Hell in a Handbasket

EJ is Twenty-Four Years Old

EJ smiled as Angela popped around her birthday party. She was nervous about something but excited. TJ seemed resigned. I walked over and asked, “So, what mischief are you two up to tonight?”

TJ winked, “I promised not to tell, but it’s a doozy.”

I cautiously threw out, “Did she figure out her blurry visions?”

TJ snorted, “No, she’s getting closer though.”

He started to continue, and I put my hands up. I claimed, “I don’t want to know. Whatever is, I’d rather not know ahead of time.” TJ teased, “You all and your plausible deniability. Meanwhile I’m over here in the trenches. Don’t mind me as I take all the hits for the team.”

I laughed, “God, are any of us like normal kids? You're ten and talking about plausible deniability.”

TJ snorted, “We aren’t normal, big brother. Even by supernatural standards.”

I conceded, “No, we aren’t.” He smirked, “And thank god for that because that would be boring.”

I snorted, “You are something, little brother. Is this going to be upsetting?”

TJ said, “I’d prepare for some fireworks, but I’ll be all over it sending calm everywhere. Breanna couldn’t come, and that would’ve helped.”

Our cousin, Princess Breanna Holloran Doyle, was an empath too.

Brutus groaned, “That’s not good.”

I knew that. I squeezed his shoulder. I told him, “If it gets to be too much pop out.”

He replied, “I’ll handle it.” I sent him how serious I was in the bond. I’d tell his guard to get him out of here if it got bad.

Our conversation stalled when people started to arrive, and he moved towards our sister. Angela was still nervous but giddy. She bounced around the party while TJ just watched her. My mom popped next to me. I smiled, “This all seems to be normal. TJ is watching while Angela bounces around.”

My mom shrugged, “He hates the attention, and she loves it. He’s more than happy for people to watch her. Just a word of advice for you tonight.”

I turned to her sharply and asked, “Do you know what Angela is up to?”

My mom grinned, “I have a guess, but that wasn’t what my advice was going to be about.” Brutus said, “I don’t get good feelings about her guess either.” She was probably right too.

I raised an eyebrow saying, “Alright. What’s your advice?”

My mom winked, “Go find your mate.”

I felt my bond with Elise and frowned. She was pissed and quite likely fighting. I questioned, “What is going on?” My mom answered, “The same thing that always happens at birthday parties. My boys and my girls are highly desired.” I blinked at her not understanding.

She put a hand on my shoulder, “You do know Elise always punches bitches at these parties, right? It makes me like her so much more than I already do. She’s a beautiful soul with sass. I fucking love it. She doesn't let anyone walk all over her and never has. She defends what’s hers”

“As someone who has to do that themselves, I admire the way she does it. Today though, I’d like the whole family around for when Angela’s excitement comes to fruition.”

I assured her, “I’ll go get Elise.”

My mom laughed, “Don’t stop her if she’s kicking ass. Just make sure to kick them out quickly and pop the fuck back here.”

I snorted, “I’ll think about it, but I don’t like seeing her in a fight.”

My mom smiled, “She’ll be fine. It’s not like she’d lose. As I said, you normally hear about such things afterwards. If not for Angela’s plans, I wouldn't have said anything. Elise can handle these things on her own.”

I snorted, “If you saw it, I’m surprised that you didn’t throw them around with your wind.”

My mom admitted, “Your brother told me about it. You know I’d kick ass for any of you kid’s mates.”

My gaze narrowed, “Which brother?”

My mom goaded, “Guess.”

I sighed, “It was TJ because Angela told him.”

My mom clicked her tongue and pointed her finger at me. “There ya go. I knew my smart baby boy would figure it out.” I snorted, “I’ve been a man for a while now.” She kissed my cheek, “You’ll always be my baby boy even though I do know you’re a grown ass man.”

I linked TJ, “You could’ve just told me yourself to go to my mate.”

TJ shot back, “I’m a little busy.”

I groaned, “I was literally just talking to you.” His amusement came through in our bond. He gloated, “It was fun this way. I do enjoy knowing things you do not since it’s rare for me. Unless Angela clues me in.” I replied, “Which is always.” He chuckled, “Not always and she pouts that you already know things which isn’t fair because she sees the paths.” For the love of Aesir.

I linked Alexander, “You got this?”

Alexander snorted, “Do I have our ten year old siblings’ birthday party? Is that a real question? Of course I do. I’ll be on the lookout for a giant cake. There’s a parade later too. It’s some spooky shit, EJ. Spooky.”

He was all sarcasm with that reply.

I glared at him pointing out, “Something is going on.”

Alexander replied, “I am aware. I’m actively trying not to think about it.”

I stopped walking for a second. I continued then asked, “You know what’s happening?” Alexander looked away from eyes as I passed him.

Eventually he told me, “Phil had a theory that Gage agreed with. I am actively not thinking about.”

I blew out a breath, “I don’t like the sound of that.”

Alexander grunted, “They’d better be wrong.”

Phil was not often wrong especially if Gage agreed. I asked him, “You really don’t want to talk about it?”

Alexander reiterated, “I really don’t even want to THINK about it.” I raised an eyebrow then shook myself. Brutus seemed to be thinking things over.

I needed to go find Elise. Brutus agreed, “Yes, find mate. Kick people out or let me rip them to pieces.”

I wasn’t going to say no if they deserved it. Alexander teased, “Please tell Luna Slugger that I love her.”

I warned, “Karma is swift tonight, little brother. Claire just got here.” I’d seen her getting out of her car with friends.

Alexander angrily replied, “She can get out. I’ll tell her so myself.”

Angela popped over to Claire. She crossed her arms and pointed, “YOU were NOT invited. Leave.”

Claire frowned, “But I…” TJ popped over interrupting her, “You heard my little sister. Get to stepping, or I’ll tell my mom why Angela wants you to leave. She does not take kindly to crazy she wolves with C names.”

He paused for dramatic effect before adding, “In fact, you’re lucky she doesn’t have our enhanced hearing. Or you’d already be in a world of hurt.”

Brutus chuckled in my head, “They are so cute together. We could rip that she wolf’s head off.”

I was leaning towards definitely on that one.

Claire argued, “I’m not crazy.”

Angela snorted, “Yes, you are. Do something about that before it gets you killed. It might be blurry, but I see a path where someone KICKS your ass. Hard. Now shoo! You won’t ruin our birthday this year. I REFUSE to let this happen.”

I raised an eyebrow. Brutus asked, “Why?” Angela loved birthdays, but this seemed very important to him.

Alexander had come closer and sighed loudly and Claire shot him a look. Alexander couldn’t have looked more passive if he tried. She turned in a huff and left with her friends. Several wolves were snickering.

My dad walked over and spun Angela around in a hug. I saw my uncle’s, both wolf and Hackura, smirking. Uncle Aiden was actually laughing since he’d been close enough to hear. I heard my mom ask, “What the fuck are you all so amused about?!”

I snorted, “Good luck with that one, brother.”

He sent me his annoyance and I just smiled.

I popped to Elise and instantly got hard. We might be late getting back. Brutus grunted, “We will be.”

Elise had a woman pinned to the ground. I raised my eyebrow at the Warriors just standing around. I said, “I know you didn’t just let someone attack your Luna. If you did, my brother will be the LEAST of the concerns about your training.”

Several gulped.

Brutus snarled, “I will make their lives hell.”

One brave soul offered, “Umm she ordered us to stand down as our Luna.”

I prodded, “But you would’ve jumped in had it been necessary, correct?” They all nodded.

Elise growled, “It was not necessary. I can handle catty ass bitches who want what’s mine.”

Brutus purred, “We could prove that now. She wouldn’t mind if we claimed her right here. I won’t let anyone see any part of her.”

Brutus didn’t mind nudity because we’d grown up that way. Elise and I had participated in an orgy or two in the Hackura realm now.

I respected her boundaries, and she was comfortable with the fact no one saw any part of her. They just heard how pleased she was which told them to stay the fuck away from her because she was mine. I told Brutus, “I wouldn’t say no if that’s what she wanted. We will see where this goes.”

My mate turned the girl’s head to me. Elise told her, “HE is MINE! You know nothing, twit. He didn’t settle for me. He wants me!”

I snarled, “She said that to my mate?!”

I looked at the Warriors around who nodded.

I growled, “I will NEVER want anyone but Elise. How can one settle for the best woman there is out there? You don’t. She is everything I have always wanted.”

Brutus snarled, “Let me kill her.”

I was leaning towards saying yes.

Brutus grumbled, “Oden would’ve killed her already.”

I chuckled, “But he’s the Alpha Enforcer not the Lead Alpha.”

He grumbled, “UGH! Being older is the pits. Let’s get him out her to RIP her head off.” I nearly laughed.

The woman snorted, “You’re a powerful Alpha.”

I laughed, “And? My mate is also a powerful Alpha. That’s a fact people seem to forget. I see she reminded you just fine.”

Elise smirked. She dislocated said woman’s shoulder and pushed her towards her friends. Brutus purred, “That’s hot.”

Elise warned, “Make sure that you get out of my territory.”

Before anything else could be said, I used my pushing power. Brutus complimented me, “That’s what I’m talking about! We’ve got to show them we are not to be messed with.”

