Similarities

Elise is Twenty-Four Years Old

Elise was making sure the new additions to the pack were settled before Angela and TJ’s birthday party. I didn’t technically have to do this, but it seemed our new members were more comfortable seeing me, rather than of one of the Alpha’s, Beta’s or even the Gamma’s.

Plus, I wanted to take this off EJ's plate because of the birthday party. I knew it would kick off soon, and Angela wanted her big brother there. I was pretty sure she was going to meet her mate today. Rhea snorted, “Her meeting her mate and keeping the males calm is going to be an above and beyond request from the Goddesses and Gods for all the mates in the Conners and Cambridge family.”

I agreed, “Probably. Thankfully, the Holloran’s will be just fine. I’d be stunned if Angela’s mate wasn’t a Fairy. Rhea groaned, “Which makes our job so much more complicated.”

I winced because it was true. Keeping EJ calm considering he knew what happened to his mom around Fairies could be difficult. I had gone to Genevieve with my suspicions.

Flashback

Elise found Genevieve in the gym. She waved, “Hi, Elise.”

I asked, “Can we step in your office?”

She answered, “Of course.” We walking inside and I locked it. She asked, “What’s going on?” I answered, “The cloak and dagger party planning with Angela and TJ’s birthday is giving me pause. I have theory, but I don’t know if it’s crazy.”

She asked, “Do you think Angela is going to meet her mate? Because all of us Beta’s and Gamma’s do.”

I groaned, “UGH! You guys have got to get me in on these things! I need to be prepared. What’s the plan?”

Genevieve answered, “We are distracting them with lots of paperwork.”

I told her, “We need more.”

She winked, “We planned to talk to the mates about that part. It’s your lot in life.”

I snorted, “It’s yours too. Your EJ’s Gamma.” She grinned, “I know. One day, you’ll get a Gamma Male to be your counterpart.” I teased, “Well, he would’ve told me about this.” She agreed, “He definitely would. What do you think we should do? Because honestly, I’m thinking sex is the way to go. You just sex him into a happy place so he doesn’t think about it.”

Rhea chimed in, “I like her plan. Let’s do it.”

I snorted, “You are such a horny wolf.”

She said, “When I tell you I know that, I mean it. You don’t need to keep saying it.” I chuckled at her. I told Genevieve, “My wolf likes your plan.” She flipped her hair, “Because it’s a great plan.”

I winced, “I’m worried her mate is a Fairy.”

Genevieve laughed, “Ok, sure.”

I bit my lip. She screamed, “Oh my goddess! You’re serious.” I nodded, “As a heart attack.” She sat down, “Ok, we are not prepared on that level. I mean, Phil and Gage had a whole doom’s day scenarios but I thought it was insane. The men in this family CANNOT handle her mate being a Fairy.”

I reasoned, “Which is why us with level heads have to help them.”

She nodded, “I’ll talk to Toby and the others. Damn Tory and Gia having the easy Conners sibling. Cassie will be happy.”

I pointed out, “They could still help come up with a plan.” She saluted me, “I’m all over it.” I grinned, “Thanks!” She replied, “Anytime.”

Flashback Ends

I shook those thoughts off as I reached my destination. I knocked on the cottage door that hosted one of the families we’d just acquired from the Ring Resistance. I waited a few moments because I knew they were home. I could hear someone running around inside. Rhea linked, “They are coming.”

My heart hurt because they were invited to the birthday party but declined. Our newcomers took time to come out of their shells. They weren’t used to the style of our pack. I heard one of the pups whisper, “Momma, it’s the Luna and she brought cake!”

Rhea linked, “You are a good Luna.”

I reasoned, “I didn’t want them to miss out on cake.”

I’d had Haley snap me some for everyone. The mom, Tracey, opened the door. Her husband, Lance, was standing just behind her.

I smiled greeting them, “Hi Tracey and Lance. I know you guys didn’t feel comfortable coming to Angela and TJ’s birthday party tonight, but I wanted to make sure you all still got cake. I also wanted to see how you were settling in.”

I glanced around then complicated, “The furniture and decorations you picked out are lovely.”

I loved seeing the personalities emerge. The decorations and furniture were always the first step.

Tracey seemed stunned, “Thank you, Luna! You didn’t have to do that. The pups will die of happiness. They were complaining they wouldn’t get any cake earlier.”

I encouraged her, “Please, call me Elise.”

We’d found titles were something these newcomers were afraid of. I needed them to see me as someone they could come to and allowing them to use my name did that.

One of the pups whispered, “She’s so nice!”

I smiled at them. Lance said, “We are not used to this type of treatment, as Omega’s. I still can’t believe you let us have a cottage.”

I frowned, “Well, you have a family. The pack house here is usually for the teenagers and recently mated couples.” They stared at each other in confusion.

I continued, “Once pups come along, we tend to get people cottages. We have the space here, and we’ve just found families need their space.”

Tracey smiled, “Well, we are so grateful! I had an interview with Mrs. Blanch and Zoe today for a spot in the kitchen.”

Rhea said, “Her wolf is on cloud nine about how progressive this pack is.” Good.

She invited me inside and I quickly walked in and set their cake down on the kitchen table. I had a few more to give to girls in the pack house I’d left outside. The pups immediately dug in. Tracey pointed to the living room. She told the pups, “Ears closed, you guys.”

They rolled their eyes.

I walked into the living room with them. Tracey gestured with her hand saying, “Please sit down. I still can’t believe you and the Alpha let us pick out the furnishings we wanted.”

I explained, “We feel it’s important to make the home yours. My father in law owns the business anyway. We have an account for the pack there.”

I changed the subject, “I know you said you had an interview with Mrs. Blanch and Zoe. I want you to know that here we encourage everyone to follow their dreams here. Saied Conners is the firstborn of Jackson and Molly. She chose to pursue her dreams as the Female Lead Warrior instead of being an Alpha.”

They glanced at each other again.

I added, “We have Omega’s that work for Bulls Eye Party Planning with Luna Lexi and Beta Male TeleTed from Yellow Hills. We have several businesses in the area if you want to pursue something else. I will preface this by saying wasn’t spying, but I had just wrapped up a private training session with one of our new members who wasn’t trained in her previous pack. I saw you teaching your pups some fighting moves, Lance. If fighting is your passion, I’d encourage you to join Warrior classes. I think you are good enough to be one.”

Tracey’s eyes filled with tears, spilling over silently while Lance was stunned. He sputtered, “But I’m an Omega.”

I shrugged, “And? We don’t stop people from pursuing their dreams. I don’t care about your rank. If you can contribute to this pack as a Warrior and that’s what you want to do, we support you. I mean it when I say rank doesn’t matter here. Your abilities and talents do.”

Tracey said, “Dena, our oldest daughter, loves interior design.”

I began to plan, “We need to put her in touch with the Henderson family then. The matriarch of their family owns the interior design company in town. They have intern positions available for high school students in the summer. Once Dena is a senior, if she’s still interested, they have positions that would translate to school credit.”

Lance questioned, “Henderson? As in the family who are historically the Male Lead Warriors of this pack?”

I nodded, “That would be them. I’ll introduce Dena to Lenore whenever she’s ready.”

Lance sat back in his chair.

Tracey commented, “Well, this just all makes our decision easier.”

I asked, “Decision?”

Lance nodded, “We wanted to tell you more about how we came to be here. We have felt so welcomed by everyone, and your words of encouragement. Even before you came here we’d decided to share our story with you.” Rhea squealed in my head.

He amended, “Well, part of it. We are still adjusting.”

I nodded, “Whatever you are comfortable sharing, I’ll listen. Just please know there is no pressure on you to share anything.”

Lance sighed, “In our previous pack Omega’s tended to disappear, but no one looks for them. I’m sure our friends believe us to be one of those Omega situations. The day before we got here, we found out why the Omega’s were disappearing. I tried to keep our heads down and out of the attention of the pack leadership. Just so we could survive.”

I nodded showing my understanding. Rhea snarled, “I want to RIP these Alpha’s into little pieces and show them their places. Pack members are to be protected.”

Sadly, Rhea and I had this conversation a lot now. This was a story I’d heard before.

Lance continued, “I didn't do a good enough job. We were sent to the border one night by the Alpha. No explanations, we were just told to go. I saw people packing up our things as we left. Once we reached the border, we were surrounded by Hunters. I’d seen them around the area. There was a girl with them that was new.”

