Heat

EJ is Twenty-Three Years old

EJ studied Elise. She was focused, chewing on the end of her pencil. I couldn’t stop my smile as I looked at her. I wished I could make all her worries fade. I knew the top one was that it was Melanie’s Senior Year of high school. I had no doubt she’d be getting into Julliard.

We were all hoping for her that she’d get into it, but at the same time I felt like shit because another part of me hoped she didn’t get in. Brutus reasoned, “Only because we want her to come home.”

I had to stop thinking about it or I’d get a headache.

I looked up as a smirking Alpha Theo came and sat down in my office. Elise stopped chewing her pencil and sat up eagerly. She’d started an email correspondence with Ashley Griffen a few years back. I knew it made her happy, so I was too.

I’d even read some of the emails. Elise would read some of them to me. I knew we’d have to get Ashley and Ladybug in touch some time. They would get along really well and never stop talking. No one would get a word in edgewise around those two.

Brutus linked, “Mate is so excited to hear what happened in Black Path.”

I knew that Theo had gone down to their pack since Dad, Lucas, and especially Alpha Chase couldn’t go. Alpha Theo had actually met Ashley two years ago.

My dad made that order because he wanted to be sure she was ok. It was the council’s duty in his mind. Theo liked her a lot and told us their initial meeting was interesting. That Ashley was bitter, rough, but a fireball. Apparently, she had moxie. Elise agreed with him, but she didn’t get the bitter part. Micah had silently agreed, but whatever bitterness they had seen in Ashley she didn’t show with Elise.

My dad asked, “So, what the hell happened Nashville? How did Black Path take over another pack?”

Alpha Theo smiled, “Let me just say, you just won’t believe it. By the way, I love that none of you go down there. In fact, if we EVER need to speak to Ashley Griffen, or Black Path, I volunteer. She is worth the whole damn trip.”

I snorted.

Elise eagerly asked, “Did you ask if she’d changed her mind about us meeting?”

Brutus huffed in my head because we knew the answer already and I hated it. Theo frowned, “I did. She said it wasn’t a good time. To be fair, she’s right.”

Except it was an excuse and we knew it.

My dad frowned, “Why?”

Theo sat back answering, “Well, we will be slapping Black Path with one HELL of a fine. If Alpha Davis’s son wasn’t the exact opposite of his father, I’d say we take over and install a new Alpha.”

That was as strong stance.

He continued, “As his son is gearing up to challenge him for the title, I’d say within two to three years he’ll be the Alpha. Plus, they have their Female Lead Warrior who is top notch. So, it feels like why bother?”

I frowned, “What do you mean?”

He answered, “Well, for starters, they were attacked. They didn’t just take over their neighbor’s pack.”

Elise sat straight up. She pressed, “But Ashley’s ok, right?”

Alexander even leaned forward. Theo nodded assuring her, “She’s fine. She literally had a scratch. One, as in singular. It was healed by the time I left.”

My dad repeated, “So, what happened?”

Theo smiled coyly asking, “Whose version do you want first? Keep in mind, I opted for the best, most accurate version last.”

My dad laughed. Theo had reported after his initial meeting that Ashley Griffen had called her Alpha a bad Alpha to his face. Yet his wolf didn’t even growl at her, and no one stopped her.

In fact, she’d called their entire ranked group crappy at their jobs. He said none of them did anything. We thought it was because their wolves respected her because she’d beat them in a fight. My dad said, “We will follow your lead then and get Ashley’s story last. What did Alpha Davis have to say?”

Theo smiled, “They were attacked and defended themselves. It was decided they would push back into the attacking pack’s territory to kill their Alpha and those who’d attacked them.”

He stopped talking. Brutus linked, “Is he done talking?”

I replied, “It looks like it.” He grumbled in my head knowing that was the worst report ever.

I raised an eyebrow, “That’s it? That’s all he said? Was he even there when the attack happened? That’s barely a memo. Did his Beta add more to the report?”

Theo smirked, “No, his Beta said the exact same thing.”

Phil snorted, “That’s pathetic. Team Ashley Griffen everybody. They suck balls at their job.”

Alexander looked over at him. Phil shrugged “What? That girl and I would be best friends. I just feel it. She may be email buddies with Elise, but my heart knows she’s my best friend.”

He nudged my brother, “Don’t worry, it’s a totally platonic love that I harbor Alpha Cousin of mine.”

I raised an eyebrow while Phil winked at me. Brutus said, “I’ll talk to Oden.”

Good. I wanted answers. Gage asked, “What about his Gamma?” Genevieve nodded wanting that answer. Theo snorted, “Gamma Booker had nothing to do add.” They both made annoyed faces.

I asked, “What did Ashley say then?”

Theo grinned, “She had quite the colorful commentary on it. I’m going to have to directly quote this because it might be the best sentence I’ve heard said to an Alpha’s face since your mother took a few people to task.”

We all leaned forward.

He grinned, “She said, and I quote ‘While the spineless, gutless, ballless, pathetic, cowardice excuse of pack leadership tucked their tails and barricaded themselves in their office WHILE THEY CRIED crocodile tears for their mommy’s, we defended this pack.’”

He paused for dramatic effect. My jaw was on the floor.

Elise snarled in anger, “THEY HID?! OHHH I’M GOING DOWN THERE TO KICK THEIR ASSES!”

I laughed and put my arms around her. “That’s my girl.”

I pulled her into my lap to help her calm down since she was fuming.

Alexander asked, “How did Ashley defend the pack while their leadership hid?”

Theo explained, “She ordered her Warriors, not the trash useless Warriors under the Male Lead Warrior mind you, to the west, east and south borders.”

I laughed complimenting, “Smart girl. She made them come through the North if they wanted to attack Black Path. That would just be stupid to continue the attack. With the terrain on their northside, they’d be exhausted just getting to the border.”

Theo nodded, “That’s what’s happened. Her Warriors held them off and forced them to come from the north. She fought on the front lines with the future leadership of the pack, minus the Gamma of course. He hid with the current leadership. Though, I can’t say the future Alpha, Caine Davis, plans to make Trevor McCann his Gamma. They all seem to hate him. Loathe might be the more accurate word.”

I growled, “He wouldn't be a Gamma here.”

Theo shrugged, “He followed the lead of his father. I used to like that man, but something changed when he was a young pup.”

He looked off to the side. My dad cleared his throat.

Theo said, “Anyway that was all once Ashley calmed down after my arrival there. That woman has the fury of one hundred hellhounds.”

I questioned, “Why was she upset?”

Theo chuckled, “Yet again I’m going to have to quote her. She told the pack doctor ‘If you ever look at someone to get their permission to save the life of a pup or other pack member no one will have to ASK you where your balls are because I will CUT THEM OFF AND THROW THEM DOWN THE DANG HALLWAY! DO YOUR JOB OR THERE WILL BE A VACANCY FOR IT!’ Then she punched him in the face.” I gaped at him.

He added, “Alpha Davis told me she was emotional from the fight. She nearly punched him in the face before I stopped her. The shocking part was he was going to let her. I am remiss that I didn’t just let her do it. Hindsight and all.”

My dad questioned, “And we are certain the son is training to challenge his father?”

Theo nodded, “I took the man aside myself and asked. He and the future Beta train with.”

He trailed off then grinned, “just guess.” Alexander chimed in, “Ashley.” Theo nodded, “Yup. It seems daddy dearest isn’t handing down the fighting secrets.”

Elise grumbled, “Because his secrets are to hide in his damn office!”

I told her, “Alpha Davis isn’t a bad fighter according to our intel. He is an Alpha, after all.”

Theo chuckled, “An Alpha whose mate can’t stand the sight of him.” Our heads snapped back to him.

He nodded, “Yeah, Ashley has a way with words. Let me tell you that once she starts, she can’t stop talking until someone stops her. Which few are inclined to do, other than telling her to shut up. Which does not work.”