Luckily for her I didn't get a flash or hear any of the conversation.

As soon as I let her go, she whimpered. I popped in front of her, speaking in a calm tone which was far from the fury I felt. “You have a mate out there, and one day you will understand how wrong the things you’ve said are. I will NEVER want anyone but Elise. It has ALWAYS been her since even before she born. If anyone settled it was her.”

She scoffed.

I explained to my mate, “You knew no one but me because I growled at them. I wasn’t about to let anyone take what was mine.”

Brutus agreed, “Damn straight.”

I turned back to the woman, “To me, you are nothing. You should want your mate who will see you as everything. You don’t even know me. You just know that I’m a powerful Alpha.”

“I truly hope you take a long hard look in the mirror. My family is not some prize for people to achieve. We are people with real feelings who deserve love. Not some plaything for pedal jumpers who just want power. There is someone out there made for you. Who will love you in a way I never could or would. You should want that person. Because I don’t see you, I see her.”

I pointed to Elise.

I turned my back to the woman and stared at the woman who was my whole world. I looked deep into her eyes saying, “From the moment she was born, I was captivated. Before you say I don’t remember, my wolf does, and he told me. I don’t know who you people think you are coming to my territory, during my family's birthday parties, and trying to start this shit. It’s insanely rude.”

Brutus wanted to come forward, so I let him. He warned, “This ploy won’t work. Whatever plan you all come up with won’t work. Neither I nor my human will see you. Wait for the man or woman who does because it’s not me. I hope you learn from this and grow because if you ever bother my mate again it will be the last thing you ever do. Are we clear?”

The she wolf was crying, but she nodded.

I took back over saying, “Should you heed my advice about finding yours, you will understand my words about my mate. I don’t know where this notion about our family being with other people came from. I don’t know if it's our Fairy or our Hackura side, but it’s ridiculous.”

“Hackura relationships are based on respect, and the desires of both parties. It’s not a dictatorship. The male or female party doesn’t say ‘hey I want to be off so cool.’ It’s a conversation decided together. That could be a text, phone, or in person conversion; however, it’s still a conversation. If someone says no that’s it. End of discussion.”

“They talk about why and work to understand their partner's feelings. Plus, you all are lining up to help me hurt Elise says a lot about you. No one should ever be hurt that way. Maybe think about that. Just pause for five seconds and think.”

I snarled, “What did Elise ever do to anyone? Nothing. She is a fair and just Luna. Wishing that kind of pain on her is unacceptable to me, my family, and hers. That should be more than enough for this shit to end. Elise is mine and I am hers. End of story. I don’t know if I can be any clearer on this point.”

One of her friends grabbed her. She glared at me, “Yeah, we got it.”

Elise snarled, “Don’t you look at him like that!”

I snorted, “You clearly don’t get it either since you’re looking at me as if I did something wrong. When you find your mates, you’ll know. Until then I’d advise you to stay out of my family's way and that includes our mates. You disrespect them, then you disrespect us.”

I added, “Plus, your attitude proves my point. You don’t like me. You like who I represent, not who I am. You dare stand here and glare at me in MY territory for defending my mate, wife, and Luna. I’m sick of this shit. I have every right to defend her.”

I growled, “Now, on the other hand you have NO RIGHT to come here and act this way. Go saddle your high horse and think about riding it somewhere else. Or as my mother, who is around, would say ‘your hypocrisy horse.’ Because no matter what way you slice this, you are in the wrong. I could kill you all for the disrespect you’ve shown to my Luna alone. My mom would absolutely do it and that should have you running for the hills because she wasn’t raised in the human realm.”

I pointed at my mate, “Elise could’ve killed you for your disrespect. So, take your wannabe with a Conners, Lyons, Daniels, or Tucker’s asses up on out of here. Leave before I change my mind about being nice about this.”

They looked thoroughly chastised before they ran off. Brutus scoffed, “Next time we kill them.”

He knew I agreed.

I turned around to face my Warriors. I ordered, “You make sure they leave and don’t come back.”

I grabbed Elise and popped to our treehouse. I pinned her against the wall. “Do you have any idea how hot that is, Elise? Watching you take someone down to protect us and our love?”

Elise ripped off my shirt, “Probably about as hot as it is seeing you defend our love and the mate bond while being the kind amazing man that you are. Why aren’t you naked net?”

I smirked and snapped us both naked. Elise grinned, “That’s more like it.”

I licked her mark, and she shivered. She groaned, “EJ, we don’t have time for this. We need to get back.”

I dropped to my knees and licked her clit. I linked her, “What was that?”

She grabbed my hair and pulled a little as I kept going. When she came, I popped us to the bed.

I pulled her to the edge of it, and quickly slid into her. I growled, “MINE! YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MINE!”

She moaned, “Oh god, EJ.”

I knew we needed to get back, so I started playing with her clit as I pounded into her roughly. I had us both over the edge in ten minutes.

We were breathing hard when I pulled her off the bed and kissed her. I teased her, “Did you have to go and be all sexy when we are supposed to be at my little sister’s birthday party?”

Elise snorted, “I was handling the crazy she wolves. Like I always do at these things.”

I cupped her face, “You should link me when this happens. I’ll just throw them out because you should not have to deal with that. It’s supposed to be us spending time with friends and family.”

Brutus said, “I say we can kill the ones we’ve warned.”

I chuckled, “I agree but Elise doesn’t need to know we’d kill them. She is unlikely to link us at it stands. Add that she wouldn’t at all.” Brutus agreed with that, “I’ll work on Rhea.” Good.

Elise smiled, “Yes, but I don’t need you to fight my battles for me.”

I laughed, “Don’t I know it.”

Elise reached around and spanked my butt. She winked, “You do know it.” I playfully growled at her and kissed her again.

I groaned, “You’re so sexy but we do need to get back. Something is up.”

Elise bit her lip and I felt her basically laughing. I raised an eyebrow asking, “Do you know what’s going on?”

Elise coyly replied, “Do I know, know? No. Do I suspect? Yes. I have suspicions. Genevieve and I are certain.” Shit.

I snorted, “So do Phil and Gage apparently. Whatever their suspicions are, they are making Alexander twitchy.”

Elise cooed, “Remember she’s your baby sister and you love her so very much.”

I growled, “I do not like the sound of that.”

Elise sighed, “Men.”

I asked, “What?”

I told Brutus, “See if Rhea will give you a heads up.” He replied, “I am.” Elise said, “The men in this family are such a dichotomy. We all love you for it, but I swear some days the Moon Goddess asks FAR too much of your mates. This day will go down in history as one of those days.”

I studied her before saying, “This is not making me feel better. What do you think is happening?”

Elise answered, “I think you need to prepare for the possibility that Angela’s mate shows up today.”

I immediately said, “No she’s…” Then all the evidence hit me like an explosion in my head.

Angela wanted to plan this party months in advance. She’s been so particular about everything, including her outfit, being perfect. Phil and Gage would probably have guessed the same thing Elise had. Alexander WOULD hate it.

I acknowledged “Ok, she did say she thought I would be a sour puss about this. So, I’ll say at least this can’t be the misunderstanding that happened when Cassie met her mate. Right? Because Angela would see these things.”

Elise laughed, “I still can’t believe you guys didn’t see what was happening with Cass.”

I winced, “With Cassie and her mate? How were we supposed to see it? They kept missing meeting each other. Apparently, it’s my curse of being the firstborn in this family to watch my siblings miss their mates. Cassie missed her mate, though not as long as Alexander has. The difference is Cass and her mate circled each other for YEARS without meeting because of a crazy ex and magic. Alexander and Melanie haven’t met because of overprotective insanity and a case of mistaken identity with another pup.”

I threw my hands up, “With Cass, I may never forgive myself with that misunderstanding clusterfuck happened right after they did meet.”

Elise sighed, “You and Alexander are the only ones who blamed yourselves. The rest of us normal people know it wasn’t either of your faults.”

Brutus whimpered in my head. It still killed us that Cassie and her wolf Rain were hurt for even one second because of our words. I shrugged, “Well, at least this can’t go like that did because this time we will know they’ve met.”

Elise smirked teasing, “Only if we get back.”

I snapped us into our clothes and popped back to the party by Alexander. He raised an eyebrow at me. I rolled my eyes and linked him, “When your mate gets in a fight and defends your bond with her, you’ll understand why I couldn’t resist her. Plus, with you, we’ll have to worry that Melanie will kill someone. She’s always been possessive of you.”

Brutus snorted, “We’ll catch her hiding bodies or burying them instead of beating them up.”

That could be accurate. Alexander grumbled, “Provided she’s my mate, and I’m not some creepy weirdo.”

I sighed, “I know you have days where you think that, but we all know. Ok? You are not some creepy weirdo.” Alexander nodded, “I hope I’m not.”

I changed the subject. “What’s been happening? FYI Elise told me her theory. I’m sure it aligns with your Beta and Gamma’s. Ok, apparently my Gamma agrees too.”

Angela popped over to mom. She whispered, “You invited Farrin and Trixie, right? They were supposed to be here.”

My mom assured her, “I invited them. I’m sure they will pop in any minute.”

