3

My dad sweetly said, “Angel, we’d like to talk to her.”

My mom shrugged, “So talk.”

My dad nuzzled her neck, “She can’t answer if she’s screaming about snakes.” My mom rolled her eyes and chanted. My dad kissed her before she went to sit down, then he turned to Alexander.

Dad asked, “Do you have questions?”

Alexander nodded, “When everyone else is done I want some privacy with her.”

My dad nodded, “Fair enough.” Brutus snorted, “Do we get to stay? That seems fair since we have to deal with all the space he wants.” I replied, “I doubt we do.” I left him to grumble in my head.

My dad linked me, “Ask your questions.”

I was happy he was letting me take the lead. I asked, “What was your plan, Charline? Was it just to make Alexander have sex with you? Then what?”

Charline looked terrified.

Brutus huffed, “She isn’t even looking at us.”

He was right, she was looking directly at my mom. My mom said, “Bitch, you can’t fucking lie while I’m here so don’t even try crazy psychotic C named she wolf.”

She clapped announcing, “Charlooney. That’s her new name, people.” I laughed.

Charline cried, “If I got pregnant, I was going to make him take me as his chosen mate if he wanted to see the pup.”

I laughed, “You think he couldn’t have seen his pup? You thought you’d have lived past the pup being born when we found out what you’d done?”

Charline cried, “I don’t know how anyone found out. There were Fairies, Hackura, and Wolves there! Even Alpha Peter knew.”

Peter snorted, “I didn’t know what you were doing, but you were going to be questioned. Did you actually think you could outsmart me?”

Charline answered, “Yes.”

Peter rolled his eyes, “You had your whole life ahead of you and you just threw it away.”

Charline looked at Alexander in a panic, “You can’t let them kill me!”

Alexander laughed, “I’m not going to let them kill you.” She sighed in relief. His tone was deadly when he told her, “I’m going to kill you.” Brutus smarmily said, “Because she upset Melanie. He’s barely upset about this.” I got that though. I’d feel the same way about Elise.

Charline cried, “You can’t!”

Alexander replied, “I think you’ll find I can. Quite easily, in fact. What did you think? I’d let you go so you could come up with another plan? I don’t want you. I want my mate and that’s it.”

Charline sobbed as reality crashed down on her.

She appealed to Peter, “Alpha Peter please, I’ll be good.”

My mom snorted, “Unfuckinglikely Charlooney.”

Peter sighed, “We’ve been trying for four years to get you to see reason. This is out of my hands, and in their shoes, I’d do the same thing. You are clearly a danger to their family. You should’ve known better. Who else knew?” Charline quickly gave up her friends.

Peter asked my dad, “What do you want to do?”

My dad shrugged, “Talk to them yourself. They didn’t attack my son. You’re an Alpha that I trust. I know whatever punishment you decide will be fair. If they come after my son again, they will die as well.”

Peter nodded, “I’ll talk to them, and we can go from there.” My dad nodded.

I asked, “Did you dare Melanie McAlister to cross the border?”

Charline smirked, “Yes, she wouldn’t do it though and it wasn’t today either. That bitch crossed the border today though. She thinks she’s so smart, but she’s not.”

Alexander growled, “I’d like my minute now.” My dad nodded.

My mom kissed his cheek and popped us all outside. Alexander’s anger barreled into my parents and I so hard our eyes all blazed. Peter winced. Drake laughed, “What else could she say to piss him off so much?”

My mom frowned, “I don’t know. What a fucking bitch!”

I locked eyes with my dad then Elise. Peter also didn’t say anything. So, he knew too.

My Uncle Bjourn stood silently in the back. He kissed my mom’s cheek, “Go on and put TJ and Angela down for the night. I’ll take care of Alexander’s anger.”

My mom sighed, “Fine, but Charlooney dies tofuckingnight.”

My Uncle nodded, “She will, little one.” My mom popped away.

Drake hugged Tristan and Jason who’d joined us. Before Drake and Peter left, my future father in law looked back. He told me, “Have Elise popped home by one in the morning.”

I nodded. Elise sighed, “Can’t I spend….?”

