Flashback Ends

Aiylee snapped her fingers in front of my face. She asked, “Where did you go?”

All my cousins were staring at me. I answered, “I was just thinking about how great my mom is.”

Aiylee nodded, “Aunt Haley is definitely the best.”

They all agreed with me .

Beagan grabbed me saying nervously, “It’s almost time for them to come.”

I groaned, “I guess we have to tell Ghiza now.”

He’d be the guard who faded in when I went to tell them. I paused then added, “You look great, Bea.”

She blushed, “Do you think so?” I laughed, “You do.”

I wished I could link her because I’d add any man who turned her down would be a fool. Rain pointed out, “You can whisper in Fealish. Your cousins don’t have the hearing our home does.”

That was an excellent point.

I whispered, “Any Umpa yuiopl doesn't see Uyla beauty inside Den Iopu Uy an utter fool (Any man who doesn't see your beauty inside and out is an utter fool).”

She squeezed my hand tightly, “Thank you, cousin.”

She had chosen a dress with a white see through corset looking top but was really a mermaid dress. The bottom was a pale green that really set off her complexion. She was utterly beautiful.

I walked out and Ghiza faded in. He asked, “Where are you two Duchesses heading out to?”

I answered, “We have a double date.”

He stared at me letting me see his annoyance at the last minute clue in. I said, “My date’s name is Paerigle, but apparently we call him Pringle.”

Beagan stifled a laugh. He asked, “And your cousin’s date’s name?” I winked at him knowing the nickname made him want to laugh.

Beagan asked, “Does that even matter?”

Ghiza replied, “Yes, because when I get yelled at and Prince Eric asks for the name, I’m going to need to have it ready to give to him.”

I winced, “It’s not your fault we didn’t tell you.”

He replied, “I have known something has been up since you called your mom. Blade texted me something was up because the Princess was running rampant with pranks in two realms. I just didn’t think you had a date. I thought Bea did.”

Beagan blushed, “I kind of dragged her into it. She had no idea.”

He gently asked, “And your date’s name is?”

She answered, “Jedisdale.”

Ghiza asked, “And both these young boys know what they are coming up against, yes?” Beagan waved, “Nothing bad.” He laughed for a really long time.

I groaned, “Ghiza.”

He said, “Let’s go meet these boys.”

I gasped, “You can’t do that!”

He asked, “Do you want this date to happen? I will threaten these boys within an inch of their lives because if they hurt either of you they may die. I only say may because the Princess possesses skills one cannot doubt. If they physically raise a hand to either of you, then I will kill them. It’s best they know that now.” I groaned, “Fine.” I popped us all downstairs.

Uncle Aiden grinned, “Don’t you look lovely. Aiylee, you did not mention your cousins were going on your date.”

Aiylee blinked her eyelashes and pouted, “But you already knew. Telling you would be no fun and ever so boring.”

He laughed, then kissed her head, “You all are incorrigible.”

He made no move to leave, but he did appear to be having a silent conversation with Exsis.

Uncle Aiden kissed Beagan on the forehead, “You look stunning, Bea. Your dad would not let you out of the house because you look so good.”

The wind blew around the room and Beagan’s eyes filled with tears. She whispered, “Daddy.”

She touched a hand to her face, and I knew Uncle Arion was here.

Rain muttered, “He’s defiantly right next to her.”

Probably. Uncle Aiden came to me. He said, “Since my phone is not ringing off the hook, I’ll assume your dad doesn’t know yet.”

I shrugged, “I kind of just told Ghiza so he might have text by now.”

Uncle Aiden laughed, “Then I’ll have a delightful evening.”

I winced, “I’m sorry, Uncle Aiden.”

He winked, “Don’t be. Just go out and have fun. Enjoy Faerie because that is what you are here to do.”

He hugged me, “Za adore Yeut Zu tyu here Den living Treui in Sefre decalm. Op means more Ze cye than Zu could ever Sintra (I adore that you are here and living life in this realm. It means more to me than you could ever know).”

I hugged him tightly.

A Fairy popped in announcing, “Two young men are here to pick up Duchess Beagan and Duchess Cassie.”

Aiden chuckled, “Bring them in then.”

His demeanor totally shifted from loving Uncle to the King of Faerie. I felt my dad’s anger and protectiveness fire, so he read his texts.