Tracey offered, “She had on a blonde wig on.”

Lance rolled his eyes, “You insist that it was a wig.”

Tracey doubled down, determined, “The girl had black eyebrows, Lance; therefore she has dark hair. Plus, she scratched her head because the wig was itchy, and there was just the smallest patch of hair showing after she fought one of them. She has black hair. Trust me Luna Elise, she is not a blonde.”

I assured her, “I believe you.”

I’d heard that before too. The hair color was always different, but it certainly seemed like the girl in question wished she had blonde hair. It was the most popular color. I suspected she was our sniper, wearing wigs to disguise herself.

Lance said, “Well, the girl with a blonde wig wasn’t from around our territory. The Hunters told us our pack handed us over as payment for their protection against having the pack wiped out by them.”

Rhea snarled, “WORKING WITH HUNTERS AND GIVING OVER PACK MEMBERS! UGH! Brutus and I will destroy them all.”

Yes, we would.

Tracey snorted, “They are liars. The girl with BLACK hair even said they were lying. She said something about a symbiotic relationship they had with some Ring.”

Lance smiled at her, “Fine then. I’ll call her the girl with black hair. Are you happy now?”

Tracey smirked, “Yes.” I laughed because they were cute together.

Lance said, “I put my family behind me, but the stubborn woman that she is even with no training, Tracey stepped out and stood by my side.”

Tracey snorted, “My place is by your side.”

I took her hand that was closest to me and told her, “Tracey, we have basic self-defense classes we require pack members to take them, even Omega’s.” She looked stunned.

I added, “If you are uncomfortable training with a large group, we have those sessions Molly and Haley that run on Saturday mornings. Or any female with training can offer you one on one classes until you are comfortable in a group setting. All of our pack members need to know how to defend themselves, just in case.”

Tracey fanned her face with her free hand, “I’m just so sad that girl sent us here, and we can’t repay her.”

Lance sighed, “The Hunters started to reach for their weapons to kill us, but the girl with black hair was faster than them. She had two guns with silencers. She shot the five Hunters quickly. I was watching her warily. One Hunter jumped out to attack her, but she was clearly expecting him. They fought briefly.”

Tracey added, “Which is when her wig slipped.”

Lance smiled, resigned, “Right, her wig slipped. Then she snapped the Hunter's neck.”

I asked, “Did he call her Red One?”

Lance nodded, “Yes, they did. Real names just won’t do, I guess. Anyway, the girl with black hair checked their pockets. She took all their phones and keys.” That tracked.

“Then a Demon shimmered in and used a fireball to set the bodies on fire, twice. There were six charred spots by the time the demon was done. To match our families numbers. They made six of the Hunters burn, because there were six of us. She had us reject the Alpha to break our link like they expected.”

I jumped in, “Is the Demon male or female?”

Lance answered, “The Demon was in full body armor and a mask so I don’t know. Red One said they had yet another Hunter group's codes to add to their records. She turned to us and explained that she was with the Resistance. She gave us a card and told us where to go.”

He touched his hand over his heart, “She had bus tickets and the note for you and the Alpha. I was too scared to ask her about my little sister. Not because of her, but because I don’t want to hear that they didn’t get out. Her mate and her pups were Omega’s in a pack two towns away. They disappeared and I tried looking into it quietly. I’m sure it wasn’t too quiet. That’s what caused this to happen to my family.”

Tracey snorted, “Oh please, Lance stop feeling guilty about it. This is the best damn thing to ever happen to us since the pups were born.”

Lance sighed, “I just want to know if my little sister was saved like we were.”

I cautiously said, “We get quite the influx between us and our allies. What’s your sister’s name?”

Lance whispered, “Alisha Sams.”

I smiled happily, “I actually don’t have to look that up. My mother in law was just talking about her today. She’s in the Blue Moon pack. I’ll have a Warrior bring you her phone number. Blue Moon is close to us so you should be able to see them frequently.”

Lance started crying.

I linked one of the Warriors, Chason, “Please get the contact information for the Sams family to our newest additions Lance and Tracey. They are related to each other.”

Chason replied, “Of course, Luna. I’ll get it to them right now.”

I told Lance, “You should have your sister’s information tonight. There is a group that meets bi-weekly with stories just like yours.”

Tracey asked, “Are they called the Red One group?”

I laughed, “I don’t know if they have a name, but they all talk about her. She always has a different hair color, but Black is a new one.”

Tracey smirked, “Because it’s her REAL hair color. I told you so, Lance. I know all about hair.”

Lance laughed, “You always did love hair.”

I tilted my head, “I actually started a hair salon in town two years ago. It’s run by one of the Omega’s and she’s always looking for new talent.” Tracey gasped.

I explained, “She came to me six months after we opened with an idea for a beauty school that fed talent into the salon. If you’d like to apply and do hair, I can set you up with her. Tuition is free for pack members. Obviously, we have added incentive if you agree to work in the beauty shop I own, but it’s not required.”

Tracey started sobbing, “Really? I do the girls' hair even the boys. I LOVE hair!”

I laughed, “Yes. I’ll tell Mrs. Blanch and Zoe that you are going to pursue other options.”

Tracey hugged me, “Thank you so much. I mean just THANK YOU!” I smiled loving her enthusiasm. I told her, “Of course. You will find we are different, thankfully, from the pack you came from. I’m available anytime if you’re ever ready to give me the name of your former pack.” They nodded and I left.

I dropped off the cake with the new girls in the packhouse. Their excitement tugged at my heartstrings. They were so used to being forgotten about. This trend was unsettling and tragic. Eric and the Werewolf Council were currently debating making packs register their pack members names. I thought it was a great idea considering everyone that came to us was too scared to talk about where they came from. None of them were ranked members so we had no idea what, or who, they were running from.

We made them feel welcomed, but they’d been conditioned to be scared. Especially the parents. This is the way they’d grown up. We didn’t want to traumatize them further, but we needed to know where the rotten packs were. This had to stop.

Rhea huffed, “The Resistance is somehow everywhere all the time. Our sniper has the answers.”

I admitted, “I’m worried about our sniper. If the Hunters figure out she is working against them, they will try to kill her.”

I was snapped right out of those thoughts hearing my mate’s name.

I heard a laugh, “I’m going to seduce EJ Conners tonight.”

Rhea snarled, “BITCH!”

I cleared my throat, “Leave. Now.” The girl crossed her arms, “And you are?” I answered coolly, “Luna Duchess Elise Conners. Leave. NOW!” Rhea snickered, “You tell ‘em girl!”

The girl claimed, “He only settled for you! He didn’t get to have any fun because you two knew your whole lives you were mates.”

I rolled my eyes completely tired of the excuse. I explained through clenched teeth, “It was his nature that let us know, not mine. You are right though, EJ and I have been together our whole lives. I’ve known he was mine for as long as I can remember.”

I snarled, “He didn’t settle for me either. I’m his and he’s mine. LEAVE this territory right NOW! I’m so sick of the women who come into MY HOME and to try and take WHAT’S MINE! He’s not yours. We have PLENTY of fun. Trust me.”

Rhea whooped, “Yes, girl! You give it to them, Elise! Go full tilt! Tell them we have sex for hours with mate. They couldn’t keep up with him. Our mate has a sexual appetite only WE can satisfy.”

I smiled in spite of my anger.

The one girl snarked, “He might want to try something different.”

Several Warriors stepped up growling. I held my hand up, “No, she wants to challenge me. Stand down.”

The girl paled, “I didn’t challenge you.” I argued, “Didn’t you? You want what’s mine. Not just mine, but my mated and marked HUSBAND. That sounds like a challenge to me.” Several people made noises of agreement

The girl smiled confidently, “But you have no pups. You can’t give him one, can you? Maybe I could.”

Rhea snarled, “THAT BITCH!”

I raised an eyebrow, “Not that it’s any business of yours, but EJ and I haven’t tried for a pup. If your crazy ass thinks he will be having a pup with someone that isn’t me, then clearly you need an ass kicking.” The girl smirked, “He’s Hackura.”

I yelled, “OH FOR GOD’S SAKE! He’s part Fairy and Wolf too. That’s it! I have had ENOUGH of the catty ass women who want what’s mine.”

