3

EJ deployed Cassie’s plan to get their mom out of the house. It was about a party being planned without her. The Hackura weren’t exactly known for throwing parties. Not the way Haley Conners did anyway. She couldn’t resist popping away to fix it.

Everyone else knew it was a calculated move based on the looks on their face. We sat down and they asked their questions. EJ and Alexander had explained it to their siblings, so they weren’t shocked by the conversation. They were just as interested, especially Angela.

The poor thing. She knew there was something about Alania that involved her, but she didn’t know what it was. I knew though. Alania was a spiteful, jealous bitch about the fact that Angela was more powerful than her. Rhea growled, “Jealous of her own grandpup. I wish I could kick that Fairy’s ass.”

From what I knew it could’ve only helped the situation. Someone should’ve.

Rhea snickered, “They did.”

I argued, “Torture and giving a swift ass kicking are different.”

Though I wouldn’t be surprised if a Hackura did kick Alania’s ass when Haley was taken by Damon. It would’ve been odd if they didn’t. Still, a wolf needed to put the hurt on her.” Rhea agreed, “Definitely.” Too bad she was officially dead.

Rhea told me, “Thor said he and Eric suspected from the moment Haley told him her mom died. He got confirmation when some letter showed up. Full disclosure don’t ask about the letter. At least don’t ask Thor. He’s snarling pissed off about it.”

Good to know.

I wanted to clap when the killer was revealed. I squealed to Rhea, “I knew it was Titus!”

The man himself seemed to be reliving the moment the last gift from Alania came when the triplets and I were three. Haley had almost lost Preston, William, and Julian. I loved all three of them and knew they had big destinies. I could feel it.

Preston shot me a wink. I rolled my eyes at him to avoid shedding a tear. I did know that the world was definitely better off having them in it. Alania infuriated me with her pettiness towards Haley. Especially when I noticed that Angela had a stubborn look on her face. I knew that look. She was already trying to outsmart Alania. She probably could. We just needed to be vigilant about what was going on here.

This conversation reminded me that I was surrounded by women I admired. Veronica gave Haley the words she deserved to hear from her birth mom. The Hackura women truly did amaze me sometimes. When they explained why Haley didn’t know I didn’t personally agree but I didn’t voice it. Honestly, at this point I think she could handle knowing. Alania nearly caused her to lose her children.

On the other hand, Alania had done enough damage. We should all just let this lie which everyone agreed on. Haley joined us a second before Max went stiff beside me. Rhea purred, “We should be detectives.”

I wanted to laugh but instead raised an eyebrow at Angela who was already clapping and cheering.

Several people’s jaws dropped when Max vaulted over the table with ease and ran to Micah declaring him his. Gunner was visibly excited. Only because I turned to Angela did I see the flash of movement to notice Alexander was leaving the room.

I pushed back my chair quietly. Bjourn nodded to me as I slipped out. Seriously, these people just never missed anything. Rhea pointed out, “They are Hackura.”

I headed out quietly and followed after Alexander’s scent.

I found him on the beach sitting in the sand crying. I put my hand on his back without saying anything. He confessed, “I'm a bad brother.”

I snorted, “I know nineteen people who would vehemently disagree with you.”

He wiped his eyes, “I’m happy for him, I really am. I know he’ll be so happy with Micah. I’m proud of him.” I whispered, “I know. You just want your mate too.”

Alexander looked up, “It’s one thing around wolves because they have to wait until their eighteen, but I’m a Fairy. I have so many conflicting feelings. I just feel like I’m losing my mind sometimes.”

I frowned, “Why?”

He shook his head, “I can’t talk about it because it hurts.” What?

Rhea told me, “Oden is locked up. I’ve got nothing.”

I asked, “Alexander, what’s going on?”

He just kept crying. Honestly, I’d never seen him so upset before. I’d barely seen him cry. I just kept rubbing circles on his back.

