Chapter 34: Chapter 34

Fallon POV

The wolves assemble and prepare for a battle. We are unsure what will happen when we rush into Umbra's place and pull Bruce out. Ryan is afraid that Bruce will try to kill me. I know Bruce had a part to play in my life and what Umbra wants with me, but I don't think he would harm me. I have been wrong before?

"Calm your mind. The wolves will rush the building, with Alpha Mayhem leading the way. I will go in next, clearing the path for you and Libby. Libby will put a protection circle around you until you reach Bruce. Be careful. I will be in front of you and Libby Behind you," Ryan says.

I know he is nervous. We found each other and have a future now. He doesn't want to lose that, and neither do I. "Do all reapers rush into battle with werewolves and a witch? I have to do this without all of you trying to baby me," I respond.

Everyone treats me like a child. At least, that is how I feel. I know they are trying to protect me, but it is so annoying. I am eighteen years old and treated like a five-year-old. I have a man I love. I have magic and wolf skills and learning to reap. I do not need a protection spell and wolves protecting me.

Ryan leans over and kisses my cheek. "I am not treating you like a child. Some day you will lead us into battle. You are the future of this pack and the supernatural community. So for today, while you are still training, allow us to protect you," Ryan says.

I nod my head. I know what he is saying. They don't think I am ready. Honestly, I am probably not ready. I just do not want anyone to treat me like a child. I have been through enough that I have grown up quickly. They all need to realize that and allow me to grow up.

"We will, I promise," Ryan says. He is in my head. Sometimes that can be so annoying. I smile at him. I love him.

We stop not far from Umbra's place. It is night, and the streets are full of tourists and locals partying. We can easily walk through the quarter unnoticed. Alpha Mayhem and his wolves seem to vanish into the streets. Ryan and Libby stay close to me.

"We will go in after Alpha Mayhem and the wolves are inside," Ryan says as we approach Umbra's. He has already told me this. See treating me like a child, or maybe he was reminding me because I am nervous.

Ryan, Libby, and I stand at a building corner right before Umbra's place. I am breathing hard and nervous. I am scared. I shouldn't be afraid. I should be brave and strong. I feel a small hand touch my back.

"Remember, you have your magic," Libby says, smiling.

"And us," a male voice says.

I turn to see the uncles have joined the party. They come to help rescue Bruce, I hope, and not harm him. "I am happy to see you both," I say.

"They are inside," Ryan says, interrupting my family reunion with the uncles, Zeb and Jeb. Both of them are dressed in their finest hippy attire and ready to throw magic on Umbra.

"Go. We will keep her safe," Libby says. Ryan hesitates for a moment. Then pulls me into him. He looks into my eyes for a moment.

Ryan kisses me on the lips. His kiss is more passionate than usual. He is kissing me with a fear he could never see me or again. When he breaks from me, he looks worried. "I love you, Fallon. See you soon," Ryan says.

I look back at the Uncles. "Why is he so worried now?" I ask.

The uncles look at Libby and then back to me. "Because Umbra wants to kill anyone that is helping you. Everyone that walks into Umbra's is risking their life for you," Zeb says.

"I don't want to put any of you in any harm. I only want to save Bruce and maybe mend our friendship," I say.

"We heard you are getting married," Jeb asks me, stepping out to take my hand.

"Yes. Ryan and I are mates. We plan to marry soon," I say. I am unsure if I should tell anyone we plan to marry after rescuing Bruce. Soon is enough of an explanation for now.

"How do you think Bruce will feel about that? He ran off and get himself into this mess when you picked Ryan as your watcher," Jeb says.

He is right. If we do manage to get Bruce away from Umbra alive, how will he feel when I tell him I plan to marry Ryan? He will hate us both. There is no way to mend our friendship, but I at least need to get him safe. If for no other reason than because Libby is my friend too. Libby wants her brother home.

"We can talk about this later, it is time for you to go," Libby says.

I rush across the street to Umbra's place with Libby and the uncles following me. As we approach, it seems awfully quiet. It is too quiet. Umbra's place always is loud and full of music. She knew we were coming and cleared the place out. RYAN!

When we step inside, there is no one. Not a wolf, not a human, not a supernatural in sight. Nothing is walking about or fighting. "What happened?" I ask.

"Fallon!" Ryan calls out to me.

"This way," I scream.

I rush toward the sound of Ryan's voice. Libby and the brothers follow me. When go through the dining area and past the kitchen, I can hear Ryan, and I think Bruce is calling out to me. I follow those sounds. That is where we need to go.

We finally come to a small door. I pull on it, and it does not budge. I have to open it. The screaming becomes louder. "I AM COMING FOR YOU!" I scream through the door. Libby and the brothers are behind me as I pull on the door.

"Use your magic," Libby says.

I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and imagine the door opening. I clear my mind, and the door is the only thing I feel. As I concentrate, I hear the door open. I open my eyes, and the door opens for me.

We rush into a small room. Ryan is waiting for me. He has Bruce and a woman. "Is he okay?" I ask.

Bruce looks at Ryan and then at me. "Is it true?" Bruce asks.

I walk closer to Ryan. I know what he wants to know. Bruce wants to see if I am with Ryan now. I take Ryan's hand. "We are in love and plan to marry soon," I say.

"YOU BITCH!" Bruce yells.

Bruce rushes me and throws me to the ground. I leap to my feet. I feel something strong growing inside me. Powers? Maybe? Something feels like an electric current as I grab Bruce.

"Kill me. Go ahead and do it," Bruce cries out.

Bruce was once my friend. How can I kill him? As my powers grow and my heart is distracted by my love for Ryan and my once beautiful friendship with Bruce, the woman with Bruce rushes toward me. Libby grabs her before she can get close to me.

"Licia, kill her. Kill all of them," Bruce cries out.

"Why?" I ask Bruce.

Bruce laughs. It is mechanical and sad. "Because I loved you."

Bruce begins to fight me. I am in shock, and it takes me a moment to realize he is trying to break away from me. I come to my senses and throw Bruce to the ground. I put my foot on his chest.

"You want me dead, but I have the power over you. I want to spare your life, but if I do, I know we will have this same fight again later. I can't risk it," I say.

I don't want to kill Bruce, but I have no choice. If I let him live, he will come back for me. "I will do this for you," Ryan says.

Ryan waits for Libby to leave the room. There is no reason for her to see this. Ryan nods his head as I take my foot off of Bruce. Ryan shifts quickly and tears into Bruce, shredding him.