I jumped on her, pinning her to the ground. I snarled in her face then heard a pop. My mate was unhappy.

Rhea huffed, “We did NOT need the Warriors help or his for this.”

I agreed, “We don’t, but EJ’s presence will make this make this better. I turned the girl’s head towards EJ while he spoke. His anger flooded into me from the bond.

Rhea purred, “He’s hot when he’s mad.”

I agreed, “I know.”

Rhea snorted, “Did she just say he is a powerful Alpha? And? What are we? Chopped liver?!” EJ of course pointed out I was an Alpha too. Rhea was back to purring while the girl glared at me.

I winked at her and dislocated her shoulder. Rhea sighed, “Just once, can’t we kill a bitch? I think Haley would throw you a party.”

I snorted, “She probably would.”

Rhea grumbled, “One day we will have our party, Elise.” I teased, “Go back to purring because our mate is declaring our love for everyone to hear.” She huffed at me. I reasoned, “I was just trying to help.” She laughed.

EJ defended us even more harshly than before. Rhea sighed dreamily this time, “We are tapping that, girl.”

I argued, “It’s Angela’s birthday.”

Rhea scoffed, “Quickies are a thing. We NEED some of that tall, beautiful mountain that is WOWZERS endowed. He’s too hot and I need to calm down. You didn’t let me kill the awful she bitch. I need WOWZERS.” I smirked.

Rhea added, “I know you do too. Come on, listen to your wolf. Come on, Elise.”

I agreed, “Fine. A quickie.”

Rhea cheered, “YES! Best human half ever.” I couldn’t help but smile. EJ kept trying to reiterate they would meet their mates.

Rhea snorted, “Unless we kill a bitch. That’s always an option.”

I acknowledged, “One day, you might get that wish.”

Rhea cheered, “YES! I’m holding you to that. One day one of them will be SO awful we are going to snap SO HARD!” Probably.

I understood why Haley went straight to the nuclear option with the crazy women who wanted Eric. She got challenged a lot by she wolves still to this day. I don’t think if I was her age I could deal with it anymore. She’d kicked more she wolves’ asses than I had at this point.

Rhea added, “She killed some of them too. I’m just saying.”

She had done that. I’d seven seen her do it. The last Summit was eventful, but she didn’t kill the she wolf there. She did embarrass the hell out of a woman who had long since deserved it though.

We were trying to have a mother in law daughter/son in law brunch. Haley had found that google said such things that were important. She did not care for someone trying to interrupted her time Google told her was vital. The result was pretty comical and I couldn’t help but recall the moment in my mind.

Flashback

Elise walked quickly into the hotel restaurant for brunch. I was determined not to be late. EJ did not have the same mindset about me being late for brunch with his mom, my sisters in law, and brothers in law and distracted me with his sexy god like self. Haley found out via Google it was important to bond all together. She’d always had monthly brunches with us and this one just happened to coincide with the summit. I made it inside just as everyone else did.

I linked EJ, “HA! You tried to make me late but I’m on time.”

EJ replied, “I wasn’t trying to make you late. I was trying to enjoy my wife. Not to brag but enjoy I did. I know you did too.”

I blushed. He was right. His family wouldn’t have cared if I was late. Sex was not a taboo topic with them, it was natural.

I glanced around noting everyone was here except Cassie’s mate, though here was a place for him so he must be coming. I turned to Micah asking, “Where’s Cassie’s mate?”

Micah answered, “A certain someone walked into his office as I was leaving thirty minutes ago. I’d imagine that’s where he is.”

I grinned loving how cute, mated couples were. I was very happy for them. I was happy for all my in-laws. We all got along, and we had an amazing mother in law. We actually had an awesome father in law too. Honestly, the whole family was great.

Rhea interrupted my thoughts, “Now that Cassandra is gone.”

I felt guilty about that thought because Rhea was right. Cassandra was the obnoxious one in the family. I felt EJ’s curiosity spike over the guilt I felt. Rhea snorted, “She wasn’t obnoxious. She was a rude bitch. It’s ok to admit that. She didn’t like our mate’s Fairy side and for that, I don’t and won’t ever forgive her.”

She purred, “EJ and Brutus are perfect and she sucked. I hope she’s enjoying whatever version of hell she’s in with my old human.”

I asked, “Are you ever going to tell me who your old human was?”

Rhea just snickered in reply. I knew she didn’t get along with the woman before me. I guess they argued a lot. Rhea retorted, “Understatement.” I laughed internally at my wolf.

Haley called everyone’s attention, “Thank you guys for all coming. I know not everyone here is attending all of the summit. I also know you guys do this because it’s important to me and I really do cherish this time we get to spend together.”

“I fucking love seeing all of you guys and seeing you all get along. It’s the big family I’ve always wanted, and I sincerely thank Aesir for each and every one of you, who fit into our family so damn perfectly.”

She raised her cranmosa to us.

I was about to toast her when Julie Reager walked in. She was the sister of an Alpha that lived in Alabama with a seriously inflated ego. Buttercup linked me, “Ugh. Does that woman just have lojack on Haley? I swear she just wants Haley to kill her.”

The room tensed. It was mostly she wolves in here.

Naturally. Julie always made sure to attack Haley with her words when no male wolves were around. I was curious if she was going to say something in front of Micah. She never had before. Micah was already looking around, wondering what the tension was.

Haley muttered, “Of fucking course. Can’t I just have a nice brunch with my kids mates. Is that too damn much to ask for?”

Micah’s attention shot to Haley, his eyes were clearly questioning what was happening.

Micah linked me, “What’s about to happen?”

I evaded, “Is Blade here?”

Micah’s eyes flickered to the corner. I looked back but didn’t see anything. Micah answered, “Yes, he is.” I replied, “Then Julie Reager might die. She’s really rude to Haley; she just usually has better timing. She frequently corners Haley in the bathroom, where Blade doesn’t go. I guess she’s gotten away with this act for so long now she’s brazen.” Micah gasped, “Excuse me?”

I didn’t get to answer before Julie floated up to our table. I sighed over this already. Julie sneered, “Haley.”

Micah stood immediately with golden eyes. Rhea growled, “Let me at her.”

I might. He corrected, “That’s Princess Luna Haley to you.”

Julie asked, “Ah, you must be the Hackura mate.”

Micah answered, “One of them, and you will not disrespect my mother in law and Princess in my presence.”

Julie rolled her eyes at him. Haley raised an eyebrow and said, “Julie, insult me all you want. Do not make the mistake of insulting my children’s mates. What are you doing over here? I don’t recall infuckingviting you to our table.”

Julie said, “I just wanted to tell you I’m disappointed to see you here yet again this year.”

Haley snorted, “If only I gave a shit about what you thought, that might matter to me, but it really doesn’t. Run along now so my family can get back to brunch.”

Julie sighed, “How many of us have to tell you? You’re not good enough for Alpha Eric. Just leave. No one wants you here.”

Blade appeared beside Haley sword drawn. Micah had a dagger in his hand. Rhea linked, “It’s about to go down.”

I linked EJ warning, “So, there’s a slight problem.”

EJ replied, “At brunch? How is that possible?”

I snorted, “Crazy she wolves who want your dad.” EJ was stunned, “You have got to be kidding me.” I assured him, “I’m really not.”

Haley held up her hand indicating for Blade and Micah to back down. She snapped her fingers and a mason jar filled to the brim containing a cranmosa appeared in her hands. She slammed it and stood. She cracked her neck by tilting it from side to side. Rhea squealed, “IT IS ON!”

I bit my lip.

Haley sighed, “Julie, Julie, Julie. I see you’ve decided to bring your comments into a public fucking space. Not that every female here didn’t know about the shit you say, but now the males will hear about this. I knew you’d fuck up spectacularly eventually. How fortunate for me you did so in front of all these witnesses.” Uh oh.

Julie snorted, “They agree with me.”

Lexi Scott yelled, “No, we don’t.”

Julie sneered, “The she wolves do.” My mom argued, “Yeah, neither do we. It’s just the crazy few.” Sam agreed, “It really is and we are sick of you all making us she wolves look bad.” I raised by glass to them.

I linked my mom, “GOOO MOM!”

She laughed in reply. Julie looked around the dining room but no one met her eye. She scoffed, “Well, I guess these people won’t say it to your face, but they say it behind your back.”

