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Elise smirked, “She’s in timeout.”

I rolled my eyes, “Naturally. So, the imaginary Melanie threw the kid, who may or may not want me to kill him, into the mud because?”

Brutus chimed in, “He totally wants us to kill him.”

I agreed with that.

Elise rolled her eyes, “He threw her new stuffed wolf into the mud and got it all dirty. She kicked him…”

Ray interrupted, “In the shins and the balls.”

Elise smiled adding, “And threw him in the mud. I went to talk to her after she got sent to her room.”

Ray supplied, “And she’s being very secretive about why Melanie got so upset about the whole ordeal.”

I felt like I was pulling teeth. “Why is she so upset?”

Elise blushed, “I can’t say.”

Ray yelled, “Oh come on! I’ve been waiting for EJ to get here so I could hear the story and now you won’t say. Some days Elise, it’s like you don’t like me.” I smiled at him.

My dad had sent Ray to guard Elise when they realized we were mates. When she was four, she was almost kidnapped, but Ray was here to stop it. He was going to stay with her until she was eighteen. Then they would both come home.

Ray sighed, “Come on Elise, this is how I have fun. There hasn’t been a rogue attack here in THREE YEARS! Just tell me why Melanie was so mad. It was over a stuffed animal she got earlier today. It’s not like she had some deep attachment to it.”

Elise teased, “You’re wrong. She has an attachment to it.”

I smirked, “What attachment would that be?”

She nudged my shoulder, “I can’t tell you. Just know, it’s really cute.”

I shrugged, “I’ll buy her a basket of stuffed animals for knocking Robert down into the mud. Are Jason and Tristan already teaching her self-defense?”

Elise laughed, “No, she watches them train though. Obviously, she’s picked up a few things. Ray over there says she was meant to be a redhead.”

Ray snorted, “She should be a redhead. Don’t ask me how she ended up with black hair. She’s got the fiery redhead temperament.”

Elise sighed, “I love her hair. It’s so thick and beautiful.”

I kissed her hand, “Your hair is beautiful.” She blushed, “Thanks.”

Luna Chelsea Kyle walked outside. She waved, “I thought I heard a pop. Would you like to come in for lunch?”

I grabbed Elise and popped inside. Ray growled, “Pup, I swear you do that to annoy me!”

I laughed, nodding my head at him.

Alpha Peter came into the room. He kissed Elise’s head and smiled at me greeting, “Hello, EJ.”

I replied, “Sir.”

Alpha Peter rolled his eyes, “Peter is fine, EJ.”

I nodded to him. We sat down and Dakota and Dalton walked in slowly.

Luna Chelsea said, “You two sit at the table and don’t you DARE get in the cabinets again.”

I smirked. Ben McAlister walked in smiling. He looked at Peter asking, “Where’s your dad? Esther just got back with MaryBeth and Melinda. They demand Nick’s presence to tell him all about their trip.”

Peter laughed, “He’s out back with Dane.”

Dane was Peter’s youngest brother. Ben snorted, “That’s good because MaryBeth demands his presence as well.”

That was predictable. Dane and MaryBeth were mates. The two families couldn’t have been happier about it. Cousin Emmaline was very popular among younger wolves. Everyone wanted to know if she knew their mate. I squeezed Elise’s hand.

Luna Chelsea said, “So EJ, I heard a rumor that your mom almost fought someone today.”

Peter choked on his water. He managed to say, “The heavily pregnant Lead Luna of Black Mountain almost fought someone? Oh god. Did Alpha Eric lose his shi... stuff? Did someone get kicked out?”

I laughed because I knew the word shit. Luna Chelsea smiled, “What would you do if I was trying to fight someone right now?”

Peter growled. Luna Chelsea was one month pregnant. Elise had been hoping for a sister, but she was getting another brother. She was still excited. I knew that was because she had MaryBeth, Melinda, and Melanie.

Elise nudged me, “Is that what happened earlier? That’s why you were upset when you got here, but you said...”

