Kincade:Just feel better.
Me:I know you’re sad you won’t see her. Admit it.
Kincade:Get some sleep, Luna.
Me:For the love of god, it’s Lexi. I will sleep when you admit you like Carry.
Kincade:…. Fine. I like Carry. Nothing will happen because it can’t.
Me:Love finds a way. Just so you know she likes you too.
Kincade:She can’t like me. I’m not worthy of her because she’s perfect.
Me:You will both be lucky to have each other.
Kincade:She will find her mate and forget all about me.
Me:Sure, she will. I’m barely keeping my eyes open, so I’ll just say. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE DAMN ROSES KINCADE.
Kincade:What?
I couldn’t answer him because my eyes were closing. When I woke up, I was barely alert. I grabbed the thermos Haley had conjured me. I sipped on it and was infinitely glad she conjured it to me. It tasted heavenly. I gulped it down.
I texted her letting her know it tasted good. She immediately replied because she was concerned about me. She’d conjured me another thermos and wanted to know if anything had happened to me recently. I assured her it hadn’t. I didn’t want her to feel bad about the drug charm.
I gulped down the tea and felt better than I had in days. I still couldn’t keep my eyes open. The next time I woke up it was because Chase was kissing my forehead. I opened my eyes confused because he was here. Didn’t I tell Kincade not to talk to him about me staying home? I tried to link Kincade then remembered I wasn’t part of the pack, which meant I couldn’t link him yet. UGH.
Chase was in and out of the room, but I still couldn't seem to stay awake. When Chase sat back down on the bed, I opened my eyes. He had leftovers from Christmas. My mouth was watering at the smell. That was the power of Sally Quaid’s cooking. I ate everything he’d put together.
He took me to his house. He wanted to make sure someone could take care of me. It didn’t sound like the worst plan, but I was out again before I could talk to him about it. When I woke up the next day Chase took me downstairs. He showed me the office he’d had re-done for me and I promptly burst into tears. I hugged him for several moments until Ted cleared his throat.
When Chase left Ted asked, “Hey emotional rollercoaster Lexi, what gives?” I admitted, “Ever since I got drugged, actually since I got back from our trip, I just can’t gain my footing.” Ted sighed, “Alright. Promise me you’ll ask Haley about it on New Year’s.” I nodded.
That same day the presents I’d ordered for Susie arrived. I smiled and went in search of her. I caught her and Nadine before she headed out to play with the other kids. Nadine told me, “You didn’t need to do this.” I disagreed, “I did.” I’d mostly gotten her Barbie accessories I knew she’d like. I got her a dress for the pack New Year’s Party. It was pink, white, and grey with a bow around the waist.
Susie squealed when she opened it, “THIS IS THE PRETTIEST DRESS I’VE EVER SEEN!” I laughed explaining, “I bought it for the New Year’s Eve party, but you don’t have to wear it for that.” Susie said, “It’s perfect for the party! You got me too much stuff, Lexi.” I teased, “Well, sometimes you have to spoil your little sister.”
Susie grinned, “I’m your little sister?” I nodded, “You and Haley Conners are my little sisters.” Susie squealed, “Me and the Fairy Hackura Princess?” I nodded. She clapped her hands. “Mommy, we have to hang up my dress right now!” Nadine laughed, “Alright, let’s go.”
I spent the rest of the week working a few hours from the home office in Chase’s house. Ted took all the client meetings. Mostly though, he stayed with me in the main house. He didn’t have to tell me he was worried. I’d promised to talk to Haley on New Year’s Eve about the side effects I was suffering a million times.
Chase had been doting on me every moment he wasn’t working. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t like it. He made me feel like a Queen. When New Year’s Eve rolled around, I texted Sally to see if she would help me get ready. She immediately agreed and I knew Ted would show up too. Chase refused to leave until Sally got to my house. I didn’t want him to see my dress until I got back before midnight. It was silly, but I thought it would add to the effect of me showing up before midnight for my kiss.
Sally said, “I still can’t believe you’re spending your first New Year’s Eve away from your string.” I laughed, “Haley needs me. Plus, I’ll be back before midnight.” Sally gasped, “Ohhhh tricky! He doesn’t know, does he?” I winked, “Nope. That’s part of the surprise.” Sally whispered, “Ted’s really worried about you.” I assured her, “I'll talk to Haley tonight. We will get everything sorted out.” Sally nodded.
Ted flashed in. He did my hair and makeup then flashed to my closet. He came out with the garment bag. Haley had literally tagged NYE Dress on the front of it. He gasped when he unzipped it, “Oh god.” I came out of the bathroom and my jaw dropped. It was a black ball gown. There was a collar of black material and two pieces that split down the middle. From the waist out it was tulle.
I chuckled, “You know what? I’m with Emmaline. Haley is a Fairy Godmother.” Ted agreed, “Hell yes she is.” He and Sally helped me into the dress. Sally gasped once I was zipped in. She said, “You are gorgeous! You’ll have to beat the fairy’s off with a stick.” I laughed. Ted handed me my BA mask. I put it on as the final touch.
We heard a pop. Ted went outside then yelled, “Your fairy escort is here.” I came outside and Exsis gasped. Ted squealed, “She looks fabulous. Right?” Exsis quickly answered, “Umm yes. Fabulous. We need to get to the Princess. Right now. This VERY second actually.”
I smiled at my friends, “I’ll see you guys before the ball drops in your realm.” Ted waved, “Have fun!” Exsis chuckled, “Oh good goddess.” I asked, “What?” Exsis explained, “Well the Fairy Queen is going to get her wish. She will have the best party of all time.” I joked, “The dress is that scandalous?” Exsis smirked, “Your dress matches the occasion.”
I waited but he didn’t explain I pressed, “Then what is it?” Exsis looked nervous then said, “Let’s just go. The Princess should explain. You are her friend and all.” I laughed, “Alright. Let’s go party it up.” Exsis snorted, “I’ll be partying it up. You’ll be locked into a conversation with the Princess.” I frowned.
Before I could say anything else, we’d popped. I could hear shocked gasps all around me. I took in the beauty of the room. I’d actually never been in this realm before. It was amazing. My eyes landed on Eric Conners first. His confusion pulled me back to reality. Emmaline’s face was the next one I saw. She was horrified and had started crying.
Haley was speaking in Fealish issuing out rapid, what could only be described as, instructions. Haley grabbed me. She spoke quickly with Exsis. He quickly cut a glance in my direction, then Haley popped us away.