Uncle Aiden popped down beside her. Mom took his hand and raised them aloft as she yelled, “Megroup. Megroup, addto megroup defeat the O’Toole’s simy ancestors. Megroup ended cruel reign ina terror, addto group to Faerie. Orto Faerie! (We will stand together. We will fight together, and we will defeat the O’Toole’s just as our ancestors did before us. We ended their cruel reign of terror, and they will NEVER return to Faerie again. FOR FAERIE!)”
Everyone went wild and cheered, “Long live Princess Haley and King Aiden! Faerie Forever!” They just kept repeating it. Uncle Aiden raised his other hand in the air. Aiylee popped beside me announcing, “We are joining them because we are the promised family.”
I nodded to her and grabbed Melanie. I popped to my mom, realizing Melanie had grabbed my dad too. I kissed the top of my mate’s head. Melanie smiled at me as the rest of our family joined us. Dad wrapped his arms around my mom possessively, which made the cheering grow even louder. Melanie felt sad in our connection.
I linked her asking, “What’s wrong?” Melanie sighed, “I just find it sad how one family prejudiced so many people. They might think they have a path of success, but they know most lead to their doom. Yet they still raised their children to hate.”
“Even the ones who are just loosely associated with the Ring. They could’ve gotten out and lived lives away from it all in peace, but they chose to continue corrupting the minds of children and planting hate there. I worry they used some for experiments because they didn’t have access to stronger people.” Damn. That would be cold, even for them.
I hugged Melanie tight to me and kissed her forehead. I told her, “People have choices. It is sad that they were brought up that way. As much as it pains me, Bradford is an example. He got a reality check and he changed. Now he’s thriving. Gerdishek didn’t have a chance. I don’t think Charles would’ve let him live.” Melanie acknowledged, “No, he wouldn’t.” I could tell she felt conflicted by that.
Eventually the crowd dissipated to keep partying. Our family went to the main hall in Faerie. Aunt Lucinda snapped food for everyone. Grandpa Titus said, “Before we eat we need to talk, Princess.” Mom said, “Only if you want to. I am not upset, and I even know why no one told me.” Everyone looked around.
Mom continued, “Megan had to be involved. Aiden cannot lie so he saw a body turn to dust. Megan was pregnant at the time and would’ve wanted justice for Arion. At least I fucking hope she got some closure there. She deserved it.”
“Megan earned the right to strike back at those that corrupted Arion. I’ve thought a lot about it lately, and I think I found out at the perfect fucking time. I’d have felt bad that Alania suffered back then. Now, I don’t fucking care.”
“That bitch let Fabian run amuck and tried to help kidnap my baby. She didn’t suffer enough no matter how fucking long it was. I don’t care what you did to Alania. I’ll just say thank you. Thank you for doing what I never could’ve fucking done.”
“That vile woman defuckingserved every second of it. I would’ve tried to end her suffering sooner, and she shouldn’t have been spared a moment. So, thank you to each of you whoplayed a part. I’m not upset it wasn’t ever mentioned, and I love that you knew me well enough to say nothing.”
Mom squeezed Uncle Aiden’s hand. My Fairy Uncle said, “I agree with you, sister.” Mom laughed, “I know. Or I would’ve known long ago Alania didn’t die because her life force was tied. Do you all have any fucking idea how many times I’ve asked Katie to find a way to bring that bitch back to life?”
I had no idea she’d asked my aunt that. Mom added, “Because I can go to the Beyond and kick Alania’s ass, and I have. Annoyingly she can’t die there, and I’d like to kill her repeatedly. Over and over. I’m glad she didn’t get out of this unscathed for her actions.”
Everyone seemed to take a beat at her words, but mom had a point. Dad kissed her and wrapped his arms around her. Uncle Aiden smirked, “It seems for once, your Hackura family is the one who underestimated you and not me. This feeling is so strange.”
Mom busted up laughing which made everyone else laugh as well. We sat down and ate as one big, blended family. I knew my Hackura uncles had come a long way with my Uncle Aiden. I knew there was a time they didn’t like him at all.
