Here to Stay

EJ is Eighteen Years Old

EJ was standing in Alexander’s room. My brother was virtually humming with energy. Elise and I were trying not to show our amusement. His emotions varied because he was happy, but also missing Cassie. She’d gone dark on a mission after she left a week ago, but she should’ve been back today. That was the plan since it was our eighteenth birthday party. We’d delayed it past our birthday hoping Cassie would be back, but so far nothing.

Elise’s phone rang and she stepped out of the room but not before I saw Melanie was calling. Alexander asked me, “What about this shirt?”

I rolled my eyes, “I think that is the sixteenth shirt you’ve asked me about. Said shirt happens to be just as nice as the past fifteen, little brother. Why are you changing your shirt so much?”

Alexander flushed, “I just want the shirt to be perfect.” I raised an eyebrow, asking again, “Why?”

I tried to listen and hear Elise talking on the phone, but she must have gone into my room. All our rooms were charmed so you couldn’t hear us, giving us privacy. I was growing impatient about everything coming up in my life soon. Elise’s birthday was soon, and then she’d be with me forever. I’d never have to leave her side again. My room would become ours. She’d already started leaving some stuff here to make the transition seamless.

I somewhat pleaded, “Come on, little brother. Just tell me. Somewhere inside you I know that you want to.”

Alexander looked down, “I need a new shirt. This one isn’t right.”

I rolled my eyes, “You do NOT need a new shirt.” But he’d already conjured a new pale green shirt. The color of Melanie McAlister’s eyes. Which he must know seeing as Jason is one of his best friends.

I dryly commented, “That’s a unique color.”

Alexander hurriedly asked, “But it looks nice right?”

I told him, “If you change your damn shirt one more time, I’ll fight you until you tell me what the heck your problem is.” Alexander looked up, “I can beat you in a fight, big brother.” I smirked, “I don’t plan to fight fair.” Alexander snorted, “Whatever man.” I pushed, “Are we sticking with this shirt? Or are we heading to the gym?”

Elise came back in and I already noticed she was not happy. Brutus growled, “Who upset mate?”

That was a good question. Alexander muttered, “I guess this shirt is fine. Elise, thank god. Does this shirt look ok? Wait...”

He trailed off asking, “What’s wrong?” Elise was wiping tears from her eyes. Her phone rang before she could answer.

I wrapped my arms around her. She answered, “Dad… but….”

I cursed the day I charmed her phone. She sighed, “It’s not fair. You know she didn’t do it.”

I locked eyes with Alexander. I watched him deflate completely.

Elise screamed in frustration, “I don’t know why... I know that! I just know this... you know why this isn’t true. Dad it… FINE! But this is ridiculous. I don’t know what’s going on, but I know I’m beyond over it. I WILL get to the bottom of this once and for all.”

She hung up the phone and threw it at the wall.

Alexander was vibrating. I asked Brutus, “Is he going to shift?”

He replied, “Oden is just growling.”

I gently called, “Little brother.” Elise interjected before he could answer, “Melanie got grounded. She’s devastated that she can’t come to the party.”

I asked, “Why did she get grounded?”

Elise sighed, “Uncle Christopher’s border patrol said they saw her cross the border. The older kids are saying they dared her. Since one of those people is Charline, everyone thinks that’s crap. There are ten Warriors who saw her cross though. Sam and Drake asked her why but….”

I interrupted, “But she said it wasn’t her.”

Elise rubbed her temples, “I don’t understand what’s going on. I know she’s not lying, but ten Warriors wouldn’t lie.”

Alexander ground out, “I’ll be back.”

I frowned, “Where are you going?” Alexander’s eyes were flicking back and forth from black to his normal color with a tinge of gold. I waited for him to gather himself enough to answer.

Finally, Alexander said, “To see Uncle Bjourn.”

I replied, “Be back for the party please.”

Alexander snorted, “Why?” I reasoned, “Cassie might make it back and she’ll want to see you. Plus, Mom worked really hard on the party and Angela will be sad if you aren’t there.” Alexander snorted, “I’m sure she knows I’ll be there, or she’d pop in here convincing me to come back for it. I just need…”

I gritted my teeth snarking, “Space. I got it. Just so you are aware, I’m running out of goddamn space Alexander.”

My brother clenched his jaw, nodded, then popped away. Elise started sobbing. I held her tightly, “It’s ok.”

