The Lion and his Emancipated Mate

The Fairy Princess Pt. 1

Dylan and Lucas walked out of the Luna rooms. I looked at Dylan lamenting, “This had better be super important.” Dylan smiled, “It’s our favorite gets everything he wants Alpha no fun.” I stopped walking. I asked, “Does he have news about Lacy?” Dylan shook his head sadly, “No, just come on.” We walked down to the office. Dylan un-muted the phone.

I greeted, “Hello, Eric.” Eric’s got down to it, “Lucas, I have a few things to discuss. The most important being Haley is on a mission. She linked me that in doing recon she overheard a plan for rogues to attack in your area. I don’t know who her target is at the moment, but you and Red Run need to be prepared. Jackson and I will be coming to see you tomorrow night to support you. Haley should be able to pop to us once she’s done.”

I was floored and interrupted, “You negotiated with the Hackura that you would know about all her missions?” Eric growled, “It’s not their mission. It’s the Hood’s mission. They considered it a favor and the Hood himself played Haley.” I was stunned, “Played her how?” Eric growled, “Apparently, Haley and the Black Arrow have done a lot of missions together. The Black Arrow considers my mate to be a little sister. Which Haley, of course, didn’t know. She cried when he told her that. The Black Arrow went dark after months on the mission. They are sending Haley in to find her and assist her in killing the target instead of the Black Arrow’s original goal. They want the ringleader dead, and apparently that ringleader is after you. I have warriors stationed on our borders on alert. What else can I do?”

I was already linking warriors. Dylan was sending a message to Alpha Kyle that we needed to talk. I asked the question that came to mind first, “Haley knows the Black Arrow?” Before he could answer I remembered Red Run’s rogue problem. I yelled, “f**k! Red Run may need warriors. Alpha Kyle just learned from my mate that he has a massive problem on his boarders.” I smiled at Dylan who snorted at my casual way of slipping my mate into the conversation.

Eric replied, “Haley does know the Black Arrow. Pretty well apparently. Of course, I will…” He trailed off then yelled, “YOUR MATE? WHAT THE f**k LUCAS?” I laughed, “Her name is Emmaline Richards. We aren’t sure what type of supernatural she is yet; she’s holding that card close to her chest for the moment. She’s perfect. On that note, when you and Jackson come should your brothers in law still be with you; I want to talk terms with them for their services.” Eric was silent.

Dylan snorted, “You’ve done the impossible, Lucas. You surprised him. Good for you. That’s normally my job, but I am oh so proud of you.” Eric spoke, “You want to pay Bjourn and Marcus for what?” I growled, “I want them for when I find my mates parents. They need to suffer; I don’t know all the details yet, but my mate is emancipated and has been since she was thirteen years old. She was living in a goddamn tent in Red Run for a year. When the school in Red Run burned down, she was on the transfer list of students who came here. That’s how I met her. She lived in a f*****g tent, Eric. We lost her the first night we tracked her. She’s scared of something, and she’s running.”

Eric was quiet for a few moments the said, “I’ll bring them. I’m sure Haley can tell you if she’s a fairy once she kills whoever she needs to kill.” I assured him, “We are leaning towards a partial angel. Christy saw her and said she isn’t a fairy.” I heard Jackson’s laugh, “Oh my god. Haley is going to kill you, Lucas.” I frowned asking, “Why?”

Eric sighed, “Did you by chance find this mate of yours today?” Dylan laughed. I admitted, “No, I found her earlier this week.” Eric groaned, “Haley is going to be hurt you didn’t ask her instead of Christy to find out if your mate was a fairy.” Dylan shot me an ‘I told you so’ look. He offered, “I warned you thusly.”

I said, “I didn’t want to bother Haley when Christy can tell.” Jackson said, “If Christy is wrong, Eric will not be able to stop Haley from kicking her ass. She already is uncertain about Christy given… well you know.” Dylan coughed, “Claudia.” Eric growled, “Yes Dylan. Claudia.” At that moment, a knock sounded on my door. Dylan groaned.