Her dad chuckled cutting her off, “Soon enough, you’ll be moving here.” Elise nodded, “Ok, dad.” I put my arm around her as they left.

Jason and Tristan migrated inside. I refused to leave because I was waiting for Alexander. My eyes were still blazing from his anger. He popped up to our group. Uncle Bjourn announced, “We will be back tomorrow, Eric.”

My dad hugged Alexander then said, “It’s Sunday dinner. We’ll just join you both there.”

I nodded at my brother, and he did the same in return. Alexander and I had questions for our Hackura family. We even had a plan to keep mom busy and away from the conversation.

I linked him, “Is she dead?”

Alexander replied, “Yes.”

I hugged him, “Go get your anger out. Everything is ok and her words are just that. Words.” Alexander gave me a look before nodding. It didn’t take a genius to know her words about Melanie upset him. He popped my Uncle Bjourn away.

I walked Elise upstairs and looked at the time, “Damn it. I didn’t realize it was so late.”

Elise sighed, “I did but I knew that if Alexander used his power, he’d hear all the shit Charline said to Ladybug. I knew he’d need you even if was just a brotherly communication nod.”

I winced, “I hadn’t thought about that. No wonder he was so pissed.”

Tristan came up, “You guys are cutting it close.”

I told him, “I’ll be right back. Tell Jase that Alexander is in the Hackura realm so he’s with us tonight.” Tristan nodded.

I grabbed Elise and popped her home. I held her in my arms on her porch. I leaned down and kissed her. I could smell Ray coming up to us, but I didn’t care. Eventually when he cleared his throat, I pulled back from Elise.

Ray smirked, “Little Luna, when I get the night off then I hear you punch people, it makes me think I shouldn’t take the night off.”

I laughed, “You still need to tell me about that.”

Elise tapped my nose, “Ain’t nothing but a thing boyfriend.” I rolled my eyes.

Brutus grumbled, “I hate that word. We are so much more than her boyfriend.”

I reminded him, ‘“It’s what humans say.”

Brutus retorted, “We are so far from being human it’s crazy.” I laughed in my head. I kissed her again, “Goodnight, Elise.” She walked inside.

I commented to the man behind me, “In a few weeks you’ll both be back with us in Black Mountain.”

Ray nodded. I said, “I’d still like for you to keep an eye on her once you get back.”

Ray smiled, “Is that my assignment?” I nodded, “If you’d like it. It’s not as intense as here, but…” I trailed off.

Ray admitted, “I’ve watched her grow up. She’s like my own daughter now. So, I don’t think I could stop.”

I clapped him on the back, “Good. I’ll see you back home soon. Mom has your cottage ready to go.”

He nodded, “I appreciate that, but you mean I’ll see you tomorrow. It’s Sunday dinner.”

I laughed, “You’re coming then?”

Ray said, “Yes, because I leave her alone for a night and she turns into Slugger.”

I laughed, “True. I’m sure she had a good reason though.” He walked away muttering, “You. You are the reason. Alpha bloods, man.” I rolled my eyes. Brutus grumbled, “Let’s find out what happened.” I agreed, “We will.”

I popped into my house. I eyed Tristan, “I could easily find out by linking a Warrior, but I’d like you to tell me. The Warriors and I will be having words with me about not linking me when it happened. What fight did Elise get into?”

Tristan laughed, “A girl from Alpha Theo’s pack was talking about you. Elise let her know you were hers. It would also appear there’s another girl obsessed with Alexander.”

I groaned.

Brutus offered, “I could shift and rip her head off.”

I closed my eyes. I asked, “Why?”

He shrugged, “I guess he got drunk at your party last year and made out with her.” My jaw dropped. I immediately yelled, “What? He can’t get drunk! We can only get tipsy and he certainly wouldn’t have forgotten that. Yet he’s never said anything to me about making out with someone.”

Jason snorted, “Probably because he was lip raped. He was as tipsy as he could possibly get that night. The girl you’re talking about called his name then grabbed him by the collar. Before he could do anything, she’d kissed him. Make out is a strong term for their lips touching for a split second before he pulled her off him and walked away.”

