Page 139 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

I frowned, “I thought you could sense all dark magic.” Katie smiled, “I wish, but no. This group tends to use our father’s dark magic. Part of that calls to us since he was our father after all.” I conceded, “That makes sense.” Katie sighed, “I need to tell EJ.” I saw him questioning other fighters.

Alexander walked back out of Jane’s room, and I followed him. I stopped him asking “Are you ok?” Alexander cursed, “Fuck no I’m not! The sniper is letting herself get beaten to hell in fights before she wins.”

I blinked, “What?” Alexander nodded, “Yup. She’s good enough to win. I don’t know if she’s doing it to draw a bigger crowd for more money. Really, I don’t know what she could possibly be thinking. We need to find her before she goes too far in this quest.”

I reasoned, “I don’t think she’ll take it too far. She told us in the beginning. She wants revenge.” Alexander nearly shouted,” But for what?” I shrugged, “I don’t know, but that tells you she won’t take it too far. She needs revenge more than money.”

Alexander sighed, “I guess. I’m really worried about her. This is because of me.” I whispered, “I’m worried too, but this is not about you.” He argued, “Isn’t it? She won’t come to us because she thinks I would hate her. Not you, EJ, my parents, or siblings. It’s me. I have to try something. I have to stop this.” How was he going to do that? I didn’t ask out loud and he popped away. I hoped whatever he did worked.

I walked back down and found EJ studying plans. I could feel his frustration, so I wrapped my arms around him. We would figure this out. Our trip with my family for his birthday was in a few weeks. Maybe some time away would do the trick. Some relaxation could clear my mind, and I could finally figure thisout. This would be good. We would get some rest, and things would become clear. They had to.

It Doesn’t Add Up

EJ is Twenty-Five Years Old

EJ smiled over at Elise. I called my brother Wesley. He answered immediately, “EJ, everything is still fine here. You haven’t even been gone that long, big brother.” I laughed, “I know.” Wesley snorted, “Yet you’re calling me again. Why don’t you just enjoy your birthday vacation with your mate?”

I smiled and squeezed Elise’s thigh. I winked at her saying, “I am enjoying it. I just wanted to make sure that you were doing ok. It’s your first time being in charge of everything. Is Alexander letting you take the reins?”

Wesley snorted, “Alexander would have to leave the damn gym to not let me take the reins.” I frowned, “He’s still in the gym?” Wesley sighed, “Is he EVER not in the gym? I’m just waiting for him to start his mission for Uncle Bjourn.” I still hated that Alexander was going alone on a mission.

To be fair, I hated it when all my siblings went on a solo mission. Alexander was going on one just as we were coming back, so I wouldn’t see him for over two weeks. It was weird. I might make him pop to us before he left because I was going to miss him. Brutus huffed, “It’s too long for Oden to be gone without me.” I actually agreed with that. I hated everything about it.

I heard a pop on my brother’s end of the phone then my sister spoke. Angela warned, “No one messes with Alexander. No matter what. Got it?” I asked, “Wes?” Wesley ignored me, “What are you talking about, little one?”

Angela reiterated, “Just what I said, don’t bother Alexander.” I asked, “Angela, what’s going on?” Angela sighed, “Can’t you all just say you’ll leave him alone?” Wesley snorted, “When was I not leaving him alone?” Angela giggled, “Then keep doing that, Wes. Pass the word along. EJ, Cass already promised me.”

I groaned, “Angela.” Elise laughed, “EJ, just let her have her fun.” I sighed, “Fine, but if he pulls me to him, I’m going. He’s ok though, right?” Angela snorted, “He’ll be fine. Gotta go.” She popped out. Wesley laughed, “I’m just glad it’s not me that her and Klaus are getting this time. Those two together give me nightmares.”

I laughed, “It’s only been a few weeks.” Wesley sighed, “And they’ve pranked us ALL. It’s only fair that one of you oldest triplets get pranked. You’re not here and neither is Cass. Alexander REALLY should’ve seen this coming. Maybe they will snap away all the heavy bags and stop them being conjured back. Oh god, please don’t be that.” I laughed, “I wish you luck if that is it, brother. Call if you or Max need anything.” Wesley told me, “We are fine.”

I gently said, “I know that you are. I wouldn’t have left you in charge if you weren’t. It’s only because mom and dad are on a trip too and her concupiscence will be starting while they're gone that I’m checking in. They will be back probably just a little before we are.”

