I asked, “Do you know if Hastein’s mate is coming today?” Dad shook his head, “No, I don’t. I haven’t heard anything other than what H said the other day.” Tristan sighed, “How is it everyone can have conversations with my sister but our family?”
Dad reasoned, “Melanie will talk to you, and she proved that. Your sister came to you because the Warriors we have guarding her encouraged her to follow her instincts. Those instincts led her to you. Maybe just make sure she knows she can open up ather pace. Maybe an official family meeting on her calendar isn’t the best way to get her to open up.”
Oden snorted, “We said that already.” I reasoned, “Dad’s reiterating the point because he said it too. He wants it to sink in for them.” Dad shrugged asking, “What do I know though? I have brothers.” I laughed.
Tristan snorted, “Any sister of yours would’ve been in big trouble. She would’ve been pretty just like Ladybug is. Honestly, I’m glad Alexander is Ladybug’s mate.” Dad laughed, “That’s not something I have to worry about.”
I teased, “Are you sure about that? Grandpa Nathan could get a second chance mate.” Dad laughed, “People fear the Conners family for a reason. If I had a sister, they would absolutely remember why. I have daughter’s so they remember.”
I snorted, “The rest of us did fine with Cassie and Cayden. Klaus took some getting used to, but he’s alright.” Tristan snorted, “If I recall correctly your dad didn’t do well either.” I frowned, “Dad did fine with Cayden.” Tristan smirked, “If you say so.”
I turned to my dad asking, “What’s T talking about?” Dad shrugged, “I do like Cayden, and I always have. It was just hard with Cassie being mated then she left with him. Your mom might have snapped the gym back together and kicked my ass. Not in a mean way, just like your mom and I spar. She would never really hurt me.”
I reasoned, “I know. Melanie and I spar the same way.” Dad smiled, “You and T might understand someday if you have girls. They will always be your little girl. Even when they are having pups of their own. I know dad wishes he’d had a little girl after playing with Cassie and Angela when they were little.”
I snorted, “I repeat, he’s got time. He also had Saied.” Dad shivered, “God that’s weird. True though your grandpa could have girls. Cassandra kept your grandpa at arms distance withSaied, which he’s made up for. He missed a lot of moments when she was little though.”
Oden huffed, “Cassandra is the worst.” No one had to convince me of that. It made me sad for Saeid and Grandpa Nathan. I said, “We could ask Cousin Emmaline if grandpa has a second chance out there. If he doesn’t, he could work on dating for a chosen.”
Dad smiled asking, “Do you think your mom hasn’t already asked that? She loves your grandpa.” Tristan and I waited but dad didn’t elaborate. I asked, “And cousin Emmaline said what?” Dad smiled answering, “He does. Emmaline just isn’t sure when she will come into our lives.” I declared, “Good. He deserves to be happy.” Dad nodded.
Tristan and I shared a look because we both understood our feelings. I imagined that was hard for dad. I couldn’t see my dad with anyone else but my mom. Dad commented, “I feel you in our bond, Alexander. It will be strange to see your grandpa with someone else permanently, but it’s not the same as your mom and me. Plus, Dylan set your grandpa up when you were younger so he did date. For myself, there will be no one else but your mom for me no matter what.”
That’s what being twice light bound was. I said, “I know. I was just thinking it must be hard for you.” My dad said, “It was hard watching your grandpa be adrift, but a lot went on when you were a pup. It’s still hard to see my dad in pain. He’s lonely and I hate that for him.”
“The last years my parents had together were bad. There was a lot fighting and bickering. Neither were happy and I can’t say I cared much about your Grandma Cassandra’s happiness at the end. I’ve always wanted your grandpa’s happiness and I’d like to see him happy again. Even if that means I gain some more young siblings. I’m quite good at diaper changes.”
I laughed, “That could be fun.” Dad smiled, “We will be getting some new pups in a few months. My first set of grandpups.” I warned, “Don’t count on us any time soon. We are enjoying each other.” Dad reasoned, “I’m sure it will be Elise and EJ next.” I agreed with that.
