4

He continued, “Betty and Davis got an easy death. They should’ve left my pup and my nieces alone. They got what was coming to them and I want to throw a parade. Lucas is being a no fun fuddy duddy. I’ll get Julianna on my side, then he will let me throw it.”

I laughed, “You’re throwing it anyway.”

He winked, “But once she’s on my side he’ll agree.” It was true that Lucas was wrapped around Julianna’s little finger.

Julianna popped in. She announced, “Daddy sent me to get you and Buttercup.”

Dylan rolled his eyes, “Saint God Alpha Prick strikes again. He’s just no fun, Julianna. He doesn’t like it when people try to spice up his life.”

Julianna laughed, “Cousin Eric can be fun when all my cousins are around.”

Dylan kissed her forehead, “He even has you fooled. Let’s pop to Buttercup so Wesley can say ‘as you wish’ before we leave.”

I rolled my eyes. Dylan had Wesley quoting the movie without knowing he was. Neither of them had seen it yet.

I called, “Hey, where is Jade?”

Julianna looked up, “Uhh what?”

I asked, “Jade, you know, your sister. I saw Jacob, Jayden, and you today but not her.” She replied, “Weird. Gotta collect my group.” She popped away. Brutus said, “That was weird.” It was. I rubbed my head.

I let it go and walked upstairs and knocked on Alexander’s door. I walked in and found Phil sitting on the couch. Alexander was laying on the bed throwing a ball. I said, “So, you kind of lost it.”

Alexander replied defensively, “On a pack we were taking over. Who cares?”

I snorted, “Umm me.”

Alexander shrugged, “Why? I proved why when we take over, I’m your Enforcer.”

I pointed out, “You’ll have a pack you lead too. You’ll be an Alpha.”

Alexander nodded, “I’m still your Enforcer. You’ll be the head, just like dad. I proved my place at your side today.” I frowned, “I don’t need you to prove your place. I’ve always known where you will stand. Do you think I don’t know that?”

Alexander frowned, “I know you do.”

I sighed, “Are you going to tell me what that was really about?”

Alexander locked his jaw. Phil told me, “He won’t say anything.” I tried a new tactic, “You know I love you, brother. There is nothing you can say to me that will ever change that.” His emotions flickered so fast in the bond I couldn’t pin them down.

Alexander muttered, “We were taking over. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

I rolled my eyes, “I didn’t say you did.”

Alexander said, “I still want space.” I pointed out, “It’s been two years of space. I find I’m running out of it.” I turned around to leave.

He called, “Didn’t you find their anniversary party strange?”

I asked over my shoulder, “Whose?”

Alexander answered, “Drake and Sam’s two years ago. They had all those family photos yet their whole family wasn’t in them.” I agreed, “Yes, it was weird that Melanie wasn’t in the pictures.”

Phil snorted, “Imaginary Melanie.”

I replied, “I’ve met her multiple times. She’s real.”

Phil looked surprised but Alexander didn’t. Phil questioned, “You’ve met Melanie McAlister?!” I nodded, “She taught me how to ballroom dance two years ago. I saw her again today when she fought those Warriors. She’s good. Possibly Alexander good without his powers.”

Phil said, “We should arrange a fight.”

Alexander cut in, “I won’t fight her.”

We both raised an eyebrow. Phil smirked, “Are you scared she’d beat you?” Alexander answered, “No.” I sighed realizing he wasn’t going to say more than that.

Alexander said, “The stuffed wolf she has was in the pictures at the party. There was clearly a spot for her in those pictures. It’s like they are hiding her from other packs. Why would they do that?”

I frowned, “I don’t….”

Alexander interrupted, “You’d even tried to meet her before you did. She’s just never around. They are hiding her from us.”

I argued, “I don’t think they are.”

Alexander shrugged, “Maybe it’s just some of us then.”

I stared at him as the bond told me he thought they didn’t want him to meet her. Phil offered, “Hey, I haven’t met her either. EJ tracked her down because he has inside knowledge. You could do that too.”

Alexander snorted, “No, I can’t. I promised I wouldn’t pop to her or their house. If I found out where she was, I’d be popping to her.”

I tried, “I don’t think it works that way. I went with the intent to meet her. I just didn’t pop to her directly.”