Wesley sighed, “I know ALL of those things. Uncle Jackson, Uncle Harold, AND Uncle Darrin are here. We are fine.” I grumbled, “I know. Did grandpa get off on his trip ok?” Wesley answered, “Yes, mom took him to our place in Hawaii for his rest and relaxation rejuvenation trip. He sent me a picture on the beach. He’s already hanging out with the pack down there and having fun. He sent me a text that said, ‘hang loose’ and everything.” I laughed, “Good for him.”

Wesley muttered, “Yes, yes, yes, good for him. Now, enjoy Fiji and stop calling me.” I winced, “I’ll give it a shot, but I’m not making any promises. You are my little brother, and I worry about you always.” I hung up the phone.

Elise stood then jumped on my back. She told me, “I would like a piggy back ride back to the house. No portaling or popping back either.” I squeezed her hamstrings, “Whatever my mate commands, I shall do.” Elise wiggled her eyebrows, “Oh really?” I hopped, putting her higher up on my back. I kissed her cheek then said, “You knew that already, Elise Conners.” She giggled and bit my ear.

I growled playfully, “You either start sexy time, or you get a piggy back ride back to the house. What will it be?” Elise sighed, “Sadly, I am starving and a sandwich sounds delicious.” I laughed, “Then we better get to moving.” I started running loving Elise’s giggle.

We ran into the house where Dalton, Dakota, Cooper, Dane, and MaryBeth McAlister watched us laughing. I sat Elise down on a chair and snapped her a sandwich. Peter nudged me with an elbow, “It’s just not fair. I wish I could do that when Chelsea gets hungry.”

Dalton snorted, “If we are granting wishes then I want my mate.” Dakota smirked, “Same, Dalton. Same.” Dane frowned at them, “Did you ask Emmaline, my lovely nephews?” Dakota sighed, “Yup. She doesn’t know who mine is. I don’t want to bother Aria about it just yet.”

Elise groaned, “For god’s sakes. She’s not a pup.” I agreed, “She’s not.” Brutus said, “Lacy gets annoyed they don’t consider them more than a pup.” Lacy was ironically my cousin’s wolf’s name. Aria’s wolf being named Lacy made things interesting. It could get confusing, but it was a lot of fun. I did feel bad for her though.

I told Brutus, “Jayden and Jacob know how old she is. She’s keeping secrets though. That’s hard as an older sibling.” Jaydon and I discussed it quite a bit. It was driving him mad, and I could easily compare our situations. Alexander drove me nuts keeping his crush on Melanie a secret for so long.

Dalton nodded, “I asked Emmaline too. She doesn’t know mine either.” I assured, “Your mates are coming, but Aria would help if she could. So would Angela.” Chelsea smiled at her boys, “They will be here when they are supposed to be. I bet they’ll show up in a way you don’t expect them to.”

Dalton smirked, “We might have to take turns traveling, Dakota.” Dakota laughed, “Oh darn. Traveling. How awful. I don’t know how I will go on.” Dane snorted, “You two.” Dalton raised an eyebrow, “You don’t get it, dear uncle. Neither does our sister. You’ve both known your WHOLE damn lives who your mates are. We’ve been waiting.”

Cooper muttered, “I am sitting RIGHT here, and I get it.” Dalton agreed, “Of course you do, little bro.” I put a hand on his shoulder. Peter said, “Alpha Eric waited thirty two years for his mate and it worked out really well for him boys.” Dalton punched my arm, “True. We got EJ in the family because he did.” Alexander’s annoyance trickled into me and that had me smirking.

Elise asked, “What’s that face along with the victorious feeling in the bond?” I answered, “Alexander is annoyed.” Dalton said, “That seems more cause for concern.” MaryBeth agreed, “What Dalton said.” Elise laughed, “Angela and Klaus strike again.” Everyone quickly got on my page about it being amusing after that statement.

Elise quickly ate her sandwich. I asked, “What’s on the agenda today?” Chelsea offered, “We were thinking we could go to the Kula Wild Adventure Park.” Dalton clapped, “Right on! I am so in.” Dane asked MaryBeth, “Want to go with them, MB?”He called her that a lot. She nodded, “Yes, it sounds fun!” Cooper said, “I’ll go.” We all laughed.

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