Uncle Aiden popped in apologizing, “Sorry we are late….” He trailed off when he saw Kingsley and his eyes widened. The utterly blinding smile that overtook his face could not be understated. Melanie said, “Ummm I have to talk to King Aiden… about something.” My wife then dragged my uncle away. I even heard a pop.
EJ linked me, “Why do I feel like Uncle Aiden knows what Kingsley is?” I replied, “I suppose he could. Or he has an idea.” Uncle Aiden and Melanie popped back in. Kingsley shared a look with Melanie. Aunt Lucinda kissed Aiden’s cheek. Their kids popped in a few moments later.
No one else seemed to know anything about Kingsley. How the hell did Uncle Aiden know then? And how did Melanie know that he knew? The moment passed and we ate our meal together. Uncle Aiden was curious about Angelique. He wanted to know about her life and her answers amused him.
I didn’t miss the sly looks my Fairy Uncle shot over at Kingsley, and neither did Hastein. I turned and looked at Cassie complimenting, “You look beautiful, little sister.” Cassie sighed,“You have to say that. I don’t see how I have a few months left. I feel like a beached whale. I don’t know how mom had triplet’s multiple times. Having twins feels like there’s a serious lack of space.”
Aunt Astrid laughed offering, “One feels enough like a lack of space. Just be glad we don’t do nine months like humans and Witches. I think your Aunt Katie does things to ensure your mom heal her on purpose so she doesn’t have to do a full nine months.”
Aunt Katie snorted, “I most certainly do not. Plus, none of my pregnancies have been nine months. It’s Logan’s DNA getting in there, thank Aesir. My kids cook in seven months. Which is long enough, thank you very much.”
Cassie shivered and linked me, “Seven months is too long. Human females are stronger than us all. Nine whole months. I have to sleep sitting up because if I lay down my heartburn acts up. I have to eat small meals every few hours or my day is shot to crap.” I comforted her, “You’ll be done soon enough.”
Cassie sighed, “I’m counting down the days to be honest.” I laughed, “Will these be your only two?” Cassie smirked, “We’ll see. Maybe for a while, unless I give birth like a Fairy. Then that makes it easier. I think I want at least two more though. Probably. Well maybe eight. I like our big family.”
I laughed, “I get that. Do what’s best for you, Cass.” My sister replied, “I know. I love you, big brother. I’m glad you finally have Melanie at your side this year.” I rubbed Melanie’s back and kept eating. Oden purred, “Everything is as it should be.” It finally was.
Uncle Logan had been right; the pies were the best they’d ever been. All the desserts were. When we got up from the table Melanie went off to talk to her friends. Elise was looking over at them. I linked her urging, “Go talk to them. They will love you.”
Elise sighed, “Ladybug has this whole other life I’m not a part of. It’s nice for her but strange because I was such a big part of her life when she was a pup.” I reasoned, “Mel still loves you. Bring all the girls over there and have a drink with them.”
Elise smiled and gathered the rest of the girls. They walked over to join Melanie and her friends. They seemed to have an instant ease with each other. It wasn’t the same for Elise and Melanie as they had been before, but they were all fine. EJ came over and stood beside me.
My big brother commented, “They get along well.” I laughed, “Of course they do. They are family. We’ve been blessed in that department. Aesir was on all our sides with mates.” EJ snorted, “No kidding. Or we could've ended up with someone who was prejudiced about some other Supernatural group and we’ve seen how that goes.”
EJ and I shared a look because it wasn’t a secret our Grandma Cassandra was prejudiced against Fairies. Alania didn’t like anyone who was prettier or stronger than her. Which meant she didn’t like Cassie or Angela. They were both prettier than her and more powerful. Alania must have seen that and set up traps.
I said, “Aesir had our backs.” EJ nodded. Eventually the girls dispersed back into the group. Tristan and Jason went over to Melanie. After a while my wife stepped outside. I was about to follow when Drake did. I figured they deserved a moment.
