3

I cut him off, “Dad’s waiting for Uncle Harold to come to mom’s room. Grandpa Nathan is already there.”

Alexander stood to pace. My dad came in a few minutes later. He sat down, “You guys know that Angela is going to have the strongest sight Faerie has ever seen...” He trailed off.

He sighed, “Pop us all to the hospital.”

Alexander stood, “Is mom ok?”

Dad snorted, “She knows we are talking, and she wants to be a part of the conversation.” I grabbed his hand and nodded to my siblings. We popped to the hospital.

My dad kissed my mom, “I wanted you to get some sleep.”

My mom smiled, “I’m up now. Angela was hungry and she didn’t want a bottle.”

I smiled at my mom feeding my little sister. Alexander felt fiercely protective of them both. He asked, “What’s going on? Who’s threatening Angela?”

My mom put an arm on my dad. They clearly linked then my mom said, “I know you all know some things about my childhood. In a few years, I’ll answer all your questions. For now, there are few things to talk about concerning Alania.”

We all hated that woman. I knew enough about my mom to know that she’d never call Alania by her first name if she loved her. Alania was technically my grandmother, but mom had never told us stories about her. She’d actually never once called her our Grandma Alania. She still called Grandma Cassandra our grandma, but never Alania.

I could feel how angry my dad was. Brutus was growling in my head. My mom told us, “Alania also had sight.”

I nodded, “I know.”

My mom said, “A letter arrived today for me right before I went into labor.” I growled, “Another gift?” Mom always pulled her feelings back when those arrived.

My dad snorted, “They aren’t gifts. They are abusive tendencies from your mother’s Fairy family.”

My mom sighed, “Alania was vain. She saw how powerful your sister was through her sight. She told me Angela would never be safe.”

Alexander, Cassie, and I all growled. Brutus snarled, “We will make our sister safe. Snow will never be hurt.”

I asked, “Snow is Angela’s wolf?”

He answered, “Yes. I spoke to her and Chet.” I prodded, “Chet would be TJ’s wolf?” He answered, “Of course.” I’d be sarcastic with him, but I had other priorities.

My dad said, “You guys know I won’t let anything happen to you or your siblings. Neither will your Grandpa Titus, Grammy Veronica, Grandpa Nathan, or any of your uncles and aunts.”

Alexander said, “Sight can be wrong. She sees paths. Alania”

He spat out her name, “didn’t live long enough to know which paths would truly be Angela’s.”

My mom agreed, “No, she didn’t. There are many options. She could see danger for Angela in all paths and uses that information to torment me. That doesn’t mean anything is going to happen to Angela. Our family is strong, and we will stand together.”

I looked over to the charred wall and knew my Uncle Aiden was appraised of the situation. I asked, “What did Uncle Aiden say?”

My mom sighed, “He’s upset. We are all going to protect Angela. Your Uncle Bjourn is assigning six guards to her.”

Cassie gasped, “Like you have?” My mom rolled her eyes, “I used to just have four, but yes like I do.”

Cassie smiled, “I have four, which seems odd. All my brothers have three.”

My mom laughed, “Does it really seem odd when you think about the men of our family? I’m the reason you don’t have six too.”

Cassie groaned, “Oh come on!”

My dad kissed her on the top of the head, “You’re my Princess and I will always make sure you are well protected.”

Alexander and I exchanged looks. He didn’t like this anymore than I did. We said our goodnights and went back up to our house.

I couldn’t get to sleep. Eventually I called Elise. I just needed to hear her voice. She picked up whispering, “EJ?”

I sighed, “I woke you up. I’m sorry, I just…”

She immediately asked, “What’s wrong?” I answered, “My siblings were born. Their names are TJ and Angela.”

Elise squealed, “That’s great!”

She sounded worried, “But you’re upset.”

I explained, “Alania is torturing my family from the grave. She told my mom Angela would never be safe.” Elise gasped, “What? No, that’s not true! We will protect Angela. No one will hurt her. Who could beat all of us anyway?” I didn’t have an answer for her. Brutus said, “She’s the best.”