Christy walked in. Dylan linked me, “Joy. Maybe she’ll say something dumb and make Alpha no fun mad.” Christy spoke, “Lucas, I think I need to take some time away. I’d like to leave tomorrow. Just to get away and clear my head. If you could ask Alpha Eric if I could stay at his home for a bit, I would appreciate it.” Jackson’s laughter was ringing through the phone line. Christy stared perplexed at the phone.

I said, “Eric is on the phone.” Christy smiled, “Hello, Alpha Eric. What do you say? We could dust off some memories and make new ones?” Eric was silent. Dylan laughed, “She did not just say that. Ohhh but she did.” He started eating popcorn. Eric answered, “I’m sorry, but no.” Eric wouldn’t explain his reasoning. It should’ve been obvious why he answered that way.

Dylan tried unsuccessfully to make his laugh a cough. Christy’s face fell. She asked, “What? Why not?” Eric spoke, “Only because we have been acquaintances in the past will I give you an answer, Christy. I am an Alpha. I don’t owe you an explanation. I’m sure you heard what happened with Claudia.” Christy frowned, “Of course I did, Alpha Eric. I couldn’t believe it. I was as stunned as everyone else to hear she gave her mate to a fairy. I always thought she used a witch to send her into heat or something.”

Eric sighed, “That’s what she told us. I won’t put my mate in that situation ever again. That’s why you can’t come here.” Christy frowned then chided, “Alpha Eric, I’m not enchanting you.” Eric sounded annoyed when he admitted, “I’m aware of that. Maybe after some time you can come and meet Haley. Right now, the Claudia situation is too raw. Haley is dealing with a lot and I’m going to protect her with everything I have.” Christy growled, “So, Claudia was right. The little fairy has you wrapped around her little finger.” I growled and so did Eric. Dylan shrieked and threw his popcorn.

Eric yelled, “You spoke with Claudia? ABOUT MY MATE?” Christy shrank back. I linked her, “Answer him.” Christy stammered, “Just after the summit, Alpha Eric. She was hurt over you reaction. Then she was humiliated the fairy ran her off after using her tricks on Claudia. She called after you filed a complaint with the council. Claudia needed someone to talk to Eric. You know Claudia loved you.” Eric growled, “You are NEVER welcome in my territory EVER again, Christy.” She deflated.

Eric continued, “Lucas, I would advise you to watch Christy around your mate. If she can side with Claudia and stick up for her after everything she did to the two of us… Well, then who knows what else she’s done.” I winced. This was my fault. Christy was lashing out because of our relationship being over.

Jackson added, “Should you need a better warning, Christy; my brother still has the reminder of when Haley says, and I quote ‘when I say the b***h it crazy it means she is crazy’ on his desk.” Dylan asked, “What’s the reminder? Be a dear, Jackson and tell Dylan all. Then I will shame Beta Caleb in my memo about not telling the rest of us Beta’s about this reminder.” Jackson laughed, “It’s Claudia’s head encased in a glass dome. It’s charmed to shout at anyone who tries to move it and should anyone try it sends an electric current through the person who touched it. It’s of course charmed to not decay as well.”

Christy visibility paled. Dylan roared with laughter, “HALEY IS PRICELESS! I worship at her feet. That’s amazing, the memo writes itself. I just don’t know what’s wrong with Beta Caleb.” Christy stared at Dylan. She admonished, “That fairy killed a werewolf! She has her head displayed, yet you laugh. That should be war!”

I stopped her from continuing, “Christy, walk away. I know Claudia was your friend for years and I know you are struggling with our relationship ending since I found my mate. Claudia attacked Eric and I, along with two Hackura princes, and Eric’s family. She conspired to separate mates. She gave Tucker to fairy’s to experiment on for god’s sake! Her actions aren’t defendable. Haley was within her right to torture and kill her. Just go. We will find another pack for you to spend some at.”

Tears filled her eyes and she walked away. She turned and tried to take a jab, “Good to know years of friendship means nothing to you, Alpha Eric.” Eric replied, “We aren’t friends. You never meant anything to me Christy, and you know that. Haley means everything.” Dylan said, “OHHH would you like some aloe for that burn?” Christy glared at him and left.

