emerald
green.*

Lija: Don't ever assume that you are stronger, quicker
or better than I am. Your main concern is your mate.
If you ever do anything to cause Maggie harm...I will
destroy you. Make no mistake of who and what I am.

*Some part of me wanted him to fight. But I knew it
would only come to no good. Still holding him in
place, I eased the pressure on his throat.*

Lija: Luna doesn't want anyone hurt. She has made her
decision. I will see to it that she comes back.

*I released him and turned to Luna. She was more
worried now.*

Lija: We can do nothing until you are healed Oya.

*It was at that moment that Noah lunged.*

 

 

Luna’s POV:

*I saw Noah crouch and knew what was coming. He was in mid-lunge when I slammed my shoulder into his midsection. My wounds screamed in pain. I ignored it. My eyes flashed to bright green. I stormed over to Noah, grabbing a handful of his short dark hair I forced him to look at me. My words very low and very careful. If I wasn't I was quite sure I would resort to violence as well.* That is quite enough. You've been outclassed, just leave well enough alone. *I shoved him roughly away from me. Noah stood up slowly, still glaring at the Tore, a hand going up to touch his throat.*

 

Noah: *To Lija.* This isn't over. *Turning to Luna.* So are you going to tell them or just disappear?

Luna: Anita and Micah will be told first thing in the morning. As for work I have some vactation time saved up I'll use it. I'll tell Mags as soon as all the plans have been made. I think Lilli and Nahla already suspect something, but I'll tell them the next time I actually get to see them. The pard cannot know about this. Please Noah, you have to promise me that you won't tell them. They're terrified of him, Noah.

*He crossed his arms once again over his chest, his expression unreadable. My blood froze in my veins. He would. He'd tell them the moment I left. If Anita and Micah couldn't keep a handle on things I may be coming back, but what would I be coming to? Surely this was just a scare tactic. I mean he wouldn't really tell the pard, would he?*

 

Noah’s POV:

* I was so angry I could barely contain it. I locked my arms across my chest in an effort to contain the violence threatening to overwhelm me. Luna wanted reassurances that she could run away to deal with Gabe on her own and all would be well. I wasn't in the mood to give them. I was too furious, furious that the Tore had presumed to lecture me concerning my mate, furious that Luna went to him rather than trusting her pard to help her, and most of all beyond furious, down right terrified that Gabe would threaten my mate. Looking from one to the other, I took a deep breathe and forced the words out.* You're going to do what you want apparently, despite the fact that you have friends here that could help you. I can't fight both of you so I'll leave you to your discussion.

*grabbing Maggie's clothes from the chair they were folded in, I couldn't stop myself from telling the pair* You damned well better tell Maggie goodbye before you leave. You know she's going to be devastated. She'll know you're leaving to protect her whether you tell her or not. She's not stupid so you keep that in mind. If anything happens to the two of you the guilt will eat her alive, assuming she survives her grief at losing two more friends she took the chance of really letting inside her heart. You probably don't even realize what a rare privilege that is. *looking the Tore straight in the eyes, I added* I protect my mate. It's not my fault if sometimes I can't protect her from herself. *gazing at Luna once last time, I shook my head and left the room muttering* Some plan Wonder Woman.

*walking down the hallway to the padded room, I saw Maggie was sound asleep, clutching one of the pillows beside her as if it was the last friend she had in the world. I wanted to lie down beside her and give her my comforting warmth but was too afraid she would sense my anger still boiling beneath the surface. I was not going to be the one to tell her that her trusted friends were leaving her to head into danger they might not come back from. If Luna was going to break her heart, let her see the devastation first hand. I sat the clothes on the night stand beside her, kissed her cheek and headed out of the room and out of the lair. I needed to clear my head and shake off this feeling. A long run might be just the trick. If not, I would go hash it out with Micah or Merle, Luna's pleas be damned.*

 

Lija’s POV

*Noah left the room full of tension. Luna and I
stayed quiet. And then we heard the lab door open and
close. I sighed, reached out and touched Luna's arm.*

Lija: You didn't have to protect me.

Luna: The last thing we need is the two of you
fighting.

Lija: You need to go back to bed. You need to heal.

Luna: You won't leave without me will you?

Lija: I won't.

*She just nodded, looking at the floor. She looked so
tired, so fragile. She was in alot of pain,but she
wouldn't give into it. It was one thing we had in
common....hardheadedness. I scooped her up into my
arms kissing her cheek, and walked out of the
officetoward the padded room. Once there I lay her
beside Maggie, who immediately curled into Luna. I
turned to go.*
Luna: Lija, please stay in here with us. I need the
pard close.

* I hesitated not wanting to anger Noah any further.
But if Luna was going to meet Tabitha, she needed to
be at full strength. Stripping out of my
jeans...again, I lay down on the other side of Maggie.
I lay my arm across her side and my hand on Luna's
hip. To my surprise she grasped my hand with hers. She
gave me a faint smile and closed her eyes. I drifted
off spooning with Maggie and holding Luna's hand. And
praying for us all.*