3

I had noticed that.

I nodded, “We will find out the whole story one day.”

Alexander shrugged, “I don’t know that it matters. You hurt my mom like this and….”

He didn’t finish but I nodded anyway. I knew exactly how he felt. We went back inside.

I was excited to discover Cassie invited Elise over for a sleepover for me. Cassie popped in with Elise. I ran to her and hugged her. She smiled, “Congratulations on your little brothers.”

I kissed her head, “Thanks, Elise. What’s been going on in your world?”

Her Spring scent filled the air bringing me a sense of calm. Our Cousins Jayden and Jacob popped in. We quickly greeted them.

Jayden encouraged, “Go on, Elise. Tell us what’s new in Red Run.”

Elise laughed, “Melanie’s some dance prodigy apparently.”

I asked, “What?”

Jacob sighed, “This girl again. When do we meet her?” Elise shrugged, “I don’t know. Stop by and find out.” He chuckled.

Alexander walked in and sat with us. I encouraged, “You were saying the possible prank is a dancing prodigy.”

Alexander teased, “She’s getting such a backstory.”

Elise ignored our teasing, “Yup. She begged Sam to put her in dance classes and Sam finally did. The teacher talked to her afterwards and everything. They want to move her up to a higher level of classes and get her in private lessons. They are pretty serious about it. She’s already got a recital coming up.”

I tickled her saying, “Good for imaginary Melanie. Did you hear that, guys? She’s an imaginary dance prodigy.”

Elise rolled her eyes. Alexander and Cassie laughed. Jayden raised his hand, “Does she want a partner? I am a good dancer.”

Alexander growled.

We turned to him, and he shrugged. “Sorry, guys.”

I knew he was linking Oden. I asked, “Brutus?”

He told me, “Oden is being moody and temperamental.”

That wasn’t like him. Elise told Jayden, “She’s not currently in doubles classes, but I’ll tell her if she gets in them.”

I chuckled, “I see it now, the excuses have expanded. Next time we won’t see her because she’ll be at a dance lesson.”

Elise groaned, “Oh come on!”

I kissed her hair, “I’ve already said if not for you, I’d be convinced that she was imaginary, and you all were pulling our leg in Red Run.”

Jacob said, “I agree. Maybe I should just ask mom who her mate is.”

Jayden snorted, “She won’t tell you.”

Jacob winked, “But the look on her face will tell me if she’s real or not if mom knows who her mate is.”

Jayden considered his point.

I frowned because he was right. Their mom was expressive, but ours wasn’t. The conversations I’d heard flooded back into my mind. Elise rolled her eyes again, “I assure you all, Melanie McAlister is real.”

Alexander laughed, “That’s what Jase says too. I gotta say though, I’m with EJ on not being convinced she’s real. Or Melinda. Never seen either one of them.”

I chimed back in, “I’ve seen Melinda.”

Alexander shrugged, “I haven’t.”

Jacob said, “I’ve seen Melinda too.”

Jayden nudged Alexander, “You and I haven’t seen either of them. I feel left out.” Alexander chuckled.

Out of nowhere, we all heard a howl of agony. I bolted up. I ordered, “Ray, stay with Elise!”

Alexander, Cassie, Jayden, Jacob, and I popped to the noise. I frowned when I saw who it was. I shouted, “Grandpa, are you ok?!”

I linked my dad, “Dad, where are you?”

My dad answered, “Your mom and I just left. What’s wrong? Everything feels like something shifted and your mom has a bad feeling. I felt a pack link snap. Did someone leave?”

I demanded, “Come back! Something’s wrong with Grandpa Nathan!”

My Uncle Jackson ran around the corner and grabbed grandpa, checking him over for injuries. Grandpa was just whimpering. Uncle Jackson frowned, “Dad?”

He didn’t answer him. Uncle Jackson barked out, “Dad, what’s wrong? Were you attacked?”

He whispered, “She’s gone. She’s just gone.”

We all looked at each other.

A pop sounded. Mom shouted, “Nathan, are you ok?”

He cried, “She’s gone.”

My mom jerked back. My dad asked, “Who?”

Blade ran out and grabbed my mom as she popped away with him. Dad growled. Uncle Jackson frowned, “What’s going on?”