She cried, “Why doesn’t this ever work out? I should’ve just stayed there with her. If I was with her, they’d know she hadn’t done it. They wouldn’t say I lied.”

I assured her, “We will get it figured out.”

Elise questioned, “How? We had Cassie question the warrior’s last time. They said they saw her.”

EJ admitted, “I know, but Cassie didn’t get to talk to Melanie because she’d left for a dance competition. Just because they believe they saw Ladybug doesn’t mean actually saw her. I believe her too. We both know something is going on there.”

Elise whispered, “Poor Alexander.”

Brutus huffed, “Poor all of us.”

That was accurate. Alexander was going to be moody for the rest of time at this rate. My dad walked Alexander’s room frowning. He asked me, “What happened? Your mom popped to Alexander, but he was already in the gym with your Uncle Bjourn. She’s worried.”

I explained, “Well, I don’t officially know the problem but it’s that Melanie can’t come to the party. She’s grounded again.”

My dad ran a hand through his hair, “Let me guess, she supposedly crossed the border.”

It was the age old excuse at this point.

Elise sneered, “Charline dared her.”

My dad raised an eyebrow, “No one would believe her word. Those two have been going at each other for years.”

Elise acknowledged, “They don’t believe her. Warriors saw her though.” My dad frowned, “Melanie said she didn’t cross again, right?” Elise nodded.

My dad sighed. I asked, “What’s going on dad?”

My dad frowned admitting, “I don’t know. I can’t tell someone else how to discipline their pup. I have files in my office for you two to go through. I pulled pictures of the pups in the surrounding packs. Maybe you two can spot someone who looks enough like her. Maybe that’s who they are seeing.”

Hope filled me as I pressed, “You did that?”

My dad answered, “Of course I did. That's all I can do. I can’t question Alpha Peter’s people. Besides, Cassie did. They at least believe they are seeing her. I don’t think you’ll be able to get through it today, but if you get through it later, things could be different. She won’t be grounded, and we can invite her to the celebration with your sister for your birthday.”

I stalled, “Cassie’s not going to make it back?”

My dad’s eyes twitched as he said, “Angela says she won’t.”

I sighed, “But she’s ok?” My dad nodded, “I’m monitoring her closely in our bond. Angela assured me Cassie is fine.” I threw out, “Maybe we should delay the party again.” Brutus said, “For my sanity, please.” Oden must still be growling.

My dad shrugged his shoulders, “Angela said the party needs to happen today. She won’t say why, but your mom agreed with her. You know your mom feels strongly when you kids say you’re following your instincts, and we all believe in Angela’s abilities.”

I groaned knowing he was right.

I also knew that Angela didn’t get clear visions of the paths of Alexander and his mate. Probably because she’d never met her. She said there were shadows or blurs in Alexander’s path. She didn’t understand them, but she was only four years old. There was only so much she could do with her sight. My dad left the room and I realized we were still in Alexander’s room.

I walked over to my room with Elise. She’d gone quiet, and I didn’t like that. I held her tightly and ran my hands up and down her arms. I whispered, “It will be ok.”

She turned into me, and I just held her. When she looked up at me, I couldn’t resist her lips. I leaned down and kissed her. She tasted so sweet.

She pulled back exclaiming, “We don’t have time for what your eyes are telling me.”

Brutus purred, “There’s always time.”

He was right. I disagreed with her, “We do. It’s my birthday party. Surely, I get a special having sex with my mate late pass.” I pushed her back onto the bed and snapped us both naked. I kissed her neck where I’d mark her soon. She whimpered.

I moved my mouth and whispered in her ear, “Soon Elise Kyle, you’ll officially be mine. I’ll mark that spot, and never let you go. No curfews or nights I have to leave you. If you go to bed before me, I’ll come up to our bed and you’ll be here. You’re mine forever.”

She moaned and arched her hips into mine.

I slid a finger inside her. I teased, “And you said we didn’t have time. My girl is soaking wet for me.”

I withdrew my finger and lined us up. I entered her in one swift move, the way she liked. Her hands clutched the sheets as she moaned and wrapped her legs around me. I pulled her to the edge of the bed, so I was standing. I gripped her hips and quickly pounded into her. I moved my right hand and began moving my thumb in circles over her clit.

She cried out, “Please, God. EJ, oh I’m close. So close.”

I smirked as I kept going. She thrashed on the bed and her legs tightened around me as her walls clamped down on my dick. I couldn’t hold myself back as I came too. I might have tried if the party didn’t start soon.

