2

Melanie squealed, “JASE!”

Tears filled her eyes as they darted to me. Jason rolled his eyes, “Please, he already knows. He has to especially since Elise absolutely knows.”

I growled, “Elise didn’t tell me.”

Jason countered, “But you know.”

I rolled my eyes, “Her stuffed wolf looks familiar to me.” Jason gasped, “Nooooo! He’s eighteen and you’re only thirteen! You’re just a pup.” Brutus said, “That was uncalled for.” As a brother, I got it. Especially since I lived in this realm, but it was uncalled for. Five year age gaps were nothing to us.

Melanie started crying, “Yeah well, this pup helped him! You didn’t help him, I did! I saved him! You didn’t even know about...”

She trailed off. Brutus said, “Hang on there. Saved him? She said saved, yes?”

I answered, “She did.” I shot a glance at Levi who had a raised eyebrow.

I tilted my head, “What are you talking about? You helped my brother with what exactly?”

Melanie flushed, “Nothing… I mean… I was just talking… about… nothing… that’s a thing that I do… sometimes…”

Levi snorted, “I’m officially team Melanie didn’t cross the border. She’s a terrible liar. Come on T, that was just sad.”

Brutus commented, “I mean, it really was. Her voice jumped three octaves.” I agreed.

Melanie pursed her lips at my cousin. Tristan pressed, “What did you help Alexander with Ladybug?”

I realized that was what happened earlier. Alexander was excited because she’d talked to him. I laughed, “T didn’t forget his phone, did he? You stole it and talked to my brother.”

Melanie flushed red.

Tristan took out his phone. He shook his head, “I don’t have a call, or a text sent to Alexander.”

Levi snorted, “She’s smart. So, she’d have deleted it. That’s what I’d have done.”

Jason groaned, “Oh god. What did you do, Ladybug?”

Melanie crossed her arms, “I helped Xander!” Jason shrieked, “XANDER? YOU CALL HIM XANDER? No one calls him that. In fact, he beat a guy up for calling him that.” Melanie stuck her tongue out at him.

Tristan spoke to her again, “Ladybug, you shouldn’t take my phone. What did you tell Alexander?”

Melanie answered, “I texted him the truth. No one else would’ve believed me, but he did. He said so…and he can’t lie…”

Jason interrupted, “We’d believe you, Ladybug. What did you tell him?”

Brutus linked, “That’s an adorable stubborn look on her face.”

He was right. She wasn’t going to answer them, and it was written all over her face. Brutus said, “You should do something because it looks like it physically pains her to not talk. She’s biting her tongue. We can’t deal with Oden if she gets hurt. Or bites off her own tongue.” He had yet another point.

Levi and I exchanged a glance knowing she’d believe me. Which meant I could get her to tell us what was going on. I cleared my throat, “Ladybug.”

She looked up at me. I said, “I’ll believe you. I always have, and you know that. I need to know if my brother needs help. I always have his back. I need to know if he’s in danger.”

Melanie frowned, “He went with his uncle’s and his cousin. He promised he’d be safe, and he can’t break a promise.”

Jason raised an eyebrow then shrugged. God, he needed to get a clue. Melanie’s crush wasn’t one sided. Alexander would promise her the world.

I nodded, “I know he did. He told me, but he’s my little brother. Tell me what you told him, please.”

Melanie stared into my eyes while biting her cheek. Brutus groaned, “Please don’t make me link Oden that she’s bleeding. He’ll kill someone.”

I might have to bring Elise here.

Eventually Melanie admitted, “I told him what I overheard right before everyone left. I had to help him…. and I did… so… helping… that’s a good thing.”

Jason started to speak but I growled. He wasn’t helping. He shut his mouth quickly.

I looked back at Melanie, “How did you help him?”

She shrugged, “I warned him about Charline… and her plans… well…I…”

Tristan’s eyes narrowed. Jason groaned, “Oh my god! Do you fight with Charline about Alexander? Christ almighty.” I looked over, “Jason, shut it.” Jason glared at me but stopped talking.

I prodded, “What about Charline, Ladybug?”