I whispered, “What if I fail my little sister?”

Elise spoke softly, “Hey, you’re not going to fail Angela. WE will not fail Angela.”

I smiled, “We, huh?” Elise snorted, “She’s my sister too. No one is taking MY little sister.” I couldn't stop my smile. Elise was fiercely protective of my siblings just like I was, and I felt the same about her brothers.

I told her, “I just needed to hear your voice.”

Elise laughed quietly, “Don’t hang up. We’ll just leave the phones on. It will be like I’m there with you.”

It wouldn’t be. My arms would itch to hold her, but I didn’t want to hang up either. We fell asleep like that.

I spent the next day going over reports. A fighting ring for supernatural’s had come up. Alexander and I both had bad feelings about it. Dad and all my uncles were investigating it, but they couldn’t find anything sinister about it.

My dad was worried. He said there was something suspicious about the underground fighting ring. Alexander and I felt it too. Time seemed to crawl by, but we finally made it to the day of the dance.

My mom used her phone to take all our pictures. She told us, “Chelsea promised to send me all pictures of you with your dates.”

She bit her lip, “Maybe I should just come with you.”

Alexander assured her, “Mom, it’s ok. You’re just a little scared to leave Angela and TJ right now. It’s a dance. Our guards are going. You can stay here and take care of you.”

My mom sighed, “I’m the parent here, you know? When did you guys get so smart?”

She kissed both of our heads, “You take care of each other. That includes Elise and your sister. Promise me?”

We both smiled and I reassured her, “That’s the easiest promise ever, mom. I promise.” Alexander agreed, “Me too.” My dad walked in.

My mom said, “I’m going to go get Cassie. She is ready and no one will lose their shit. Are we clear?”

We nodded and my mom popped away and popped back with Cassie. My dad’s hands twitched. He grumbled, “You look beautiful, Princess.” She did.

Brutus huffed, “She just made our promise to mom so hard.”

True. She was in a two piece dress. The crop top was white with pearls and the bottom was white with blue flowers. I linked Alexander, “Anyone but Jase looks at her and they are dead meat.”

Alexander agreed, “Right on. We are going to be busy tonight. She looks amazing.” I agreed with him.

I smiled, “You look beautiful, Cass.”

Alexander complimented her, “You do.”

My mom fanned her face, “Eric.” My dad kissed her, “They will be fine. Go on you guys or you’ll be late.” Alexander grabbed our hands and popped.

I looked at him when we landed in Elise’s yard. I asked, “Since when are you so excited about this dance?”

Alexander said, “Let’s just go inside.”

I swore I caught him scenting the air, but that had to be wrong since I was in front of him. Brutus chuckled, “You’re not wrong. He’s scenting the air.” I subtly glanced back acknowledging my wolf was right.

We walked where Jason and Tristan were already waiting. Elise hadn’t come down yet. Drake smiled, “You boys look nice. Cassie, wow, you look beautiful.”

Cassie asked, “Where’s Melanie? Elise said she’d be here today.”

Drake sighed, “She’s at a competition with her mom.”

Alexander’s head whipped up, “What? I thought you said she didn’t have one tonight, Jase.”

Jason sighed, “She didn’t, then one came up.” Alexander got quiet again and he pulled his feelings back in the bond. He couldn’t block them like mom could. He was disappointed.

I studied him out the corner of my eye. Was Melanie’s crush not one sided? Did I miss the fact that my brother liked her too? Why wouldn’t he say anything? All those thoughts stopped when Elise walked down the stairs and took my breath away.

The V cut on the top of her dress was hard to look away from. She was in a pale yellow short satin dress that came to her mid-thigh. Charline was behind her. Brutus snorted, “Who cares?”

I answered, “Not me.”

Jason had finally gathered the courage to walk over to Cassie. He whispered, “You look beautiful, Cass. I’m a lucky guy.”