Alexander looked away and the bond told me something I hadn’t caught onto.

I asked him, “Did you try that already?”

Alexander nodded, “It didn’t work. I was thrown back here. It’s like the promise I made wouldn’t let me break it.”

I sighed, “We’ll get it figured out. You’ll meet her.” He had to. I think, without meaning to, when Alexander tried he’d wanted to pop to her and that’s why he couldn’t. Alexander shrugged.

Phil pressed, “And you want to meet her because?”

I leaned forward waiting for him to confess. Alexander replied, “I just do.”

I groaned and left the room. I just wanted him to admit it. He had a crush. He had to think she was his mate.

The week moved by slowly at a crawl. I was just as moody as Alexander waiting for Elise’s birthday. The pack gave us both a wide berth. We were in the gym training every day. My mom was worried about us. The only thing that would stop us was when Angela popped to us. We had a weak spot for her.

Alexander finally asked, “What’s up with you?”

I raised an eyebrow, “Well, unlike you I’ll actually explain it.”

He rolled his eyes. I confided, “Elise wants to have sex tonight, after she shifts.” Alexander frowned, “And you don’t? No, I know that’s not true. I see the way you look at her.”

I hit him in the shoulder, “Of course I do. I just don’t want her to feel pressured or feel like she has to. At the same time, I’m also ready to claim her. Brutus is beyond excited to meet her wolf. You could come.”

Alexander shook his head, “I would but I can’t. I took a mission for Uncle Bjourn.”

I paused, “Your first one you’re doing alone?”

We usually went together on missions for the Hackura. He nodded, “Yes. I would’ve asked you to come but I knew you were busy.” I realized he signed up because he knew Melanie wasn’t going to be there. Elise had been here the other day. She was said Melanie wasn’t going to be there for her birthday or Tristan’s.

I hit his shoulder again, “You better be safe. If I don’t like the feelings I’m getting from you, I’ll be there and if you interrupt my claiming moment, I can’t say I’ll be in a good mood.”

Alexander laughed, “I’ll be fine, big brother.”

I snorted, “You’d better be.”

Alexander said, “We both need to get moving. You’ve got sexy plans. Virginities to take and lose.”

I snorted, “Are you ever even going to kiss anyone?”

Alexander shrugged. I laughed, “You are aware you break hearts by not showing interest in either gender.”

Alexander said, “I have interests. I tried.”

he trailed off “It doesn't feel right. I don’t know. I guess I’m like mom that way.”

I nodded, “You are a Healer like she is and more in tune with your feelings.” Alexander snorted, “You probably would’ve been more like dad if you didn’t know Elise.” I shrugged. It wasn’t really something I thought about.

I teased, “Charline still thinks you two will get together.”

Alexander rolled his eyes. I added, “I heard that Melanie McAlister gets in trouble not infrequently for fighting with Charline.”

Alexander shrugged, “Good for her. Charline is annoying.”

I rolled my eyes, “Dense, little brother. You are dense. I’m going to go.”

Before he could ask, I popped away. I couldn’t outright tell him, but he could at least be curious. If he asked why they fought Elise could tell him. Hell, Dylan could for that matter. Apparently, he knew. How everyone didn’t know the crush these two had on each other at this point was beyond me.

I put it out of my mind and got dressed. I went downstairs and kissed my mom. She smiled, “Tell Elise happy birthday. I doubt you’ll see Tristan but him too.”

I agreed, “Will do. Where’s dad?”

My mom answered, “He’s waiting for you in his office.” I popped to my dad.

He greeted, “Hi, EJ.”

I told him, “I really want to get going.”

My dad nodded, “From what we’ve seen, having your mate there does make your shift easier. I know you guys are going on your first run together after. Just be respectful, son. Like we raised you.” My groaned, “Dad!”

My dad laughed, “I was sixteen once too. I didn’t know your mother at that age, but I’m just saying I’m here if you want to talk.”

I sat down, “She wants to have sex tonight.”

My dad shrugged, “If that’s what you both want there’s nothing wrong with that. We had that talk last year. You love her, and she loves you. You respect her and you’re mates.”

I replied, “Of course I want to. I mean she’s everything. I just want to be sure it’s what she wants. Shifting wasn’t bad for me the first time, but I don't remember it.”