He winced, “Then he beat the shit out of a heavy bag in the gym. I didn’t see the problem. The girl’s a Warrior's daughter and she’s hot. None of those words made him feel better. He just repeatedly hit the bag as if he didn’t hear me.”

I frowned not liking that I hadn’t heard this before.

Brutus grumbled, “The space for Alexander is getting so VERY small.”

It really was. Tristan asked, “Why didn’t you tell me that, Jase?”

Jason answered, “Uhhh I personally never wanted to mention it again. I don’t know if you know this about our friend Alexander, but he’s intense. He was not on board with what happened and doesn't want to talk about it. My momma raised me to respect that.” Tristan laughed.

Jason added, “If I didn’t need to clarify that he did not in fact make out with anyone; I’d never have said anything.”

I nodded, “You’re a good friend.”

Jason smiled, “I know. I’m fabulous.” I laughed. He quietly added, “My mate’s not from around here though.”

I questioned, “Why do you say that?”

Jason sighed, “I asked Emmaline if she knew. She said she’d never heard my mate’s name or met her.”

I encouraged him, “You’ll find her man.” Jason sighed, “I know.” Tristan laughed, “You and me brother. We’ll find them.” Brutus chuckled because we both knew Tristan would find his soon enough. He turned eighteen in a few weeks. Everly would turn eighteen in six months. We spent the night playing video games.

The next day flew by and before I knew it, I was popping to the Kyle’s home and picking up Elise. She ran into my arms. Ray came up to us and put a hand on my shoulder. I popped us to Sunday dinner. Alexander nodded to me, looking and feeling much calmer. He was ready to enact our plan.

I looked around, sad that there was still no sign Cass. Angela said she was ok though. I did a double take when I saw my brother Max. I hugged him saying, “I thought you had something with Uncle Aiden today.”

Max shrugged, “I did. Plus, I just got here. Angela wouldn’t stop bugging mom about me coming today.”

Something was up.

He added, “Who am I to upset my little sister?”

I laughed, “We would never do that.”

He looked around and frowned. He asked me, “Cass still isn’t back?” I sighed, “Doesn’t look like it.” I searched out my bond with her. She was blissfully happy, so I was going to let it go despite missing her.

Angela squealed, “MAXY! You came.”

I laughed because she was the only one who got away with calling Max that. Max bent down, “Of course I did. You wanted me here.”

She clapped, “YAY!” I noticed everyone in the room that we needed to talk to and get answers from was here.

I said, “Hey, mom.”

I popped over and kissed her. She smiled, “Hey, EJ.”

I asked, “Don’t you think it’s been a while since there’s been a party here?” My mom tilted her head thinking, “Actually, yes.” I kissed her cheek again, “I thought you could plan something to celebrate Aunt Astrid and Uncle Bjourn’s reign so far. There’s a planning committee for it right now on the ceremony fields.”

My mom gasped, “They wouldn’t plan a fucking party without me! Bjourn!”

My Uncle raised his hands, “I had nothing to do with this.”

I laughed, “He didn’t know. You could help plan it all up and get back in time for dinner.”

She kissed my cheek, “Bless you, son. I’m the fucking party planner around here. Astrid gave me the damn title and everything.”

She popped away. My dad was suspicious. “Son, why did you just get rid of your mother?”

Everyone looked at me in surprise.

I sat down at the table and gestured for them to do the same. Everyone sat. I told them, “Because there’s not a single person here who wants mom to hear what Alexander and I have to say. We have been looking into Fairy things.”

My dad frowned, “What are you talking about?”

Alexander said, “We have been looking into tying life forces.”

My dad stood, “Why? Do NOT do that!”

Alexander motioned for him to sit back down. Once he did Alexander explained, “We weren’t looking to do it ourselves.” I added, “I asked Uncle Aiden how Alania died.”

Everyone quickly went silent. Alexander said, “He was evasive, so we looked into it. We know there’s no way Alania died that quickly after Fabian. She should’ve lived for some time. I think. We think that someone in this room killed her. Uncle Aiden can’t lie so I think…”

He paused and glanced at me.