I told Eric, “She’s not doing great with the news of my mate.” Jackson chimed in, “Shocking. From the details you gave, I’ve surmised your mate is in high school.” Dylan laughed, “I bet Beta Caleb linked their group that.” I replied, “Yes, she’s going to graduate this year. She’s very smart. She’s sixteen, turning seventeen soon.” Eric added, “Well, at least you don’t have to deal with a dad who wants to shoot you. I think a human father would try to shoot you if you came around his daughter who’s sixteen years old. They have a different view of ages than we do.”

I growled, “I would prefer that, because then she wouldn’t have lived in a tent for the last several years. Or be afraid to say who she’s so scared of.” Eric’s voice softened, “I’m sorry for her circumstances. I know it’s hard to hear when your mate didn’t have everything they should’ve had in their childhood. It hurts you deep down that they suffered and weren’t cared for. Particularly by those who were supposed to protect and love them.” Dylan linked, “Alas, I cannot tease him about that. Quick, change topics. We can’t end on that sour note.”

It was true. If anyone understood my feelings right now, it would be Eric. His mate went through hell before he found her. Eric broke the silence, “Anyway, we will be there Saturday night. I look forward to meeting your mate, Lucas. You should be prepared for some tears from mine both happy and sad. Maybe get something shiny to distract her from you not asking for her help.”

I laughed, “I’ll find her something pink and shiny.” Eric admitted, “That could do it. She’s not a normal fairy though, so one could know for sure. Call if you need anything.” I told him, “I will Eric. Tell Haley thanks for the heads up and to be safe.” Dylan said, “Yes, say it just like that. She won’t get it. Make sure Beta Caleb is around to send a memo about her response.”

Eric growled, “Haley will be safe because I told her nothing can happen to her. The hood is on my s**t list.” Bjourn spoke, “Your and ours. I know BA’s brother is worried, but he sent my sister into a situation blind. She hasn’t been on a mission in six months. The prick.” I was concerned, “Eric, how worried do we need to be for Haley?” Eric admitted, “I’m a f*****g mess, about it. She links me every fifteen minutes as per our agreement. Should she miss a touch base, I’m calling all my allies to go after her.”

I laughed, “Last week I would’ve given you such s**t for that.” Eric laughed, “Now you understand. I am truly happy for you Lucas. Protect your Emmaline and watch Christy. I should’ve watched Claudia better. I was in agony thinking I was losing Haley during the summit. I know you think you know Christy. I know you’re not enchanted by her. Just be cautious my friend. That’s all I’ll say.”

I told him, “I appreciate it. I’ll find somewhere for Christy to get some space. I’ve already told her to stay away from Emmaline. She knows if she can’t handle our relationship she has to go.” Eric commented, “Good. One last thing, Aiden is looking into the charm Haley wanted to use to find Lacy. They can’t use the one she was thinking of for some reason, but Haley thought of another. Aiden had never heard of it, so he didn’t want her to do it until he looked into it more. They had a... colorful exchange about it.”

Dylan sighed, “Of course I missed that wonderful colorful exchange. I MUST KNOW why the fairy king said no. There’s more to it than he hadn’t heard of it. Alpha no fun wasn’t paying close enough attention. My brain… it hurts from the lack of information he spit at us. I’m sure our fun sized fairy’s idea is perfect because she’s perfect.” I sighed, “Well, I’m sure Haley will work it out.”

Eric laughed, “If she pops to you and says she needs something and pops away; just know she’s going against her brother. Which I believe she would do for you. I will be seeing you soon, Lucas.” I agreed, “See you Saturday.” Eric hung up the phone. I stood and went to the back of my office in the corner.

I looked at the picture I kept of Lacy. It was just a small little frame on the wall. I stared at her picture and asked, “Where are you, little sister? Why are you running from me? Why can’t fairies pop to you? Are you in danger?” Dylan was just sitting there looking lost. I smelled Emmaline coming. I knew she didn’t see me yet when she entered the room and she was visibly nervous.

She talked about how Lacy and Dylan were perfect for each other. As soon as she said it, it clicked for me. They were mates. They always had been close. Dylan was always protective of her, like I was. Hope swelled in me that Emmaline knew Lacy. Was Lacy back? That wasn’t the case, but at least we knew Lacy would be staying with us when she came home. This was good news.