Melanie kicked the dirt with her shoes. Eventually she whispered, “I heard her and some of her friends saying she’d found a Witch who’d send her into heat. She was going to use it and get Alexander alone so he couldn’t resist her…and have a pup… but that’s not nice or fair. He’s not hers and he doesn't want her. She’s tricking him….plus it’s obviously a dark Witch so…that’s also bad…”

I didn’t mean to be so loud but yelled, “WHAT?!”

Melanie looked up startled. I growled, “And he went after Charline? Why? Where is she?”

Melanie frowned, “I told him where she was and what time she was meeting the Witch… so… he wanted to check it out, but he wasn’t alone. I would’ve gone but it’s not in our territory and…”

I groaned, “What the hell is he thinking?”

Melanie whispered, “Well, he can call one of his other sides forward. She thinks he can’t, but he could resist her heat by calling one of his other sides forward. There was… well… no, he just can.”

All of us stared at her while she picked at her sleeve.

I asked, “How do you know that?”

I knew how I knew that, but she shouldn’t. Melanie rambled, “Well, Jared lets me borrow some Fairy books. Your Uncle Aiden wrote one on hybrids, and I read it… with a lot of other books. Because we have a deal with homework and books…”

Brutus chuckled, “We know that Uncle Aiden wrote books.”

Yes, we did. Jason groaned, “Oh god. Mel, you’re going to get your heart broken.”

She pulled back, “No I won’t. You can’t tell him, Jase. Please!” Jason snorted, “I’m not telling him. I’m not going to be responsible for crushing my sister’s heart.” She nodded, relieved.

Brutus grumbled, “Broken heart? I swear he is the most oblivious Beta blood around.”

I reasoned, “It’s about his sister. He doesn’t want to see it.”

Brutus huffed. Tristan ordered, “Go back home, Ladybug. We won’t tell mom and dad you snuck out if you go back now.”

Melanie started crying, “But it’s not fair! I didn’t do anything wrong, and I always get punished. I just want to… meet him.”

Levi shot me a look. I knew he believed her too. She wasn’t crossing the border. I linked Alexander, “For the record, chasing after Charline when she’s trying to target you by putting herself into heat is something we share with our older brother.”

Alexander replied, “We just caught her red handed.”

I growled and spoke out loud, “It was true. They caught her.”

Melanie wiped her tears, “I told you. I heard her. Xander said he knew I wasn’t lying… and…” Tristan sighed, “Get back home, Mel.” She shot him a pleading look. He cringed, “Now. Go.” Melanie took off running for their house.

I grabbed all their hands and popped back to the party. I walked inside with our group on my heels. I saw my dad and Peter. I quickly jerked my head to my dad’s office. Both frowned. Elise quickly followed us. Once we got there my dad asked, “What’s going on?”

My mom popped in, smiled and kissed my cheek. She asked me, “Are you having fun at your party?”

I replied, “I’m sure I will. Alexander, Uncle Marcus and Uncle Bjourn are about to bring in Charline. She’s crossed the line this time and her life is forfeit.”

Elise and Peter stared at me as Drake walked in.

My mom asked, “Charline? That girl Alexander went to a dance with four years ago? He said he didn’t like her.”

I snorted, “He doesn’t, but she likes him. She went to a Witch to try to send herself into heat and trap him into having sex and a pup probably.”

My dad snarled.

My mom’s eyes blazed, “OH THAT’S IT! Another C she wolves being fucking psychopaths! She was going to rape my fucking son?! MY SON! OH!!! I WILL RIP HER TO MOTHERFUCKING PIECES!”

My dad put his arms around her, “Angel that’s not…”

My mom interrupted warning, “Don’t you dare say that’s not rape! It is! She was trying to use his animal instincts to force him to have sex with her. That’s fucking rape.”

Peter frowned asking, “How did he find out? I knew she liked him, but I did not suspect this level of obsession. I’ve been having her watched too. There were Warriors following her tonight. If Alexander hadn’t intercepted her, we would’ve. I was going to question her. I knew she’d met with a Witch, but not why. She was never going to make it to the party.”