I slowly thrust into her as we finished. Elise was breathing hard when she looked up at me lazily and smiled. I leaned down and kissed her softly. I pulled back, “I love how you look right after you come. My girl is so hot.”

She flushed.

I added, “I love that you still blush when I say things like that. I have seen every inch of you. You are mine.”

She growled possessively, “You’re mine too.”

Brutus purred, “Rhea is all fired up.” Of course she was. I smiled agreeing, “Yours.”

A knock sounded on my door followed by yelling. “EJ and Elise. You’ve gotta come downstairs. I can’t find Alexander, and based on how angry he is right now I don’t wanna. So, you guys need to greet people that arrived for the party.”

I snorted and linked my little brother Max, “We will be down in a minute.”

Max replied, “Like an actual minute? Or an EJ and Elise having sex minute? Because those are very different minutes.”

I retorted, “In an actual minute.”

Max warned, “Ok, but don’t make me come in there, big brother. Angela is so excited about this party for some reason. Plus, I’m not going near Alexander with a ten foot pole right now. You’re my only hope since Cass isn’t back for someone whose birthday party this is to be in attendance.”

I assured him, “Alexander will be ok.”

Max retorted, “Sure he will. Right after he kills at least ten people.” I laughed out loud.

I pulled out of Elise and snapped us clean and into clothes. I just thought of her birthday outfit I knew she’d planned. I looked down and groaned, “You’re trying to kill me.”

She smirked, “Not tonight, but I have a specific outfit that just might do that one day.”

I bit her lip lightly, “Is that so?” She blushed and nodded.

Max linked me, “Your literal minute is up.”

I rolled my eyes, grabbed her hand, and popped us downstairs. Alexander’s excitement, anger, and then intense rage hit me. I grabbed Elise to steady myself. I felt him quickly push his feelings down. Elise shot me a look as my eyes blazed for a minute.

The Red Run group came in. I kissed her letting her know, “I’ll be right back.”

Max raised an eyebrow at me. He linked, “What the fuck was that?”

I admitted, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” I was out the back door when my phone dinged.

Alexander: I’ll be very late to the party. I have something to take care of.

Me: What would that be?

Alexander: I need to verify some information.

Me: Stop being evasive. What information?

Alexander: Just let me verify it. I think it’s true, but if it is we have problems.

Me: Because we don’t now? Let me come with you.

Alexander: Uncle Bjourn and Uncle Marcus are coming with me.

Alexander: Spencer is coming too apparently.

Me: You be careful little brother. Tug on our connection if you need me. Ok?

Alexander: Ok. I’ll see you later.

Me: Great. Then you can explain that range of emotions you went through.

Jason, Tristan, and my cousin Levi walked up to me. I hugged Levi, “Hey cousin. How’s Uncle Drake?”

Levi smiled answering, “My dad is good. He’ll be here later for the party. I portaled Tristan and myself here. He had to take care of something at home, so they left before he did.”

I teased, “The playdates continue for the kids of those named Drake?” It was a joke when I was pup that kept going steady. Levi snorted, “We hang out with Finn too.” I knew that.

Jason looked around for several minutes. Finally, he asked me, “Where’s Alexander?”

I shrugged, “I don’t know. He has something he needs to check out.”

Tristan nodded and began to feel his pockets. I raised an eyebrow.

He said, “Damn. I forgot my phone at home.”

I laughed and conjured it to myself then handed it to him. He smiled and pulled up his messages and sent a text. I raised an eyebrow, “New girlfriend?”

Tristan laughed, “Nope, I was just checking on Mel via her babysitter. She’s pretty upset.” I deadpanned, “I heard.”

Jason pulled out his phone, “Hey Tank. What do you mean she’s not there? You were watching the house. HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW WHERE SHE WENT? She’s thirteen. Are you really saying a thirteen year old outsmarted you?! I know she’s smart, but YOU HAD ONE JOB!”

Tristan groaned, “I think we’ve got a jailbreak.”

Jason hung up his phone. He grumbled, “She’s too damn smart for a thirteen year old. They followed her scent and have her location narrowed down. We need to get her home before she gets in even more trouble. Alexander and Cassie aren’t even here. She’s met EJ.”

I snorted, “I’m not the only Conners here guys. I’m not sure if you remember my whole horde of siblings running around.”

