Xander was busy with reports until New Year’s Eve. My mate was deeply annoyed. There were packs that kept coming to hunt the white wolf. His family had to kill all the wolves that had seen me when I went into heat. Well… and Tank, Zane, and his Guard.
Those people were from a pack in Louisiana. Which didn’t seem to help matters. They weren’t an ally, but an ally wouldn’t have snuck into the territory. So, to me it was logical that they were not someone who was friends with Black Mountain or Blue Moon.
Charles had left me a message that he went out of town, but he’d come back soon, and we’d talk. Which was good since… heand I needed to chat. There would be no baiting my mate on purpose for laughs and giggles. I was certain that conversation would go over just fine since Charles…. was definitely with Amabella. They were totally mates.
Haley walked into mine and Xander’s room. I quickly closed my laptop which made her smile. My mother in law announced, “I conjured all the things to the house you and Xander will be staying at. If you don’t like them, feel free to call and I’ll conjure you more things. You don’t have to wear the things that…”
I cut her off, “Your taste is amazing… and I’ve always wanted to wear your creations. I was really excited when my mom had you make one of my dancing costumes. I’m sure it will all be beautiful.” Haley blushed, “That’s nice of you to say. I got so lucky with all my children’s mates. You’re all fucking amazing.”
I gasped when she snapped on my dress for the party. Haley smiled, “This is a special you creation for New Year’s Eve. I do it for all my children’s mates.” I laughed, “Xander will lose his mind.” Haley snorted, “Alexander won’t lose his mind, but he will definitely struggle to keep his hands off you.” I blushed. Haley snapped again and winked before popping out.
I walked over to the full length mirror and noticed that my mother in law had done my hair and makeup. I had my signature red lipstick on, and my hair was in soft curls around my face. The dress was simply stunning.
It was a mermaid style, with sheer material with diamonds in strategic places, and a slit up to my thigh. I turned around and couldn’t stop my laugh. It had an open back. The dress came back together just above my butt. Yup… Xander was going to lose his mind.
Xander linked me, “My mom says the girls are going to pop in together. So, we’ll be there waiting for you.” I snorted, “You should mentally prepare yourself. Your mom went all out on this dress.” Xander laughed, “I’m sure she did.”
Ok…well I warned him…and he still had no idea. Freya chuckled, “I told Oden too, but they think they are ready.” I said, “Well, at least we know they aren’t. Really, they should… because this has to happen every year for his siblings mates.” Freya reasoned, “I’m sure he thought they were overreacting.” Probably.
I looked at my shoes and literally marveled over the design. They were beaded like the dress, but the heel was red like my lips. I walked downstairs then realized there must be some charm on the shoes. They felt like flats.
Elise whistled when she saw me. I laughed, “You’re one to talk.” Her dress was just as sexy as mine. I knew that Sierra was with Kingsley in the Hackura realm with their mates. I wished we were all in the same place. I’d figure that out next year.
They technically already celebrated. Their celebration just lasted several days. I’d have to figure out how to get them to Faerie. I was certain Aiden would be thrilled if Kingsley came to his New Year’s party.
I spotted Cassie and literally was in awe of her stunning dress. I told her, “You look beautiful.” Cassie grumbled, “I look like a beached whale.” I disagreed, “No you don’t, but I can understand why you feel that way.”
Cassie warned, “If ONE more person tells me that I don’t even look pregnant, I will beat their lying asses.” I frowned, “You do look pregnant… very pregnant actually.” Cassie waved her hand, “Exactly! Thank you! I don’t look pregnant. UGH! Liars! Cayden keeps telling me they mean it as a compliment. How is basically implying I look fat, as opposed to pregnant, a compliment?”
I admitted, “I don’t know… I’m not great at social cues… but I think it’s definitely way more offensive to tell someone who looks ready to give birth at any moment… they don’t look pregnant.” Cassie shouted, “That’s it, you’re coming to theHackura realm to rant at people with your facts and tell them that. THEN I WILL PUNCH THEM IN THE FACE!”
I said, “I don’t think you’re going to make it until after Xander and my honeymoon… but I could do that if you’re still pregnant… which I sincerely doubt.” Buttercup chimed in, “I think they are trying to be nice by saying you don’t look big enough to be pregnant.” Then they were lying… which Cassie would know.
Cassie snorted, “That makes me want to call the wind and throw them somewhere.” I asked, “How many people did you do that to?” Freya asked, “Why would she have done it?” I answered, “It annoys the Truth Seeker to be lied to… and a Fairy. So it doesn’t matter if it’s for niceties… it upsets them.”
Cassie sighed, “Only two because people stopped saying it after that.” I’d bet they did. Angela popped over assuring her big sister, “It will be soon, Cassie.” Cassie kissed her forehead muttering, “Thank god for that.” Angela winked at me. Oh gosh…. I needed to talk to this girl.
Before I could ask what the wink was about, we were popped to Faerie. We were each announced one by one. Elise was first, which made sense. Apparently, I was last since I was the newest mate, because Olivia wasn’t coming to the big party. She was going to be in this realm with Maverick though.
Freya said, “I can tell how much you love that.” I admitted, “I do. I understand not coming to the big party… but like… she deserves to see Faerie. Maverick will keep her safe… and she’ll like being here. She’s not at home locked in her room… this is amazing progress for her.”
A man spoke, “Duchess Melanie McAlister Conners.” I started to walk and felt Xander’s lust spike the second I was in view. I felt the angry gazes on me. I linked Elise, “Do you always get the angry glares?” Elise answered, “Every year.”
I sighed, “If they haven’t gotten used to you… I’ll just adapt to it because they will never stop.” Or I’d punch them… and that would probably stop it. No one was going to look at my sisters in law like that. Elise said, “Well, just keep in mind Xander was attainable to them longer. Plus, you have the whole you can punch them rule.”
I’d literally just been thinking just that… except for her… not me. I caught Elise’s eye and smirked. I told her, “Freya punched one the first time we were here. She also was not friends with Xander… and she said mean stuff… .so it was justified.” Elise’s lips twitched.
Xander was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. The second I was off the steps my mate kissed me hard. My husband linked, “That was not an appropriate warning for this dress.” I blushed and wrapped my arms around him.
Xander reluctantly pulled apart from me and led me over to where the bar was. I ordered and the Fairy simply snapped my drink. I smiled saying, “Fancy.” The Fairy smiled at me, “Welcome to Faerie, Duchess Melanie.”
I looked at Xander, “That’s the second time someone said that.” He laughed, “My Uncle named you a Duchess when we got married.” My eyes widened in surprise… I guess I needed to add alerts for myself in Faerie… which was weird… but true.
I said, “That’s… bizarre.” Xander chuckled, “It’s not. It’s the title you deserve because you are mine in every single way.” Aiden popped over to us, smiling. Xander hugged him briefly. Aiden greeted, “Welcome, Melanie.” I replied, “Thank you, Aiden.”
Aiden turned his attention to Xander, “Nephew, if I could have a moment.” Xander nodded, “Of course.” My mate nuzzled me saying, “Try not to get into trouble.” I snorted, “I mean… as long as people are nice… there should be no problems.”
Xander chuckled, “I should’ve had KJ, Fowler, and Chason here.” I disagreed, “They deserve days off… that’s a thing they deserve… along with your Hackura guard… who are supposed to guard you… and not me… so… it will be fine.” Freya agreed, “Definitely fine.” See?
