I replied, “That makes no sense. She knew I was ok.” Uncle Gunner gazed at me, “Not unlike your mother, Cassie is a bit of a worrier at times. Your mother is good at hiding it, but she’s been worried about you for years. She’s wanted you to tell her what’s going on but has respected that you haven’t.”
Guilt hit me because I should’ve told my mom. I told him, “I honestly don’t know why I haven’t told mom. It’s like I have some block about it.” Uncle Gunner nodded, “So it was about Melanie. This whole time it’s because you wanted her.”
I admitted, “Not just that, I thought...” I trailed off, “It’s silly.” Uncle Gunner frowned then disagreed, “Nothing you feel is silly, Alexander. It could be wrong, but your feelings are your feelings.” I sighed, “People, boys and men, have been possessive of Melanie in the past.”
Uncle Gunner asked, “And?” I explained, “I was worried her family realized I liked her and knew I was different. They could protect her from those guys, but I would be protected by two realms if I wanted her.”
Uncle Gunner’s jaw ticked, “They better not think that about you. Your mother won’t even be the biggest of their problems if they do. The McAlister’s will contend with us.” I snorted, “Uncle Bjourn said the same.”
Uncle Gunner replied, “He’s right. I’ll let you get some sleep.” I winked, “See you later then.” He smiled saying, “Later kid. I’ll see what I can get on this shell corporation.” I asked, “Do you have the name of the corporation?”
Uncle Gunner nodded, “I’ll get you all the details. You focus on your mission then we'll talk about this.” I agreed, “Sounds good. Be careful.” He instantly questioned, “Why?” I answered, “I think these people are far smarter than we thought. Possibly very...” I trailed off then admitted, “Well we know they are well connected. I think it could be more than we originally thought.”
Uncle Gunner said, “I’m always careful, but I will take extra precautions.” I walked over and gave him a hug. I whispered, “Thanks.” He replied, “You are my nephew, and I love you. Any family would be lucky to have you mated to their daughter. You are a good man.” With that he opened a portal and left.
I barely made it to the bed before I passed out. I woke up in a meadow and looked around, confused. I heard a soft voice, “Hello, my child.” I turned and bowed my head greeting, “Selene.” She smiled, “You look so much like your dad.” I replied, “I know.”
Azoney popped into the meadow and added, “With the heart of his mother.” My jaw flexed, “I would appreciate it if you did not speak of my mother, Azoney.” Azoney sighed, “You all are so upset with me.” I agreed, “Yes, we are.” I wasn’t going to evade for her sake. She should’ve helped my mother. That’s really all there was to it.
Azoney sighed and sat down in a dramatic huff. She told Selene, “I have to appear for our next visit first. She will not be upset with me.” I heard a chuckle before a man said, “Not only are you wrong, but you are comically so.” I smiled greeting, “Aesir.” He opened his arms, and I moved in for a hug.
Selene laughed asking, “Do I get a hug?” I admitted, “I’m not sure. Why does my mate not want to tell me her real name? Why didn’t Melanie have a wolf? Why did we all go down on her birthday?” Aesir sighed, “I do love saying I told you so, and I think this will be the first of many today.”
Selene frowned saying, “It should not have happened. Anger clouds hurt for those that…” She trailed off then waved dismissively, “There’s just so much anger.” That wasn’t even kind of a complete explanation or thought. I raised an eyebrow.
Azoney snorted, “He’s the picture of his father right now.” I shot back, “Thank you.” I would never take it as an insult that I had characteristics of my dad. Selene frowned. I asked, “Why didn’t you stop whatever happened to Melanie?”
Selene answered, “I could not.” I laughed humorlessly, “Yes, you could’ve. To put it bluntly, you’re a goddess. Do not insult my intelligence by lying to me. Azoney could tell you exactly how Fairies feel about that.” They all glanced at each other.
I questioned, “Who is keeping my mate from me? Who did this to her?” Selene slowly replied, “It’s more than one person.” Aesir snorted, “The correct question to ask, Alexander, is when did it start.” I replied automatically, “Almost seven years ago.”
Aesir tilted his head questioning, “Is that so?” I frowned. I whirled around asking, “Are you saying this has been in play since Melanie and I were pups?” Selene chided, “Aesir.” Aesir snorted, “I did not know my child was targeted directly at the time. I would not have allowed that. You let him hurt.”
I asked, “Wait. Are you saying this wasn’t the McAlister’s being overprotective? Is that what you’re saying?” No one spoke. I thought through everything. Fury laced in my veins. My eyes blazed as I pieced it together.
I snarled, “The accident Melanie and Sam were in the night of Elise and EJ’s mating ceremony. It was a hit and run but the driver was never found. That was people keeping us apart? Is that what you are saying?” Selene said nothing.
Aesir answered, “Yes, it was.” Selene shouted, “Aesir!” Aesir snorted, “You may keep your secrets from your children Selene, but I don’t. I understand you do because they make you look bad and incompetent. I do not have such problems. This was not my fault.”
I frowned commenting, “You let Melanie get hurt, Selene? As a pup? Then let her wolf be taken from her? Why would you let her suffer this way? Why has she been alone?” Selene finally smiled, “She is not alone. Many already follow her actually. More than you can imagine.”
I argued, “She was away from everyone she’s ever known.” Selene sighed, “Not exactly. She was around.” Aesir snorted, “Since they will speak in riddles, my son. Let me speak plainly.” Azoney gasped. Selene warned, “Don’t you dare!” Really? They were going to take that tone with a Hackura?
Aesir’s voice boomed, “DO NO DARE TELL ME WHAT I DARE TO DO, WOMAN!” Selene shrank back from his tone. He turned to me, “Many horrible things have happened that were never meant to. You have theories that are both right and wrong.”
“Your mate is quite special and she will need you as she always has. Things that you did not imagine will happen now that you have found her and you will bring her home. Unexpected things, that will be hard. Remember how you were raised. Your mate is what’s important. She will need you so much.” I replied, “She has me.” Aesir smiled saying, “I know that.”
My alarm beeped before I could get more answers. I woke up and frowned. I looked at the time and jumped in the shower. I checked my phone, disappointed that Melanie hadn’t texted me. No one else had either, though.
I went out to meet a Demon for drinks. I spotted him right away yet couldn’t stop myself from checking my phone. Something was nagging me. I just needed to hear from Melanie. Eventually the guy I was meeting laughed, “What’s her name?” I snorted, “That depends on who you ask.”
The Demon smiled, “A mysterious girl. Those are the ones that get under your skin.” I agreed, “Do you have your own?” The Demon nodded, “I do. My mate is a wonderful woman.” I smiled honestly saying, “I’m glad for you.”
We talked a little more about the women in our lives. Eventually he invited me to the group meeting tomorrow. When we parted ways, I was completely anxious. I didn’t understand what was wrong with me.
My Uncle Marcus called, “Alexander, how did everything go?” I told him, “It was fine.” He asked, “Then why do you feel so anxious?” I sighed, “I haven’t heard from someone and I’m worried.” Uncle Marcus snorted, “Got it. You could call said someone.” I groaned, “I’m probably being paranoid.”
We talked a little longer than hung up. I couldn’t sleep so I paced the floors. I called Phil. He answered, “You have reached Phil. Or have you? He’s on the down low, jumping at every shadow and staying faded into the background.”