I smelled my mate before I saw him. I tried not to fan myself when EJ picked up his brother and hugged him. It was so not the moment to be feeling this way. I sent up a prayer, “Moon Goddess, please let Alexander confide in us about his feelings for Ladybug.”

I knew it bothered EJ that he wouldn’t, and it bugged me too.

When Alexander stepped back, I watched the walls go back up around him. He was shutting us back out. Damn it! Come on, just let us in. I held my breath hoping he would say Melanie’s name, but he didn’t. Rhea sighed, “This is the ongoing situation that never ends.” True.

When we returned, we ate quietly. Angela had lost her excitement about Max and Micah. She looked so sad and nothing could cheer her up. She was looking at everyone but Alexander. She must have known how upset he was.

When we left Alexander went wordlessly to the gym. Haley looked worriedly after him. She looked at Eric then sighed. I could tell she wanted to know what was going on, but she was respecting Alexander’s choices. Goddess above, maybe since we couldn’t she would figure it all out and things would be ok. But it wasn’t our place to tell her, no matter how much I wished we could.

EJ and I walked over to a hill and just sat down, and he held me. Angela popped to us crying, and I felt awful. Rhea whined, “I don’t like when she cries.”

Neither did I. Angela was so young and her power wasn’t fully developed. Blurry paths were just something that wasn’t clear to her yet. Maybe decisions not being made kept them that way. I didn’t really know, and we didn’t expect her to yet either.

I should ask Melanie since she’s read all those Fairy books. The headache I got from that thought nearly had me cringing. I put it aside. Angela would figure it out and Melanie didn’t need to know. The headache cleared. Thank goodness. That one hurt.

Or was there really some cosmic plot in play? I shook myself because that was still silly. Rhea whispered, “What if it’s not cosmic, but something is going on?”

I questioned, “Like what?”

Rhea sighed, “I don’t know but it does seem weird.” We stopped discussing it when my headache returned.

It went away when I focused on making Angela feel better. I just needed a plan to figure this out. How was I going to do that? Rhea admitted, “I don’t know.”

I reasoned, “Well, we are moving here soon. I just needed to get Melanie here too. That’s just all there is to it.”

Obviously, it wasn’t some big conspiracy. I was being dramatic. Being here would make it easier.

EJ popped us to Alexander, and he ended up fixing the situation. He pointed out Angela was doing really well with her sight. She’d saved Cassie last year. Both of them had scared the shit out of all of us. That was a whole ordeal that turned out to be a giant misunderstanding. Alexander and EJ still hadn’t forgiven themselves for it, which was ridiculous. It wasn’t their fault.

I winced hearing EJ and Alexander were headed for a fight. Rhea said, “I mean Alexander asked for space four years ago. It was bound to run out.”

I replied, “Sure but what was going to happen that EJ finally snapped?”

She groaned, “I don’t even want to know.” I did and didn’t.

What bugged me after Angela left was the conversation between EJ and Alexander. My future brother in law looked scared to hear that EJ would run out of space. What was he so afraid of? Admitting to liking Melanie wasn’t life or death. Nor was it a bad thing. Eric wanted the boys to come to his office for a meeting.

I was excited that I was included in the meeting with them. Honestly, Eric always made me feel included. Just like Haley did. She’d had me sit in on some disputes with her. She’d even had me decide a couple. I was nervous but excited. She urged me to follow my instincts. Then told me what a great job I’d done. She also offered constructive criticism, but always in her office later.

Rhea purred and pride filled me when I heard the reason for this meeting. Rhea purred, “They are ready to lead the pack and we will be with them.”

Pride and fear hit me. This was the largest pack in the country. EJ was already a target, but leading the pack would make him a bigger one. I was so proud of him though. He’d worked very hard.

I loved my mate’s ideas of how to handle the transition between Eric’s leading Black Mountain and handing over to EJ, Alexander and Cassie. He was so smart. Rhea purred, “He is.”

She practically rolled over in my mind splayed out as if he could see her.

