2

I answered, “Good. I found her. Did you hear the story about Melanie’s stuffed wolf?” My dad nodded, “Yes. It seems several male members of their pack feel possessive of her. They don’t like seeing her with a wolf that wouldn’t be the color of their wolf.”

I countered, “So you don’t know that the reason she was so upset was because she was told white and black wolves aren’t real Alpha’s and she should get a different one because of that. Additionally, they didn’t like it’s coloring.”

My dad growled, “What? No one mentioned that.”

I admitted, “I don’t think anyone except Elise, Melanie, and Robert know.”

My dad questioned, “Why did she tell you then?”

I snorted, “You know why she told me.” My dad reasoned, “She is very smart. Are you sure she’s telling the truth?”

I nodded, “I believe her and I’m going to ask Elise about it after the dance. Is it possible people are so paranoid about Beta Drake’s caution about Alpha Ezra that they’d lie about Melanie?”

My dad frowned, “Lie about what?”

I shrugged, “She said Robert, his friends, and even some adults, lied about crossing the border on our birthday last year.”

My dad laughed, “She could be lying. Unlike you and your Fairy cousins, she can.”

I shrugged, “Apparently, Melanie begged them to bring mom or Cassie to her to prove she wasn’t lying. I think she REALLY wants to meet everyone. She’s too smart to get caught even if she was crossing.”

My dad thought about it, “It could be the case, yes. Melanie is loved over there.”

I frowned, “She’s still being bullied about her toy wolf.”

My dad raised an eyebrow, “If she is, not a single whisper has left their territory about it.”

I confessed, “She doesn’t think anyone will believe her except Elise.” My dad frowned, “I’ll talk to Alpha Peter. He loves Melanie as if she was his own. Your mom can talk to her at the McAlister’s anniversary party. She is coming right?”

I nodded, “She’s really excited about it.”

My dad said, “Well your mom and I will meet her then.”

I said, “All of you will. For once I beat you to something, I met Melanie McAlister first.” My dad laughed, “I’m sure you, your brother, and a few of our other pack members going to this dance will meet her that night.”

I sat back, “Oh my god. This is an odd feeling. I know something you don’t.”

My dad smiled, “What’s that?”

I answered, “Melanie won’t be there. She signed up for a dance competition.” My dad frowned, “Oh, she didn’t have one the last time I spoke to Drake.” I grinned.

His eyes narrowed, “When did she sign up for a dance competition?”

I smiled, “I had the same question. She signed up Wednesday.”

My dad’s lips twitched, “I see. Well, have a good night son.” I nodded knowing something was definitely up.

The next two days passed at an agonizing pace. Finally, the minute it was time to pop to Elise I was there. Peter laughed, “Did I not tell you he’d pop in the literal second he could, Sugar baby momma?”

I didn’t pay any attention. All I saw was my girl.

I ran to her and picked her up and spun her around. I put my forehead on hers just inhaling her scent. I stepped back and looked at her. She was in a burgundy dress. I had to force my eyes away from her chest. It had a sweetheart neckline that had my pulse racing. The dress went down to her knees. She looked stunning. Brutus purred, “Mate is beautiful.”

I snapped myself into a black button down shirt and slacks with a matching burgundy tie. Peter sighed, “If only I could do that.”

I whispered in her ear, “My girl looks stunningly beautiful.”

She blushed, “Thanks.” I said, “I’ve missed you.” She giggled, “I missed you too.”

We stared into each other’s eyes until Elise’s mom cleared her throat. “You guys should get a move on.”

I held out my arm for Elise, “Let’s go.”

She looped her arm in mine. Ray warned, “Oh no you don’t, little Alpha. You’re popping with me too.” I smirked and grabbed his hand too and popped us to the Hackura realm. I wasn't letting her leave my side.

I saw Alexander first. I asked, “Hey, how’s everything going?”

Alexander answered, “Aunt Astrid put off her coronation.”

My Aunt and Uncle had gotten married when we’d turned ten. They were going to wait until Uncle Bjourn was King, but Uncle Bjourn thought Aunt Astrid had been hurt on a mission.

The second she got back he told her to plan their wedding because it was happening. She had laughed. He mistook her being upset over one of her people getting hurt as her own pain. He did not handle it well.

I asked, “Why did she do that?”

Alexander answered, “Cayden is on mission, and he’s gone dark. He was supposed to be back, but he and Micah are still MIA. Aunt Astrid doesn’t want to be crowned without one of her nephews here. It’s next month now. Uncle Gunner is worried about Micah.” I winced.

