An exchange

An exchange
Hera POV

Mason's eyes meet mine and even in the middle of this nightmare, there's a spark there. It's a mix of relief and something warmer. He smiles, a slow and soft smile like the sun breaking through storm clouds.

He cups my cheeks and looks me in the eye.

“ You know despite all this crap were are in, I'm so damn proud of you. It makes me want to kiss you right here." He says with a smile.

My heart flutters. It's a little burst of light in the darkness we are stuck in.

I chuckle, "save those kisses for now.

When we get Lily back, then we'll have all the time in the world for that and more" I reply with a grin.

The thought of us, together, without all this poison hanging over us keeps me going. But right now, we can't afford to get lost in that.

Mason nods, his hand brushing mine for a second. The warmth of his hands is like assurance that I am not alone, I never will.

I squeeze back to tell him I've got him.

My phone pings in my pocket and I pull it out, heart skipping. As expected, it's Raven. Videos and photos of Fiona just like I asked enter one after the other.

She is passed out on a cold floor with nothing but her underwear.

I almost smile how well Raven understood the assignment.

I don't hesitate. I forward everything straight to Helena’s personal number. A smirk forms on my lips as I imagine the ugly look on her face once she realises that she is no longer the hunter but the prey.

“ You are grinning.” Mason comments from beside me. I look up from my phone, my grin widening.

“ I am just trying to imagine the reaction of Helena when she sees her daughter's pictures in such a vulnerable state.” I say. Mason narrows his eyes at me and I see something in his eyes –worry.

“ Relax, my actions have nothing to do with Shadow Riders. They can't hold you accountable.” I say, already aware of what's going on in his head.

I can't believe he is still concerned about the club rules when Helena already broke them by kidnapping Lily.

Mason nods and looks away.

"Now, we wait and watch her come to us," I say. Let her see what happens when someone messes with my family.

Mason leans against the wall, rubbing his jaw.

His eyes are still shadowed with worry.

"I wouldn't know how to face this alone, you know that?" His voice cracks just a bit, and it hits me hard. Seeing him like this, the infamous VP of Shadow Riders reduced to a dad terrified for his kid. It makes my throat tight.

I step closer, cupping his face in my hands. "That's why you’ve got me," I whisper, my thumbs brushing his stubble.

"We are in this together. We will get our daughter back." The words feel like a promise, one I need as much as he does. Fear is still clawing at my insides.

The picture of Lily sobbing echoes in my head, that image of her tied up, so small and scared. It's taking everything in me to keep this level of calmness.

We don't have to wait long before my phone rings again, the screen lighting up with Helena's number. I answer on speaker, holding it between us. Her voice explodes through the line, furious and filled with rage.

"You bitch! What the hell have you done with Fiona? Where is she?"

I lean back and cross my arms, letting her rage wash over me like rain. It tastes like a dessert in my ears after how haughty she was not long ago.

Now, I've got the upper hand and she knows that.

"If you can plot against Lily, I can do the same to your daughter," I say coldly, my voice steady even as anger simmers underneath. " It's only fair, Helena. Don't you think so?”

There is a beat of silence and then a sharp intake of breath follows.

"How—how do you know Fiona is my daughter? Viper told you??" She sounds stunned.

I smirk and turn to glance at Mason. His eyes widen a fraction, but there's a glint of approval there. He must also be wondering how I learnt about that.

"Do I need Mason to tell me everything?” I snort.

“ I might not be vocal about it but I know things. A lot of things. Stuff that doesn't always help me, but hey." I pause, letting the words sink in. "You thought I wouldn't prepare after I figured out you were working with Finn? Come on. I'm not that sloppy. Did you forget who I am or did you simply overestimate yourself,Helena?" I mock.

She sputters, trying to regain control. "You—you had no right! Fiona is innocent in all this!"Helena declares self righteously.

"Oh? She is and Lily isn't?" I shoot back, my tone dripping with mockery. "How do you think Fiona will react when she finds out the woman she thought was her aunt is actually her mother? And that said mother was gunning for the man she likes?" I probe.

Mason coughs beside me, a choked sound that's half surprise, half discomfort. Fiona has always had a crush on him and the reason that girl had I clashed on our first meeting.

I grin at him anyway, quick and wicked, because seeing his flustered face lightens the load we are both carrying just a bit.

"Shut your mouth!" Helena hisses but I hear the panic creeping in. Her voice wavers, like she is losing it.

"What do you want, Hera? Just tell me." I grin at that. I have her where I wanted.

“ Don't you already know what I want, Helena?” I refute.

“I want Lily back in one hour. Safe and sound or every second that ticks by, Fiona gets defiled by a new man. I have got a line of volunteers waiting." The words taste bitter on my tongue, but I say them anyway. Of course, I would never do that, even to my worst enemy but Helena needs something to scare her into complying.

Helena growls, low and animalistic. "What kind of woman are you? Putting another woman through that kind of torture?” She snaps. I have no doubt she would have tried to tear me into pieces if she was before me.

I scoff and anger flares hot in my chest. How dare she play that card on me?

"What kind of woman am I? I'll tell you. I am the type who protects her family at any costs . I don't care who or what I have to ruin to protect my loved ones. I’d set this city on fire to make sure they are safe.

You should have known that before you tried to fuck up with my daughter.” I growl before scoffing.

“Remind me again why I have Fiona in the first place? It's because you kidnapped a little girl and hurt her.

If you had remembered you are also a mother and left Lily alone, Fiona would be sipping tea right now, not tied up in some fucked up basement.” My voice rises, emotions spilling out despite trying to keep myself composed.

She goes quiet for a second, breathing heavy.

"Fine. We will make an exchange. You give me Fiona and I give you the kid on neutral ground." Helena proposes.