He said, “Bjourn said you mentioned cookies. It just so happens Elise had them at their house and EJ swiped them. I got us two.” I took it and said, “There’s just a lot of feelings with everything going on. Uncle Bjourn said…” I trailed off and took a bite.
I questioned internally, “What the hell am I doing? I was about to shame myself in front of my dad. I was about to tell him I’m a possessive ass.” Oden snarled back, “We are NOT a possessive ass, but maybe now isn’t the moment to tell him.”
My dad urged, “Uncle Bjourn said what?” I answered, “That he’s always here for me.” He’d said that many times over the years. My dad agreed, “He and all your uncles are. You knowthat.” I agreed, “I do.” He hugged me, “I love you and you can tell me anything.”
I nearly told him again, but the doubt creeped in. Could I handle seeing disappointment in his eyes? The answer was emphatically no. I never wanted my dad to think I was a bad person. I replied, “I know I can, dad. I love you.” He hugged me again then left before my mom popped in and crossed her arms.
We had a stare off and she wrinkled her nose, “Those cookies again? I swear they popped up nine years ago and they refuckingfuse to leave.” I replied, “They are pretty good.” She disagreed, “They look dry and crumbly. Also, they stink.”
I laughed, “You just don’t like peanut butter.” She grumbled, “I don’t like dry ass cookies either. They taste like ash in your mouth.” I shrugged, “I didn’t like my first bite, but it grew on me.” She snorted, “You do not have cookies growing on you.”
I hugged her saying, “Never change, mom.” I felt her confusion, but she agreed, “I won’t.” She paused then added, “I’m here if you want to talk.” I whispered, “I know.” She kissed me and left me alone to my spiraling thoughts.
Flashback Ends
Micah cleared his throat and handed my computer over. He came around to my side and explained how it all worked. He said, “That back door goes into his computer. He won’t detect you there.” I asked, “And if I wanted to take a screenshot or put a file onto my own computer?” He snorted, “Just pull it onto your desktop, like this.” He showed me.
I stood, “Thanks, man.” I walked out then turned, “Have you met all my siblings? We are basically family.” He blushed, “Uhh no not all of them.” I said, “I can get them here if you tell me which ones.” He waved, “No, no, no, you’re busy. Everyone’s busy and my break is up. Thanks, I needed the distraction.”
I yelled, “You realize I know that you don’t have designated breaks times.” He called, “Later, Alexander.” I rolled my eyes. Oden said, “He’s definitely into Magnus.” Magnus was Max’s wolf. I said, “Well, Max’s middle name is Harper and that’s an amusing tie in to Micah.” He chuckled in agreement.
Uncle Gunner was Max’s dad, so he wasn’t actually related to us since Uncle Gunner was related to us by his marriage with Uncle Harper and Aunt Calista.
Oden urged, “Let’s get back so we can set everything up.” I agreed and opened a portal. I used a charm so no one could just come into my room. I conjured a forty-nine inch computer monitor and the cables to plug my computer into it.
I pulled up the link through Jason’s computer and displayed it. I growled the second she appeared on stage. Her outfit was stunning, and possessiveness flared through me. Oden snarled, “OURS!” The need to go to her was so high, but that promise I’d made kept me in my seat. Oden grumbled, “Stupid fucking promise.” It really was. I was so mesmerized by her dancing everything else faded away.
When she finished, I found myself clapping in my room on my feet. She was an amazing dancer, and I knew one day she’d be all mine. Oden grumbled, “Please hold onto that feeling.” It was true I waffled and grappled with self-doubt, but I touched the screen when she ran off. I whispered, “I’ll meet you one day, Melanie McAlister.” I meant it with my whole being.
Data Sets and Percentages
Melanie is Thirteen Years Old
Melanie jumped out of the car. My mom laughed, “You could wait for us to stop.” I would’ve teased her back, but she’d eaten the mom monster cookies out of a baggie in the car. She’d probably get mad and ground me, so I gave no reaction but a meek smile.