Our dates stood before him glancing at each other nervously. Uncle Aiden said, “Jedisdale and Paerigle I would’ve thought your parents taught you better manners and protocol.”

Jedisdale asked, “King Aiden?”

My Uncle said, “You should’ve asked me as their uncle to date them.”

I blushed along with Beagan.

Jedisdale said, “Duchess Beagan has reached Fairy maturity.”

Uncle Aiden asked, “Am I still King?”

Rain cackled, “BURN!”

Jedisdale frowned, “Of course, King Aiden.” Uncle Aiden nodded, “Then I would wonder why you did not ask.” He got in his face, “Do not hurt my niece. Are we clear?” Jedisdale nodded but said nothing.

He went to Paerigle, “Cassie is not of age.”

He sputtered, “Jedisdale just told me it was a double date. I didn’t know she was my date.”

Rain groaned, “How romantic.”

Yeah, this wasn’t starting off promising, but I was only going for Beagan.

Uncle Aiden tisked, “Your lack of preparedness is not my problem. You are lucky my niece’s sorrow did not just reach out to me. You are lucky to be in her presence for a mere second. Do not hurt Cassie. Are we clear?”

He nodded. I rolled my eyes linking my wolf, “As if he could.”

Rain cheered, “Preach!”

Ghiza stepped forward warning them next, “If either of you so much as twitch in the wrong direction I have directives to react.”

Jedisdale gasped, “What? Even me?”

Ghiza answered, “Yes, even you.”

He seemed to be in shock.

I jumped in, “Ok, this has been harrowing enough. Let’s get to the fun part of the evening.”

Uncle Aiden shifted back into Uncle mode. He told us, “Have so much fun. I’m sure your dates will ensure it.”

And we were back to threatening. Beagan giggled.

Aiylee, Exsis, Paerigle, Jedisdale, Beagan and I grabbed hands. Someone popped us to the restaurant. We had the attention of everyone there. I heard someone whisper, “At least things are different now. The Duchess would suffer as the Princess did if they weren’t. She looks just like her mother.”

I frowned.

I linked Rain, “Did they say suffer?”

She growled, “Yes.”

If not for Beagan wanting this to go well, I’d go over and question them. Rain disagreed, “It’s for mom too. You know she wants to tell us in her own time.”

I did but little whispers since I’d gotten here told me it wasn’t good. I knew they didn’t like partials when I was younger. I was guessing mom didn’t have a great time here as a child.

Rain snorted, “Guessing is a word when we know she didn’t.”

I sighed, “I know that but how bad could it really be? She was a Princess, not just anyone.”

I wanted to believe that with my whole being, but it was getting harder to though.

I knew Uncle Aiden would never let anything happen to mom. She just probably wasn’t with him all the time. I was worried about what truly happened here. Plus, mom’s walls when she came here were always firmly in place so the bond gave me no clues.

I reasoned with Rain, “It can’t be terrible, or she wouldn’t have let me come to stay here.”

Rain conceded, “That’s true. Thor didn’t want us to go, but mom convinced him.”

I knew that my mom had really gone to bat for me to follow this journey. I felt in my soul I needed to do this. I wanted to live in all the realms that held the pieces of me. I came here first since I was certain my mate was not a Fairy.

Rain sighed sadly. We wanted to meet our mate and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t holding out hope of a specific man. Rain purred, “Cayden Crawford.”

The elusive future Commander was who I secretly begged Aesir for as my fated.

My brothers had all met him, but not me. It felt intentional, but I couldn’t imagine who didn’t want me to meet him. Rain grumbled, “His girlfriend.”

I reasoned, “Aunt Astrid said they broke up.”

She seemed quite pissed off about whatever happened between the two of them too. So, it wasn’t going to be an on and off situation.

I shook all thoughts of Cayden Crawford to focus on the date. We were taken to a relatively private room overlooking the dining area. People literally had to look up to see us, but they were all doing so. I teased my date, “I guess we are fish in a bowl.”

He grinned, “I quite like it.”

Rain huffed. Beagan shot him a look and then back at her date. This wasn’t going well.

Beagan knew I wanted someone who didn’t mind the spotlight that came with me, but I didn’t want someone who was only here for that. It’s why I liked Jason so much. It was a lot to be with me, but he didn’t mind. He also wasn’t dating me for that spotlight. We knew we’d always be friends and he’d taught me to kiss. We were figuring things out together so when we found our mates we weren’t totally clueless.

