Mason snorted, “Hi, Charles.” Charles turned, “Ahhh Mason, it’s good to see you.” Mason muttered, “A heads up would’ve been nice.” Charles laughed, “That’s not really how I do things.I’m just passing through.” Hendrick commented, “As you do.” Charles grinned.
I asked, “Can you stay for Christmas? You can meet my family and Xander’s. Well… my dad’s right there so… that’s my dad… dad this is Charles.” Dad said, “Nice to meet you.” He didn’t mean it though. What was wrong?
Charles smiled, “Drake, glad to see you aren’t dead. I’m remiss I didn’t check, but I’m sure you’ll understand since your daughter has no lying skills to speak of.” Dad inclined his head in understanding. Charles turned to my mate, “The famous Xander. I must say I am curious about you, lad.”
Xander growled, “The feeling is mutual.” My eyes narrowed at my husband’s tone. Charles laughed, “I figured you would be.” I linked Xander, “What’s wrong?” Xander answered, “I don’t like him.” I gasped out loud, “What? Why? You just met him! He’s nice. You’ll like him… I know you will. I don’t dislike your friends… or teachers.”
Xander growled, “That is different.” I crossed my arms saying, “No, it’s not.” Drake groaned, “Great.” Charles laughed, “It’s hard for Werewolves to like me, my dear.” Xander growled again while I glared at him. I threw my feelings in the bond he wasn’t being fair. Charles is why I was standing here today.
Freya said, “I would’ve taken over if you tried anything, but I do understand your point. Mate doesn’t know that story though.” I replied, “I don’t understand why he’s not even giving Charles a chance.” Freya sighed, “Yes, I know you don’t.”
I said out loud, “It’s not hard for this group of Werewolves. They like Vampires… and are related to some.” Breanna was mated to a Fairy for goodness sakes. I saw a shimmer start and quickly looked around. I saw Valentina beside Julian.
I tensed then relaxed when I saw Angelique and Kingsley. Angelique took a look around the room then started laughing.My friend said, “Aww, K I don’t know if we will get to kidnap our little naive Werewolf now. We appear to be moments too late.”
Kingsley snorted, “Nope. That answer will not work for me. I’m pulling rank, Melanie’s helping us. We met our mates because of her; therefore, she has an obligation to help us find the right Christmas presents.”
Kingsley bumped lightly into Xander, and his gaze snapped to her. Angelique squealed, “My little Werewolf friend, we will be back to continue this fun venture but for now we are off.” I frowned, “Charles just got here though.”
Angelique smiled, “And what fun timing full of Christmas joy and cheer he brings. I thought this was going to be a boring holiday. All my shows have some sort of drama that was definitely missing. Charles clearly knew that and brought the drama for me. Now, you are coming with me and K. Old vampire man does not have a say.”
Charles laughed, “Go have your fun, my dear. I’ll just speak to your Xander and his family. I’d venture to say more of your family will find their way here for me to meet.” I muttered, “My Xander is being a butt.” EJ snorted and Elise burst out laughing.
My brothers had just come around the corner and they busted up laughing too. I linked them, “I’m right!” Jason replied, “Mel, that Vampire likes you.” I reasoned, “Of course he does. I’m his mentee.” Jason linked, “T, you’re up.”
Tristan said, “Ladybug, that Vampire wants you to be his.” I scoffed, “Umm…no. He dated my friend.” Tristan questioned, “Which friend?” I answered, “Angelique.” Tristan groaned, “A Hackura Prince’s mate?! Fuck.”
I reasoned, “That won’t matter to Gabe.” Tristan asked, “Did Charles know that you knew he was with intimate with Angelique?” I replied, “I mean… I set them up… so yes. Obviously.” Tristan asked, “Why did you set them up?”
I answered, “So Angelique could see more of the world… I did try to get her with Gabe… but he changes his schedule… so that’s his fault.” Tristan snorted, “Let’s never say that to him.” I was definitely going to do so.
Charles smiled, “I’ll work on that part. I know it upsets you when the people you like don’t get along, my dear. It’s fine. We are dealing with testosterone and all. He can’t help it.” Yes, my husband absolutely could help it. Freya hummed, “Yes and no.” See? Yes. Freya laughed in my head.
I sighed asking, “Where are we going?” Kingsley answered, “Uhh to malls and shopping areas.” She grabbed me and Angelique shimmered us out. Angelique sighed, “I'm going to get my shopping done first. I’ve GOT to see the drama that unfolds.”
I asked, “Where are we?” Angelique answered, “We are in Florida.” I said, “Well, if you go back make sure Xander is nice. We have cars here, so K and I will be fine.” Kingsley laughed and held up her phone showing Hastein was calling. She walked away and answered.
Angelique smiled, “You are just such fun, Melanie. I missed seeing you and getting in on these fun times that you bring.” I frowned, “It wasn’t fun… Xander was rude to someone who is my friend. Why does everyone find that amusing?”
Angelique sighed, “Your Xander was rude because he doesn’t understand the relationship. He’s an Alpha which means he’s possessive.” That didn’t make sense… because I’d seen Chelsea and my mom have friends that were male.
They were close with Garrett… and Chelsea was close with my dad. Chelsea had male friends from the pack. No one freaked out, especially not Peter. I said, “Xander didn’t ask about the relationship. He just growled and was rude. Charles doesn’t like me like that.”
Angelique gently said, “Melanie if you’d wanted to have sex with Charles, he’d have jumped in the sheets.” I sighed,“Whatever. The number of women I could say that about my mate is quite high.” Angelique nodded, “True. It’s a Werewolf Alpha thing.” I wasn’t sure that was it.
Kingsley rejoined us and Angelique found the present she wanted for Gabe surprisingly quickly then left to go back to my home. I ended up finding a broadsword for Xander at the shop Kingsley wanted to check out. She got some special weapon for Hastein.
I smiled admitting, “It’s nice to see you so happy.” Kingsley acknowledged, “It’s nice being this happy.” We walked to a garage where we had cars. Kingsley slid into the driver's seat of a Ferrari. I shrugged and got into the passenger seat.
I asked, “So are we just driving to our holoport to go back to Nashville, then going to Black Mountain?” Kingsley laughed, “We are going to grab some food and have ourselves a girl chat.” I sighed, “If it’s about my mate’s rude and strange behavior that even HIS MOTHER admonished him for… I don’t know what there is to say.”
Kingsley laughed, “I want to explain his side, I know yours.” I grumbled, “I don’t see why there need to be sides. I’m not initially mean to people who don’t deserve it. Charles didn’t do anything wrong. He helped me.”
“Charles made me feel less alone… down in Black Path. He made me feel normal again. Xander wasn’t mean or rude to Caine, Dax, Mason, or Hendrick. Hell… not even Nate. Why was he such a jerk to Charles, who merely walked in the front door? It doesn’t make any sense.”
I looked out the window noting we were on some off road Kingsley must know some back way somewhere. She laughed, “Mel…” Then I saw headlights. I screamed, “KINGSLEY, LOOK OUT!” A car barreled into her side of the car.
Horror filled me because I knew it had to hit pretty hard to seriously injure Kingsley, but she hit her head on the frame ofthe car. My friend was knocked unconscious, but ILYX would notice soon. Kingsley’s serum would bring her back around.
