The Lion and his Emancipated Mate

The Fairy Princess Pt. 3

I could hear Christy’s ranting on the phone he was holding out from his ear. Thank god Emmaline couldn’t hear it. I quickly said, “Baby girl, why don’t you go shower? You can get ready for your last shift. I have a surprise for you before you leave.”

She smiled and hit my chest, “You sure are full of surprises, Lucas Lyons.” I kissed her then linked her, “Are you ok? I didn’t mean to be so intense with you this quickly.” She startled. She focused really hard and managed to reply, “Yes... liked... working?” I laughed. I answered out loud, “It’s a work in progress. You’ll get used to mind linking.” She smiled exclaiming, “Coolest thing EVER!” than ran out of the office.

Dylan put the phone on speaker. Christy screamed, “She’s a lying little b***h! I WILL NOT be banished because of some harpy who’s pulled the wool over Lucas’ eyes. I DEMAND to talk to him.” I growled, “You are.” She immediately changed her tune, “Lucas, please let me explain.” I growled, “Please do explain why you told my mate she should leave me. I would LOVE to hear your explanation for your attempt to separate me from my Luna. Did Claudia’s situation not spell out how that ends?”

Christy started to cry. She asked me, “You mean to file a complaint with the council?” I growled answering, “Yes, I do. You are BANISHED. I don’t want to see you ever again! It hurts even more that you were there for me countless nights while I was torn apart over Lacy leaving. You just callously told my MATED AND MARKED mate to leave me.” Christy cried, “That wasn’t what I said! She misunderstood!” I rolled my eyes, “Then what, pray tell, did you say?” Christy sniffled, “I said that she should’ve handled the customers at the diner better. That flirting for tips or allowing them to treat her that way was no way for a Luna to act. That you needed better from her.”

I growled, “So your excuse is that you blamed the victim of assault? Really?” She cried, “I didn’t tell her to leave though. She exaggerated!” I snarled, “You told her I killed them. You tried to scare her away from me.” She sighed, “Honestly Lucas! How can you think that? I was just letting her know her actions have consequences. I wasn’t trying to scare her! Is she scared of you now? That wasn’t my intention. I’ll talk to her.” I harshly told her, “You will NEVER talk to her again. Do you hear me?” Christy cried, “Just don’t banish me, please. I’ll stay away longer. Just not a banishment.” I sighed, “I won’t make it official by putting out the word. We can reconsider in a year whether it will be official or not.” Christy said, “Thank you.” I hung up and sat in the chair dejectedly.

Dylan spoke, “You can’t feel guilty for everything she does. She’s acting on her own. You made no promises to her. You never strung her along.” I shrugged, “Maybe I should've sent her away when the Claudia situation went down with Eric and Haley.” Dylan shrugged, “Maybe, but she’d just cause problems when she came back. I feel the need to point out, Emmaline wasn’t scared of you.”

I admitted, “For a minute there, I thought she was going to see me as a monster.” Dylan said, “You’re not a monster. You protected her, and everyone in your territory. Ralph was a menace and if he agreed to leave Emmaline alone; he would’ve gone after some other teenage girl unaware of our world.” I nodded, “I know. I just... I couldn’t bear it if she were afraid of me. That is what Christy intended, isn’t it? I’m not projecting my fears onto her, am I?”

Dylan shook his head, “I don’t think so. I think she wanted Emmaline to be afraid and run away. You would’ve gone after Emmaline and when you caught her, her fear would’ve hurt you. I think Christy wanted to pick up the pieces. Maybe she wanted history to repeat itself. She was really there for you when Lacy left.” I sighed, “Yes, she was. That’s why this is so hard. She was my rock when I needed one.” Dylan sighed, “That only goes so far. Plus, I was totally your rock. How dare you say I wasn’t. I’m offended. I’ll require a delish dessert to make up for that statement” I smiled.

My dad walked in, “Your mother is on cloud nine about Emmaline. She watched her swimming lesson. She said it was great.” My eyes narrowed, “Did mom see anything else?” My dad was distracted looking around. He answered, “Huh? Oh. Well, your mother did say Christy spoke to her. Something about Emmaline grabbing Christy’s hand for a moment before Christy yanked it away. Your mom called Christy colorful things.”