My Aunt Molly knelt down, “Haley just popped to her. She’ll do everything she can.”

My dad stiffened and locked eyes with my Uncle Jackson. They were talking about Grandma Cassandra. My dad ordered, “Pups, go back inside.”

Cassie wrapped her arms around Grandpa Nathan. She could make people calm down without speaking the charm to grant it. She just had an innate ability. He immediately cried, “She can’t save her this time boys.”

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

My dad said, “She’s gone. I felt her die.”

I could feel my dad's sorrow and my mom’s shock. Grandpa Nathan was right. Grandma Cassandra was dead. My dad closed his eyes. He said, “She could’ve just severed her pack tie.”

Everyone shot him a look of disbelief. The bond told me he didn’t believe that either.

Alexander took his hand, “I’m sorry, dad.”

Jayden put a hand on my shoulder and our eyes locked. We shared a similar outlook on life. We were going to lead our packs, and it bonded us. He knew exactly how I felt about Grandma Cassandra. This wasn’t as hard to hear for me because I didn’t have a great relationship with her. Honestly, it might be for the best.

Uncle Darrin and Uncle Harold came running. Uncle Darrin was in denial. “No, Eric it can’t be mom.”

My dad cringed, “Haley said there was nothing she could do. She tried but….”

He trailed off. Uncle Harold asked, “But what?”

Grandpa Nathan said, “We need to know, son. What did Haley say?”

My dad sighed, “It was a car accident.”

Uncle Harold growled, “Was it really an accident?”

Eric answered, “Haley says it was. She questioned those who saw it. Mom swerved to avoid a deer and overcorrected. Her car went over the hill. It rolled where that new construction is. She was impaled by some rebar.” I winced.

I asked, “What about Kena?”

My dad sighed, “Your mom had been telling me we should have someone see if Kena was ok.”

Grandpa growled, “What do you mean?”

My dad rubbed his face, “She’s just been sleeping so much Haley wondered if she was depressed. I was looking for someone to help with that and talk to Kena. If I had to guess Kena was asleep or mom couldn’t have crashed.” That was a good idea, but my mom had a lot of those.

Cassie had a few tears streaming down her face. I felt arms around me that I knew were my mate’s as her scent hit me. I whispered, “I told you to stay inside.”

Elise had tears in her eyes, “You needed me, I could feel it. Ray came with me.”

I nodded to Ray and held onto Elise.

All of us stood there for a while. Aunt Lexi flashed over with Chase. Cousin Emmaline popped in with Lucas. Jayden and Jacob went to them. Dylan brought Buttercup to comfort Wesley. Mostly I think he came to make dad laugh.

An hour later, cops showed up at the door with mom wearing scrubs. She ran to dad and threw her arms around him. She whispered, “I’m so sorry, Eric. I tried.”

He held her tightly, “It’s not your fault.”

The cops announced, “Eric Conners, we need to speak with Nathan Conners. Your wife said he would be here.”

My Grandpa stood, “I knew something bad had happened. Just say it.”

The cop sighed, “We regret to inform you that there was an accident tonight. Your wife, Cassandra Conners, was declared dead on the scene.”

My dad stiffened and looked at my mom.

The officer continued, “Your stubborn, strong willed daughter in law, received several cuts trying to get to your wife.”

My mom argued, “I’m fine.”

The cops sighed, “Next time, wait for the professionals. Those seven stitches in your elbow could’ve been avoided.”

All of us were suppressing our growls because these were not supernatural police officers.

Mom replied, “I needed to get in the car.”

The other cop said, “Then she crawled through the glass, and made a positive identification of your wife, Mr. Conners. I would suggest that you remember her the way you last saw her.”

Dad looked wide eyed at mom.

I realized they’d taken her clothes and given her scrubs. That meant they were bloody and more than her cuts probably. Grandpa asked, “When can I…?”

The cop interrupted, “Your daughter in law took care of everything. Signed all the necessary forms. She’s a…”

He trailed off and rubbed his head, “Something. The body has already been released. I’ve never seen anything like it in all my time on the force. I’d hate to be standing in her way when she wants something. Anyway, we are truly sorry for your loss.”

They left.