From what I’d seen in email that was true.

Elise rubbed her forehead. I linked her, “Headache?”

She nodded. Truthfully, I was getting one too. My dad was rubbing his temples as well. Alexander asked, “Who killed the Alpha of the other pack?”

Theo gave the answer we all expected. “Ashley pursued the group that retreated with her two best friends. The Alpha’s daughter Addison Davis, and the Beta’s Daughter Sierra Kiern. With a group of Warriors of course.”

Elise asked, “Who does Ashley live with? In the pack I mean? She doesn’t talk about her home life, but she said she’s not in the pack house. She mentioned she had a family in name only there though.”

Theo blinked admitting, “I had not heard that. She doesn’t live with family. She lives with a mated couple though. Mason and Hendrick King, and they love her as their own. They weren’t named Warriors until she became the Female Lead Warrior because they are gay.”

I growled.

Theo shrugged, “Damn shame for the pack too. Those men are good fighters. I’ve been telling them for years that I’d be honored to have them in my pack. They always said they felt called by the Goddess to stay there.”

“Now I know it’s because they were waiting for Ashley. Selene knew she’d need them. I’d be damn proud of her if that girl was my daughter. She doesn’t take anyone’s shit. She calls it how it is, and they do nothing.”

My dad reasoned, “It’s not a problem with authority if she doesn’t insult you. You said she likes the future leadership of the pack too. I initially thought maybe she just felt bitter, and rightfully so. I thought they gave her leeway because of her family problems. Her reactions make sense for a hurt pup.”

Theo smiled, “She is not disrespectful to me, but if she was Titan would growl. I may understand she’s hurting because of what happened in her life, but our wolves don’t. She doesn’t look away in submission as other wolves do under my gaze either. She is intriguing. The boys of the pack fawn over her.”

Alexander practically snarled, “What do you mean?”

Theo ground out, “They all want her. There appears to be a young man that even claims to be her mate.”

Alexander growled and his fury hit me. I linked him, “What the fuck?” My dad raised an eyebrow at him.

Then my dad asked, “Claims?”

Theo nodded, “Yes. Trevor McCann, the unlikely future Gamma, claims she’s his. On her end, she feels nothing for him but repulsion. She actually went as far to say he smells like a wet dog. I did not get the impression this was the first time she’d said those words since she turned eighteen.”

My brother’s fury nearly had my eyes turning gold.

I said, “He should be punished for lying then. She would feel the mate bond.”

Theo rolled his eyes, “He claims since she doesn’t have a wolf, she wouldn't feel the bond until they mated and marked each other.”

My dad growled, “That’s bullshit! Tell me she filed a complaint.”

Theo sighed, “She didn’t. She told me she could handle it. I gave her the paperwork and told her to think about it. I told her that it’s a serious offense. She threw the paperwork in the trash after she made sure I was watching. Maybe Elise could….”

He trailed off because Elise was already typing an email on her phone.

She told him, “I’ll talk to her.”

Theo added, “While you’re at it, see if you can get Trevor and Ashley’s history.”

We all looked up. My dad growled, “Theo, if you suspect he raped her….” Theo put up his hands interpreting, “I would not have left her there if I did. I do genuinely like this girl, in a daughterly way anyway. She’s a bit angry, but I think that’s because her family died.”

I asked, “Did we track down the sibling in Missouri?”

Theo glanced at my dad then answered, “Your dad and I have visited the pack numerous times.”

I looked over at my dad in surprise. My dad’s mouth was set tight. He told us, “The brother is never there when we are there to talk to him.”

I raised an eyebrow, “You don’t believe them. Why didn’t mom go with you?”

My dad rubbed his neck, “Missouri is difficult for me personally. I won’t have any of you there if I can help it.”

I frowned, “If we need to go, you know we will.”

My dad closed his eyes, “I will not voluntarily ask your mother to go there. Nor will I ask Cassie. There are threats there, son.”

Elise muttered, “That seems convenient.”

Alexander asked, “What do you mean?”

Elise shrugged, “Ashley’s former pack happens to be from the one place Eric doesn’t want Cassie or Haley to go.”

My dad laughed, “There are many places I don’t want them to go.”

Elise nodded, “But the vampires of Missouri are part of why you don’t want Haley there. Even though you could go during the day. Everyone knows that.” Brutus linked, “Ashley can’t help where she is from.” That was a good point.

My dad chuckled, “You are right, Elise. There are some covens I don’t trust there too. I am overly sensitive about Haley and anything involving Vampires. There are also packs Theo and I have to avoid ourselves when we go. We are not popular there.”

I frowned.

Alexander asked Theo, “Why didn’t you just kill Alpha Davis and put his son in charge?”

Theo shrugged, “Because Ashley told me they had a plan they were sticking to. I trust her. Plus, I know if she said that then the boys aren’t ready to take over. Which likely means they wouldn’t win the fight yet.”

My dad offered, “We are keeping an eye on things.”

I frowned, “Do you suspect them of something?”

Theo told me, “Your dad suspects every pack in Nashville of something.” Alexander said, “We have Fairy blood, Theo. I can spot an evasion a mile away. You suspect them too.”

Theo sat back, nodding, “I do. I think if I can continue to build trust with Ashley, I will find out exactly what that is.”

Elise frowned, “You think she knows.”

It wasn’t a question. Theo responded, “I know she does. The way she acts with complete disrespect and disregard for the leadership tells me so.”

“She called her Alpha spineless to his face. His wolf didn’t growl, and the man himself didn’t correct her. I’d imagine that is because she has something over him. She’s very calculated in what she says and does. She knew exactly what throwing them under the bus with me present would do. She knew that I’d wait because she knows I want her to trust me. That girl thinks twenty steps ahead of everything she does. She’s got talent like you wouldn’t believe and it’s a damn shame it’s being wasted down there on those people.”

I agreed with all that.

I frowned, something pricked in my brain. That was similar to something people had said about Melanie. I shrugged it off offering, “Then she could be playing you.”

Theo acknowledged, “She could be. Only time will tell, but her hatred for that pack is on full display. I assure you that no one is that good at acting. She’s honestly not even a good liar. It’s kind of sad. I laughed out loud when she lied to me, and she turned the color of a tomato. Her heartbeat even gave her away. Not like a little either. Her heartbeat was off for the races.”

Elise sighed.

Theo added, “You just have to like the girl. You really do. If you all meet her, you’ll know. She’s a natural leader. I’m stunned she has no wolf honestly with her commanding presence. The pack wants to follow her. They actually do, but I don’t think she notices. She’s basically in charge of the day to day.”

My dad admitted, “Ashley is why I’m convinced the underground we know about is for show.”

I frowned, “Why?”

My dad raised an eyebrow, “They haven’t tried to recruit her to fight, not even once.” Brutus perked up in my head.

My dad continued, “There are no emails, no visits, nothing. She would be a crowd pleaser and ticket seller. I own many businesses as you know; if I was running the legitimate underground, I would want Ashley Griffen fighting. People are curious about her, and not many have met her. She sticks to Nashville and it’s not exactly a welcoming place. But the wolf less female Warrior? That would sellout crowds.”

Alexander nodded, “It’s true. I’m guessing she’s refused a meeting with you, dad?”

My dad nodded, “Several times. I’ve even offered to wait outside while she talks with Elise first.”

I raised an eyebrow asking, “Is she rude to you?”

My dad shook his head, “No, she’s very polite and tells me that she’s very busy and focused on her duties. It’s an honor I would ask, apparently. Her thought process is fluid, one to another.”

Alexander suggested, “I could ask her fighter to fighter.”

My dad acknowledged, “It can’t hurt. I’ll be emailing her the paperwork to file against Trevor McCann. It’s a serious offense to claim you are someone’s mate and try to force them to bond when they feel no mate bond. It spits in the face of the Moon Goddess.”