I asked, “Did she hear what was said between them?” My dad frowned, “No, she was in the house in our room watching through the window. Why? What did Christy do?” I sighed, “She told Emmaline I killed three men for touching her. Then added that she should leave me because she’s bad for me.”

My dad gaped, “Who touched my future daughter in law? Are they dead, son? Because they better be dead!” I sighed, “The one who touched her is dead, yes. The other two are in the dungeon.” My dad growled, “Then I have prisoners to see.” He stalked off and Dylan smiled, “I do love that man.” I smiled “So do I.” Dylan sighed, “If only he was my old man. Alas, my dad is a phantom at this point.” I winced. His parents went on a trip, and they just kept extending it.

My mom and Emmaline entered our office about thirty minutes later, laughing. My mom smiled exclaiming, “Lucas, she is a sweetheart! Where is my husband? He was supposed to be in here with you.” I quietly answered, “Talking to some prisoners.” My mom frowned, “Why?”

I looked at Emmaline and answered, “Because he was unhappy when he heard about their treatment of Emmaline.” Emmaline’s jaw dropped and my mom laughed, “Well, no need to worry about them Emmy dear. My Lucas and Dale are on the case.” Emmaline spoke, “Oh... I mean... It’s really ok...” My mom cut her off, “Nonsense, you are family. No one messes with the family and gets away with it, Emmy.”

I linked my mom, “Emmy?” My mom smiled, “She said it was fine, and she seemed happy I came up with a nickname.” Emmaline's eyes filled with tears. She hugged my mom, “Thank you, Debbie.” My mom laughed, “I told you it’s mom. There will be none of this Debbie business.” I smiled watching them. Dylan linked, “So… are you going to give her the car?”

I asked out loud, “Are you ready for your surprise, baby girl?” She wiped her eyes, “I really don’t know, Lucas.” I led her outside with my mom and Dylan right behind us. My dad showed up right before I led her around the corner to the garage. Her blue Volkswagen beetle sat with a green bow on the top. Emmaline’s jaw dropped.

She sputtered, “How… How did you know?” I asked, “Know what?” She smiled at me, “I always wanted a bug!” I laughed admitting, “I didn’t. I just thought it suited you.” She kissed me and ran over to the car squealing. My mom smiled at her excitement. My dad spoke quietly, “Why did she work at four in the morning in a diner on school days?” I sighed, “I’ll explain when she goes to work.”

Emmaline was oohing and ahhing over everything in the car. She jumped out and ran and jumped into my arms. She exclaimed, “I can’t believe you! This... I love it!” She kissed me hard and pulled away to hug me. I squeezed her tightly, whispering, “I told you baby girl; I’m going to spoil you silly. You deserve it. I take care of what’s mine. Al said you know how to drive. Your background check showed you had a driver’s license.” She nodded excitedly, “I do!”

We talked for a while. Eventually, I sighed, “You do need to get going.” She excitedly asked, “Can I take my new car?” I nodded, “Yes, my warriors are going to be in an SUV behind you.” She teased, “Oh you! I don’t even care that I don’t need them to waste their time following me. Umm, I have the mixer after my shift.”

I nodded, “That’s fine. I just want you back to meet Eric and his mate.” She smiled, “I can’t wait to meet her!” I tiled my head asking, “Why’s that?” She answered, “You said she’s a fairy. I want to meet a fairy.” I admitted, “She’s a partial fairy Princess technically speaking.” Emmaline’s jaw dropped.

She asked quietly, “What’s her name?” I told her, “Haley Cambridge Conners formally Haley Holloran.” Emmaline squealed, “ARE YOU KIDDING ME? You’re kidding? Oh my gosh... Maybe I’ll skip the mixer. Can you like... mind blown me the second she gets here? I’ll break all the speed limits to get back home!”

I laughed at her enthusiasm. I told her, “I’m not kidding. She’s actually a double princess. She’s also a Hackura.” Emmaline stopped bouncing. She yelled, “SHUT UP! She’s partial Hackura and fairy? She’s a princess of both?”