Micah was Uncle Gunner’s son with a lesbian Hackura couple. He was just as techy as his dad, even at his age. He was younger than I was. I asked, “So Cass is upset?”

Cassie was going to Faerie for a whole month. We were going to pop to see her, but she wanted to stay in Faerie.

My dad only agreed because she was staying with Uncle Aiden and Aunt Lucinda in their summer home. Mom would shut down about it, but she genuinely wanted Cassie to have a good time. Uncle Aiden agreed to let six Hackura guards go with Cassie for the duration of her stay.

Uncle Aiden was also assigning Fairy warriors to her. It seemed like overkill, but I also knew there was something going on I didn’t know about. I sighed, “She could just leave Faerie for it.”

Alexander shrugged, “You know Cass. Once she has a plan, she sticks to it.”

I sighed, “I do.”

Alexander smiled, “Elise, I feel this is the longest I haven't seen you since, well forever. It’s weird. Let’s not make it a habit. You look beautiful. My brother is a lucky man.”

Elise smiled, “Thank you,. It has been weird not seeing you guys.”

I glanced at my phone for a time check. I smiled knowing we had time before the ceremony began. I popped Elise and I to a hill that overlooked a lot of the kingdom. I’d never brought her here before. Elise gasped, “It’s beautiful up here.”

I looked at her, “Yes, you are.”

She smiled, “Why did we come up here?”

I was suddenly nervous. I said, “Well, uh there’s I’ve wanted to do for a while.”

Elise took my hands, “You don’t have to be nervous, it’s me.” I blew out my breath. Brutus linked, “Mate is right.” She was.

I put my hands on her hips and looked into her eyes. We’d never kissed before. Her breath caught and excitement danced in her eyes. I leaned in most of the way but stopped right before her lips. This was her choice. If she leaned in, we’d have our first kiss. I wouldn’t rush her though.

She didn’t even hesitate to close the gap between us. Her lips were amazing. The way they felt on mine. Brutus linked me, “Open your mouth and move your lips.”

I replied, “Shut up! It’s my first kiss! I’m new at this.”

Brutus teased, “You’re my first human, but you googled how to do this.” He was right, I had.

I began to move my lips against hers. It was a little awkward at first, but we fumbled through it. I pulled back smiling. She was flushed. I couldn’t stop myself from going back in for another kiss. I was already addicted to her lips. This kiss wasn’t as awkward, and I knew it was only going to get better.

Alexander linked me, “Umm you’re going to be late.”

I pulled back telling her, “We have to get going.”

She smiled, “Ok. That was amazing.” I kissed her forehead, “I love you, Elise Kyle.” I popped us back to Alexander.

He raised an eyebrow and linked me, “You finally went in for the first kiss I see. I feel so proud.”

I linked back, “Shut it.”

He shrugged. Cassie joined us smiling as she bumped my hip, but she didn’t say anything.

My dad shot me a smirk. Jesus. Was the WHOLE family going to be embarrassing about this? Brutus pointed out, “They aren’t. No one knows it’s about anything other than Uncle Bjourn’s coronation.”

My Grandpa Titus stood on the stage, so we all took our seats.

He spoke, “Hodie non transiet per togam Eliae a patre et filio. Custodes tui Erit Princeps et Rex (Today, we pass the mantle from father to son. Your Crowned Prince becomes a King).”

Alexander linked me, “Good thing we’ve been teaching Elise Latin and Fealish or she’d be so lost.”

I rolled my eyes. He continued, “Not that she’s paying attention. She’s blushing and reliving your first kiss.”

I shot back, “You’re one to talk. You haven’t kissed anyone yet either. Our younger brothers beat us both to that punch.”

Alexander just shrugged.

Grandpa Titus said, “Ego enim iam parat filium meum quia hodie natus est. Regina cum suis ducet populum. (I have been preparing my son for this day since he was born. He will lead our people with his Queen by his side).”

Aunt Astrid was still on stage with Uncle Bjourn. My Uncle knelt at my grandpa’s feet. My grandpa spoke, “Ego autem in capite ejus coronam onto nunc. Gloriam nostram. Nam nostris. Rex enim noster (I pass the crown onto his head now. For our honor. For our people. For our King).”

He lifted the crown off his head and placed it on Uncle Bjourn’s head.

