It Doesn’t Add Up

EJ is Twenty-Five Years Old

EJ smiled over at Elise. I called my brother Wesley. He answered immediately, “EJ, everything is still fine here. You haven’t even been gone that long, big brother.”

I laughed, “I know.”

Wesley snorted, “Yet you’re calling me again. Why don’t you just enjoy your birthday vacation with your mate?”

I smiled and squeezed Elise’s thigh. I winked at her saying, “I am enjoying it. I just wanted to make sure that you were doing ok. It’s your first time being in charge of everything. Is Alexander letting you take the reins?”

Wesley snorted, “Alexander would have to leave the damn gym to not let me take the reins.”

I frowned, “He’s still in the gym?”

Wesley sighed, “Is he EVER not in the gym? I’m just waiting for him to start his mission for Uncle Bjourn.” I still hated that Alexander was going alone on a mission.

To be fair, I hated it when all my siblings went on a solo mission. Alexander was going on one just as we were coming back, so I wouldn’t see him for over two weeks. It was weird. I might make him pop to us before he left because I was going to miss him. Brutus huffed, “It’s too long for Oden to be gone without me.”

I actually agreed with that. I hated everything about it.

I heard a pop on my brother’s end of the phone then my sister spoke. Angela warned, “No one messes with Alexander. No matter what. Got it?”

I asked, “Wes?”

Wesley ignored me, “What are you talking about, little one?”

Angela reiterated, “Just what I said, don’t bother Alexander.”

I asked, “Angela, what’s going on?”

Angela sighed, “Can’t you all just say you’ll leave him alone?” Wesley snorted, “When was I not leaving him alone?” Angela giggled, “Then keep doing that, Wes. Pass the word along. EJ, Cass already promised me.”

I groaned, “Angela.”

Elise laughed, “EJ, just let her have her fun.”

I sighed, “Fine, but if he pulls me to him, I’m going. He’s ok though, right?” Angela snorted, “He’ll be fine. Gotta go.” She popped out. Wesley laughed, “I’m just glad it’s not me that her and Klaus are getting this time. Those two together give me nightmares.”

I laughed, “It’s only been a few weeks.”

Wesley sighed, “And they’ve pranked us ALL. It’s only fair that one of you oldest triplets get pranked. You’re not here and neither is Cass. Alexander REALLY should’ve seen this coming. Maybe they will snap away all the heavy bags and stop them being conjured back. Oh god, please don’t be that.”

I laughed, “I wish you luck if that is it, brother. Call if you or Max need anything.” Wesley told me, “We are fine.”

I gently said, “I know that you are. I wouldn’t have left you in charge if you weren’t. It’s only because mom and dad are on a trip too and her concupiscence will be starting while they're gone that I’m checking in. They will be back probably just a little before we are.”

Wesley sighed, “I know ALL of those things. Uncle Jackson, Uncle Harold, AND Uncle Darrin are here. We are fine.”

I grumbled, “I know. Did grandpa get off on his trip ok?”

Wesley answered, “Yes, mom took him to our place in Hawaii for his rest and relaxation rejuvenation trip. He sent me a picture on the beach. He’s already hanging out with the pack down there and having fun. He sent me a text that said, ‘hang loose’ and everything.” I laughed, “Good for him.”

Wesley muttered, “Yes, yes, yes, good for him. Now, enjoy Fiji and stop calling me.”

I winced, “I’ll give it a shot, but I’m not making any promises. You are my little brother, and I worry about you always.”

I hung up the phone.

Elise stood then jumped on my back. She told me, “I would like a piggy back ride back to the house. No portaling or popping back either.”

I squeezed her hamstrings, “Whatever my mate commands, I shall do.”

Elise wiggled her eyebrows, “Oh really?” I hopped, putting her higher up on my back. I kissed her cheek then said, “You knew that already, Elise Conners.” She giggled and bit my ear.

I growled playfully, “You either start sexy time, or you get a piggy back ride back to the house. What will it be?”