Rhea sighed, “He’s just perfect. Everyone should leave. I need to show him my appreciation for his Alpha-ness.”

I chided, “You CANNOT make me laugh out loud right now.”

She asked, “Who is laughing? I’m serious.” She always was about sex.

Honestly, his idea was a weight off me too. I could move here and work with his mom. She and I could do the same thing. Slowly transitioning to me being at the helm instead of her. I could tell Eric was proud of EJ’s plan too and so was Alexander.

When we left the office, we encountered a few situations with his cousins. EJ encouraged Saied to follow her dreams as Female Lead Warrior because they mattered to their family. He just wanted her to be happy. I was so proud of my man. I loved this pack for so many reasons.

One being they didn’t care about tradition. At the heart of the Conners family was making sure everyone was happy. No matter what that looked like.

Next Daisy found her mate, the adorable Omega that loved to cook with Mrs. Blanch. I was so happy for Daisy. She’d been crushing on Zoe since her family moved here three years ago. Alexander left in a huff. Rhea told me, “Thor said he’s got it.”

Well, if anyone understood, it would be him. Eric was the oldest Alpha without a mate before he’d found Haley at thirty two years old. The masses told him to just pick a chosen mate, but he’d refused. I knew my dad admired him for that. As their family celebrated another mated couple EJ popped me home.

I was humming with excitement to turn eighteen. Rhea purred, “We did leave another suitcase there.”

When he called it our room she was back to rolling over in my head. We discussed the day and I had to agree that for some reason taking over at nineteen seemed less like a mountain I’d struggle to climb.

Probably because Haley Conners had taken over at nineteen and crushed it. She was a Luna, Princess, mother, and went to college for her therapist degree. Seriously, she must barely sleep to achieve everything she did. Rhea snickered, “Hackura need like three hours to be fully rested. They can get by on one for quite some time if they need to.”

I needed that ability.

Nerves flooded me as I decided to confess that I wanted to wait on pups. Rhea told me, “It will be fine. Let’s not make this a big deal. Centuries will be had. We will have pups ones day.”

I was glad she was with me on that. We’d talked about it a lot and she agreed.

Thankfully, EJ did too. GOOD GOD! I didn’t think there was any way in which he wasn’t perfect. We’d fought before, but we always talked our fights out. We never went to bed mad at each other. Rhea purred, “Remember talking about him sharing his light?” I did.

My life was already going to be extended to a Fairy's lifetime. Sharon had shared her light with Garrett, which had extended that to our pack. Then I would join Black Mountain. So, we weren’t forcing him sharing his light. Melanie might be able to tell me if he could help it. Some stories made it sound like it just happened and others it was a conscious choice.

I knew some people wondered why it didn’t happen when we were pups. Rhea growled because she knew my thoughts. I was positive Cassandra Conners had done something about that. EJ never said anything about it, but maybe he didn’t suspect her of anything.

Something told me that I was right though. People speculated it was because EJ didn’t have as much Fairy blood as others who shared their light when they were young. It just didn’t feel right to me. Cassandra doing something so he had to wait until he was eighteen, did. I shook myself and focused.

Rhea distracted me, “I could look at his face for centuries. He just offered to let us be the Alpha and he’d be our Alpha Male. Mount him.”

When he said things like that knowing he meant them made me want to do just that. Especially right after just being offered his dad’s position, he still thought of me.

Our destiny was Black Mountain and I knew it. Rhea linked, “Melanie incoming.”

She must have seen EJ from her window. She handed EJ a present and took off. He was lucky she didn’t have time to rant and explain what that was because she’d given me Cassie and EJ’s presents to take to the party early. This had to be Alexander’s.

I’d asked her but she hadn’t told me what she’d gotten Alexander. I had to walk EJ through why she still had it when the other presents were at this house. Rhea snickered, “Men.”

No joke. It was so beyond obvious Melanie wanted to give Alexander his personally. EJ popped away.

I walked inside where I found Dalton and Dakota waiting. I sat down asking, “What’s up guys?”

