Brogan watched the sun rise from the steps of his back porch as he sipped a cup of coffee and admired the view. He wasn’t sure what today was going to bring and he wanted to take in all the beauty and life he could before he crossed into Hell.

He’d spent most of the night researching, but wasn’t sure he was any closer to finding out anything useful. Instead he went with what made sense to him, and then added in anything he found even the slightest mention of online. If they worked then they had an extra weapon, if they didn’t well they could always throw them at whatever came at them.

A soft knocking at his front door finally caught his attention. He wasn’t sure who it could be at this hour, but figured he’d better find out. Hiding wouldn’t fix anything after all. He opened the door and once again was stunned, “Barbara, what are you doing here? Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine son, I came as soon as I heard what was happening. I brought you some things. I don’t know what you guys will face down there, but I know one thing. There is no stronger force in this world then love and faith.  You have the love of our pack, of those two men walking by your side and above all the love of your mate. Have faith that it will work out, that you will rescue him and all come home safe and you will.”

Brogan felt a tear fall as he listened to her words. This woman was more than pack alpha, she was a mother to them all, she was the heart and soul of the pack.

“Here. These belonged to my family and Tristan's family for many generations. They will keep you safe on your journey.” Barbara handed him three necklaces. “They are symbols of our love and devotion to our pack and each other.”

“I can’t accept these.”

“You will. That is a command from your Alpha. When you come back if you choose you can return it, but for now this is not up for debate. I need the four of you to return home, where we’ll have a party waiting to celebrate your mate’s homecoming. I look forward to meeting the man that tamed your wolf.”

Brogan smiled in spite of himself and pulled the smaller woman into his arms. “Thank you. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

“My boy, your parents would be so proud of the man you’ve become. I’ve watched you grow up from that gangly boy to one hell of a fine man. Your grandmother always said you’d do amazing things with your life. She was right.”

He pulled back and this time didn’t even try to hide the tears that flowed freely down his cheeks. “Thank you.”

“Be safe and I’ll see you when you get back.” She turned and disappeared as quickly as she’d arrived leaving Brogan feeling slightly bereft and overwhelmed. What other surprises could this day possibly bring.

He probably shouldn’t have challenged the fates like that he thought a few hours later as he accepted another gift of faith from the people of Blue Creek. Word had spread like wildfire it would seem and half the town had showed up offering words of support and encouragement and items to help keep them safe. They had talismans from most every religion he could think of now and some he’d never heard of, but they all had one thing in common. Their owner believed these objects would keep them safe and Brogan figured that was good enough for him. As Barbara had said, Faith was a powerful tool.

When Rook and West showed up loaded down with similar adornments Brogan couldn’t help but smile. Blue Creek was one of a kind. “Looks like you’ve had visitors too.” He called out.

“I think,” West replied, “that we are as prepared for this as we can get.”

Rook nodded in agreement. “It’s true. Let’s sit down and compare what we’ve got. See if we think of anything we’re missing or need more of.”

The three men pulled out their backpacks full of supplies and one by one called out what they’d brought. In total they had water, granola bars, iron, bronze, silver, salt, holy water, salt water, a compass, a couple knives and guns, rope, matches, a zippo lighter, three flashlights with extra batteries, extra socks, a first aid kit and a small potion bottle.

“What’s that?” Brogan asked in confusion.

“Cadence gave it to me last fall. She said it was a grounding potion and that it would hold someone to this side of the veil for as long as the user willed it.” Rook shrugged, “Not sure, but something told me to grab it and bring it with me, so I did.”

“Anything anyone can think of we’re missing?” Brogan asked hopefully. “I’d rather be over prepared then need something and not have it.”

“He,” West pointed to Rook, “wanted to bring zip ties and duct tape, but we didn’t have any on hand.”

“I still think we need to bring them. You can fix almost anything with that combination.” Rook defended.

“I do and he’s right. My dad taught me that when I was little.” Brogan jumped up and ran into the kitchen. Within a minute he was back and holding them up in triumph, “That was great thinking, man.” He said as he stuffed them into his backpack.

They lapsed into silence as they repacked their bags, content in their own thoughts for the time being. Brogan wasn’t sure how much time had passed before he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He glanced around but couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary.  He opened his mouth to ask if they felt it, when he heard Jericho’s voice.

“I’m not worth it. Don’t do this, don’t let them do this.”

West froze and stared wide-eyed at Brogan. “Did you hear that?”

“Jericho?” Rook whispered in shock.

“Why would you say that?” Brogan demanded. “We are coming for you, there is nothing you can say to change my mind. Be prepared, you’re my mate and I won’t leave you behind, damn it.”

“Word’s gotten out you’re coming.” Cadence said from behind them, making all three men yelp in surprise and spin around.

“How do they know? How did Jericho just talk to all of us like that. It’s only been me in the past and only those two words. What’s happening?”

“He had to use a lot of energy to project like that. I know not why he did it that way, but he must have his reasons. It’s not too late to back out if you wish it.”

“It’s because of us he’s stuck there. We’re going with Brogan to get him back. Nothing is going to stop us.”

“And do you really have to pop in and scare the shit out of us like that?” West added with a frown. “You’re going to give me a heart attack doing that shit.”

“What did you mean they know we’re coming. How do they know?” Brogan demanded.

Cadence glanced from face to face searching intently for something before she nodded slowly. “I can see the determination. That’s good we’re gonna need it. And to answer your question, the why’s don’t matter anymore, Brogan. Time is running out, the longer we wait the longer they will have to prepare. Here, I’ve brought you all I could gather in the short time we had.” She handed them each a small bag. “There are potions for healing, camouflage, energy and fire resistance. Use them wisely.”

The clinking of the bottles almost sounded like wind chimes. Brogan mentally berated himself for such fanciful thoughts as he stuffed the bag into his backpack, closed it up and pulled it on. He turned to see his friends had done the same. It was time to go get his mate.

“Lead the way, High Priestess. Show us to Hell.”