Matt whistled “Cassandra is in charge of giving the Luna’s the information about pack members. I’ll bet she didn’t give it to Haley.” I snorted, “That won’t end well for her.” Matt shrugged.
He changed the subject, “Aiden’s plan is smart. He got an alliance, a subject who believes they are being a trusted advisor, and a guaranteed kill switch should the subject betray him.” I agreed, “Yes, but the problem is Haley doesn’t seem to notice men’s interest in her. Exsis could go to her, and she wouldn’t believe anything was amiss.”
Matt admitted, “True, but she isn't trustful of full blooded fairies. Her brother may be an exception. Maybe even his Queen and their children. She might not understand Exsis’ interest, but I do think she wouldn’t mention the fairy to Alpha Eric. Jamal would absolutely notice, and her Hackura guard is around. They would definitely know.” That was true.
Matt continued, “Or she’d tell Molly. Those two have become quite close. Molly would understand and encourage her to tell Alpha Eric. She’d listen and he would know the situation. Then there’s the catch all; Molly said Haley is being more open with her Hackura family. She could tell them. Exsis would surely be dead. They have made it clear they want Haley with Alpha Eric and Alpha Eric alone. They would not let a wildcard stand. They’d just kill him.”
I was glad he’d brought up his sister. I said, “I was going to ask you. Why did she only bring Molly out with Lexi and Ted?” Matt frowned, “It’s not widely known, but it involved my sister, so I know the details. The Conners women all had a falling out. Haley has massive walls up with the other girls, because they kept a secret after saying they had no secrets. Haley’s fairy side was not having that shit.”
He continued, “Molly put her life on the line for Haley and her pups. It broke down the wall. Then they had a talk and it turns out my sister was actually left out and lied to. I can’t say if the other two Luna’s were, but Molly was pissed about being lied to. Molly and Haley train together now, which has bonded them further. But honestly, I think it was being repaired simply from Molly going to talk to Haley at all. Shana and Jessica did not try to my knowledge, and if they had Molly would’ve told my mom.”
I nodded, “I could see that. I’m sure my dad will have an uphill battle with Lexi, since he went to her office and demanded she stay away from me like a crazy person whose son isn’t almost twenty-three years old.” Derrick snorted, “I think he’s got more of a battle with you and Susie. She walked right past him on her way to school and didn’t even look at him. According to Kevin and Kincade Lexi wants him to like her.” I laughed, “Ahhh Susie, that’s her mother’s sass and that Alpha blood in her. She’ll forgive him eventually. She’s a daddy’s girl.”
Matt quietly asked, “And you?” I shrugged, “It’s too soon. I asserted myself because I had to because he went behind my back. Because he HURT Lexi’s feelings. It doesn’t mean I liked it. It doesn’t mean Reagan and Nadine’s screams and tears didn’t get to me. Or that my brother being upset with me doesn't affect me. It does.”
Derrick asked, “You think Cameron is upset with you?” I winced, “I know he is. Despite what he did, that’s our dad. Cameron knows what my dad did was wrong, but he would’ve handled it differently than I did.” They both nodded in understanding and we got to work.
Everything went fairly smoothly. No fairies named Exsis popped up. Matt, Derrick, and I got all our disputes and paperwork handled. Throughout the week Lexi and Ted were putting in some extra hours in preparation for their vampire event. I was more than excited about her coming over, and to have her in what would one day be our room. Hell, I was excited to have her here in our home.
On Saturday morning I got out of bed and made breakfast for Lexi. She’d been working so hard, and she was going to spend the morning with Susie. It was the least I could do for her. Matt was pouting because Ted would be heading out after lunch to set up their event. I told him he could go with him, but he said he didn’t want to crowd Ted. Matt said Ted was a basket case over everything being perfect and he thought his presence might just make him more nervous. I thought it would calm him, but Ted wasn’t my mate. Matt would know best.
I let the smell of the food wake Lexi up. She stretched in bed. God, I wanted to see that little barely awake smile every damn day. Lexi told me a little about Haley. I made a mental note NEVER to touch even her hand. Always let Haley initiate any kind of touching. I would feel terrible if I triggered something like her rubbing her skin raw.
I was stunned by the rest of the information she gave me about the summit. I managed not to snort at Lexi saying Alpha Eric thought Haley was going to leave him. I wondered if she had any idea that Alpha Eric would NEVER let that happen. He was not that type of man. He loved her with everything he had, and he was a man who got what he wanted. That’s why he was Alpha Eric Conners.
