The morning after was awkward. For Lacey especially. She remembered what had transpired between them but she didn't want to talk about it.
Was she drunk or high?
She asked herself on their way back to the City. So far the ride had been pretty quiet, with Hunt and Aidas only speaking up to talk to her or to give her orders.
That was all.
And she didn't push them either or bother them with questions either, because so far all her mind was occupied with was how they were going to bring down Ianthe and also how she was going to talk to the two of them about what transpired between them.
They all of course agreed to one thing when it came to Ianthe, they knew that they had to work with Suna.
Suna was the one on the case and she was also the one who could help them, if they all joined their forces together they could work out a way on how to defeat her.
They arrived at Hunt's apartment around mid noon, Hunt had stressed that they had to rest and strategize and Lacey couldn't agree more. She was tired from the trip and what had happened earlier with Ianthe.
As Aidas sat next to her while Hunt ordered lunch, Lacey decided she wanted to take another shower.
Luckily she had left a few change of clothes over at Hunt's place the last time she was there. She went into the shower with her clothes and took a shower quickly.
By the time she was dressed and on her way back she caught Hunt and Aidas in a conversation.
"What are you guys talking about?"
She asked as she looked at the coffee table, Hunt ordered burgers for her and fries.
Not bad, she thought.
"Uhm... Nothing for you to worry about."
Hunt replied and Lacey raised her eyebrows.
"No, I want to know what you guys were talking about. We agreed we'd have to tell each other everything."
Aidas sighed as he stretched his legs.
"It's about Ianthe. We were talking of how to bring her down."
"And? What did you guys come up with?"
She questioned and Aidas sighed. His eyes were a cool blue now, his hair a hot mess and he looked a little pale. Granted he was always pale but still.
"We're still talking about it..."
"You're going to have to include me in the conversation because I'm not leaving you till I get something good."
"Are these for me?"
She asked Hunt as she picked up the cheeseburger and he nodded.
"Yea. I remember you saying how much you liked them."
Lacey smiled.
It was sweet of him to remember.
Aidas frowned slightly.
"The one thing Ianthe cares about is the one thing the Council has control over."
"Hades Vigilanco?"
She asked and Hunt nodded.
"They know where he is. And that's exactly what Ianthe wants. She won't stop destroying the city because of him."
"But we can't give him to her! I mean, from what I heard this guy's bad news. The Faes outlawed him and he's banned in like several other cities. He being in Prison is a collective effort of the Order."
Lacey pressed.
That was what her mother had told her about Hades. The Order was the Supernatural Council that ruled the world and they had declared Hades a threat to humanity, like many other cities and places did. Him being locked up was the best thing to do.
But with Ianthe stirring up trouble and her having similar powers as that of Hades was another problem, especially since the one thing she wanted was inaccessible to her.
"Yes. I know. I know. But if we use him as bait, to trap her. I believe it can work out."
Hunt said and Lacey was quiet for a while. She glanced at the two of them.
"Do you think the Council will approve?"
"They have no choice. We're in this mess because of them."
Aidas scoffed as he picked up his phone.
"I'm going to call Imelda. See what she can dig up about the guy. Hunt you need to talk to Suna, we need to put pressure on the council."
Hunt nodded.
Lacey stood there feeling lost.
"Okay. what should I do?"
Aidas and Hunt froze. They turned to Lacey slowly.
Aidas laughed.
"What do you mean?"
Lacey narrowed his eyes at him.
"I mean I want to help."
"Oh no. No no. All you have to do is stay out of trouble. In fact, I'm going to find a nice, perfectly spelled safe house for you."
Hunt said and Lacey scoffed.
"I'm not staying in a safe house. I want to help. And I know Ianthe and my mother, I can help you draw her out."
"Lacey believe me I can find a hundred and one ways to draw out Ianthe without putting you in danger."
Aidas said.
"And you just pissed her off, I'm not sure it's advisable that you're out looking for her or trying to draw her in."
He added hastily.
Unbelievable!
She wasn't some kid to be babied!
Safe house?!
She turned to Hunt and stared at him incredulously, he gave her an apologetic look.
"I don't know what the two of you are thinking but if you think I'm going to sit here while you guys go on and do all the work then you must be joking."
"And if you think for one second that you can lock me up in some goddamned safe house then you're really on to something stupid."
"Having me with you is an advantage. I have a way to sniff out Ianthe. Something the both of you can't do."
Aidas and Hunt were quiet for a while, Aidas still looked sceptical but Hunt wasn't, in fact he looked like he was ready to disagree.
But something about Lacey's furious look changed his mind.
Finally, he caved in to her demands.
"Fine."
He said and he walked out of the room.
Lacey watched him leave and frowned, that wasn't the reaction she was hoping for from him, but it was close. At least it meant that they were finally listening to her.
Hunt walked closer to her and gave her a brief hug.
"I have to head out. See how the pack is doing. You sure you'd be okay alone?"
Lacey nodded.
"Yea. I'll be fine. Where's he going?"
She asked as she turned to the door, a little heartbroken about Aidas just walking out on her.
Hunt shrugged as he ran his hands through his hair. His green eyes looked tired. He must have been exhausted, patrolling the area in his wolf form just to make sure that she was safe.
"I have no idea. But I'll try and ask."
"Please don't go anywhere Lacey."
He started and Lacey shrugged.
"I'm not going anywhere..."
Hunt rolled his eyes.
"Yes, you are. The minute I'm gone you take off. And it always gets you in trouble."
"Please... For my sake just wait for me."
His voice sounded deep and hurt too.
Lacey felt bad. Of course he was hurt. The last time she had left she said she was going to see her father and then she had gone to see Yvaine. Over and over again she had made him panic when all he wanted to do was protect her and keep her safe.
He shouldn't have to come bailing her out of trouble always.
"I'll call you if I have to go."
She said.
She couldn't make any promises, but that was the least she could do.
Hunt chuckled. He held her hand and he kissed her fingers.
"Just let me know where you're going. And if you'll wait a while, I'll be here as fast as I can to take you."
"You know... If it was left to me I wouldn't let you out of my sight, but as an Alpha, I have a responsibility to my pack and I've been slacking for a while."
"You don't have to explain to me Hunt. I get it."
She said as she caressed his face, he had a stubble growing so it felt a little rough but she liked it either way. He held her closer to him and she smiled.
"I'll be back as fast as I can. Try to get some rest."
Lacey nodded.
"I will. Come back soon."