I cursed, “Shit.” Ted laughed, “I'll get the concealer.” I grumbled, “I don’t know that they will help. I look like I got in a fight with a wild animal.” Ted snickered, “Well, you kind of did.” I actually laughed. Ted worked his magic, so I looked presentable for our meetings. The rest of the week flew by.

Heath stopped by on Friday to look around the office. He didn’t bother to hide how proud he was. Ted and I had everything prepped for the King’s event. I’d spent every night with Chase this week. He’d asked me to leave some casual things at his house this weekend. He argued I could have lots of play dates with Susie. I laughed because he didn’t need a reason. I was going to do it anyway.

Chase woke me up with breakfast Saturday morning. I couldn’t help but tease him, “You act like this is Christmas morning or something.” His eyes were bright and excited. Chase smiled, “I can finally show you around my house, and you’re leaving things at my place. I’m really excited.”

I asked him, “So, I’m curious Eric killed that guy who talked to Haley at his club, didn’t he?” Chase laughed, “He did. He also removed a vampire's fangs and sent said vampire back to King Arthur with no arms. King Arthur executed the vampire. He apparently grew fond of Haley during her imprisonment with his predecessor. He also doesn't want a war with the werewolves or the fairies.”

I whistled, “You all don’t mess around. I’d have killed the vampire if he touched her. You know, that right?” Chase smiled, “I know. I hear she’s not a fan of being touched by people she doesn’t know.” I snorted, “That’s an understatement. She’s better with women, that just makes her uncomfortable. Men, even ones she knows, she has to initiate it. The first time I saw her reaction to men touching her it was heartbreaking.”

Chase handed me my omelet and asked, “What happened?” I shivered at the thought. “We’d just returned from a mission. One of her brother’s friends had been on a several years' long mission. He was introduced to Haley, and he picked her up and hugged her. She pushed him to get away. He was confused but let go immediately. She popped away.”

She cringed continued, “The guy was startled, but I didn’t have time to explain. I ran to her room. I still regret waiting so long to go in. I just thought she needed privacy. Eventually, I decided to just go see her. I found her scrubbing her skin. She ran out of the shower to throw up, then ran back in the shower. She practically scrubbed her skin off. I had to pull her out of the shower. Her family hadn't known her reactions were that bad. They gave her privacy while showering. She’d just hole up in her room. Eventually Miley or Marcus would go talk to her. By that time, she’d healed her skin. I took her downstairs, after I got her in some clothes. They were shocked.”

Chase frowned, “Poor thing. How old was she?” I answered, “She was fourteen. We really just went and observed someone. They wanted her around me, and I liked her. She liked me which was the important part.” Chase asked, “She does that every time? Even now?”

I explained, “Eric is the exception, but Miley said she got sick at the summit.” Chase gasped, “That’s right! I heard Asher Harden licked her face.” I hissed, “He’s lucky he’s dead.” Chase said, “I believe you. He was a little shit anyway. Who licks someone’s face? Psychos, that’s who.” I agreed, “I know! How that wasn’t a sign he was unstable, I’ll never understand. What else did you hear about the summit?”

Chase tilted his head, “Well it didn’t happen at first. When Haley was kidnapped Alpha Eric left and he took basically everyone with him to get Haley back. I actually sent for our plane to bring me home. Alpha Jackson told me to stay put, and that they had it handled.” I held my hand to my heart happy he was ready to come help.

Chase continued, “Anyway, they rescheduled the summit once Haley was rescued. They both came to the second summit. The Harden children, Claudia, and Asher, tried to cause problems for Alpha Eric and Haley. Haley was the picture of poise and grace handling the whole thing. No one mentioned she was violently ill after he licked her face.”

I smirked, “They didn’t know. So, people really didn’t know that Eric and Haley were barely speaking? No one caught that she was having memory problems? Or that they were having serious relationship problems?”

Chase spit out his orange juice, “What? Memory problems? She and Alpha Eric were having relationship problems? At the summit? Are you sure? I wasn’t back yet, but no one reported that. As much as we LOVE gossip EVERYONE would’ve been talking about that. In fact, my brother, Reagan, my dad, Matt, and Isaac talked about how in love they looked.”

I confided in him, “Through fairy fuckery Haley was really confused. She couldn’t remember what all happened with Claudia. Miley told me everything wasn’t ok until they got home. She said Eric thought Haley was going to leave him. Haley thought Eric needed a wolf by his side instead of her. She felt she needed to figure out how to cope and co-parent for their children’s sake. She was heartbroken.”

Chase’s jaw was on the floor. He assured me, “No one knew that.” I nudged him with my shoulder, “No one’s poker face is better than Haley’s. Always keep that in mind, she’s a vault. She’d never embarrass Eric by airing their private dealings. You can’t tell anyone any of that though. I was just curious if anyone actually noticed.”