Alexander linked me, “Hell to the FUCK no! Her mate is a damn Fairy? No. NO. NO!”

I cringed, “I am getting the sense he is, little brother.”

Alexander was furious. He practically shouted in our link, “After what they did to mom? NO! They can’t have Angela. That’s a no.” I reasoned, “Fairies are different now. Farrin is obviously mated with Trixie and he’s different with her. They have children who were raised to respect their mates.”

Alexander frowned. Brutus groaned, “I have a headache.”

Yeah, I did too. Alexander growled, “Farrin has a nephew who is older than us.”

I wanted to scream. Instead, I replied evenly, “That’s not a big deal to supernatural’s, but let’s hope it's not him. Or dad might kill him.” Which would be highly hypocritical given his age gap with my mom.

Alexander felt the trend of my feelings and felt some amusement for the situation. Angela had her far off stare going before she started clapping. My mom smiled at her. I linked my dad, “Don’t panic.”

He groaned, “Don’t even say what I think you’re about to say.”

I asked, “You know?” He replied, “Dylan sent a memo that had clues in it. When did he send it? Thirty seconds ago. I may kill him.” He wouldn’t.

I watched as Farrin, Trixie, and their four kids popped in. They had two boys and two girls. Their second to youngest child locked eyes with Angela. He was thirteen years old if my memory was accurate. Brutus scoffed, “You know we are correct.”

Angela blushed and whispered, “Hi, Klaus.”

Klaus smirked, “Hello, birthday girl. That must make you Duchess Angela Conners.”

She nodded. He added, “It also makes you mine.” She giggled. Alexander snarled while I took a deep breath.

TJ popped beside her looking bored. He’d been prepared for this mood change so he might actually be bored now. Brutus said, “The bond says he is.”

He was also prepared to send all his calm around. TJ said, “I’m the birthday boy, if you care.”

Klaus chuckled, “I did before I met the birthday girl. Now, not so much.” TJ sighed, “Normally, I appreciate that, but this is going to hell in a handbasket.” Farrin and Trixie were clearly stunned.

I could feel anger barreling into me. My Uncle’s eyes were blazing, and their feelings told me they had similar feelings to me about a Fairy being mated to Angela. It all went back to my mom’s past. I felt my dad’s trepidation centered on Angela being his little girl and him not being ready for her to be mated. There was also a feeling that he did not like someone in that family. What? Brutus said, “Oden is locked up growling.” Awesome.

My mom was beaming with excitement. She urged, “Angela, introduce us to your mate.”

Angela smiled announcing, “This is Klaus, mom. Klaus, this is my mom.”

Klaus chuckled, “I have met your mom. Hello, Princess.”

She waved him off, “It’s just Haley amongst family.”

Farrin sputtered, “Son, what is happening?”

Trixie squealed. Uncle Aiden couldn’t look less smug if he tried. I shot him a look that only broadened his smile.

My dad roared, “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?! NO! HELL TO THE FUCK NO! NOT HIS SON! Not the man who tried to fu…”

My mom yelled, interrupting him, “ERIC NATHAN CONNERS!”

I was stunned because I’d never heard my mom yell at my dad in front of anyone. Ever.

They stared at each other, obviously linking, while others stood around observing. Everyone was keenly interested in whatever was going on. Finally, my mom bent down and spoke to Angela. “Sweetie, why don’t you and TJ go outside with Klaus and his siblings. Parker, Cole, and Calvin will go with you too. You and Klaus should get to know each other.”

Angela wiped away tears whispering, “Daddy?”

My dad knelt down, “I’m sorry I yelled, Princess.”

He squeezed her tightly. She told him, “We are so happy together, I promise.” He nodded then kissed her cheek. He shot Klaus a glare and stalked towards his office.

My mom said, “Trixie and Farrin, if you’d join us with the horde of people that ends up in my office I’d appreciate it. I’m sure it will be most of my family. Aiden, you’re fucking coming too. So, don’t even think of staying out here. ”

Uncle Aiden popped over and smiled, “Truly sister, I would not miss this for the world.”

Brutus grumbled, “Couldn’t they have continued to not meet until later in life? We just talked about our lot in life as the older sibling. Angela and Klaus had to have been orbiting each other too, and not meeting. Why dear god why did that have to end tonight?”

I answered, “Because Angela saw the path where he came to the party. That’s why.”

He groaned feeling the truth of that statement in my soul.

Uncle Aiden hugged Trixie and Farrin. He held up his hand for a high five. I sighed and popped Elise and I into the office. My siblings followed us. Cassie popped in smiling. She looked at all of us, then frowned. She asked, “What did I miss?”

My mom walked into the room with her hands on her hips. She answered my sister, “Your father losing his goddamn mind that’s what you missed. Eric….”

My dad growled interrupting her, “NOT HIS SON! Not a fucking Fairy! NO!”

My mom reasoned, “Eric, you know Klaus won’t hurt her. He wasn’t raised the way Fairies have been in the past. Fegle has never hurt Julianna. It’s not like Angela is moving realms anytime soon either. She’s only ten and Klaus is thirteen. We will just get them together like we did EJ and Elise. You’ll get to know him.”

My dad growled, “HIS FATHER TRIED TO FUCK YOU!”

My mom rolled her eyes, “One time, and he didn’t fuck me. That feels like an important note. Plus, if we are getting mad about people fucking our spouse being mated into the family I feel I am ILL prepared to be made about our children’s mates. You fucked a lot people. Which, for the record, does not upset me at all. As long as our children are mated to people who love them, I’m fucking happy if they are.”

Thor took over, “HE TRIED TO AT OUR WEDDING RECEPTION!”

My mom counted out loud, “One, Two, Three, Four.”

She blew out a breath then pointed a finger at him, “Do you know how many people STILL try to fuck you?” He blinked at her. She insisted, “Do you? Because it’s A REALLY FUCKING HIGH NUMBER! I’m up to the ceiling in crazy ass she wolves. Farrin is happily mated. He didn’t even like me as a person until well after our reception. He was never cruel to me when I was a child, nor did he hurt me. Can we just take a fucking minute to calm the fuck down?”

My parents stood, staring at each other. My Grandpa Titus spoke, “If he harms one hair on my granddaughter’s head, he is a dead man.”

My mom put her head into her hands saying, “That is true for ALL your grandchildren and ALL their fucking mates. Can we all please pull our heads out of our asses right now?”

No one answered her.

She sternly said, “This is about Angela, and she is happy about this. You can all feel how excited she is. I understand the fear and trepidation in this room and it’s because of me. I get that but I will NOT allow ANY of my children to suffer because of the things that happened to me. Angela will not be punished for what happened to me as a child. By me or anyone else.”

She pointed at herself, “My fears are MINE. Not hers or any of my other kids. Aiden is not the same person he was back then. He is King and he ADORES Angela. He would not let that happen to her. Trixie raised her fucking children like a bad ass. They are respectful, kind, and do not harm innocent people. She has taught them to love their mates.”

She then nearly snarled “And FUCK each and every single goddamn one of you for making me say this next sentence.”

Brutus chuckled, “That was a good snarl.”

She had been living with Werewolves for quite some time now.

My mom took another deep breath, and I nearly laughed because I could tell she really didn’t want to say whatever she was going to say. She rolled her eyes, “Farrin has shown his kids how to be a real mate. He leads by example with Trixie. He loves and respects her. He has not been with another person since they met because it’s what Trixie wanted. That’s respect.”

“That’s not what he was taught. He does it FOR HER! He’s a good man and dad. Will you all calm down so I can stop listing off nice fucking things about Farrin?! FARRIN FOR CHRIST’S SAKE! You know I hate it when you do this shit.”

Farrin laughed, “I knew you liked me, Princess.”

My mom glared at him. She turned to the room, “Do you see what you have done? Now, he’s going to talk about that forfuckingever.”

Trixie giggled. My dad hugged my mom, “I have no problem with the Trixie part of this situation. It’s him.” My dad pointed at Farrin.

Alexander linked me, “Did you know that Farrin tried to take mom at their wedding to have sex with her?”

I replied, “I don’t think I did know that.”

It meant Farrin was someone like those men who tried to attack Elise because they ‘couldn’t help it.’

Brutus linked, “I do know that he was taught he couldn’t control it. He clearly used what happened then and chose to be a better person.”

I asked, “Whose side are you on right now?”

He answered, “Snow’s.” That was Angela’s wolf.

He explained, “She’s very happy and a little sad that we might not let them be together.”

I argued, “I’d never keep her apart from her mate, that’s cruel.”

He advised, “Then this meeting is pointless.” Damn it. He was right. I shouldn’t need him or my mom to tell me that. I reasoned, “We didn’t growl.” He chuckled, “I know.”

Cassie put her hands on her hips, “I think we learned it’s better for us all to know when mates meet. They didn’t try to sneak around. Angela could’ve popped to him without us knowing. She could’ve been going between realms with only TJ knowing. Instead, she included us all. Let’s remember that.”

My dad yanked Cassie into a hug and she kissed his cheek. She whispered, “I love you, daddy.”

He replied, “I love you too, Princess.”

She popped to Grandpa and kissed his cheek. She smoothed her skirt and said, “Now, I’ll leave mom to straighten you all out. I’m going to meet this mate of my little sister’s.” Cassie turned to leave.

