James wasn't sure if she had even heard him, "What happened?" Ben asked. "She said Craig is there," James told them. Elder Wallace's eye widened, "Was he with her?" Ben asked. "I don't think so, but she started whispering," James answered. "We have to get her out of there now," Jen yelled. "The healer knows something, they told her I was rejecting her and that's why her mark was fading," James added. Duncan went to James' office to call Ryan and Erik and get the warriors ready, while Ben was already on the phone with Levi. James went to his room to grab a few things for the ride, Red Creek was going to be at least a six-hour journey. He packed a bag and put in his gun with silver bullets. Werewolves frowned on using silver against each other, but it hadn't stopped Craig from using it on Blair and Ben. Ryan showed up at the house, as Ben and James took their bags to the car, "You don't have to come," James told him. "If you want to reach Red Creek by tomorrow and not need to sleep then I do need to go," Ryan informed him. Jen and Elder Wallace walked out, and Jen climbed into the back of the SUV. "No! Jen, you're not going," Ben nearly yelled. "You will need diplomacy and a way in that doesn't look like you're trying to start a war," Elder Wallace told them. "Fine," Ben relented climbing in next to her. "The packs will be behind you, call if there's trouble," Duncan told them. James nodded to his father and the elders before climbing into the passenger's side. Elder Wallace turned to Elder Tomas as they watch them leave, "I believe it is time to call the coven," he suggested. "I believe you are right," Elder Tomas agreed.
Blair splashed water on her face and put on light make up to hide how much she had been crying. She loosely curled her hair and put on a flower wreath and put her dress on. She needed to pretend everything was fine, at least until James and Ben had a chance to get there. The trip usually took a half a day, by car, but knowing Ben and James they would do it in a few. hours. She put on the white sandals and headed down the stairs, unsure of what she was going to find. She warily walked from the entry way where the stairs came down to the living room. Andy stood when he saw her enter, "Blair, you look gorgeous," he radiated. Blair struggled to smile, "Thank you," she replied. "I have something for you," he told her pulling a small wooden box from the pocket of his linen khaki pants. He opened it and there was a 2 karat diamond cut amethyst ring, "My sister said it was very boho chic," Andrew chuckled. "I can't accept this," Blair replied, her inside screaming at her to run. "It's just a ring to match the style of the evening, it's not the color of our pack or any other," Andy offered. Before Blair could make something up, Andy had taken it out and put it on the middle finger of her right hand, "See, fits," he said with a wink. Blair looked at it, the more she looked at it the more she felt herself spiral away, into herself. Almost as if someone else was controlling her body and she was a mere bystander. Blair blinked a few times and looked around the room, it was as if she was watching a tv. "Are you ok?" Andy asked his brow furrowed. Blair nodded, "Let's head to town," he said leading her out the door.
The town was buzzing with activity and Blair felt overwhelmed and out of sorts as Andrew lead her through the town and park. They finally stopped to sit down at the may pole where the children danced around looping their colored ribbon over and under. "Are you hungry?" Andrew asked. "Maybe some water," Blair asked. Andrew nodded and walked off; Blair tried to gather herself. She looked down at the ring, "I wouldn't take it off," a familiar voice sent a chill down her back. She turned to the right and there stood Craig not looking at her, "Why are you here?" She asked. "I came here after you banished me," he answered still watching the kids. "If you remember I forbid you from joining another pack," she replied. "Blair, when that demon left Ben, he left me too," Craig offered finally looking down at her. She looked at him skeptical, "You need to keep that ring on when he's around but take it off immediately after and be careful. I'll protect you as long as I can," he warned and walked away disappearing into the crowed as Andrew handed her a cup of water with rose pedals in it. Blair took a few sips, now weary of everything that Andrew gave her. "Come on, let's get some dinner," he told her. Blair smiled and nodded, they walked around looking at baked goods and BBQ meat, until Blair couldn't stand it anymore and ordered a large portion of brisket. After eating Blair felt a little more in control but still like she was walking around in a dream.
James got out of the SUV and stretched, "I'll fill up, you guys get some snacks," Ryan offered. James and Ben went inside while Jen went to the bathroom. James absentmindedly grabbed some water for he and Ryan, "We're making good time," Ben offered. The time without Blair had taken a toll on James and the added stress of her possibly being pregnant was making the affects even more noticeable. "We still won't make it till close to midnight," James told him, heading down a snack aisle. Ben followed, "And at that point we will have to stop somewhere to rest and wait for morning," James added grabbing some jerky and chips. "It's the summer solstice, they are likely having a party," Jen said joining them down the aisle. The men looked at each other, "If we can get there before their party is over that will be our in," Ben said knowing James was thinking the same thing. They quickly purchased their snacks and gas and hurried out to the car. Ben hopped in the driver's seat energized by the revelation, "Just don't get pulled over," James ordered as they sped down the road.