“Statistically, given the numbers of your unmated cousins, brothers, and the people I know… there’s likely at least ten more…. and that’s just the math. There are more I think would be cute with people… but some people don’t work with my plans…. and change theirs…. at the last minute… and that’s…”
Sierra cut her off, “Let’s not get into that rant. It’s not because they didn’t like you. They simply had no idea you were looking at lining things up for them.” Dad said, “I think the question is who changed their schedule.”
Based on the bond, there was someone who annoyed her the most with changing their schedule. I was certain that was going to be Hastein. Theo laughed, “If only we could keep that number under wraps, so everyone didn’t come ask you.” Melanie shrugged, “There are likely more… factoring T’s comments… it's just statistically certain that there are at least ten.”
I laughed and wrapped her up in my arms. I told her, “That’s amazing and they will all be so happy. I can tell in the bond T’s words are hard to wrap your mind around. He’s right though.” Tristan agreed from behind me, “I am.”
Melanie whispered, “Hi, T.” Tristan winked, “I’m glad you brought your friend here, Ladybug.” Melanie blushed and nodded to him. Melanie whispered, “Well… you did say… andlinked, it would be a good idea… and Olivia was interested in meeting Maverick.” Tristan came over and hugged her.
My mate’s brother said, “And I appreciate that you listened to me. I had a conversation with Caine, so I know that’s a big thing for you these days.” Melanie’s face flushed, “Well… ummm that’s different.” I wondered how.
I went back to my office and called Caine. The Alpha answered, “I see I’m popular today. What’s going on? I already know Melanie will listen to you as the Alpha because you are her Xander.” I replied, “I know your dad never told you things, so I’m going to tell you a few.”
Caine cautiously said, “Ok.” I said, “It hurts Beta and Gamma bloods to disobey you. They crave your pride and acceptance. Praise your people often but when you put your foot down, put it down. It doesn’t matter who trained you or where you at in life. You are the Alpha.”
Caine replied, “Interesting advice since people you know might be dead if my advice was taken.” I replied, “We are far more capable than that. Together my mom and I can heal quite a bit. It’s time to believe in yourself, Caine. I’m sorry your dad never gave you that because I know that you craved it, even if you didn’t want to.”
“It’s in all us Alpha bloods. When my Grandpa comes back, I’ll have him talk to you. He very famously ended his dad’s tyrannical reign on this area, but it didn’t mean that it didn’t hurt. I’ve watched him shower my uncles and dad with praise for how they handle things. A lot in part because he needed that and never got it.”
“I’ll tell you, I’ve watched your decisions like a hawk. I won’t be the only one either. Chase will be combing over them with a fine tooth comb, as will Peter, because of the women you and Dax are mated to. In watching, I’ve been impressed.”
“As you know about me, you know that’s not exactly a low bar. You’re doing things the hard way, proving you’re not your father with packs down there. You’re using your money instead of asking Fairies to help build things. You’re making alliances that will last. It’s been a short time, but I’m damn proud of the work you’ve been doing.”
Caine choked up. Oden said, “You made the right call by talking to him.” Caine admitted, “I don’t know why that’s making me so emotional.” I answered, “Because I’m an Alpha and we don’t bullshit other people. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up, Caine. Not just because it’s important to my mate, but because you’re being the leader you were always meant to be.” We talked a bit longer before I hung up.
I called Chase Daniels next. He answered, “Alexander.” I replied, “Call Caine and talk over his decisions and let him know you’re proud of him. He needs it.” Chase admitted, “I’d been toying with the idea, but I wasn’t sure.” I replied, “While we all had that praise in our lives, Caine never did.” I hung up and dialed Peter’s number.
He answered, “Alexander, is Melanie ok?” I answered, “You know she is. Call Caine Davis.” Peter replied, “I’m not sure that’s the right call given he doesn’t like me.” I replied, “He’s an Alpha, Peter. You know full well he got the explanation and he’s sat with it. He’s had Rena down there singing your praises. He’s over it. Call him. Caine needs it because he never got praised by one.” Peter agreed, “I’ll do it.” Good.