I’d seen a lot sex wise being a partial Hackura, but there was something to say for experience. Jason and I had hard limits set. We both agreed we didn’t want to have sex. I was happy he’d been the one who said that first. He had a timeframe in his head for how long he’d wait for his mate. I thought it was sweet .

I groaned to Rain, “I’m clearly not capable of giving this date a chance. My mind is running away with thoughts of other men.”

Rain grumbled, “Key word being men. Pringle is no man.”

I snorted out loud. Aiylee and Beagan shot me amused looks.

Paerigle asked, “What’s so amusing, Duchess?”

I answered, “My wolf just said something funny.”

He grinned, “I would like to see her. I do love animals.”

He was an Earth Fairy so that wasn’t really surprising. Rain told me, “I’m not saying no, but I’m also not saying yes.” I told him, “That might be possible.” I winked at him and he smiled. Ok, maybe this would turn around. Beagan released a sigh of relief.

Tory, my future Beta linked me, “YOU ARE ON A DATE IN FAERIE AND I GET NO HEADS UP?! Gia said she didn’t get one either.”

Gia was my future Gamma. I replied, “It was last minute and I didn’t know about it. Trust me, I’m only here for Bea. Pringle is definitely not worth my time.”

She snorted, “Please tell me his actual name is Pringle.”

I admitted, “I could not tell you his real name but it’s some variation of that.”

She hummed, “Ok, so you do not care for him at all.”

I laughed, “I’ve been thinking about other men on this date.” She teased, “Would that be the delicious Hackura commander you daydream about.” I admitted, “Yes.” She sighed, “Fine. Next time link me or Gia.” I agreed, “Alright.”

The rest of the dinner was fine. I was worried though because Beagan’s date was being polite, but she was clearly more into him than he was into her. She was easily picking that up too.

She nervously asked, “Would you like to see the eternal Fire flame with me, Jedisdale?”

He grinned, “Of course.”

They popped out. Exsis was frowning which I didn’t care for. Aiylee nudged him, “Turn that frown upside down.”

He asked my date, “Why did Jedisdale asked Bea out?” His friend shrugged.

Aiylee laughed, “You’re not really trying to not answer when Cassie is here, right?”

Paerigle gasped, “She would never use her power on me.”

I jumped in, “Ehhhhh, what now? I don’t even know you. This date has been mediocre at best. It started out rough and it’s stayed firmly in middle ground. You don’t even seem to like me much.”

He frowned, “You are beautiful. What’s not to like?”

He was being evasive. Rain linked, “I am offended. Go all Fairy Truth Seeker on his ass.”

I agreed, “I will.”

I stared into his eyes, “Why did Jedisdale ask Bea out?”

He answered, “Because he wants to make another girl he likes jealous. Duchess Beagan likes him, and he knows it. He took her out to the eternal flame to try and make out with her because the girl he wants works here.”

I shouted, “WHAT?!”

Then punched him in the face. I linked Gia and Tory, “Dinner went to hell. Prepare for everyone to be pissed.”

Gia said, “On that. I’ll warn people.” Tory snorted, “I’m shocked with a name like Pringle he isn’t up to snuff.” I nearly laughed out loud.

I popped outside to Beagan. She turned to me with tears in her eyes. I grabbed her and pulled her against me. Aiylee popped out next with Exsis. Exsis questioned angrily, “What did you do?”

Jedisdale faltered, “I cannot lie. I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings.”

Aiylee scoffed, “You are here to…”

I cut her off, “You didn’t have to be mean.”

Pringle popped out. He groaned, “She used her powers on me, man.”

Beagan asked, “Why?” I told her, “It doesn’t matter. Let’s get you out of here and in the presence of someone who is worthy of you unlike these fools. Pringle and Jedisdale the forgettable are nothing to write home about.”

My date said, “My name is Paerigle.”

I linked Tory, “His name is Paerigle.”

She groaned, “Pringle would’ve been better.”

She wasn’t wrong. I called, “Ghiza.” He faded in. I ordered, “Kick their fucking asses.” He grinned, “Gladly.” They screamed and tried to get away, but the rest of my guard faded in. I grabbed Beagan and popped her back to my room where she dissolved into tears.

I asked, “Bea, what happened?”

She sobbed, “He said he wouldn’t risk a child with an experiment.”

I gasped, “He did not!”