Elise sighed, “Sadly, I am starving and a sandwich sounds delicious.”

I laughed, “Then we better get to moving.” I started running loving Elise’s giggle.

We ran into the house where Dalton, Dakota, Cooper, Dane, and MaryBeth McAlister watched us laughing. I sat Elise down on a chair and snapped her a sandwich. Peter nudged me with an elbow, “It’s just not fair. I wish I could do that when Chelsea gets hungry.”

Dalton snorted, “If we are granting wishes then I want my mate.”

Dakota smirked, “Same, Dalton. Same.”

Dane frowned at them, “Did you ask Emmaline, my lovely nephews?” Dakota sighed, “Yup. She doesn’t know who mine is. I don’t want to bother Aria about it just yet.”

Elise groaned, “For god’s sakes. She’s not a pup.”

I agreed, “She’s not.”

Brutus said, “Lacy gets annoyed they don’t consider them more than a pup.” Lacy was ironically my cousin’s wolf’s name. Aria’s wolf being named Lacy made things interesting. It could get confusing, but it was a lot of fun. I did feel bad for her though.

I told Brutus, “Jayden and Jacob know how old she is. She’s keeping secrets though. That’s hard as an older sibling.”

Jaydon and I discussed it quite a bit. It was driving him mad, and I could easily compare our situations. Alexander drove me nuts keeping his crush on Melanie a secret for so long.

Dalton nodded, “I asked Emmaline too. She doesn’t know mine either.”

I assured, “Your mates are coming, but Aria would help if she could. So would Angela.”

Chelsea smiled at her boys, “They will be here when they are supposed to be. I bet they’ll show up in a way you don’t expect them to.”

Dalton smirked, “We might have to take turns traveling, Dakota.”

Dakota laughed, “Oh darn. Traveling. How awful. I don’t know how I will go on.”

Dane snorted, “You two.” Dalton raised an eyebrow, “You don’t get it, dear uncle. Neither does our sister. You’ve both known your WHOLE damn lives who your mates are. We’ve been waiting.”

Cooper muttered, “I am sitting RIGHT here, and I get it.”

Dalton agreed, “Of course you do, little bro.”

I put a hand on his shoulder. Peter said, “Alpha Eric waited thirty two years for his mate and it worked out really well for him boys.” Dalton punched my arm, “True. We got EJ in the family because he did.” Alexander’s annoyance trickled into me and that had me smirking.

Elise asked, “What’s that face along with the victorious feeling in the bond?”

I answered, “Alexander is annoyed.”

Dalton said, “That seems more cause for concern.” MaryBeth agreed, “What Dalton said.” Elise laughed, “Angela and Klaus strike again.” Everyone quickly got on my page about it being amusing after that statement.

Elise quickly ate her sandwich. I asked, “What’s on the agenda today?”

Chelsea offered, “We were thinking we could go to the Kula Wild Adventure Park.”

Dalton clapped, “Right on! I am so in.” Dane asked MaryBeth, “Want to go with them, MB?” He called her that a lot. She nodded, “Yes, it sounds fun!” Cooper said, “I’ll go.” We all laughed.

I snapped all our plates clean. Alexander’s excitement hit me next. It felt like he seemed to think everything was about to be worth it. What was going on? I raised an eyebrow because his anticipation was higher than I’d ever felt. I could practically taste his excitement.

Elise put her hands on my back, “EJ?”

I shrugged, “It’s probably nothing.”

I was walking outside when Alexander’s panic, concern, and fear hit me hard. I went down to a knee. Elise shouted, “EJ, what happened?!” I took out my phone and called Alexander, but he didn’t answer. I called Phil next, but he didn’t answer either.

I tried Gage. He answered, “Hey, EJ.”

I asked, “What the hell is going on with Alexander?”

He admitted, “I don’t know. He was in the gym.” I growled, “He left.” He groaned, “I just left.” He was going to look for his mate. I ordered, “Go. I’ll figure it out.” He sighed, “Alright.”

I called Wesley. He answered, “EJ, again. Really?”