Alexander agreed, “Yes you are.”

It came out as a near growl. Cassie and I both looked at him, but he said nothing more.

Elise walked up to me. I hugged her, “You look stunning.”

Alexander spoke, “You look lovely, Charline.”

At least he was being nice. Drake said, “Alright let’s load up. I’m your driver for the evening. Drop off and pick up.”

Chelsea yelled, “Wait! Drake, you can’t got yet. We have to take pictures!”

All the guys but me groaned. We posed for several pictures then loaded up. Alexander shot to the back of the car. Drake said, “Sorry about the mess. Melinda and Melanie left some stuff in the back.”

I looked and saw two hoodies. I assured him, “It’s not a mess at all. It’s fine.”

I wrapped my arm around Elise. When we got to the school, I guided her out of the car. I did a double take when I saw the back seat. I could’ve sworn there were two hoodies in the back, but now there was only one. I shook myself. Whatever.

I walked Elise inside her school, and we quickly made our way to the dance floor. After a we’d been there for an hour, I took her to a table. I looked at my brother, “Don’t let anyone near her.”

He nodded.

I observed him. He’d been quiet, which wasn’t abnormal. He was normally quiet, but this was quieter than usual. Brutus told me, “Oden’s upset and not talking either.”

Aesir above.

I walked up to the DJ. I asked, “Can you play Just the way you are by Bruno Mars?”

The DJ smiled, “Sure thing, kid. I’ll play it next.”

I nodded, “Thank you, sir.” He replied, “You’re welcome.” I walked back over to Elise.

Alexander was glaring daggers at someone. I turned and let loose a soft growl at Robert. I needed to talk to Elise after this dance. I took her hand, “I have a surprise for you.”

Elise giggled as she took my hand, and I led her to the dance floor. She beamed at me when our song began to play.

I led her in the dance Melanie taught us both. At first she looked at me in shock, but then she loosened up to enjoy the dance. I twirled and dipped her all while keeping the rhythm to the steps Melanie had taught me.

Since I had Fairy blood dancing came naturally to me. When I dipped her at the end several people applauded. I felt Cassie and Alexander’s pride. I winked at them before taking Elise’s hand. I slipped out the side of the gym with her.

She giggled, “Where are we going?”

I grabbed her and pulled her behind a tree. I looked into her eyes and bent down to kiss her. Her lips were so soft. I pulled back, “I’ve been dying to do that.”

She blushed. I admitted, “I love when you blush.” Now it was her time to smile.

She teased, “Did you look up ballroom dancing?”

I smiled, “No.”

I looked around. No one was out here. Brutus confirmed, “All clear.” I told Elise, “I met your imaginary little sister and she taught me.” Elise gasped, “You met Melanie?! No way. She didn’t say anything!”

I nodded, “You told me she was home, and I swore her to secrecy so I could surprise you. Now I have a few questions.”

Elise smiled, “Sure. Just as soon as you apologize for all your teasing about her being imaginary.”

I bent down and kissed her again.

I pulled back, “I am very sorry I doubted the existence of Melanie McAlister. Please forgive me babe.”

She blushed, “Of course.”

I smiled, “Now, she had a wolf with her.” Elise smirked, “Did she?” I nodded, “A wolf I seem to remember you saying she goes everywhere with. It looks strikingly familiar. Then she asked if my family was coming to her parents' anniversary party. She almost called Alexander, Xander.” Elise smiled.

I continued, “Her toy looks identical to Oden.”

Elise coyly replied, “Well, what a coincidence that is.”

I snorted, “I don’t think so. I think it’s very intentional. Anyway, she told me something she said you could verify.” Elise raised an eyebrow, “Ok.”

I asked, “Does Robert give her a hard time about the wolf because he said it’s not a real Alpha wolf? That they are all black and she needs a different colored wolf.”

Elise’s eyes widened and she gasped, “She told you that?”

I nodded, “She did. She’s very smart and knows exactly what I would do if that was what he said. I want to know if it’s true.” Elise sighed, “It’s true.”