She trailed off then whispered, “Uh oh.”

Peter frowned, “What sweetie?”

Elise grimaced, “You said your Grandma hurt Cassie’s feelings.” Luna Chelsea stiffened, “No way.”

I told them, “My mom challenged Grandma Cassandra.”

Peter made a continue gesture asking, “And she did not accept, right? One does accept a challenge from a pregnant woman, regardless of rank. You link their mate and the Alpha. Though in that case it’s one in the same.”

I shook my head, “She accepted.”

Peter’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. Nick and Ben had walked back inside with Dane. All three paused. Dane said, “Dada, I wanna go see Beth!”

Nick said, “Alright. Let’s go.”

They both walked out, casting looks over their shoulders. Lots of people had those looks about my Mom and Grandma.

Elise asked me softly, “What happened?”

I sighed, “Cousin Miley took mom’s place. Uncle Bjourn showed up and told Grandma Cassandra to take her acceptance back or she’d been fighting him.”

Luna Chelsea paled. I continued, “She did. Take it back I mean.”

We ate the meal in silence.

I knew Ray was mad because he really liked my mom. In fact, he was going to guard her until my dad assigned him to Elise. Ray was still very protective of my mom though. After lunch, I walked outside with Elise. We usually took a walk around the territory. I waved to Melinda, MaryBeth and Dane.

Tristan ran out of his house shouting, “Hi, EJ!”

I smiled, “Hey, T.”

Tristan and I were good friends. Alexander and Jason were pretty good friends too. Jason ran out behind him saying, “Alexander invited me over for a sleepover. When you leave can you pop me back?”

I nodded, “Sure. Are you coming, T?” Tristan nodded, “If I’m invited, yeah!” I assured him, “You are.” He grinned, “Cool!” Elise sighed.

I hugged her, “If we were allowed, I’d bring you too.”

She pouted. I frowned, “Don’t give me that look. It makes me want to do everything for you.”

She kept looking up at me with pouting eyes. I sighed then linked Cassie, “Can you ask mom if Elise can have a sleepover with you?”

Cassie giggled, “Sure.” I waited for several minutes. Cassie linked, “Mom said it’s fine if Luna Chelsea says it's ok.”

I tapped Elise’s nose, “Cassie invited you over for your own sleepover.”

Elise clapped and ran inside to talk to her mom. Tristan commented, “You are so whipped.”

I rolled my eyes, “You will be one day too. I just can’t stand to see her sad. She gave me the pouty eyed look. What was I supposed to do?”

They didn’t reply.

I looked back over to their house and caught a flash of the curtains moving in the room facing us. I tilted my head, “I think your house is haunted.”

They both turned. Jason laughed, “That’s Mel’s room.”

Tristan chuckled, “He’s right, that’s Ladybug’s room. She’s probably dying to come meet you.”

I admitted, “I’ve never heard anyone call her Ladybug.”

Tristan laughed, “Well she can either be a lady or she buzzes around like a bug.”

I retorted, “Supposedly.”

Tristan tilted his head, “Supposedly?” I snorted, “You do know no one has met her because she’s always in trouble. Or your dad didn’t want her to leave the territory. I’m here regularly and I’ve never seen her, or a picture.”

Jason snorted, “It’s not our fault you're unobservant. There are pictures of her everywhere.”

No there really weren’t. It was weird and a lot of people thought so. Melinda came skipping up to us. She greeted, “Hey T, can I go play with Mel?”

Jason replied, “Mel’s in trouble.”

Melinda sighed, “That’s what daddy said, but I don’t see why. Robert was mean and threw her toy in the mud.”

Jason smirked, “She shouldn’t have hit him.”

Melinda crossed her arms, “Really? What would you have done, Jase? Just let that go? NO! You have Beta blood, and so does Mel. It’s not fair!”

She stomped her foot and ran off.

I concluded, “She has a point.”