My baby sister wasn’t going to meet her mate out running from me. I might never see her again had that been the case. Now when I got Lacy back, she’d stay because of Dylan. I could work on fixing whatever had caused her run. This gave me time to fix everything. I knew Dylan would treat her like a queen.

Dylan was aggressive about finding Lacy now. He had been invested before. I knew he didn’t know I knew he had his own investigation going into finding Lacy. He was being cryptic because we didn’t know if Emmaline knew there were fairies. I could see Dylan no longer found the fairy king’s reasoning amusing. He’d turned very serious about it. Serious Dylan was intense. I could see his hurt and the urgency in his eyes, knowing Lacy was his now. It seemed I’d missed that my best friend liked my little sister. Dylan’s wolf, Fang, was restless with this knowledge. I knew what he meant because Dominic had been amped up about Emmaline before and after we got her here.

That lead into a conversation about who Eric was. I linked Dylan, “How am I going to explain that?” Dylan laughed out loud and left. He linked me, “Best of luck to you.” s**t! How do I explain to a sixteen-year-old who had no past s****l experiences that I’d been with a man? She might not understand I was attracted to women. It was just Eric. Mates needed to come with a manual. Emmaline got me off task. I hadn’t fully explained when she told me she needed an appointment with the pack OB. I was all for that.

I got so hard and couldn’t control myself. I linked our pack OB, “Heather, my mate needs an appointment tomorrow after school.” Heather replied, “Of course, Alpha. I can get her in at four o’clock.” Good. I relayed that to Emmaline who was entranced with the pack link explanation. The longer we talked the more the scent of her arousal was filling my office.

We were interrupted by Dylan bursting in. He barely started talking when I smelled my parents. What the hell? They’d been traveling, looking for Lacy since she’d run away. I linked Dylan, “Link me.” He retorted, “Well if someone, not to name names but it’s you, didn’t block out their link. You would’ve heard my hilarity about the dire situation happening with your mother right now. She did not laugh at ANY of my jokes, Lucas. She’s that angry.”

My mother burst into the room. She was mad. How was I supposed to know someone else would call her? I had been pretty busy since I’d found Emmaline. Not to mention we were supposed to have a call as a family tomorrow. It’s literally a scheduled phone call every damn week. My mom got distracted by Emmaline. I rolled my eyes and linked my dad, “No, mom I found my mate but have this girl wrapped around me. Of COURSE, this is my mate.” My dad answered, “At least you have the self-preservation skills to say that to me and not her.”

My parents were a bit pup crazy, but to be fair my mom had wanted grandpups for ten years now. My mom was already gushing over Emmaline. My heart stopped when my parents told her my dating past. My dad actually looked over at me with panic in his eyes realizing what he’d just said. Emmaline surprised us all when she started laughing.

Dylan linked me, “At least she’s not running from the room screaming. Maybe she’s got Hackura blood in her. Then we can really compete with Alpha gets everything he wants. Is she in shock?” I growled replying, “I hadn’t told her about Eric yet. Just FUCK.”

Dylan linked me as they left, “It will be ok. She’s your mate. She doesn’t even look upset. She’s amused.” I didn’t bother to answer him because I was focused on Emmaline. She shrugged off thinking that I was bisexual as if I told her the carpet was grey. She said she wasn’t into having s*x with me, Eric, and Haley. The image of her with Eric was pushing Dominic into an aggressive state She was taking this really well. We quickly moved on from the topic I thought could end us before we really started. She was amazing. We went to bed. Then I sent her off to school the next day.

I walked into my office to find my parents worriedly pacing. I asked, “Mom, Dad... Are you guys, ok?” My mom whirled around. She quickly asked, “Is everything alright? We didn’t mess it up for you already, did we? I’m so sorry baby, I just...”

I put my hands up and put them at ease, “She didn’t care about Eric at all. She was concerned I would compare her with Christy. I assured her that would not be the case.” My dad looked startled, “She didn’t care about you and Eric?” I shrugged. Dylan sighed in relief. He muttered, “A quick link could have put us all at ease. My poor pillow thinks I’m mad at it. I did not sleep.”