My dad answered, “We have sources that look out for things like this. Alexander’s must have reached out to him. Or they reached out to Corbin or one of his siblings. They have cultivated many sources in Covens given their Hackura and Warlock blood. Corbin and Alexander are quite close, and he’d tell my son about it.”

Peter sighed, “When they get back, let us know. I am her Alpha, and her actions reflect on us. I apologize for her actions.”

I nodded, “We will tell you, but it’s not your fault.”

My dad agreed, “You were watching her too. You were doing all you could.” Everyone left except Elise and my parents.

My mom frowned announcing, “TJ needs me. I’ll be back in a little bit.”

She popped out. My dad looked at me wanting answers. “How did Alexander know?”

I smiled answering, “Melanie stole T’s phone and texted him about it.” My dad laughed, “Did she really?” I nodded, “She said no one else would’ve believed her but she knew he would.”

My dad snorted, “Of course he would. Get out to your party and have fun.”

I frowned arguing, “I need to be here when they bring her in.”

My dad replied, “She won’t get out of our dungeons. Hell, she’ll be lucky if your mother doesn’t have your uncle Aiden set her on fire.” I snorted but agreed.

I walked out to the party with Elise. I did a double take when I saw Landon Lyons shamelessly flirting with Melinda McAlister. She was blushing furiously but flirting right back. I knew that Landon told Cousin Emmaline he didn’t want to know who his mate was yet, but that gave me ideas about his.

I looked over at Cousin Emmaline who was smiling watching them. She caught my gaze and startled. I raised an eyebrow, which had her smiling and looking away. That confirmed to me that Landon and Melinda were mates.

It made sense. Landon had liked spending time with her ever since they first met. I felt Alexander’s presence closely in the bond. They must have come back. Julianna popped to me. She smiled, “Hi EJ, Happy birthday again. I say again because I told you on your birthday and now at your party.”

I laughed, “How goes the search for your mate?”

She told her mom she wanted to find out on her own because just being told was no fun. Julianna squealed, “I know mom knows who it is, but Dad doesn't want to know so he doesn’t. I’m fairly certain it’s not a wolf.”

Elise laughed while I smiled.

If any of us were going to have a Fairy as a mate it would be Julianna, and they’d better treat her like a Princess; or I’d kill them. Uncle Aiden had abolished the tradition of making mates bleed their first time together. So, Julianna’s mate had better adhere to that.

My Uncle Aiden walked over, “Happy birthday EJ, where is...”

He trailed off grinning, “Never mind. Hello nephew, happy belated birthday.”

Alexander walked up beside me. He replied, “Thanks, Uncle Aiden.” They hugged.

Julianna popped into Alexander’s arms when they parted. A pop sounded, “Cousin Aiden, I….”

He trailed off staring at Julianna. She gasped. Alexander looked at me muttering, “No way.”

Julianna popped to him shyly whispering, “Hi.” He smiled at her, “Hello.”

I heard a growl I knew well. Brutus warned, “Dominic is coming in hot.”

Lucas barreled across the room shouting, “Get away from my daughter, Fegle!”

Fegle smirked, “I don’t think I will get away from my mate, Alpha Lucas. I’ve been waiting for her for quite some time.”

My Uncle Aiden smiled victoriously. He cheered, “FINALLY! More matches that get me more time with my relatives.”

Lucas growled again, “No!”

Dylan grumbled, “REALLY?! Here I was trying to have myself a good time. I should’ve known better. I’m in Saint God Alpha Prick’s territory. Of course this is where fun goes to die. Do you ANY IDEA how mopey Alpha Sleep Tyrant will be about this?”

Julianna whispered, “Daddy, what’s wrong? He’s my mate.”

Lucas’s jaw ticked. Cousin Emmaline popped over, “Lucas, he’s a good man.”

My dad joined us, “Let’s step outside for a run and chat, Lucas.” Lucas snarled at Fegle, “Don’t you dare leave with her.”

Jullianna was near tears as they walked out. Alexander consoled her, “It’s ok, Julianna.”

Julianna asked Fegle, “Why doesn’t my dad like you?”

Fegle smiled introducing himself, “First of all, I am Fegle. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Your parents had a spat once upon a time. Aiden brought me to cheer her up. Your dad doesn’t like me because of it.”