Tristan winced, “She does. Sometimes mom is harder on her because everyone else is wrapped around her finger.”

Brutus commented, “That seems weird. Sam isn’t a super strict parent.”

She really wasn’t.

Elise came running back outside with a bag, “Mom said it was fine!”

Elation filled me knowing Elise was coming home with me. Brutus purred in my head. I picked her up and spun her around. She giggled, “I’m not allowed in your room though.”

I shrugged, “Who cares?”

Tristan jumped up and down, “Pick me! I know! EJ doesn’t care. Plus, who needs a room to do stuff?”

I growled, “Don’t talk about her like that!”

We hadn’t even kissed. I wasn’t rushing anything. Tristan put his hands up, “I was just kidding, bro. You know I love her like a sister.”

I barked out, “Go get your stuff. I’ll pop us all home.” They left.

I called over my shoulder, “Ray, are you coming too?”

Ray came up with a go bag. He smiled, “Where Elise goes, I go.”

Elise asked, “Are you excited to go home?”

Ray smiled, “I have a house here and there. Home is where you make it, little Elise.” She was my home.

Jason and Tristan came back out with bags. Beta Female Sam McAlister yelled from their porch, “You two be on your best behavior!”

Beta Drake called, “She means it boys!”

They both replied, “Yes, sir!”

Everyone grabbed hands.

I looked up and caught another flicker of the curtains. Maybe Melanie McAlister did exist. If not for Elise being so insistent, I’d say she didn’t. Brutus grumbled, “Mate would never lie to us. Even for a prank.”

My mom was convinced Melanie was a prank they were pulling on all of us to get one over on her. Mom pulled epic pranks and she thought this was their way of getting back at her.

I popped us back into the living room where my dad was waiting. He told the group, “Alexander and Cassie are upstairs with Wesley and Max.”

We all turned to leave. My dad said, “EJ, stay a moment.”

I nearly cursed but nodded. Elise shot me a worried look, then went upstairs with Tristan and Jason. I walked over and sat on the couch.

My dad studied me before asking, “Why did you tell your grandma to leave you and your siblings alone?”

I answered, “Because she should. Even mom said the same.”

My dad sat back surmising, “You don’t like your grandmother.”

I acknowledged, “No, I don’t. I love her because she’s my grandma, but I don’t like her in the slightest. She’s not a good person.”

My dad winced, “What did she do?”

I frowned, “Mom didn’t tell you?”

My dad sighed, “I haven’t asked her yet. I wanted her to calm down for the twin’s sake. Your grandma is cooling on ice in the dungeons waiting for us to all talk.”

He’d put her in the dungeons? Wow.

I evaded, “You should talk to Cassie.”

My dad’s jaw clenched, “I knew it. I knew this had something to do with Cassie. Go spend time with your friends and mate, son.”

I got up to leave. I turned declaring, “I wouldn’t have let mom fight grandma. None of us would’ve.”

My dad smiled, “I know you wouldn’t. Your job is to protect your family, mate, and pack. I would’ve used my Alpha Command on your grandmother. I don’t care what is going on, no challenge issued by a pregnant woman is to be accepted. Especially not your mothers.”

I turned to leave again then turned back.

I linked Alexander, “Come down here for a minute.”

Alexander replied, “Coming.”

He popped next to me. My dad raised an eyebrow greeting, “Son.”

Alexander smiled, “Dad.” I gently said, “We heard some things.” My dad frowned interrupting, “About?”

Alexander answered, “Mom. When we were in Faerie. They don’t quite grasp how good our hearing is.”

I could feel my dad’s fury in our bond. Tears filled my eyes, “It’s true then. They hurt mom! They tortured her?”

My dad closed his eyes and ground out, “What exactly did you hear?”

Alexander said, “We heard that she was beaten up a lot. That someone Fabi, Forbie, or something like that, experimented on her with iron. They said that’s why mom is short. She’s the shortest out of all the Ribbon mom’s we’ve seen. Is it because they hurt her?”