Then I felt mischief in our connection. Cassie casually added, “I think you guys are worried about the wrong thing here. Angela is mischievous on her own and I’ve heard the same comments said about Klaus. Just THINK of the trouble those two will get into.”

My jaw dropped. I linked Alexander, “Fuck us all with that parting line.”

Alexander winced, “I already hate it.” Cassie winked at me and popped out.

My mom snorted when my dad growled because Dylan Frost burst into the room. He turned around and said, “Do you see now, Lucas? You show up late to the Conners functions and you miss the sky falling! I MISSED MY MOMENT! Angela has a mate. A FAIRY MATE AND WE MISSED IT LUCAS! SOMEONE tell me it was on camera. If this was not recorded, I SHAME you all. Former Beta Caleb buddy old pal of mine, I see you hiding over there in the corner, tell me all the details.”

Before Caleb could say anything Dylan powered on, “Was it filmed? Did my goddess have to bring Saint God Alpha Prick back from the brink of death after he had an aneurysm? Because in my head, that is one hundred percent how this went down. Has anyone checked to make sure he didn’t pop a blood vessel? Is he having a heart attack? CALL EVERYONE! We must save our Saint God Alpha Prick!”

My mom raised an eyebrow, “Eric is physically fine.”

Dylan clucked his tongue. He sighed, “No, that won’t do. The memo needs to say something about bursting a blood vessel. Come on Saint God Alpha Prick, do it for all of us in the memo verse. Your goddess will heal you right up.”

My dad growled, “Dylan, there have been fewer times in your life that is has been exceptionally dangerous to be you in my presence. You sent me a memo SECONDS before he popped in. You knew and waited this ENTIRE time. Don’t you fuck with me.”

Dylan said, “My next statement is clearly not related to that implied threat in any way shape or form. Toodles everyone!”

He ran out of the room.

My mom hugged my dad. She told him, “She will not have the life I did. We raised her to be strong and capable. She would not take that type of shit from anyone. She would tell us, or her siblings. Especially TJ. Our son has never kept anything that could hurt her a secret. Hell, we’d have to join him in a killing spree. We know he’d be too mad for us to control.”

She turned to glare at my Fairy Uncle. She demanded, “Aiden, say any fucking words.”

Uncle Aiden laughed, “I don’t know that your husband will listen to my words on this topic.”

My mom glared at him until Uncle Aiden popped over and kissed her on the head.

He turned to my dad, “You have my word that no harm will come to Angela through Klaus. Anyone who tries to harm any of my nieces or my nephews will be met with my full wrath. We are growing and changing as a people, and I will not tolerate that.”

My dad studied him, “You don’t think Alania set up some shit for the two of them? She could have those still loyal to her in Faerie. They could just waiting for Angela to be alone there. We have stopped more attempts than I can count together. She is highly sought after.”

Uncle Aiden acknowledged, “That is true, but no Fairy in their right mind would be working for my mother at this point. We would find out, and when we did there’s no one to protect them. As my sister said, Angela is not moving tomorrow. The Fairy Goddess in all her wisdom,”

I could literally feel my mom’s eye roll in her emotions.

Uncle Aiden continued, “allowed us to know this pairing well in advance of her moving to us. We have years to prepare. Her Hackura guard will of course be welcomed. They can go in and out as they please.”

Grandpa Titus declared, “There will be eight guards on her at all times in the shadows if she is in your realm. I will make the additional assignments today.”

My mom bit her lip but it was her only show of emotion. Her walls had slowly come up in the bond. I glanced at Alexander wondering if he had more insight. He wasn’t looking at me though, because he was focused on our mom. It was technically my Uncle Bjourn’s call as King, but the bond told me he agreed with Grandpa.

My dad backed down, “I’ll somewhat calm down about this then.”

My mom said nothing for several moments, then spoke, “Fine. Whatever. If that will make you all calm the fuck down, and you won’t ruin this moment for Angela, agreed. I also don’t want TJ to have to calm you down. That’s not fucking fair to him.”

I felt how chastised those statements made everyone in my bonds feel.

My mom warned, “Later, we WILL have a chat about trying to ruin my baby girl’s first moment with her mate. Don’t think ANY of you are getting away with that fucking shit. She can feel each and every one of you, and you let your own feelings get in the way of a huge moment for her.”

That was a gut punch to all of us. I didn’t need a bond, nor did I need to look around, to see the guilt my mother’s words brought. I even felt bad, and I hadn’t said anything. Mom made a blanket statement, “You all owe Angela and Klaus an apology.”

Brutus huffed.

Farrin smirked, “What about me? I think I deserve an apology too.”

My mom whirled, “Are you fucking serious, Farrin?! What do you want from me? I already complimented you. What else could you possibly want? What my husband said was accurate.”

She pointed, “You used the excuse of being unable to control yourself like every other fucking supernatural group used to. You didn’t try to stop yourself and you did try to take me from our wedding. I don’t recall you EVER apologizing for that, come to think of it.”

Farrin winced when Trixie smacked him on the arm.

My mom continued, “Fairies are JUST as responsible for controlling themselves as wolves are when a female enters their heat or concupiscence. You have grown from the man I grew up with and I fucking acknowledged that. Trixie brought out the best in you. No one in this damn room owes YOU an apology. They owe it to my baby and your son. YOU, not so much.”

She addressed the room, “Everyone stays in this office until you remember my rule in this territory.”

Which one?

She answered sending her annoyance that we all wondered which rule it was. She threw out, “It’s obviously the rule about people who ACT like assholes, get treated like assholes.”

She popped out in a huff.

Wesley sighed, “She just sucker punches you with her speeches.”

Max laughed, “I have never heard her yell at dad like that in front of anyone.”

My Uncle Aiden chuckled, “She only yelled at him so he wouldn’t blurt out Farrin tried to have sex with your mother in front of Angela.” My dad flushed.

Aunt Torvi laughed, “I do suppose that’s not information Angela needs about her mate’s dad today.”

Elise snorted, “Or ever. I’m sure guys wanted my mom before my dad met her. I’m not interested in hearing about any of them. Ever. Because ew. I’m leaving. God, EJ, erase my memory so I can stop thinking about such things.”

I laughed and kissed her, “Let’s go.”

I snapped my dad, uncles, and grandpa whiskey. Grammy Veronica laughed, “Where's my whiskey, young man?”

I smirked, “You don’t need to take the edge of grammy, they do. Or they will never make it back out to the party.”

I linked my siblings, “Watch Angela closely. Klaus gets to earn our approval. We can get that while being happy for Angela.”

They all brightened and nodded. My dad raised an eyebrow as we left the room. Uncle Aiden was skipping.

I snorted, “Can you tone it down?”

My Uncle Aiden laughed, “No, I cannot. I have been WAITING for one of the Conners brood to be mated to a Fairy. There are twenty of you. It’s ONLY fair to have one of you in my realm permanently. I am very excited that this means I will see more of you all in Faerie.”

He lowered his voice, “It also means your mother will have different memories there. I’ve been building new ones for years. She will always have echoes, but finally the happy moments might be stronger than the noise of the atrocities that occurred in our home.”

“Klaus will not harm Angela. He does not even know of that cruel tradition I did away with. Cassie is right though, he’s a mischievous little man. I wish you all luck with that. Those two together, yeesh. We are not prepared.”

He popped away.

The party had gotten back to its regular flow. Elise ducked out to go see Angela as soon as we got back. When she came back inside, she linked me, “Go see your sister. She’s worried you’re mad.”

I sighed, “Alright but she can feel I am not in the bond.”

She chided, “Gee, it’s almost like meeting your mate and your family being dicks is emotionally frazzling. Go. See. Her.” I chuckled, “Of course, babe.”

Brutus purred, “She’s so hot.”

Yet again, I agreed. I popped to Angela and Klaus. He held out his hand, “Alpha Duke Conners, I don’t honestly know which one you are yet, and do not want to offend you guessing. I believe you are EJ though.”

Angela laughed, “It is EJ. You’ll learn to recognize him. You don’t need to use his title either.”

Klaus smiled at her, “I’ll call him Alpha until he agrees to otherwise.”

Dammit. This kid was going to make me like him. Angela shot me her big puppy dog eyes that I was incapable of saying no to.

I groaned, “Please call me EJ, Klaus.”

He nodded. I hugged Angela, “Congratulations on meeting your mate. Should you two ever want to talk about how hard it is to be apart and not be together twenty-four seven now that you’ve met, Elise and I know a thing or two about that.”

I ruffled my sister’s hair, “Angela, you know I’ll always spare time for you. Klaus, the same goes for you. You will have to earn my respect because I won’t just hand it to you. I have no problem starting that open door policy with you.”

Klaus puffed up, “I will earn the respect of all of you. Goddess Azoney has paired me with Angela and I will be a good mate. For now, it is friendship that I know one day will bloom. I have always been intrigued by her name. The stories I have heard about her have always made me curious. I was most excited when the invitation to her birthday party arrived. Mysteriously, the other event we were talking about going to got cancelled.”

Angela smiled.

I laughed, “Little one, what did you do?”

