Page 122 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

I stared at it. Ashley came to our borders and didn’t say hi?! Rhea said, “I mean that’s not overly surprising, given she doesn’t want to meet us.” It was annoying is what it was. If only someone had caught her. EJ walked into my office.

He asked, “What’s that?” I answered, “An early birthday present from Ashley.” I opened it and inside were two black wolf charms. EJ said, “It’s us.” I nodded, “Yes, I think that it is.” Alexander commented, “They will fit on your charm bracelet too.” When did he get here?

The two wolves would go nicely on the bracelet Melanie had given me. I never took it off. I admitted, “I was hoping Ashley would come to my party this year.” Alexander winced, “I asked her if she would when I reached out. I swear to god, something about me makes her nervous. She jumped around in her thoughts in the email.” I bit my lip knowing EJ felt how amused I was.

Alexander chuckled, “It was pretty adorable actually. It was almost like she was both nervous and giddy. It came through the tone of the email somehow.” I explained, “She admires you. She’s told me that before.” Alexander smiled, “Well, that’ very flattering.” EJ jumped in, “Did she say anything else to you, brother?” Alexander frowned, “We talked about defenses and different workout drills. Her personal one is pretty intense. I was impressed.”

I snorted, “You might have killed her if you told her you were impressed. She has you on the Warrior pedestal.” He rolled his eyes, “She was fine, and I definitely did not kill her. I told her she should file a complaint about Trevor. I haven’t heard from her since I said that though.”

I sighed, “She won’t do it. She told me she could handle him.” Alexander frowned, “Maybe one of us will get through to her.” EJ grumbled, “Hopefully.” Rhea replied, “It seems unlikely.” While that had merit, something told me if anyone could, it would be Alexander.

That fact prickled at my brain again, but I shoved it down. I was tired of headaches. I grabbed a Karina cookie that was sitting on a plate in my office. Bless whoever brought them in here. Once I’d eaten it, I felt more settled and much better.

I added the two black wolves to my charm bracelet. They were perfect. I kissed EJ then linked him, “We will get everything figured out. It’s all going to be ok.” Karina’s cookies always made everything better including my confidence. EJ agreed, “Yes, itwill be.” I nodded and hugged him. We could do this. I knew we could.

Hell in a Handbasket

EJ is Twenty-Four Years Old

EJ smiled as Angela popped around her birthday party. She was nervous about something but excited. TJ seemed resigned. I walked over and asked, “So, what mischief are you two up to tonight?” TJ winked, “I promised not to tell, but it’s a doozy.”

I cautiously threw out, “Did she figure out her blurry visions?” TJ snorted, “No, she’s getting closer though.” He started to continue, and I put my hands up. I claimed, “I don’t want to know. Whatever is, I’d rather not know ahead of time.” TJ teased, “You all and your plausible deniability. Meanwhile I’m over here in the trenches. Don’t mind me as I take all the hits for the team.”

I laughed, “God, are any of us like normal kids? You're ten and talking about plausible deniability.” TJ snorted, “We aren’t normal, big brother. Even by supernatural standards.” I conceded, “No, we aren’t.” He smirked, “And thank god for that because that would be boring.”

I snorted, “You are something, little brother. Is this going to be upsetting?” TJ said, “I’d prepare for some fireworks, but I’ll be all over it sending calm everywhere. Breanna couldn’t come, and that would’ve helped.” Our cousin, Princess Breanna Holloran Doyle, was an empath too.

Brutus groaned, “That’s not good.” I knew that. I squeezed his shoulder. I told him, “If it gets to be too much pop out.” He replied, “I’ll handle it.” I sent him how serious I was in the bond. I’d tell his guard to get him out of here if it got bad.

Our conversation stalled when people started to arrive, and he moved towards our sister. Angela was still nervous but giddy. She bounced around the party while TJ just watched her. Mymom popped next to me. I smiled, “This all seems to be normal. TJ is watching while Angela bounces around.”