I growled, “Don’t give me that shit. What did Angela do to Alexander?”

Wesley admitted, “I don’t know. I thought that was Max feeling that way because it was so close to me. I’ve been cursing him out in our link for not answering me. That’s my bad.”

That made sense because I felt Alexander and Cassie stronger because we were triplets. The other siblings had to search their connections. I heard a pop on his side again. Angela sighed, “He’s fine! Both of you take a chill pill!”

I argued, “He does not FEEL fine. He’s worried about something.”

To a very extreme level. I added, “He feels like he’s in physical pain, but I know it’s not his pain.”

Was he healing someone? Brutus said, “Oden is locked down. I can’t get anything from him. He’s in shock.” Awesome. Perfect. Wonderful.

Angela sighed, “It’s fine, I promise.”

She couldn’t lie and she’d never let him hurt alone. I blew out a breath saying, “Alright.”

I closed my phone and called Cassie.

She answered, “EJ, did you get anything out of Angela? All I got is Alexander’s fine. He’s not usually worried about a prank being pulled on him.”

I rubbed my face, “I mean maybe they did some doll trick where he thinks he’s being attacked.”

Cassie snorted, “That would explain his excitement, but not this near crippling pain and concern. I guess they could have him think he needs to rescue us.”

She was trying to talk herself into it. Alexander was still worried but not as much. He’d gone into full protective mode.

I assured her, “I’ll monitor him. If he tugs me, I’m gone. I’ll call you if I find anything out.”

Cassie snorted, “You’d better. If he tugs you, I’m coming too. That little brat better tug me if he pulls you.”

I laughed, “He’s a little taller and older than you.” Cassie retorted, “That doesn’t mean I can’t call him a little brat. He’s giving me anxiety. I will continue calling him a little brat until this feeling goes away.” I laughed because she hung up.

Elise told me, “We don’t have to go.”

I shook my head, “No, we should go. Angela insists Alexander is just fine. He will tug on our connection if he needs me.”

My phone beeped. I looked down noting it was our big family on all sides group chat.

Angela: WORRY WARTS IT IS FINE! Leave him alone! Several of you promised me you would. Have some chill FOR THE LOVE OF AESIR! I told you he’d be fine, and I can’t lie.

I rolled my eyes and got into the car. Ithios faded in near the house. He was one of the head guard for one of my older Hackura cousin. I told our group, “Just one second,”

and popped to him. I asked, “What are you doing? Is H here? I thought he was dark right now. Does he need me?”

My cousin Hastein was the Future King of the Hackura realm.

Ithios answered, “He is dark, but he sent me to you. He’s worried about Alexander.”

I snorted, “He can join the club. Angela says it’s fine.”

He laughed, “Well then, I’ll assure the Crown Prince all is well.” He faded back and I popped back to my in laws.

I popped us all to an abandoned road close to the park. We got out of the car and made our way into the park. I asked Elise, “What do you want to do first?”

She smiled answering, “The Splash Mountain Jungle Water Slide!”

I bumped her forward with my hips, “Let’s go then.” Dane and MaryBeth came with us. While the others scattered. I quickly took out my phone.

Me: Answer your phone, Alexander. What the hell is going on? You’re giving me serious anxiety, little brother. Just tell me that everything is ok like Angela says it is.

I conjured my phone away as we climbed up the water slide. Elise sat down and I jumped behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. I pushed us off before they could tell us we couldn't go down together. Elise giggled, “My daredevil man.”

I squeezed her tightly to me. I whispered, “No one can keep me from my girl.”

She leaned back into me.

The beautiful scenery flashed by us. My earth side loved it here. We were staying at my parent’s home. My dad had purchased this place for my parents first wedding anniversary and my mom loved it. Next, Elise wanted to do the Kula Canopy Flier. It was a zipline on a roller coaster track.

I wasn’t surprised to find Dalton and Dakota were already here. Dalton yelled, “I’m not leaving this section of the park! WOOHOO!!! What a rush!”