Chase shook himself, “Fairies are usually very expressive. She does seem to be the exception though. I wouldn't tell anyone for several reasons. One, you confided in me, and I won’t betray your confidence. Two, Alpha Eric is my ally. I wouldn’t spread any rumors about him. Three, spreading rumors about his Luna is a good way to end up dead.”

I shrugged, “Let’s not focus on that. Let’s get to my play date.” Chase laughed, “Damn. I’m jealous of my little sister.” I smiled and grabbed my bag, “But I’m leaving these clothes at your place.” Chase smiled, “I couldn’t be happier about that. I wish I could move you there.” I smiled, “I’m enjoying this just us time where no one can burst our private bubble.”

Chase nuzzled my neck, “I am too. I still wish I could have you in my home, and with our pack.” I stopped and asked, “Our pack?” Chase grabbed my chin with index finger and thumb, “It’s our pack, Sweetheart. Whether they know it or not, you are their Luna.” I felt all warm and fuzzy inside.

I replied, “Be that as it is. I need the list of pack members with their picture. I’ve heard a Luna should know the names of pack members. I want to get a jump start.” He kissed my hard. He pulled back, “I’ll have Matt get that for you. That means a lot to me.”

I asked, “Is that a well known thing?” He nodded, “Yes, the Luna’s get a folder of information, typically after their ceremony. Once they start handling their duties. Black Mountain’s Luna’s get one the second they find their mate. Blue Moon usually gives their Luna’s a few months after their ceremony. I’m not sure Luna Emmaline has hers yet since she’s still in school. They will probably have her work on that once she graduates. It varies from pack to pack.”

I nodded and added to my list of things to kick Cassandra’s ass for. I knew she didn’t give Haley a damn thing when Eric found her, and it would’ve been her responsibility. I bet Molly had no idea Haley never got such a folder. I’ll bet Haley asked Eric’s Beta for the pack files with pictures.

He kissed me lightly. “Let’s get going.” He grabbed my hand, and we ran out to my car. I threw him the keys. We made the short drive to his house. The second I got out of the car Susie threw the door open. She squealed, “YOU’RE REALLY HERE!” I laughed and caught her. I thought I saw Frank out of the corner of my eye, but when I turned he wasn’t there. Either I was paranoid, or Frank was fast. Both were possible.

Susie led me inside. She had ten different tins of cookies for me. Ranging from Sugar to chocolate chips. I laughed, “I didn’t know I was going home with a goodie bag!” Susie smiled, “Where did Chase take your bag?” I looked around and lowered my voice, “I’m leaving some things in his room.” Susie squealed, “YAY! Come on! Let’s go to my room.”

I happily followed her there. Her room had baby blue walls and had dolls and stuffed animals over. I told her, “It’s a beautiful room.” Susie smiled and grabbed my hand, “I watch the other pups play from my window. You can see them right there.” She pointed to a group of kids. I asked, “Why don’t you play with them?”

Susie shrugged, “I don’t think I’m allowed.” I shook my head. Was this some weird kid thing where they didn’t invite her so she didn’t think she could go? I grabbed her hand, “Nonsense. Let’s go play with them.” Susie’s eyes widened, “Really?” I nodded, “Sure, let’s go.”

We walked downstairs together. I opened the sliding back door, and Susie stepped out. She commented, “Chase got a nice new door.” I frowned, “It’s new?” She nodded. I studied it, “He did pick out a good one. What happened to the other one?” Susie snorted, “You do not want to know.” I tickled her, “Do you know?” Susie nodded, “I’m not supposed to, but everyone was talking about it.”

I laughed, “I don’t see how you could’ve avoided knowing then.” Susie smiled, “You just get it, Lexi. I mean everyone talking about Chase throwing dad through a door. It’s hard to avoid.” My eyes widened. I casually asked, “Chase threw your dad through the door?”

Susie nodded, “They had a big fight. Mommy said daddy kept undermining Chase. Do you know what that means? I don’t.” I explained, “It means he was trying to be the boss when Chase is.” Susie shrugged, “That makes sense. I don’t know why anyone thought that would be hard to explain.”

We reached the group of kids. I smiled and introduced myself, “Hello, I’m Lexi Scott.” All the kids turned to face us. One stood, “You’re throwing us the Halloween party.” I nodded, “With your Beta Male.” One of the girls said, “He prefers TeleTed.” I agreed, “That he does. If you ever need information, you go to TeleTed. Do you all know my friend Susie?” They nodded. Susie timidly waved.

I said, “We’d like to join you, if we can?” One girl squealed, “Really?” I nodded, “Yup, what are we playing?” The little girl answered, “We were playing tag. We were trying to think of something else.” I whispered conspiratorially, “I loved capture the flag as a kid.” Everyone ooh’d and ahh’d as if I’d thought of the game myself.