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Friday, December 14th Pt. 5
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The Return to Crimson Dawn Sunday, January 27th, 2019
It’s been just over six weeks since Lucas came to me with his confession of what happened to him and about two months since I removed Molly and her kids from Red Fang. While Molly and the girls have adapted well to the change Jeremy has had it a lot harder. Despite intense, daily therapy, the little boy struggles daily with the attack he endured. Unfortunately, his struggles with anger and grief has overwhelmed Molly and the final straw occurred two weeks ago when he physically attacked and injured his sister Brittany. None of them understand what triggered the attack but it prompted me to do what I never want to do and I removed him from their home. Therapy hasn’t uncovered a reason for him to become so violent towards his own family but it’s become obvious that the young beta has been devastated by his alpha’s betrayal. His mom and sisters still see and interact with him daily but he’s been moved into Lilly and I’s room for the time being. It wasn’t a big deal considering my own s
The Return to Crimson Dawn Sunday, January 27th, 2019 Pt. 2
“You will stand.” I repeat a little harder than the first. Patrick slips the padded vest that I’ve been keeping in my office over my head by the time Jeremy finds his feet. Before the pup can protest any further I take his shirt in a single motion overwhelming him with fear. The little beta reacts with all the strengths he has, screaming as his little fists hit the padding on my chest and shoulders. Everyone in the room observes silently as Jeremy’s fight continues.‘Grab the fleece blanket with dinosaurs on it from next door.’ I link Patrick with my next need. “Not the face.” My voice is normal and my tone neutral as I gently redirect his fight away from anything that could hurt me. Through his screams I can hear his apology for hitting his sister like this, his sadness over not being with his family unless supervised by Angela, Julie, Lilly or I. His tiny soul holds so much confusion, frustration and anger over what happened and his brain simply isn’t mature enough to handle suc
The Return to Crimson Dawn Sunday, January 27th, 2019 Pt. 3
(Cole’s POV)I’ve been back in the Red Fang territory for nearly three months and to say that everything has changed for me is an understatement. I made my way reluctantly back to my room two weeks ago from Dr. Johnston’s house. He’s done everything he could to make me comfortable in his home. It was over a month after I finally woke up that I was able to get out of bed and move around his house. To my disbelief, he allowed me to interact with his girls and there were several times that he and his mate got an urgent house call on the weekend that resulted in them allowing me to watch over them. I had no desire to leave. They took care of me much like the Jenkins did. I never experienced hunger and without having to report to my father, I never experienced pain while with the Johnston’s but my father seems to have a sixth sense about me and to keep them from my father’s wrath I left before they were up. No goodbye, no thank you, I just left. Slipping into the darkness like I’ve alway
The Return to Crimson Dawn Wednesday, March 27th
It’s been three months since Jon and Jamie first stopped by my room. To my greatest fear, Jon got called to dad’s office the next day. I was grateful to find that it was indeed just a meeting. Jon came by a week later with good news and several packages. Dad granted him permission to install a sliding glass door and a small wood porch. Surprisingly, he was commanded to pick up packages for me at the grocery store. While I may no longer be allowed inside the building dad is creating food and supply orders online and only Jon or Jamie are allowed to pick them up. Although I’m actually getting food to eat that is halfway nutritious delivered to my doorstep weekly, it’s still just enough to keep me going. I’m grateful to Jon and Jamie, who are as skilled at hunting as they are at protecting the border. I have learned that venison is quite tasty and it has become a regular source of meat for me. Dad resumed his weekly training at the beginning of February keeping me weak and in constant p
The Return to Crimson Dawn Thursday, March 28th
I place my pack on the ground and pull out a small LED flashlight that Jon gave me. I use it briefly to find my way to the worn path and keep it pointed down towards the ground to keep it from being too easily seen. To my relief I come across the first cabin within an hour of walking. I slip inside and lock the door behind me. Using the flashlight I locate the box of matches and light the oil lantern left on the counter. I use the small flame to warm my hands as my teeth chatter. The temperature outside has dropped fiercely and I now curse the fact that I don’t have a television or phone that can tell me the weather. Just because it’s supposed to be spring doesn’t mean it won’t snow. I light the gas stove next, letting it burn as I fill the kettle. I place it silently on the flame as I find several packs of hot chocolate and a mug. I remove it from the flame before it whistles and make myself a drink, enjoying the simple pleasure of something sweet and warming at the same time. I loo
The Return to Crimson Dawn Thursday, March 28th Pt. 2
“Alpha Charles Redmen lost my loyalty a long time ago. Alpha Andre has been back for several months and while I grew up around him, just like the rumors around the other two male children, I didn’t know him enough to trust him. He’s worked hard since December to choose an elite team, one that he believes will help him in his end goal.” “To free Cole Redmen.” I can tell that Jason’s voice is in awe as he starts to realize his true mission. “The only reason he would put you with my group is if you are willing to vow loyalty to him over his father. I must know where your loyalty lies.” “Ever since I went through sex education classes where the teachers explained that rape is acceptable when permission is granted by Alpha Redmen I’ve had an issue with him. I’m not as stupid as I act and I think Alpha Andre saw through that.” “If that’s true, it would explain why you were a last minute add on to my group. Andre emphasized that my group needed to lead Operation Underground the third tim