Dakota agreed, “It really is.”

Elise and I got in line. We’d lost Dane and MaryBeth along the way. I wasn’t sure where Peter, Chelsea, and Cooper had gone. Either.

We climbed our way up the ladder. I had Elise go first because I wanted to keep an eye on her. Brutus agreed, “Fabulous plan.”

I replied, “I know that.”

Elise squealed and giggled as the zipline/roller coaster took off. I couldn’t contain my smile. Alexander had dialed down his anxiety. He was still worried, but he was no longer panicked. That I liked.

Once I was strapped in myself, I pushed off. I held my arms out as I flew around the track. We rode it a few more times. Elise loved it so much and I loved seeing her so happy. She looked carefree and we’d had such a stressful time of everything lately I was addicted to the look on her face now.

Brutus said, “We need to do better at getting away and having distractions. I don’t want mate so anxious.”

I agreed, “Yes, we really do.”

Eventually we moved on and went to feed the turtles. From there we went into the fish display.

My water cousins would ADORE this place. They needed to come. I linked Jayden, “You need to put Kula Wild Adventure Park on your list of places to go with your siblings. You guys will love it.”

He replied, “I’ll make note.”

Seconds later he linked, “I googled that place. It’s a travesty I’ve never heard of it. I’m making reservations as I link you.”

I laughed and squeezed Elise tightly. She asked, “Are you having fun?”

I answered, “A blast.”

Next, we paid for some animal interactions. The bond told me Elise was a little worried. Not all animals reacted well to wolves, but I knew with my earth Fairy side that we’d be just fine. Elise wanted nothing to do with the snakes, but I held one. Dalton was all about it too.

We’d caught back up with them. Brutus snorted, “They caught up to us. They were on the zipline.”

I chucked, “We ended up in the same place. Do you like that better?”

He answered, “Yes.” Elise did hold the Iguana. I winked at her before we left and continued on in the park.

We met back up with the larger group for the ‘behind the scenes’ tour. We got to see the eggs they had in incubation. We also saw a very large coral display. We walked over bridges of open habitats. Chelsea, Elise, and MaryBeth were busy snapping pictures of everything.

I just enjoyed watching Elise be herself. It hit me at that moment that we could be expecting a pup or pups sometime soon. Brutus began to purr in my head. I told him, “She keeps saying she’ll be ready to try for one when she turns twenty-five. Having pups is officially about to start becoming a reality.”

He agreed, “And we are both thrilled.”

He was right. My dad was the best example of a father I could’ve asked for. I was beyond excited with a healthy dose of nervousness.

Once we were done with our tour, we sat down for the barbeque that came with the package we’d purchased. After that we went back through all the attractions. Elise wanted to do the slide and zipline/roller coaster again.

When it was almost time to go, Elise dragged me to the gift shop. We got something for everyone. There was a tiny ukulele Elise was eyeing. I grinned encouraging her, “Get it for Ladybug. You want to and I’m sure she will figure out how to play it.”

Elise laughed, “Really? You think she’ll like it?”

I nodded, “It’s from you so of course she will.”

I’d just prefer if Melanie started acting like herself again. It was a silly hope that the gift would do that, but I hoped it would. Elise got it and we left to meet the rest of the group. We made it back to the no access road and I popped us to the house.

Dalton ran back outside and jumped into the pool. I grabbed Elise and popped her to a private part of the house. I quickly untied the top of her bikini. She whispered, “EJ.”

I kissed her neck, “This bikini has been teasing me all day. It’s time to pay for that.”

She shivered with desire.

Brutus agreed, “It did taunt us, and you only untied it. We could’ve ripped it off.”

I laughed, “I like the way you think.”

I kissed down her body until I reached her nipple then gently sucked on it, eliciting those moans I loved to hear.

I pushed her back onto the bed and jumped on top of her. She giggled until I traced circles around her hips with my fingertips. I kissed her soft lips before sliding my tongue into her mouth. She started grinding her hips into mine. Brutus groaned, “No more waiting.”

