Rachelle paced in the living room as she wrung her hands. Her heart thumped so fast from worry she was certain everyone could hear it. Evangeline and Aziel had been with Phoebe, Jason had told her about Phoebe's phone call. Stress and panic had taken her over as her mind began to spiral into a thousand different situations that could have taken place. Few of them were opportunistic.
âCalm down Rachelle. It's no use worrying until you hear what actually happenedâ Dana calmly sprawled on the sofa watching the news on the TV. The bar Phoebe and her children had gone too were aflame, fire engines and ambulances littered the streets and crowds had gathered. The news reporter didn't have much of an explanation for what may have happened other than the fact the bar was a known werewolf bar and was possibly the result of a race hate attack.
âHow can I not worry! Both of my children, Charlie and Russell were there! What if something terrible happenedâ Rachelle continued to pace.
âWell we know something terrible did happenâ Dana indicated to the burning bar on the tv, âBut worrying won't solve anything. Action willâ Dana stood and stopped Rachelle's pacing placing her hands on her shoulders. âyou need to be strong for themâ Dana rubbed Rachelle's arms to try and calm her.
Rachelle paused realising now that she was shaking. âYour right. I must calm my thoughts and think realisticallyâ Rachelle took a deep breath.
âwe need to issue out patrol time-scales, and a rota for you should anyone be injured. I'll make dinner and keep everyone well fed. Jason will -â Rachelle paused thinking of the rogue in the cellar. She hated that room, its smell always made her uncomfortable. âJason will get answersâ as Rachelle finished she spotted Jason walk past the living room towards the front porch.
âPhoebe must be backâ Rachelle's heart began to pick up again as she went to follow but Dana grabbed her wrist.
âGive them a moment. You don't know what the news may be yet. Listen from hereâ Dana indicated towards the sofa.
Rachelle looked to the sofa and back to Dana. Dana was one of Rachelle's closest friends. She was always cynical about her own life but Dana was always encouraging towards Rachelle and knew Rachelle may not want the pack members to see her reaction to Phoebe's news.
âAlrightâ Rachelle nodded taking a seat with Dana on the sofa. She turned down the TV and listened with her wolves hearing to the conversation happening outside.
As Phoebe told Jason that Charlie and Eve had been taken Rachelle felt the blood rush from her. She was glad she was already sat down as she felt as though she may faint. Shaking she clutched onto Dana's hand. âS-something terrible happenedâ she stuttered in shock.
Dana was also in shock her own body frozen at the news. Gently she squeezed Rachelle's hand. âDon't let them breathe againâ she whispered
âThey will suffer a hell they never imaginedâ Rachelle responded as she stared blankly at the tv and the flames simmering.
âDana!â Suddenly Jason's voice summoned.
âGo, I'll be alrightâ Rachelle didn't show any expression.
âOkay, call me if you need meâ Dana said moving towards the porch to receive Jason's orders.
Rachelle sat in silence, a tear dropped down her cheek as took in the fact her daughter had been taken by someone. Looking to her right she saw through the window Aziel's stumbling for balance and Jared helping him. She noted Silvers return and a small part of her wished she was lucky enough to have missed this situation. She may have been safer staying with her friend for some time longer oblivious. It would have saved her any fear or the stress of this situation.
Standing Rachelle left the living room and went up the stairs towards Aziel's room. Rummaging through his draws she pulled out some grey slacks and a pair of boxers before heading down the stairs. She paused at the foot of the stairs as Jason walked back into the house.
They both stared at each other.
âIm sorryâ Jason said looking at her directly.
âDon't be. This was unforeseen. Rachelle stepped towards him cupping his face in her hands. âI know you will get them back. I've never known you not to get what you want in the endâ she smiled weakly.
Jason placed a hand over hers as she cupped his face. âI will make sure they return home safely, no matter whatâ he leant his forehead to touch hers as they consoled in one another.
âJust don't get yourself killed. I love youâ Rachelle ordered him.
Jason smiled looking down at her smaller frame âNever. I love you tooâ Jason said before kissing her deeply. Their sadness and anger entwined.
Breaking apart they nodded towards one another before going their separate ways.
Rachelle walked outside past the porch towards Aziel, Jared and Silver. As she approached they she held out the slacks and boxers to Aziel
âPut them on. Jared, I'll take it from here. Please go and start Patrol with Andrewâ Rachelle spoke her voice tinted with her fear for Eve and Charlie.
âI'm fineâ Aziel shrugged off Jared taking the slacks and boxers popping them on one leg at a time. He struggled with his left leg the pain obvious in his expression but persevered through it.
âNo your not. Dana needs to see you. Then you can hunt them down.â Rachelle sternly glared at Aziel. She wanted him to understand, she would not forgive anyone if Eve and Charlie were hurt. She would not forgive Aziel or Phoebe, they should have protected them.
Aziel looked back at his mother. His eyes showed is infuriated frustration at his injury âThen bloody help me to Dana so I can rip those rogues apartâ Aziel said what Rachelle had wanted to hear.
âCome on thenâ she offered her shoulder to Aziel and began to walk with him to the house as Jared went to find Andrew.