Haley asked, “And how is it that you think you’re so much fucking better than me?”

Julie curled her fist and launched it at my mother in law. I stood in shock, but Haley caught her fist and slammed her own into Julie’s face. Julie screamed bloody murder. Haley rolled her eyes. Julie shifted right as a portal opened and Cassie’s mate walked through.

He apologized, “Sorry I’m late I…”

He trailed off and yelled, “What the fuck?!”

Blade answered, “Is crazy she wolf… again.” Cassie’s mate started laughing. Haley was taking on Julie and winning easily. Everyone gave them a wide berth.

EJ popped in with his brothers, sisters, and Eric. My father in law immediately snarled. Haley pinned Julie and said, “I should really just kill your pathetic ass, but now you can answer to your own Werewolf council why you attacked me in a hotel where a human could’ve seen. You’re welcome to keep them out by the way, someone will have to get the surveillance footage.”

She threw Julie at Liam, our Lead Male Warrior, and said, “Please do something with that bitch.”

She kissed Eric passionately then pulled away. He growled and reached for her, but she popped back to her seat.

She said, “Now, where were we?”

Eric was stunned, “You cannot be serious.”

Haley frowned, “Of course I am. These brunch’s are important. Google says so.” I heard Dylan Frost say, “Yeah SGAP. Google says so.” I couldn’t stop my laughter.

Everyone else started laughing too. The guys stepped out of the restaurant. Cassie’s mate took his seat. He whispered in my ear, “You just can’t be late for these things, can you?”

I laughed, “No, you really can’t.”

Flashback Ends

I shook that memory away still loving that Haley INSISTED we have our brunch afterwards before dealing with the fallout. She was just like that. Rhea chimed in, “Epic fallout.”

Yeah, it was pretty up there in glorious falls for a bitchy she wolf.

EJ was still chastising the girls who just weren’t getting it. Rhea snorted, “Told you we should’ve just killed a bitch.”

She might have a point. Rhea purred, “Progress. I am making progress. I can feel it.”

EJ ordered our Warriors to make sure the girls left the territory.

Rhea was victorious, “Ohhh he wants a quickie too. If only you two were down to stay right here so those catty bitches could hear our screams of ecstasy as they fled. It would be beautiful sexual justice.”

I shrieked, “RHEA!”

Rhea sighed, “I’m going to keep working on this with you. I’ll bring you out of that shell of yours.” I rolled my eyes.

EJ popped us to one of our treehouses. It wasn’t exactly a quickie, but it wasn’t long either. Rhea purred, “No complaints from my end.”

I reasoned, “I’m not complaining either.”

EJ and I teased each other about it. Rhea huffed, “We can’t link him every time these she wolves give us trouble.”

No, we couldn’t because he’d never get anything done. Plus, these catty bitches needed to spread the word that I could take them all on my own. Haley never ran to Eric when the crazies came for him. She slapped them, sometimes literally, into their places. I could handle it.

EJ brought up the party. Rhea cackled, “Should we tell him about our theory?”

I wanted to sigh but didn’t. Buttercup, Micah, and I had a meeting yesterday. Cassie’s mate called in, but he wasn’t worried about Cassie’s reaction. Honestly, neither were we. We knew that we would be the ones with the problem if Angela’s mate popped in.

Tim and Brady were probably going to be the most sensitive about it since they’d just turned sixteen and heard about Haley’s past. Parker, Cole, and Calvin were still sensitive about Fairy things too. Rhea encouraged, “We should give him a heads up.”

I took her advice and that had us discuss avoiding the Cassie situation. The whole thing was ridiculous, but I knew EJ still felt bad about it. Rhea groaned, “Come on! They were joking around. It wasn’t their fault. They had no idea. UGH. I CANNOT get into that again.” No joke.

I teased him that we needed to get back. He snapped us into our clothes and popped us to the party. I linked Buttercup, “Did we miss it?”

Buttercup gave me a look and then glanced around the room. She asked, “Do you think you did?”

I bit my lip acknowledging, “As no one is losing their mind, I’m going with no.” Buttercup winked, “Exactly. You didn’t miss a thing.” I asked her, “Is your dad here yet?” Buttercup snorted, “Nope. He’s going to be so upset if he misses this moment.”

I linked Haley, “Maybe getting Grant, Bryce, and Bradley out of the immediate area would be good.”

Haley’s Fairy past was bound to come up if all of us speculating were right about Angela. Haley replied, “I have them ready to bring Angela’s present that I put in the Hackura realm. They promised only to pop or portal in when I tell them to come.”

She was always seven steps ahead.

Angela popped over to Haley. Buttercup linked me, “Explosion in three, two…”

She trailed off then groaned, “Ohhh Wesley’s already mad. He figured it out. Defcon five everyone.”

I mean it was obvious now. Angela asked about a Fairy family.

I could feel the war happening in EJ’s emotions. He was upset, but he was trying to remain calm. At least I had that going for me. Rhea linked, “Brutus is not happy but he’s not just growling so that’s a bonus.”

Maybe this would be ok on my end.

Almost a minute later Trixie, Farrin, and their kids popped in. Angela immediately blushed and introduced herself to Klaus. He was only three years older than her. Rhea linked, “The Moon Goddess is good. That age is workable.”

No age would really matter, but it would be easier for us mates to sell to our partners. Plus, they were so cute.

Buttercup linked me, “Awww, look at them.”

I agreed their interaction was adorable. I got so lost in it that I actually jumped when Eric lost it. Maybe we should’ve warned him. Buttercup linked me, “We can’t do anything about him.”

I gaped when Haley yelled at him. I linked Buttercup, “Hell just froze over, but Haley’s got this.”

Buttercup bit her lip, “I’ve never heard her yell at him like that.”

Neither had I. Well, they argued when people weren’t around.

Rhea linked, “Something has obviously gone down with Farrin and Haley. That’s why she’d stopped him from talking.”

Micah linked me, “I want to look away, but I can’t. I have never been more interested in a silent link conversation between two people. If only I could write a code to crack it so I could listen in.”

I bit my lip so I wouldn’t laugh.

I linked my mom, “What’s the tea?”

She laughed, “I couldn’t ruin the moment you find out.”

I groaned and she just laughed. Dakota linked, “How dare you not tell me this beef! What’s happening?” I admitted, “I have no idea what’s going on.” He said, “I’m siccing Cooper on dad. He’ll get it out of him. Link me or Dalton if you find out.” I wanted to laugh but I liked the plan.

Haley took control of the room. Angela was near tears, but Eric quickly got her back to being her happy self. She skipped outside with Klaus. The rest of us went to the office. Cassie popped in and Haley took everyone to task. Buttercup linked me, “We were worried for nothing. We should’ve just left it all to Haley.”

I joked, “You and Micah need to stop making me almost laugh. It’s not the time.”

Buttercup smiled at me. Haley refuted all of Eric’s points about the newly mated pair. I linked Dalton when I found out what happened with Farrin.

“Brother, I hope you are sitting down. Eric’s problem is that Farrin tried to have sex with Haley at their wedding when she went into her concupiscence.”

He shouted, “WHAT?!”

Buttercup and Micah linked me at the same time, “NO FUCKING WAY!” I would not have guessed that.

Rhea agreed, “He never seemed attracted to her.”

There were Fairies who were overt and obvious about their interest in Haley. Farrin never seemed that way. Haley made excellent points in her rebuttals. I linked Dalton, “You cannot imagine the drama in this room.”

He snorted, “Based on what you said I kind of can.”

Cassie smirked and linked me, “Some days I consider going by Veronica, but then I remember the real reason my name is Cassie.”

I replied, “She doesn’t mean you anyway.”

I teased, “Aren’t you happy you didn’t miss all this?” She agreed, “I definitely am.”

The guys did eventually calm down once Haley reminded them this was about Angela’s happiness. I felt for Haley in this situation. She worked really hard to overcome her demons. She even went to Faerie frequently with the Conners pups.

Sometimes I could tell when a bad memory was surfacing. She would freeze, but her face was a vault. She did a lot better there now though. I’d seen a few genuine smiles from her. The mood took a turn for the better. Farrin and Haley were even bantering.

When Cassie jumped in with her comments, I agreed with her wholeheartedly there. We needed to avoid that again. Rhea cackled, “Cassie and Rain just popped out with that parting line.”