Elise stayed by my side. Mom snapped into new clothes and healed herself. She walked over to Grandpa Nathan, her eyes filled with tears. She apologized, “Nathan, I am so sorry. I was too late.”

Grandpa Nathan shook his head, “She was dead on impact, I felt it. You couldn’t have done anything. There’s no blame for you here, so please don’t take that on.”

Haley frowned, “Where was she going?”

Grandpa Nathan sighed, “She was buying gardening supplies.”

Uh oh. My dad snarled and my mom looked away with tears in her eyes. Grandma died for the garden? The damn garden she couldn’t keep alive to save her life! Alexander popped away. I grabbed Elise and popped to him with Cassie. He was already punching a heavy bag. Elise had tears in her eyes.

I stepped behind him, “Brother.”

Alexander whirled, “She’s SUCH A BITCH! Even in death! GOD! She’s so selfish! She doesn’t like Fairies, but she is more selfish than anyone I’ve EVER met! Dad and our uncles are wrecked! And GRANDPA!”

He punched the bag off the handle yelling, “Gardening supplies! She could’ve added it to the gardeners list! She could’ve asked ANY of us to help her if she didn’t want to ask mom. She died for no good reason. She’s so SELFISH! Grandpa Nathan doesn’t deserve this! She’s horrible. UGH!”

He hit the next bag so hard it fell off too. I raised an eyebrow.

A portal opened and I was certain I knew who was coming before I saw them. Uncle Marcus and Uncle Bjourn stepped out. Uncle Marcus said, “Come on, guys. Let’s leave Alexander and Uncle Bjourn for a minute and get back up to the house.”

I popped us back thinking over my brother's words. He was right. Grandma Cassandra was really selfish to do this to us. Aunt Shana and Aunt Jessica had tears rolling down their faces. People came and went. Grandpa Nathan started drinking and disappeared for several hours. Mom had us go to bed.

When we woke up Grandpa Nathan still wasn’t back. I knew Mom was worried. She offered to pop to him, but my Dad knew where he was. He was in a different territory. Eventually at lunch time dad told mom to go get him. He came back freshly showered. It was a song and dance we went through every day leading up the funeral. I’d never felt so helpless.

Jayden came to see me. We sat down in our place on the mountain. He asked, “EJ?”

I said, “I’m going to lead this area one day.”

He agreed, “You are.”

I whispered, “I don’t know how to stop her toxicity. Everyone’s motivations and sorrow call out to me, but it’s all centered in guilt. Honestly, she would’ve loved it. She would love everyone feels guilty when this is her fault.”

He agreed, “She would.”

I scoffed, “I found her shopping list. The gardeners had all the supplies she left to get. We all know my mom is the one keeping the damn thing alive. I’m eight and I know everything she does kills that damn garden. She died and there’s so much guilt, but barely any genuine sorrow. I don’t want to live a life like that. People are relieved she’s gone, but they don’t want to say it.”

He replied, “I’ll say it. I am relieved she’s gone. She never liked me and tried to chase me away from you and my other cousins. She wasn’t nice to you guys, and even got you making promises she shouldn’t have.”

I glanced up sharply.

He winked, “I know things too, cousin. She was a bad person, but she’s gone. The guilt and sorrow will fade along with her memory. She left probably after a fight with your Grandpa. My mom said your mom was trying to organize a former Luna welcome for new Luna’s and wanted my grandma and yours to spear head it. Your Grandma probably found that offensive somehow and left after fighting with you grandpa. I know that because she ALWAYS fought with anyone, especially him, about ridiculous things that should make her happy. She just wanted to be angry and wasn’t happy unless she found something to pick at.”

He was right. We sat there for several moments in silence before he popped me to my home then went to his.

The day of the funeral Elise and her family arrived early. She sat by me, and I held her hand. Buttercup ran over to Wesley the second they were popped in. We sat through the funeral quietly. Practically everyone I knew came.

Alexander linked me, “This feels so fake. Grandma Cassandra would’ve loved it.”

I cracked a smile and tried not to laugh. Uncle Aiden and Aunt Lucinda walked up. Aiylee popped in when they made it to us. I smiled because Aiylee was forever running late. Plus, she’d make no effort to be on time for Grandma. They didn’t get along. Aiylee hugged us all.