Angela winked, “I told Uncle Aiden the event was on mine and TJ’s birthday and some of our guests wouldn’t be able to attend. So, he fixed it.”

I laughed, “You are diabolical.” She shrugged, “I knew Uncle Aiden wouldn’t mind even if meeting Klaus wasn’t why I wanted that event cancelled.”

I snorted, “Uncle Aiden is on cloud nine.”

Angela frowned, “But daddy is upset.”

I explained, “Dad is grappling with his little girl having a mate and mom’s past. It’s not about you.” Angela smiled and squeezed Klaus’ hand.

She told him, “Don’t worry Klaus, my dad comes around.”

Klaus smiled brightly at her, “Well, who could worry if you tell them not to Ang?”

She blushed. Ok, that settled it. I couldn’t be here anymore. I kissed her cheek and said, “Come back to your party when you are ready.” She nodded. Brutus said, “Snow is very happy.”

Well, I felt like I’d aged three years when I walked inside. Alexander now had a glass of whiskey himself. It wasn’t a bad idea so I grabbed one too. Angela and Klaus didn’t separate until the last possible moment.

Mom and Trixie had already arranged when they would see each other next. My mom had gotten Angela a phone to talk to Klaus on. It was for Klaus and emergencies. She already had all the important numbers in the phone.

My dad had come around before the end of the night. Mostly for Angela, but he was still pouting because she’d found her mate so early. He’d gotten a break with Cassie since she’d been older. I took Elise up to bed once everyone left and promptly passed out.

The next day we were all being lazy in the family room together when Lexi Daniels blew into the room. She spotted my mom, “You will NEVER believe what just happened to me.”

My mom waited several moments but she didn’t continue.

Mom asked, “Did you want me to guess?”

Aunt Lexi nodded. Mom guessed, “A green unicorn was conjured into your territory? I would never guess that.”

Aunt Lexi laughed, “Thank you, Haley. I needed a laugh. I would’ve LOVED if that had been what happened. No, that’s not it.”

Mom was about to guess again but Aunt Lexi continued. “Ted and I were in a meeting with a new client. They asked if we could get them The Rebels for a party. Does ANYONE in this damn room know who The Rebels are?!”

I shook my head with most everyone.

Aunt Lexi threw her hands up, “Ted and I were flabbergasted and confused. Nothing came up on my google search. They don’t even have an Instagram. No Twitter, and don’t any of you kids say ‘it’s X’ it’s forever Twitter to me. Anyway they also don’t have TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram. They have NOTHING. No social media platform WHATSOEVER!”

I asked, “Who are they then?”

Aunt Lexi flopped down onto a chair admitting, “I don’t know.”

Micah answered, “It’s a band. A VERY popular all supernatural band.”

Aunt Lexi bolted up, “YOU KNOW THEM?!” Micah gaped at her, “Yes, because everyone knows them.” My mom said, “I’ve never heard of them.”

I echoed her sentiments, “Me either.”

All my siblings agreed. Elise and Buttercup spoke up at the same time, “Not a clue.”

Aunt Lexi clapped her hands, “THANK YOU!” She turned on Micah, “So you are the only one who knows. I am THE party planner in this area. How could you not tell me about this band? What do you know? When did they become the supernatural it band? Is this a other realms have this band thing they don’t advertise in the human realm? Is that why there is no social media?!”

Micah answered, “They originated their band in this realm, and to my knowledge have never played in a different realm. The band have been popular for a couple years. Their gigs are virtually impossible to get into without a connection.”

Max clapped, “Wait, you've been to several of their concerts! It’s coming back to me. You and Cayden both have gone.”

Aunt Lexi squealed, “Do you have a connection with the band, Micah? I need to get in touch with them. I know they’ve never been in this area.”

Micah winced, “I can’t actually talk about that.”

Elise gasped, “No freaking way!” I frowned, “What?”

Elise locked eyes with Micah but didn’t say anything. Aunt Lexi demanded, “One of you say words!”

Elise smirked, “The only person Micah has ever said he can’t talk about is Ashley.”

I jerked my head, “You mean Ashley Griffen?” Brutus purred, “Mate figure it all out.”

Elise nodded, “One in the same. Ashley is in the band, isn’t she Micah?”

Before he could answer Alexander snorted, “Is this girl superwoman? She’s the Female Lead Warrior of pack, that she’s basically running, and in her spare time she’s in a super popular band none of us have heard of?”

Aunt Lexi frowned, “Don’t you just KNOW your dad has heard about this band.”

My mom snorted, “He has. I just linked him about it, but he didn’t think it was a big deal.”

Aunt Lexi gritted her teeth, “Which means Chase knows. Ohhh! His ass is grass.”

My mom rolled her eyes, “That’s makes no fucking sense, Lex.”

Aunt Lexi laughed, “But it does, Hales.”

My mom frowned and I could literally feel her trying to figure it all out in the bond

Alexander asked, “So does Ashley sing?”

Micah frowned, “Not exactly.”

Aunt Lexi clapped, “No! I have that. There’s some girl who sings with them sometimes, but she’s not a permanent fixture in the band. She has the voice of Angel, but no one knows her name. That detail should’ve told me it was a band. This tells you how flustered I was. Do they have clips of this girl singing? No, the band doesn’t allow recording devices at their gigs.”

Micah laughed, “I haven’t heard the girl you mean sing in person, but I know her name. I just can’t say it to you. I can say that Ashley and this girl met a little while ago. Said girl LOVES Ashley and looks up to her like a sister from what I’ve heard.”

Max asked, “What does the person we can’t get the name of look like?”

Micah shrugged, “I don’t know since I haven’t met her. She’s never singing at the concerts I’m at.”

I questioned, “Who does sing normally?”

Micah smirked answering, “Sierra and Addison. Ashley does backup vocals with Paige.”

Elise’s gasped, “Son of a bitch! I know what Ashley does! She plays the guitar in the band!”

Micah laughed, “Acoustic and electric. She’s good.” I only knew one other person who did that, and it was Tristan McAlister. A thought was at the edge of my mind, but I couldn’t grasp it. Brutus snarled in frustration.

Aunt Lexi pointed between the two of them, “One of you give me her contact information.”

Micah warned, “It won’t help you. Cayden and I asked them to come here for the oldest set of triplet’s birthday. I think we nearly killed her on that ask. I also asked for Max and Wesley’s. I knew he would LOVE them, but they won’t come here.”

Elise screamed into a pillow.

I voiced the question we all had, “Why?”

Micah shrugged, “I dunno.”

Aunt Lexi announced, “Have no fear everyone, TeleTed and Lexi are on the case. They WILL come here. It WILL happen. I WILL know who this band is.” I reasoned, “It’s got to be made up of the Black Path Pack members.”

Micah nodded, “With a Witch and a Demon or two, depending on the night, thrown in.”

My mom groaned, “Lexi, please don’t make an extra Witch Bitch show up here.”

Micah laughed, “She is a cool Witch, Momma Haley. Don’t worry.” My mom smiled at him, “Well, if you say so then I agree.” Micah blushed while Max beamed. He slammed his lips on Micah’s.

Max growled, “I love when you call her Momma Haley.”

Micah blushed slightly. I rubbed Elise’s thigh as they took off. Aunt Lexi groaned, “Come back here! I needed more details!”

Elise snorted, “I’ll get you details. Ashley and I will have words. I can’t believe she didn’t tell me she was in a band.”

I laughed, “She’s quiet about certain things. A bit self-deprecating too. It appears she’s good at anything she sets her mind too.”

Elise rubbed her head. My mom sat up, “Elise, what’s wrong?”

Elise answered, “It’s nothing, just a headache.”

My mom studied her, “My healing light doesn’t sense anything to heal.”

I looked over at Alexander who seemed to be getting a headache of his own. He agreed though. I asked her, “What does that mean, mom?”

My mom shrugged, “I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it. It’s fucking weird though.”

I admitted “Dad gets headaches too. We all do, but I don’t get them as bad as everyone else.”

My mom startled, “Are you all fucking serious right now?!”

Everyone nodded. She glared at us, “This is a thing we tell the super healer in the family. Who else gets them? Who is all?”

Alexander raised his hand. I sighed, “Like I said mine aren’t as bad as theirs but I do get them.”

My mom sat back frowning, “Hmm, I’ll have to talk to Aiden about that. Physically there is nothing is wrong with any of you.”

Elise sighed.

I linked her, “What is it?”

She answered, “Parallels.”

I pressed, “About?” She told me, “Melanie and Ashley. Melanie can play the guitar too.” I snorted, “I’m not surprised. T probably taught her. We have got to meet Ashley so we can set her and Ladybug up to be the best friends of literally all time.” Elise teased, “They’d take over the world.” I was beginning to think that was an accurate description.

Phil ran into the room shouting, “Phone. NOW!”

I grabbed Elise and popped into my office and Alexander was behind me. I linked my dad, “Office.”

He answered, “Coming.” I added, “FYI mom just found out about the headache thing and she’s not happy.”

My dad groaned, “Great. It’s just a headache.”

I warned, “Mom doesn’t think so.”

My dad said, “Let’s talk about happier things. Are you and Elise still taking that vacation with her family for your twenty-fifth birthday in a few weeks?” I answered, “That’s the plan.” Everyone walked in.