I snapped her bikini bottoms off. I said, “We’ll taste her first.”

He was mollified by that response. I placed feather light kisses all over her body. I pulled her to the edge of the bed and got on my knees. I blew on her clit, loving when she jumped in surprise.

I smirked and quickly got to work and licked her slowly. I drove her over the edge three times before standing and lining us up. I threw her knees over my shoulders. I told her, “Touch yourself.”

She whimpered when I started thrusting.

I warned, “I’ll stop if you don’t.”

She quickly started playing with her clit. Once she came, I flipped her over onto all fours. I gripped her hips and slapped her butt cheeks. She flushed. God, I loved that she still blushed after all this time we’d been together. I slid back inside her.

We spent an hour like that before we took a shower and joined everyone else for dinner. I pulled Elise down into my lap. Dalton sighed, “UGH! Do you and Uncle Dane have to be adorably loved up with your mates? It’s so….”

Dakota finished, “Sickening.”

Elise snorted, “I’ll remember this, little brothers. When your mates show up you JUST wait.”

She winked at her youngest brother, “Don’t worry Cooper, you’re exempt from my teasing wrath. You only ever say how adorable EJ and I are together.”

Cooper grinned at her.

Dakota sighed, “Ours could get a move on. I’d be fine with them showing up tomorrow. Even if you tease us mercilessly.”

Dane laughed, “They might not be eighteen yet, nephews.”

Dalton shrugged, “I guess one day we will find out. When? Who knows? It feels like never.” Peter laughed.

Cooper said, “Grandpa Nick said you can’t talk, daddy. He said you and Drake pouted and played sad country music until you found mom.”

Peter gasped, “Drake is the one who played sad country music, not me!”

Chelsea nudged him. He admitted, “That I was in the room for singing along. The fact remains I didn’t play it.” Everyone busted up laughing.

Dakota grabbed a beer out of the fridge. He muttered, “One day. Is anyone else sick of hearing one day?”

I snorted, “Alexander is.”

Dane frowned, “Why isn’t he looking for his mate? He has all the time, and he can teleport or portal around.” I laughed, “You really don’t know, do you?”

Dane asked, “Whoa! Hold up! There’s a reason?”

MaryBeth gasped, “No way!”

She squealed, “SHUT UP! I WILL LITERALLY DIE! SAY I’M RIGHT! SOMEONE SAY IT!” Dalton frowned, “What is happening?” Dane answered, “I have no idea.” Cooper muttered, “You guys are clueless.” Everyone stared at him.

I agreed, “They are. I’m impressed you caught on.”

He shrugged, “It wasn’t that hard. It’s kind of obvious.”

I agreed. Brutus was howling with laughter in my head. MaryBeth looked at Elise, “It’s what I think, right? Oh, MOON GODDESS let it be what I think. I’ll do a backflip right here and now.” Elise winked at her.

MaryBeth got up and did an honest to god backflip. She was on the cheerleading squad at their high school. Dane narrowed his eyes, “Who would she be this excited about? Melinda is mated...”

He trailed of when it clicked and shouted, “HOLY SHIT!”

Dakota caught on next. He yelled, “No way! Alexander thinks Ladybug is his mate?! I thought he just wanted to meet her!”

I smirked, “I didn’t say that. In fact, I said nothing. Ask your brother, he knows.”

Cooper snickered.

Dakota said, “Well, tell his moody ass to get up to New York! No wonder he’s always in such a bad mood.”

I raised an eyebrow, “There’s no emergency, and he doesn't want to get in the way of her dreams.”

Dane snorted, “You’re joking right now. It’s not an emergency….”

MaryBeth swatted him, “You HUSH! Ladybug is going to come home now! NO ONE will stand in my way. I will FIND a way to make that meeting happen. I miss my niece.”

Dane laughed, “It’s still funny that she’s your niece.”

MaryBeth snorted, “It’s hilarious and no more amusing than Dalton, Dakota, and Cooper being your nephews. Elise is your niece for god’s sakes. Our family trees are crazy. That’s not the point. The point is I want Mel back! No one better stand in my way on this point, or they shall SUFFER my wrath.”

