Hastein offered, “She’s right. We’d have noticed that well before it reached six years. Unless of course there was some weird cookie or Vampire compulsion involved.” Everyone seemed to agree. My brothers were still upset and hung up on the word stripper.
Dad didn’t seem too thrilled either. Meanwhile my mom seemed like she was somewhere between not liking it and beingproud. While also finding a dash of humor in the situation. Eventually, the group broke up, and we went on about our day.
Xander was a little overprotective in the following days. Our talk about me not fighting was intense. KJ, Chason and Fowler were not as far back as usual. They were within a step of me at all times. It was driving me somewhat crazy.
I could acknowledge that I did understand because Xander saw me get stabbed. I knew it was rough seeing someone you love get hurt, so I dealt with the increased security around me. The Ring had been quiet.
That usually meant they were plotting something big, but we’d finally had some peaceful weeks. I started working with TJ on being able to feel emotions but not choke on them. I felt it was solid progress. Haley worked with me on my electric and healing powers. My healing abilities were nothing like hers really…. Or Xander’s They were only in specific instances and situations.
The rest of January went by without incident. I was leery at the beginning of February, but we’d made it to almost the end. I was beginning to think the next thing that would blow up was Eric at the Summit tomorrow.
I had several more sessions with Haley. I was actually nervous for my next request. I wanted to have a group session. I had a list of those I wanted there and just needed to give it to Haley. I could talk to all the people on the list myself, but I was being cowardly, giving it to Haley to do.
Everyone on the list would all probably say yes if I asked. Freya linked, “They would say yes.” My wolf was probably right I was just nervous. This felt like a big step. I was doing better with everyone. There was just this cloud hanging over us, and I wanted it gone.
I found Haley snapping her bags packed in her and Eric’s room. My mother in law smiled at me asking, “Do you want meto snap your clothes packed? I know Alexander could, but he doesn’t know all the things women need on trips.
I considered it then agreed “You know what? Yes. Please do snap my clothes packed.” Haley winked, snapped her fingers, then led me over to the couch in their room. My mother in law asked, “What brings you here?” I handed her a piece of paper.
Freya chuckled, “Words would be good.” I was getting there! Freya laughed. I told Haley, “I want to have a group therapy session with you and everyone on that list. I was hoping you could set it up.” Haley nodded and looked through the list.
My mother in law commented, “That’s a lot of people, but I will set this up. You know they would agree if you asked.” I shrugged and Haley squeezed my hand. After a moment she asked, “Why is Eric on this list? Not that I mind one bit. I’m just curious.” I bit my lip.
I answered, “Several reasons… actually. The main one is for you and Xander. It’s easier for Eric to be there and support both of you if he knows what’s going on. Xander is dealing with everything, kind of. I just know Eric can help him the best. I also know my past…. brings up your own.”
Haley interrupted, “I don’t factor in your journey.” I shrugged, “To me, you do.” Haley sighed, “I have been meaning to talk to you. I didn’t mean to tell him, but Eric knows what your back said. I had a flashback and talked in my sleep. I am so sorry.”
I gave her a hug before saying, “Honestly, I thought he knew anyway… because well… mates and everything. Chelsea always said mates don’t count. Her and my mom would laugh about that.” Haley said, “It’s different when it’s patient confidentiality.”
I pointed out, “My back wasn’t patient confidentiality. I asked my mother in law and mate to heal my back. It wasn’t privileged information in my opinion…. and it’s ok.” Haley hugged metightly affirming, “I’ll get this group together after the Summit. Does Alexander know about this?”
I nodded, “He does, he also said everyone would also agree.” Haley smiled, “My son can be so smart sometimes.” I shrugged, “It’s not like I’m inviting the Haskins… they’d definitely say no.” Haley’s eyes blazed. Eric came into the room, “Angel I…” My father in law trailed off when he spotted me. He greeted, “Well, Hello Melanie.”
I smiled, “Hi Eric. I’ll just go. Thanks for snapping my suitcase packed Haley… and uhh, the other thing.” I linked her, “Also a warning… Eric might get… like, really mad at the Summit. Like use a Fairy power mad. Well… that’s just a projection… I didn’t get the full details… I should’ve… but Eric has one, right?”
Haley answered, “He has two. Why would he be mad?” Wow. Two… they kept that under wraps. I knew about one. That was smart. I answered, “Dylan did… a thing… but I didn’t get the exact specs… just the general concept.” Haley laughed, “He usually does. I’ll make sure to keep Eric calm.”
Well…. I wasn’t sure she could do that… but it could be fine. I quickly ran back to my room where Xander was. My husband smiled saying, “I see you already packed.” I told him, “Your mom snapped it done for me.” Xander smirked, “Lucky me then.” I rolled my eyes, but he was probably right.
The next day I woke up and made muffins for the road. This was my first Summit… I’d always wanted to go… and now I got to. I couldn’t help but think a lot of things were kicking off when I got back. Karina and I found a space we wanted for our bakery. We were still deciding on a name though.
EJ had bought the bakery for us. I’d argued, but my brother in law pointed out he wanted to buy the sniper a bakery and said he would. I knew I wasn't going to win an argument against him….his Fairy side wouldn’t let it go… so I relented. Karina and I were going to work on the menu when I got back.
We’d been working together and had come up with some pretty good creations of our own. Bradford and Xander were our happy test tasters. All of Xander’s brothers were happy to be our testers too. There was a list…but Egres, Gordon, Hutchins, KJ, Chason, and Fowler were at the top…and generally around... so, they usually won.
I packed up the muffins for the cars and dropped some off at the pack house. Egres and Hutchins were visible. I asked, “Where’s Gordon? You guys…. have been around.. a lot… so he’s gotta be here.” Hutchins smiled answering, “Around.” That did not answer my question at all.
When I made it back to the house Xander scooped me up into our car. I worked from my laptop using my hotspot to the hotel. I was checking my portfolios and investments. Maverick commented, “Holy shit, Melanie! You have like millions of dollars.” I replied, “Umm…. This is just part of my portfolio. I’m a billionaire… but so are you.”
Maverick shouted, “Billionaire?! With a B?” I answered, “Uhh yeah, but so are you.” Maverick snorted, “Well yeah but my dad gave me startup money, yours didn’t.” That was true. I made this all on my own by fighting and investing.
I said, “It takes a lot of capital and financing to keep the Resistance up and running. I have to make sure I’m on top of my investments.” Maverick laughed, “I have a guy that helps me, but I think I should just have you do it.”
Olivia threw out, “You definitely should. Mel does mine, and I’m fairly wealthy myself.” All my friends were. I even had a few things set up for Odette. I’d just never got the chance to give it to her. So, for now, I still managed her portfolio.
Odette had given me some money to invest because I paid her to do shows with the Rebels, covered her rent and everythingelse so she could be a kid. I’d more than returned profits for her. I hoped to give them to her one day. I looked out the window, sad that I couldn’t find her. It was definitely magic.
Xander linked me, “Mel?” I sighed, “I was just thinking about a friend. I can’t find her, but I really want to.” Xander encouraged me, “Then you’ll find her, I’m sure of that. Nothing, and no one, can hide from you.”
