I tried not to smile, but that was just like them. Warmth filled me because my brothers really hadn’t changed. Well… I’d only thought Jason had… but that wasn’t the point. Elise and I left the bathroom and rejoined our mates.
EJ was checking on Elise already, and I couldn't help but smile. They hadn’t changed either, I found that heartwarming. Their love had grown. I really wished I’d been around to see it in person, but I was glad to see that they still had that spark.
EJ asked questions I didn’t answer. I linked Freya, “I mean…I can’t talk to him about having pups…that was weird. Right? It was weird.” Freya snorted in my head. Hastein teased me about rambling before Xander kissed me. They were going to come up with a hand signal because they got tired of saying it.
Do I actually care though? I’d know what it was…. because… I was in their system. Freya chuckled, “We don’t care one damn bit. Mate can kiss us anytime. In fact, you should ramble more so they come up with the code faster, so mate is just constantly kissing us. Do it for me.” I bit my lip trying not to laugh.
Elise turned out to be right about Xander wanting to keep our honeymoon. Freya offered, “Rhea said the same and she does have a point. You literally gave her the advice about not putting her life on hold.” Ok …I could admit… they both had a point.
The siblings all popped out to a hill where Olivia and Maverick were waiting. My friend ran over to me and linked, “Are you alright? Mav kept me up to date, and I’m concerned. I heard a distinct lack of words came out of you. So, I know you didn't say much.”
I told her, “We have a lot to theorize and discuss when I get home… or… the Witches will work on it… there are options.” Olivia nodded. I asked, “Are you doing ok here?” Olivia nodded, “Yeah. I did come across a girl whose presence made me feel extremely comfortable. Her eyes widened when she saw me. So, I linked Mav to get us out of there.”
I said, “Haley won’t let your family approach you if you don’t want them to.” Olivia said, “Mav said she’s the Duchess of the Earth Territory.” I told her, “That doesn’t surprise me… since… I did know you were Earth Royalty… because… I monitor Haley’s communications… but I’m not shocked you’re royal.”
Olivia snorted, “I am.” I squeezed her arm because I did understand it was surreal to find out you weren’t what you thought. We toasted the new year as a group. I looked around, vowing to myself I would protect us all.
I would figure this out, and we’d face it together. I could and would do that for this group. We were family. A unit, and by God we were going to stay that way. Angela linked me, “You’ll find answers. I can’t tell if we’ll be able to see what you do but eventually we will. We all protect each other, Melanie. That doesn’t just fall on you.”
I answered, “I’m in the best position to do so given I have my mask.” Angela agreed, “Yes, I see that you will do that; however, just remember we all have our strengths. Before you rush off into a fight, remember we will all be there for you. Even if it’s as backup.” That made sense so I nodded to her.
Angela admitted, “I really want that book, because I hate that Alania is still winning. She told them how to mess up my visions and the answers to be better are hiding from me.” I told her, “You’re already better than Alania. That’s why she’s messing with your visions.”
Angela asked, “What do you mean?” I explained, “It’s not just that you are more powerful than she is, it’s that you’re abetter person. From the pictures I’ve seen…. you’re prettier too. She would’ve hated all of that. She’s a manipulative and selfish person, but her motivations don’t just come from you being powerful. You’re better than her and you always have been. In every way that matters.” Angela smiled at me.
I tried to explain about the book to my mate, but I had no idea what it was or how I was supposed to find it. I hoped that I didn’t disappoint Angela. Xander popped us away. The house he took me to was immaculate.
I linked Freya, “Did… did our mate actually tell us to run? Freya answered, “Yes,” I asked, “Like run? What in the world?” Freya said, “No time for questions. We are running.” My wolf propelled me forward, but she stayed in the house.
I pointed out, “There are more places to run outside.” Freya chuckled, “That’s not the point of running.” Well… I suppose that was fine, this place was massive. Xander told me he was now going to chase me.
I was already six floors away. Was he going to pop? Or run? Freya purred, “Who cares?” I don’t know… but I knew I didn’t actually care… I was merely curious. I was running as quietly as possible. I figured out Xander wasn’t going to pop, but I could hear him.
Which meant he could hear me too, I was just faster than him. I ran into a room to hide and gaped. It looked like the walls had fire in them. It wasn’t overly warm though. Gosh… charms were so cool. I heard Xander growl and squealed.
I barely dodged him, which made me laugh as I took off for the door. My mate’s eyes were flickering back and forth. I threw him a wink and ran back out the door with my husband right behind me. My blood was pumping from the thrill of the chase.
I quickly ran for the stairs. I jumped onto the railing because it was speculated that the railings in Faerie’s homes werecharmed to make you go fast. Xander’s eyes widened while I squealed happily when I was practically launched downwards.
So, the rumors were true. The only problem was it took me all the way to the basement. I couldn’t help but laugh. I’m sure Fairies could pop on and off at will. I looked around, noting there was an impressive gym down here.
I took back off to the other side of the stairs then stopped knowing Xander would anticipate that. I turned and ran back up the stairs I’d come down. Seconds later I heard a growl and smiled. My mate would’ve caught me on the other set of stairs. I took off for a room because I wanted to hide quickly.
I entered it and all of a sudden it changed. I stared in surprise at the room. The scenery was a volcano and now what I could see was the night sky in a forest, with a stream. It was beautiful. I was distracted until I felt arms around me.
I giggled, knowing I was caught. Freya purred in my head. Xander teased, “Your soul longs to make love outside.” I flushed asking, “What?” Xander kissed my neck and that had me shivering against him. Xander explained, “This room changes to the desires of those that first enter. You like being outside and making love.”
I flushed brighter even though that was true, I did like that. Who could blame me…? Really… when you thought about it… I was a wolf after all. Freya agreed, “That you are. Never care about anyone who would blame you. They’re dumb.”
Xander kissed down my body. My mate’s hand found my zipper, and he slowly began to peel me out of the dress. It fell down to my feet after he slipped the straps off my shoulders. I whispered, “Xander.” He turned me around and his lips gently pressed against mine.
I untucked his shirt and started to unbutton it. Why did this dang shirt have so many buttons? I got frustrated and just pulled at the material. My mate chuckled as the rest of his buttons cameoff. I muttered, “It would be easier if you just snapped it off. It’s not like a t-shirt or something. Why are there so many buttons?”
“I had a zipper, that was it… no other clothes. You have a dress shirt… an undershirt… a belt… another button... a zipper AND underwear… sock and nice shoes if we want to be detailed…. I just don’t understand why women have so much less clothing to get off. I should start wearing dancing tights again… then it would be somewhat fair.”
Xander nibbled on my neck. Then my husband hummed against my skin, “You still have shoes on, but I’d love to rip those dancer rights off you.” I snorted, “Shoes aren’t the same… since they don’t affect you.”
Xander gently laid me on the grass… THE GRASS? We were in a house… how was there grass? It was official… this place…. was cool. Xander growled, “Those shoes do things to me, Lovebug.” I flushed as his hand traced down my thigh to my calf. My mate hooked my leg around him and snapped himself naked.
