Phoebe
We huddled at the door, saying our goodbyes. Titus wanted to leave on the first flight out, so we were all up early. I wanted to warp home but he had refused, saying it was too dangerous when I was so tired. I gave my new sisters hugs and promised to return soon once everything was settled. Titus was chatting with the men when Blair came up behind me and pulled me to the side.
“It finished cooking just in time.” she said, showing me the magic item we made yesterday. She placed the small black pendant in my hand. I attached it to my choker, the black moon was warm against my neck. “Always keep it on you so it stays charged, ok?” she advised. I nodded my head, lifting up my arms to embrace her.
She gave me a big hug then pulled back to rub my stomach. I frowned, “What are you doing?” She gave me one more rub then pulled me close. “You better be careful with that baby in your belly.” she said. “W-What?” I asked, all the air in my lungs rushed out. “You heard what I said. Just be careful. Don’t over exert yourself and get plenty of rest.” she said, turning away to avoid my questions.
“You ready to go, baby?” Titus asked from behind me. I gave him a firm nod, too afraid to speak. We did another round of hugs then set out. The plane ride back was quiet, Titus fell asleep immediately. We were both restless from Leo’s phone call. He didn’t give details but it had seemed like it was important.
My body and mind were drained but I couldn’t stop thinking. I was making myself crazy trying to cope with Blair’s words. I was pregnant. It was too soon! I haven’t found Faedan or identified the Fallen! I’m terrified. What happens if I give birth before confronting Kyra? What if the Fallen learns of my pup and tries to harm it? Over our dead body, Phoenix growled.
I clenched my teeth in anger, Phoenix was right. There’s no f*****g way I was going to let my pup fall into the hands of a deranged god. I rested my hands over my stomach. My timeline was shortened to a few months. I needed to be ready, my pup’s life was hanging in the balance.
I was an anxious wreck by the time we touched down in Washington. I didn’t want to wait any longer. I waited for Titus to grab our luggage and cornered him into a darkened hallway. “What are you doing?” he asked with a raised brow. I gave him a tired smile and grabbed his hand, warping us to Black Pines.
I sighed with relief as the pack house came into view. I let go of Titus’s hand and started running towards it. Titus caught me quickly, turning me around to face him. His eyes were wild and filled with worry. “We agreed that you wouldn’t use your magic!” he shouted. “I know, baby. But I just got so restless.” I defended myself. He shook his head, “What if something happened to you? You know your body is weak right now. You haven’t had any sleep and you’re still trying to recover from whatever the hell Blair did to you!”
He grabbed my shoulders, his gaze travelling over my body. He looked scared. “Titus, I’m ok.” I said, reaching up to cup his cheek. He was breathing hard but leaned into my touch. “I’m ok, my love. I’m sorry. I just wanted to get here as soon as possible.” I told him. He took a calming breath, “I’m sorry I yelled. I panicked. The only reason why we flew back was because of your state. Please don’t be so reckless.” he said.
I stared up at him, my heart conflicting. I wanted to tell him about our pup but I knew that I couldn’t. He was already protective of me. There was no chance in hell that he’d let me cross through the portal while carrying his child.
Lilith hinted that clues about the Fallen were related to Faedan. I needed to be present for his recuse in order to search. I couldn’t ask Titus to do it or he’d blow a damn gasket. I know his intentions are pure and he just wants to make sure I’m safe. But I couldn’t go back on my vow to the goddesses, I owed them my life.
“Let’s go inside, ok?” I said sweetly. Titus’s breathing even out, his eyes calm. I held his hand as I led the way up the stairs and into the house. Samantha and Everlee were waiting for us with wide smiles and warm welcomes. Samantha placed her new bundle of joy into my hands once I got close enough. “It’s so nice to finally meet you Ms. Ava.” I whispered to the baby girl.
Baby Ava let out a big stretch, her ting arms extending out. Titus cooed, holding out his hands for a turn. She was so tiny in his large hands. Titus held her carefully as he introduced himself as her future favorite uncle. Seeing him with children always made my heart swell with longing. Goddess, he was going to be a wonderful father.
“Oliver and Leo are waiting for you in Titus's office.” Everlee said. Titus handed Ava back over to Samantha, promising to return later. It took all of my will power to keep a steady pace instead of sprinting up the stairs like a madwoman. I pushed the office door open; the guys were lazily lounging about.