Now here we all were. Because of one extraordinary and amazing woman; my mother. I couldn't help but be proud of her. After we finished dinner, I talked over some things with EJ. I saw Melanie was with the girls.
EJ asked, “So the honeymoon is going well.” I answered, “Yes, it is. Melanie told me she wants Slade. That she’s going to go after him if she gets the chance. She gets visions with her powers, but not a lot of details. My mate thinks she walks into a trap to get him.”
EJ winced, “Maybe we can work around that.” I told him, “Mel’s supposed to work out the details with me. She’s not going to walk into a trap if I don’t know.” EJ nodded, “To play devil’sadvocate, if one of her people is in danger she might just leave you a message or shoot a text that she’s walking into danger.”
I shrugged, “We do that sometimes as well, brother. Sometimes it’s a link. My wife is a leader as we are. I can’t ask her not to be, even if I really hate it.” EJ nodded, “Changing topics, Cheyenne and Lomax are coming for a visit when you return.”
I smiled, “That’s good. It will be nice to see them.” EJ snorted, “Lomax maybe.” I frowned asking, “Since when don’t you like Chey?” Cheyenne was a friend and so was her brother Lomax. EJ snorted, “I have it on good authority I will not be your problem with Cheyenne, unless you forgot about that argument you had with your mate.”
I followed his eyes to Melanie. I frowned, “I think they will get along; they are both Warriors. Mel’s emotions were heightened due to her heat about to start when that discussion happened.” EJ said, “Yeah, sure. That’s it. Good luck with that, little brother.” I shrugged, “I’m sure it will be fine.”
EJ said, “Maybe mention that Chey’s coming.” I admitted, “I have other plans brother that don’t involve discussing my female friends.” EJ shrugged, “I see this ending poorly for you.” I raised an eyebrow, “Does Elise know Chey and Lomax are coming?”
EJ replied, “Yes, and dear god don’t call her by a nickname when you get home.” I rolled my eyes at him. I shrugged, “It’s a non-issue then because your wife will tell mine that CheyENNE is coming.” I emphasized the last part of her name.
EJ sighed, “This is all going to go to hell in a handbasket. I’ll try not to say I told you so when it does.” I laughed, “When I’m right, I’ll also try not to say it.” Oden said, “I’m conflicted on whether to be confident about this or not. Mate’s emotions were heightened.” I knew that.
EJ asked, “You do realize I’m acting on information from my mate, who is like a sister to yours.” I nodded, “Yes, but I’m positive this came up before Melanie went into her heat.My mate wasn’t fully in control of her actions, nor thinking completely rationally. She wolves tend to be a bit more aggressive right before their heat.”
EJ said, “While that is true, I think you’d better stick to calling your friend by her birth name of Cheyenne. Let’s just hope she leaves our territory without needing plastic surgery of some kind to her face.” I laughed, “You are being dramatic, big brother.” EJ sighed, “I really hope that’s the case. I doubt it, but I hope so.”
I popped Melanie and I away from the family. We spent the rest of our honeymoon spending quality time with each other. I understood why my dad always made this a priority with my mom. It was easy to lose yourself in the demands of the job we all had and who we were. Mates take priority though.
I knew our relationship would require work. We were still getting to know each other, despite knowing so much about each other. We needed to figure out how we worked together and maintain the balance. I barely managed to snap all the dresses my mom had Melanie wear off before I attacked her when we came home. I was seriously thinking my mom wanted to start a riot in Faerie.
On our last day, I took Melanie to the library. I ended up leaving her there to go find my Uncle Aiden while she looked around. My Uncle smiled asking, “Was your mate already successful?” I shrugged, “She seemed to have specific spots she was searching out.”
Uncle Aiden admitted, “I’m hoping she can find some answers I have not.” I asked, “How would that be possible?” Uncle Aiden shrugged, “I’m not sure but your mother, you kids, and your mates have a way of making the impossible happen. I actually spotted her before you found me. I told her she could take the books home with her if she liked since I know where they’d be.”
