Freya told me, “Magnus is trying Oden’s way of stress relief.” That made sense. Olivia gasped, “The gym? People talk about the gym here. It’s huge. That’s a no. I can’t go there with all those people.” I grabbed her by the shoulder, “I’ll clear the gym, don’t worry.”
Olivia frowned asking,” You can do that?” I snorted, “I’m one of the Luna’s here. I can clear the gym… it’s kind of small thing one can do as a Luna.” I linked Chason, “I need you to link everyone in the gym except for the Conners to leave…. on orders from me.”
Chason snorted, “Of course Muffin Luna, give me a moment.” KJ linked, “Clearing the gym. You know I kind of thought you’d have us do that for the first time when you wanted to have a sexy fight with your mate.” I replied, “Ummm we’ve fought in there before.” KJ chuckled, “True.” Freya said, “Sexy fight, Melanie. He means sex.” Oh… well that had potential as an order. Freya agreed, “Yeah it does.”
I linked Valentina, “Are you here?” Valentina shimmered into my room. My friend clapped, “I knew you’d bring Olivia to Maverick. I told Julian this was all but resolved and would’ve been even without T’s advice, but with it this was a total certainty.”
I laughed, “Well, we are having the gym cleared. I was hoping you’d shimmer us there… once that’s done… since more people will be outside. Considering I told them all to get out… or I told Chason to tell them to get out… but they know it’s me saying it.”
Valentina did a little bow and said, “Of course I will.” Chason linked, “Everyone is out.” Xander linked me because he’d caught on. I asked Olivia, “Are you ready?” My friends hands were shaking. She whispered, “Yes, but also no. Mostly yes. God, we need to go or I’ll chicken out.”
I said, “Oh god! Real quick… I should mention there’s a possibility when Maverick marks you that you could get a wolf.” Olivia gasped, “Really? Like seriously?” I nodded, “Those with Fairy blood with unranked wolves have just needed their mate’s mark for their wolf to appear. It might not happen, but I didn’t want to freak out if it did.”
Olivia smiled, “It would be cool. We will just have to see. I never expected to have one, so it wasn’t ever something that let me down.” Like me. Freya growled, “You always had one.” I replied, “I know… but it rocked me and not her…. Which I’m glad for. Because when it rocks you… it’s just awful.” I noticed everyone was looking at me, so I nodded.
Valentina grabbed all our hands, and we were off. We didn’t have to wait long. Maverick had already declared her his before I made introductions. Olivia was star struck. Freya snorted, “I told all the wolves that Olivia knows who all the Conners brothers are.”
Actually, Olivia had never had any problem identifying who was who in the Conners family. Another sure sign she was mated into the family. Freya sighed, “Will you stop thinking you should know everything all the time?”
I teased her, “Said the goddess wolf to the human.” Freya said, “We are both goddesses so there is that.” I laughed silently. Olivia and Maverick talked. My brother in law’s eyes shined alittle brighter than they had before. I was really happy for both of them.
The family teased me about bringing them their mates. I mean…I was certain I knew more, and the odds were on my side. I knew a lot of people. Freya snickered, “They have no idea how many people you know. They think they do, but they don’t.” She wasn’t wrong. I had a vast network. Between Paige, Valentina, and Virgil I could go anywhere…. so I’d met a decent number of people.
After we left the gym, I went back to office. I jolted, “Oh umm…” I turned knowing someone was in here. I gasped, “Cooper.” Cooper Kyle sat on the couch and stood to come give me a hug. Cooper said, “It’s damn good to see you, Ladybug.”
I choked up but managed to say, “You too.” Cooper pulled back then said, “I can’t believe you’re really home.” I replied, “I mean kind of… my new home… yes… but like we lived elsewhere.” Cooper snorted, “I don’t care where you are, you’re where you meant to be. That’s home. This area is home, and the closest I thought you’d been in years.”