My dad acknowledged, “It’s not fun. It hurts, but from what we’ve seen when your mate is present it’s not as bad. Just communicate with Elise. She’s what’s important.”

I changed the subject, “Did you know Alexander was going out alone on a Hackura mission?”

My dad snorted, “Did you know on your mother’s first mission all your uncle’s went? I very seriously doubt Alexander will be alone. In fact, I know he won’t. Your Uncle Bjourn would not let that happen.”

I nodded, “Ok. I’ll pop to him if I feel anything off.” My dad nodded, “Be safe tonight yourself, son. Link if you need anything.” I nodded and jumped up.

I passed Alexander on the way to my room. I hugged him, “Be careful.”

He said, “Have fun, big brother.”

I rolled my eyes. He opened a portal and stepped into it. I stared at it a second after it closed. It was an odd feeling knowing he was going out there without me. I didn’t care for it one bit.

I grabbed my bag and popped to Elise’s house. She hugged me the second I was there. I could practically feel her nerves. I kissed her, “How’s my girl?”

She tapped my wrist, wanting me to do my space unheard. I quickly said it.

She pulled back firing off questions, “What if I don’t have a wolf? What if nothing happens at midnight? What if it hurts a lot to shift?”

I kissed her, “You have a wolf. You’re an Alpha. Even if you didn’t, that wouldn’t matter to me. You’re mine. I’ll be here for you every step of the way.”

She let out her breath and kissed me. She broke it to hug me.

She whispered, “I’m so glad you’re here.”

I patted her back, “There is nowhere else I’d rather be than by your side, Elise Kyle.”

I spoke to reverse my space unheard chant. Peter cleared his throat, “Let’s get out to our spot.” Elise nodded.

The McAlister’s joined us minus one. Tristan told me, “We thought we’d shift together.”

Elise nodded. We walked to our spot that we always hung out in. The scent of strawberries caught my nose. No fucking way. Melanie McAlister jumped out and yelled, “SURPRISE!”

I was going to kill something. Elise squealed and ran to Melanie and spun her around. Tristan grabbed her too.

Elise asked, “What are you doing here?”

Melanie laughed, “I decided to give someone else a chance to win a competition. I wanted to be here for your shift and T’s!”

It was official, I was going to kill something.

Brutus grumbled, “It is a giant conspiracy. Alexander’s not the only one who’s moody. Oden is too.”

My brother's wolf was usually more stoic. He and Brutus got along well. I asked, “Has he told you what’s going on?”

Brutus replied, “Not unlike his human half, he’s tight lipped and moody about the whole damn thing.” I sighed, “Great.”

Melanie smiled at me, and I smiled back. She looked around then frowned. She said, “I thought Cassie might come. I mean… because she’s close with Elise… and stuff….”

Brutus snorted, “Both her and Alexander are like this. Just say you mean people! She wants to know where he is.”

I cut her off, “Cass is with Uncle Aiden and Alexander is on a mission for Uncle Bjourn.”

Elise turned around in surprise. I shrugged, “I just found out about it.”

Elise’s brothers joined us. They all yelled, “How cool!”

Melanie looked worried. She sat down and drew her knees in. Dalton and Dakota eyed her. Dalton said, “Don’t worry Ladybug, Elise and T will be fine.”

Melanie nodded. Elise smirked at me, while Tristan inhaled deeply. All of us seemed to know that’s not what she was worried about.

The second the clock struck midnight Elise and Tristan went to the ground screaming in pain. Elise’s cries were like a punch to my gut. I ran and put my arms around her, blocking out everything. I called my Fairy side forward instinctually. My earth side should calm her. Her screams faded to whimpers. It wasn’t as bad, but it still tore at my head.

I heard her bones breaking and felt tears running down my cheeks. Brutus linked, “It’s just this time, EJ.”

After twenty minutes Brutus linked, “We need to shift.”

I shifted immediately. Elise howled and shifted too. She was a stunning midnight black. We matched. Brutus nuzzled her wolf’s neck and she returned the gesture.

Tristan howled and I glanced back. He was brown, just like his dad’s wolf. Peter urged us, “Go on and take your first run. I’ll be going with Tristan and Drake. We’ll have our first run tomorrow, Elise.”

She yipped and took off.