My mom shrugged, “He hates the attention, and she loves it. He’s more than happy for people to watch her. Just a word of advice for you tonight.” I turned to her sharply and asked, “Do you know what Angela is up to?” My mom grinned, “I have a guess, but that wasn’t what my advice was going to be about.” Brutus said, “I don’t get good feelings about her guess either.” She was probably right too.

I raised an eyebrow saying, “Alright. What’s your advice?” My mom winked, “Go find your mate.” I felt my bond with Elise and frowned. She was pissed and quite likely fighting. I questioned, “What is going on?” My mom answered, “The same thing that always happens at birthday parties. My boys and my girls are highly desired.” I blinked at her not understanding.

She put a hand on my shoulder, “You do know Elise always punches bitches at these parties, right? It makes me like her so much more than I already do. She’s a beautiful soul with sass. I fucking love it. She doesn't let anyone walk all over her and never has. She defends what’s hers”

“As someone who has to do that themselves, I admire the way she does it. Today though, I’d like the whole family around for when Angela’s excitement comes to fruition.” I assured her, “I’ll go get Elise.” My mom laughed, “Don’t stop her if she’s kicking ass. Just make sure to kick them out quickly and pop the fuck back here.”

I snorted, “I’ll think about it, but I don’t like seeing her in a fight.” My mom smiled, “She’ll be fine. It’s not like she’d lose. As I said, you normally hear about such things afterwards. If not for Angela’s plans, I wouldn't have said anything. Elise can handle these things on her own.”

I snorted, “If you saw it, I’m surprised that you didn’t throw them around with your wind.” My mom admitted, “Your brothertold me about it. You know I’d kick ass for any of you kid’s mates.” My gaze narrowed, “Which brother?”

My mom goaded, “Guess.” I sighed, “It was TJ because Angela told him.” My mom clicked her tongue and pointed her finger at me. “There ya go. I knew my smart baby boy would figure it out.” I snorted, “I’ve been a man for a while now.” She kissed my cheek, “You’ll always be my baby boy even though I do know you’re a grown ass man.”

I linked TJ, “You could’ve just told me yourself to go to my mate.” TJ shot back, “I’m a little busy.” I groaned, “I was literally just talking to you.” His amusement came through in our bond. He gloated, “It was fun this way. I do enjoy knowing things you do not since it’s rare for me. Unless Angela clues me in.” I replied, “Which is always.” He chuckled, “Not always and she pouts that you already know things which isn’t fair because she sees the paths.” For the love of Aesir.

I linked Alexander, “You got this?” Alexander snorted, “Do I have our ten year old siblings’ birthday party? Is that a real question? Of course I do. I’ll be on the lookout for a giant cake. There’s a parade later too. It’s some spooky shit, EJ. Spooky.” He was all sarcasm with that reply.

I glared at him pointing out, “Something is going on.” Alexander replied, “I am aware. I’m actively trying not to think about it.” I stopped walking for a second. I continued then asked, “You know what’s happening?” Alexander looked away from eyes as I passed him.

Eventually he told me, “Phil had a theory that Gage agreed with. I am actively not thinking about.” I blew out a breath, “I don’t like the sound of that.”

Alexander grunted, “They’d better be wrong.” Phil was not often wrong especially if Gage agreed. I asked him, “You really don’t want to talk about it?” Alexander reiterated, “I really don’teven want to THINK about it.” I raised an eyebrow then shook myself. Brutus seemed to be thinking things over.

I needed to go find Elise. Brutus agreed, “Yes, find mate. Kick people out or let me rip them to pieces.” I wasn’t going to say no if they deserved it. Alexander teased, “Please tell Luna Slugger that I love her.” I warned, “Karma is swift tonight, little brother. Claire just got here.” I’d seen her getting out of her car with friends.

Alexander angrily replied, “She can get out. I’ll tell her so myself.” Angela popped over to Claire. She crossed her arms and pointed, “YOU were NOT invited. Leave.” Claire frowned, “But I…” TJ popped over interrupting her, “You heard my little sister. Get to stepping, or I’ll tell my mom why Angela wants you to leave. She does not take kindly to crazy she wolves with C names.”

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