She nodded, “He said other things that I need you to help me look into.” I agreed, “Whatever you need.”

I linked my mom, “I need you now.”

She popped to me with my dad. They were half dressed, so it wasn’t hard to figure out what they’d been doing. Mom’s chosen distraction for my dad was sex. My mom asked, “Bea? Cassie? Are you guys ok? ”

My dad snarled, “Bea, where is he? I’ll kill him.”

My mom sighed, “Eric.”

He snarled, “SHE IS CRYING! I have his scent now. Which means I can and will rip him to pieces!”

Tory linked, “So, my dad said Bea is crying and I did NOT get that heads up.” I admitted, “She is.” She prodded, “But you’re not, right? Because we don’t care about Pringle.” I agreed, “We defiantly don’t. We are only pissed at Pringle.” She said, “Gia wants that printed on a shirt.” Fine by me.

Beagan laughed a little and wiped her face. She whispered, “Maybe just claw him a little.”

My dad growled and shifted into Thor and took off. Rain linked, “Thor is going to kill him with permission to claw him. He knows it’s bad if she said that.”

I replied, “He knew it was bad she was crying.”

Mom asked, “Should I stop him?”

I shook my head, “Nah. Ghiza is making minced meat of our dates anyway.”

Her eyes blazed, “What the fuck did they do? Did they say anything?”

I saw her panic for a second before she shut down.

Beagan told her, “He didn’t want to be my concupiscence partner.”

I linked mom, “And he was really fucking rude about it.”

My mom shouted out loud, “Why the fuck not? You are perfect, amazing, and fanfuckingtastic. He doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air you do, and he dared turn you down?”

Beagan clearly didn’t want to talk about it. I said, “She wants someone else, but they are unavailable.”

Beagan shot me a grateful look that my mom caught. She clearly understood Beagan wanted to keep it in though. She asked, “Who do you want, Bea? I’ll get them to be fucking available.”

Beagan whispered, “He’s on a mission and I just want to ask him.”

Mom smiled, “A Hackura? That’s much better. What’s his damn name? I’ll get his contact information for you within minutes. Maybe seconds.”

Beagan giggled, “John Paul Turks.”

I gasped, “You like JP!”

She blushed, “I’ve never met him, but we just talk sometimes. I called to ask his mom about a recipe I wanted to try. He answered and we plan to meet later, but he had this mission.”

My mom conjured a phone and handed it to her. Beagan asked, “I can really talk to him? It’s silly but I miss our conversations.”

I assured her, “It’s not silly at all.”

She took the phone and left. I hugged my mom, “Thanks.”

She asked, “So Pringle was a dud as the pack girls say?”

I shrugged, “He was more interested in the attention being with me brought him than being with me.”

She replied, “Then he’s a fucking fool and deserves whatever your dad, Uncle’s, and Grandpa’s do to him.”

I gasped, “GRANDPA’S?! PLURAL? Grandpa Nathan is here?”

I felt in my bond that all my Hackura family were much closer to me than before. My mom grinned, “Sweetie, every male in the family is here now. I linked your Uncle Aiden to calm them down and he declined saying he was upset himself.”

I snorted, “I love that he joined the pack to talk to you.”

She rubbed my shoulders, “He loves linking you kids too.”

Beagan came back grinning. She said, “He agreed to be my partner. I just worry he won’t be back.”

Mom said, “Bjourn said we will get him if you go into your concupiscence. Is JP in his safehouse?”

She nodded, “Yup.”

My mom grinned and I felt her mischievous in the bond. She popped out and came back with JP.

Beagan gasped and he went to her as if he couldn’t control it. He wiped her tears away. She whispered, “You’re my mate.”

He agreed, “You are mine, Bea.”

He wasn’t sixteen yet, but as a Fairy Beagan would know. We’d found that once Fairies told their mate, no matter their age, they felt the truth of the mate bond. I linked mom, “How cool! He doesn’t even have to wait until he turns sixteen.”

She grinned back at me.

He asked, “Who dared to upset my mate?”

I squealed and popped to my mom. Beagan whispered, “It was a whole dumb ordeal.”

He disagreed, “Your feelings nor tears are dumb. Who?”

I answered, “His name is Jedisdale.” JP snorted, “That’s a stupid name. Hell, it’s not even a real name. That’s a combination of two names with the word ‘is’ thrown in.” My mom laughed so hard she snorted.