Lexi told me no one had a better poker face than Haley. I was thinking that Alpha Eric might. We were never having a couple’s night where we played games with those two. They would dominate everything.
Lexi skipped to her car. I was a little jealous my little sister was going to spend the day with my mate. I was excited to have our Luna in our pack visible to all. Only a handful of people knew for certain that was the case, but it was. This was our pack, and one day she would rule it by my side.
As soon as we arrived Susie was running to the car. I spotted my dad. I linked him, “Get out of here.” My dad sighed and left. I grabbed Lexi’s bag and took it to my room. I’d cleared out several drawers for her, and over half the space in my closet. I’d slowly get her leaving things here to fill everything up. I had just put everything away when Matt came in.
He demanded, “Come talk to your dad before he loses his damn mind.” I declined, “No, but thanks.” Matt huffed, “Lexi took Susie outside to play with the other pups. They are splitting up into teams to play capture the flag.” I sighed, “And?”
Matt gave me a look. I said, “Nadine would be a better choice than me unless he’s looking for some tough love.” Matt admitted, “Nadine is keeping him from yanking Susie back inside.” I growled, “Oh for fuck’s sake. Where is he?” Matt smiled, “My parents’ house. My mom has her wooden spoon out. I think she’s contemplating beating your father with it.” I laughed, “I wish she would.”
We walked outside and I briefly paused to watch Lexi. Susie was quite the planner. I smiled. She was so smart. I wanted to see Lexi with our pups. I could see everyone watching them. Curious about both Susie and Lexi.
Matt linked me, “Yes, she’s a good Luna. Yes, you will have cute pups. Move it. My mom is NOT happy. When my mom is not happy, we ALL get shouty angry links until she’s happy again. That includes Molly. So, unless you want Jackson to call, move it.”
I snorted, “How did you know I was thinking about pups?” Matt stared at me incredulously, “I grew up with you. MOVE IT!” I rolled my eyes and walked into the home of our former Beta. Nadine was saying, “She’s fine Frank. She’s having fun.”
My dad was pacing, “She’s exposed out in the open like this. She’s played with the pups. Let’s get her inside now.” For god’s sake. I pointed out, “She’s in the heart of our territory. I know you know the odds of any of those pups being attacked before they could get inside to a safe room is less than one percent.”
My dad whirled, “So you’re talking to me now?” I crossed my arms, “I have a pack member who’s upset.” My dad snorted, “I’m your dad.” I rolled my eyes, “I wasn’t talking about you. Isabella, I am sorry for this disturbance.” She smiled at me.
I turned back to my dad, “Susie is fine. In fact, if you weren’t paying attention she’s doing very well. She’s quite tactical and having fun; like she should be.” My dad complained, “They were supposed to play inside.” I shrugged, “It’s a beautiful day. Why shouldn’t they be outside? Do you even care that Susie is having a blast?”
My dad ran a hand through his hair. He looked defeated, “Of course I care.” I sighed, “Dad, she’s not on the borders or anywhere near where a rogue would be. She’s having fun, just look at her. Don’t you see how much fun she’s having?” My dad acknowledged, “You’re right.” I nodded and turned to leave.
My dad asked, “Are you ever going to talk to me again?” I retorted, “Are you ever going to apologize?” Isabella was trying to hide her smirk. My dad said, “I just want what’s best for you, son.” I gritted my teeth, “Wow, that’s not even close to an apology. I’m twenty-two years old dad.”
My dad said, “Plenty of my friends are grandparents. Lots of Alpha’s have pups at eighteen with their mate. You could find her, but you aren’t even trying.” I shook my head, “You don’t know anything. Besides, that’s not the point.”
My dad snorted, “Chase, she reeks of you. I could smell her and your scents all over each other from where I was this morning.” I ground out, “This is the worst apology ever.” My dad growled, “I’m trying to help you.” I yelled, “You aren’t! I’m an adult. Accept that and move on.”
My dad wouldn’t back down, “Do you even care that you’ll hurt her? She loves you. I saw that in her eyes. Hell, you may even love her. I think you do. It’s going to hurt both of you in the end. You’ll meet your mate, and you’ll just know that nothing else matters.”
Nadine rolled her eyes. Isabella actually laughed. Isaac looked up at the ceiling. I announced, “Ok, I’m leaving. While you’re here maybe look up what the word apology means. It’s not explaining why your actions are justified because they aren’t. Your actions, no matter the reason, are unjustifiable. Ask LITERALLY anyone here. I’m a grown man. My mistakes, which Lexi is not one of to be clear, are my own. It’s my life I get to choose how things go.”