Uncle Bjourn stood, and my grandpa went to his knees. My uncle immediately lifted him back up and hugged him. Uncle Bjourn turned, “Non est magnum, ut honorem tuum, rex facti sunt. Ego permanere in via ne pater est. Astrid coronation Moram autem eius Regina mea est. Regina tuum. Nunc celebramus (It is my great honor to become your King. I will continue to lead in the way my father has. Astrid delayed her coronation, but she is my Queen. Your Queen. Now WE CELEbrATE)!”

A mighty roar of cheering came from the crowd. Our family joined right in. Elise whispered, “That was a fast ceremony.”

I laughed, “There’s a parade and an all day party.”

People started making out. I wasn’t fazed, I’d be around this my whole life. I could tell Elise wasn’t comfortable with the orgy starting. I couldn’t have that. We’d come back for the parade.

I grabbed her hand and popped us to the stables. Elise whispered, “You didn’t have to do that. I know this is normal to you.”

I kissed her then pulled back. “And one day if you are comfortable, we can stay. But you aren’t right now, and I won’t out you in that situation. We’ll join them again for the parade.”

I snapped my parents’ horses with saddles on. I let Elise ride Pirate, and I took my dad’s horse, Treasure. I snapped her into jeans and t-shirt and helped her up onto Pirate. She smiled, “Thank you, EJ.”

I smiled back and popped onto Treasure, leading him outside. I took her down the path to the beach.

Once we got there I dismounted and helped her down. I looked at both horses letting my earth side come forward. I let them know to stay here. I took Elise down the bank and skipped some rocks. I asked, “What color is your dress for the dance? I’ll need to get a matching tie.”

She answered, It’s pale yellow.”

I nodded, “I’ll match accordingly. I might just wait on the tie until I see your dress.”

She laughed, “You’re too perfect EJ Conners.”

I nuzzled her neck, “Only for you.”

She looked down, “Lots of girls here have their eyes on you.” Brutus growled. I snorted, “You mean they have their eyes on Alexander.” She shook her head, “Nope. I meant you. Because several of them want you.”

Brutus grumbled in my head, “I’ll find out who they are and rip their throats out for mate.”

I tilted her chin to look at me, “You are it for me. You are the air I breathe. Your face is what I see when I close my eyes. Your voice is my favorite sound. I don’t see anyone except you. You’re my girl. They are background noise. They can’t hold a single candle to the stunning beauty of my girl inside and out.”

I kissed her softly, then pulled back, “It’s just you and me forever. I don’t see those girls.”

She blushed, “I don’t know how you don’t. I can’t even blame them you’re so….”

She trailed off. I pressed, “So what?” She whispered, “Sexy.”

I lowered my voice, “You think I’m sexy?”

She pushed my chest lightly, “You know you’re sexy.”

I kissed her again. I really was addicted to feeling of her lips. Brutus agreed, “Me too. Keep going. Full blown make outs are our friend.” He was certainly being a horny wolf.

I pulled back, “Do you have any idea how hard it is for me around you? You’re just so perfect. You’re beautiful. And this dress, GOD your boobs are mocking me.”

She laughed, “No they aren’t.”

Brutus said, “We should touch them.” My hands actually twitched with the need.

I huskily told her, “Believe me, they are. Come on, we’ve got to get back.”

I popped us back to the horses and we rode back to the barn. I snapped Treasure and Pirate oats. I conjured a sugar cube and gave it Elise to give to Pirate. My mom spoiled him, and Pirate adored it.

I popped us to Alexander and Cassie. They were walking around with ice cream. Alexander handed Elise her favorite, mint chocolate. I questioned, “Where’s mine?”

Alexander shrugged, “I just got Elise ice cream.”

Cassie chimed in, “I got yours EJ.”

I kissed her on the head and took my chocolate ice cream. “Thank you, little sister.”

She shook her head, “Only little by a few minutes.”

I laughed, “I keep telling you both, I’m the oldest; therefore, that makes you my little sister and little brother.” Both rolled their eyes.

We found our way through the crowd as the first float went by. My mom really did go all out. There were LOTS of giant balloons with Aunt Astrid and Uncle Bjourn’s faces on them. Everyone was loving it though. I could feel my mom’s happiness and spotted her with my dad in the crowd.

My current youngest set of siblings, until mom sneezed out number nineteen and twenty, popped to us. Grant, Bryce and Bradley smiled at me, Cassie, and Alexander. They were three years old. Bryce said, “Up please!”