Beagan shrugged, “I just thought I’d ask him since you were busy and unavailable. You were my first choice for a concupiscence partner. Which probably sounds silly…”

He cut her off, “No, it’s not.”

She blushed, “Well, he declined.”

I chimed in, “He didn’t just decline, Bea. He was rude and hurtful for no reason.” JP’s eyes blazed gold .

He asked my mom, “Where is he?”

She held out her hand and he took it in a second. They popped out. Beagan gasped, “What if Jedisdale tells him his reasons? What if JP…?”

I cut her off, “JP is a good guy in a line of good men. His dad, Grimes, is a good guy. His mom Cindy isn’t a Hackura at all, and JP loves his momma. Heaven help anyone in that realm with the Turks boys or Grimes himself if they say a bad word about her.”

She asked, “Should we go spy?”

I laughed, “Of course we should. Come on.”

I popped us nearby the show down. JP had flown into a rage. She whispered in Fealish, “Well, Bre's even uuyh looking than Za imagined. Kent Zu see his muscles (Well, he's even better looking than I imagined. Do you see his muscles)?”

I teased, “I’ve seen them before. The men in the Hackura realm often walk around shirtless.”

She fanned her face, “They are the genius’ of us all.”

I snickered quietly but I knew my dad knew I was here. My date was gone and that was probably bad for him. I linked my dad, “Pringle probably shouldn’t die since he…”

My dad cut me off, “Anyone who treats my pup as less than the wonderful person she is, dies. He was out with you to fool Beagan. Both of you deserved better and I am NOT in a good mood.”

Rain linked, “Thor killed Pringle. He’s dust already.”

Well then, it was a moot point. Jedisdale sobbed, “Please, I just didn’t want…”

Beagan flinched. JP shouted, “IF YOU SAY ONE MORE FUCKING WORD I WILL RIP YOUR TONGUE OUT! YOU MADE HER CRY!”

I linked Gia and Tory, “JP Turks and Bea are mates.” Both screamed excitedly down the link. Gia said, “Good. She needs a Hackura. Honestly, don’t we all?” I nearly laughed.

Uncle Aiden said, “I find this development most interesting. He is taking all our lines.”

Caleb, my dad’s Beta said, “Kid, you can decline to be with someone but you don’t have to be a fucking dick about it. A respectful no would’ve saved your life. You’d have taken punches but you would’ve lived.”

My mom said, “That’s very true, Caleb.”

She turned to my Uncle, “Please brother, you already set part of him on fire. So I hardly see how JP is taking your lines.”

She opened a portal that Grimes and Cindy came through with Aunt Calista.

Rain chuckled, “Because Uncle Gunner and Uncle Harper were already here. Cindy jumped in, “My son’s feelings tell me he met his mate. So, who is she? Where is she? What happened? Did that Fairy hurt my future daughter in law?”

Uncle Aiden answered, “Yes, he did.”

Cindy gasped, “Grimes, you help our son get him right now! I will pull all our kids to us, and you all will handle this while I track my daughter in law down and…”

She trailed off then said, “I’m not a doctor so I can’t help but I can hold her hand. I’ll also find the kitchens here and start cooking up a storm of comfort foods.”

Uncle Aiden chuckled, “That’s heartwarming. It was an emotional hurt, not physical. He’d be dead already if he physically hurt my niece.”

Grimes jumped in and held Jedisdale down. Beagan wiped her tears away. I nudged her, “He sees you as his daughter already.”

She sobbed and the wind gently touched her back. I said, “I think your dad wants you to know he’s here for you.”

She held onto me and cried.

Everyone knew we were here now. Cindy Turks trudged over to us with my mom. She asked, “Is that Bea?”

I answered, “It is.”

She grinned, “Good. JP has had such a crush over her voice and sparkling personality. I’ve never heard the boy talk so much about a woman. He actually used the words ‘sparkling personality.’ He’s quite verbose about her.”

Cindy held her closely. She said, “I wish I didn’t know how someone’s remarks disregarding the person you are didn’t cut, but I do. Until my cousin, Alyssa Blanch, set me up as the cook for the Hackura realm I was in a pack.

I have a little wolf blood, but no wolf. I wasn’t ever made to feel as less, but the comments they never thought about hurt sometimes. I once dated a man for months who lost his mate. He was baffled when I broke things off after he told me he was passing the time with me.”

I winced and so did Beagan.

