That felt like something they should correct. Freya snorted, “They wouldn’t have wanted anyone to know that.” True… but I did… so maybe Aiden could add a charm to this book… or something. I left Haley to call Aiden and do whatever she was going to do to talk to Arion.
I ran back to my office just in time to meet my grandma. I hugged her, “Hi, Grandma Esther. What brings you here?” Grandma Esther smiled, “I had this set up before certain things happened, but then a story reached my ears. I figured I’d use this time to chat with you about it.”
I frowned asking, “About what?” Grandma Esther answered, “The Vampire known as Charles.” I groaned, “Not you too.” Grandma Esther laughed, “I simply want to point out a few things to you that no one else has, I’m sure.” I sighed, not wanting to discuss this.
The truth was when I was little Grandma Esther was always the one who understood my logic with my dad. Both couldmake valid points that I understood. I asked, “Ok, what about Charles?” Grandma Esther said, “I would like to say that of course you are allowed to have members of the opposite sex as friends.” I nodded glad that we agreed on that.
Xander linked me he was showing some friends around. I’d have gone with him, but my grandma was here. That exchange ended quickly and I focused back on my grandma who smiled knowingly at me. Grandma asked, “Was that your mate?” I smiled, “Yup. He’s showing some friends around.”
Grandma Esther sighed, “Well, someone else will have to explain to him.” I asked, “Explain what?” Grandma Esther said, “You’ll see. As of right now, we are discussing Charles. I’ve been told you’re upset with everyone's explanations of Alexander’s behavior.”
I told her, “Sierra said Charles was goading him, so I intend to talk to Charles about that. He shouldn’t have done that, but Xander didn’t have to let him get under his skin.” Grandma Esther smiled, “No, he didn’t. I’m going to explain it in a different way though.”
I nodded and let her have the floor to speak. Grandma Esther explained, “Charles spoke about you in a possessive way from what I’m told. This Vampire called you my dear, didn’t he?” I nodded, “Charles has always called me that.”
Grandma Esther smiled, “Yes, and while you knew who your mate was the whole time it was not official. Then, the first time your mate meets this man he’s being possessive referring to you as his something. You wouldn’t like that in reverse.” She was right.
I could admit that I hadn’t thought anything of it because that’s how Charles always talked to me. Calling me his anything was out of line now. I nodded, “That makes sense. Charles could call me dear but calling me my dear now is inappropriate.”
Grandma Esther smiled while Sierra rolled her eyes. Abigail snickered to herself. Sierra muttered, “Little did we know we just needed Grandma Esther and her rationale.” I frowned insisted, “She’s right though. None of you mentioned that… and Grandma used examples and specifics. That makes sense to me.” Sierra laughed, “Of course it does.”
Grandma Esther said, “You didn’t get to see Alpha’s around others. Peter is just as possessive of Chelsea when men flirt with her. Eric Conners, well that man is as possessive as the day is long. That’s who your mate had to look up to.”
“On top of the fact that your mate will be a little sensitive about you right now, Ladybug. Everything is heightened for your Alpha. He’s blaming himself for your circumstances and thinking over the moments he could’ve changed things.”
“To be honest, we all are. We will move past that in time, but right now it’s fresh in our minds. It was disrespectful of Charles to refer to you as his, particularly in your mate’s home and in your territory. Alexander has always had to deal with the stories of people being possessive of you.”
“The poor man was even afraid he was like those people and that we thought badly of him. Now, just because those things are absolutely untrue doesn't erase the years he felt that way. You’re the white wolf, and he’s your mate.”
“Your husband feels a fierce need to protect you. It’s in an Alpha’s blood. I’m inclined to say specifically the Conners boys blood. They are sensitive knowing what happened to their mother. Those boys take on the weight of the world, and you are Alexander’s world.”
I thought about it before saying, “I agree the possessive tone, and that Charles pushing Xander was wrong. I do understand the explanation you gave for why my mate was so upset. I still think it could’ve been handled differently.”
Grandma Esther laughed, “Of course it could’ve. You didn’t have to break that girls back when you came here.” I argued, “Oh yes, I did. Claire hurt Xander…. like she physically hurt him. I wasn’t doing more than winning a challenge until that point.”
I added, “A challenge that Claire issued; after saying she was going to be my mate’s chosen Luna. I had every right to kick her butt. Charles didn’t openly challenge Xander….” I trailed off and looked at Sierra. I asked, “Right?”
Sierra said, “No, he didn’t.” Abigail threw out, “That’s true.” Grandma Esther said, “That man challenged Alexander, just not in the same way you were challenged, Ladybug. He’s a Vampire and very crafty. Your mentor pushed Alexander to see the depth of his devotion to you.”
“Also, from what I was told there was a touch of jealousy there because you’ve never hidden your love for your mate from anyone. Vampires Charles’ age tend to be used to getting what they want. He wanted you but couldn’t have you. He goaded Alexander because he has you.”
I sighed, “I was already going to talk to Charles, but I do see your point. I still wish it were handled differently, but I do understand why it wasn’t.” Grandma Esther smiled and kissed my cheek before saying, “I knew you would. You always need for someone to tell you the logical points. Just like your dad always has.” She winked at Sierra who rolled her eyes.
Abigail chuckled, “To be fair, we know that. Other people insisted they knew how to handle it. We knew they were wrong. Sierra more than me, but there’s a whole lot going on with the group and we feel weird pointing out we might know better.”
Grandma Esther told them, “Don’t be scared to voice that. You are my grandpups friends. Of course you know her, and in a way we don’t. We will get to know our Ladybug all over again, and I understand Elise will struggle with that. That girl is used to knowing the most about Melanie. Just voice your thoughts andtake over where need be. You are Ladybug’s Gamma Female and Beta Female.”
Grandma Esther turned to me advising, “Kick her butt, Melanie.” I frowned, “Huh? Whose? I mean… I definitely can… whoever we are talking about.” Grandma Esther smiled, “You’ll know when you know. Just as Alpha’s have every right to defend their mate status, Luna’s do too. Any mated couple does, no matter their gender. The rules don’t change because of gender.”
I said, “I literally have no idea what you mean but I agree.” Grandma Esther warned, “There will be many who people along the way who will test your bond and your relationship, on both sides throughout the years. All couples go through this in our world. Strong women and men attract people in our world. Titles attract people in our world.”
I snorted, “The wrong kind of people.” Grandma Esther agreed, “Yes, and you and your mate have very strong titles. People will be rooting for you to fail and for his Hackura side to want an off period.” I frowned, “That’s not how off periods work. I would have to agree… and uhh, no.”
Freya snarled and it slipped out. Grandma Esther laughed, “Yes, to those paying attention to how the Hackura operate that is known. There are those who cling to hope and reject anything that makes those beliefs false.”
“You’ll need to communicate with your mate, he’s your partner and husband. It takes a lot of practice and time, but I know you. So, I know that you’ll get there. You’ve always excelled at everything you do.” My grandma hugged me and left.
I pulled out the books I’d taken. I copied the O’Toole family tree and sent it the Bjourn, Aiden, Haley, and Eric. They could send it to whoever else needed it. I started going through passages and making copies of what I felt was important.