I felt a lot of conflicting emotions from Melanie but waited until she settled down before joining them. Sam spotted me going and walked over to join me. I put my arms around Melanie when I reached her. My mate turned and smiled saying, “It’s beautiful here.”
I agreed, “Yes it really is.” I kissed her forehead and nodded to Drake. My father in law greeted, “Alexander, it’s good to see you. I feel like you’ve been missing in action the last few weeks.” I sighed acknowledging, “Yeah, I was distracted and a little busy.”
Drake asked, “Would that have anything to do with our meeting tomorrow?” I nodded, “Yes, it would.” Drake commented, “Well, I guess that will lead to interesting things. Dylan’s meetings usually do though.”
I laughed, “Just don’t tell him that.” Drake smiled, “He already knows that.” My father in law had a point. Sam asked, “How are you, Ladybug?” Melanie replied, “Feeling odd that I’m not cleaning the kitchen but… I’m not having a panic attack about it so… that feels like progress.” Oden growled in my head.
I kissed her temple, “You never have to clean another dish so long as you live if you don’t want to.” Melanie snorted, “That seems silly. I mean… I…” I cut her off, “Melanie Jane, if you don’t want wash dishes, I will snap them clean. It’s quite simple and straightforward.” Melanie melted into me.
Drake said, “I could hire someone to clean the dishes for you, Ladybug.” Melanie hummed, “Again... that is overkill… so… but… I’m glad everyone is here….making weird suggestions…and offers.” Oden said, “Freya said Melanie needs this subject change.”
I scratched the right side of my head with my index finger knowing Drake knew the sign to let a subject drop because my Uncle Drake taught him. Drake said, “We loved the family run, Ladybug.” Melanie choked up then said, “I did too.” Sam chimed in, “We’d love to do it again.” Melanie bobbed her head and went through a slew of emotions that were hard to interpret.
We spent the rest of the day walking around. Eventually, I grabbed my Uncle Aiden asking, “What was that earlier?” Uncle Aiden replied, “Your mate seems to read everything she can get her hands on. She’s fascinating.”
I agreed, “Yes, she is, but that was evasive. Melanie wants to come to Faerie after the holidays and see the library.” Uncle Aiden laughed, “I can’t wait to see what my new niece by marriage discovers.” I asked, “How do you know what Kingsleyis? I can’t figure out her Supernatural side and you knew in one glance.”
Uncle Aiden smiled saying, “Ask your mate how I knew. I was intrigued that was something your mate possessed the knowledge of. I can say my favorite wolf, Dylan Frost, will be VERY excited about Kingsley.”
I laughed, “He’s excited about everyone.” Uncle Aiden conceded, “Yes, but this will be especially fun. I’ll see you at the meeting tomorrow, nephew.” I questioned, “Do you know more about it than I do?” Uncle Aiden admitted, “I do. It’s a lot of information to process.” I nodded, “No kidding.” Uncle Aiden gave me a hug then popped away.
I rejoined the group and found Melanie with Hastein, Kingsley, Gabe, and Angelique. I smiled and sat down by my mate. We talked for a few hours before I opened a portal and went back home. Melanie was actually tired.
I told Oden, “Be alert. Or ask Freya to tell you when Melanie wakes up.” Oden sighed, “Alright.” I got into bed with Melanie. I woke up to Oden growling, “I blame you for this, but get up.” I groggily opened my eyes and looked over at my clock. It was three thirty in the morning.
I got up and looked out the window. Melanie had shifted into Freya and was running. It had been a while since she’d gotten to run. Oden perked up, “I take it back. Your idea to get up was the best. Pop and let me run with mate.” I popped us down to the grass and shifted.
Oden took control and ran after Freya who turned and saw him. My mate’s wolf practically preened. Oden linked, “Freya wants us to catch her.” I asked, “How the hell are we supposed to do that unless she lets us catch her?”