I laughed and put him on my shoulders. Cassie picked up Grant and Alexander picked up Bryce. Elise smiled at me.

We spent the rest of the parade like that. I spotted all my other siblings. All of them had ice cream. They were with some of our Hackura cousins. Hastein smiled at Alexander and winked like they shared a secret. I shot my brother a look.

I linked, “Really? Uncle Bjourn and Hastein get to know your deal before me?”

He replied, “They figured it out and I can’t lie.”

I shook my head and focused on Elise’s hand in mine. I didn’t want the day to end. I led us around the orgies happening so she wouldn’t be uncomfortable.

Eventually my dad found us, “I’m sorry son, but it’s time for Elise to go back to her family.”

I frowned. He touched my shoulder, “It’s just for one day, then you’ll see her for the dance.”

He winked at me.

Cassie squealed, “I’m so excited.”

She was going to go with Jason. Alexander had already told him not to hurt our little sister. They weren’t mates, but they did like each other. Elise smiled. I didn’t know if she would be smiling when she found out Melanie was upset about it.

I could feel Alexander’s excitement in the bond. I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t think he liked Charline as anything more than a friend. I popped Elise back to her family. They were already waiting right where we left them. It hadn’t been that long for them.

Peter came over and hugged her, “Did you have fun, sweetie?”

She blushed, “It was a lot of fun!”

He smiled, “Good.” Ray interjected, “That realm just does things differently. The little Alpha took her on a horse ride. It was cute.” I blushed.

Elise rolled her eyes, “Don’t tease him!”

Ray said, “I’m not. He considered your feelings making it cute.”

I hugged Elise and whispered, “I’ll see you soon.” She smiled, “Yes, you will.”

I popped back to my house knowing my family would’ve come home already. Cousin Emmaline was with my siblings when arrived. Wesley looked confused, and Preston was pouting. I questioned, “What’s going on?”

Cassie gave me a look.

I linked her, “What?”

Cousin Emmaline smiled, “Your little siblings just want to know who Alexander’s mate is, but he doesn’t want me to answer.”

I stared at my brother in surprise. I knew he wanted his mate.

Alexander explained, “I want my mate. I just don’t want Cousin Emmaline to tell me. I want to see how the universe brings us together. Like Aunt Lexi and Uncle Chase.”

That made more sense. Brutus said, “I wouldn’t but I can see why he does.”

I snorted, “We’ve always known.” Brutus pointed out, “The universe technically did that.” Both happened but he was right. Preston stood and crossed his arms, “But you’re sad! Cousin Emmaline could tell you and then you’d be happy.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Cousin Emmaline has met Alexander’s mate?”

Emmaline shook her head, “No, I haven’t met her.”

Preston deflated missing the evasion I was certain I heard. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask if she knew his mate anyway. She didn’t need to meet someone’s mate to know. She could see a picture, or sometimes she could even hear the names. The only thing that stopped me was the look on Alexander’s face.

Preston grumbled, “You should have her keep an eye out, Alexander.”

Alexander kissed the top of his head, “I want to see how we are brought together.”

Preston sighed, “Fine. I still think you should let Cousin Emmaline tell you.” Alexander left.

I waited but Cousin Emmaline popped to mom. I wanted to curse. I was going to ask her if she knew I’d just wanted to wait for the rest of my siblings to leave. She probably wouldn’t tell me, but I might be able to tell.

Slowly my siblings left until it was just me and Preston. I asked him, “What’s up, P?”

He shrugged but said nothing. I sat down, “Come on P, it’s just you and me.”

Preston said, “I just have this feeling his mate needs to be protected. Alexander said she’s probably fine.” I frowned.

I asked, “Why do you think that?”

Preston sighed, “I don’t know. It’s just that I have a feeling she needs us. Like people are being mean to her.”

Thoughts swirled around me. Was Melanie’s crush more than a crush? Could she really be my brother’s mate? They both shared an affinity for fighting. If she was Alexander’s mate Preston was getting the sense that she was being bullied. I intended to handle that.

I told him, “Tell you what, I’ll keep a lookout.”

Preston got up mumbling, “I don’t know how you could do anything. You’re not the Soul Searcher and we don’t know who she is.”

I laughed, “No I’m not, but I’m still your big brother. I’ll protect all of you with everything in me. That includes Alexander’s heart.” Preston walked away, “He’s so sensitive.” I couldn’t help but laugh.