Julianna questioned, “You liked my mom?”

Fegle chuckled, “Only as a friend, nothing more.”

Julianna smiled, “My dad is possessive about my mom. Don’t worry he’ll come around. He can’t stay mad at me.” Fegle cupped her cheek, “I’ve heard other people say your name, but can you tell me?”

My cousin blushed, “Julianna Lyons.”

Fegle kissed her hand, “A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

Julianna told him, “You’re handsome.” Fegle threw his head back and laughed. He turned to Uncle Aiden, “I am aggrieved you’ve never introduced us before, cousin.”

Aiden snorted, “You’ve never been around when she comes to Faerie. I was absolutely not keeping you two apart. I’m contemplating throwing a parade over this pairing. I love having Trixie in Faerie and I’ll enjoy Julianna being there too.”

Lucas came back in, and their group walked off to talk.

Landon came over to us. He laughed, “That’s going to go over well.”

I snorted, “What happened with Fegle and your brother? I feel Fegle’s version was seriously lacking.”

Landon snorted, “I know because mom gave it to me as an example to not be such an Alpha blood.” This was going to be good.

Brutus complained, “We can’t help it.”

I rolled my eyes. Landon continued, “Emmaline and Lucas had this huge miscommunication issue happening. Lucas was pretty busy, and he didn’t get to see or talk to her. She was depressed and Fegle came to cheer her up. To my brother he was flirting. Mom says he was just nice.”

Alexander laughed, “That ought to go well.”

My mom popped back with her friend Tabitha Bond. She’d found her after she visited a Ribbon strand. Dylan shrieked, “BETA JAMES BOND IS HERE! Buddy old pal! You brought your pups too. Hello Mini James Bond’s.”

Tabitha laughed.

Beta Bond frowned, “You know my name is still Jason.”

Dylan sighed, “Yes, you can’t decide if you are an assassin who lost his memory or a secret 007 agent. Some days I lean towards an assassin with memory loss but then I get stuck on Bond. Your last is Bond.”

Tristan walked up to us. He nudged me, “Who is she?”

He pointed at Tabitha and Beta Bond's oldest daughter. I answered, “Everly Bond.”

He smirked, “Introduce us.” I asked, “Why?” He snorted, “Because she’s pretty.” I laughed.

I walked over to her with him. I greeted, “Hey, Everly.”

She smiled, “Hey, Alexander. Happy late birthday.”

I winked, “I’m EJ.” She sighed, “Dang it! I took a shot but I always get you two mixed up.” I laughed, “It’s ok, most people do.”

She warned, “When Elise marks you, you’ll just have to walk around shirtless. That way I’ll know who is who.”

I laughed, “I’ll keep that in mind. This is my good friend Tristan McAlister. He’s the future Beta of our allied pack, Red Run Beta.”

Everly flushed, “Hi, I’m Everly. I guess EJ said that already.” Tristan smiled back at her, “Hi, I’m Tristan but my friends call me T.” They walked off together.

Alexander snorted behind me. I turned back, “How are you, little brother?”

Alexander shrugged, “I don’t really know the answer to that.”

At least he didn’t say he needed space. Brutus agreed, “That’s progress. I’m going to take it.” Him and I both. I told Alexander, “Peter had men on Charline.” He nodded, “I know. We saw them.”

The rest of the party passed by quickly. Lucas and Emmaline returned without Fegle and Julianna. I wasn’t about to ask where they went and set Lucas off. Though it could be a fun distraction if things went south with the party.

I saw Tristan and Everly laughing outside. I nudged Cousin Emmaline and pointed at them. She laughed, “What about them?”

I raised an eyebrow, “You know what about them.”

Emmaline whispered, “if you’re asking about mates....” I interrupted, “I won’t tell anyone except Elise if she asks.”

She contemplated then answered my unspoken question, “They are mates.”

I smiled, “That will be fun. I know T doesn’t want to know but they will find out soon enough.”

Emmaline smiled, “Everly comes around often enough.” I nodded.

That was because my mom really liked Tabitha Bond. She popped her back here to hang out every so often. So, Everly was here a lot because she hung out with her mom a lot. I saw Tristan take out his phone, watching as they exchanged numbers.

