Rhea went on a tangent in my head. She snapped me dressed, “Let’s go.” I asked, “Go? Where?” Rhea replied, “To the bathroom to see our mark.” I squeaked and ran into the bathroom, as Cassie snapped comfy clothes on me.

I touched my neck admiring EJ’s name on me with Brutus' wolf there. I told Cassie, “I wondered if it would say EJ or Eric Junior.” Cassie shrugged, “I guess preferred names count to Selene. Or Aesir. Probably him. He’s the one who is respectful.”

Out of all the Conners pups, Cassie didn’t like Selene too much. Especially after hearing she visited their parents to tell them ‘so sorry Haley’s getting kidnapped.’ It was fair for them all to be pissed. They were Alpha bloods and even hearing the story made my blood rage with the thought of being unable to stop that from happening to my mate. Rhea growled, “No one will take him because I will RIP them to pieces.” That was the spirit.

Cassie grabbed me, “And now we go.” She popped me to a spa that Eric owned. It just happened to be the fanciest one in the area. I gasped, “He’s spoiling us with a spa day?” Cassie winked, “Yes, he is.” I asked, “Were you always going to be back?”

She replied, “It depends who you ask. Mom was the backup to bring you, but I can’t believe anyone thought I’d miss getting a massage from my favorite place. Plus, I miss spending time with you.” I grinned, “Well, let’s get this pampering day started.”

I linked EJ. Rhea said, “Brutus is being weird.” I asked, “Weird how?” She replied, “Like he’s got more planned than the massage.” I grinned thinking that would be just like my mate. I went into the locker room and got undressed for my massage. Cassie and I were in the room together.

After our massages, they led us into the room with the hot tub. I squealed, “MOM?!” She grinned at me, “Hey, Sweetie.” I went and hugged her. She chuckled, “Your mate thought you might enjoy seeing me here.” I grinned, “I really do.”

She noted my mark and winked, “It looks very nice.” I touched it blushing, “I love it.” She teased, “That’s good. I know you hoped it would say EJ.” She kissed my head and said, “Your dad and I are so proud of you,” she said, pulling me in for a side hug.

Champagne was brought out for us, with water. Cassie held up her glass for a toast. I quickly grabbed my champagne and raised it. She said, “To my lovely and beautiful friend, Elise. She’s going to be the biggest bad ass around taking over from my mom. She’ll kick ass and take names in her own way. There is nothing a little sister could ask more for her big brother. You are EJ’s everything. He takes on the weight of the world, but with you at his side I know he will stand just fine.”

Tears fell down my cheeks. I whispered, “Cassie.” She clinked my glass and my mom’s, and we drank. I waved, “No more being sappy today.” Both of them laughed like they were inon a big joke. When we got out of the hot tub we were led to the showers.

When I was done, I was hustled into a massive massage chair. Three people began to work together. There was a guy with a blow dryer working on my hair, a woman working on my toes, and a woman doing my nails. I asked, “Where’s the fire?” I noticed Cassie and my mom were getting the same treatment. So, I sat back and enjoyed it.

The guy finished my hair and I thanked him. When my nails and toes were done I noticed they were in a beautiful purple and white swirl. A man stepped up with a makeup cart and belt with all his brushes. I laughed, “I guess I’m not done yet.” He winked, “You’re a natural beauty. I’m just going to enhance it.” I blushed, “Thanks.”

When he was satisfied, he stepped back and handed me a mirror. I whispered, “Wow. Can you always do my makeup?” He laughed, “Sure thing, Luna.” I blushed, “Not yet.” He winked, “Everyone here will call you Luna.” I thanked him again and went to the locker room.

I found a purple and white swirled sundress I’d admired at the mall the last time I went with Cassie. I gasped, “Cassie!” She winked, “You didn’t really think I wasn’t going to get it?” I put it on and laughed, “It’s still so short.” She spanked my ass, “You look hot.” I really did.

She popped us back to EJ’s room. I saw a note on the bed with a bouncy ball and a knucklebone. It was from the game Jacks. I told Elise, “We used to play this game all the time. Ray taught us and we loved it.”

She winked, “Have fun.” I asked, “With what?” She popped away. I said, “That was weird.” Rhea hummed, “There’s a note.” She was right. I picked it up and read it.

My favorite first memory I have with you. You were so happy.

I gasped when suddenly, I wasn’t in EJ’s room. I was in a field sitting on a bed sheet someone had laid out. Ray laughed, “Little Elise, it’s your turn.” I dropped the bouncy ball and picked up two of the knucklebones.

The little me pouted, “EJ got more than me.” He nudged me, “Look again.” I watched myself opened my hand and found four in my hand. I squealed, “I WON!” EJ grinned at me. Little me jumped up and ran around, “I WON!”

I saw Ray bump EJ, “I saw that. You’re not supposed to conjure more into her hand.” EJ shrugged, “She’s happy though. Look at her smile.” I watched two year old me squeal and run around. I’d known for a while he’d conjured them into my hand.

The memory faded and I realized I was still in EJ’s room. I stepped out of the room to find my mate. Alexander cleared his throat. I told him, “I’m looking for EJ.” He grinned, “Follow your clues to him.” I clapped excitedly. He inclined his head in the direction I should go, and I took off.

I found my old battery powered kid’s electric purple Lamborghini in the living room. I laughed, “The clues are getting bigger, babe. It escalated very quickly.” I picked up the note on the car.

The first Christmas present I bought you.

I was instantly back in that moment. EJ had popped us into his family’s Christmas. It was a madhouse. It was a Nutcracker Christmas theme this year. Haley had conjured me a toy solider dress with a tutu around the sides and back. I loved it and the little top red top hat bow.

I giggled, “Aww, we were so cute.” Rhea said, “It’s so cool to see it this way, instead of going back through your memories.” Iwas five and a ball of energy bouncing around. EJ watched me with a smile on his face.

Haley said, “Elise, that group of presents next to EJ is yours.” I gasped, “You got me presents?!” I ran over to my pile and went straight towards the biggest one. EJ told me, “That’s from me.” I whispered, “Can I open it?” He grinned, “You can do anything you want.”

I ripped the wrapping paper open. I screamed, “A BATTERY OPERATED CAR!” He shrugged, “You said you wanted one.” I threw myself into his arms as he beamed, “I want to drive it.” My dad said, “Maybe lat…”

EJ popped us outside with the car. He said, “Get in.” I asked suspiciously, “Is that a five point harness? I don’t think they come with those.” He agreed, “They don’t, but I take my girl’s safety seriously.” I giggled, “You’re so silly.” He helped strap me in as our parents came outside. I put my foot down on the pedal and took off squealing while EJ smiled as if I’d given him a present.

The memory cleared and I wiped away my tears. I loved seeing the memories from the whole perspective instead of just mine. I’d never known he was that happy when I took off. I found the next note at a vanity set that didn’t belong. I chuckled and picked it up.

The first time I knew I’d do anything to see you never cry.