My dad sighed, “Your mom’s story is one you will hear. Not until you’re a little older though. Your mom plans to tell you all about it. She’s not hiding it from you, but you’re only eight. I linked her just now and say this with her express consent. What you heard is true. Your mom did not have a good childhood there. Before you guys were born the Sky and Earth Fairies looked down on partials. They didn’t like that your mom lived in Faerie. They thought she should be in the human realm.”

Alexander frowned, “Why not the Hackura realm?”

Dad ran a hand through his hair, “They didn’t know your Grandpa Titus was your mom’s dad. They thought he was human.”

That didn’t make sense. I knew mom’s birth mother was the former Queen in Faerie, Alania. I also knew mom didn’t like her.

Just like I knew that when gifts showed up randomly for mom from other Fairies, Alania was one of them. Mom always pulled back in the bond when they came. Alexander and I locked eyes. Alexander linked, “We need to learn more about Alania and this Fabi person.”

I corrected, “Fabian. They said his name was Fabian.”

Alexander shrugged.

My dad warned, “I know that look. Please, give your mom and I time here.”

I questioned, “How much time?”

My dad answered, “Your mom wants to explain it when you are sixteen.”

Alexander groaned, “That’s so old!” My dad laughed, “It’s not. You two must think I’m ancient.”

I teased, “Yeah, you’re an old man.”

My dad smiled, “One day you’ll be just as old as me.”

I scoffed, “In like forever.”

My dad rolled his eyes, “Go see your friends and your mate.” Alexander and I popped back upstairs.

Jason and Alexander split off after an hour. Cassie and Elise got tired, so I walked Elise to Cassie’s room. I kissed her forehead, “Sweet dreams, Elise. You’re my girl. You know that, right?”

Elise blushed and nodded, “I know because you’re my guy. Good night, EJ.”

She turned but I grabbed her hand.

I looked into her eyes declaring, “There will never be anyone for me but you.”

She giggled. Cassie said, “I’m just…”

We didn’t say anything. Cassie snickered, “Yup. I’m going.”

I smirked. Elise smiled, “How are you and the rest of the boys going to handle Cassie finding her mate?” I growled, “She’s eight.” Elise laughed, “She’s older than I am.”

I grumbled, “That’s different. She’s my little sister, and you’re my girl. Her mate will treat my sister like a Queen if he knows what’s good for him.”

Elise touched my shoulder, “Just like you treat me.”

She kissed my cheek and ran into Cassie's room.

I touched my cheek as the door closed. She’d never done that before. I smiled and made my way back to my room. Tristan and I played video games for a while. I casually asked, “So, your supposed sister threw Robert in the mud. Please tell her I’ll give her whatever she wants for that.”

He snorted, “Ladybug is not fictional, and I’m not telling her that. She doesn’t like Robert and doesn’t need any encouragement.”

She might.

The next day I popped everyone home and spent some more time with Elise. We were in a field when she asked me, “Can you shift into Brutus again?”

Brutus begged, “Please! She asked!”

I told my mate, “He’d love to.”

I ran behind a tree and quickly took my clothes off, then shifted.

Brutus ran out from behind the tree and lightly nipped at the bottom of Elise’s shirt. He loved playing with her. She giggled and started to chase me. We’d been playing for an hour when her mom came outside, “Elise, it’s time for EJ to go home.”

My mate pouted, “But we just got back.”

Her mom smiled, “You got back a few hours ago.”

Brutus huffed and ran back to the tree. I snapped my clothes on and walked back out. I hugged Elise, “I’ll see you soon, ok?”

She nodded. I pulled back and she quickly wiped tears away. It was like a dagger to the heart. “Please don’t cry.”

She whispered, “I just miss you when you’re gone.”

I tapped her nose, “I miss you more than you could ever know when I’m not with you. Do save up all your imaginary Melanie stories for me. Ok?”

She laughed and pushed me, “She’s not imaginary.”

I teased, “So you say.”