Another pop sounded, “Your Majesty.”

Dad growled at said Fairy. Aiylee made a strangled sound. I turned to her, “Are you ok, Aiylee?”

She was staring at the Fairy who’d popped in. The man nodded to my parents, “I am sorry for your loss. I am here on business and business alone….”

He trailed off when he spotted Aiylee.

Uncle Aiden laughed, “Exsis, are you causing trouble? Holy mother of Azoney!”

I stared between Aiylee and Exsis. Cousin Emmaline gasped. Exsis popped over to her, “You.”

Aiylee grinned, “Me. I'm Aiylee.”

Exsis gaped.

He barely faltered, “I should've met you long ago. Damn Fabian in his grave! I would’ve known you since you were a baby if not for him. I didn’t see your father for years until you were spending time in this realm. We talked on the phone, but never in person. I’ve been on assignments ever since. I’m barely home.”

My mom cooed, “Aww!!! Aiylee and Exsis?”

Uncle Aiden smiled, “Welcome to the family, my friend.”

Exsis smiled, “I do actually need to see Heath Scott.”

He held out his arm to Aiylee, “Care to accompany me, my Queen?” Aiylee blushed fiercely. She nodded, “Of course.” They walked off.

Grandpa Nathan actually laughed. He looked surprised at himself then shrugged, “Only Fairies. I honestly didn’t think I would laugh for a long time. I thought it would’ve been Dylan that got me to for sure.”

I squeezed his hand and he smiled at me.

Dylan ran over, “You need a laugh? I am ALL over this. I will NOT be dethroned by Fairies. Can you imagine SGAP’s head exploding if we needed them around all the time to get a chuckle out of you? I bet we can get him to admit he’s grateful to me once I have you cackling like a hyena.”

He led my Grandpa away.

I walked over to my dad. I linked him, “Can Elise spend the night with Cassie tonight? I just want her close by.”

My dad’s eyes were rimmed red. He answered, “I’ll go talk to Peter now. We’d already discussed this though. I’m sure it will be no problem.”

He walked off.

A few minutes later he linked me, “It’s fine. She’s staying, and so is Buttercup.”

Which meant Dylan and Lacy were too. Finn would be staying as well unless Jayden needed something. I noticed Alexander had disappeared so I popped to him with Elise.

I found him in the gym again. He was fighting a Warrior and winning. My Uncle Bjourn was in the corner. I asked, “Is the warrior letting him win?”

Uncle Bjourn shook his head, “No, your brother is one of the best fighters I've seen in quite some time. He has been since he was walking. You and Cassie are good at fighting too, don’t get me wrong. Alexander’s just on another level.”

I smiled, proud of my brother.

When Uncle Bjourn called the fight, the Warrior stepped back looking at Alexander with a lot of pride. Alexander walked over to us. I urged, “Take a walk with us, brother.”

The three of us left. I linked Cassie, “Pop to Alexander.”

She immediately did. We walked without saying anything for several moments.

Cassie said, “Alexander…”

Alexander cut her off, “Mom thinks this is her fault. She’s hiding it because everyone is in pain. Then there’s my own feelings. I’m not even sad. Hell, I’m relieved. What does that make me? I’m sad that the people I love are hurting, but I’m not sad Grandma Cassandra isn’t around to hurt everyone I love any more. I’m not like mom. I’m selfish.”

I pointed out, “Hey, that’s not selfish. It’s honest. I didn’t like Grandma Cassandra. I’m mostly sad for our family too. There’s a small part of me that’s sad, and I feel bad because it’s not a large part. Honestly, it’s not even close. Besides, we don’t just have mom’s blood running through us. In case the mirror didn’t tell you dad’s all up in our DNA.”

Alexander threw his head back and laughed.

Cassie sighed, “I feel bad because we cut her out then she died. I also feel bad because mom saw it. She crawled through the car and tried to save her even though she knew she couldn’t. I hate how sad Grandpa Nathan is. I heard dad tell Uncle Jackson that Grandpa got so drunk he doesn’t remember anything. He just goes to bars until someone brings him back to a pack house for the night and he sleeps on their couch. Dad said he doesn’t blame him but I’m worried. If you’re selfish for not being sad then we all are.”