Yeah, I was all for her comments until that line.

Buttercup linked me, “I could’ve done without that parting comment.”

I bit my lip at the look on EJ and Alexander’s faces. Say what you would, but the Conners women knew how to make an exit. Rhea linked, “Fang incoming.”

Dylan stormed into the room, but Eric had him running right back out in under five minutes.

Aiden looked ill when Haley pointed out TJ and Angela’s sibling bond would help her in Faerie. His face told me he wished Haley herself had that sibling bond at the time to lean back on when she was young. I shot him a sympathetic look.

That sparked a guard discussion. Buttercup linked me, “Eight guards my butt. He’ll have that number to ten, minimum, by the time negotiations are done.”

I barely kept my laugh in. Haley delivered one HECK of a parting speech about how they were trying to take a happy moment from Angela with their selfish emotions. She even slammed Farrin. I needed this talent to deliver parting lines like her, Cassie, and Angela. They were just the clear parting line winners.

Rhea linked, “When is the best time to tell Angela her father in law tried to have sex with her mom?”

I answered, “Never. I don’t want to know about the guys that wanted my mother before my dad came into the picture.”

Oh god, now I was thinking about my parents having sex. Or the guys that could have leered at my mom wanting to have sex with her. EW!

Rhea shouted, “Stop that! Turn back around and get off the train!”

I teased EJ about erasing that from my memory. Rhea agreed, “I’m on board. I like this plan. I know you were teasing but, seriously though. These images they gots ta go.”

EJ distracted me. He clearly linked his brothers because they all looked happier about this situation. Rhea snorted, “Wonder what he said.”

I warned, “I don't know that we want to know at this point.”

Aiden was overjoyed about Angela and Klaus. I think he’d been disappointed that Julian hadn’t found his mate yet. Everyone thought his mate would be a Fairy. Rhea reasoned, “It’s not like he’s met all the Fairies yet.”

As soon as we made sure the party was moving along fine, I stepped outside and walked over to Angela. I hugged her, “I am so happy for you.”

I smiled at Klaus, “I’m one of Angela’s big sisters. I’m Elise Conners.”

He nodded respectfully, “Luna Duchess Elise, it’s nice to meet you.” I laughed, “None of that just call me Elise.”

Angela smiled telling him, “Elise is super cool. Just like Cass.”

Klaus nodded, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elise.”

Angela whispered, “Is EJ upset?” I assured her, “He’s not upset with you or Klaus. It’s more of him pouting about his baby sister finding her mate thing. They weren’t ready or prepared. He’s happy that you didn’t just pop to Faerie and meet him. He’s glad he knows. They’ll calm down and adapt. It’s not like EJ has any room to talk. He knew I was his before I was born.”

Angela giggled, “That’s true.”

I kissed the top of her head, “If you need to talk to someone, you know I’m always here for you. I know all the stages you’ll go through with this. You've one upped me though. You live in different realms. That’s something.”

She nodded.

I smiled, “I’ll give you guys some space, and I’ll send some of the guys out. They will be nice because your mom gave them one of her signature speeches.”

Angela smirked, “I know, I saw it.”

I laughed, “Of course you did.”

I walked back inside and got EJ moving. When he went to see Angela, I walked over to Tristan, Everly, and Jason. Jason looked tired. Rhea linked “Ajax doesn’t sound good either.”

That was Jason’s wolf. I frowned calling out, “Jase?”

He looked startled, “Huh? What? Oh, Hi Elise. I’ll be back.” He took off.

I looked at Tristan confused, “Did I spook him? Have I offended Jase in some way I’m not aware of?”

Tristan grimaced, “He’s having nightmares.”

Everly cringed, “They are awful.” I asked, “About what?” Tristan answered, “He’s still got this idea that Ladybug saved him from those Hunters. Now he’s saying he’s getting flashes of her spraying him with something and dosing him with a syringe. Then he gets a flash of being strapped in a tree as people searched for him.” My jaw dropped.

Tristan ran a hand over his face, “He wakes up screaming for Ladybug because he said she was being punished. She took the punishment from these two guys for him escaping. He sees her being whipped. Then he says he saw her strung up and shocked with a cattle prod. Honestly, it switches between what he thinks he sees.”

I frowned, “Did he call and talk to Ladybug?”

Tristan nodded, “It’s the only thing that calms him down. Plus, they would’ve smelled him.”

I mused, “We don’t smell the snipers. What if they have something…?” I trailed off then waved my hand dismissively, “No that’s silly.”

Everly caught onto my train of thought. She shook her head, “No, it’s not silly. That makes sense. They made that Fairy antidote. Why not a spray to conceal scents?”

Tristan jumped in, “Maybe she had dark hair so he’s picturing Ladybug.”

I nodded, “I learned that today actually. The girl saving those Omega’s from hunters has black hair.”

Tristan sighed in relief, “There it is. Maybe he’ll sleep better with that information.”

Everly frowned, “That woman still took a beating for him. I don’t know if he’ll let this go. He’s snappy with everything lately, T.”

Tristan frowned, “Not with us or Kai.”

Everly sighed, “No, never with Kai.”

I squealed, “Show me new pictures of Kai!” Everly smiled and pulled out her phone and showed me a lot of pictures I’d never seen. Jason never came back, but the party wound down at the same time he reemerged.

I listened to Haley and Trixie figure everything out for Angela and Klaus. Haley conjured a phone for Angela with all the numbers she’d need including Klaus. She really was a good mom. I had great role models to look up to when EJ and I started having pups.

EJ was on emotional overload, and honestly I was too. I was really worried about Jason. He looked like he was barely sleeping. I shoved all that aside as my own exhaustion overtook me and we went to bed.

EJ and I woke up late the next day. The pack was always lazy the day after a party. Alcohol was always flowing, so we tended to be a bit groggy. We were having a lazy family day in the main room when Lexi Daniels flashed in. Buttercup linked me, “She has too much energy for the day after a Conners’ birthday party.”

I groaned, “Agreed. She left early though because she and TeleTed had a meeting with a client.”

Buttercup sighed, “Still. I need her to bring the energy level WAY down. I’ll sic my dad on her. I’ll do it, Elise. I’ll fight fire with fire.” I grinned at her.

Lexi was upset about some band she didn’t know about. Rhea muttered, “The Ring Resistance and now The Rebels. Someone was into R names.”

I didn’t care at this point because I’d never heard of this band. No one had, except Micah.

My gaze narrowed when he said he couldn’t talk about them. Rhea chuckled, “Someone is interested now.”

Yes, because the only person he ever said that about was Ashley. I knew Ashley was musically inclined. She told me she played the guitar.

I asked Micah some questions. Rhea gasped, “How could she not tell us she was in a band?”

I didn’t know. I knew the name of the girl they were talking about that sang because Ashley told me about her. Her name was Odette, but only her friends called her that. Her registered, legal name wasn’t Odette for some reason.

Rhea boasted, “They don’t know her name, but we do.”

That was true and it made me ridiculously happy since I didn’t know about the band. I almost told them about her, but it felt wrong. Ashley trusted me with Odette’s name. I’d just keep it to myself.

Rhea scoffed, “Odette’s mom is a wackadoodle.”

She was. Ashley had said her mom left her in a building that should be condemned. They’d got her into a different place and Ashley was teaching Odette self-defense moves. She said Odette was a natural.

My understanding was few people had met Odette, but now I knew most didn’t know her name. Micah would’ve if they did. Rhea reasoned, “She does sound a bit shy, but she’s latched onto Ashley.”

I’m sure Ashley got her to sing a couple times.

Micah had tried to get them to come here, but they wouldn’t. I grabbed a pillow and screamed. Not only because my head hurt, but because I was sick of this whole Ashley won’t come here bullshit. Rhea asked me, “But why?”

I snarked, “Well, wasn’t that the fifty million dollar question? Why WON’T she come here?”

It hurt my heard.

The information we had was that she never had. So, WHY on GOD’s green earth was she SO damn opposed to coming here? Lexi seemed determined to get them here. Micah and I locked eyes, the knowledge that she wouldn’t passed between us without words.

Rhea muttered, “I agree, barring Goddess intervention.”