Dylan asked, “You know who the Hackura are?” She snorted, “Of course I do! So, she’s like the ultimate heroine. I cannot wait to meet her! Promise me Lucas… The SECOND she gets here. you do that mind blown thing.” I teased her, “It’s still called mind link, baby girl.” She retorted, “It’s still called mind blown, Alpha man.”

I smiled, “Well, I could link you or text you.” She shook her head, “Nope. I don’t have a phone.” I smiled asking, “Don’t you? You can’t have a car without a phone. That would be dangerous. What if you needed help?” She narrowed her eyes at me. She asked, “You got me a phone too?” I winked, “It’s in the console. My number, Dylan’s, and my parents are already programmed in. Before you get to upset, Haley is the nicest fairy I’ve met. She could want to give you her number.” Emmaline squealed and hugged me again.

She squealed, “I can’t believe I’m going to meet THE fairy princess and her prince.” I laughed, “Eric will be here pretty soon. Haley will be popping in later.” Emmaline asked, “Popping?” I told her, “It’s a fairy thing.” Emmaline clapped exclaiming, “This is the BEST day! I’m so excited.” Emmaline kissed me and bounced to her car to go to work. I smiled and we walked back inside.

My mom touched my shoulder, “Lucas, honey I don’t know her background… but is she a fairy? She seemed to know Haley Conners by her maiden name.” Dylan snorted, “Lucas is convinced Emmaline is not a fairy because Christy said so. I’m all ready to tell him I told you so.” We reached the office and filed inside.

My mom snorted, “Lucas Lyons, does a duck swim in a pond?” I rolled my eyes answering, “Yes.” My mom chided, “Christy is a liar. I think Emmaline’s a fairy.” Dylan gave her a high five. He taunted, “That’s two to one Lucas. I’m going to win. I am IN THE LEAD.” My dad interjected, “It’s three to one, Dylan. My wife is right. Emmaline recognized Haley’s name. It was like she was going to meet her personal hero.” I sighed they had a point. I held out, “We will see when Haley gets here.”

A knock interrupted our conversation. I yelled, “Come in!” To my shock Eric, Jackson, Marcus, and Bjourn walked into the room. I looked at my watch, “You guys are early.” Jackson laughed, “They are twitchy about Haley. Mom threw us out of the house. We annoyed her.” Dylan laughed, “That would be annoying. I have the utmost confidence in your perfect little mate Alpha no fun. I’m sure it was the topic of my fun sized fairy that annoyed your mom though.” Eric growled at him. I rolled my eyes at Dylan.

Eric greeted me, “It’s good to see you, Lucas. Can we meet your mate?” Dylan said, “Don’t be so forward Alpha no fun. Don’t give away our secret love.” Eric ignored him. I told them, “You just missed her. She went to her last shift at Al’s.” They nodded.

Bjourn appraised me, “Eric mentioned our services may be of use to you.” My parents gasped. I said, “Yes. My mate's parents….”

My mom interrupted yelling, “LUCAS DAVID LYONS!” I sighed, “Just hear the story mom.” She glared at me but nodded. I continued, “Emmaline was emancipated without her knowledge at thirteen because her stepdad found out she wasn’t his biological daughter.” Bjourn nodded adding, “He’s likely a warlock or demon then.” I agreed, “Yes.” I had forgotten about demons.

I kept going, “He threw her out, and put a bounty on her head. She’s been forced away from her siblings, who she misses terribly. She’s been living out in the woods in a sleeping bag. She was biking twenty miles to work at Al’s before school and after. She’s an amazing swimmer, but she can’t compete because she’s afraid her stepdad would find her. She killed rouges that attacked her and got hurt defending herself. Her mother let her be cut off from her family because she had an affair. Apparently, Emmaline’s stepdad gave her mother the choice of him or Emmaline. She didn’t pick Emmaline.” Bjourn was silent.

My mom was seething, “That b***h! Emmy was just a baby!” I nodded. Marcus said, “We will help you make them pay, but we won’t find them for you. If your mate tells you their names, we will bring them to you.” I agreed, “What’s your price?”

Bjourn looked at his brother and said, “It’s free of charge. Her story may not be our sister’s, but we know what the feeling of wanting people to pay. Besides, our sister would kick our asses if we charged her lion for a noble cause. I think we all know Haley will be distraught over Emmaline’s story.” Eric clapped Bjourn on the back. I held out my hand and thanked him, “Thank you, Bjourn.”