Dalton questioned, “What’s going on with Alexander?”

I frowned stating, “I’m not getting into this.” Dalton sighed, “Do we need to worry that without you here that Black mountain won’t want to be our allies?” I gasped and hit both of them in the shoulder.

I shouted, “That will never happen! You are my brothers. Besides, Alexander isn’t upset with you.”

Dakota frowned, “He seems to be. He leaves whenever our group enters the room. Jase said sometimes he feels like Alexander is on the cusp of beating him up. Or getting mad at him.”

I explained, “That’s not about….”

Then I trailed off. Oh my god. Angela said Alexander got mad at his friend. Was it Jason? Why would he get mad at him? He wasn’t grounding Melanie. I shook myself, “That’s not what it looks like.”

Dalton studied me, “What is it about then?”

Tristan’s voice floated through the back door, “Melanie.”

We all turned to him. Tristan sat down, “It’s about Mel, it has to be. He wants to meet her too. Right?”

I shrugged, “I don’t actually know that. I can tell you he’s teased me about her existence for years. Maybe he thinks it’s all just some big joke we won’t let go of. You know Fairies would find a prank this long unfair.” Rhea snickered, “You are so good at being evasive. I love it.” Yeah, well I hung out with the Conners a lot.

Dalton snorted. Tristan continued, “He’s protective of Ladybug. I think he’s annoyed he hasn’t met her.”

Dakota raised an eyebrow. Dalton changed the subject which I found suspicious. Tristan and eventually left and I stood to go to my room.

Dakota grabbed my arm, “T’s wrong isn’t he? He’s not connecting the dots because he thinks it’s crazy that Alexander would like Melanie. It’s not though. Alexander isn’t mated. He’s a strong fighter and so is she. She’s a Beta’s daughter which would match well with an Alpha Enforcer. Does Alexander suspect she’s his mate? Is that why he’s so damn pissed when he sees she’s not with our group?”

I shrugged, “He hasn’t told me that.”

Dalton laughed, “How evasive, big sister. I see you and the writing on the wall. I don’t see why he’d be annoyed with Jase though.”

I admitted, “I don’t know the answer to that either. Nor do I even have a guess to be perfectly honest. It doesn’t make sense why Jase would catch his ire for it.” They both nodded and we all went to sleep.

My birthday was approaching rapidly, and I couldn’t wait. EJ had been really busy taking over pack work. Even done slowly, the amount of paperwork was staggering. Haley was copying me on all her stuff for me to review at my own pace.

She told me once I’d moved, I could let her know when I was settled. Then I could then jump in or give myself time to get my bearings. It was all up to me. I was so grateful for her support and guidance. I had just finished looking through her last email when Melanie came into the house.

Her eyes were puffy and bloodshot. I sighed, “Mel.”

She cried, “It’s going to be so different without you here.”

I held her in my arms, patting her hair, “You know that you can come see me anytime.” She snorted, “Yeah right. I haven’t ever been there… mom eats those cookies and becomes mom monster. She won’t let me come…. She gets weird about me leaving the pack, but no one notices…” What? She’d mentioned those cookie before. She actually talked about the mom monster cookies a lot.

I told her, “I can come see you.”

She wiped her tears, “That’s more likely. You’re going to be busy though since you’ll be the Luna.”

I laughed, “We’ll figure it out. Ok?” She nodded and we talked about several other things before she’d calmed down and left.

My week was filled with more of those heart wrenching conversations. Melanie signed up for a competition on my birthday so she wouldn’t be here when the clock struck. That actually worked well, because I knew I was going to be with EJ. She threw herself into choreographing a new routine.

Before she left, she dragged me out to her meadow so I could watch it. I’d sobbed my eyes out because of her song choice. She’s picked I’ll Always Remember You by Miley Cyrus. It was beautiful and I knew she’d win. I hugged her, “I’ll never walk away from you, Ladybug. This isn’t goodbye. It’s just I’ll see you later.”