Theo pursed her lips warning, “I wouldn’t use that argument with Ashley. Her whole face turned red when I said that. She looked pretty mad.”

I asked, “Why?”

Alexander snorted, “She’s wolf less and didn’t think she would be. What we have about her family says her parents were full blooded werewolves. Her remaining family is apparently shit, and she’s in a horrible pack in Nashville. I’m going to go out on a limb and say she doesn’t like the Moon Goddess.” Brutus whined in my head. Selene wasn’t my favorite goddess, but she wasn’t horrible like Azoney. Cassie hated them both though.

I frowned, “Well, when you put it that way it makes sense.”

My dad sighed, “I’m sure when Chase reads Theo’s report, he’ll be emailing her too. He’ll salivate over the name alone. He hates the McCann’s, and the fact that Trevor is a bad person will have his protective instincts firing.”

Theo gently said, “She’ll say no and that she can handle it. I asked point blank if he raped her. She snorted and said he couldn’t take her on her worst day. Then she straight up told me she’d never had sex before. A fact that was backed up by many people. Her friends were the ones I believed. Most of the guys I spoke to in the pack called her the Ice Queen.”

Elise stiffened, “Excuse me? They called her an Ice Queen because she doesn’t want to fuck them?”

Theo shrugged, “Not just sex. Any type of physical activity. Some would like to make out with her according to them she shuts it all down.”

Elise told him, “There’s someone near where her home pack is that she likes. She said he didn’t like her back though and he blames her just like everyone else did.”

Theo shrugged, “He sounds like an idiot, just like her brother. You can’t pick your family though. Ashley is amazing. I hoped her and Lux would be mates, but alas they’re not.”

I somewhat teased, “Does Lux like her?”

Theo laughed, “I have yet to come across a woman into men that my son does not like. What is rare is to find a woman who isn’t the slightest bit interested in him.”

I could feel Alexander’s smugness about that.

I linked him, “Do you like Ashley now or something?”

He immediately felt guilty. He sighed and replied, “I don’t know.”

Dylan was never not going to call my brother the moody triplet at this rate. I asked him, “So, you don’t think Melanie is your mate anymore?” He answered immediately, “No, I do.” I shot back, “Ok then. Now that that’s settled maybe you can answer the Ashley question.” He didn’t answer.

Alpha Theo left to talk to dad some more. I kissed Elise. I told her, “Ashley will be ok.”

Elise sighed, “I failed her and Mel. I can’t get through to them.”

I argued, “You do not fail either of them. Melanie is dancing and living her dream.”

Elise threw a pen and shouted, “I am SICK AND TIRED of everyone saying that! Don’t you think we say it like a mantra?”

I frowned but the truth was she was right. I shrugged, “We do, but Ashely and Melanie aren’t the same. You’re doing everything you can, babe. You’ve told her she can come here. Hell, I’ve told her she can come here.”

Elise sighed, “She thinks her parents' death is her fault.”

I rubbed my face, “To be fair, that’s what everyone is telling her. I know it’s not true and so do you. It might take some time for that to sink in for Ashley herself.”

Elise slapped the desk, “That’s bullshit! Your parents would give their lives for yours, just as mine would for me. That doesn’t make it your fault. I WANT to find her stupid brother so I can remove his head FROM HIS ASS!”

She gripped the table, “He’s sending her letters. I don’t know what’s in them, but I do know whatever they say brings her guilt back up. He’s hurting and he’s taking it out on her. It’s not fair! You would never do that to your siblings, and unlike her brother's mate, I’d kick your ass if you did.”

I hadn’t heard he was mated. I asked, “Her brother’s mate?”

She angrily told me, “They have a son. His mate fully supports his decision to cut Ashley out of their lives. They refuse to let her see her nephew. I hate it for her. She wants to meet him. Just like I know Melanie would love to come see Kai.”

Tristan and Everly’s little boy was a delight. Everyone loved him. Elise continued, “I swear to god if one more natural disaster keeps Mel from seeing him, I’ll just start cursing ALL the gods and goddesses. They will ALL be on my shit list. I know Mel is sad she hasn't gotten home to see Kai.”

I had nothing nice to say about this situation anymore so I said nothing.

Brutus grumbled, “They could just let us pop or portal to Melanie. That would solve ALL the damn problems, but nooooo. It’s like they forgot their own Gamma family CAN POP!”

Yeah, it was annoying and weird.

Elise’s phone dinged and she frowned. Her annoyance flooded into me as she threw her phone. She yelled, “That’s such bullshit! How could someone claim to be someone’s mate? The fact that she doesn’t have a wolf has nothing to do with it. She would feel the sparks when he touched her.”

I nodded, “I know.”

Her eyes filled with tears as she whispered, “We need to get her out of there. Everyone has a bad day, and he could take advantage of her. What if he marks her against her will?”

I hugged her, “She’s strong. One day, hopefully soon, she will see her strength. She’s actually doing them a lot of good. Their Warriors are the best they’ve ever been. The she wolves are actually involved in their pack. If he hurts her, he’s dead. I promise you that.”

She nodded.

After a few moments he asked me, “For her, couldn’t we see about being allies?”

I smiled and kissed her forehead. I assured her, “When the new leadership takes over the pack, I have no problem with that. I won’t approach the current Alpha Davis. He’s shady and up to something.”

Elise groaned, “Why can’t we just….?”

I interrupted, “We aren’t their neighbors. We need proof they are doing something they shouldn’t be. I am more than willing to take over if we have that.”

Elise begrudgingly admitted, “Ashley won’t talk about stuff like that.” I kissed her slowly planning to distract her in a fun way.

A knock at my door pulled us apart. I groaned. Elise laughed asking, “Later?”

I slapped her playfully on the butt, “You bet your perfect ass later.”

She told me, “I’m going on a walk.” I nodded and glared at Toby as he came in.

He pulled up short, “What’s with the…?”

He inhaled then said, “Oh. Well, blame your brother. He’s at it again in the gym.”

I linked the pack, “Clear the gym. Now.” Alexander would know, like everyone else, that didn’t mean him.

Angela popped in. She giggled asking me, “Can I start planning my birthday party?”

I smiled pointing out, “Your mean your birthday party that’s after mine, Cassie, and Alexander’s birthday?”

Angela nodded, “Yes, that one.” I laughed, “If you want.” She clapped.

I raised an eyebrow, “Why?”

Angela squealed, “It’s going to be a big birthday! I want it to be perfect!”

I ruffled her hair saying, “True. It’s not every day that a little girl turns ten. Don’t forget it’s TJ’s birthday too. Make sure you include him.”

Angela clapped, “IT’S GOING TO BE THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!”

Her enthusiasm brought a huge smile to my face. I kissed her forehead, “I’m sure it will be.”

She warned, “Don’t be a sour puss!” I frowned, “How was I being a sour puss?”

Angela shook her head, “Not today, at the party.”

I snorted, “I won’t be a sour puss on your birthday.”

Angela studied me then got a faraway look in her eye. She sighed, “That is not determined.” I laughed, “Oh come on!” Angela smiled, “It could go either way. Just remember I said no being a sour pus and you said you wouldn’t be.” I assured her, “I will do my absolute best. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go see Alexander.”

She sighed, “If only his path was clear, I could help. I’m working on it.”

I kissed her forehead again, “You don’t need to work on it, Angela. Alexander will be ok.”

Angela ignored me, “I’ll get it figured out and handled. Because now it feels like the blurry paths are just mocking me. I hate being mocked.”

I snorted, “You aren’t being mocked.”

Angela raised an eyebrow, “I am, but I WILL rise to the challenge.”