Micah said the band was mostly made up of Black Path pack members, a Witch, and a Demon. Now I had a full blown headache. Pounding spikes into my head bad. Something about that made sense about something else. What was it?

When I looked up, I noticed Micah and Max had run off. I was going to fire off an email to Ashley. I couldn’t believe she was in a band and didn’t tell me. Rhea snorted, “She knew you’d try to use that to get her here.”

I grumbled, “You’re being unhelpful.”

Rhea laughed, “Truthful.” I answered, “Well, now I know.” EJ accurately pointed out Ashley was a bit self-deprecating.

It was sad because she was such a bad ass, but this whole thing with her family really shaped her. She was only fourteen when they died, and everyone blamed her. That was formative for a teenage girl. She was good at everything she put her mind to, just like Mel.

That thought send a jolt of pain so hard Haley was worried instantly. She studied me then announced there was nothing physically wrong with me for her to heal. Not to disagree, but there was something wrong.

Rhea linked, “That’s not good Elise. As a Fairy healer, the strongest one ever, she should know we have a headache.”

I asked, “What does it mean?”

Rhea sighed, “I don’t know, but I know it's nothing good.”

Haley learned we all got them and was pissed, to put it mildly. I could see the gears working in her mind. She had an idea, but something about it was tripping her up. Her gazes at Alexander and EJ told me it was them getting headaches that didn’t make sense to her.

Aside from their families, Ashley and Melanie were like the same damn person. Something about this made me think harder. I felt like I was almost there when Phil ran in screaming about the phone. There was an attack on Alpha Nathan McDermont’s pack.

EJ didn’t wait, he popped us into the action. I saw Alpha Nathan clinging to his Luna’s dead body, sobbing. I actually gasped in shock. I’d met her multiple times and she was so kind. She’d brought me pie after my Luna ceremony and gave me her number if I ever needed some help.

Fury filled me and I shifted. I linked Rhea, “Rip these remaining rogues to shreds!”

Rhea snarled, “I am ALL over that.”

I fought with Alexander and EJ by my side. I gave full control to Rhea feeling like we were missing a piece of us. A piece I knew and just couldn’t get here. It was Melanie. She should be here fighting with us. By Alexander’s side. She would’ve turned them into minced meat for this.

Once we’d killed the remaining rogues, we shifted back. I couldn’t look at Alpha Nathan, so I looked at EJ. He was my whole world. I didn't want to imagine the kind of pain Alpha Nathan was in right now. Rhea snarled, “Never.”

Hopefully not. I couldn’t lose him.

Theo popped in confused. He was usually in the Hackura realm when we did things with the McDermont’s. We weren’t close with them, just allies. I linked Alexander, “The Beta is trying to crawl to the forest, but his mate is over by Luna…”

I trailed off.

Alexander squeezed my shoulder, “I know her name Elise, it’s ok.”

My heart sank when the Beta announced both his daughter and Alpha McDermont’s were taken. Jane McDermont’s eighteenth birthday was a few weeks ago and I’d sent her a present. Both of them actually.

Alpha Nathan lost it. His son was barely keeping it together. His mother was dead, and his sister was missing along with his future Beta’s sister. He was weeks away from becoming the Alpha. This was the last thing he needed.

Popping to them didn’t work. I wanted to look at my mate who was thrown back, but I was looking at Theo. He looked off. He was sniffing the air and clearly talking to his wolf. My heart began to sink. Was one of the girls Theo’s mate? Rhea howled in despair.

I linked him, “Theo?”

He didn’t answer, he just kept taking deep breaths. He began to fidget. Rhea whimpered in my head. We both knew our brother was about to be hurting. I turned out that Jane McDermont’s was his.

When he started trying to pop to her in desperation, I didn’t know what to do. I was frozen watching my little brother repeatedly appear and disappear. Rhea linked, “Barker won’t talk to me.”

Theo’s wolf was even shutting them out. This wasn’t good.

Angela got him calmed down, but I was worried about her now too. This was not her fault. She didn’t always see everything. That’s not how sight worked. I linked her, “Please don’t feel bad. No one blames you, Ang.”

She had tears in her eyes.

I wanted to tell her she was still training and learning about using her sight. She couldn’t stop everything, but it wouldn’t do any good. Rhea linked, “This was the reality of being a smaller pack that was far away from help when in danger. At least Brutus and our family could pop in. Otherwise, they’d have lost more.”

It was harsh but true.

Holoports were mentioned and I knew Haley was going to go off. Witches and Warlocks weren’t her favorite people. Haley looked at Eric and crossed her arms. She whispered, “Everyone needs to stop arguing about my campaign about dark witch bitches belonging in FUCKING DITCHES! Now they’ve hurt our son! When I find these witches bitches and warlock warts,”

She vowed, “AND I WILL find their asses, they are FUCKING dead! They are so motherfucking dead their SOULS should be scared.”

Eric squeezed her shoulders replying, “I won’t argue with you on that one, Angel.”

She nodded, “Good. I’m GOING to get more people on my side about that too. Fucking Witch bitches and Warlock warts have NEEDED to die and have for years are now on NOTICE.”

We got their scent, but Angela proved to be right. Not that anyone doubted that. Rhea reasoned, “The Ring has no idea what a big mistake they’d just made.”

I agreed, “It had to be them, and it was a massive miscalculation to attack our allies and take their pack members. Adding in that it’s Theo’s mate is worse.”

This was a taunt, but it was going to backfire. That thought pulled me up short. Where had our sniper been? Was she not watching out for the McDermont’s? Terror filled me. Was she hurt? Those questions swirled in my mind when we went home. I needed a distraction, so I emailed Ashley.

Ashley,

I planned to write to you earlier today, but now I find that I need to talk to you. I need to write down my feelings. Let’s start off with why I wanted to write to you in the first place. How the heck could you not tell me you’re in some famous supernatural band? You rebel, you!

Lexi Daniels is vexed she didn’t know about your band. I’m sure she’ll blow your email up wanting to get in touch. She’s determined to get you up here for one of her events even though Micah said he already tried but you said no. I hope you reconsider.

We could have lunch, dinner, even breakfast. Or coffee. Anything you’d like is fine by me. I’d just love to chat in person. I’m again in awe of all you’ve accomplished in your young life so far. Youngest Female Lead Warrior ever, and you’re in a popular band. You even teach the she wolves in your area how to fight. Seriously, do you have down time? Or is every minute of every day filled with activities?

Anyway, the other reason I’m writing is because there was an attack out here today. Our allies, the McDermont’s, were attacked. Their Alpha’s daughter, Jane, and the Beta’s daughter, Madeline, were kidnapped. We found out that Jane is Theo’s mate. He’s beside himself and I don’t know how to help him. I can’t imagine the fury and pain he feels. If anything happened to EJ, I can’t even imagine how I would feel.

Luna McDermont died today too. She was so kind. I just can’t process it all really. All I know is we need to find these women that are missing now. It constantly feels like I’m scratching the surface of something huge, only to come against walls. Anyway, I’ll talk to you soon.

Elise

I actually waited thirty minutes to see if she’d reply. Sometimes her replies were immediate, but this time she didn’t answer. I called Melanie, but she didn’t answer either. I sent her a text. Fifteen minutes later she replied. I wanted to spill everything, but we were still keeping her in the dark.

Instead of doing what I wanted, I just asked how Julliard was going. She sent me a clip of her new routine. She was such a beautiful dancer. I asked her where she was practicing because it didn’t look like Julliard in the previous clips I’d seen. She quickly told me she’d found this little studio she liked that inspired her. I frowned and watched the clip again. I just didn’t reply.

Rhea linked me, “I have your memories, so I know that studio is wrong for her to choose because she never would.”

I whispered, “I know.”

Melanie always said that she felt stifled in a studio. She had to create her dances outside because that’s where she was inspired. She practiced in studios, but they didn’t inspire her; nature did. My head began to pound.

I pushed all those strange thoughts aside and went upstairs. I managed to get some sleep, thinking about how Melanie was living her dream and we were protecting her by keeping her in the dark. We were right to do so because it all came back to her dream. Everything was fine and people change.

The weeks passed by in a haze of sadness. Ashley didn’t answer my email, and I was starting to get worried about her. I was working on disputes. Because I couldn’t focus on reality where Ashley wasn’t answering, and we ran into wall after wall on finding Jane and Madeline.