She nodded and whispered, “Ok.”

Drake walked up, “Come on Ladybug, you and your mom need to get moving. T wants you to say happy birthday before you leave too.”

He winked at me. Melanie gave me a big hug and I told her, “You go win that competition.”

She sniffled but nodded her head whispered, “Happy Birthday” and left.

I wiped my tears and splashed water on my face. By the time I got back downstairs EJ was already here. I flung myself at him, wanting him to take it all away. In his arms everything was ok again. The second the clock struck midnight the moment I’d been waiting for happened.

His scent hit me. Rhea and I growled, “MINE!”

At the same time Brutus and EJ declared us theirs. Coooper linked me, “Congratulations, big sister.”

I replied, “Thanks, little brother.” Dalton and Dakota linked, “Congrats! Just don’t let us hear you getting claimed because that’s a big hard and fast no.” I snorted, “Thanks, guys.”

EJ took my hand, and we ran outside. He popped us to the treehouse he’d conjured for us two years ago. I’d brought Mel here several times. I knew I’d be leaving, and I wanted her to use this place. It would be her escape.

As soon as we were there EJ snapped us naked. He was going to take his time, but I was ready to explode with desire. I wanted his mark on my neck. Rhea linked, “You tell him girlfriend! Get us marked by his fine, sexy ass.”

I ended up having to take control, but EJ quickly took it back. Rhea growled possessively, “Marking time. I’m coming forward.”

I saw Brutus had already taken over. His teeth sank his teeth into me first. I had to bite him quickly before I lost myself.

As soon as I marked him, I saw stars and my ears were ringing. I couldn’t feel anything but pleasure. I saw EJ’s hand light up as he put it on my chest. I don’t know where I went, but I knew I’d left my body in pleasure. Rhea was purring in my head. I guess everyone was right that sharing your light was instinctual. Which kind of proved my point Cassandra had totally done something to stop this. My brain was too muddled to figure that out.

Rhea grumbled, “Why is he talking? We were marked by an Alpha and I’m sleepy.”

I agreed, “Sleep. I needed sleep.”

I was ready for him to take me to our home. He was it for me now. I was sad to leave my family here, but I was ready.

I couldn’t fathom being apart from him now. He was my forever, and it was official. I was claimed. I was going to be the head Luna of Black Mountain Pack. I’d make everyone proud. My parents, siblings, EJ, Haley, Eric, Mel, and most importantly myself. I could do this. It was my destiny. I could do anything with EJ by my side.

Elise slowly came to awareness. Rhea grumbled, “Why is Rain staring at us?”

Rain? Cassie was here? She grumbled, “That’s the scent in the room, yes. Our sister in law is staring.”

I opened my eyes and Cassie grinned, “Good. You’re awake.”

Rhea went on a tangent in my head. She snapped me dressed, “Let’s go.”

I asked, “Go? Where?”

Rhea replied, “To the bathroom to see our mark.” I squeaked and ran into the bathroom, as Cassie snapped comfy clothes on me.

I touched my neck admiring EJ’s name on me with Brutus' wolf there. I told Cassie, “I wondered if it would say EJ or Eric Junior.”

Cassie shrugged, “I guess preferred names count to Selene. Or Aesir. Probably him. He’s the one who is respectful.”

Out of all the Conners pups, Cassie didn’t like Selene too much. Especially after hearing she visited their parents to tell them ‘so sorry Haley’s getting kidnapped.’ It was fair for them all to be pissed. They were Alpha bloods and even hearing the story made my blood rage with the thought of being unable to stop that from happening to my mate. Rhea growled, “No one will take him because I will RIP them to pieces.”

That was the spirit.

Cassie grabbed me, “And now we go.”

She popped me to a spa that Eric owned. It just happened to be the fanciest one in the area. I gasped, “He’s spoiling us with a spa day?”

Cassie winked, “Yes, he is.” I asked, “Were you always going to be back?”