“Well, look who finally remembered they had a pack to run.” Oliver joked when he saw us. “Ha ha ha, very funny, Ollie.” I retorted back. Oliver squinted at me with an annoyed look. “Those damned sisters.” he muttered as he walked over and gave me a hug. “Long time no see.” Leo said after waiting for his hug.
I gave him a quick squeeze, letting him know that I was happy he returned safely. I sat down next to Titus and waited to be briefed.
Titus
Phoebe looked like she was about to burst into flames if some didn’t answer her questions soon. “So, what’s going on Leo?” I asked, putting her out of her misery. Phoebe sent me a grateful smile then focused on Leo. Leo took a seat, leaning forward with a grim face. “Well, there is no easy way to tell you this,” I felt Phoebe tense up next to me, “but, I found your brother. He reminds me of you.”
Phoebe’s body remained tense as she processed the information. “H-He.” she cleared her throat, “He’s alive?” Tears fell from her eyes, her eyes, her gaze unfocused. “He’s alive, Bee. I spoke with him and everything.” Leo said. Phoebe grasped the air blindly, looking for my hands. I pulled her onto my lap and tried to soothe her.
“If you met with him, why isn’t he here?” I asked. Leo sighed, “He didn’t want to come.” “Why not?” Phoebe wailed. Leo explained his meeting with Faedan. “I don’t know who Yurah is, but she’s more important than freedom.” Leo finished. Oliver shook his head, “Damn, so what the hell are we supposed to do?”
Leo cracked a mischievous grin; the sense of foreboding coated my skin like a thick jacket. “We’re gonna do what Phoebe does best.” Phoebe looked at him through her tears, “What do you mean?” I closed my eyes, finally understanding. “There’s gotta be a better way.” I groaned. Oliver started to clap his hands; his eyes full of excitement. “f**k yes!” he shouted.
Phoebe looked at us confused, “What’s going on?” Leo walked over and ruffled her hair. “We are going on a raid.” he said. I watched Phoebe’s eyes light up, I groaned again. “And how do you plan on raiding a damned fortress?!” I demanded. Leo continued to smile, walking back to the table. He ruffled through some papers and passed them to me.
Oliver and Phoebe read with me as I sorted out the neatly written notes. There was a detailed map of the Gozredal property. A list of guards, their shifts, weapons and magic users, as well as species were written. “That’s Faedan’s handwriting.” Phoebe murmured, running her hand across the paper.
I looked back at Leo. “So, what exactly are you proposing?” I asked. “Gozredal will be hosting the Discovery exhibit, which is open to the public. Feadan and Yurah will be a part of a private viewing in Gozredal’s chambers. We will infiltrate the party, secure Faedan and Yurah, and liberate as many slaves as we can.”
I looked down at the papers again. With this information we would be able to properly prepare, and insure the minimal amount of injuries. We would also save a lot of people. I looked Leo in the eye, “When?” Leo looked away and rubbed his neck, “Tomorrow.” The urge to protest was silence. Phoebe looked up at me with gleaming hope filled eyes.
“Start preparing the teams. I need a concrete plan or else we aren’t going. Get the guys in here now.” I ordered. “Oh, hell yeah!” Oliver shouted. Phoebe pulled my head down, rewarding me with soft kisses. “Thank you.” she murmured. I nodded my head, I still didn’t have the heart to tell her of the possible danger that awaited me.
Phoebe
After hours of planning, Titus finally dismissed everyone. I trudged to the bed and flopped down. The bed wobbled a little as Titus collapsed next to me. I promised him that I would completely rest or else he was going to leave me here. I gladly accepted his conditions.
We crawled under the covers, resting in each other’s arms. “Are you worried about tomorrow?” Titus asked me. “Nope. As long as I have you, I’ll be fine.” I answered. He chuckled, “I’m not so sure you’ll need my help anymore. I saw you sparing with Lila.” I laughed, “I can take care of myself better but it doesn’t mean I don’t need you.”
He rubbed my back, his silence made me uneasy. “Titus, are you ok?” I asked. “Yeah, I’m just thinking, that’s all.” he said absentmindedly. I grazed my hand against his chest. I feel like he’s hiding something from me. I wanted to pry. Goddess, I was such a hypocrite. I was hiding my identity, my mission and now our pup from him. I was tired of living in this lie. I will tell him everything when we return with Faedan.
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I crouched down next to Titus, waiting for his signal. I secured the amethyst bracelet that concealed my magical aura. Titus had made sure to take every precaution. Titus stood up and reached for my hand. He stared at me with a blank stare, his face unreadable. He clasped my hand tightly as we took our first steps into the Underworld.