I saw Gage and Phil watching me. I said, “Have Beta’s and Gamma’s call Dax and Buck. Those guys are in desperate need of mentors who tell them they are doing a good job. We’ve got a damn Alpha blood whose never been told by an Alpha he’s impressive, or that he’s doing the right thing. Dax will be the same way. Buck is new to a Gamma, but I doubt anyone told him that as a Male Lead Warrior.”
Phil agreed, “I’m on it.” Gage nodded, “It’s a good thing you’re doing. We will coordinate that with other new Alpha’s too.” Phil added, “Plus former Alpha Decker Long is returning to the Nashville area.” That was Walker’s former Alpha.
Phil continued, “I think I’ll make sure he gets a meeting set up with Caine. He could mentor him. Alpha Decker’s Beta is retired too. That could be a two for one set up.” I nodded knowing he’d get it done.
The weeks passed by quickly. Before I knew it, it was Christmas time. Sometimes I consider this time of year to be calm through the sheer will of my mom. She loved Christmas, and she didn’t want anything to mess it up. Dylan usually threw a Christmas party, but he and Finn were planning one together that apparently was years in the making. In order to build suspense, we weren’t having one this year.
I knew Christmas was Melanie’s favorite time of year. I had her horse all ready to give to her. Oden agreed, “I do appreciate that somehow, the Ring was usually quiet around this time.” Maybe they liked to celebrate themselves.
The day before Christmas Eve Phil walked into the office with a weird look on his face. I asked “What?” Phil said, “The strangest thing just happened. Robert called…” I interrupted, “Robert, as in Arthur’s second, Robert? Because our prisoners don’t call. Or they’d better not.”
Phil nodded, “Yes, he called and said to expect a visitor who does not mean any harm. Also, he mentioned that they are on their way here now. Then your Uncle Aiden's secretary called and…” A pop sounded, interrupting Phil, who pointed, “He’s coming too.” Uncle Aiden looked somewhat ready for a battle. What the fuck?
I smiled greeting, “Uncle Aiden.” He smiled, “Nephew, try not to get too upset.” I frowned, “About what? The Vampire that’scoming? It’s a Vampire right, Phil?” Phil nodded, “Yes.” Gage said, “Not getting warm fuzzies here.” Neither was I.
Phil said, “Anyway, your mom told me to tell you that you and EJ quit working or she’ll pull Fairy hijinks on you two like she pulled on your dad when he worked too late.” EJ snorted, “I guess we'll go wait for our Vampire guest.”
Uncle Aiden laughed. I’d ask him who it was, but I knew he wouldn’t tell me. Gage groaned, “This feels like a death march.” I snorted, “That’s dramatic.” Phil hummed, “Yet the description feels scarily accurate.”
We walked out in the living room. My cousin Breanna popped in with Arthur and smiled. I commented, “That was fast.” She gave me a quick hug before saying, “Try not to kill this guy.” I questioned, “Why would I kill a visiting Vampire you all like?”
Gage and Phil groaned. Breanna looked at Uncle Aiden and her dad. My cousin asked, “He doesn’t know?” I asked, “Know what?” The doorbell rang and I heard popcorn crunching. I snorted, “Hi, Dylan.” Dylan smiled, “I am here by happy coincidence. I don’t know what’s happening, but one can only hope heads explode.”
I pointed out, “You’re always here the week before Christmas.” Dylan nodded, “Right you are. Retirement is such fun. I have to enjoy these times before I’m chained to your father and Lucas for all of eternity.” Dylan handed popcorn to Lacy when she came into the room, looking around, wondering what was going on. She could join the club.
Someone must have opened the door because I heard Melanie squeal, “CHARLES, YOU’RE HERE!” I turned around in time to see my mate jump into a Vampire’s arms as the man in question squeezed her tightly while smirking at me. I snarled and several pairs of arms gripped me. Oden growled, “Fang is right. Let’s explode his head.” Someone had better start talking. Fast.
That's Three