She replied, “It depends who you ask. Mom was the backup to bring you, but I can’t believe anyone thought I’d miss getting a massage from my favorite place. Plus, I miss spending time with you.”

I grinned, “Well, let’s get this pampering day started.”

I linked EJ. Rhea said, “Brutus is being weird.”

I asked, “Weird how?”

She replied, “Like he’s got more planned than the massage.” I grinned thinking that would be just like my mate. I went into the locker room and got undressed for my massage. Cassie and I were in the room together.

After our massages, they led us into the room with the hot tub. I squealed, “MOM?!”

She grinned at me, “Hey, Sweetie.”

I went and hugged her. She chuckled, “Your mate thought you might enjoy seeing me here.” I grinned, “I really do.”

She noted my mark and winked, “It looks very nice.”

I touched it blushing, “I love it.”

She teased, “That’s good. I know you hoped it would say EJ.” She kissed my head and said, “Your dad and I are so proud of you,” she said, pulling me in for a side hug.

Champagne was brought out for us, with water. Cassie held up her glass for a toast. I quickly grabbed my champagne and raised it. She said, “To my lovely and beautiful friend, Elise. She’s going to be the biggest bad ass around taking over from my mom. She’ll kick ass and take names in her own way. There is nothing a little sister could ask more for her big brother. You are EJ’s everything. He takes on the weight of the world, but with you at his side I know he will stand just fine.”

Tears fell down my cheeks. I whispered, “Cassie.”

She clinked my glass and my mom’s, and we drank. I waved, “No more being sappy today.”

Both of them laughed like they were in on a big joke. When we got out of the hot tub we were led to the showers.

When I was done, I was hustled into a massive massage chair. Three people began to work together. There was a guy with a blow dryer working on my hair, a woman working on my toes, and a woman doing my nails. I asked, “Where’s the fire?”

I noticed Cassie and my mom were getting the same treatment. So, I sat back and enjoyed it.

The guy finished my hair and I thanked him. When my nails and toes were done I noticed they were in a beautiful purple and white swirl. A man stepped up with a makeup cart and belt with all his brushes. I laughed, “I guess I’m not done yet.”

He winked, “You’re a natural beauty. I’m just going to enhance it.”

I blushed, “Thanks.”

When he was satisfied, he stepped back and handed me a mirror. I whispered, “Wow. Can you always do my makeup?”

He laughed, “Sure thing, Luna.”

I blushed, “Not yet.” He winked, “Everyone here will call you Luna.” I thanked him again and went to the locker room.

I found a purple and white swirled sundress I’d admired at the mall the last time I went with Cassie. I gasped, “Cassie!”

She winked, “You didn’t really think I wasn’t going to get it?”

I put it on and laughed, “It’s still so short.” She spanked my ass, “You look hot.” I really did.

She popped us back to EJ’s room. I saw a note on the bed with a bouncy ball and a knucklebone. It was from the game Jacks. I told Elise, “We used to play this game all the time. Ray taught us and we loved it.”

She winked, “Have fun.”

I asked, “With what?”

She popped away. I said, “That was weird.” Rhea hummed, “There’s a note.” She was right. I picked it up and read it.

My favorite first memory I have with you. You were so happy.

I gasped when suddenly, I wasn’t in EJ’s room. I was in a field sitting on a bed sheet someone had laid out. Ray laughed, “Little Elise, it’s your turn.”

I dropped the bouncy ball and picked up two of the knucklebones.

The little me pouted, “EJ got more than me.”

He nudged me, “Look again.”

I watched myself opened my hand and found four in my hand. I squealed, “I WON!” EJ grinned at me. Little me jumped up and ran around, “I WON!”

I saw Ray bump EJ, “I saw that. You’re not supposed to conjure more into her hand.”

EJ shrugged, “She’s happy though. Look at her smile.”

I watched two year old me squeal and run around. I’d known for a while he’d conjured them into my hand.

