End of Flashback

I shook off the cobwebs of the past. I told my brothers, “Wanting does not produce results. They don’t have me. Plus, I can fight just like you guys can. Even without Fairy powers I’d fight like hell against them.”

Just like my mom did that day to save me. I added, “We all know I’m the stealthiest of us all. I favor my Hackura blood.”

EJ smirked, “You won’t have to fight like hell because we’d be there.”

Max said, “Yeah, they can’t come after you anymore. I can’t handle any other god awful shit going down. They will NEVER get you or mom. They will never get her back even though that’s what they want.”

Alexander said, “Mom only got taken because of Uncle Arion. Without him, they would’ve never succeeded.”

Max sighed, “You said you guys have met him.”

I nodded, “I talk to him pretty frequently these days. I let him pull me at least once a month. He will pull you all to the Beyond to talk.”

Wesley snorted, “Good. Then I can hunt down Fabian and show him what real power looks like.”

Max smirked, “I’m so in.”

Alexander chuckled, “Make sure to ask if he remembers EJ and me.”

I rolled my eyes at them.

Wesley cautiously asked, “You didn’t go meet him did you, Cass?”

I shook my head, “No. I have no desire to meet the monster in our mother’s mind. If he seeks me out, he will wish he hadn’t. Just like Alania wishes she hadn’t.”

Wesley shrieked, “You’ve met Alania?”

I admitted, “I have. She pulled me when I lowered my defenses to let Uncle Arion pull me. She regrets that with every fiber of her being. She’s rusty on her fighting skills, and her Earth powers are pitiful compared to mine.”

EJ grinned, “You do have strong Earth powers.”

I knew that.

I shrugged saying, “I go to Faerie to see Aiylee and Beagan a lot. You guys don’t go as often.”

Beagan and JP went there a lot and stayed in a house Uncle Aiden owned but had set aside for them to use whenever they wanted.

Alexander asked, “How are our cousins doing?”

I smiled, “They are great. They are so cute with their mates!”

EJ asked, “Have they shared their lights with their mates?”

I winked, “I can’t tell you that. That’s between them.” They both had though. Aiylee was all about Exsis and he was all in on her. Beagan was all about JP and vice versa.

Alexander snorted, “They both definitely have, brother. You’ve seen how happy they are together. That type of happiness among the Fae is with those who have shared their light. Aiylee and Bea have even stopped talking about how hot guys are.”

He paused then added, “They don’t even look. It’s very un-Fairy of them.”

I laughed, “That’s not a fair analysis. The Fae are changing and evolving as a people. Those that are our age share their light. Even if they are mated with older Fairies. The resistant ones are the older Earth and Sky Fairies. Fire and Water are on board. Even the Sky and Earth Fairies are coming around.”

Plus, Beagan and JP split their time between Faerie and the Hackura realm. She loved it in both places.

Max cut in, “I really can’t talk about Fairies right now. Or I may just go hunting for Sky and Earth Fairies with a stick up their ass.”

I bit my lip. Alexander linked me, “Would it even be the worst thing if he did?”

I snorted, “As long as you are with him, no. ”

Alexander winked teasing, “As if someone gets to have an outdated backwards ass Fairy hunting party without me.”

I chuckled, “Never. I’d take you on any hunt I had.”

Alexander replied, “You’d better, little sister.”

I rolled my eyes at him.

EJ linked me, “Whatever you and Alexander are plotting stop it.”

I teased, “Technically we were discussing Max’s wannabe Fairy hunt. Alexander was going to join him.”

EJ admitted, “I’d join them too.”

I rolled my eyes, “Then you’d need me to join too. You all have no subtlety. That’s why you have me.” I flipped my hair. EJ smiled and kissed my head.

Wesley asked, “What did I miss?”

I laughed. EJ said, “There is no Fairy hunting party, but if we had one, we’d need Cass. Mostly because she’s stealthy and we aren't subtle.”

Alexander laughed, “Who needs to be subtle? Showing up and killing people is always effective.”

I snorted, “If you only want to kill that one group of people, that’s true. You are talking about multiple people in different groups. You can’t just show up and murder everyone. The other group would run. There is stealth that needs to be involved. Honestly, you all are lost without me.”

Alexander walked over, picked me up and spun me around. He put me down, “You’re right, little sister. We would be lost without you.”

He kissed the top of my forehead. Wesley sighed, “Your mate had better be awesome.”

I rolled my eyes, “He’s taking his sweet time showing up.”

Max and Alexander huffed.

My gaze narrowed on the latter. Alexander had something going on he wasn’t sharing. I had a theory that it involved the invisible, possibly imaginary, Melanie McAlister. Rain snorted, “It definitely involves her. Oden purrs when I say her name.”