Alexander sighed and sat down.

We sat in silence for a while. Elise nudged my arm, “So, aren’t you going to ask where Melinda and Melanie are?”

She was giving us the much needed subject change we were desperate for. Brutus purred, “I love mate.”

I laughed, “Let me guess, Melanie is in timeout.”

Elise replied, “Nope, she’s at a dance recital and Melinda wanted to watch her. Melanie’s been teaching her all the dances.”

Alexander teased her, “It must be hard to learn from someone who's imaginary. Then again, they both might not be real.”

It did seem odd they wouldn’t have her miss the recital given a death occurred. It wasn’t their family though and their reaction might be the most honest of us all. They weren’t stopping their lives for Grandma Cassandra. Sam didn’t like her which meant Drake wouldn’t either.

Elise rolled her eyes, “Just wait till you meet her. Then you’ll all be apologizing to me.”

I laughed, “I won’t hold my breath for that.”

I paused adding, “Mostly because I’m afraid I’d die.”

Elise smiled, “You’ll love her.” Alexander laughed, “He only loves you.” I shoved his shoulder, “I love you too, you jerk.”

Cassie chimed in, “He meant the only girl you’ll love outside of family is Elise.”

I smiled, “My brothers will have mates that I’ll love like sisters. I’m man enough to admit if I ever meet the imaginary Melanie, I’ll say I was wrong.”

Alexander laughed, “If I ever meet either of them, I’ll apologize for doubting you Elise. Melinda or Melanie. I might actually faint. By the way, it’s not just us either. Several people have met Melinda, but I don’t think anyone’s met Melanie.”

Elise grumbled, “I keep telling you that I have.”

Alexander shrugged, “I don’t know. You, Jase, and T say there’s this Melanie character running around. They also claim there’s a Melinda. I just need proof. Do you have a picture of them?”

Elise rolled her eyes, “Well not on me, no!”

Alexander shouted victoriously, “AH HA! I’m telling you all it’s an elaborate scheme. You pureblood werewolves are trying to prank those with Fairy blood. I see you Red Run, I see you.”

Cassie and I laughed.

Alexander tapped his chin, “Let me guess, Jase is really the dance prodigy and he’s embarrassed. He should know we won’t judge. We are all partial Fairies who can dance too.”

He winked. I raised an eyebrow. Elise laughed, “Please let me be there when you say that to him.”

Alexander smirked, “Maybe.”

Elise urged, “The next time you spend the night there, just look around the house.”

Alexander snorted, “I’ve never spent the night there. We always bring people here.”

Elise frowned, “That’s true. Why?”

I sighed, “We are part of the promised Fairy family. Our parents don’t want to put anyone in danger if someone were to say we were there.”

Elise frowned, “They won’t hurt you.”

We didn’t say anything. She whispered, “Will they?”

I kissed her forehead, “I’ve got skills. My girl doesn't need to worry because she has them too.”

Elise sighed. Alexander linked me, “She’s worried.” I rolled my eyes retorting, “Excellent observation, little brother.” Alexander snorted, “I’m only little by a few minutes brother.” I smiled, “That still makes you my little brother.” The four of us just sat in a field until the sun set.

When we got back home Cassie asked, “Where’s Grandpa Nathan?”

My dad answered, “He went out.”

Translation: He was drinking again. That went on for months. It was killing everyone, even grandpa. Elise was spending the night again with Cassie. Our parents seemed to be doing that more often.

Brutus linked me, “Get up.”

I bolted up in bed. I asked him, “What’s wrong?”

Brutus linked, “Listen, it’s mate.”

I popped out of my room. I heard Elise whispering. I watched from the top of the banister as she talked to my grandpa. He broke down in tears while she rubbed his back.

To my shock, instead of going out he turned and went to a different wing in the house. He’d been staying with us since grandma died. He and grandma had their own house, but he couldn’t stay there. Mom had snapped him his own rooms in the house with us. He’d never slept there though.

Elise crept back upstairs so I caught her on the landing. She gasped. I smiled at her, “How did you do that?”

She shrugged, “I told him the truth.”

I hugged her, “This is the first night he’ll be spending here since she died.”

Elise hugged me, “I did it for you. I know you and your siblings are hurting. He’s hurting too. I can’t imagine losing you.”