Tristan pointed out, “It would take her a few hours to get here. She’d have to get a ride. She can’t drive and she can’t ask a Werewolf. Fuck. We’ve gotta go find her before she hitch hikes with a human.”

I smirked, “Would we classify this as an emergency? I could pop you to her?”

Levi laughed, “That’s not necessary, cousin. Micah sent me her location based on the old phone she has for music. It connected to Wi-Fi. I’ll portal them there.”

I wiggled my eyebrows, “I’m definitely coming with you.” Levi smirked at me.

I linked my dad, “I’ll be back.”

My dad groaned, “Sometimes, I think my pups don’t like me. Hurry back, son.”

Brutus felt keyed up. He said, “Maybe we can fix this now.” Maybe but probably not. We walked through the portal Levi opened, into the Hackura realm.

I reached for my connection with Alexander realizing whatever he was checking out wasn’t here. We stepped through to Red Run. Levi chuckled, “I get to meet the elusive Melanie ‘Ladybug’ McAlister. This feels a little like this Christmas Aunt Haley makes us celebrate without the outfits and themes we dress to. I think we’ll have to keep that a secret from certain,”

he looked around then said, “people.”

I snorted.

Jason asked, “What people?”

Levi laughed, “Ohh boy.”

He stalled then asked, “You really don’t know, do you?” Jason frowned, “What are you talking about?” I laughed and pulled him through the portal from the Hackura realm.

We were at the very edge of the border with Red Run, but Melanie wasn’t out in the open. Levi pointed up into a tree. Tristan yelled, “Melanie Jane McAlister, you get down here right now.”

I heard a sigh. Melanie dropped down from the tree. She asked, “How did you know?”

Jason answered, “I had people checking on you.”

Melanie crossed her arms, “I’m not a little pup.”

Tristan argued, “You’re thirteen.” Brutus commented to me, “Which is not a little pup but still a pup.” Her point stood though. No one would’ve checked on us like this, but they did it to her.

Melanie nodded, “Exactly, I’m thirteen not five, T. I’m a teenager.”

Levi laughed, “I like her. I was also right, this is EXACTLY like Christmas.”

I told him, “I like her too, cousin.” Melanie smiled, “Hi EJ.” She studied Levi then added, “You must be Duke Levi. Tristan talks about you. Ok, I’ve seen pictures… and…”

Levi smiled, “I was told you were smart. That was apparently not a lie. Also, you can call me Levi.”

She blushed, “I guess…. Well people say I’m a genius. My I.Q. is pretty high. I’m working on something you might be….”

Tristan cleared his throat, “Aren’t you in enough trouble?”

Melanie got a stubborn look on her face. She retorted, “I might as well cross the dang border if people keep lying about it. I just want to go to the party! Everyone’s going. Everyone’s met ALL the Conners and the Lyons… and well… I’m the ONLY one who hasn’t met the Fairy Hackura Luna Princess! It’s not fair! I didn’t even do anything!”

Tristan snorted, “That’s not why you want to go.”

Melanie blushed. Jason interjected, “What? Yes it is.”

Tristan didn’t say anything. Melanie huffed, “It’s not fair, T! I didn’t do it…. and they lied AGAIN! I didn’t go near Charline this morning or afternoon!” That seemed like she did go near Charline after she found out she lied about her crossing the border.

Tristan frowned, “I told you earlier that I’ll look into it. I believe you, but I don’t have any proof they lied.”

Melanie sat down in a huff, “They suck! The mom monster cookies strike again.”

The what? Tristan laughed and sat beside her, “It will be ok Ladybug. You’ll meet your crush one day.”

She gasped and pushed him, “T! Why would you…?”

Jason jumped in, “Uhh crush?! What crush? You’re too young to have a crush. There are no crushes!”

I laughed and Melanie looked at the ground.

Jason asked, “What the hell? Whose ass am I kicking?”

Tristan smirked, “I wouldn’t recommend that, little brother.”

Levi threw out, “Nor would I.”

Melanie looked up then pushed Tristan again. She sounded betrayed, “You told him! You promised that…” Tristan held his hands up, “I didn’t tell him.”

Levi smiled declaring, “I’m a Duke of the Hackura, Ladybug. I’m observant. Little things lined up for me. Your brother didn’t tell me anything.”

Jason shouted, “I’m fucking observant. What the HELL is going on?”

Then I saw it click for him. Brutus grumbled, “It took him long enough.”

Jase yelled, “Are you KIDDING ME?! You like Alexander?! You’ve never even met him!”