Bjourn shook my hand and we all sat down.

Eric and I caught up. I noticed he was linking someone. I asked, “Is that Haley?” He nodded, “She’s being evasive. I don’t like it. f**k!” I looked at the clock. Emmaline would’ve been at the mixer for a while now. I asked, “What’s wrong, Eric?” Eric growled, “Haley finished her mission, the Black Arrow is safe. She was about to join us when a partial fairy called upon Haley’s protection. Of course, my unselfish mate popped to whoever it is. With no backup.”

Dylan teased him, “Oh, come on. Haley will be fine. She can stake vampires with no powers. She’s got this.” Eric glared at him. He gritted his teeth telling Dylan, “I cannot wait until you find your mate. You have no idea how hard it is for me….” Before he could finish that thought, my office door burst open.

I recognized the werewolf Council guards by their uniforms coming through the doorway. Sam, Valerie, Chelsea, Drake, and Peter ran into my office. Chelsea cried, “Tell them Beta Dylan! Tell them they are wrong!” Dylan jumped up, “I’m so ready to tell people they are wrong. What am I saying they are wrong about? I’m confident they are wrong, but some context would be nice.”

We all stared in shock as the entire werewolf council stepped into the room with twenty additional guards. I asked, “What is going on?” An Alpha council member spoke, “Lucas Lyons, you are being placed under our protection until such time as we can get whatever magic has been placed on you under control.” Dylan and Eric growled at them.

Eric stood asking, “What the f**k are you talking about?” Another Alpha council member explained, “He’s been under the spell of a hunter. A huntress tricked him into thinking she is his mate. She has killed five of our kind, and we believe she means to use Lucas’ position to further that number.” Dread filled me. I shakily told them, “If you harmed my mate, who is NOT a hunter, I’ll destroy you.”

The first council member that had spoken sighed. He told me, “We do not take offense at your comments. We know it’s the spell talking. Your pack and Beta are worried.” Dylan growled, “His Beta is concerned you can’t do your job. You didn’t even call me! Why do I have a phone? To take phone calls for such instances where people call and ask ‘Hey Beta Dylan so good to talk to you. You’re the funniest Beta around, and we do so love calling. By the by has your alpha gone off the rails?’ To which I would’ve said, ‘not even a little. He’s all twitterpated and in love with his mate.’ I swear to god if you say Christy Jenkins called this in I’ll find some paperwork to dramatically throw around.” They paled.

I roared, “Where is my mate? What did you to her?” They came to grab me with silver chains. Eric growled, “Don’t you dare!” They kept walking towards me. A fight broke out quickly. Eric blocked several guards with Jackson right by his side. Dylan was by mine.

We were working through guards as I tried to reach Emmaline in our link, “Baby girl?” Nothing, “Emmaline, please answer me.” She had to be alright. The punishment for a hunter that had killed werewolves was death. Dominic linked me, “We would’ve felt it if she died. She’s not dead, Lucas.” I retorted, “Help me get through the guards to get to her.” Dominic growled, “I AM!”

A pop sounded. Relief filled me. Haley would throw all these people out of my way with the wind. Haley’s angrily commanded, “ENOUGH! Nobody f*****g move or I will go Fairy Hackura Princess on your asses! Lucas, Emmaline needs you.” I turned to face her as she continued, “And you werewolf council fucktards will be dealt with in a minute. ANYONE who TOUCHED my mate is f*****g dead. Actually, you all may be dead anyway! f*****g assholes!” I heard Eric growl at Haley's disheveled appearance.

Once my eyes found my mate, she was all I could see. I barely registered that Christy was wrapped in a silver chain screaming for me on the ground. Emmaline was in Haley’s arms. Her uniform was ripped open in the back. Anger consumed me.

I snarled, “They whipped her? Where the HELL were my warriors?” Haley quietly spoke to me, “She wanted you to be with her before I healed her. By the way, we are going have a long ass chat when I’m done healing her. She’s what’s important right now, though.”