Toby looked relieved and took the phone off mute. He announced, “Everyone is here. Now you can explain what happened. We are ready to pop to you.”

I frowned. Brutus asked, “Why wouldn’t they just tell us where to go?”

The only reason I could think of is panic, which wasn’t good.

Alpha Nathan McDermont’s Beta sobbed, “We might need you to pop to us. These rogues came from everywhere. We have people missing and the Luna is dead. The Alpha…”

I grabbed Elise before her could finish, popping right to them.

Rogues were still attacking. I shifted with Elise. I told Brutus, “Tear them to pieces.”

He snarled, “Gladly.”

Pops sounded as we drove the rogues back. I heard a howl of anguish with answering howls. Alpha Nathan McDermont’s older brother was coming. This was why my dad had always insisted he and my uncles stick together. So situations like this couldn’t happen when he was too far away to get to them.

Alpha Nathan had taken over a smaller pack before I was born, but he was too far away from his brother. I saw their Luna’s body and knew she was definitely gone. They’d torn her throat out. I ripped apart the remaining rogues with Elise and Alexander when he popped in.

I shifted back and they followed my lead. My mom was lightly touching Alpha Nathan granting him peace. He was holding onto his mate crying. Theo, my brother, popped in. He frowned asking, “Why haven’t we met them before?”

I shrugged, “Timing probably. I’ve met them.”

I looked around and saw the Beta was sobbing. He was injured but trying to crawl towards the forest.

I asked, “Beta Gary, where are you going?”

He was crying, “They took them! I saw it! He took my pup and Jane!”

Alpha Nathan roared, “WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER?!” Alpha Nathan’s son, Mike, held him back. Alpha Nathan’s older brother Nick shifted back and helped hold him still.

The Beta cried, “They took Jane and Madeline. Nathan, they took our girls.”

I tried to pop to Jane and was thrown back. I looked down noting I wasn’t injured. I said what everyone knew because they saw it. “I can’t get to them.”

Alexander and my mom tried next but were also thrown back. My mom moved to heal Beta Gary.

I yelled, “Warriors, ON ME! We will track them down and bring the girls back! Someone, bring me their scents.”

I looked over at my brother when I felt complete distress in the bond. I frowned, “Theo?”

He distractedly answered, “Huh? What? Do you guys smell that?”

A Warrior walked out of the house with two hoodies. Theo popped to one and yanked it out of his hand. He growled, “MINE!”

Alexander and I winced. I asked the Warrior, “Which girl’s is that?”

The warrior looked stunned but answered, “Jane McDermont.”

Theo snarled and tried to pop to her multiple times. He got thrown back each time. Angela popped in crying. She whispered, “Theo stop, please.”

She held him as they both cried. She whispered, “I’m so sorry, big brother. I didn’t see it and now she’s blurry. They took her through a holoport. I’m so sorry.”

I gritted my teeth. I linked her, “This is NOT on you. Do you hear me?” She shrugged. TJ popped in behind her.

I told the men, “We are searching for them, but as my sister said they went through a holoport. Maybe there’s someone left behind for us to question. Let’s go!”

I led the Warriors, tracking until we found where their scent ended. FUCK!

I called Corbin, “I need you to get to me now.”

He portaled in seconds later. He glanced at me saying, “I can’t get through this, but you knew that when you called.”

I explained, “They took Theo’s mate through it.” Corbin winced, “We will get her back.” He knew Theo was attracted to women so his mate would be female.

I told him, “We need to alert you dad and our uncles that Jane McDermont is missing. Along with the Beta’s daughter, Madeline. I know our family will care about Jane because she’s Theo’s. Any help will be appreciated.”

Corbin nodded.

He closed his eyes then cursed, “The shadows won’t take me through. They respect the magic that was cast here. Tell Theo I’m sorry. We WILL get her back though, and they WILL pay.”

I agreed, “Yes they will.”

He portaled away.

I popped back with our group that had searched. I saw Maverick was trying to calm Theo down. I was surprised Theo was still here. He looked at me and I felt his anxiety in the bond. He asked, “Where is she?”

Angela was still crying.

I answered, “Corbin tried to get through the holoport and even asked the Shadows.”

Theo’s rage hit me hard. He screamed, “WHERE IS SHE?!”

I admitted, “We don’t know, but I swear to you, we are GOING to find her.” Alexander put his hand on Theo’s shoulder.

He ordered, “Come with me, little brother.”

Theo shook his head saying no. Alexander reasoned, “You need to get your head on straight. Then we will find her. You need to be level headed for Jane right now.”

My mom was already on the phone with Uncle Aiden. We would find her, I knew it.

We went home all feeling that was true. Brutus agreed, “We won’t let our brother down. Barker will not lose his mate.”

That was Theo’s wolf. I asked, “How is he?”

Brutus huffed, “He’s not doing good. He feels he should’ve scented her sooner and then she’d be safe.” I reasoned, “We aren’t close enough to them for him to scent her even with our sense of smell.” Brutus agreed, “I know. He will see reason, just not today.”

After three miserable weeks passed, I was worried I’d be letting my brother down. We’d followed lead after lead. I knew we were on their tails, but we just couldn’t get a lock. Theo was in the gym as much as Alexander these days. Jane’s blood had been on the floor at several locations we’d found. I held my brother as he broke down time after time. Alpha Nathan McDermont was drinking himself into oblivion.

Madeline’s was there too mixed with other’s blood. I was beginning to get a bad feeling that we’d stumbled onto the real undergrounds. This was not how I wanted this to play out. Not with Theo’s mate’s life on the line. Brutus linked, “We will save her. I believe that.”

We just needed some help. I needed the Resistance to come through for me because I couldn’t let Theo go through losing his mate.

Toby linked me, “GET EVERYONE TO THE OFFICE NOW!”

I linked my siblings, Elise, Gamma, and my parents, “Get everyone important to the office.”

I linked Toby, “Do we need allies?” Toby answered victoriously, “Fuck yes we do!” He had good news. Brutus said, “Maybe the Resistance gave us a lead.” Or they had Jane and were sending her home.

I linked Alexander, “Get Phil to get our allies on skype right now!”

I popped into the office. Toby said, “Everyone’s coming but Alpha EJ is here now.”

Elise ran in next. Alexander popped in as Phil was getting the allies up with Tory’s assistance. Micah rushed in and started to assist him.

The distorted voice said, “Alpha EJ.”

Relief hit me so hard. I said, “If it isn’t our sniper. I was beginning to think something had happened to you.”

The sniper didn’t reply to that. Instead, she said, “I told you should you ever be able to do anything we could not, I’d call. So…her I am…calling. Which you knew….because you’re on the phone.” Someone on her side cut her off.

I questioned, “Do you know where Jane McDermont or Madeline are?”

The sniper seemed defensive, “I did not know who they were until today. I get people out as I can, but they are not going to make it if they don’t get out soon. If the Resistance gets them out it would blow us all. You have been looking for them specifically though…so you finding them would not raise any suspicions.”

Brutus linked, “She’s worried we won’t like her now because she hasn’t reached out about it.”

More worried but I got his point. Alexander jumped in, “Weren’t you looking for them?”

The sniper sighed, “I’ve been… well… I haven't been available. That’s not the point. I’m back… so that’s the point… no… the point is I’m asking if you want to go save them. It kind of needs to be you…. Or should I call Alpha Nathan McDermont? He doesn’t have the skills to do what’s needed… or the numbers… that’s a problem… not considering… well not if you do it… Do you want my information?”

Jason snorted, “Of course we do. You know we want to save them. We’ve only been searching for them for three damn weeks! Why can’t you save them?”

If ice could come through a distortion, it did. “I can’t do everything… which I said… I mostly do though… not that you’re grateful…. and I already said that we’d blow all our covers if we do this… and YOU said you wanted to help… and work together… So, I called.”

I went to say something, but she continued, “Obviously, if you won’t save them then that’s what happens. I just don’t want my people hurt… I won’t let innocent wolves die because I’m not a JERK… like some people…. that’s a thing…. someone could be accused of… who is NOT ME!”

My dad’s jaw dropped while I raised my eyebrows. Brutus said, “She really is mad. Mom was right them not figuring out her note. Plus his snark definitely made her mad.”

I replied, “Mom is rarely wrong.

Jason growled, “What is your problem with Red Run?”

The voice growled, “Currently? You. You are my problem… you and…. you whole lot of JERKS! Ungrateful… rude…. and … just RUDE!”

Alexander cut Jason off with a look. Where the hell was Tristan? He could’ve calmed Jason down.

Alexander jumped in, “Ok, we can chat about your feelings about Red Run another time. Jane and Madeline are what are important.”

After several seconds, the voice said, “You’re right, it’s not important that they are RUDE… so rude and inconsiderate… that’s…yeah... You will find six of the seven fighters tonight.”

My eyes widened.

Theo growled, “Fighters? As in underground fighters? You’re giving us the real underground?”

The voice answered, “Well, not all of them… just that group… for now… I mean I’ve sent others to your packs… the… well… the answer is yes.”

My mom was quiet but frowning.

Theo growled, “Why didn’t you tell us about them from the beginning?”