The memory faded and I realized I was still in EJ’s room. I stepped out of the room to find my mate. Alexander cleared his throat. I told him, “I’m looking for EJ.”

He grinned, “Follow your clues to him.”

I clapped excitedly. He inclined his head in the direction I should go, and I took off.

I found my old battery powered kid’s electric purple Lamborghini in the living room. I laughed, “The clues are getting bigger, babe. It escalated very quickly.”

I picked up the note on the car.

The first Christmas present I bought you.

I was instantly back in that moment. EJ had popped us into his family’s Christmas. It was a madhouse. It was a Nutcracker Christmas theme this year. Haley had conjured me a toy solider dress with a tutu around the sides and back. I loved it and the little top red top hat bow.

I giggled, “Aww, we were so cute.”

Rhea said, “It’s so cool to see it this way, instead of going back through your memories.”

I was five and a ball of energy bouncing around. EJ watched me with a smile on his face.

Haley said, “Elise, that group of presents next to EJ is yours.”

I gasped, “You got me presents?!”

I ran over to my pile and went straight towards the biggest one. EJ told me, “That’s from me.” I whispered, “Can I open it?” He grinned, “You can do anything you want.”

I ripped the wrapping paper open. I screamed, “A BATTERY OPERATED CAR!”

He shrugged, “You said you wanted one.”

I threw myself into his arms as he beamed, “I want to drive it.” My dad said, “Maybe lat…”

EJ popped us outside with the car. He said, “Get in.”

I asked suspiciously, “Is that a five point harness? I don’t think they come with those.”

He agreed, “They don’t, but I take my girl’s safety seriously.” I giggled, “You’re so silly.” He helped strap me in as our parents came outside. I put my foot down on the pedal and took off squealing while EJ smiled as if I’d given him a present.

The memory cleared and I wiped away my tears. I loved seeing the memories from the whole perspective instead of just mine. I’d never known he was that happy when I took off. I found the next note at a vanity set that didn’t belong. I chuckled and picked it up.

The first time I knew I’d do anything to see you never cry.

I was taken into the memory where I was sitting in my room crying. EJ popped in, “Elise? What’s wrong?”

I cried, “Mommy is so mad at me.”

I looked up at him and my face was covered in my mom’s very expensive make up.

Rhea snickered, “Oh my god, you looked like a clown.”

I really did. He snapped his fingers, and it was off all my face. He stepped into the hallway and I followed him. He found my mom and conjured her new makeup.

She smiled at him, “That’s not really the point, but I appreciate you getting me new makeup. Elise is in trouble. I am sorry, but you’ll have to go home.”

He pursed his lips but nodded. He turned around and I sobbed as he led me back to my room.

He laid down on my bed with me and waited until I stopped crying. He conjured me a makeup kit. I gasped, “For me?”

He chuckled, “Well, it’s certainly not for me.”

He looked at the door. I sighed, “You have to go.” Tears fell down my face again. He put a finger to his mouth and faded back.

My dad came in and spotted the makeup kit. He asked, “EJ?”

I nodded. He said, “You knew better than to get into your mom’s makeup.”

I whispered, “I just wanted to look pretty like mommy.” He hugged me, “You are the most beautiful little girl in the world. You’ll come out and apologize to your mom later, and your allowance will go towards replacing what you used for the next few weeks. Ok?” I nodded, “Ok.”

He left and EJ faded back in to hold me. The memory cleared and I wiped my tears again. I whispered, “He’s trying to make me cry today.”

Rhea hummed, “Yet your makeup looks perfect.”

I gasped startled and looked into the vanity mirror and discovered she was right. Waterproof makeup was definitely a smart call.

The next thing I found was a pair of ice skates. I chuckled, “I had a brief time where I fancied myself an ice skater.”

Rhea replied, “I know. I have your memories.”

I took the note off the laces.

I was so nervous this day.

The memory surrounded me. EJ knocked on my front door. I opened it and giggled, “You’re supposed to pop in, silly.”

