Prologue

Haley Holloran Cambridge Conners watched her oldest son EJ pop to Future Luna Chelsea Hanes. I was surprised since he didn’t often pop to people outside the family. Chelsea was pregnant though which gave me something to think about. I wasn’t positive, but this could mean that Chelsea and Peter’s child was EJ’s mate. He clearly already felt drawn to Chelsea for some reason.

I made myself pause those thoughts knowing I’d have to just wait and see. I popped EJ and myself home. His face had a stubborn set to it now telling me he didn’t want to leave her. The second we got home Eric asked, “What’s going on? You feel like you’re trying to figure something out, but you’re also excited.”

I cautioned, “I’m not certain about anything yet.” Eric laughed, “I don’t care, Angel. What’s going on in that beautiful mind?” I admitted, “I think it’s possible that Chelsea Hanes and Peter Kyle’s child is EJ’s mate.” Eric’s hand froze on my face.

He looked into my eyes for several minutes and I felt him going through our bond. Eventually he said, “You’re serious. You think he can already tell even before the pup is born?” I nodded, “Fairies can always tell. He popped right to Chelsea today, but I won’t know for sure unless he does it again.” Eric felt like he’d been given a gift in the bond. He told me, “That’s amazing. They will have each other their whole lives. I can easily envy that, but I’m so happy for EJ.”

I warned, “I could be wrong.” Eric chuckled, “I seriously doubt it. You can be uncertain all you want while I have all the faith in you.” I laughed, “He’s already pouting about leaving her.” Eric replied, “Of course he is. He’s an Alpha Male, even if he is a pup. If I’d known you when you were a child, I would’ve loved every second of it and protected you from everything I could.” I knew that.

He vowed, “EJ will protect his mate, as will we. They will have a unique journey, and I am very happy for our son. Fairies are certainly ushering in a different era into our lives.” Jackson, Harold, Darrin, Nathan, Cassandra, Molly, Jessica, and Shana walked in.

Nathan asked, “What phase would that be? We only heard the tail end of the conversation.” I stiffened not wanting to have this conversation. It would inevitably turn into a fight since Cassandra was here. I quickly said, “We aren’t certain about anything yet.” Eric squeezed me.

Cassandra chided, “You know we have no secrets in this family.” I snorted, “Unless they are yours, right?” Molly bit her lip hiding her smile while everyone else looked uncomfortable. Honestly, Cassandra had the highest level of audacity as the teenagers in the pack would say. They taught me things about this realm and were incredibly helpful.

Jackson gently asked, “What aren’t you sure about? We can mull the idea around the group.” There was only one member of the group I minded doing that with. Eric said nothing out loud. He linked me, “You can decide if you want to tell them or not.” Marcus and Bjourn walked in, and both smiled at me.

Cassandra asked, “What’s going on?” It was more of a demand. So, I calmly said, “We don’t fucking know. It’s just a possibility we were discussing.” Everyone with a bond with me felt the annoyance and heard the snark that was not in my tone.

Marcus questioned, “What is, little one?” If anyone else had asked I wouldn’t have said anything, and he knew that. I sighed, “Chelsea Hanes and Peter Kyle’s child could be EJ’s mate.” Bjourn commented, “That would be great. They live close by, and they could know each other their whole lives as I knew Astrid. I’m happy for EJ.”

Cassandra sighed, “Chelsea Hanes isn’t even that far along right now. How could you possibly know that?” I calmly replied, “You evidentially missed the words where I said it’s just a possibility, Cassandra.” I was not in the mood for her today. Cassandra frowned, “There’s no need to be hostile.” There was and she knew it.

I rolled my eyes, “When you throw the no secrets bullshit in my face, then tell me I can’t be right I have every right to be hostile. EJ popped to Chelsea and was instantly comfortable with her. There’s a very good chance that she’s pregnant with his mate.”

Cassandra sighed, “We just don’t know that at this point. You can’t be saying things like that until they are eighteen. Mates are a big deal.” I looked at Eric and said nothing because I was done with this conversation if she was involved. EJ would know much sooner than when he was eighteen and she knew it. He had Fairy blood even if she wanted to deny that.

Eric supported me, “I think my mate is right.” Cassandra argued, “I’m just saying we shouldn’t get our hopes up. He’s just a pup.” Marcus chimed in, “Who would be upset if this theory didn’t turn out to be right? As you said, EJ is just a baby. It’s not as if she told him.”

Cassandra put her hands together, “I am saying I don’t think telling him, even when he’s old enough to understand. You really shouldn’t tell him such things when we won’t know for sure until both of them are eighteen.” That was it. I asked, “Are you fucking serious? EJ will know when their child is born because he’s partial Fairy.”

Cassandra shrugged, “His wolf side is very strong and we all know that. We can sense it which means he could take after us. I’m just cautioning you to be careful. We wouldn’t want to break two little pups’ hearts.” Fury filled me.

I stood, “EJ is MY son and you will NOT tell me how to raise my fucking child. That’s between Eric and I. EJ will know if their child is his mate because it’s not just wolf blood running through his veins. I will not lie to him. Hell, I can’t even if I wanted to. That would be….” I trailed off tapping my chin.