Yeah, well what was NOT imaginary about Melanie was her stuffed wolf. I’d asked a Red Run pack member about the wolf that was in all the family photos at the McAlister’s anniversary party. They’d looked at me like I was crazy and said it was Ladybug’s stuffed wolf toy.

I still didn’t get why I was the crazy one when they were the ones who showed up with a million pictures without ONE of her in it. Just her toy wolf. Yet we were all acting like that was perfectly normal. It was not normal. What was their deal? We kept missing out on meeting her. It was weird enough we hadn’t seen her, but now she’s not in any pictures she’s clearly in they just removed her. Rain agreed, “It was weird. We should tell someone that.”

We should.

My thoughts drifted back to those pictures. Melanie’s wolf looked just like Oden. I’d caught my brother studying those pictures. He got prouder with every picture he saw with the stuffed wolf. He liked that the imaginary Melanie had a stuffed animal that looked like his wolf. I was the only one who’d noticed him doing that though. Well, besides my dad but he noticed everything.

I shook myself. EJ said, “Wes, go see Buttercup and settle yourself.”

Wesley told him, “I’m going to see Uncle Aiden with Max. Then I’ll go see her.”

EJ nodded. I told them, “I’ll go with you. I want to see Aiylee.”

Beagan was in the Hackura realm right now so she wouldn’t be in Faerie for me to catch up with.

EJ snorted, “I’m going to the Hackura realm. Alexander and I are sparring with Cayden.”

My heart jumped. I nearly shouted, “You didn’t tell me that! I’m the only one who hasn’t met him! Then you make plans and don’t even tell me.”

Alexander laughed, “He’s a busy man.”

Rain purred, “Our brother forgot an adjective. He’s a sexy, busy man.”

I reasoned, “We’ve never seen him.”

I’d made it a point not to look up a picture of him. Rain snorted, “He sounds sexy, and I know you agree.”

She was right. The mere mention of his name had me wanting to drool.

I’d been crushed when he was delayed on a mission at my Uncle Bjourn’s coronation that delayed my Aunt Astrid’s crowing as Queen. I was embarrassed because the fact that I’d missed meeting him was what I was most upset about. Uncle Gunner set up a feed for me to watch her coronation, but Cayden hadn’t been in the frame.

I pouted, “I could’ve trained with him too.”

Alexander shrugged, “Sorry sis. It came up at the last minute. He texted us an hour ago that he was back.”

I asked, “How long is he back for this time?”

EJ shrugged, “We didn’t ask. Why?” I sighed, “Men. Are you incapable of asking the pertinent questions?” Max snorted, “I think Cass has her eyes set on a new boyfriend since her and Jason broke up.”

I rolled my eyes stating, “Broke up is a strong word. We weren’t really dating. We are friends.”

Wesley raised an eyebrow, “Friends who kissed.”

I explained, “We knew we weren’t mates. I can have friends that I kiss if I want. I like Jase, he’s a great person. Even if he does have a weird imaginary little sister he talks about that no one has seen.”

EJ interjected, “Uhhh excuse me, I’ve seen her.”

I smirked, “So you say. Where is our picture proof, big brother? Maybe they spelled you to go along with this long running gag. Or hired a pup actress to keep the ruse alive.”

EJ laughed, “Ladybug is the worst liar of all time.”

I argued, “She can’t be that bad. She insists she doesn’t cross the border, but they keep catching her.”

Alexander growled. Oh, did I strike a nerve? Rain snorted, “You know you did.”

Yes, well sometimes one had to rile my brothers to get answers out of them. I raised an eyebrow at Alexander.

EJ told me, “I don’t know what’s going on with that, but I believe her about it. She’s not crossing the border.”

Now I was intrigued because EJ was a good judge of character. He had to be instinctually, and he’d definitely inherited that trait from our dad.

I nodded, “Ok, if you need me to talk to her or the Red Run Warriors you know I will.”

EJ smiled saying, “Thanks, Cass.”

I replied, “Of course. You guys know all you have to do is ask. I’ve got the stealth and the right questions to make people spill their secrets.”

Alexander laughed, “We know.” And yet, he was keeping things from me about Melanie McAlister. Was he embarrassed because she was only twelve? That didn’t make sense because age didn’t matter to us since we were not humans. I shrugged it off knowing he’d tell us eventually.

I grabbed my little brothers and popped to Faerie. My Uncle Aiden raised an eyebrow, “Cassie, I did not expect to see you.”

I smiled explaining, “I’m just dropping them off.”

I kissed his cheek and whispered, “Own da. Point Megroup falhing own. Cuz group orto. Own da canbe sper point (You are a good man, uncle. Never forget that please. We all love you. Even if they are upset for now, you are a good man, your past is just that. The past).”

My Uncle smiled, “Own mene da sper canis Cassie. Own addto own so. Meself own (You have a heart just like your mother Cassie. You are kind and you love so deeply. I love you).”