He wasn’t really mad at the sniper, but she didn’t know that. The bond told me he felt like a failure and desperately wanted to get to Jane. She just didn’t have a bond with him to know that, but I couldn’t be upset with him. I’d be worse than he was in his situation.

What surprised me was, unlike the anger she clearly held when Jason spoke, her voice was soft when she answered Theo. “As I told you, we get people out as we can… and…”

Theo snarled, “We could end them all together!”

The sniper sighed, “You are going to break up one sect of the undergrounds… but it’s not the only one… I mean… there are hundreds. They pushed Jane to fight more, because they were missing someone… and well…. because she is a really, I mean a really, good fighter. Her dad trained her well…. Madeline too. They are fighting for their lives. Which… you’ve figured out… that was not on my typed note to say… I just got back and… now I’m calling to have you get them.”

She types notes to talk to us? That got my attention. Brutus linked, “We sadly cannot focus on that right now.”

I knew my wolf was right. I asked the sniper, “Where are they?”

She answered, “Kentucky. In an underground facility in the Daniel Boone National Forest… that…. I texted you the coordinates, because… I have your number for reasons… but I did give you the code to get in… so we could let whole having your number thing go. Anyway…. Go at seven tonight. That should give you plenty of time to get your allies together and to get them out.”

Jason snorted, “Why should we believe you?”

The sniper shouted, “You CANNOT be serious! Is he serious? Don’t you wave your hands at me back there! He’s being UNREASONABLE!”

That confirmed my thought she was not alone.

She ranted, “I have saved several of their lives… MULTIPLE times. HIS actually… I have saved HIS life! What possible reason do I have to lie? I’m being SO NICE right now… and he…”

I offered, “We believe you.”

I glared at Jason in clear warning to stop talking. I linked Alexander, “Text T to get in that damn room, and tell Jase to shut the fuck up. This is our brother’s mate, and her life is literally on the line. We will follow down every lead even if we aren’t sure, but we know this is legit.”

Of course Jason didn’t shut up. “This could be a trap. You clearly don’t like my pack.”

The voice shrieked, “SCREW YOU, BETA JASON! I have still saved your ungrateful selves… time and TIME AGAIN! WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!”

“I have done everything… Stop waving your arms at me… he deserves… I have HELPED them! I didn’t even call them…so his argument is ABSURED! If I was trapping THEM I would’ve called THEM! Or I don’t know…NOT SAVED THEM MULTIPLE TIMES! It wouldn’t even have been my fault! UGH! FINE! Keep waving your arms and pointing at cue cards. I’ll even say what I wrote down. Luna Elise, are you there?”

Elise moved forward answering, “Yes, I’m here.”

The sniper asked, “Will you go and save those girls? Or do people get sent in, which means… they get their identities blown…. probably… the probability is like ninety seven percent and…”

Elise interrupted, “We will go get them. Jase is just frustrated.”

The sniper snorted, “Being behind can do that to a person I suppose… then again, he should be used to it by now… he’s been behind for a long time… if he thinks about it then he’d….”

The phone call cut off.

Clearly someone with the sniper hung up before we could get more clues, but I didn’t have a single one that told me what they thought it would tell us. Other than someone was pissed off at Red Run, which we knew already.

Alexander looked pissed. I growled, “JASE, WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?!”

Jason frowned, “I’ve got a massive headache going on. I was supposed to be talking to Melanie right now, and I missed it because of this. I’m not in the mood for the holier than thou sniper who hates our guts.”

I growled, “This is Theo’s mate’s life and our allies daughter’s! Next time I will cut you out of the conversation or have Micah mute you. We’ve been trying to get a meeting with this girl, who thinks we don’t like her, for years. You just proved to her that we have problems with her. After YEARS of trying, they FINALLY reached out for our help, and you fucked us over!”

My mom commented calmly, “And you missed something very important.”

We all turned to her. I noted she looked sad. Her walls were up in the bond which pissed me off. I asked, “What did we miss, mom?”

My mom answered, “The sniper said you’d save six of the seven fighters tonight. She even had a specific time for you to go in. All that information tells us our sniper is the seventh fighter. She’s having us save them while she fucking fights as cover. The fight won’t be in Kentucky where we could find it. The goddamn undergrounds are too smart for that. We can’t pop to her and she’s literally fighting for their lives tonight.”

Jason flushed scarlet and walked out of the room.

Dalton sighed, “He’s had a headache all day. He’s having nightmares about when he was taken. He wakes up screaming for Ladybug. He just really needed to see her to settle himself. Then he missed the skype call.”

I looked at my Beta and linked, “Did we know that?”

He answered, “No. I’ll talk to T.”

We could easily get Jason set up with help. Brutus grumbled, “If only we knew before he went OFF the rails.” No joke. Alexander frowned, “Will he be ok? I can pop to him.”

My mom cut in, “Exfuckingcuse me?! You all in Red Run are getting headaches too?”

Dalton nodded, “Every so often. Drake gets them the worst, but the McAlister’s in general are hit hard by them. Our pack doctors think someone is growing something we are reacting to.”

My mom threw her hands in the air, “Does no one think, hey I know a fucking Fairy who could fix this for me!? Or maybe I could ask since well she helps us all the fucking time! What the fuck am I to you people?! USELESS!”

She popped out.

My dad cringed, “We will all pay for that. Great.”

Dalton frowned, “Headaches aren’t an emergency, Alpha Eric.”

My dad snorted, “Like that’s going to matter to my wife. You have met her, right? You’ve all just given me an additional headache. Thank you all SO MUCH for that. I’ll call Nathan McDermont and let him know we are going to save his daughter and his Beta’s tonight.” Theo stood, “I’ll pop you to them dad.” He felt so much relief and hope it made me want to hug him. My dad and Theo popped out.

Tristan ran into the room. He asked, “Where’s Jase?”

Alexander answered, “He’s upset with himself. He went off at the sniper and they went at each other.”

Elise snorted, “Like siblings who are pissed at each other.” That made my head hurt.

I added, “She called him Beta Jason again too.”

Alexander agreed, “She did.”

Tristan sighed, “He’s been having a rough time lately. He’s waking up sweating. Honestly, I’m worried. I think he needs to talk to someone about the trauma he endured with the Hunters. I think the stress of everything is catching up to him.” Alexander offered, “I’ll talk to him.” We spent the rest of the time planning.

By the time we were ready to go we were a half hour early from the sniper’s timeline. My brother’s had popped to our allies and brought them back to our pack lands. Uncle Aiden was here with Fairy Warriors. Uncle Bjourn was here with Cayden and some of their army. I nodded to Cayden as I put his hand on Theo’s back.

We walked out to our lawn where our allies were waiting. I told them, “The sniper gave us intel on how to get Jane and Madeline back. We WILL save them and deal the first blow to the undergrounds tonight. Any and ALL information you find WILL be filed with the council.”

I added, “This is the first proof we’ve gotten we are right about them. We need more information to take them down. We were told today that they are bigger than we could imagine. There is another fighter in this group that won’t be there tonight. We WILL work to free that fighter too. Tonight, we will bring Jane and Madeline home.”

They cheered.

Alpha Nathan’s brother, Nick, walked up to me. He held out his hand, “I thought for a long time I’d made a mistake not keeping my brother in our pack and joining as your family and the Daniels had. My brother lost his mate, and my niece was kidnapped. We will be joining back together after this.”

I pledged, “We will assist with anything you need.”

I hesitated before adding, “How is Alpha Nathan?”

Alpha Nick sighed, “My sister in law wasn’t supposed to be there. She’d come back to surprise him, but he didn't know that. He wasn’t there when the attack started, and she was dead before he got arrived.” I winced, “Well, we will help anyway we can.”

I walked off and noted that Cousin Emmaline was debating something. Then I heard her whisper to the man I’d just been talking about. “Your second chance is out there, Alpha Nathan.”

He jerked back, “Huh?”

She sighed, “I only tell you that because I just get the sense that might be sooner rather than later. Just be open to her.” Alpha Nathan sighed. He said, “I’ll think about that later, Luna Emmaline. Right now, I can’t.” She nodded and stepped away from him.

We all gathered together. I grabbed my Warriors and Alexander grabbed his. We didn’t know what kind of opposition we’d be facing. We didn’t exactly get all the information after the fight between the sniper and Jason.

We popped in together. Alexander walked over to where the underground facility was supposed to be. He jumped into the air three times. I linked him, “What on earth are you doing?”

Alexander answered, “I got an email that Micah is working on trying to track down location or IP address for. It gave extra instructions.”

My head itched because something about that seemed important.

Brutus agreed, “It is.”

I replied, “It always comes back to Alexander and these things being for him. What is it?”

No answer came to me. UGH! I pushed those thoughts out of my head. A panel with a pin code popped up. Micah quickly put in the codes we were given. A panel moved that looked just like grass.

I was somewhat offended that I had Fairy blood and I’d been fooled into thinking that was actually grass. I popped down with Alexander with Elise jumped down next. I grabbed her quickly and put her behind me. We began making our way through the facility.

I felt in the bond what was about to happen before I watched Theo start to run away from us. I grabbed him and pulled him back. I linked him, “Brother, we do not know what or who is here.”