A portal opened and Uncle Logan came through announcing joyously, “I was the taste tester for the pie. I can say that while I don’t know what the difference is, there is one. The pies are hands down the best ones at all Thanksgivings.”
Tristan laughed, “Way to set the bar, Logan.” I told my mate’s brother, “I’d believe it. All of Melanie’s food is amazing.” Dad agreed, “That’s true. My Angel has always made an amazing pie though.” Uncle Logan offered, “I agree. The pies are just next level. Which means Haley is very excited.” Dad laughed, “I knew that already. I can feel how excited she is.”
The rest of the McAlister’s joined us. Uncle Logan said, “It’s time to start the festivities according to my sister and we all listen.” I laughed but he wasn’t wrong. My Uncle opened a portal, and we stepped through it. My cousins were already waiting.
I could feel Melanie was in the kitchen and I heard familiar laughter. Tristan snorted, “Of course mom and Everly are already here.” Kai came running around the corner yelling, “DADDY!” The little guy slammed into Tristan.
Tristan greeted, “Hey buddy.” Kai declared, “Aunt Ladybug is the COOLEST! She snuck me cookies, but not peanut butter ones. Those aren’t allowed, I guess.” I’d say not. Tristan snorted, “Oh did she now?” Kai nodded, “Yes, Aunt Ladybug is very stealthy.” Tristan muttered, “Annoyingly so.” I left them and went in search of Melanie.
I found my wife in the kitchen, came up behind her, and grabbed her hips. I whispered, “You look hot.” Melanie laughed, “I know…I’m all sweaty. We’ve been cooking for a while and…”Zoe bumped her hip interrupting, “That’s not the kind of hot he means.”
Melanie blushed as Dana took Zoe out of the kitchen. Melanie turned around and playfully swatted my chest. My mate said, “I looked like a mess, but your mom said she would snap me clean and into a new outfit.” I wiped some flour off my wife’s face.
I told her, “You look like the most beautiful woman in the entire world.” I leaned down to kiss her, unable to stop my hands trailing down and squeezing her ass. Mom cleared her throat, “You can have sex later. We need to start lunch.” Melanie pulled away. I laughed, “I’ll see you in there then, wife.”
I walked back out and took my seat by EJ. I couldn't deny the burst of happiness that went through me when I noticed the seat beside me was left empty for the first time. My mate and wife was sitting by me at a family function. Oden purred in my head.
Julian winked at me leaning into his own mate and nuzzling her. Gabe was barely acknowledging anyone but his own mate. Addison and Jason were cuddling too. My mate was the gateway to so many mates being here today.
Uncle Bjourn announced, “Hastein’s mate will be joining us and we are not to make a big deal of that. Also, she’s on a mission for the Resistance so should you see her again outside this realm, don’t act like you know her.” Everyone nodded their agreement and understanding.
Mom popped Melanie and herself back in forcing me to go rigid in my seat. Melanie was in a tight sweater and a red and white fitted skirt with knee high tan boots. She was about to sit next to me when a portal opened.
Hastein and Kingsley stepped through together. Melanie gasped and ran to my cousin’s mate. Kingsley picked her up and spun her around. Melanie squealed, “You came!” Kingsley snorted, “You sicced a well-meaning Hackura on me, and he happens to be my mate. I figured you knew I’d come.” Melanieblushed, “Well… I mean… I might… it’s just… you’ll…” Angelique screamed, “K!”
Uncle Bjourn teased them, “Apparently some people get to make a big deal and it’s fine.” Aunt Astrid laughed, “Obviously their own little badass girl gang has their own rules. You should know this considering ours does the same thing. Honestly, Kashe’s presence in our lives should tell you that.” She had a point my Aunt’s best friend had a lot of rules for everyone else that did not apply to Kashe.
Kingsley and Angelique were catching up. Julian linked me, “What the hell is H’s mate? I’ve got nothing.” I admitted, “Me either. Whatever she is, we haven’t encountered it.” Which was odd. As a Hackura we knew more than most other Supernatural’s.