Tristan linked me, “What the heck was that?” I answered, “What? I didn’t say anything… no words… which is…” He cut me off, “Weird.” I huffed, “She ate the cookies on the way home.” He winced. My dad shot looks between us.
Chelsea cleared her throat, “Someone wants to talk to you, Ladybug.” I asked, “Who?” Elise answered, “Me.” Chelsea held up her phone and Elise was on FaceTime. I squealed, “ELISE!” She told me, “I’m engaged!” I was confused. I said, “Umm well of course you are because… like…. you’re marked and…” She laughed, “I’m so glad it’s logical to you that I’m now engaged. I want you to be a bridesmaid.”
I screamed, “YES!” Several people laughed. My mom chimed in, “She doesn’t have time.” My jaw dropped and tears filled my eyes. My dad winced, “Sam.” Mom groaned, “I hate having to be the bad guy, but she has several dance practices, a paper due, and a math competition to prep for.”
I quickly said, “I did the paper… like… weeks ago… and I’m ready for the competition… I always am and…” She cut me off, “You haven’t done all the prep.” But I had. I knew that Elise would be having her mating ceremony, and I wanted to make sure everything was done so I could go. I had no idea she’d ask me to be in the wedding.
Sam added, “Plus, I really don’t want her traveling that much during the school week for all the events Elise will have for the mating ceremony.” Elise said, “She doesn’t have to come to them all.” Mom argued, “That’s not fair to you to have someone that can’t do all that with you.” Elise replied, “I’m fine with it though. She’s basically my little sister.”
Mom sighed, “I’m sorry, but the answer is no.” I dropped my head and subtly wiped my tears. Tristan squeezed my shoulder. Jason said, “Hey, you won your competition.” I nodded, “Yup.” Elise angrily said, “Well, she’s coming to my mating ceremony. Correct?” My parents answered, “Of course.”
Elise didn’t let it go. She demanded, “Swear it to me.” Peter rubbed his face. My dad said, “I promise she’ll be there.” Elise prodded, “Sam?” Mom winced saying, “I promise she’ll be there. One day if you have a little girl, you’ll understand being the parent with the hard line sucks, but these men are all saps for their little girls.” That was true, but right now this was about the cookies. I knew it was.
I whispered, “Thanks for asking me, Elise.” She said, “You are my little sister. I’ll send everything we are doing. You’re invited to all of it.” My mom groaned. Elise ignored her, “Anything you can come to would be great. I love you, Ladybug.” I replied, “I love you too.” Chelsea walked away with the phone shooting my mom a confused look. It was going to set her off.
The cookies ALWAYS did this. She’d get defensive, more so than she would without them. I kept waiting for Ryan Bishop to come in with answers, but he hadn’t yet. He hadn’t even answered me so far. I felt bad for mom because it wasn’t really her fault. It was the cookies… which sounded insane, but I knew it was true.
I tagged Jason and yelled, “You’re it!” I took off running and everyone laughed. Jason shouted, “That’s not fair! You are FREAKY fast!” Dalton and Dakota ran off their deck and shifted.Dalton linked, “Hop on Caulder’s back.” I jumped on and he took off running. I giggled as he ran around and looked back.
Our parents were laughing now instead of staring awkwardly at each other. Tristan linked, “You know, it’s ok to let everyone call mom on that bullshit excuse.” I replied, “She’d just get mad.” He asked, “And?” He didn’t get it even though I’d explained it all a million times to them. Everyone thought I was wrong, but I wasn’t.
Apollo ran up next to Caulder. He whined and I knew he wanted me to ride on his back. I giggled and jumped over. Cooper ran and jumped on Caulder. Jet, Dakota’s wolf, whined because no one was riding him. Ajax, Jason’s wolf, huffed in annoyance. I teased, “But you’re it, Ajax.” He howled and began to try and tag everyone.