The Return to Crimson Dawn Thursday, March 28th Pt. 3
“I’m sorry if it’s awkward but Andre believes that positive touch and interaction will help you to trust us so I’m going to help you with this treatment. Your breathing sounds very painful. I’m going to move this pillow and get behind you. Hopefully leaning against me isn’t too uncomfortable considering I’m the same height as you.” He hands me the mask and turns on the machine before climbing into the bed with me. I would really prefer that he stay away from me but I don’t see where I’m in a position to refuse. I stiffen as he gets behind me, surprised when his first touch is to the hand holding the mask. “Bring it to your face, Cole. You saw me put the medication in there.” He tries to calm my fears while using gentle pressure to bring the mask to my face. I fight briefly before the fight for oxygen simply exhausts my energy. He pulls the strap around my head, letting it go without it snapping. He resorts to holding my hands in front of me as I’ve tried several times to remove the
The Return to Crimson Dawn Friday, March 29th
12amI start stirring about as the sizzle of bacon frying hits my nose. It’s been a long time since I’ve been treated to a luxury such as freshly fried bacon. I take my time becoming slowly aware of what’s around me. Mason took great care after I fell asleep to position me on my side. It takes a good minute for me to discover that his Sherpa lined coat is beneath my head, the collar positioned perfectly so that I can easily catch his scent as I sleep. “Why didn’t you tell him it was me?” I instantly regret saying it as I look around the small cottage for Jason. “Don’t worry Cole. Jason shifted and is going to do a quick twenty minute patrol to verify that Alpha Redmen is sticking to his word. He’ll be back in fifteen.” I relax a little only for his statement to hit me hard. “What do you mean stick to his word?” I can’t contain the panic lacing my voice. “Calm, easy breaths Cole. It’s all a part of the plan. As crazy as it was for you to attempt to run during a blizzard, your bro
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The Return to Crimson Dawn Friday January 10th, Pt. 2
“It was during his return that things became more active in his case. Alpha Demetri made the trip with his mate to the Shadowlands pack. Turns out she’s an empath and was very sick with silver poisoning. They were able to save her and to the best of my knowledge he returned to Crimson Dawn around the beginning of the year.”“He did it? He made it home?”His face lights up like a child on Christmas day.“Yes, he is with his mate in the protections of Alpha Demetri Black. Unfortunately, his amnesia has not yet resolved and as a precaution, in order to obtain custody of Cole, Alpha Black had to agree to restrict his movements until his mental health improves.”“He’s a prisoner there?”I had a feeling he would take this part hard.“Not necessarily. Considering what little I know about the hell he lived through next door and his encounter with the alpha of Purple Mountain, I don’t see where he’ll have the desire to leave that territory any time soon.”He nods his head a little more relaxed
The Return to Crimson Dawn Epilogue, Friday January 10th, 2020; 2pm
(Julius’s POV) I smile as the tall frame of my son in law stops and knocks on my open door. “You wanted to see me?” “Yes sir. Please come in.” He steps inside the room but only manages to close the door halfway before the demons of his past creep back upon him. “I would prefer this to be a private conversation but if closing the door makes it feel like you’re going to be punished then I encourage you to keep it open.” I speak my true feelings as he slowly turns around. The look of disbelief on his face. While it takes him several deep breaths he does manage to shut the door by the time I’ve stood from my desk. “Where would you like to sit?” Once again he’s in disbelief. “I need you as relaxed and level headed as possible. Where would you be the most comfortable?” I try again. “The recliner?” He manages to speak after a hard swallow. I nod and allow him to lead. He chooses the rocking recliner allowing him to rock subtlety as Hayden stirs gently. I smile as he console
The Return to Crimson Dawn Tuesday, December 31st Pt. 10
“I threw a fit. Charles waited until I was outside the courtroom to start punishing me for embarrassing him. He punched me in the face several times before I fell to the ground, then he started kicking me. He kept me on the ground until he was certain Heather and Marcus had left. Even though I had driven my own car to court he dragged me to his. He drove me home, only he didn’t go to the garage. No, he went to the back of the west wing where the room he modified for Cole is. I’ve only been in that room a handful of times when participating in my brother’s torture.” I stop as the memories of wrapping the silver belt around his leg and the condition he was in when I rescued him eight months ago blend together in a confusing mess. Murmurs float around the room, commenting on my unprompted confession. “Breathe, Andre. That was a very difficult truth to admit to. No comments will be made.” I know he’s addressing the pack as I continue to struggle. “You knew what was going to happen to
The Return to Crimson Dawn Tuesday, December 31st Pt. 9