I bit my lip so I didn’t laugh.

Elise was frowning. I linked her, “Are you ok?”

She nodded then took out her phone and texted Ladybug. Brutus linked, “Rhea said they want to talk to her.”

I asked, “Why?” He answered, “She just said it’s imperative they speak with her to clear something up.” Umm, ok?

Dane sighed, “MaryBeth ...”

MaryBeth shook her head interrupting before he could continue. “Don’t you Marybeth me. I’ve only seen Mel on Skype for a few minutes at a time for the last six YEARS and a little change. I’ll take her being in a territory one over from ours any day.”

Dalton reasoned, “It’s not a done deal.”

MaryBeth snorted, “So you think. Mel always said her Xander was hers.”

She slapped a hand over her mouth realizing what she said. Cooper snickered while Elise bit her lip.

Dane yelled, “Wait, what did you just say?! HER XANDER?! T never said anything! I talk to Duncan all the time! He’s basically my best friend and he never mentioned it. Though, he’s her Uncle. He might not know, but you’re her aunt and you know. Does he know?”

MaryBeth shrugged, “I don’t know if he does. We didn’t discuss it, and I can’t ask him now. He’s unreachable.”

I wasn’t the only one who winced.

After his mate died in a rogue attack, he’d stayed in her pack despite everyone wanting him to come home. He started going out for the Alpha doing dangerous things for their pack to get intel on the Ring. Surprisingly, he’d never been made. Unlike anyone else from our packs.

Brutus coughed, “The sniper protects him. She clearly knows he’s out.”

That was true. We’d found bodies in areas we’d later found out he’d been in with a Resistance circle. He wasn’t burned though and he wasn’t easily reachable.

Dane squeezed MaryBeth’s thigh and she discreetly wiped away a tear. My heart hurt for her. Duncan was her brother, and Melanie was her niece. They used to be close like sisters though. It had to be sad for her to have Duncan finding himself while Melanie was distant all the time.

Elise chimed in, “He doesn’t know to my knowledge.”

Dalton frowned, “Jase doesn’t either.”

I told him, “Jase and T think it’s a crush Ladybug has that’s unrequited. They are quite possibly VERY wrong, but I did not confirm that.”

Dakota started laughing, “Son of bitch, her toy wolf. It looks like Oden.”

Peter laughed, “It took you boys long enough to figure that out.”

Dane yelled, “NO WAY! You know?! Does EVERYONE know? Wait, no. Drake can’t know. He’d do a backflip like MB here.” He kissed her hard.

Peter admitted, “Drake has no clue, but he would do a backflip.”

Chelsea tickled him, “Because he can. So can someone else I know.”

Dalton asked, “Who?” Chelsea answered, “I’ve seen your dad do one off a boat.” They all gasped.

Cooper nudged me, “Does everyone know?”

He looked disappointed like he didn’t know something when he did. I laughed, “No, they don’t. Alexander hasn’t told anyone, and I didn’t even confirm that’s what he thinks.”

Cooper puffed right back up.

Dalton said, “I’m team Alexander and Melanie being mates. Just THINK of the training plans they will come up with. Your poor pack big sister, they have NO IDEA what’s coming for them. Ladybug was fierce at three and she promised Drake she’d keep up her Warrior training.”

He paused, “WAIT! We established Drake doesn’t know, but does Sam know?”

MaryBeth sighed, “No, and you won’t tell a SINGLE soul!”

Dalton cried out, “COME ON!” MaryBeth shook her head, “I have been sworn to secrecy. It will NOT get around Red Run that I spilled the beans. Melanie would never forgive me.” Dane shot them a warning glare.

Dakota groaned, “Seriously?!”

Everyone nodded. He grumbled, “I think someone needs to tell Dylan Frost he has the wrong nickname for Alexander. He’s not the Moody Triplet. He’s the Patience of Mother Teresa triplet.”