Cindy turned to my mom, “Haley, let’s pop us to the castle. The boys will be out here for a while since I pulled all my kids. Oops. My kids all adore each other, but my youngest little girl goes full golden eyed about anyone upsetting her big brothers. I guess that Fairy is going to have a very bad day. I’d feel bad about that, but it does make JP happy. Which makes me happy.”

Beagan giggled then sobered .

She said, “He doesn’t deserve to die because he doesn’t want me.”

Mom agreed, “No, that’s perfectly fine. To say such hurtful things was uncalled for and the reason they are so fucking pissed off.”

They seemed like an evasion which meant my mom was pissed too.

Beagan asked, “Are you going to stop them Aunt Haley?”

My mom tilted her head, “You know, I have other things to do. I’ll get back here eventually. He might be fucking dead by then though. Oops.”

Cindy chuckled and mom popped us away.

Aunt Lucinda and Aiylee joined us. Aiylee hugged Beagan, “I’m so happy for you! A mostly Hackura, a little wolf, and human mix just for Bea.”

Beagan blushed, “He’s so hot.”

She gasped and looked at Cindy. She apologized, “I’m so sorry.”

Cindy laughed, “Sweetie, I’ve been in the Hackura realm fourteen years now. JP’s birthday was yesterday. He’s our oldest and I tried not to let him feel how much I wanted to see him while he was on his mission. You finding out he’s your mate means I will get to throw his birthday party. So, thank you.”

Beagan asked, “How did you know? He’s not supposed to know for two more years.”

Cindy took her hands, “His feelings told me he’d met his mate. I knew that narrowed down the supernatural his mate could be. I felt his jolt of possessiveness and anger before everything made sense to him. So, I could even tell you what time you told him he was yours.”

Beagan blushed.

We spent the night drinking and laughing. My mom left to join the men and Cindy had gone to sleep. Beagan was faking it. I whispered, “You don’t snore.”

She jolted up, grabbed me, and popped us to some strange house I’d never been in.

I asked, “What is this place?”

She whispered, “A place from a dream that’s real. I have nightmares about living here with my half siblings other than Lila and Jarrod. My date said I wasn’t just a test tube experiment baby. He said I was pieced together, and I know it’s true. We all do.”

I winced, “Bea…”

She cut me off, “No, it is true. Fig only has water and fire blood. Dad was Fire, Earth, and Sky. We should all have that, and we don’t. My mom is Earth and Sky. Yet I only have Earth and Fire.”

I pointed out, “Those are your parents’ strongest powers.”

She reasoned, “That’s not how blood words or you’d only have Sky.”

I sighed, “What are we looking for?”

She answered, “Anything. My mom won’t tell me the story of how her and dad decided to have me. If my nightmares are real, and this place suggests they were, then they didn’t decide at all.”

I asked, “What good comes from this?”

She said, “I have to know. He called me a freak, Cass. Maybe this is why my sight is so different from anyone else with sight. Maybe they took that from me here.”

I said, “Well, he’s likely being tortured to death. You are NOT a freak. There’s literally a name for the type of sight you have. It’s rare which makes it special.”

She shrugged basically ignoring what I said as she looked through papers.

I grabbed her hands, “Bea, no matter what we find I need you to know that you are person this world needs to know. Jed whatever his stupid name was is wrong.”

She wiped her tears and nodded. I flipped through things thinking this Fabian dude was disgusting.

I looked over to check on her and she was staring at a piece of paper. I popped to her. It had a number on it. I asked, “What’s this?”

She whispered, “Me. I’ve heard a horrid man in my dreams call me this.”

I snorted, “It’s a number. It can’t be you.”

She insisted, “It is me.” I rubbed her arms, “Ok.”

She cried, “He did experiments on my parents and I’m the result.”

I reasoned, “The best result ever. This makes so much sense. Your mom has ALWAYS said you were the best blessing she prayed for concupiscence after concupiscence. She wanted you more than words could say. This Fabian jerk was clearly a deviant person, but he gave us you guys.”

She whispered, “Thanks for coming with me.”

I held her in my arms. I told her, “I need to know that you’re ok or I’m getting an adult.”

She told me, “I just needed to cry it out. It does make me feel better. I’ve always had these nightmares that flare up. I thought my dad knew about me and refused to be healed anyway.”

I winced at that. She admitted, “Now, I know he really didn’t even know about me. Or any of us. It helps.” I popped us back to the room and we settled down as if we never left.