I replied, “Meself own, addto so act group (I love you too, and so do they).”

I kissed his cheek and sent my brothers my support in our connection before I popped to Aiylee.

When I popped to her, I saw she was fuming mad. She was pacing and her hands were thrown up in the air. She ranted, “Exsis, I swear I’m going to start having people’s heads CHOPPED OFF! How DARE they do this to my father! He had one more year to prepare for this again and those unable to KEEP their mouths shut shits had to push this conversation up. How hard is that?”

She nearly snarled, “They kept their mouths shut while it happened to my aunt. NOW, suddenly they have to SHOUT about it in front of my cousins! How DARE they do this to my family! They choose my cousins! To Max of all people! Honestly, it’s like they try to annoy me.”

Exsis sighed, “My love, I do not think that’s why. Your aunt is a popular topic to gossip about here. Her past is something that baffles everyone. Those that knew her didn’t bother to look closely at her to see she was clearly hiding something. Then there are those who are stunned and surprised she managed to survive. Let alone be the functioning, fun version of her we see now.”

Aiylee shrieked, “SO? They couldn’t have spread their gossiping whispers when my aunt was young? They couldn't have whispered where Uncle Arion or my dad could’ve heard them? Maybe my mom would’ve never fled with me if they had!”

She faltered, “You and I would’ve known that we were mates my whole life! My dad would’ve done something about Uncle Fabian before I was even born! That man wouldn’t have ever touched me and told me it was normal! He wouldn’t have made me feel gross and ashamed! My Uncle Arion could still be alive! These people DARE throw that in our faces every so often with my cousins around to hear them?! It is ENOUGH!”

Exsis stood and wrapped his arms around her while I wiped tears away. Exsis consoled her, “I’m so sorry about your Uncle Arion. I am sorry I did not fully know the extent to which Haley was suffering. For my own part, I could not prove it. We were trying, but we had nothing.”

He rubbed her back, “I would’ve taken even the tiniest shred of evidence to your father. It enrages me that fiend ever touched you. You are not dirty. He is a disgusting old man who should’ve never laid eyes on you. ”

Aiylee held onto him crying, “I’m so sick of them doing this to my family. Everyone is hurting and I can’t stop it. It destroys my dad when he has to talk about the past with Aunt Haley. He hates himself for it.”

Exsis sighed, “I know he does, my love. He and I have had many discussions about it.”

That made my heart hurt.

He continued, “He cannot change it, but he would if he could. It kills him. He feels he should’ve known, but he couldn't have. That’s the thing about the Ring. They know how to hide. Fabian used Aiden’s grief about the death of his father to hide his true nature and wormed his way into his life. He became the rock Aiden needed.”

Rain growled in my head thinking of Uncle Aiden being taken advantage of like that.

“That’s what manipulative people do.”

Exsis said, “Fabian was a disgusting man, but he was skilled at manipulation. He was good at putting on a face with those he wanted to. I saw him around your father. It was a night and day difference from when a member of his family, besides his own sons, were around.”

Aiylee cried harder.

Exsis whispered, “It wasn’t your dad’s fault. Fabian should’ve been a most trusted advisor, not a weed wrapping around the flowers in his garden slowly killing all that was there. What the Conners' children will see is that your dad turned it around. It is sad that your Uncle Arion fractured his soul because of your grandma’s whispers.”

I touched my hand to my heart because he was right.

Exsis gently petted her hair, “He should be here to stand beside your dad. Haley and Aiden need him. He was meant to be there for them both and I will never not be angry that he’s not. He’s their balance, and they both struggle without him when they shouldn’t.”

Aiylee cried into his chest.

After a few moments of silence, I conjured us drinks and cleared my throat. I handed her an alcoholic beverage. She wiped her tears and took it from me. When we finished them, she snapped us two more. Exsis smiled, “I’ll leave you ladies to talk. I’ll go wait for Aiden to finish his chat with the little wolves.”

Aiylee kissed him, “I love you something ridiculous, Exsis. Thank you for doing that for him.”

Exsis smiled, “Of course, my love.”

He popped away.

I sighed, “What a freaking day.”

Aiylee snorted, “The day is still young.”

I muttered, “Tell me about it.”

We had a few more drinks. I randomly asked, “You know what irks me?” Aiylee giggled, “I do! Men who don’t know what they want.” I pointed my drink at her, “YES! But that’s not what I meant.” Aiylee frowned, “Tell me what irks you then, cousin.”

I rolled over, “Alexander and EJ are sparring with Cayden, and they didn’t invite me.”

Aiylee tilted her head, “Cayden Crawford? The man you insist is a hottie even though you haven't seen him yet?”

I nodded. Aiylee continued, “The man who will one day lead the Hackura Army?”