The bond told me she’d been working on it. I asked her, “What have you been doing?” Angela answered, “Testing theories. I haven’t gotten the right one yet, but I will. I will figure it out.” I couldn’t help but laugh again.

I smiled and tapped her nose, “See that you don’t get into trouble, ok?”

Angela sighed, “Staying out of trouble is boring.”

TJ popped in. I teased him, “Are you helping keep her out of trouble?” TJ gaped at me, “I am only nine years old. What do you want me to do? She’s like a wrecking ball.” Their happiness filled the bond as they goaded each other.

Angela said, “You forgot part of that. I am a wrecking ball of fun and mischief.”

I smiled knowing that was fairly accurate. I ruffled TJ’s hair, “Alexander and I had to do that with Cassie.”

TJ frowned, “There were two of you and only one of me. Also, Cassie isn’t as mischievous as Angela.” I laughed, “No, but she is sneakier.” TJ shrugged as if that didn’t make it difficult.

I told him, “We all have our struggles, and we all help you.”

TJ shrugged, “I just join the madness she creates, big brother. That way when she gets in trouble, I’m right there beside her.”

I winked, “Then have fun planning your birthday party with her.”

TJ groaned, “Already? I love planning but can’t we wait?”

Angela clapped, “EJ said we could start now.”

TJ looked at me, “Dear god EJ, why?” I laughed, “What could it hurt?” TJ looked at me as if I’d lost my mind.

He pointed to himself, “Ummm HELLO. Me! It hurts me. Our birthday is way too far away. She’ll change the plans seventy thousand times now.”

I shrugged, “It’s not that far away and that seemed sarcastic.”

Then I felt the bond and knew he was actually serious. I sent him an apology in the bond.

TJ sighed, “Alright Angela, what are we doing for our birthday?”

Angela clapped, “I’m so glad you asked. It HAS to be perfect.”

TJ groaned, “Aesir above, why?” Angela retorted, “Because it does.” TJ crossed his arms, and I started to walk out.

I heard TJ say, “Try again. I’m your twin. You want me to plan then tell me what the heck our party has to be perfect for.”

He would learn one day that the women in this family all like to plan the most perfect parties of all time. Plus, he’d do whatever she wanted even if she didn’t tell him, and everyone knew that including Angela.

It was true that mom threw epic parties. No one could deny that. I was ten before I found out that not everyone had a parade at their party. Mom just went all out for birthdays. I’m sure Angela had adopted her philosophy.

I walked out to the gym and found Alexander hitting a heavy bag repeatedly. He didn’t even acknowledge I was here. Eventually I asked, “Are you going to stop that any time soon?”

Alexander turned, “I was fighting the Warriors, but you ordered them to leave.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Which is probably why Toby came to see me. What’s your deal, little brother?”

Alexander punched the heavy bag again for good measure. He turned and sat down cross legged in a heap. He sighed, “I don’t know.”

I sat down next to him. I nudged him, “Can I tell you what I think?”

Alexander snorted, “Since it can’t be worse than what I’m thinking, sure.”

I rolled my eyes, “I think Ashely reminds you of Melanie and you’re not alone there. Minus the whole family bullshit, they are nearly the same person. Ashley’s strong and we know Melanie could be a Female Lead Warrior if she wanted. You like hearing about Ashley because at this point, we hear about her more often than Melanie.”

Alexander sighed, “That could be it. I just feel like shit because I feel drawn to both of them. If it turns out I’m just an asshole who’s another in a long line obsessed with Melanie, then I’ve put us all through this shit for no reason. Part of me wants to go to Nashville to meet Ashley.”

Before I could answer he told me.

“Because If I’m wrong about Melanie then I think my mate could be Ashley.”

I asked him, “What does your heart tell you? What do your instincts say?”

Alexander thought about it. Eventually admitted, “That Melanie is my mate.” I nodded, “Ok. Then I think Ashley just reminds you of her.”

Alexander snorted, “It pisses me off to no end there’s some fucking prick saying he’s her mate when he’s not.”

I laughed, “He has a name.”

Alexander shrugged, “Don’t tell me or I’ll find a way to kill him.” I asked, “Did you not hear Theo say his name?” Brutus said, “Oden doesn’t know it, so I doubt he does.”

Alexander sheepishly admitted, “I was arguing with Oden on what to do because we were both pissed about it.”

Suddenly, Elise’s lust slammed into me so hard I snarled. Alexander looked at me oddly then stiffened. He told me, “I just got the link that Elise just went into heat! Let’s go!”

We popped out.

I threw my shield at Elise. That was something I’d been working on. Uncle Aiden thought I should try, and it came to fruition when my mate needed it. She was surrounded by my protection and the unmated males were pushed ten feet away from her.

She’d obviously managed to punch one. I was damn proud of her for that. A she wolf in heat was desperate for the fire in them to abate. It was hard for them to focus. That she’d punched one of them filled me with fury. Brutus linked, “You give them shit before I take over and RIP off their heads.”

I snarled, “WHAT THE FUCK?! THAT IS YOUR LUNA!”

They were whimpering under the strain of my Alpha tone. One managed to say, “She smells so good and…”

I used my pushing power on them. They went down holding their heads.

Alexander touched my shoulder, “I’ve got this, brother. Go take care of Elise. She needs your help, brother. She’s in pain.”

That snapped me out of it. I released them and popped inside my shield. I picked her up promising, “I’ll make the pain go away, babe.”

I popped us to our place on my mom’s island in the Hackura realm. There was no way I was keeping her in our territory when those fuckers couldn’t control themselves. Elise whimpered, “EJ, please.”

I snapped us naked and thrust into her knowing it was what she wanted and needed. She gripped my arms moaning.

I bit her ear, “Mmmm. You’re so wet for me babe.”

I pulled out and slammed back into her. Her fingernails dug into my skin. I asked, “Is that what you want, Elise Conners?”

I repeated the motion as I talked. She screamed, “GOD EJ, YES! PLEASE!” I smiled and thrust into her hard and fast. Her orgasm ripped through her. Once she’d finished, I pulled out of her. She mewled in protest.

I quickly flipped her and spanked her. I leaned down and lightly bit her ass next, then gripped her hips. I asked her, “Do you know how often I think of doing this? I barely get any work done because the images of you and I run through mind all day.”

I thrust into her. She grabbed a pillow and gasped.

I growled, “You are all I think about. You consume me day and night.”

I was thrusting with every word. I growled, “You’re MINE! No one will ever do this with you but me!”

She whimpered, “No one.” I growled and kept pounding into her.

My fury at our pack members for attempting to take advantage, for being weakened by her heat, pissed me off. I groaned as I came. Elise collapsed onto the bed which surprised me. Then I looked over at the clock and realized it had been a decent amount of time. I knew we’d have a break for a few hours from past experience with her heat.

I held her tight, “They won’t get away with what they did to you.”

Elise snorted, “I know they won’t. My mom told me that until your mom came around it was just accepted that unmated males couldn’t help themselves.”

I snorted, “Well that’s not the case now, nor would I care if it was. It’s hard, but they can do it. There are consequences when they don’t. I’m damn proud you punched one of them. I arrived and my first thought was, that’s my girl.” I kissed her forehead.

Elise smiled lazily, “Let’s go swim until the next wave hits.”

I laughed, “We won’t get any swimming in after that one.”

It was intense from the next wave until the end. Elise ran out the front door of our house. She jumped into the small pool we had, and I jumped in after her.

She splashed me when I surfaced. I laughed and splashed her back. She eventually got out and started running for the ocean. I laughed and caught her easily. I popped us both into the water. She squealed, “EJ!”

I asked, “What? It’s not cold to you or me. Plus, I’m here to warm you up if you want to claim you need some body heat. I can’t have my girl being cold, can I?”

She pushed my chest and flipped onto her back floating in the water. She looked at me, “You definitely can’t have that.”