We were always a few days behind them at potential locations. We knew whatever was happening they were bleeding a lot. EJ suspected they’d been taking into the real undergrounds. Everything was a colossal mess right now.

Rhea reasoned, “But we are finally on the undergrounds tails.”

I agreed, “You’re right. They were running for their lives because we are right behind them. My email dinged and when I saw who it was relief flooded me. Ashley finally responded.

Elise,

Sorry… about a lot… but that I haven’t answered. I mean there’s so much to be sorry about but... I just mean that things were hectic lately. I am in The Rebels. The band… I mean... I’m not sure if I’d be classified as a rebel in general... I mean maybe... it’s possible…well depending on who said it’s a certainty for some…probably not you…maybe you…Moving on.

Anyway, I play the guitar. I thought you knew honestly… because well.. we are pretty popular. Gosh that sounded braggy. I’m not bragging... just a lot of people know the band… but you don’t… so that’s fine… it’s not that popular… I mean… it is but… not?

I do have several emails from Lexi Daniels, so I believe you about her wanting to get in touch. She’s… determined. That’s a word. Let’s go with that word. I told her it wouldn’t work out. The band could go without me of course, but I don’t know if they would.

I gave her Addison’s email in case, because it’s not like I refuse for everyone… that would be rude. The band always has that option, they just don’t do it. I mean I wouldn’t hold them back... they just… feelings and stuff... yeah….

I do have a lot going on all time. I like to stay busy. Not having things to do BORES me to no end. I always like having something to do. So, that’s why I’ve got a lot going on. I don’t like being bored. It’s terrible.

I am very sorry to hear about the attack. That was the main sorry in the beginning of the email... I am glad you are safe. I’m sure you figured out what to do for Alpha Theo Conners…. someone could mention to your in laws that naming pups after another Alpha…. Alpha Theo Bartlett… could confuse the masses… not that I didn’t enjoy that when he got older… you should’ve seen Edward Davis’s face when he thought Alpha Theo Conners was here… because they just called him Alpha Theo. I think I almost peed I laughed so hard…

That was not a necessary tangent… ugh! FOCUS!!! I’m sure you figured out what to do with your brother in law, because you are smart that way. You embody the perfect Luna and simply help by being yourself.

I am also sorry for the loss you must feel from losing an ally Luna. One who is kind… because sadly, those aren’t everywhere. Our Luna, if not for her pups would be broken. She is a good woman despite her mate being complete trash.

It breaks her heart that he turned into such a bad person. I somehow hate the gutless bastard in charge here more for that than I had previously. Seriously, I loathe that man… he’s truly awful. WHEW! Gotta stop or I’ll rant for HOURS about that rat faced cesspool.

I’m sure you will find the women who were kidnapped soon. Nothing can stand in your way. You are Luna Duchess Elise Conners after all.

Ashley

I read the line she didn’t like being bored fifteen times. Rhea was growling at the headache that was coming on. I sat there for ten minutes thinking because I knew someone else EXACTLY like that. EJ told me to get to the office. So, I closed my computer and took off.

I ran in hearing the sniper was on the line. Relief nearly knocked me over. Ashley emailed me and the sniper was back. Life was taking an upturn. Rhea linked, “Umm, Elise.”

I cut her off, “Don’t go there.”

Rhea sighed, “We are already going there.”

I shot back, “IF, and I say IF, the sniper and Ashley were the same person then the sniper clearly doesn't have a problem with being in this area. Ashley does. The sniper has been around here often.”

Rhea sighed, “Not too close though. The sniper is on the outskirts of several territories around here.”

She had a point that I didn’t want to think about.

Ashley was already busy enough. How could she possibly add this? Rhea linked, “She hates being bored. Her and Melanie really would rule the world if they met.”

I had been thinking earlier that Melanie couldn't stand to sit still for five seconds. She ALWAYS had to be doing something. Now Ashley did too? What were the odds? I mean, high obviously. Because Melanie was living her dream. Right?

I focused again when the sniper said she found Jane and Madeline. Relief coursed through me. I linked Dalton, “I’m having weird thoughts.”

He snorted, “I’d love to hear all about them in just a minute.”

For the first time I’d wished he hadn’t taken over as Alpha. I needed to talk through this now. I’d probably forget later or let it all go.

Rhea reasoned, “At least we can still link him, our other brothers and parents when we want to talk through something.”

I did love that. It was weird not being able to link Tristan or Jason after I joined Black Mountain. The family connection would never fade so I could always link a blood relative. I enjoyed that a lot.

The sniper had been getting people out of the undergrounds. I linked my wolf, “My god. How many of the male and female Werewolves or partials sent to us escaped from those?”

She muttered, “It could be a large number. No wonder they don’t talk. They are scared of going back.” Christ.

The Sniper faltered when Alexander asked her a question. She started to ramble, then almost like someone got her back on task, she focused. I was rubbing my temples. I looked up and saw Haley frowning with her eyes on me.

I looked away from her to the wall. Our allies were on the screen. Jason looked worse than the last time I saw him. He snarked with the sniper. To my surprise, she snarked back. Like siblings. I sat down in a chair because my head hurt so bad.

Eric linked me, “Elise?”

I answered, “It’s just a headache.”

Eric frowned. Eventually he said, “What are you thinking about Jason?” I gritted my teeth at the pain. I still answered, “Their fight seems like siblings who are pissed at each other.” Eric snorted, “True.” He then frowned and rubbed his head.

Haley looked between us both. She took out her phone and started texting. Someone was obviously arguing with her because she was typing angrily. She put her phone away looking extremely frustrated, which was odd for her. She was normally a vault.

Alexander got the sniper back on track. First, he flustered her, then she focused because he wanted her to. Dalton linked, “That’s weird, right? God my head. She likes him.”

I reasoned, “We knew that. Laxenread tell us that.”

He said, “Yeah, but…” He trailed off and I had the same feeling he did.

I had to shove those thoughts aside because my head was killing me. I focused on Haley. Her eyes narrowed when the sniper said we’d get six of the seven fighters tonight. My heart sank. I linked her, “Do you think the sniper is the seventh fighter?”

Haley answered, “Yes, I do. I think she’s going to fight to cover our rescue.”

I reasoned, “We could find her then.”

Haley argued, “The fight won’t be where we are going. I think she’s been fighting in the Underground for a long time. When the sniper rescued Julianna and Everly they said she had a salve on her back. I thought maybe she’d been whipped. But maybe she’d been in a fight with a wolf who half shifted and clawed her back.” I winced.

Rhea linked, “Dear goddess, could they do that?!”

I replied, “I doubt the undergrounds follow basic etiquette on fighting rules.”

I focused back on the conversation. The sniper was overly kind to Theo. Rhea mused, “So where she tore into Jase, she was tender about Theo being upset with her.” I asked, “Why though? That didn’t make sense. Theo sounds angrier than Jase.”

I had no answers I liked for that thought. The sniper gave us instructions. Jason and the sniper blew up at each other again. Jason was obviously still upset. I linked Dalton, “She’s reading off a script.”

He agreed, “That’s what it sounds like.”

I said, “She rambles.” He agreed, “Yup.” I pushed, “Like someone else.” My head hurt so bad I may cry. He replied, “Used to. Her etiquette coach trained it out of her.” Had she? Or when angry did she revert to it? Or was Ashley the sniper?

Then the sniper asked for me specifically. Rhea linked, “She knows our word means something. It’s someone we know.”

I didn’t want that to be true. I tried to smooth things over and gaped at the phone when she hung up after snarking more about Jason. Rhea said, “She didn’t hang up. Someone else did.”

I reasoned with my wolf, “Ashley can’t be the sniper. That’s a personal issue with Jase. She’s never even been to Red Run.”

Rhea sighed, “I just don’t know. I can’t think with this headache anymore.”

EJ got mad at Jason.

Dakota linked, “He’s struggling more every day. Nothing helps except talking to Mel. That’s brief and feels like it’s always put off or interrupted. I don’t know what to do.”

Neither did I because now he probably wouldn’t see her for a few weeks. With his nightmares I was certain he just needed to see her face.

Haley pulled everyone’s attention off Jason. Rhea linked, “She’s amazing.”

I agreed, “She’s giving him the space he needs. He knows he messed up, but he’s hurting.”