“I’m concerned about you Andre.” Julius now has my attention only he has crouched down to my level. “While your statement seems to have helped Hayden it gave me the clue I was looking for.” “A clue to what?” “The true reason behind the terror you have in gaining custody of your kids. While any other wolf in this pack saying such a thing would be passed off as simply being very serious about their statement, you stating that you nearly died once to fight for them is something I take very seriously. What happened the last time they were taken from you?” I shake my head hard, holding my breath as I fight against the flashbacks trying to invade my thoughts. “Andre?” He tries again but all I can do is shake my head slowly. “Papa Redmen hit him. He made him bleed.” The innocent voice of my daughter breaks through. “You saw it?” Abe seems shocked that it would be done in front of her. I watch as she nods her head. “Mommy spanked me for crying.” She whines hard before laying against h
The Return to Crimson Dawn Tuesday, December 31st Pt. 8
(Andre’s POV) Stepping into the pack house is surreal at best. My head is spinning out of control with thoughts I had desperately tried to put behind me. I had relinquished all hope of ever having my kids just for the full force of the unpredictably of my life to cripple me when I need to be my strongest. The house is silent as I pick my way through the crowd. Julius is carrying Harper and Abe is trailing behind the two of us. It seems Julius wants as much of a barrier as he can create between Hayden and any escape route he may manage to find. I’m more concerned about him getting lost inside the pack house than him getting outside it. This place has proven to be a maze to me despite living here full time for the last six months. The house is completely silent except for the television quietly counting down the seconds until the new year. I can only hope that this year is different. That the New Year will actually be the change I’ve needed for years. Shamefully, I feel the dread tha
The Return to Crimson Dawn Tuesday, December 31st Pt. 7
“To show him the effects that abuse has on others. To prove to him once and for all that what his father taught him is wrong. Besides, Charles has been extremely cruel to Andre as well.” “How so?” “Well, I just learned tonight that Alpha Redmen gave each of his sons permission to have sex, to even rape, at the age of sixteen but lied about the penalty for getting the lady pregnant. Andre has been beaten multiple times for pregnancies. The first two were not his, yet he was mercilessly beaten three times during both of those pregnancies. He was forgiven a fourth when the pups came back not his. The beatings got worse when he got three others pregnant just to be denied the ability to be their father. The two older ones with two different ladies are in better packs than Red Fang but the two with him now. Well, their mother isn’t much of a mother.” I state sadly as I pull into the garage, turning off the motor as the door closes behind me. “I need your help. These pups are terrified a
The Return to Crimson Dawn Tuesday, December 31st Pt. 6
(Julius’s POV)It’s an hour's drive to get from Red General to the Red Moon pack house. Since Charles has been removed, moving through the Red Fang territory has become easier as the borders are completely open while the council is here. The bad news is, it’s gotten a lot more dangerous. While open borders allows the pack members to come and go, even move out if they please, it also allows rogues to infiltrate the territory. I’ve had to up my own guards on the border to account for the vulnerability it’s created for my own pack. The council hasn’t been happy with me accompanying Andre to and from the territory. They felt that, as the coronated heir, he should be able to handle this himself. I took the opportunity of his consistent meltdowns to save the fallout from such visits showing the council exactly how severe his abuse has been. I cringe every time I hear him speak about his brother, Cole. How has Cole even survived if his analogy of the situation is true? That Cole’s suffering
The Return to Crimson Dawn Tuesday, December 31st Pt. 5
“It’s quite alright. We are used to this type of reaction from children who come in abused. I can tell by the way he’s calmed that you are his biological father. We’ve been waiting for you.” I’m stunned when a voice comes from behind me instead of the nurse in front of me. I turn to see an unfamiliar woman in the doorway in front of Julius and Alex. Something about her unnerves deeply and my immediate reaction is to step back. “Easy Andre, she’s here to help.” Julius tries to calm me. We study each other silently as I sway gently. “I understand that you have had a very rough time with the council’s family court. I promise it is different this time. Take a seat so we can talk. Are you okay with me sitting on Harper’s bed?” I nod slowly without moving. “Mr. Redmen, do you think you can get him to take this?” The nurse hands me a little cup of purple liquid. “What is it?” “Tylenol 3. It has a small amount of codeine in it. Humans won’t give it to children this young but it has be
The Return to Crimson Dawn Tuesday, December 31st Pt. 4
I wake up yelping, screaming and fighting from the fitful dream I fell into during the ride to Red General. I cling hard to the back of Alpha Julius’s shirt as he silently embraces me. I had no idea how hard dad had been on me until I went to Blister Ridge. I had to harden up while I was back at Red Fang which has not only delayed my ability to process what has happened but it has added to the trauma I’m already struggling with. Josh has diagnosed me with complex PTSD, he did shortly after I moved into this pack after Cole disappeared. He simplified the description as being multiple traumatic events instead of just one causing the post trauma anxiety. Julius waits patiently for me to get myself together as going into the hospital with my own PTSD on full display won’t help me with my kids. I lift myself from his shoulder slowly, taking several deep breaths with my eyes still closed. It’s only as I open them and look into his blue-green eyes that he speaks. “Are you ready?” His voic