I flipped onto my back, and we just floated for a while. Elise told me, “I was thinking that in a few years when we are twenty five sounds like it would be a good time to try on my heat.”

I asked, “For a pup?”

Elise snorted, “No, for a stork. Yes, a pup you goober.”

I laughed, “There’s no rush, but if that’s what you want, I’m in. I will do my best to put a pup in you the second you ask.”

She grinned at me prodding, “So you’d be ready for a pup in a few years?” I laughed, “I’ve been helping take care of my siblings since I was little. In a few years I think we, along with our pack, will be in a good place. There’s no perfect time to have a pup, but I’m ready to start our family when you are.”

Elise smiled, “That’s what Ashley said. That there’s no perfect time.”

I raised an eyebrow, “You talked to Ashley about this?”

Elise nodded, “Yeah, we talk about life stuff a lot. She’s easy to talk to and she’s impartial, you know?” I laughed, “That girl looks up to you, and respects you. Her advice is not exactly impartial.”

Elise countered, “But she gives an honest opinion. Just like Mel.”

I smiled, “Well, one day we will meet this Ashley because I know you and you’re not giving up on that dream. Plus, in a few years they will have new pack leadership. They would either have to come here or we would go there to discuss an alliance. You’ll meet her face to face one day.”

Elise smiled, “I’ll just keep that on the down low from her. She’s weird about it.”

Brutus grumbled, “Why?”

I didn’t know and ignored him. I laughed, “I’m sure once that all gets settled, she’ll come back here then Ladybug will come home. You three will be best friends.”

Elise told me, “We’d have to invite Sierra, Addison, Avery, and someone named Paige.”

I shrugged, “That’s fine by me.”

Elise smiled, “They are in all her stories. I’m glad she has them.” I admitted, “I’m surprised they are, but I’m surrounded by daddy’s girls. Addison and Sierra can’t like their fathers. Not with the way Theo says Ashley talks about them.” Elise shook her head, “From what Ashley says, they don’t.”

Her lust hit me, and she jerked up and pulled me to her. She lowered herself on me. I popped us into the house and dry. I put my hands behind my head and smiled. I ordered, “Ride me, babe.”

She growled, “Why are you so damn sexy all the damn time?”

My smirk broadened, “So you say.” She snarled, “Everyone wants what’s mine.” She set a hard and fast pace.

We’d been going at it for hours when she finally fell off me. I thought since she was asleep, I would go and make us food. I popped to the kitchen and snapped sandwiches together when I heard her snarl. She was downstairs in seconds. Brutus chuckled, “Oh darn, she wasn’t asleep.”

I retorted, “You knew that then.”

He just laughed.

I teased my mate, “That’s the fastest I’ve ever seen you run.”

She grabbed me by the neck and our lips met so hard our teeth hit. I bit her lip, snapped the sandwiches into the fridge, picked her up by her waist and laid her down on the counter.

I conjured a vibrator and slid it inside her. She began to buck her hips when I bit the inside of her thigh asking, “Do you like that babe?”

She whimpered, “Yes.”

Talking got her going even more. My girl loved my voice, and I was more than happy to smell how turned on it made her. I replied, “Good.” I used one hand to thrust inside her with the vibrator. I blew a breath on her clit while she jerked up.

I laughed, “If you can’t stay still, I’ll take you upstairs and tie you down.”

She whimpered, “I’ll stay still.”

I seriously doubted that but didn’t mind tying her down. I barely licked her clit when she shuddered. Her entire body was shaking.

I started licking her quickly. She jerked her hips and clamped her thighs around my head. I smirked bringing her to a quick release then threw her over my shoulder. I spanked her and popped us to our room.

I snapped her into restraints then pulled the vibrator out again. She whimpered, “It felt amazing with that inside my while you spanked me.”

I winked, “I remember that, babe.”

I licked her mark, “You moved though.” She whimpered.

I began kissing her all over her body, but avoided her perky nipples that were begging to be sucked. I nibbled her neck and had my fingertips barely running up her sides. Just enough for her skin to respond with chill bumps.

Finally, when I knew she couldn’t take it anymore from the bond I buried myself in her. She let out a choked sob. I stopped, “Babe?”

She cried, “If you stop, I will hurt you in some way. These are tears of relief.”

I replied, “Your wish is my command.”

Elise muttered, “I wish I’d known that when this started.”

Brutus laughed, “She did know when it started. We have always been putty in her hands.”

He was right. I thrust into her quickly and her words quickly turned into moans.

I growled, “What was that?”

She whispered huskily, “Nothing, my Alpha.”

I growled and pounded into her harder. I pinched her nipple when she was close, and she shattered. “EJ! JESUS! GOD! FUCK!” I smirked as her eyes began to close.

I conjured the food to us. I whispered, “Babe, you have to eat really quickly then you can sleep. Ok?”

Elise groaned, “Just snap or conjure it into my stomach.”

I laughed, “You know it doesn’t work that way.” I pulled out of her and sat her up.

I whispered, “Come on. Be a good girl and eat your food.”

She growled, “If I wasn’t so tired, I’d punch you in the peck for that comment.”

I laughed, “I love you too.” I handed her the sandwich. She quickly ate it. I handed her a glass of water that she drank then slammed the glass down on the nightstand. She stuck her tongue out at me and laid down on the pillow. She muttered, “Love you, EJ.” She was dead to the world the second her head hit the pillow.

I kissed her lips lightly then pulled back, “I love you too, Elise Conners.”

I ate my own food and snapped the plates clean and back to their place in the cabinet. I took a quick shower since I wasn’t actually tired. I didn’t actually need much sleep.

I conjured my laptop and kept an eye on Elise while she slept. I answered a few emails. I saw an email from Ashley and smiled. I’d asked if she would come up for Elise’s birthday.

Alpha Duke EJ,

I have to say my heart stopped for a full second seeing you’d emailed me… and well… I just… well… I thought you were mad Elise and I were talking… because… I could… well… it’s just… I like talking to her… so I didn’t want to stop… so I avoided your email… which is why I haven’t answered… yet… well... I am now..

Unfortunately, I have to decline your invitation for Elise’s birthday. You have no idea how much I wish I could come, but I can’t. I will send her a gift though. I mean I had one already… not knowing I was invited… so obviously… I’ll get that to her.

You are a good mate, Alpha Duke EJ. Please always take care of her. I mean… oh my gosh… I didn’t mean… just… I mean… not that you don’t now, but like... gosh... you know what I mean. I wasn’t saying that you don’t take care of her now. Of course you do. I should’ve typed keep taking care of her. Yes, that’s a better way to say it. GOD ASHLEY STOP TYPING! UGH!

Ashley

I laughed because I couldn't help it. Brutus asked, “Why didn’t she just delete last part?”

I admitted, “I don’t know but it was amusing.”

I wished she’d just come to the party. I answered.

Ashley,

Please call me EJ. Talking to you makes Elise happy, and I would never take that from her. Or go behind her back and contact you to get your communication to stop.

I am sorry you feel that you can’t come. A gift is not necessary though. All Elise wants is your presence, but I won’t push you.

I understood what you meant about taking care of her. I assure you I was not offended. I’m actually not easily offended.

One day I hope you understand that what happened to your family was not your fault. Your family would not want you to give up your life after they gave up theirs so that you could live.

Just think about that and please start living YOUR life for yourself. I can tell by the tone of your emails that you give Elise permission to share with me that you want to see her.

My advice to you is this: Don’t hide from life forever. Those who are gone, we cannot bring back. We are here though, and we can honor their lives that way. That’s how we live. You honor them by being happy. Can you honestly say that you’re happy?

EJ

I hit send before I could second guess myself. A reply came a few minutes later. Brutus linked, “She types with the speed of a Hood member.” No joke.