I picked up our theory, “Alexander thinks Aunt Megan got involved so Uncle Aiden didn’t have to lie. We think he saw a body disintegrate to dust that looked like Alania. But it wasn't her, was it?”

They didn’t say anything.

Alexander explained, “We aren’t mad about it. I was mad before we found this thinking Alania did all her deeds and got away with an easy death. I just want to know the person behind the suffering of the people I love most, paid for it all. Immensely. Tell me one of you tortured her for seven years or longer then killed her. She almost took Preston, William, and Julian from us with her stupid tricks.”

My dad’s jaw ticked. He didn’t look around and he didn’t say anything. I gave my theory, “I think it was you.”

I pointed at my Grammy Veronica. Finally, Grandpa Titus spoke, “Your grammy removed Alania from Faerie. Since Megan was pregnant with Lila she could get in and out of Faerie.”

I knew it.

He added, “We all took turns torturing her. I was on the phone with your mother when I heard her screams and felt her pain when she took that toy from Cassie. I heard both you boys cry, along with Cassie’s screams. Alania was always your Grammy’s, but I couldn’t stop myself that day. I killed Alania for what she’d done to my Princess and my grandchildren. To my sons, my love, our family. When she almost killed Julian, William, and Preston, that was it. I lost it.”

Grammy added, “I was going to torture her for seven years. We didn’t quite get to seven, but I assure you she suffered. Your grandpa did what he had to do that day.”

Alexander nodded, “That’s why no more gifts come from Alania. She stopped them before she died except the ones about Angela.”

My grandpa hit the table in anger. I knew what it was about. Alania evaded with him and he felt bad he missed it. He admitted, “Apparently. That fucking cunt and her loopholes! I knew better. I was too specific. I focused on your mother not thinking...”

Bjourn interrupted, “It’s not your fault, dad.”

I agreed, “It’s not. You avenged what happened.”

Alexander asked, “Dad, you knew right?”

My dad admitted, “I did. I came and tortured her too. I figured out she wasn’t dead. The letter she wrote your mom after she died didn’t make sense. Not after your mom found out she was a part of the promised siblings prophecy. That letter that appeared was like Alania, not the one from the funeral she got.”

He looked away jaw clenched, “Your mom couldn't destroy that letter no matter how much she tried. Alania told your mom to run from us all. After the other one told her to stay by my side.”

Who wrote it then? It clicked for me. I’d found that note as a pup and read it.

I looked at my Grammy stating, “You wrote it. That final letter from Alania when she died was from you. You can imitate people’s penmanship. I’ve read that letter, and dad’s right. It is far too nice for Alania to have written.”

Grammy nodded, “Yes, I did write it. I kept the important things Alania told her. The note before was not worthy of your mother. She deserved better. Alania’s letter was a pittance, and I couldn’t stand that for my little girl.”

I asked, “Why doesn’t mom know? Alexander and I figured it out, but it’s clear you don’t want mom to know. She won’t be upset with you.”

My dad frowned and pinched his nose, “Your mom...”

Uncle Marcus cut him off, “Would blame herself. Alania emotionally abused your mother. She would feel guilty over the fact we took revenge for what happened to her. She would think it was her fault. We don’t want that for her. I’m tired of seeing my little sister re-victimized by Fairies. I will NOT allow Alania to do more damage. Your mother has come such a long way, but Alania and Fabian REFUSE to leave her alone. I won’t add this to her conscience.”

I nodded, “Ok, I understand that. None of us will tell her.”

My siblings were nodding right along with me. I added, “I’ll tell Cass though. She looked into it with us briefly and she’s curious.”

My dad nodded, “That’s fine, son.”

I stood and hugged my Grammy. I whispered, “Thank you, for being you, Grammy.”

I hugged my Grandpa next. All my siblings did. My mom popped back in smiling. I felt my heart tugged in my chest. I still didn’t understand how anyone could hurt her. I hugged her tightly. She laughed and hugged me back. The bond told me she was confused but didn’t care because she loved getting hugs from me.

