I saw Xander start to make his way to me. We’d been separated by people wanting to talk to us. I stalled when I realized Robert’s dad, the one who raised him, was standing in front of me. Xander’s concern from my emotions jolted through me.
Robert’s dad smiled saying, “I won’t take up much of your time, Ladybug. I just wanted to apologize. Robert…” I held up my hand, “It wasn’t your fault.” His dad shrugged, “He’s my son. My wife won’t leave the house or she’d be here, but I know she wishes you well.”
I nodded admitting, “I’ve… I’ve been meaning to come talk to her. I’ll try to come out this week.” Robert’s dad smiled sadly, “If she’ll see anyone, it would be you.” I studied him and realized he knew. He’d always known Robert wasn’t his, probably.
I squeezed his hand assuring him, “You’re a good dad.” He sighed, “I’m not so sure about that these days.” I replied, “I am. You were put in a losing corner, and you still tried. People like Ezra are manipulative… and just horrible.”
“The Ring helped him get to Robert and you couldn’t have done anything about it. Robert knew what a real man looked like because he lived with you and had your love and chose not to be one… that’s not on you.” He smiled.
TheCha Cha Slidecame on and a bunch of people squealed. Paige linked me, “We got you your window. Get outta here and calm the minions in your brain. It’s a happy day.” I scanned the crowd and grimaced, because Hastein and Gabe were missing.
I quickly ducked outside because that had to be where they were. It just did. Kingsley was out here… so Hastein wanted to be out here. That was logical. Freya agreed, “It is.” I felt Xander’s curiosity hit me full force.
Gosh that was going to take some getting used to. I’d just been getting used to his intense emotions. This was every little thing… I felt. I searched the first spot I’d thought of. ThenI nearly slapped myself, “Duh, Melanie… look closer to the mountain.”
I made my way there and saw Gabe and Hastein talking. YES! As soon as I was three feet away, I could hear them. Hastein spoke first, “Congratulations, Melanie. You look beautiful.” Oh no. Were we doing pleasantry small talk? That was not my thing. Freya cackled in my head.
I waved my hand, “Thank you. Let’s cut the chase because I’m not sure how long I have… gosh it’s hard to get away as the bride. Normally, I can just slip away whenever I want no problem… today… everyone wants to talk to me. It’s… odd.”
Gabe snorted, “I’d get used to that if I were you.” I said, “Ummm… no. That’s no… I’m a background person… I’m awkward and annoying to talk to…so I can’t be in the forefront of life.” Hastein replied, “That’s not true at all. You are quite possibly one of the most interesting people that one could have a conversation with.” Umm ok.
I asked, “Could I speak to Hastein alone? Just for a moment.” Gabe smirked, “Sure.” He walked five feet away and I stuck my tongue out at him. Freya teased, “Mature.” Well, I’d been mature all day. It was getting to tax plus Gabe thought I didn’t know… that without Paige using her spell he’d hear us over there… but I was prepared for that.
I told Hastein, “I’ve been wanting to talk to you since this morning.” Hastein’s eyes flicked to Gabe. He asked me, “Why is my brother annoyed and confused?” I sighed, “You’re really cutting into my time frame here.” Hastein chuckled.
I answered, “He’s probably annoyed and confused because he can’t hear us. I had Paige do a Witch thing to three spots I thought you might come to, so we could talk in private.” Hastein raised an eyebrow asking, “And what do you want to talk to me about?” Was he serious right now?
Freya answered, “He is.” I was pretty certain he knew he just wanted me to say it. I said, “Oh, is that how we are playing this? I can counter that evasive answers deal, you know? I’ll just ask the question then. What do you want to find out by following me around? We obviously want to talk about the same thing. The woman I fought with when we saved Tenley and Blaise.”
Hastein asked, “Why do you think I want to know about her?” I groaned, “You’re killing me. Ok… I think she’s your mate. Before you ask how, I’ll tell you since you want to have a long chat. Because I asked Xander about the meeting.”
“Gabe reacted but you kept your eyes on the screen instead of looking to see what was going on with your brother. Which means while Gabe reacted… I think he did because he wasn’t expecting such intense emotions from you.”
“Then you were out on the balcony with Xander and me. I think you were trying to see if I’d mention her. Gabe asked about her, but he was looking at you when he did. Plus, I think she makes sense with you… and I always have… which you would know… if you’d… never mind.” Freya chuckled, “Good call on the never mind.”
I waved, “Plus, you could protect her better than anyone could.” Hastein stiffened questioning, “Why does she need protection?” I sighed, “That’s somewhat complicated and goes into what she is… but she’s perfectly capable of protecting herself.”
“I just think you and her together… make sense. She’d be a great Queen and she could be herself in your realm all the time. She could still come here, and she’s always felt like family to me. Not the close family Elise does… but family all the same.”
“Plus, this was this whole thing yesterday with a Demon Lord… you can make sure Rolfin doesn't bother her… or try to get retribution. It seems like his M.O. to be honest. He literallyhas shown no interest in taking accountability for his actions. He’d much rather blame other people.”
I waved saying, “I have alerts out now… but I think you’ll handle it all just fine. I’m right… aren’t I? You want to meet her because she’s yours…the probability is like ninety-nine percent at this point… and I really can’t be wrong again today. I’m not good at being wrong…so…let me be right.” Freya whispered, “Melanie.”
Hastein asked, “What were you wrong about?” I snorted, “Seriously? You hate answering questions, don’t you? Fine…It’s just that…. I thought my grandparents were here…and I was wrong. The odds and probabilities were I just missed them…but they were wrong…..rather my bias on them was wrong…which is why I always have a margin of error factored in.”
Hastein replied, “You’d mean your mom’s parents since I saw you with your dad’s.” I nodded, “Yup…they didn’t…come it’s fine.” Hastein said, “I believe it’s been mentioned you can’t lie, so maybe stop trying. It’s not fine. It’s damn disrespectful and those people better hope my family doesn’t notice they aren’t here. Alexander might just kill them for hurting you on today of all days. I’m sorry they are idiots because you don’t deserve to be disappointed in the way they have done so today.”
I hummed, “We were talking about you…you’re your mate…who you totally want.” Hastein studied me then answered, “You are right. I knew the moment your friend entered the screen that she was mine.”
I clapped, “I KNEW IT! I always knew it. You guys are going to be so cute.”
Hastein asked, “Are you going to tell me where she is? Or how to find her?” I said, “I was getting there Mr. Super impatient one day King.” I clapped a hand over my mouth. “Umm… I mean…” Hastein laughed interrupting me, “Just tell me where to find her.”
I explained, “She’s here.” He did a double take. Hastein surmised, “That’s why I’ve felt anxious all afternoon.” I answered, “Yes… I mean most likely… because she’s your mate and your body knew that. K didn’t want everyone to see her because she’s going to do a thing… for the Resistance.” He made a face.
I continued, “But I’m totally going to be your favorite out of all your cousin’s mates…because I not only brought her into your life…but I pointed out to her yesterday that you of all people would understand what she’s doing.”
“Because of all the missions you do and assign….and whatnot… plus you could still go see her because… you’re stealthy. So … OH if you could tell her I worked out her job… this morning… she’s all set to go. I got her a place too… but you could get her second place… or portal into the one I got… there are options…”
