I woke up with a start. Xander grabbed me and studied me. My mate asked, “Are you alright? Not that I’m not happy you actually slept eight hours, but….” My jaw dropped and I interrupted him, “I slept eight hours?!” Xander nodded.
I snorted, “Does it count as sleeping if I was talking to someone?” Freya snickered, “That sounded weird.” Xander frowned, “Who were you talking to?” I shrugged, “Your Fairy uncles.” Xander gasped, “You can be pulled to the Beyond?”
I shook my head, “No, well… maybe if Arion did it… I don’t know… I am mated to a Fairy… and you’ve shared your light with me… twice… so… maybe Arion could do that… plus Freya’s a goddess… there is a plausible way that could happen but no… Arion came into my dream.”
Xander snorted, “I think he’s done that to my dad. What did my uncle want?” I answered, “To talk… which I already said… so you want to know the topic… it was about the O’Toole’s… because of the whole New Year’s Ever party…thing.” Xander nodded.
My mate asked, “How did you know who that Fairy was?” I answered, “Gerdishek’s family killed Charles’ mate when she was a young Vampire.” Xander’s jaw dropped before he asked, “What? Why?” I answered, “They are jealous jerks.”
Xander blinked. Freya told me, “He wants to understand more of what that means.” I explained, “The O’Toole’s wanted her, but she wanted Charles. They were jealous and didn’t understand why a human would choose a Vampire over a Fairy.”
Xander frowned saying, “Surely, they didn't actually question that. Their family was brutal and cruel. Humans can even be leery of people like that. Vampires have their rules and how they treat pets, but it’s consensual with any that have character.”
“To be their mate and bonded is an honor, and that person is always treated well. Fairies did not have that reputation with their mates because of the O’Toole family. It’s quite literally insane to believe she’d pick them over her fated mate.”
I shrugged, “I mean… they are crazy… with their impossible theories… and doing everything the wrong way. I mean… they knew your uncles and mom were the promised siblings. They had light itself… if they’d been nice to her… things might have been different.”
I waved, “The point is Charles’s mate hurt their pride, and they waited to get back at her for it. When they did, they tortured and killed her. Charles felt weak for being unable to save her. He swore to have vengeance and pulled away from his positions.”
Xander asked, “Do you think he will get a second chance mate?” I admitted, “I hope he does. He deserves to be happy… and he’s been alone so long… he needs someone… and I do think there’s someone who he’d be cute with.” Xander sighed, “I hope he does too, and I will personally help you set him up with whoever you think he’d be cute with.” I laughed and kissed his lips.
I meant for it to be a quick kiss, but our lust quickly built into more. My husband was inside me before I could process it. This would never get old. After we’d both come Xander took me outside and snapped us breakfast.
I told him, “It’s beautiful here.” My mate agreed, “It is.” I looked at his profile as he studied the scenery. It still felt surreal I was here with my Xander. Everyone knew he was officially my mate. I longed for him all these years… for us to be like this. I bit my lip.
Freya urged, “Tell him. Mate will understand.” I took a deep breath then blurted out, “I have to kill Slade Carter… I don’t mean I want to either. I mean I have to… it’s vitally important to me.” I’d even made that deal with Anastasia and her brother.
Flashback
Melanie stood with Anastasia. I asked, “Are you sure… that your brother wants to meet me? I mean… he’s late… and that’s…” Anastasia interrupted, “All my siblings want to meet you.” That was weird. Anastasia laughed, “No, it’s not.” UGH! Curse not talking out loud.
A man emerged from the shadows ten miles out. I grabbed Anastasia and hid. I dropped the rock saying, “That didn’t look like your brother.” Anastasia looked worried, “It’s not him. It’s one of the handlers.” Ok, I knew was her brother was late, then. He was losing that guy…honestly these people thought they could get around the man who should be Crown Prince of the Hunters…. Dimitri should be insulted.
I told her, “You go east, I’ll go west… we can meet in the middle and take him out… Dimitri is probably taking out more of them… because… if they only sent one person… that’s insulting.” Anastasia smirked and we moved.
My path was faster, but that was intentional. I was also much faster than Anastasia. I climbed a tree and moved through them with ease. I landed in front of the Hunter greeting, “?????? ?????. ??? ????-?????? (Good evening. Looking for someone)?”
The man scoffed, “You may know our language, but I know you are American.” I replied, “You got me. Can I help you with something?” He replied, “Leave, little girl.” I hummed, “I can’t do that.” Anastasia chuckled and he turned.
I hit him, took him to the ground, and put him a chokehold. Anastasia knelt down, “Where is my brother?” The man lied,“Dead.” I snorted, “I’m pretty sure I hear him coming… so… he’s definitely not dead… I mean the gait matches… from what I’ve listened to… so.”
Anastasia smirked at me. A man emerged from the forest; this time it was the one we had been waiting for. Dimitri’s relief was all over his face when he spotted Anastasia. Dimitri announced, “I had to kill five guys that followed me. This one was looking for you, little sister.”
I let the guy I had go… knowing my brother… well… once upon a time… would’ve wanted to handle the guy if he’d tried to hurt me… they used to handle threats against me. Dimitri grabbed the guy and hit him so hard I heard the crack. It matched the feeling my heart made thinking Jason would never do this for me again.
Dimitri then snapped the guy’s neck. The Crown Prince of the Hunters turned to me saying, “So, you are the woman in black.” I replied, “I mean… there are a lot of women who wear black… so… I wouldn’t call me that really.”
Dimitri chuckled, “You have given Anastasia more protection and purpose in her fight.” He held his hand out and shook mine before he pulled me in close. He whispered, “?? ???????? ??? ?????? ???? (Do not get my sister hurt).”
I agreed, “That’s not the plan… I don’t let people get hurt… so… I plan to keep her safe… logically you know she’s safer working with me than without… since you said that yourself.” Dimitri let my hand go and backed up.
Dimitri said, “You want me to assume my rightful place as King. It’s been a goal of my family, but no one accomplishes it.” I replied, “I mean… not to brag… but you didn’t have my help… now you do… and I know you’re the good guys. I just need one thing.”
Dimitri cautiously asked, “What’s that?” I admitted, “I need to kill Slade Carter… and don’t say you have more a reason towant him dead. I know that you have your reasons… but he killed my family… he ruined my entire life… he took my pack, home, and identity from me… I have to get justice and kill him.”
Dimitri questioned, “That’s all you want?” I replied, “I mean… it’s a lot.” Dimitri asked, “To help restore our family to power after centuries of being shoved into a corner? It’s not, really. You have a deal.” He held his hand out and we shook.
Flashback Ends