He gulped, “Well, I asked your dad, and he said it was fine. So, I wanted to ask you the right way.”

I asked, “Right way to what?” He gulped, “Can I take you on a date?” I squealed, “YES! BYE, MOM!”

My mom laughed and came out. She said, “Ray is going with you guys.”

I groaned, “Mom!”

She said, “You’re thirteen years old. He’s going.” Ray jogged over and winked at me. I sighed and EJ popped us to the ice skating rink. I grinned, “I’m such a good skater.”

He snapped me into a beautiful blue skating dress that shimmered with diamonds and his outfit matched mine. I grinned at him, and he took my hand. He conjured our skates on, and we went onto the ice. I gasped realizing he learned the same routine I had.

We danced it as a partner skate, and he threw in some lifts. I asked, “Aren’t you full of surprises?”

He blushed, “I asked Aunt Lexi to teach me so I could surprise you. I wanted everything to be perfect for our date.”

I kissed him on the cheek, “It’s perfect.” He looked like I gave him the whole world. The memory faded.

Rhea said, “We should totally recreate that date. I know why you dropped skating, but it would be nice to do it for fun.”

I did love to skate, I just didn’t have the drive to compete like it required. That was the Daniels’ kids forte. They were so good. Rhea said, “You were really good too.”

I wasn’t bad.

I could smell I was getting closer to EJ. I found the next note with an object I was unsure about. I picked it up and stared at it. It was a new seal. Rhea squealed, “IT’S OUR LUNA SEAL! He designed it for us.”

I gasped and realized that was true. My eyes filled with tears again. I read the note.

I had to show him what I’d done for you.

I was thrown into a memory where EJ was again knocking on my front door. My dad answered and EJ popped them to my dad’s favorite restaurant. I asked, “You took my dad to the Mint in Colorado? Why?”

Rhea said, “They can’t answer you.”

I did actually know that.

I followed them into the restaurant that was shut down. Obviously EJ wanted privacy. Their food was cooked after they selected their cuts of meat. They made small talk until my dad cleared his throat. He said, “I think we both know why we are here. Let’s just put it out there and enjoy the meal.”

I asked, “Was this recently.”

Rhea said, “Check out the wall.”

There was a calendar that showed it was one week ago. EJ cleared his throat, “I’d like your blessing to propose to Elise.” I screamed, “YOU WHAT?!” Rhea snickered, “That’s not surprising.”

I watched EJ put two things on the table. One was a ring box. He said, “I’ve had the ring for almost a year now. I’ve been designing it since I was sixteen.”

I sniffled, “You have?”

My dad pointed at the seal. He asked, “And that is?” EJ answered, “Elise’s Luna seal. I had it designed before mine because I want you to know she’s my priority.” I wiped at my tears while Rhea purred.

My dad said, “Son, I’ve known my daughter is your priority before she was born. You saved her life, and Chelsea’s when you were a pup. You probably don’t even remember it, but I do. You have my blessing to marry my daughter. You would even if you were here asking to be her chosen mate.”

EJ’s jaw dropped.

My dad continued, “You have done nothing but love and protect my daughter her whole life. You make her light up and smile brighter. All I’ve ever wanted for my pups is that crazy kind of love I share with Chelsea. You give her that.”

He added, “I also know you’ve offered to let her be the Alpha while you’re the Alpha Male in Red Run multiple times. As an Alpha, I know how hard that offer is to make. You were willing to sacrifice it all for my daughter’s happiness. You have my blessing to ask her. I love you as my own you know.”

I wished I could conjure a damn Kleenex. The memory cleared and I took off.

I found him and he made me wish I had a tissue even more. His speech was beautiful and everything I’d imagined. He knelt down and I saw the ring. Rhea purred, “It’s perfect.”

It was. I never imagined my ring, but this was complete and utter perfection. He slid it onto my finger, and I was happier than I ever had been. I was going to be Elise Conners, and it was a great feeling.