I still wasn’t sure. I popped home.

The next few weeks passed in that pattern. My grandma had apologized to us all. I honestly didn’t want her apology. I wanted her to apologize to my mom and mean it. I didn't think she ever would at this point. It’s like she forgot we knew her motivations. I knew my dad had agreed with my mom because apart from the apology she stayed away from us.

School was boring without Elise. I kept asking dad if I could transfer to their pack school, but he said no. Alexander and I pulled pranks to make things interesting. Cassie would join in on our fun every so often. She was stealthier than we were.

Uncle Bjourn started us training with swords. I boasted to all who would listen that Cassie was really good. Everyone said she was a natural. Alexander and I were so proud of her. Uncle Bjourn said she favored mom in that skill. Alexander and I preferred a broadsword, whereas Cassie used samurai swords.

Wesley ran into the gym shouting, “Mommy’s in labor! Tim and Brody are on the way!”

I thought that may be the case based on her feelings in the bond. We all dropped what we were doing and ran to the hospital with Uncle Bjourn right behind us. The rest of my siblings were waiting. My grandparents were there and my aunts and uncles.

A portal opened and my Uncle Harper stepped through with my Grandpa Titus and Grammy Veronica. Cassie squealed, “Grammy!”

She popped into Grammy’s arms and then to Grandpa Titus. He kissed her head, “Hello sweet girl. How Grandpa’s favorite granddaughter?”

She giggled, “I’m your only granddaughter, Grandpa.”

Grandpa smiled, “How silly of me. You’re still my favorite granddaughter.” She laughed.

Dad came out and smiled asking, “Do you guys want to meet your brothers?”

We all yelled at the same time, “YES!”

I picked Parker up off the floor and carried him inside. He smiled at me even though he could walk, but he was two and let me carry him still sometimes.

I turned to see Cassie had Cole and Alexander had Calvin in his arms. Mom was holding both of our brothers. My dad walked over and picked up one of them. He made introductions, “This is Brody. Your mom has Tim.”

I set Parker down. He toddled over to our mom, popped up into the bed, and studied Tim. Cassie walked over to our mom and gave her a hug. Uncle Aiden popped in. He threw confetti, “More Conners boys! Ahhh, yes. More stubborn Alpha Fairies for me tease my brother in law about. Congratulations, little sister.”

She smiled, “Thank you, Aiden.”

He blessed the twins and hugged us all.

He studied Alexander and me. Alexander linked, “He must know what we heard about mom.”

I nodded. Uncle Aiden looked back at my mom and dad then tilted his head to us. We walked outside and he immediately spoke his space unheard chant.

He sighed, “I heard that there was something you weren’t meant to overhear just yet.”

I frowned, “Did dad tell you?”

Uncle Aiden laughed humorlessly, “He knows? What am I saying? Of course he does. He’s your father after all. He and I are quite alike in that way. He would not like that comparison I fear.”

He waved, “Nonetheless no, your dad didn’t tell me. I heard about it from another source. You will hear the whole story one day. I know you will have questions then. I just ask that you come find me for them.”

I frowned, “Of course, Uncle Aiden. I promise.”

Alexander nodded, “Me too. I promise.”

Uncle Aiden laughed, “All of you are so like your mother in some ways. But in other ways your father shines through. Your looks certainly are your fathers, but those hearts you boys have are so like your mothers. Don’t lose that.”

I smiled, “I don’t plan to.”

Uncle Aiden told us, “You are both are welcome in Faerie anytime. You know that, right?”

Alexander nodded, “We know. It’s bad, isn’t it? Everything that happened to mom.”

Uncle Aiden looked away, “It is bad. Things are different now though. That would never happen again, but it shouldn’t have happened then.”

His sorrow called out to us.

I put my hand on his shoulder, “It’s alright, Uncle Aiden.”

Uncle Aiden said, “I just hope one day you boys don’t hate me.”

Alexander stiffened, “We could never hate you.”