EJ,

Some people don’t deserve to be happy. Well… I actually know a lot. I meant me… but… like that’s true… some people shouldn’t be happy. It annoys me that they are… Don’t be sad for me or anything. I have more happiness in my life than I deserve. Talking to Elise is a lifeline I shouldn’t have, but I can’t bring myself to give it up. I tried… but she keeps emailing… and …I mean I just realized that talking to her is something I can’t let go of.

I’m sure that doesn’t make sense, but she brings a little bit of home and normality back to me… gosh, that just…. I’m sure that makes even less sense. Her emails are what I hold onto a lot of days. Her words reach me when nothing else can… I’m pretty sure my friends want to email her sometimes… and thank her… then get mad I listen to her and not them… I probably give them a complex which isn’t nice….

It's just that they don’t fully understand. You know? I mean… no you don’t know because I didn’t explain it. Her emails make me believe that things could be different, but for now they cannot. Maybe one day, but I’m just not sure… but I think maybe… I mean I have plans…

On a totally separate note, sometimes Elise and I talk about your siblings… which everyone knows about…. so it’s totally not weird that I know about them… prior to her mentioning them… because everyone knows you guys… you’re famous.

Everyone also knows you have a brother who is an excellent fighter… other adjectives have been used…. best… strongest… lots of adjectives… I’ve actually met people who have seen him fight…. and he shares videos in the community of fighting techniques, which you know… because… you live together… Why am I telling you things you know? I don’t know… please stop typing Ashley.

The point was that…. well… we… no I… it was me… I implemented his training plan here. If you could… if you want… you’re not obligated but… please thank him for me. It’s made a huge difference in our Warriors.

Seriously, it has… it’s crazy. They think I’m crazy with how much cardio they do. You partial Hackura’s don’t mess around with your cardio. Even I was out of breath the first week. OH MY GOSH! Don’t tell him that... oh my god... just... ok bye...

Ashley

So, Ashley had implemented Alexander’s techniques. It wasn’t surprising since many had. Alexander had an eye for it. He put plans and techniques out to Werewolves at large. Partly because he knows that despite our best efforts, some she wolves still weren’t trained to fight. Omegas weren’t treated fairly everywhere else. Alexander thought if every Werewolf had access to his tutorials and basic defense moves, then maybe they could teach themselves some basic self-defense.

I called my brother. He answered out of breath, “EJ?”

I sighed, “Do you ever leave the gym, little brother?”

Alexander laughed, “For your information, Dad, William, and I were letting these pieces of shit know how we felt about their lack of control.”

I snarled, “I don’t want to see them EVER again!”

Alexander’s smugness wafted through his tone and the bond. “I thought you might say that. Theo said he would take them into his pack. Lux needs to work out some anger.”

I snorted, “Over his first rejection ever?”

Alexander laughed, “Nah, his birth mom and his half-sister.”

I frowned, “He still can’t find them?” Alexander sighed, “Nope. The mom used magic to hide from Theo and they aren't asking us for help yet.”

I questioned, “What have we done anyway? I know dad has been helping over the years.”

They started looking before we took over. His mom took off after Theo got custody of Lux when he was sixteen. Alexander sighed, “I ran a cursory search. The mom bounces all over the place and there are gaps. She’s got aliases, clearly. I don’t know where she is right now. She was in California, but she’s not there now. There’s no mention of her daughter. Lux is the only one who saw his sister.”

I pushed, “Did you find her birth certificate?”

Alexander snorted, “It was a home birth.”

I stared at the phone, “She should still have a birth certificate.” Alexander sighed, “If she has one, not even Uncle Gunner can find it.”

I rolled my eyes, “It seems like we have another Alania type mother on our hands. Keep an eye out. If we find the girl, we will get her to Lux. The mother would have a hard time saying anything if the girl doesn’t even have a birth certificate.”

Alexander snorted, “Since the girl is never with her from what I’ve heard I doubt she’d say anything. I’m a little surprised she didn’t just leave her behind. Her mom’s just running through men, but it seems she leaves her daughter somewhere when she does this.”

I groaned, “What about the girl’s dad?”

Alexander sighed, “Lux doesn't know who he is. Theo never met Lux’s sister, so he has no clue. I can tell you that there’s a long string of suspects.”

I sighed, “Tell Lux we will help where we can.” Alexander agreed, “I already did, big brother.”

I closed my laptop, “I’m going to get some sleep. I was told to thank you.”

Alexander snorted, “For what?”

I answered, “Your training plans. Maybe tone down the cardio, little brother. They aren’t Hackura.” I hung up as he asked what I was talking about.

His confusion and intrigue lit up our bond. Brutus asked, “Are we telling him?”

I replied, “Mystery is good for him. He kept secrets for years.”

Brutus laughed as I crawled into bed with Elise and pulled her close to me.

When she woke up, she was insatiable for several more days. I kept having to make sure she ate before she fell asleep. I kept up with work and the goings on of the pack while she was sleeping. I knew her heat was over when I felt her wake up and feel horrified.

She ran into the shower and just laughed into my pillow. I called, “Elise?”

She yelled back, “I reek! Why didn’t you say anything?”

I chuckled and followed her into the shower. I kissed her, “You always smell amazing to me. Plus, you didn’t care for my suggestions if they were not sex driven. I had to force you to eat before you fell asleep. If looks could kill, I’d be dead on the floor.” Elise threw a loofa at me.

I raised an eyebrow. She growled, “There are no jokes about dying.”

I walked to her and pulled her to me. I apologized, “I’m sorry. You’re right.”

She clung to me. Right when I was about to kiss her, she pushed me away. I laughed, “Oh come on!”

Elise shook her head, “I smell and my teeth need to be brushed. God knows how my hair looks.”

I winced as she turned towards the mirror and screamed. She groaned, “I hope you like that rat in my hair EJ Conners because it’s now a permanent fixture. I will NEVER get that out.”

I smirked and snapped her hair back to normal.

She breathed a sigh of relief, “I forgot you could do that.”

I laughed, “You know I’ve always got your six, babe.”

She used half a bottle of body soap on herself before she was satisfied she no longer smelled. She proceeded to scrub her face and brush her teeth for twenty minutes. Then she gargled mouthwash for ten. I couldn’t help but laugh.

She looked at me out of the corner of her eye then spit the mouthwash back into the sink and turned to me. “I’m glad my hygiene practices amuse you.”

I wrapped my arms around her waist, “You amuse me. My wife. My mate. My girl.”

Elise giggled, “Your starving wife, mate, and girl.” I nuzzled her neck, “What do you want to eat?”

Elise answered without hesitation, “A Caesar salad with chicken, eggplant parmesan, and garlic bread.”

I nodded and snapped my fingers. I smirked, “It’s on the table.”

Elise grabbed my t-shirt from my hands and took off.

I laughed, “Hey! Now, you’re stealing my clothes.”

Elise called over her shoulder, “Your clothes are my clothes. What’s yours is mine. That’s the whole thing about being married and mated thing. Plus, I’ve been stealing your clothes since we were pups, and I know you don’t care.”

She was right.

I loved seeing her in my clothes. She threw the shirt on, and I popped to the table. She rolled her eyes at me as I looked her up and down. I smirked, “You look better in my clothes than I do.”

Elise took a break from eating her garlic bread. She sat back and stared at me.

Eventually she said, “You really don’t get it, do you?”

I asked, “Get what?”

She replied, “You’re hot. Do you know how many times I’ve had to put people in their place because they want you?” I laughed, “I believe people are getting better at understanding I am yours. Or people have become lackadaisical in telling me when it happens.”

Elise smirked, “I am the Luna.”

I shot back, “And I’m the Alpha, my dear. I know that you punched a few people at the last Summit.”

Elise sighed, “Your siblings are right, you and your dad are know it all’s.”

I laughed, “Sometimes. Technically the one who knows most is Angela. She has sight.”