My Aunt Molly came in. She looked around, “I swear you were all in here like ten minutes ago.”

I pointed out, “I can link them all or pull them to me. What’s going on?”

Molly said, “Your mom is in labor.” I checked the bond and realized mom had pulled back her feelings. I hated that she could do that, especially without us noticing. No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t pull back like she could.

I said, “Dad could’ve linked us.”

Aunt Molly snorted, “Your dad is being next level about the security of the pack with your new little sister and brother’s impending arrival. He’s gone full Alpha Male.”

She might think that wasn’t necessary, but we’d been preparing for my sister’s arrival since before I couldn’t remember.

I linked my siblings, “Mom’s in labor. Pop to the hospital.”

I grabbed my Aunt Molly and popped us there. My Grandpa Nathan was pacing along with my uncles. Cassie popped in, “Whoa, we need WAY too much calm in here.”

I linked her, “It’s about our sister.” Cassie replied, “I’m aware.”

Alexander popped in and I did a double take. I asked, “Is that my shirt?”

He blushed and looked down. Brutus said, “It is.”

Nana Blanch must have switched it that day she took my laundry. I sighed, “Stealing my clothes, little brother?” He didn’t reply.

I chuckled, “Wash it and get it back to me.”

His emotions through me too fast for me to decipher them. I could see it on his face though. He didn’t want to give me the shirt back. I linked him, “Hey, forget about it. You can keep it.”

He asked, “Really?”

I replied, “Of course. It’s just a shirt.”

I could conjure myself another one. He hugged me. I inhaled realizing this shirt missed the laundry. Why the hell was he wearing my dirty shirt? What on earth was going on with him? Brutus linked, “You missed something.”

I asked, “About what?”

Before he could answer Uncle Jackson announced, “We can go in.”

My siblings and I popped in. My dad was holding a pup in a pink blanket. I quickly walked to my mom and kissed her cheek. I asked, “Who’s this?”

They hadn’t told anyone the names.

My mom smiled answering, “This is TJ.”

I questioned, “What’s it stand for?”

My mom looked at my Grandpa Titus who had just entered the room. She smiled, “Titus Junior.” My grandpa teared up and came over to my mom.

I walked over to where most of my siblings had gathered. Alexander was already holding our little sister. I asked, “What’s her name?”

My dad announced, “This is Angela.”

I took her from Alexander next. Cassie sighed, “Ok, I call next. I’ve been waiting for a little sister for fourteen years, people.” I teased, “You love all our little brothers.” Cassie smiled at them, “I do love you all, but now I have someone who will know the pain of overprotective brothers.” I snorted, “We aren’t that bad.”

Cassie raised an eyebrow, “ALL of you have told Jase he’d better behave himself. Even our youngest brothers. He’s a family friend, and you’ve all acted like he committed a crime asking me to a dance.”

Bradley growled. I laughed, “Did they really?”

Everyone nodded.

I shrugged, “Jase is a brave man.”

Cassie sighed, “And you ALL know him, you even LIKE him. He’s here all the time and he’s Alexander’s best friend.”

Alexander muttered, “One of them anyway.” I turned to him in surprise.

He had a definite tone when he’d said that. I linked Cassie, “What was that?”

Cassie frowned, “I don’t know. He’s been off since…”

I interrupted, “The promise.” Cassie nodded. We spent as much time with our siblings as we could before mom asked us to get the youngest set of triplets to bed. They all groaned.

We decided to walk. My eyes were drawn to the number of Warriors in the hospital and around it. My mom’s entire guard was visible. Serion and Blade looked entirely too serious. Blade was always serious, but Serion was usually more playful. Javi’s eyes were hard, but what pulled me up short was the expression on Thomas and Sasha faces. They looked ready for war. They were the calmer two.

I linked my dad, “Is there already a threat against Angela?”

My dad replied, “Put your siblings down for bed, and bring Cassie and Alexander to my office.”

I didn’t like the sound of that. I linked Cassie and Alexander, “After we put them down, we are going to dad’s office.” Cassie questioned, “Dad’s going to leave mom’s side?” I answered, “I guess.” That can’t be good. Brutus was on high alert in my head.

We put our little siblings down quickly, then popped into my dad’s office. He wasn’t there yet. I linked him, “We are in your office.”

My dad said, “I’m just waiting on your Uncle Harold. Grandpa Nathan just walked in.”

I did not like this at ALL.

Alexander said, “EJ…”