I laughed, “I guess we will see how everything gets resolved. How are you doing about Julianna?”

Emmaline smiled, “I’m fine. He’s a good man that I know will take care good of my baby and treat her with the respect she deserves. I’ve known her whole life who her mate was.”

I laughed, “What about my little brother?”

Emmaline evaded, “Which one?”

I raised an eyebrow, “You know which one.” She smiled, “I can’t tell you per his request.” I countered, “But that tells me you know who it is.” I grinned at her as her cheeks pinkened.

Tristan and Jason ended up deciding to stay here for the night. Tristan because he was absolutely refusing to leave until Everly did. Once her family popped out, he sighed. This was going to be a hard secret to keep, but my mom raised me to respect other people’s decisions and their paths.

I walked outside with Tristan by my side. My dad, his, and Peter were already waiting. Elise joined us. I kissed her, “And where have you been?”

Elise winked, “Around.”

I laughed, “How evasive.” Elise smiled, “I’ve got to keep up with you and your Fairy siblings.”

Tristan snorted, “I heard you punched someone.”

Elise coyly replied, “Maybe I did.”

I asked, “What now?” Elise kissed my cheek, “It’s all good. I have to defend what’s mine.” I growled and pulled her into me, “That’s hot, babe.” Tristan groaned, “Gross.” I laughed, “You’re just jealous.” Tristan grumbled but didn’t say anything else.

We joined the group as Alexander walked up. Peter said, “Let’s get this over with.”

I didn’t need to ask if Elise was coming because I knew she was. The second the door opened to the dungeon I heard screaming. I immediately popped to the sound, then laughed. “Hi, mom.”

My mom turned and I noted she was covered in blood that wasn’t hers. She wasn’t usually one for torturing people, but she had her exceptions. Charline screamed, “GET THEM OFF ME!”

My mom rolled her eyes. Alexander popped next to me. I raised an eyebrow stating the obvious. “There’s nothing on you, Charline.”

Charline screamed, “YES THERE ARE! THERE ARE SNAKES ALL OVER ME!”

I asked, “You didn’t go with spiders, mom?”

My mom shrugged, “Chelsea said Charline hates snakes.” My dad laughed and kissed her, “I do so love you, Angel.” She blew him a kiss then decked Charline in the face.

She grabbed her by the chin warning, “NO ONE hurts my kids. Or takes advantage of them. I will walk through the fires of hell itself before one of my kids is raped. DO YOU HEAR ME?!”

I winced. Alexander touched her shoulder, “I’m ok, mom. I was with Uncle Bjourn and Uncle Marcus. Even Spencer came. I can’t be compelled like that. I would just call one of my other sides forward.”

Uncle Aiden popped in. He smiled, “I assume this is the she wolf you were upset about, little sister.”

My mom nearly snarled, “This is her. The C named bitch. Poor she wolves like Chelsea and Cassie are out here combatting all the bullshit the crazy C named wolves make them deal with. They have normal fucking names though.”

My dad laughed, “Christy is a normal name.”

My mom gasped, “Exfuckingcuse me?! Her name WAS Chrisassty and that’s not a normal name.”

I laughed because that was so like my mom. Uncle Aiden set Charline’s hair on fire. She was screaming until he called the fire back to him. He’d let it burn her scalp.

My mom kissed his cheek, “Thank you, brother.”

My Uncle smiled, “I would not let some crazy she wolf hurt my nephew.”

Alexander asked him, “How did you know?” My Uncle laughed, “My sister told me you had someone here that was going to hurt you. She also mentioned she wanted me to set her on fire. We compromised at burning her hair off.”

Alexander smirked, “I felt the Fairy presence outside the Witch’s shop, uncle. You knew what Charliene was doing.”

Uncle Aiden laughed, “Suspected. They were going to stay back and listen to what she had to say to his wolves.”

He pointed at Peter.

He added, “If she said what I thought, we were going to take her. Alas, you found out yourself and my fun is spoiled.”

Alexander winked at him. Uncle Aiden laughed and popped to him. He kissed his cheek, “I love you, nephew.”

He popped out.