Uncle Aiden acknowledged, “I truly hope you do not. Some days, I hate myself.” I frowned, “That’s not very Fae like of you.”

Uncle Aiden laughed, “That is very true. You keep an eye on your mother for me, will you? I expect a call from one of you if your grandmother”

His dislike for Grandma Cassandra was obvious, it always had been, “is rude to you kids. I’m just stunned by her behavior given all the warnings and lessons she’s had. It’s about Cassie, isn’t it?”

I evaded, “Why would you say that?”

Uncle Aiden laughed, “You cannot evade me, nephew. That answers my question all the same. It was about Cassie.”

Alexander nodded, “She hurt her feelings.”

Uncle Aiden frowned, “Well, I might just have to charm her brush so that all her hair falls out.” Alexander and I laughed. That would actually be funny.

After Uncle Aiden left. Alexander looked at me, “That can’t happen again. We can’t let Cass get hurt like that. I asked her about Grandma hurting her feelings and she said it’s been going for a few YEARS.”

I frowned, “Years?”

Alexander nodded. My hand clenched into a fist.

I shook my head, “It won’t happen again. We will protect Cassie. Even if it’s from family.”

Alexander nodded, “Daisy and Austin are pretty upset too. Austin agrees with Daisy that grandma was saying they shouldn’t have been born.”

I sighed, “I don’t understand why she does this. It’s not what she means in her heart of hearts, but it’s what she’s saying.”

Brutus said, “Or she does mean it.” Ok, I hoped she didn’t.

Alexander shrugged, “She doesn’t think she does anything wrong. As far as what she thinks, you’re wrong. She does believe it. She’s happy about our cousins though. I’m not sure she is about any of us.”

I frowned, “She hurt your feelings too.”

She did love us, but she couldn’t show it. Alexander couldn’t be right about her not wanting any of us around.

Alexander shrugged, “It stopped bothering me a long time ago. I don’t love her.”

I jerked my head to him. Alexander met my gaze. I asked, “You don’t love grandma? Don’t you mean you don’t like her?”

Alexander said, “No, I mean I don’t like or love her. She wishes mom wasn’t a Fairy. Her blood runs through our veins.”

He wasn’t wrong. She’d tried to keep us from using our powers, but mom put her firmly in place for that.

Alexander added, “I think if she was honest, she’d tell us she didn’t like us because we have Fairy blood. She’s always so careful around dad and us, but she doesn’t like Uncle Aiden. She thinks Cassie looks too much like mom. Plus, any time I’ve offered to heal her, she’s jerked away from me as if I was going to burn her. I have this memory I think of...”

He trailed off then said, “Never mind.”

I grabbed him, “No, what memory?”

Alexander sighed, “Sometimes I swear I remember when Mom was pregnant with Preston, William, and Julian. There was a pink rabbit. Grandma Cassandra was going to give it to Cassie, but mom stopped her. It hurt mom and dad was mad. I just remember Oden and my light telling me to save our siblings.”

Oden was Alexander’s wolf.

I frowned pressing, “That’s all you remember?”

Alexander shrugged, “Yup. Do you remember that?”

I thought about it, “Not right now, but I’ll think about it. We would’ve only been three years old.”

Alexander nodded, “Mom’s said that I saved the triplets before.” I argued, “Dad wouldn't have let Grandma Cassandra near any of us if she tried to kill them.”

Alexander shrugged, “I don’t think it was her. I think it was one of those Fairy gifts that showed up that year. Besides, it was Cassie that was the target not them.”

I didn’t like that I could see the difference. He shrugged, “I just don’t like how Grandma Cassandra acts like she’s better than mom. Mom isn’t as expressive as other Fairies.

She’s got a lock on her face, but I feel her so strongly. I know Grandma Cassandra hurts her feelings a lot.

When Cassie said that mom ignored how Grandma Cassandra made her feel she felt so ashamed. She’s stopped doing it too. She calls Grandma Cassandra on all her snide comments now.”