Hell in a Handbasket

EJ is Twenty-Four Years Old

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brutus groaned, “That’s not good.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My mom winked, “Go find your mate.”

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

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

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

I assured her, “I’ll go get Elise.”

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

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

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

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

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

My gaze narrowed, “Which brother?”

My mom goaded, “Guess.”

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

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

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

TJ shot back, “I’m a little busy.”

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

I linked Alexander, “You got this?”

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

He was all sarcasm with that reply.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I was leaning towards definitely on that one.

Claire argued, “I’m not crazy.”

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

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

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

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

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

He sent me his annoyance and I just smiled.

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

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

Several gulped.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I looked at the Warriors around who nodded.

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

Brutus snarled, “Let me kill her.”

I was leaning towards saying yes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She scoffed.

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

Brutus agreed, “Damn straight.”

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

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

I pointed to Elise.

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

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

The she wolf was crying, but she nodded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He knew I agreed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She moaned, “Oh god, EJ.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I laughed, “Don’t I know it.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elise sighed, “Men.”

I asked, “What?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Angela blushed and whispered, “Hi, Klaus.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Farrin sputtered, “Son, what is happening?”

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

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

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

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