Mom frowned, “I wish I would’ve pushed you to discuss those feelings because that’s bullshit.” I gasped, “Mom!” Mom stood emphatically stating, “It’s bullshit, Alexander. Your wolf can smell her scent. Oden was possessive because Melanie IS yours. Like I said, I ASKED Chelsea Kyle if those boys said Melanie smelled strongly to them like a mate. She said no.”
I admitted, “I had no idea you’d asked that.” Mom replied, “Of course you didn’t. I was giving you fucking space. Which was clearly not the right call in this circumstance. I asked because I needed to know if there was one who was likely her mate who just needed a serious talking to about being a possessive assholeinstead of the whole plan I had. That I didn’t get to fucking do because everyone is absurd.”
I closed my eyes apologizing, “I’m sorry, mom.” Mom told me, “I don’t want you to be sorry. I want to be someone you know you can come to when shit is bad. When you feel terrible I want you to know I am here for you.”
“I want all of my damn kids to know that. I don’t push you to tell me things, but that doesn’t mean I’m not standing in the background ready to help. I know I have a lot of fucking kids, but I will always put anything and everything aside to help you guys.”
I assured her, “We all know that. You’re a great mom.” Mom whispered, “I failed you.” I stood, “No, that’s not what happened here at all.” Oden growled, “It’s not.” Mom joined me on her feet arguing, “Yes, it is. I knew something was wrong because I could feel it in our bond. I was letting you decide if you wanted to come to me.”
“I knew you talked to your Uncle Bjourn, among others. I knew it was bothering your siblings. I should’ve come to you and asked my damn self what the hell was wrong. There is apparently a line between having a no push policy and getting in your face.”
“I am sorry, Alexander. I should have involved myself. Because this would not have happened had I done so. I will always move the goddamn fucking mountains, and I mean that literally, to make sure you guys are happy.”
I shook my head, “This wasn’t your fault, and you didn’t fail me. There was just so much weird shit surrounding Melanie that I….” Mom reached up and touched my face interrupting, “But you were fourteen years old. A man in the Hackura realm, but we don’t live there.” I knew that.
Mom added, “Even if we did, you were a teenager. I was the fucking adult in the situation who should’ve stepped up for you.I was dealing with anxiety about your siblings, and I let some things get by me. I am so sorry for that.”
“I love you, Alexander, and you mean the world to me. All of your siblings do to both your dad and I. Know that when I say I mean it with all of me. I swear by all that is good and holy in all the realms if you kids keep something like this from me again, I will go SO Fairy hijinks on ALL your asses you will not know which way is up. Do you understand me?”
My lips twitched when I answered, “I understand you, mom.” Mom grinned but it didn’t reach her eyes, “Good. Now, I have to go have a chat with other siblings about keeping shit from me.” I defended my siblings, “It wasn’t their fault.”
Mom snorted, “Choices are made by individuals. I own my shit, and now they get to answer for theirs. It’s a thing we all do. We all have choices placed in front of us. They were children as well, but they had plenty of time to come to me.” She popped out.
I linked EJ, “Heads up, mom’s incoming and she’s pissed.” EJ sighed, “Yup. I’m on that.” I admitted, “I told her the Melanie situation was my fault, but mom believes it was hers.” EJ questioned, “How the fuck could it be hers? You know what? Don’t answer. Mom will tell me, and I’ll warn our siblings.”
I looked at dad saying, “I didn’t ever want mom to think this was her fault. It’s not in any way, shape or form.” Dad ordered, “Snap us some whiskey, son.” I did as he asked and watched him swirl his glass around.
Dad told me, “Your mother will always take on the weight of the world. Particularly when it comes to you pups. This situation was not her fault, and we all know she’s an amazing mom. I know your reasons for keeping things to yourself.”
“I had no idea your mom even asked about Melanie’s scent and the reactions to it. Haley has always had a different way of looking at things. You were not the only one who got a talking to. Your Uncle and I did as well.”
I frowned saying, “Uncle Bjourn kept my confidence; just as mom would keep any of my cousins.” Dad acknowledged, “He did. Your mom made some counter points that were ways to let her know something was up without breaking that confidence. Your Uncle was not in trouble with her.”
“Ultimately, we are the parents here. One day, you’ll understand that sentiment. You’ll always be our little boy. Even though you are a grown man who makes his own choices. Sometimes, I look at you and I see the mischievous little toddler who was always plotting with his brother and sister.”
“Or the little boy who would heal any cut or skinned knee his classmates got because you couldn’t stand to see them in pain. You have a kind and caring heart. Anyone who knows you knows that. You are fierce, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t caring.”
I told him, “I know that.” Dad smiled, “The world likes to put people in boxes, but your mom likes to shatter, or blow up, the boxes. You don’t fit into some category the world understands. You are a strong man, but an emotional one.”
“You act with your heart first a lot of the time. Most people would assume you were some big macho tough guys that nothing gets through the armor you wear. Which you can be you just have other facets to you. Your mom and I both know this situation hurt you.”
“Thinking people thought that badly of you hurt that sensitive side of you. That’s what upsets your mother at the core of her. It pisses her off that this situation hurt you and you suffered all these years when she didn’t want that for you.”
“Nor did she want for you to be upset with the McAlister’s thinking they thought you were a bad person. You still managed to be friends with someone you thought was harboring a serious dislike for you.”
I shrugged, “I just thought Jase and T didn’t want me for their sister. Not that they didn’t like me. On one hand, I understoodthat. I have plenty of friends, but none I would’ve wanted with Cassie.” Dad smiled, “Ah, but you are a fair man and Jason dated your sister.”
I snorted, “Cassie has a different definition.” Dad rolled his eyes, “Young people and their definitions. Call a spade a spade. They may not have been boyfriend and girlfriend, but they certainly dated.” I felt extreme annoyance from Melanie, but I had no idea what that was about.
Dad continued, “In your mind, you gave Jason the all clear with Cassie, but he didn’t feel the same in return about you and Melanie.” I argued, “We have a larger age gap than Jase and Cass.” Dad snorted, “The age gap is nothing compared to your mom and me.”
Dad took a sip of his whiskey adding, “That’s also evasive because we are Supernatural’s, son. An age gap of five years is small to even humans. It’s practically nothing to Supernatural’s. I don’t think your mom’s wrong here though about her ultimate point.”
“There is a line between letting your pups have space. Just as there is nothing wrong with stepping in when it gets to a certain point. We will always be your parents no matter your age. I might let you go towards the cliff and even wander off.”
“Just know that there will be a giant inflatable crash pad mat to catch you at the bottom. I might let you all make your own decisions, but I will always be there for you. In any fallout that is behind that course of action.”
I said, “I know.” Dad smiled at me, “Good. Because I love you, son. As long as the day is long and there is breath in my lungs, I will have your six. Now in a word of warning, Ray is out with the girls. He’s deeply amused by how annoyed your mate is. He said Melanie’s exactly like she was as a pup.”