I kissed her again and nodded, “I know why you didn’t tell me. Melanie has had a crush on my brother since she was little. You’re a future Luna and you kept her secret. I’m proud of you babe. You’re going to be an amazing Luna and Alpha by my side.”

Elise smiled, “She’s still little.”

I nodded, “She is. Let’s get back inside.” I grabbed her hand, and we walked back into the gym.

Alexander nodded to me when we came back in. He complimented, “Nice moves, big brother.”

I chuckled, “Thanks, little brother.”

Eventually Elise ran to the bathroom. I spotted Cassie with Jason. Brutus linked me, “Get to mate!” I didn’t question him, I just took off.

Alexander shot me a look, but I didn’t address it. I walked into the hall where I heard voices. I found Robert on the ground then snarled when I saw the strap on Elise’s dress was broken. I picked Robert up and slammed him into the wall. Ray was going to be pissed he didn’t come with us tonight.

I gripped him by the throat, “You put your hands on her?! ARE YOU INSANE? SHE IS MINE!”

Brutus had mixed his voice with mine. Robert was trying to answer but my grip didn’t allow for that. Elise whispered, “Not exactly.”

I slammed Robert into the wall again.

Elise urged, “EJ, not here.”

I let him go. I growled, “You should thank her because she just saved your life. When I hear the whole story, it may not matter. I was already going to kick your ass because I heard you like to torment little girls about their toys.” He paled.

I added, “I also heard you don’t think a wolf that’s not all black is an Alpha. I’ll tell you once. My brothers and sisters are very much Alpha bloods. Leave Melanie McAlister alone.”

Elise rubbed my back, “He does now.”

I snorted, “No he doesn’t.” Elise gasped.

Robert questioned, “How do you…?”

I cut him off, “Not unlike my father I know things. Leave Melanie alone. Are we clear?”

Robert growled, “She shouldn’t have that wolf!” Brutus took over, “You will SHUT UP!” I asked, “Buddy?” He told me, “I feel very protective of Melanie.” Ok then.

I grabbed Elise. I told her, “We are going back to your house. Robert, you’ll explain to your Alpha what you did.”

If I didn’t like the answer Robert was dead. We’d reached the door when I heard a snarl I knew well. I cursed myself knowing Alexander had probably followed me and overheard the conversation.

Elise whispered, “EJ.”

I turned around in time to see Alexander throw Robert into a glass trophy case. I linked Cassie, “Get out here now!”

She popped to me with Jason. She gasped, “What happened?” Elise sighed, “Robert doesn’t think Alpha’s that aren’t all black are real Alpha’s.” Cassie growled.

She faced Elise then asked, “What happened to your dress?”

Elise sighed while Brutus growled. Cassie yelled, “That jerk!”

She shot him with her sunlight burning his arm. All our guards came out. Alexander hissed, “I assure you Robert, I’m a fucking Alpha.” There was no doubt about that.

Alexander was kicking Robert’s ass, and the rat bastard had yet to land a hit. He spoke our space unheard chant. I cursed, “Fuck.”

Whatever he said Robert didn’t agree. Idiot. Alexander slammed him down. Elise gasped, “Is he going to kill him?”

My dad linked, “Your brother isn’t answering me. What’s wrong?” I replied, “People are stupid.” He snorted.

I linked Alexander, “Don’t kill him.”

Alexander snarled at me, but I felt his acceptance of the order. He stood and I saw Robert clutch his head. I knew what was happening. My brother was using his pushing power. Alexander’s anger doubled and he was obviously yelling at Robert now. I asked Brutus, “Is Oden saying anything?”

He answered, “He’s snarling and roaring.” So, no.

After a few rounds of pushing Robert must have told Alexander what he wanted to know. Elise asked, “What’s going on?”

I said, “You know when we push, we get flashes of visions sometimes. I’m guessing Alexander didn’t like what he saw or heard.”

Sometimes we could only hear what was said.