I took Emmaline from Haley. She whimpered, “Lucas? Don’t be mad at your warriors. Christy tricked them.” Tears filled my eyes. I comforted her, “Haley is going to make it all better. I’m so sorry, baby girl. I’m so f*****g sorry.” Haley started to heal Emmaline. A peaceful euphoria overtook my body. Had I not been so upset; I probably could’ve taken a nap. It seemed like minutes when the feeling faded.

I looked over at the clock. Almost an hour had passed. Emmaline’s eyes were closed when I looked down at her. I spoke softly, “Emmaline? Baby girl? Can you open your eyes for me?” She slowly did. She smiled at me.

Her voice was a little gravely, “Lucas, hi.” I buried my face into her neck. She started to cry, pleading with me, “I swear, I’m not a hunter, Lucas! I don’t know what that is… I’m… I’m a partial fairy, not a hunter; I swear. Haley can prove it! Christy knew too she...” I cut her off with a kiss. When I pulled back, I assured her, “I know you’re not a hunter, baby girl.”

Haley’s anger shook the room as she yelled, “You MORONIC Fuckups have done it again!” I turned and saw Dylan had a plate of grapes next to him along with a bowl of popcorn. I linked him, “How did you already get popcorn?” Dylan snorted, “It took Haley almost an hour to heal Emmaline. I could’ve had popcorn within minutes. I have my ways, Lucas. I had ample time to prepare for what is setting up to be an epic showdown. You are unprepared. I am READY for this.”

Haley popped beside Eric and hissed, “Who hit you?” Eric looked her up and down before responded, “Who the f**k did this to you?” Haley looked like a mess. Her hands were burned, and she had a black eye. A werewolf council member spoke, “Princess, you cannot speak to us like that.” She rounded on him. Dylan clapped, “And ... here... we go!” I rolled my eyes at him. I pulled Emmaline into me, inhaling her scent.

Haley retorted, “When I am talking to you dipshits, BELIEVE me; you will f*****g know I am talking to you! Until then I suggest you adopt the phrase silent as a mime!” I laughed along with Emmaline and Dylan. Jackson and Eric were biting their lips in an attempt not to laugh.

Marcus said, “That’s not the saying, little sister.” Haley groaned asking, “Really? What could possibly be more silent than a mime? They don’t talk!” Bjourn answered, “It’s silent as the grave.” Haley snorted, “That makes no sense! Mine is better.”

Dylan snickered. Haley’s eyes caught mine. She crossed her arms, “You, my lion, are in BIG trouble. BIG! You kept my cousin from me, on the word of Claudzilla’s best f*****g friend! You and I might have to get in the ring!” I froze. Did she say cousin?

Dylan sounded entirely too happy when he asked, “Cousin?” She turned and smiled at him. She greeted warmly, “Hello, my friend Dylan.” Eric growled in response. Haley answered, “Yes, she is my cousin.” She rounded on the council and yelled, “You dumb f***s have attacked the royal water fairy house! On the word of ONE PERSON! What kind of moronic, asinine idiots do that? You are not fit to be anyone’s f*****g council, let alone draw breath!”

Emmaline whispered to me, “It’s like when you meet your idol, and they are so much better than you ever anticipated.” Eric turned and smiled at Emmaline. Haley took out her phone and spoke in rapid fealish. A pop sounded beside her. I stared in shock at the King of the Fairies. Aiden Holloran was in my office. He studied Haley, then he turned to Emmaline.

He greeted her, “Cousin. Did my sister heal you?” Emmaline was in shock but nodded. He turned to the werewolf council. He addressed them, “From my sister's colorful explanation I gather you all are the and I quote ‘fucktards who attacked the water fairy duchess.’ Which also makes her the cousin to the ruling fairy house’s, king, and princess?” They all paled.

Emmaline whispered, “Duchess? Did he say... Duchess? I... me? Shut up!” I looked at her and linked, “My little fairy Duchess.” I kissed her temple. I kind of wished Dylan had gotten me some popcorn as I watched the Princess and King of the fairies square off with the council with my mate in my arms.

Author's note: I hope you enjoyed this sample of The Lion and his Emancipated Mate. This book is now avaialable for p u r c h a s e. Please join my F B group The Ribbon Novels for more details.