He popped away from me. I linked my family, “FUCK! Someone get on his fucking six!”

I heard Theo sob and felt his utter heartbreak. Brutus howled in my head. Jane had to be ok. Theo screamed, “MOM!”

My mom immediately popped to him. I heard her whisper, “She’ll be ok, Theo. I’ll heal her.”

I sighed in relief.

I wasn’t all too worried that Theo’s scream had not just alerted our mom that he needed her but the opposition. They were a small force that were here guarding the prisoners. I threw my shield up when gunfire started. My dad yelled, “HALEY! THEO!”

Alpha Nathan McDermont yelled, “JANE! MADELINE!”

Madeline yelled, “Nathan? Oh goddess, we are saved! NATHAN, PLEASE HELP US! Don’t leave us here!”

I knew his heart had to break hearing her say that because it nearly broke mine. Her dad roared and she screamed, “DADDY, HELP ME!”

One of the Hackura men broke forward. I sighed, “Of course his mate is here too. Alexander, get on his six. Only you can heal her.”

Alexander nodded and immediately moved forward with his men. They quickly killed those here that stood in our way.

I watched the Hackura kick the door off the hinges that was keeping him from Madeline. She growled, “MINE!”

I looked in her room and saw her. Brutus snarled, “Barker saw his mate in this shape.”

It would explain the call to mom.

I whispered, “Alexander.”

He linked, “From what I saw when I pushed, she isn’t in as bad as what Jane was.”

I wanted to scream and curse at the sky that my younger brother has seen his mate in worse shape, considering Madeline and her wolf were hurt pretty badly.

Alexander rushed in and told the Hackura, “Hold her hand. I’ll heal her, but you can hold her while I do that.”

I asked Cayden, “Who is he?”

Cayden answered, “The youngest son of a Lord in our realm. Good guy and a great fighter.” I was relieved, “She might just need that right now.” I left.

I went to check on my mom. She was still healing Jane. Brutus snarled, “It was really bad.”

It had to of been. Mom could heal people very quickly. Alpha Nathan McDermont was waiting just behind her. I left them to that and found there were two other male wolves in this facility.

To our surprise there was a half Demon too. Lastly, we had a partial Hood. I called Heath. He answered, “I was on backup duty so I’m about five miles away. I didn’t expect a call though. What’s wrong?”

I told him, “We’ve got a partial Hood down here.”

He cursed, “God damn it! I’ll be there in a flash.” Of course he would.

When he arrived and saw her condition he was enraged. He was going to figure out whose daughter this was. I couldn't say I wanted to be that man when Heath found out who’d fathered the girl. Aunt Lexi was inside her room, speaking with her and explaining what she was. For her part, the girl seemed genuinely thrilled there were others like her.

I went back to where my family was waiting. My mom finally sat back from healing Jane. Jane woke up with a start. She locked eyes with Theo and started crying. They both growled, “MINE!”

She wrapped her arms around him. He told her, “I’ve got you, Jane. No one will hurt you ever again.”

Alpha Nathan McDermont watched them with tears pouring shamelessly down his face breathing heavily. His Beta put a hand on his shoulder. Alpha Nathan whispered, “She’s ok. My pup is ok. I thought I’d lose her and her mother.”

I cringed away from that thought altogether not wanting to be in his shoes.

Madeline ran to Jane from across the room. She cried, “She was telling the truth! She brought help and got us out. She wasn't a trick! Oh God Jane, I thought we’d meet the Moon Goddess together.”

Several growls filled the room that it was that close.

I asked, “Who is she? Did you see her face?”

Jane frowned, “It was…”

She trailed off. She whispered, “I can’t remember her. I know I talked to her but what she looked like won’t come to me.” I asked, “What was her name?”

Madeline scoffed, “They don’t do names down here with the fighters. I know her fighting name though. She’s called The Swiffer because she wipes the floor with her opponents. She’s the most popular fighter to watch. They had Jane out so much because she was hurt and they didn’t have their star, but she came back. She took Jane’s fight tonight. They didn’t care because she draws a crowd.”

I frowned, “Why did she take the fight? And how?”

Madeline winced, “She took the fight because Jane wouldn’t have made it.”

Theo growled. Jane added, “She saved my life, but she definitely shouldn’t be fighting. She’s hurt pretty bad herself.”

Alexander growled, “How bad?”

Madeline offered, “Really bad. Plus, her thing is letting people beat the shit out of her before she snaps and kicks their ass. According to everyone down here, just when you think she’s going to lose she fights back and wins. No matter how badly she’s hurt. She’s practically a legend to everyone we fought and met. Like wow and could fight Alpha Alexander and hold her own good.”

I blinked several times because there was only one person I thought could ever go toe to toe with my brother. I shoved that away. Brutus agreed, “She’s living her dream.”

I knew that. Plus, my dad had a guy following Melanie around. He’d notice if she was hurt that badly and would’ve reported it.

Alexander yelled, “Who the HELL would fight like that?”

Jane whispered, “The Swiffer. She doesn’t lose, but she’s not like the other fighters though.”

My mom asked, “What do you mean?” Jane answered, “She was sold into this by her aunt, but she’s their money maker. She went to the guys in charge and somehow got them to agree to pay her. She makes money from her fights. She told us she uses it to free people. To fight back. She…”

She trailed off, then pulled out a card from under her bed. I looked at it and handed it to Alexander. It was the Ring Resistance circle with a line through it. I linked Alexander, “Now we know how they are so well organized. The sniper is funding their operation through fighting.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow, “And we know why she tends to go missing in action for periods of time. She’s letting herself get beaten to hell when she fights before winning. What the fuck, EJ?”

Brutus growled, “I do not like that. We need to stop it.”

I was on board with that plan, I just didn’t know how to get it done.

I asked our other witness, “Madeline, did you ever see her?”

Madeline frowned, “It’s fuzzy but I think I did. I need to think about it though.”

I caved, “That’s fine.” Her mental state of mind mattered here, and I wasn’t going to push her.

My Aunt Katie motioned to me to step outside into a different room. I asked, “What they are talking about is magic, right?”

Katie nodded, “Yes, but I don’t think it was the sniper’s Witch. This is dark magic. I’ll have to look into this with my brothers. I’m also worried because we don’t know what type of trauma is hiding in this dark magic other than possibly a face of someone we want to know.”

I groaned, “What do you mean?”

My Aunt explained, “I think this sniper is FAR too smart to let these girls see her face when she knew she could be using us to save them. That had to be a plan in her mind for quite some time. If there was ever someone she needed extracted immediately, calling you is the obvious way. You’ve made it known you want to be friends. She knew this was always an option for her and she knew that we would come.”

I nodded knowing she was right.

She continued, “But our sniper wouldn’t hurt them. Lately, she’s clearly wanted Red Run to know who she is. She didn’t do this because the Witch she’s worked with in the past doesn’t do dark magic. This was done by the people in the undergrounds, and we don’t know what else they are hiding in their minds.”

I pulled her into a hug, “Thanks for the insight, Aunt Katie.”

She squeezed me and then let me go.

We questioned the rest of the prisoners we’d rescued. None of them could remember seeing our sniper, who apparently just had another name now. The Swiffer. Every single fighter here all agreed The Swiffer made promises to get them out. She was taking fights for these people so they could save up their strength when they were hurt. That begged the question, how badly hurt was she then? Was anyone worried about her besides us?

Brutus commented, “With the way she fights, it sounds like she is fighting way too much.”

I agreed, “We have to get to her.”

There was no other option. Every single piece of evidence we found was only about this underground cell. They even made sure not to refer to it as the damn underground. FUCK! We had nothing. No proof that my dad could move on.

Elise wrapped her arms around me. She whispered, “We are one step closer now. We got here in time. Theo is with Jane now. Madeline is ok and we learned more than we knew before.”

I acknowledged, “Yes, we did. We are several steps closer to our sniper. Or the Swiffer, I guess.”

I had a suspicion that Elise wouldn’t like about her identity now that I had time to think about it.

I needed more proof before I said it out loud, but something told me Ashley was key. She was a source of some kind for Micah. She would be the best fighter the undergrounds had. My dad had made that point. The ‘above board’ underground wasn’t approaching her because she was already in the REAL undergrounds.

This was going to be their big mistake that worked in our favor. They should’ve made an effort to act like they were attempting to recruit her. This made it a connection. Ashley didn’t think she deserved a good life, and the way the sniper talked was a lot like how Ashley’s emails read.

Brutus snorted, “When she deviates from the script written out for her.”

That was key. As pissed as I was for Jason going off on her, it did make her reveal more. A thought swirled in my mind. I asked Brutus, “Is Ashley the sniper?”

He grunted, “That would upset mate.” I knew that.

I hugged Elise as these thoughts ran around in my mind. I needed to dig, but I finally had a direction. Something finally clicked and it made sense. The only thing that held me back on my new theory was Red Run. Everything we had said Ashley had never been there. Why would she care about Red Run? It was the one flaw in my new theory.

One thing was certain. I was going to look into this carefully. I knew there was something I was missing when it came to Ashley.

Something I was now determined to figure out. If the sniper was Ashley, then Elise’s face to face meeting with her would be happening soon. That much I knew.