I told Amy exactly how it was. I noted that Tristan had in fact moved in closer during the conversation, with Jason and Addison. Everly was even on my other side mirroring Tristan. Focus, Melanie. Don’t focus on things that could make you cry.
I shoved everything Amy was doing in her face because she couldn't take her eyes off her selfish goals and herself. Even Eric’s blinders fell off. Granted, I had to loop Cassie in. I didn’t want Haley involved because she might be tempted to try and break her promise and that would hurt her…that was no good.
I couldn’t believe this woman didn’t know who Cassie was. Basic logic would tell you Cassie was Haley’s daughter. Which meant she was Eric’s. She’d known him for five years and didn’t even know what his kids looked like? That was just sad. Then again, this was the same woman who didn’t notice Eric never gave her permission to call him by his first name and not his title, so… she was just… dumb.
Sierra linked me, “Uhhh I find myself yet again asking how you knew that was Cassie? That’s twice now.” I replied, “I still don’t understand how you didn’t know that it was Cassie at the drug buy, and I don’t understand it now either. She LOOKS like Cassie, because she IS Cassie.”
Sierra snorted, “Again that girl looks nothing like Cassie.” I rolled my eyes. Sierra might be the first Werewolf who needs contacts. I noticed Paige and Dalton had moved closer and she was looking at me. Not in surprise, but like I confirmed something for her. What, I had no idea. Freya hummed, “Yes, she’s smart.” Huh? Whatever. Focusing.
I was NOT going to have Xander live the life Addison, Caine, Dax and Sierra lived in any way. Granted Xander’s dad wasn’t trash, but I was OVER the people who felt like they could do this. I could only give those people a slap of reality.
Eric was being held back by someone I couldn’t fully see. Truthfully, Eric would be more difficult than Haley in these situations, because if she promised… she’d have to follow it. He did not. As an Alpha, he ran a lot hotter about such things and he was not bound by a promise other than being a man of his word. Fairy’s had to abide a promise…Werewolves, not so much.
Freya said, “Thor said he will let us finish, but you’re going to lose that race to get Amy.” I snorted, “I said if she was allowed to leave alive, it would be a race.” Freya laughed in my head. Honestly, I had no doubt men flirted with Haley too.
I could not grasp that Amy didn’t realize if she’d achieved her goal… it would end their business arrangement. Freya hummed, “It’s broken now.” Well… fine. My point stood. I knew loose stories, but I also knew people that hurt Haley ended up dead before I left this area. After, I helped cover Eric’s tracks or helped him bury them…sometimes even with the human law enforcement.
It had to be common sense that people who hurt Haley died at the hands of Eric, but her family was right there too. I could not believe I had to tell this woman the ripple affects her quest to bed him would cause.
Ripples that were unacceptable to me. Haley had already shown me such kindness, and I would NOT stand for someone hurting Xander this way. Or my friends. Buttercup wasn’t a friend yet, but she was getting there.
Micah was my friend and so was Cayden. They were like brothers already and Elise was a sister. None of us should have to deal with this lady's selfishness with our mates. Then there were BOTH sides of Haley’s family.
Amy would suffer an agonizing death. Eric would have serious issues with both families… like so many problems. Just… seriously. How do people not see past themselves to see what their actions cause? It’s maddening. Freya agreed, “It is but they don’t because their own goddess is selfish.” It felt it hurt her to say that, but I agreed.
Eric ended their partnership and went straight to Haley. I kind of wished people who flirted with me were more like Amy. People who flirted with me were not even remotely subtle. Most just told me they wanted to have sex with me.
My mate and his siblings popped over to their parents. I stared longingly at my own family. Their eyes were practically begging me to come hug them. I just couldn’t. What was wrong with me? They were back, I should run to them.
Yet I was over here with my feet feeling like they were encased in cement. We just stared at each other sadly. Freya said, “You could try to get Amy to let you win the race.” True. Focusing on her was a good plan.
I heard my parents wondering how I knew Cassie was Cassie. I frowned. What was wrong with everyone? Cassie was obviously Cassie. I turned and saw Cayden smirking. The other Hackura present were all staring at me with a mix of surprise and confusion in their eyes.
Ok… awkward party of one, Melanie McAlister step on up. Why was I ALWAYS the one people were staring at? Couldn’t ANYONE else have a turn? Freya warned, “Move to your left.” I quickly jumped next to King Bjourn.
I gaped as Sierra threw two eggs and hit Amy square in the face. She linked me, “A Fairy Hackura Princess told me to. Who am I to ignore such things?” I started laughing. King Bjourn chuckled beside me too.
Haley popped next to Amy. She stated, “You’re so fucking dead, bitch. Eric is MINE!” I bit my lip as King Bjourn opened a portal. He cleared his throat addressing Haley, “Little one, maybe the Hackura realm is better suited for this.” Haley and Eric stepped through as Xander popped me away.
His lust was undeniable. I’d been a little worried he’d be upset with me. Freya linked, “So he’s definitely at the opposite side of the scale on that.” No kidding. He was driving me insane with his touches. He was being just the right amount of rough.
Apparently defending his parents and pack got his motor running. Freya snickered, “Given the number of speeches you give like this…. I’m on board with this being his reaction. You defended him too though. He’s why you got involved. You were just plotting to kill Amy when she left until he was hurt.” That was true.
I panicked when he mentioned taking off my dress, but he didn’t push me. He just accepted it. Xander drove me over the edge so many times I’d lost count. Freya was purring contentedly in my head. When he finally slid into me, we declared our love.
I was stunned when he shared his light with me again. A euphoric sense took over me. We lost ourselves in each other until we literally faded to sleep.
I woke up and looked at Xander. He looked so happy and peaceful. I smiled and lightly traced my fingers on his face before I got up. I looked at the clock, noting it was two in the morning. Look at me go… I’d gotten four hours of sleep. That was impressive.
I quickly threw on Xander’s hoodie and some leggings. I grabbed my phone and slipped out. I jogged to the other side of the lake and played music and started to dance. When I stopped Freya yawned, “Hey non sleeping weirdo, you’re surrounded.” I stiffened and whirled around.
Several wolves were around me, but I wasn’t worried since they had the Black Mountain pack scent. Which meant they would mean me no harm. One shifted back and I noted it was Xander’s cousin. Cory grabbed shorts and spoke, “Hi Muffin Luna Melanie. I’m Cory Henderson.” I knew that.
Freya cackled, “We need to start freaking people out by saying that.” Something in his expression told me he noticed that I knew him. So I said, “I know. You’re Xander’s cousin. Well, one of them… he has a LOT. You’re Male Lead Warrior Liam and Duchess Bexley’s son….one of them anyway.”
Cory laughed, “Yes, I am. You’re up early. We were patrolling and heard the music. You are a beautiful dancer.” I replied, “Thanks. How long is your patrol?” Cory answered, “We get off around six in the morning.”
I nodded, “I’m going to make my chocolate muffins later, so be sure to be in the pack house. I’ll drop some off.” The other wolves yipped in delight. Cory laughed, “I’ll be sure to be there. I’ve heard a lot about these muffins.”