I felt pain at the thought and hugged her tighter declaring, “No one will take you from me Elise. I won’t let them. You’re mine.”

She buried her face in my chest while I inhaled her scent. She looked into my eyes, “I’m yours and you’re mine.”

I nodded, “Always.”

I walked her back to Cassie's room and walked into mine.

The next morning my cousin Julianna popped to me. I smiled greeting, “Good morning, cousin.”

She giggled, “I got you something to cheer everyone up!”

I asked, “Did you?”

That was probably going to get her in trouble. She grabbed my hand and pointed excitedly outside.

When I saw what it was, I laughed. I ruffled her hair, “Of course my little Water Fairy cousin put a lazy river in the backyard.”

She shrugged, “Water calms me, and I heard daddy say it was tense over here. Jayden agreed and he cannot lie.”

I gave her a hug. “This is very sweet.”

My dad linked me, “I assume Julianna is here. I just got a frantic call from Lucas right before I got a link about a lazy river magically appearing in the yard.”

I answered, “She heard we are tense, and she’s obviously here.”

My dad grumbled, “You pups are going to be the death of me. You know that right?”

I teased, “Lighten up and have some fun, dad. It’s probably why the Moon Goddess put all of us in your life.”

He barked out a laugh back.

I popped Julianna and I into Cassie’s room. Elise smiled and ran to me from the bathroom. Cassie yelled, “Hey! Knocking is a thing, EJ. We could’ve been naked.”

I laughed, “You and I both know nudity doesn’t faze us.”

She winked. Being wolves and partial Hackura that was natural to us.

I added, “I came for a reason though. Julianna conjured a lazy river for us to relax.”

Alexander linked me, “I’m guessing Julianna is here. By the way, I’m already in the lazy river.”

I snorted, “She’s here.”

I snapped Cassie and Elise into swimsuits. I gulped looking at my mate. Elise was beautiful.

I shook myself, grabbed her hand, and popped us down to the lazy river. Cousin Emmaline popped in with Jade, Jayden and Jacob. She gave Julianna a stern look. Julianna of course just popped onto an innertube and floated in the lazy river.

Everyone stopped when Grandpa Nathan came out. For once he didn’t reek of alcohol. He gave my mom a hug. Then he took off running while yelling, “CANNON BALL!”

He jumped into the middle of the lazy river splashing Alexander.

My brother laughed and began a splash war with him. I popped into to help him. The girls all joined grandpa. Jade was cheating by creating waves. My dad and uncles joined us and fought on our side. I saw my other cousins pop to Cousin Emmaline. They must have woken up from their nap. Aria and Aaron sat contentedly in Cousin Emmaline’s lap. They were one years old now.

My mom watched us all, smiling. Eventually my dad yelled, “Are you getting in, Angel?”

She popped in beside him. He yanked her into a kiss as everyone howled. I looked at Elise knowing we’d have what they did. She’ll be my Queen. Hell, she already was.

I popped us out and conjured towels. I popped us to the living room and did my space unheard chant. She laughed and I held her in my arms. I whispered, “One day, this will be ours.”

She smiled, “I know.”

I offered, “You know if you want to lead your pack Alexander can handle this one.”

Elise startled, “Do you mean that?”

I nodded, “Of course I do. I know everyone always assumes, but if you want to lead Red Run, I’ll move there with you.”

Elise shrugged, “I think Dalton and Dakota were meant to be their Alpha’s. I was meant to be by your side here in Black Mountain Territory as your Luna. Plus, by the time your parents are done having Alpha’s we’ll have a lot of them running around running the territory.”

I laughed, “We will find a way to make it work. We can continue what my dad started without separating the family. I couldn’t imagine not having my brothers or Cass around.”

Elise nodded, “Thank you for offering to be my Alpha Male. It’s very sweet of you.”

I nodded, “If you change your mind, let me know. I’ll do anything for you Elise Kyle. Alexander would understand. They all would.”

She put her head on my shoulder saying, “I just feel like we were meant to rule here, but I’ll let you know if I change my mind.”

I kissed her forehead, “I’ll give you the world.”

She blushed, “You already do.” I held her tight. All I knew was I wasn’t going to let my girl go.