I winced, “You’re mad.” Cooper said, “I’m a lot of things. Mad is one, yes. I was compelled and that pisses me off. I was pretty annoyed with the fake you. She asked me on a date as herself.” I hummed, “I know… I mean…that is brand new information.”
Cooper laughed, “Yeah, you never need to do that with me.” I admitted, “That’s true… you just always understood… when I did things.” Cooper laughed, “Yes, I’m one of the few who knew you hacked. Which makes me angrier at the compulsion bullshit.”
I conceded, “That’s fair.” Cooper said, “You saved my parents.” I acknowledged, “Yup…that’s a thing that I did.” Cooper sighed, “Everyone keeps saying that you didn’t have to do that, but I think we might be the only ones who know that’s not true.”
I shouted, “Finally! Someone gets it.” Cooper agreed, “I do. I wish you’d come to yell at us in person.” I admitted, “I thought about it… especially when…” I trailed off. Cooper finished, “You got home sick.” I admitted, “I did.” Cooper gave me another hug and whispered, “I’m so sorry, Ladybug.” I held him tightly and we talked for a bit longer before he left.
Weeks passed by in a blur. Olivia was acclimating really well to pack life.. plus she had her wolf now. She hadn’t met the full pack yet. Maverick was being very protective…. and it was so cute. My friend had met with lots of small groups.
I’d sat with her in my office to watch disputes and go over decisions made with her. Olivia was fascinated by them. Getting her around other partial Fairies had proved to work wonders for her. She was really coming out of her shell. I was really proud of her.
Everything had been quiet from the Ring. Almost too quiet. Sierra sighed, “Don’t borrow trouble, Melanie. Let’s unplug for the day. It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow, this is your favorite holiday. It’s almost time to pick our tree.”
I snorted, “Alright, and I wasn’t borrowing trouble. I’m just saying… it’s been quiet…. but I am excited to go pick a tree… and decorate it… It’s just my first Christmas… back and it’s all… umm I just never envisioned I have this… and I should get everyone’s presents from over the years.”
Sierra advised, “Just enjoy it and I’ll arrange for the presents to be here.” It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy the quiet. The problem was I didn’t trust it. Abigail said, “I’m excited. My first Christmas that will have a happy ending.” I hugged her then Sierra.
I went upstairs to the bedroom and decided to take a relaxing bath. I had begun to enjoy them again since Xander had been working late a lot. When I stepped out, I decided I could use some coffee. I planned to go out and get Xander one last present tonight.
I felt Xander’s curiosity and annoyance spiking. I shrugged it off. Freya linked, “Melanie, I smell a Vampire here.” I perked up and ran down the stairs at full speed. Maybe Charles was here… he knew this was my favorite holiday and he’d know where I was. I sent him a link to watch my Mating Ceremony, and he had.
I saw Charles at the door and couldn’t stop myself from squealing. He was actually here. Charles spun me around like normal, but this time Xander’s fury filled me. Charles chuckled and put me down. I turned around to see several people were holding Xander back.
I frowned then introduced, “Xander, this is my friend… well more like a mentor… this is Charles Lennox.” Xander growled, “Who the FUCK is Charles Lennox?!” I replied slowly, “I just told you.” Freya groaned, “Oh dear.”
Charles laughed heartily before saying, “Oh my dear, I have missed you.” EJ pushed Xander backwards. What the hell? I asked, “What the heck is going on here?” Xander growled, “Get away from him.” I asked, “Why?”
Haley said, “Alexander Marcus Nathan Conners, get ahold of yourself right fucking now.” Xander gritted his teeth. Haley turned to me asking, “How do you know Charles, Melanie?” I smiled answering, “He’s taught me a lot of things.”
Dad growled, “What things?” When did my dad get here? Freya sighed, “I’ll just be talking to all the dang wolves in the room.” Why? Freya said, “I love that you don’t know. I’ll handle it.” Ok? I answered my dad, “Charles actually was my history teacher for a bit. He made me feel a little normal, but he also taught me how to drive a car and hack….into harder things that I didn’t know how to.”
