Chapter 35

I looked around at the boys and then back at the screen.

“Creed and Cyrus are both going to be killed either way. They will be killed for the king’s actions if the evidence points to them, or the king will kill them if they mess up his plan.”

It was silent for a moment as everyone thought it over.

Uncle Gavin finally piped up, “then we join the fight against him and take the king down before he has a chance to act.”

I watched Uncle Gavin look around at everyone for confirmation.

“You kids come home for winter break in two weeks. Cyrus hasn’t been caught doing anything yet, and he’s just starting to frame Creed. I don’t think anything will happen until you kids go back to school after your break.”

My dad nodded, “He needs the school empty to set up whatever he’s doing. He knows Creed and Cyrus won’t go through with it. He’s going to send his men in when everyone’s gone.”

I nodded, “it makes sense.”

“See if Creed will come home with you for winter break. I want to meet him and see if we can find out more about what we’re dealing with. I just sent Cyrus an email. I’ll let you know as soon as I get that meeting set up.” Uncle Kain looked over at my dad to see his reaction, but dad just nodded.

“What do we know about your other mates? What’s the connection? There must be one somewhere.” Uncle Gavin asked.

“I haven’t noticed anything yet. They are all so different.”

“Then we’re still missing a piece of the puzzle.” My dad said.

“Something is connecting everything. Try to look past them as individuals and find that connection. Look at their family history, where they live, how you are connected to them. I think that’s the key to all of this.” My dad looked at my mom and she nodded.

“OK, I’ll see what I can find out. Right now, I think I need to talk to Creed. He needs to know that I believe him.”

“Bella,” Aunt Siah jumped in. “By the sounds of it, Creed has been through a lot. You know what all I want through growing up. I understand what it feels like to be put in the position he is in. It’s OK to sympathize with him, but don’t pity him. That’s the last thing he wants.”

I nodded, “OK, I’ll keep that in mind.”

The boy's joined in on the conversation and filled our parents in on where they were with investigating my mates. As I sit here listening to them, my emotions are starting to get overwhelming.

Creed’s father is literally setting him up to get killed, and I doubted him. I’m the one person that he should always be able to count on. I feel like I let him down.

I smiled at the screen. I’m so thankful for my family. There are times when they can be overbearing and drive me completely crazy, but I love them. I know I can turn to any one of them with any issues that I am having.

They have no problem setting me straight when I’m wrong, but they will also have my back no matter what. I hope Creed at least has the same kind of connection with his brother.

We hung up the video chat, and I sunk back into the couch.

“You guys were awful quiet. What do you really think about everything?”

Ryker shook his head, “I’ve got to admit, I’ve had my doubts about Creed, but now I think you're right. I’m more concerned about Rowen right now. Where did he get all that information from? Unless Creed has told anyone else, the only students that know who he is, would be us and Creed.”

Drake nodded and looked at Ezra but didn’t say anything.

“We could put a tail on him and see what he’s been doing when Bella isn’t around.” Ezra said as he looked around at all of us.

“That could work, but it can’t be any of you. It would be too obvious.”

Ezra nodded, “I’ll find someone.”

“OK, I’ll let you guys handle that. I’ve got to go see Creed. He’s probably going crazy right now, and he hasn’t done anything to deserve this.”

“One more thing, Bella,” Drake said. “Find out why Creed went to Rowen’s room tonight. They are definitely not friends. Something happened for him to show up there out of the blue.”

I nodded, “your right. He busted into the room ready to attack someone, until he saw all three of us. I’ll see what I can find out.”

Ryker nodded, “I’ll walk you up to his room. I don’t trust Rowen, and I don’t want you walking around here alone.”

“OK,” I followed Ryker out, and he still looked like there was something on his mind that he wasn’t saying.

“What are you hiding? You’ve had a weird expression on your face ever since you walked Creed out.”

Ryker chuckled, “It’s nothing really. Just thinking. Do you think Jacie is Ezra’s mate?”

“Oh, I don’t know. They seem to really like each other and are always together. You three are best friends and talk about everything. Wouldn’t he tell you if she was?”

“I thought so, but now I’m not so sure. I’m just curious. He just seems to be getting closer and closer to her every day. I’ve never seen Ezra date a girl for more than a couple of weeks. This just seems different for him. He’s even having a hard time concentrating on the investigation. He can’t seem to be away from her.”

“I say put him on the spot and ask him. He’s not going to lie to you or Drake.”

Ryker nodded but didn’t say anything else.

I stared at Creed’s door for a minute. I can’t help feeling bad. I just feel like I should have said or done something when Rowen was going off about everything. He looked defeated, and I did nothing to help him.

I finally knocked on his door, but he didn’t open it like normal. He just yelled, "Come in."

I walked in, and he was lying on his bed staring at the ceiling, with his hands folded behind his head.

All he had on was his gym shorts, and my goddess, he looks incredible. He must have just gotten out of the shower. His skin looks so smooth and shiny under the light in his room. His muscles are on full display and ripple a little as he breathes in and out. The art that covers his arms and some of his chest is enough to bring me to my knees. Get your head straight, Bella. You’re here to talk.

Creed smirked as he caught my eyes roaming up and down his body.

“Are you going to come closer, or do you just want to look?”

I smirked and tried to hide my blushing. “I believe you,” was all I could say as I walked over to his bed. He slid over so I could curl up next to him.

“I never lied to you. I should have told you why I was sent here, but I just didn’t think it was relevant. It’s not going to happen. I didn’t want to scare you for no reason.”

“I know, but I am worried. Not for myself, but for you. The boys and I called home and spoke to everyone. We all agree, and think your father is setting you and your brother up. Even if you don’t do what he wants, he’s going to do it anyway.”

Creed nodded, “That same thought has been on my mind. Cyrus is almost there. He said he has some support and back up, but he doesn’t think it’s enough. He’s trying to get meetings with a few more Alphas, but he hasn’t been able to get in contact with any covens.”

“One of those Alphas is my uncle. He’s setting the meeting up, and as far as I can tell, we will back you.”

Creed closed his eyes for a second, “I didn’t want you or your family involved. I don’t want to risk the king finding out about your magic.”

“He won’t. If you think Ryker, Ezra, and Drake are overprotective, wait until you meet my dad and my uncles.” I smiled at him.

“Which reminds me, they want you to come home with me for winter break. They all want to meet you.”

Creed smirked and hesitated for a minute before he wrapped his arms around me. “Exactly how overprotective is your dad? I won’t be able to keep my hands or my mouth off you.” He started placing light kisses on my neck.

I laughed, “You’re my mate, I’m sure they expect it.”

He pulled away a little and laid his head back down. “I need to talk to Cyrus. I’m supposed to meet up with him. We need to figure out the best way to get past his guards. We need to finish this soon or a lot of people are going to get hurt.”

I reached my hand up to touch his cheek, “are you scared?”

He stared into my eyes and bit his lower lip, “only about losing you.”