Elise laughed, “That’s true.”

I asked, “Do you know what she’s been testing?” Elise frowned, “Testing?” I nodded, “I guess she’s testing theories. TJ knows what it is.” Elise shrugged, “I can talk to her.” I loved her for offering.

I explained, “She just thinks she can solve this whole Alexander blurry paths thing.”

Elise advised, “So let her.”

I gasped, “What?” Elise shrugged, “I’m tired of this push and pull trying to get Mel and Alexander to meet. I’m also tired of not seeing Mel. Let Angela try to figure it out. You and I both know who his mate is, and she’s been gone too long. We will all be happier for it if Angela cracks the code.”

I sat back arguing, “She might not figure it out. It might just play out the way it’s supposed to.”

Elise shrugged, “If it does, then it does. If she figures it out that’s better. So long as we didn’t try to stop this Angela thinking train. I’d like to get the hell off of the current train we are on. So, more power to Angela.”

She rubbed her head.

I frowned, “Elise?”

She sighed, “She’s living her dream blah blah fucking BLAH! GOD, I want to run a spike through the part of my brain that keeps repeating that. Who the fuck cares?! She’s living her dream. Great. Awesome. Why does that mean we can never see her except for a few minutes at a time?”

Brutus said, “That’s an excellent point.”

It was but she knew that. She ranted, “They are running her ragged. It’s not going to get better when she gets into Julliard because we all know she’s getting in.”

We did know that. I nodded, “Alright. I won’t say anything about Angela’s theories. I’ll keep it to myself and cross my fingers hoping it will work out.”

Elise sat back and smiled, “Cassie has a plan too, you know?”

I laughed, “Why does it not surprise me that my two sisters are scheming? What’s Cassie’s plan?”

Elise smiled, “It’s generous. She’s going to go to New York and track Melanie down if Alexander and Mel haven’t met by her senior year of college.”

I groaned, “God help us all. I’d like to say there’s no way it will take that long, but the past eighteen years give me pause.”

Elise finished her food and got up to kiss me.

I pulled her down into my lap. I asked her, “You really think you’ll be ready for a pup in a few years?”

Elise nodded, “Yeah, I love babysitting little Kai. Plus, seeing a little you run around? It’s going to be adorable.”

I mused, “Or a mini you. A little girl with her mom’s beautiful eyes.”

Elise teased, “You’re already owned by our imaginary daughter.”

I pointed out, “She could one day be very real.”

Elise laughed, “Most guys want a boy first.” I shrugged, “Yeah, well I want a little girl that looks like her momma.”

I kissed her then pulled back, “In all seriousness though I just want a healthy pup. I don’t care about gender really. I just want you both to be healthy. That’s all I care about.”

Elise smiled at me, “You are perfect EJ Conners.”

I disagreed, “I’m not. You’re just biased, and I would give you the world. Anything I have to give you it’s yours. We are forever. That’s all there is to it.” My light glowed within me.

Elise looked down surprised. I placed my hand on her chest and my light shot into her for the second time. I couldn’t have been happier about it. Elise lowered herself onto me. I hadn’t bothered with clothes. I ripped my shirt off of her and sucked her nipple into my mouth. She threw her head back and moaned.

We didn’t rush and took our time. When we finished Elise whispered, “EJ, what does this mean?”

I shrugged, “If you die, I die. We could enter the Ribbon, but we could not. Being twice light bound is not a guarantee as we’ve seen. Uncle Aiden and Aunt Lucinda are twice light bound, but they don’t go into the Ribbon.”

I told her, “We will just have to see. What I know is that my light and I agree. You and me, we are forever. That has always been true. Now it’s just official.”

Elise put her forehead on me, “I’ll worry about you if we go into the Ribbon.”

I smiled, “We’ve known each other since we were pups. I’m sure that would be the case for all versions of us.”

Elise snorted, “Unless we are the Melanie and Alexander of some reality.”

I pointed out, “We could fix that for them in the Ribbon, and don’t speak that into existence. That me is probably their moody triplet.”

Elise laughed, “No joke. I can’t believe you shared your light with me again.”

I laughed, “I can’t believe it took my light that long to get on board. You have always been mine. It’s probably because I lean towards my wolf side.”

Brutus snorted, “Yes we do but I am happy about this.”

I pulled back, “I have always loved you with every fiber of my being. I have wanted to share my light with you twice more than once.”

Elise assured me, “I didn’t think otherwise. I’m not upset or worried about it. I’ve always known you lean towards your wolf, Hackura, then the Fairy side last.”

It was true.

She added, “I have been around your siblings that lean towards their Fairy sides. They are far more mischievous than you are. They bring out that side in you when they get you involved. Or your mom does by involving you in one of her pranks.”

She grinned, “In fact, I heard Dylan Frost tell her she needed to write prank ideas down to publish one day. We need to nip that in the bud. The world is not prepared for the scale your mom does pranks on.”

I laughed, “No, they really aren’t.”

I popped us outside and we watched the waves come in from the beach.

Elise asked, “Shouldn’t we get back?”

I reminded her, “The beauty of having as many siblings as I do, means they can handle things if I’m not there. They will not fall apart if we stay here a few moments or hours longer.”

She snuggled into me.

I asked, “So, how many pups do you want?”

Elise answered, “At least four.”

I nodded, “Alright.” She shrugged, “But I’m open to more. Let’s see how labor goes in a few years. I don’t think I’m on your mom's level of popping out twenty of you. At the same time, I love your big family. I love how many siblings I have too.”

I nodded, “That sounds good to me. We’ll just play things by ear. If you decide you’re not ready in a few years, you know it’s fine by me, right?”

Elise playfully shoved me, “Yes, I do know because you are the worlds’ most understanding man. I told your mom a few years ago that she raised incredible men and women. You and your siblings are something else.”

I agreed, “My parents are one of a kind. Especially my mom.”

I looked away because what happened to her as a child still killed me on the inside. Elise took my face into her hands, “She’s saved herself in the Ribbon. Other versions of your mom didn’t suffer as much or like she did, or even at all.”

I whispered, “I’ve read the journals they keep. One version of her was sold as a snack. She was just happy she stopped being raped. That’s just so messed up.”

Elise acknowledged, “It is.”

We were silent for a moment. She asked, “Do you think we will end up in the Ribbon?”

I laughed, “I don’t know, but I doubt it. As you said, I lean more towards my wolf, and my mom figured out we were mates before you were born. No one could ever keep us apart after that. I don’t know what there would be for us to fix. I could be wrong though.”

Elise sighed, “You are rarely ever wrong.”

I laughed, “It has been known to happen from time to time. I feel there is something I’m missing. Sometimes I swear I’m on the edge then nothing happens. I know something is going on though.”

Elise frowned, “About the undergrounds?”

I snorted, “No, that I KNOW has something shady going on.”

Elise asked, “Then what?” I shrugged, “I don’t know. Sometimes I feel like my mind is reaching for something, but I can never quite get there.” Elise admitted, “Yeah, I feel that way too sometimes.”

I kissed her, “Well, between the two of us, one day our brains should be able to grasp it.”

Elise grumbled, “We haven’t yet.”

I squeezed her tightly, “That does seem odd, but we do have a lot going on. I know I don’t say it often enough, but I am so proud of you handle the pack. I’m proud of how you’ve taken over the Luna duties. You are the heart of our pack.” I kissed her forehead.

She blushed, “You sweet talker you.”

I replied, “Only for you.”

Elise kissed me enjoying the moment. We sat there a little bit longer before I popped us home. I didn’t want her out of my sight for the foreseeable future.

I walked into my office with her. Alexander, Wesley, Theo, Maverick, and my dad were there. Buttercup smiled and bounded up to Elise, “You’re back!”

Elise laughed, “We are.”