I snapped my fingers asking, “What’s it called?” I waited until everyone was uncomfortable because they knew what I was about to say. “Oh yeah, keeping a fucking secret. I will raise MY son how Eric and I decide. Not how you want. I will not lie to my kids, because I can’t, or hide things from them. I will not tell EJ he doesn’t know who his mate is because you want to forget that he has a Fairy side. I don’t care how much you don’t want them to acknowledge that side of them, they will.” I walked off before I punched her in the face.

I was so sick of her shit. She was such a hypocrite and never saw it, but I was now hyper aware. EJ popped to me. Even at his age his little quizzical eyes showed his concern for me. I pledged, “If mommy is right, no one will keep you two apart. Your daddy, Uncle Aiden, Uncle Bjourn, and I wouldn’t let that happen. Hell, none of your uncles would. Then there’s your Hackura grandparents. Grammy Veronica would slaughter people for suggesting it.” He giggled.

I tapped his nose, “We know what it is to keep mates apart when they’ve met. We would not be cruel to you like that. We can make sure you see the Kyle’s baby. Chelsea is friends with your cousin Emmaline and she’s a good person. Your grandma Cassandra just doesn't understand Fairy ways. She loves you though, EJ.” I knew she did.

Bjourn cleared his throat, “You don’t often show the short fuse you have with your mother in law, little sister.” I shot back, “She can’t tell me how to raise my fucking kids. They are mine. She can make her snide little comments to me and that’s fine; I don’t care.” I saw him raise an eyebrow.

It was true originally I wanted her to like me, but I’d given up on that. Truly didn’t care anymore. I continued, “What she won’t do is question Eric and I on how we raise our son.” Bjourn nodded, “I think that was made perfectly clear. It needed to be though.” Marcus joined him, “It’s more than, brother. Eric said his piece after Haley did.” I shrugged, “So?”

Bjourn laughed, “You wouldn’t say any of that to mom.” I frowned, “Mom would never say those things to me the way Cassandra did. She trusts me to do what's right with my kids. She gives advice, not rebukes and slights.” Mentally I added that mom didn’t dislike my Fairy side either. She’d always found it fascinating and cool.

Bjourn studied me asking, “Are you ok?” I answered, “Yes, besides like I said, I’m not sure their child is EJ’s mate yet.” Marcus snorted, “What’s the chance that you’re wrong?” I sighed admitting, “Maybe one percent.” Marcus laughed, “EJ will know for sure anyway.”

I looked at my son muttering, “I think he already does. Besides, I wouldn’t keep this from him even if I could. To keep them apart would be cruel.” Bjourn assured me, “As it’s been stated, little one, EJ is yours and Eric’s child to raise as you wish. Plus, Eric seemed excited about the whole thing.”

Eric came into the room speaking in third person, “Eric IS excited about it. My mom is just worried we could be wrong, and that little EJ would get his heart crushed.” No, she wanted me to be wrong. She doubted me, not my husband. She wanted me to be wrong so she could hold it over my head.

I noticed Marcus was studying me closely, but he couldn’t sense all my feelings. Something he knew and was not pleased about. He sent me his annoyance that I was holding back. I was getting better, but I didn’t want to burden them with all my chaotic feelings.

I told Eric, “If I’m right, I don’t want them kept apart. He already has his wolf. Which tells me it would hurt all sides of him to do that, especially his Fairy side. I know I don’t have a damn wolf, but I think it would hurt his wolf too. I know they are the first of their kind, but if his Fairy side knows then his wolf will know. His Hackura side might cause bloodshed if he’s not allowed because again, that side of him would know because of his Fairy side.” My brothers made faces of agreement on that point.

Eric kissed me then pulled back, “I will never let something like that happen to our pups. EJ will make his own choices. If he wants to be around their pup, he will be. I’d imagine he will as he already gravitates towards Chelsea. You are likely right. If any part of EJ knows, then his wolf will know. There would be no keeping a wolf from their mate. I don’t even want to speculate on a Hackura being kept from their mate. I doubt boarded up windows would help with that. I do not plan to try to hurt any of our pups in anyway. Let alone keeping them away from their mate.” I nodded.

At least he wasn’t going to listen to Cassandra. Aiden popped in smiling. He asked me, “What are we talking about?” I smiled answering, “EJ may have found his mate. He didn’t want to leave Chelsea Hanes’s arms and she’s pregnant.” Aiden sighed, “It was too much to hope he’d have a Fairy as a mate.” I laughed, while Eric growled.

Eric admitted, “I have a meeting to get to that I’d prefer if Marcus and Bjourn joined me for.” I smiled and hugged my brothers, then kissed Eric’s cheek. I said, “Have a good meeting.” They all left together with a little hesitancy in their steps.

Aiden tilted his head, “Why do you feel sorrow, little sister? It calls to me, but I can’t imagine you are sad about EJ and this unborn mate of his. No, that’s it. Hmmm, what has your wolf’s mother done now?” I answered, “She doesn’t believe me and said we shouldn’t tell EJ my suspicions.”