I noticed when JP picked her up and carried her away and managed to keep my smile off my face. I was so happy for Beagan. A Hackura would suit her nicely and I knew JP pretty well even though he was a little younger than me. He was a good guy. Beagan went into her concupiscence the next week with JP at her side.

Aiylee popped to me. She said, “Let’s go have fun.”

We popped away to a spa. She said, “You’ve been too serious lately.”

I smiled saying, “I am so happy for Bea.”

She nodded, “That entire thing was fucked up.” I agreed, “It really was. Thankfully, Exsis asked the question he did.” She grinned, “He is the best. I’m ever so glad your bitchy grandma died and he had to pop in to see Heath Scott.”

I laughed, “Yeah, that’s one of the good things about her dying.”

Aiylee winked, “The best thing is she can’t upset you anymore.”

I gasped, “I thought you’d say it was meeting Exsis.”

She said, “I would’ve met Exsis eventually. I should’ve but that blasted Fabian…” She gasped and covered her mouth.

I asked, “So, you know him.”

She blinked, “I’m sorry, you know him?”

I evaded, “I read about him.”

She frowned, “He’s supposed to be wiped from all the books around here. I’ll tell dad he’s not.” I admitted, “I’ve heard his name around too.” Since I’d read about him, I’d been listening harder. I said, “He sounds like a horrible person.” She looked haunted and whispered, “You have no idea.”

I reached for her hand, “Did he hurt you, cousin?”

She flinched, “He was going to. I told my mom, and she ran away with me.”

She wiped tears away, “Fabian is why I didn’t meet Exsis sooner. He didn’t want to be near the man.”

Why was a man like Fabian near our family?

She waved, “I missed time with my dad because of him. I did meet your dad though. That was a combination of the Werewolf war and the man who shall not be named.”

I asked, “Huh? How have I never heard this story?”

She laughed, “I truly don’t know. My mom and I were living in your territory when the war broke out. We’d gone to him when we moved and he promised us his protection. He came to see us personally and let us know that we’d be safe in his lands. I always thought he was a strong and courageous man.”

I agreed, “He definitely is.”

I was proud of my dad for sheltering Fairies that he knew even when they were at war. He would’ve been perfectly within his rights to hold them under house arrest, but he didn’t. He was a good man. I sighed, “He gives one an impossible standard to meet.”

She chuckled, “But your Cayden could meet it.”

I smacked her arm, “He’s not mine.”

Rain growled at me. I appeased her, “That we know of.”

She settled. Aiylee rolled her eyes saying, “If that man is smart, he will try to make you his whether you are his fated or not.” I told her, “You know I want my fated.” She urged, “But he intrigues you.” Rain purred in my head.

I agreed, “He definitely does. I still CANNOT believe he missed Uncle Bjourn’s coronation.”

Aiylee cackled, “I can’t wait for you to meet. Then I can tell people you kissed your uncle’s nephew. Imagine the stares!”

I groaned, “Aiylee, I’m not related to him.”

She grinned, “I know that, but you have to admit it would be such fun to say!”

She squealed, “Just think of the fun you two could have in your home base realm. The humans would be positively aghast.”

I snorted, “Not as much as you think. There are plenty of states that it’s fine to date cousins in.”

She shrugged, “Fine. It would be fun to say here.”

I snickered, “Plus, if we were fated, we’d live in the Hackura realm making that our home base.”

She hummed and looked away. I asked, “What’s on your mind, cousin?”

She teased, “You can always read me so well.”

I agreed, “Yes I can, so spill.”

She whispered, “I am thinking of sharing my light with Exsis again. My light itches sometimes lately when I try not to.” I asked, “Why wouldn’t you want to?”

She admitted, “He’s from that era where they were all taught it was wrong. I watched my parents suffer with knowing what to do and he hasn’t brought it up.”

They’d both shared their light once. I urged her, “Talk to him. Actually, let’s set up the perfect date so you can discuss it.”

She beamed at me.

We set everything up and I left her to it. I popped back to my room knowing that I’d been right. I did need to take time to live in Faerie. My cousins here needed me just as much as my cousins everywhere else. Rain said, “I’ll just hold out for us living in the Hackura realm.”

With Cayden Crawford. That was the rest of the dream. Every story I heard about him intrigued me more than the last. We’d meet one day and then I’d know.