Buttercup frowned, “Sorry about those assholes.” Elise laughed, “It’s fine. I had it handled and then EJ showed up with Alexander. What’s going on here?”

Alexander frowned, “I would like to start this by saying everyone is fine.”

I frowned and Elise tensed. Brutus grumbled, “We take ONE simple moment for ourselves, and something goes to hell.”

Yeah, that did seem to be where this was going.

I asked, “What happened?”

Alexander said, “There was a rather large rogue attack on Red Run. Like I said though, everyone is fine.”

Elise frowned, “But it was my parents’ anniversary. They always go to the cabin.” Alexander nodded, “They weren’t there. Your brothers were and they are all fine. Jase called us, as this was deemed an emergency thank god, and we popped in.” There was something in the bond that told me that wasn’t even close to all of it.

Elise slowly said, “Ok, I feel like there’s more to the story.”

I growled, “Alexander.”

Because I knew there was more. Alexander sighed, “There was an attack on the cabin. Not by rogues though it was the Hunters. Your dad got a text telling him to get out the back door. He did. The Hunters came in guns blazing, but your parents weren’t there. They are fine.”

I growled, “What about the Hunters?”

Alexander sighed, “They are all very dead.”

Elise asked, “Our sniper?” Alexander nodded, “Snipers. This was a group of thirty Hunters. Our sniper, it’s clear which ones she shot, took out over half of them. Micah ran the trace on the phone number that texted your dad. This one was bought by our sniper in Missouri. Sadly, there is still no camera footage of them.”

Elise whispered, “I need to go see them.”

I nodded, “Of course, let’s go.”

Alexander linked me, “I uhh kind of toned down the text. Our sniper does not like Peter.” I frowned, “What did the text say?” Alexander winced, “Move your butt if you want to keep your life. They are coming. Maybe try opening up your ears and listening. Can any of you be helpful in Red Run? Do you all have to make my life so damn complicated?! You jerk!”

My eyes widened, “Damn.”

Alexander nodded, “Yup. So, it’s not just Dalton and Dakota. It’s Peter too.”

I replied, “That’s not just ‘doesn’t like him.’ That’s angry, bitter, and very personal.” Alexander nodded. He said, “Mom thinks the person doesn’t hate him, but is mad he doesn’t love her. She says it feels like an Alpha relationship with a pack member who wants to be seen, but I think she just doesn’t like him.”

Brutus reasoned, “Mom’s not usually wrong.”

She wasn’t. I popped Elise to her parents’ house. Elise ran to her mother. Chelsea assured her, “We are fine.”

I walked over and gave Peter a hug that he returned. We parted a moment before Elise threw herself on her dad sobbing. After thirty minutes she’d calmed down. Her mom took her outside to swing on their porch swing.

I turned to face the group left. Dalton, Dakota, and Cooper had joined us. I asked, “Who is this upset with you, Peter?”

Peter ran a hand through his hair, “Honest to god, I have no clue. Someone’s upset enough to send that text, but they saved us too. We’d have been goners.”

Dalton, Dakota, Cooper, and I growled. Cooper said, “It’s not just dad. This is the second time the sniper has communicated with us. She was pissed at Dakota and Dalton about Jase too.”

I questioned, “Have we looked over the pack members you’ve kicked out?”

Peter sighed, “I didn’t kick anyone out because I didn’t have to. I had some pups doing punishments, but nothing to warrant someone being this upset with me. She’s still willing to save my life. That’s the dichotomy I can’t figure out. Our sniper is angry at me personally, but she saved my life and Chelsea’s. While insulting me and the pack but still.”

I agreed, “But still.”

We looked back over his files. Annoyingly, nothing stood out. Peter was right, there was nothing here to find. There were no former female pack members that should be this upset with Peter.

Tristan walked in. He sighed, “I ran down all our possibilities, but nothing popped.”

I snorted, “What possibilities? I see nothing here to run.”

Tristan shrugged, “I know but I ran through Charline’s old friends. They all met their mates and left. None hold any ill will and are just glad they didn’t share her fate. They are grateful to Peter.”

We all pause then Tristan yelled, “What the hell is going on? He may be the former Alpha now, but he’s always been a second dad to me. He’s a good man. I’m telling you when we get a face to face with this sniper and I’ll tell her that kind of disrespect doesn’t fly here.”

Peter sighed, “I understand the inclination T, but we need to know why she’s so mad. I will deal with whatever it is after that. This note concerns me along with Haley’s analysis of it. Someone is hurting deeply and thinks I’m ignoring them.”

People didn’t tend to like it when they were ignored.

Peter groaned, “Your mom said this should make it obvious who the sniper is. She’s trying to tell us who she is, and I have nothing. Not one clue, but this”

he held up the print out of the text, “tells me who she is. I just can’t find it.”

I told him, “We don’t see it either.” He rubbed his temples.

Elise came back inside and hugged her dad. Drake walked in and hugged Petter too. Sam went to Chelsea. Sam cried, “We got back as fast as we could.”

I asked, “Where were you guys?”

Drake explained, “We’d gotten in the car to drive to New York to surprise Mel. I had to pull over a few times since we weren’t feeling well, but when we got this call, we started back. She got into Julliard, and we wanted to celebrate with her.” Of course she got in.

Brutus groaned, “Let’s just buy tickets for Broadway and happen to walk by the school.”

It was a solid plan. Drake told Peter, “I’m so glad you’re ok, man.”

Peter laughed, “You and me both.” I linked Elise, “I’ll be right back.”

I popped to the Kyle’s cabin. It was a mess. So, I snapped it back to normal. I sighed asking aloud, “Why did the sniper save him if she hates him?”

My phone dinged. I looked down. I had a new text from an unknown number. I flipped it open.

Unknown: For her

I yelled, “For who?”

I waited but no response came, and I smelled nothing nearby. I conjured listening devices and found one. I spoke to the device and whoever was listening. “I don’t know what you think Peter Kyle did, but he is a good man. If you’d just come talk to us, I know we could sort this out.”

I waited for a text.

It didn’t come so I continued, “He’s a mess because he can’t figure out who you are. We all think that text should tell us, but we don’t know. For that, I’m sorry because my mom thinks you’re hurting, and we should know you. You want me to know who you are, so tell me. I’m right here and I’m listening.” Nothing.

I made one last ditch effort, “You said it was for her. For who?”

Nothing came. Brutus groaned, “It was a good try.”

I said, “I can keep trying.” The device’s little red light turned off. They’d remotely disabled it. Dang it!

I sent Micah a text to try and trace the number. I held my hands out and hid the cabin. Only the Kyle’s, McAlister’s, or Conners blood could get in here now. I popped back. I told Peter, “I fixed the Cabin. Only my family, yours, and the McAlister’s can get in now.”

Peter hugged me, “Thank you.”

I replied, “We are family.” I showed him my phone and he frowned. I shrugged thinking maybe it was for Chelsea.

We went home after Elise had settled. When she went to sleep, I found my brothers. I told them what happened. Alexander frowned, “I think you’re forgetting someone. You asked the question. Who is YOUR mate?”

I frowned, “You think this was for Elise?”

Alexander answered, “Yes, I think that’s what the sniper tells herself. Obviously, there are other reasons.” I asked, “Such as?”

He answered, “The Resistance stops this kind of thing. Obviously, there’s anger, but this is a person who also cares about Peter himself.”

I raised an eyebrow, “That’s awfully insightful, brother.”

Alexander laughed, “I can only take credit for pointing out that the ‘for her’ text is for Elise. The other part is all mom.” I knew that.

I nodded and went to bed. If only the sniper would meet with us. We could solve this thing and work together to bring the rings and the Hunters down.

I’d just bet the Resistance had information about the real undergrounds too. I sighed getting annoyed. One day we’d get this figured out. I just hoped it was one day soon.