Melanie called, “You’re so pretty Elise!”

I heard a chuff. She cooed, “You are too, T, I mean… handsome… well… you are pretty too… Well… just…. yeah…”

Her voice faded as Elise howled and kept running. I was on her heels and could’ve caught her, but she was having so much fun.

Brutus was in heaven chasing his mate around the forest. I asked, “What’s her wolf’s name?”

He replied, “She’s being coy, but she knows we are mates. She’s sassy. I like it.”

Of course he did. We let our wolves play together.

Eventually Brutus pinned her wolf playfully. He gave me control back slamming me forward. I shifted. She took a minute but shifted back too. My breath caught as I took in her naked body. I concentrated on not losing myself in her scent.

Elise laughed, “Someone’s happy to see me.”

I told her, “I’m always happy to see you. All of me, always. What’s your wolf’s name?”

Elise answered, “Reah.” Brutus purred her name in my head. She giggled, “You're purring, EJ.”

I nuzzled her neck feeling her nipples on my chest. I kissed her marking spot which had her shivering. She whispered, “You need to conjure that treehouse.”

I pulled back asking, “Are you sure about this?”

She nodded, “I’m sure. I want you, EJ.” I got up and held out my hands. I put all the protections my mom taught me on this treehouse. Only Elise and I could find it.

Once I finished, I popped us inside. She gaped, “Wow. EJ, this is amazing.”

I was studying her. We were both still naked from shifting. She turned back around and caught my gaze, walking over to me slowly. She put her arms around my neck and her lips met mine.

We made out until I began to walk us back towards the bedroom. I grazed my hands lightly up her sides, laid her down on the bed, and I kissed down her body. I paid special attention to her nipples. She started panting.

She pleaded, “EJ, please.”

I settled between her legs. I started using my tongue on her. When she came, I slowly pushed my finger inside her and worked her over the edge until she came again. I repeated the process with a second finger. She was thrashing around now, shaking from her orgasms. I’d seen this done countless times in the Hackura realm so in theory I knew how to do it.

Brutus pointed out, “We had the sex talk with dad. Thor told me in more details. We’ve got this.”

I knew that. I crawled up her body. I looked into her eyes, “Elise, I love you.”

She whispered, “I love you too. Claim me EJ, please.”

I looked in her eyes for any sign of hesitation, but I found none. I lined us up and slowly pushed in. I groaned knowing I was barely in, and it felt so good. I paused several times letting her adjust. I felt her barrier and tried to ease past it.

When she winced, I wished I could heal like Alexander could. I put my forehead on hers, “I’m sorry.”

She shook her head, “It’s fine, just a little pinch for a second. Keep going.”

I nodded and slid all the way in. FUCK this felt so good. I clenched my jaw hard.

My entire body wanted me to move, but I wanted to make sure she was ok. I told her, “Let me know when I can move.”

She nodded, “Just give me a minute.”

I nodded. Eventually the tension eased in her face. She whispered, “You can move.”

I slowly slid out and back in as her walls gripped me tightly. I hissed, “Fuck babe, you are so tight.”

She gasped, “That felt, oh god. EJ.”

I repeated the motion. I started thinking unsexy thoughts to hold off my own orgasm. I couldn't last much longer though. Brutus linked, “Use your hands then.” He had the best ideas.

I moved my hand between her legs to rub her clit. Her breathing sped up. I whispered, “Come on babe, come with me.”

She screamed my name and clamped down so hard I came. I yelled, “ELISE!”

Holy shit. My breathing finally caught up.

I looked into her eyes whispering, “Are you ok?”

Elise smiled sleepily, “I’m more than fine. That was amazing. I love you.”

Her eyes fluttered closed. I pulled out of her slowly then ran into the bathroom. I conjured a washrag, went back and gently cleaned her off. I walked back into the bathroom and cleaned myself off. I popped to bed and pulled the sheets over us. I conjured my phone and texted Peter.

Me: Elise is exhausted. I conjured us a treehouse to say in tonight.

Peter: Thanks for letting me know. Take care of my little girl.

Me: Always.

I put my phone down and pulled Elise over to me. I kissed her forehead, “I love you, Elise Kyle.”

I fell asleep with my arms wrapped around her feeling like everything was right with her in here with me.