I sighed dreamily, “That’s the one. They didn’t tell me until they were going. They don’t even know how long he’s going to be here for this time.”

Aiylee laughed, “This, my dear cousin, is why you have me. Tap into that Fairy side of yours and pop to the Hackura realm. Use your stealth and spy on the possible hottie named Cayden. He might not even be worthy of your time. You must keep in mind girls that look like you need a man not a boy.”

I giggled, “Don’t you just KNOW he’s a man? His full name is Cayden Aaron Crawford, future Commander. He has to be hot.”

Aiylee laughed, “Cassie and Cayden sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”

I started laughing, “I can’t believe that until we came around, this realm did not know of that teasing taunt.”

Aiylee snorted, “Because it’s absurd. Why would two people trying to kiss, sit in a tree? You could get lost in the passion of the moment and FALL OUT OF THE TREE!”

I started laughing, “You’re right!”

We lost ourselves to a fit of giggles. I started waving my hands in the air, “Oh god, can’t you just see it?! Two people just falling out of a tree flushed from their passionate moment.”

Aiylee laughed, “The poor humans would probably have to go to the emergency room. Imagine the healer's faces!”

I laughed harder, “We call them doctors.”

Which she knew because she’d lived in the human realm for a time. In our territory actually.

Aiylee cackled, “Whatever. Just picture it!”

I started laughing harder. Eventually we managed to stop laughing. Aiylee snapped us more drinks. She chugged hers and motioned for me to do the same, so I did. She clapped, “Now, go get your stealth on and find your hottie hottie with a possibly good body, Cayden. I bet he wants to meet you too.”

I rolled my eyes, “First of all, absolutely every Hackura male has a good body. Most supernaturals do. Second, most Hackura want to stay far away from me because of who my family is. I haven’t met one who isn’t hot though.”

Aiylee rolled her eyes, “The cowardice troglodytes who recognize the hotness that is Cassie Conners and do not act upon it because of a few hurdles do NOT deserve your thoughts. The FUTURE Commander of the Armies better have some balls. That’s what I’ll say about that.”

I laughed, “You are too much Aiylee.”

She smiled, “I’m just right since one cannot be too much. Now, go get you some cousin of mine. Challenge him to a fight and DAZZLE him with your skills. Then he’ll HAVE to ask you out then.”

I asked, “Do you really think so?”

Aiylee nodded, “I know so.”

I smiled then frowned.

Aiylee asked, “What?”

I sighed, “When he meets his mate, she’ll have to have a tournament and fight a few people to get everyone all excited about their Commander’s mate.”

Aiylee frowned, “Who says you’re not his mate?”

I snorted, “Shut up, Aiylee.”

Aiylee smirked, “I will not shut up. You’ve never met him. He is a single, unmated Hackura male. You think your mate is a Hackura and you are attracted to men.”

I gaped at her. Aiylee sighed, “Do I have to draw you a picture, cousin? Get to popping to see if Cayden Crawford is yours. If he is, you'll have to invite me to this tournament of yours. I WILL be your loudest cheerleader.”

I snorted, “My mom’s a very loud and enthusiastic cheerleader.”

Aiylee smirked, “One might try to outmatch me but as your cousin, and future Queen I will be louder.”

Rain purred, “Let’s take her advice.”

We should. I laughed saying out loud, “You’re right. It could be him. Oh god, I’m getting too excited.”

Rain perked up, “He could be ours though. I love his name, I always have.”

Aiylee wryly commented, “That would be our path in live. The both of us having men as mates that we should’ve known forever were ours, but we missed them by weird and sometimes cruel twists of fate. Don’t let the cruel twists of fate win any longer, cousin. Go!”

I laughed and kissed her cheek.

Aiylee squealed, “Call me later! I want details. I better know either way mate or not if the man is a good kisser. You’ve been thinking about kissing him for YEARS!”

I laughed, “Shut up, Aiylee!”

Aiylee rolled her eyes, “If I have to tell you to get moving one more time, I’ll kick some ass.”

I laughed, “You can’t kick my ass. I’m better with swords.” Aiylee laughed, “We would have ourselves quite a battle though, and I love you too much so away with you.” I laughed and popped away. I truly did love her.

I’d popped to a hill where I could see the training facility. I knew they’d be outside today. To my surprise, no one was fighting. That was weird. I heard people coming though so I popped into the tree. Rain asked, “Didn’t we just talk about how one should not be in trees? Wolves belong on the ground.”

I chuckled, “I rarely get in trees. It was an emergency. Someone is coming and they’d know if we faded back.”

She huffed, “Fine. A one-time deal then.”

I chuckled.

I heard a sexy voice, “I swear to god it’s so annoying. How is it that I’m the only one who’s never even glimpsed Duchess Cassie Conners?”