She stepped back assuring the room, “Have no fucking fear. I fixed the disaster they were planning. Honestly, brother, no one is allowed to plan a party here without me. It was literally a catastrophe.”

Uncle Bjourn laughed, “Of course it was.”

Max went stiff as a board as the possessiveness began to fill my bond with him. I cut a sharp glance at him. Angela clapped, “YAY MAXY!”

Micah walked around the corner. He called, “Hey dad.”

He stopped dead in his tracks when Max roared, “MINE!”

My brother jumped over the table and ran to Micah. Uncle Gunner’s jaw dropped. He muttered, “No way.”

My Uncle Harper clapped him on the back, “Now we know why you always felt drawn to have kids with your co-parents. Max and Micah were meant to be.”

I knew my Uncle Harper and Aunt Calista considered Micah their child too. It didn’t matter to either of them who the biological parents were. Gunner’s kids were Uncle Harper and Aunt Calista’s kids. Uncle Gunner considered their kids his too.

Uncle Gunner smiled while Max kissed Micah. My brother pulled back, “How have I never met you?”

Micah wiped tears away, “It’s my fault. It’s just that, well you’re hot and I…”

Max tilted his head, “You’ve seen me?”

Micah blushed, “In pictures. I was always with my mom’s if you were here. I didn’t want to see the girls fawning over you. My dad said you’re bisexual which would’ve been harder to see you with another guy because I always wanted you.”

Max kissed him again.

Micah whispered, “I thought you weren’t coming today.”

Max turned, “Angela, you little minx!”

I linked him, “It took you far too long to clock that.” He winked at me in reply. Angela giggled, “Maxy is happy!” I ruffled her hair and she giggled.

Max turned back to Micah, “My little sister said I had to be here. Now I know why.”

He started kissing him. My dad said, “Go upstairs, son.”

Max didn’t need to be told twice. He portaled Micah out of the room.

Uncle Gunner laughed, “Micah’s just so shy.”

Uncle Harper said, “He takes after his moms and dad. He’s just as good at computers.”

Gunner proudly said, “He’s better. I learn things from him.” Uncle Harper kissed him. When they pulled back Aunt Calista kissed him next.

Uncle Gunner’s phone rang. He laughed, “His moms are calling.”

He answered and went out into the hallway to explain the feelings they felt. I asked them, “Micah’s sixteenth birthday was a few days ago, right?”

Uncle Harper nodded, “Yesterday actually.” I smiled as I looked around. Then I realized Alexander was missing along with Elise.

I waited and faded back. Then I used my bond to find Alexander. I could feel his guilt, excitement for our brother, but also some bitterness. I found him crying with Elise. I spoke softly, “Alexander.”

He looked up, “I’m happy for him.”

I hugged my little brother, “I know you are.” He cried into my neck. Elise rubbed his back in a sisterly way.

I told him, “You will meet your mate, Alexander.”

He snorted, “Will I?”

I assured him, “Yes, you will.” He stepped back and wiped his eyes. He shook himself, “Sorry, guys.” Elise smiled softly, “You don’t have to be sorry.” He nodded and composed himself.

He whispered, “I just want her so badly.”

I waited, hoping this was the moment he’d admit everything to me. He didn’t though. I wanted to groan in frustration, but I still had a little bit more space to give him. Brutus said, “The problem is they relate to Max. Micah and Max should’ve met before now and he should’ve met Melanie.”

That was all true.

He stepped back saying, “Let’s get back to dinner.”

I took his hand and Elise’s. He popped us back into a room off the dining room. We walked back in. My dad and all my uncle’s seemed to notice we’d left. Angela looked sad. My mom was trying to cheer her up which had to be how she didn’t notice our absence. Then I noticed her sly glances towards us and realized she had noticed too. Dang.

All of us ate together. When we left Alexander went to our gym. Elise and I were sitting together when Angela popped to us. I smiled, “Hi ,Angela.”

She sat down with tears in her eyes. I picked her up and put her in my lap, “What’s wrong, Ang?”

She cried, “I can’t help Alexander! I’m trying but his paths are blurred about certain things. I don’t understand! Everything else is clear.”

I questioned, “What’s blurry?”