Rhea added, “And she’s making excellent connections everyone else missed.” I had so much to learn from her it was crazy.

That led to more headache discussions which nearly sent my mother in law into orbit with anger. I caught a hint of it through EJ before she shut it all down. That was bad. To feel that anger in my bond with EJ as if it was his meant she was raging pissed.

Rhea sang, “She’ll go kill someone for Bjourn.”

Probably. She needed to get her anger out and that was the best way for the Hackura to calm down. Fight it out. If she could help her brother and calm down she’d do it.

When she was pissed about the emergency rule, I frowned. Because it was Eric’s rule. Things were swirling in my mind. Things didn’t make sense. I linked Dalton, “Did they forget it was their rule?”

He reasoned, “Eric could’ve told her it was mutual. He’d do anything to protect her and his pups.”

Yeah, but he wouldn’t lie to her not just because she’d know if he was. He’d lay out the reasons. My head hurt so bad. I reached for Karina’s cookies that were sitting out and they helped right away. Obviously, I was just hungry. Dalton’s explanations made perfect sense. I was silly to question that.

I lost focus on the meeting as the planning went on around me. I slipped out to get some fresh air. I went on a run to our border just past the line with the Daniels. I stopped and shifted back, grabbed EJ’s shirt, and laid down on the ground.

I looked up at the sky and started calling on the one person who could send some divine intervention. “Moon Goddess, something is going on and I need answers. I need the headaches to stop so I can get the damn answers. Something is very wrong, I can feel it. I’m on the brink. Just please let me have a moment of clarity.”

I gave that a few minutes to work then started thinking.

My headache came roaring back. I glared at the sky, “So that’s a no then?”

I got nothing in response. I threw EJ’s shirt off, shifted back, and ran back home. I grabbed my clothes and went back inside. Everyone was gathering on the lawn. Eric was watching me closely.

I couldn’t be bothered to care. Rhea was hurt because the Moon Goddess didn’t answer our plea. I was beyond annoyed. Why couldn’t I just get a five minute break from this headache? Even a couple minutes. Something would click for me. I knew it.

EJ gave a speech rallying everyone going to the rescue. I couldn't help but stare at him with all the love I had in my heart when he mentioned there was another fighter we would work to save. He was such a good man.

I noticed Theo was vibrating with energy and anger. I linked him, “We will bring Jane home. We are going to get to her.”

Theo asked brokenly, “She’s not going to be in good shape, is she Elise? The sniper said they had her fighting too much because of how skilled she is.”

I evaded, “Alexander and your mom will be there. Jane will be fine. She will be in your arms tonight. She will be safe.”

I knew he knew I hadn’t answered his question because we both knew the answer. He replied, “Thank you.”

My focus turned to Emmaline Lyons. Her daughter Aria Lyons, now seventeen, was standing by her mom and gave her an encouraging smile. Lucas whisper yelled, “Aria, what are you doing here?”

She answered, “I’m going.”

He disagreed, “You aren’t.” She pleaded, “Daddy…” He cut her off, “You’re not even eighteen yet. Go home.” She sighed and popped out. It wasn’t really fair, she was more than ready.

Rhea snorted, “Alpha Males are very protective of daughters.”

Didn’t I know it? Rhea howled with laughter, “Yes, we do.”

It was worse for Aria though, because a lot of people were after her because of who she was in the Fairy prophecy. I didn’t have that, and I knew my mate my whole life. I suspected she knew hers as the strongest Soul Searcher and found it odd she hadn’t said who it was.

Everyone talked about Aria having some secret. Haley clearly knew about it, but no one else seemed to realize that. Or the obvious conclusion that the strongest Soul Searcher would know who her mate was. The question was why she didn’t bring him in. I was thinking her dad wouldn’t like him.

I focused on Emmaline hovering near Alpha Nathan McDermont. Nathan Conners had just given him a pep talk. Emmaline seemed to be debating something. She would start to open her mouth then shut it several times. She did it at least fifteen times before telling him to keep his heart open to his second chance mate.

Rhea gasped, “Holy crap. That was a lot. No wonder she struggled with whether or not she should tell him.”

Alpha Nathan looked stunned, and I felt for him. He couldn’t think about anything right now but his daughter, and no one blamed him.

We were popped in and Alexander immediately started hopping around. I linked Micah, “Why is he doing that?”

Micah answered, “He got an email with instructions. My dad and I are working on it. This code, it’s crazy good though.”

Something in his tone had me asking, “Do you know who wrote it?”

Micah evaded, “I don’t know, no.”

I pressed, “You suspect someone then?” Micah admitted, “I do. I’m trying to prove I’m right, but it’s harder than you’d think. Most coders use a special signature. I can’t crack this one.” I clarified, “Alexander got the email?” Micah nodded. It always came back to Alexander.

I pushed that aside and jumped down after EJ into the underground lair. I had to focus because this was about these fighters. I needed to get in the right headspace. Theo was gone the second he caught Jane’s scent. My heart clenched when he screamed for Haley. I asked Rhea, “Can you hear her heartbeat?”

Rhea answered, “It’s faint, but Haley can save her. We’ve seen her do that.”

I agreed, knowing Haley would tell Death himself to fuck off to save Theo’s mate.

EJ threw up his shield as shots were fired. I linked Theo, “Are they firing at you?”

Theo answered, “We are behind the solid door. Even if they were, the bullet would ricochet and hit them. Mom’s healing Jane, so we are in her bubble anyway. No one can get inside. Are you guys ok?”

I replied, “EJ’s got his shield up.”

Theo apologized, “I’m sorry I left you guys back there but her heartbeat….”

I cut him off, “Is getting stronger. I can hear it.” Alexander and a group of his Warriors easily took out the forces opposing us.

Rhea linked, “A Hackura took off for Madeline. This is a heartwarming shitshow.”

That was certainly a way to put it. I peeked in at Madeline, she was beaten to hell. I looked in on the other fighters knowing Alexander had that under control. They weren’t nearly as bad.

We all waited in Jane’s room. Madeline rushed in worried about her best friend. The second Jane woke up her eyes went to Theo’s. She sobbed into his neck as he comforted her. Madeline went to her friend. Her words brought me up short. They’d met the sniper.

EJ had drawn the same conclusion. I saw Katie Cambridge studying the girls. She stepped out to make a call and I followed her. She was cursing about her dad. I frowned. When she hung up, she saw me. I asked, “Are you ok?”

Katie sighed, “Somewhat. I’m sick of this Ring. My brothers and I found all my dad’s notes. The dark magic he used, we know it’s his signature. Obviously if an object is spelled, we’d know there was a spell, but we can recognize our dad’s magic from a mile away. Those girls, they have magic my dad used on them.”

I frowned, “I thought you could sense all dark magic.”

Katie smiled, “I wish, but no. This group tends to use our father’s dark magic. Part of that calls to us since he was our father after all.”

I conceded, “That makes sense.” Katie sighed, “I need to tell EJ.” I saw him questioning other fighters.

Alexander walked back out of Jane’s room, and I followed him. I stopped him asking “Are you ok?”

Alexander cursed, “Fuck no I’m not! The sniper is letting herself get beaten to hell in fights before she wins.”

I blinked, “What?”

Alexander nodded, “Yup. She’s good enough to win. I don’t know if she’s doing it to draw a bigger crowd for more money. Really, I don’t know what she could possibly be thinking. We need to find her before she goes too far in this quest.”

I reasoned, “I don’t think she’ll take it too far. She told us in the beginning. She wants revenge.”

Alexander nearly shouted,”

But for what?” I shrugged, “I don’t know, but that tells you she won’t take it too far. She needs revenge more than money.”

Alexander sighed, “I guess. I’m really worried about her. This is because of me.”

I whispered, “I’m worried too, but this is not about you.”

He argued, “Isn’t it? She won’t come to us because she thinks I would hate her. Not you, EJ, my parents, or siblings. It’s me. I have to try something. I have to stop this.” How was he going to do that? I didn’t ask out loud and he popped away. I hoped whatever he did worked.

I walked back down and found EJ studying plans. I could feel his frustration, so I wrapped my arms around him.

We would figure this out. Our trip with my family for his birthday was in a few weeks.

Maybe some time away would do the trick. Some relaxation could clear my mind, and I could finally figure this out. This would be good. We would get some rest, and things would become clear. They had to.