Aiden laughed, “She is foolish. You are right, and EJ will know that. You couldn't keep them apart even if you tried. Besides, that would be cruel and you are not capable of that. That is not the reason for your sorrow though.”

I confessed, “I worry that Cassandra will discount my children’s Fairy side. I’m more worried that she will make them feel bad about it. I won’t be able to hold my temper if she does that.” Aiden frowned, “I think you should tell your wolf how you feel. I’m surprised your other brothers deal with how she speaks to you, given how their race feels about disrespect.”

I explained, “They do it for me because I want peace here in this house.” Aiden snorted, “But you do not have peace in this house. Everyone else has an illusion of peace, with slight tension. Whereas you suffer for it in silence. If Arion were here, that would not be the case.”

I felt pain thinking of my other brother. I pointed out, “I told you how I felt.” Aiden nodded, “You did. I have half a mind to tell them all myself, but you trusted me and I cannot betray that.” He could but I knew he wouldn’t, which meant a lot to me.

He rubbed his temples, “Goddess, I miss our brother.” I did too. I rubbed my temples, “Cassandra is Eric’s mom and she ran this pack at one point. They don’t see her actions for what they are. Those that do think giving in is the easier path. In their defense, they are right. I just don’t care anymore.” Aiden said, “As someone who knows what that is like to have a mother you do not see it’s better to know.” I frowned.

I looked at EJ and acknowledged, “I fear a day is coming where I’ll kick her ass. If she hurts my children I cannot and will not stand for it. I know she loves them, I really do. She makes sure she has Grandma Cassandra days with them all. That’s what makes it so hard. I can’t deny my kids something I desperately wanted that she gives them. Grandparents who love and spend time with them.”

Aiden nodded, “You are too pure for this world sister. Everyone else’s peace is not more important than yours. She should be proud of you. I know am.” My heart warmed. There was a time I’d never thought I’d hear him say those words to me.

I groaned, “She’s a walking contradiction. They all just want me to do something I cannot. She could’ve cost me people that mean the world to me. If it had just been me she got iron shot at, that would be one thing. I was pregnant though, and she decided I should be unaware of a threat against my children. She almost got my mate…” I trailed off thinking what could’ve happened to Eric in Claudia’s hands.

I sighed, “Then there’s my brothers and my in laws. I truly care for them. I don’t know how to get over all the chaos she created and she’s not even sorry about. She lied to me about not having secrets. I bared mine for them. It was my secret shame and I let them see it. Hell, not just them. I let the allies and my Hackura family see too. Then she kept a secret that she MADE everyone else keep too. She’s not even kind of sorry. She still thinks she was right because she cannot perceive how she could be wrong even when I explain it to her.”

Aiden looked away, “I do not believe you can get over it. You are not designed to, and it’s not as the ‘what if’ game isn’t played. I know people told you not to play it, but the Ribbon you are in is a literal ‘what if’ game.” I snorted, “Great. If you don’t think I can get over it then I can’t. The Ribbon point is a valid one. I’m using that the next time this comes up.”

Aiden looked back at me smiling, “I say you can’t because you are twice light bound to your wolf. Anyone harming him is a transgression your light will never forgive. Especially when one is not even repentant or willing to apologize. It wasn’t just him in danger either. It was your children. Along with your Hackura family, the family who protected you.” Pain flooded me.

I grabbed Aiden’s hand, “You do that too. We are different now, Aiden. You have protected me a lot lately.” Aiden looked at me, “I will always regret your childhood. I buried myself in my own grief and traveled. I unintentionally abandoned you and left you to be hurt in ways I could not have imagined. I am so sorry.”

I shrugged, “You didn’t know, and it’s not like all our memories are bad. We had good times despite how things were when you traveled. I have many fond memories with you and Arion. Something that seems hard for people to grasp and it’s frustrating. Besides, we have a different relationship now and that’s what counts. I mean, I’ve confided in you about my feelings more than anyone else lately.” It was true. Somehow Aiden had become my confidant and sounding board because he didn’t react or judge. He just listened because Fairies had to share their sorrow.

Aiden snorted and kissed my cheek, “I love you, little sister.” I smiled, “I love you too.” He stayed and we talked for a little while. When he popped away, I started to get the triplets ready for their nap. I looked at all three of them.

I promised, “I will always be on your side, in your corner, and your advocate. I will make sure you know if you’ve done something wrong, but I will always listen to your side of things. I will not tell you who to love or when to love them. If you find your mate, I will believe you when you tell me. Not because you can’t lie, but because I know you.”

I nuzzled their noses, “You three are so special. No one has ever seen anything like you. You’ll always have me and your dad, but you’ll also have each other. Nothing can break the bond you all share. EJ, if I’m right about Chelsea’s baby then you will have a sweet love story.” He cooed at me.

I swore, “No one will keep you two apart. I will make sure of it. Not even your grandma Cassandra if she tries.” I kissed all their foreheads as I put them into their cribs. I turned off the light knowing my children’s happiness was what mattered, and I would protect that.