I told them “She said they have different equipment so I couldn’t compare her to him.” Everyone laughed. Dylan said, “Now I ask myself, who does that sound like? Oh, who could it be?” He snapped his finger continuing, “Oh yeah... THE PERFECT FUN SIZED FAIRY HACKURA PRINCESS! Emmaline is a fairy, Lucas. I don’t give a s**t what Christy says.” I sighed, “Well, Haley is going to meet Emmaline soon enough. We will know for sure Saturday night.” Dylan nodded muttering, “It’s like I know things. Trusting Christy of all people over Moi. I am offended.”

I caught up with my parents. They had no new leads on Lacy. I asked Dylan, “Do you want to tell them?” He nodded. My parents were curiously watching us. Dylan told them, “So, Emmaline has this talent. She just knows who people’s mates are. She told me Lacy is mine. I just know it’s true.” Both my parent’s eyes filled with tears.

My mother spoke first, “Oh, Dylan. Our baby couldn’t do better than you. I’m going to tan her hide when I find her, but now she will stay with us. We are going to find her Dale; I just know it. Her mate is here.” My dad nodded, “We will bring her home to you, Dylan.” We all hugged. When we pulled apart my dad asked, “Any leads on why she left?” I sighed, “No, no one knows anything.”

Al linked me that he was giving Emmaline some time off. He wanted her to have a chance to adjust to her new life. He also just wanted her to realize she was a kid who should have fun not just constantly be working. I thanked him. I hoped she would be able to enjoy life a little bit not having to live paycheck to paycheck.

The day passed quickly. Before I knew it, it was time for the barbeque. I smiled as I joined the pack outside. I saw some pups playing. I told them, “Guess what your future Luna likes to do?” They all looked at me with wide eyes waiting for me to continue. I winked, “She likes to swim, and she’s going to teach you guys. Starting tomorrow morning.” They all cheered, and their parents smiled at me. One asked, “When do we get to meet your mate, Alpha?” I smiled telling them, “She’s at an appointment, but she will be here as soon as it ends.” Everyone was so excited to meet their future Luna.

It wasn’t long before I smelled Emmaline. I couldn’t stop smiling. I saw her in her blue dress that hugged her curves. My smile faded and turned to horror. My lead warrior's daughter hit her head on the dock as she fell in. We were too far away, even with our speed. I took off. I saw Emmaline was already running. She ripped off her dress and dove with precision into the water. I knew she could swim, but I knew she wouldn’t come back up for air without the pup. I was too far away.

She’d been under water for five minutes when she surfaced with the little girl in her arms. Somehow just appeared on top of the dock. What the f**k? One second, they were in the water, and the next they were on the dock. Emmaline felt for a pulse and clearly didn’t get one. I heard my lead warrior’s wife wail. My lead warrior was just ahead of me running to his little girl. Emmaline was performing CPR. Thankfully, the pup started breathing again.

I was feeling so much pride for my mate, and relief that a pup hadn’t died. I looked to see every member of my pack looking at Emmaline with pride. I saw a few unmated males looking at her with lust. I sent a warning growl through the pack link and they turned away quickly.

I looked back at Emmaline. She was in the same bra and underwear I’d seen her in her tent. I needed to show her the clothes I’d purchased and had delivered today. I ripped off my shirt and handed it to her. Dominic was banging on our connection snarling, “We need to mark her! Those unmated wolves want what is OURS!” I agreed with him. I caught her gazing at my abs and smiled as she unconsciously bit her lip. I was going to claim her.

Dylan linked me, “Why do you always have this look like you’re going to f**k her around other people? We need to check on Elouise. Then you can get it on in your own house, you wild animal.” I laughed replying, “The need to claim her with all these unmated males staring at her is high. Dominic is going crazy. Unmated males were looking at her in her underwear.” Dylan sighed, “Yes, yes, yes, let’s go so you can go make sweet love to the high school student.” I growled at him.

Emmaline was planning on coming back out after a shower. That was not going be the case if I had anything to say about it. She wouldn’t be back until she was wearing my mark on her neck. If Emmaline wasn’t ready to have s*x that was fine; I’d have to take a really cold shower. Regardless, I wanted my mark on her neck. I managed to pull away from her.

I walked into the hospital with Dylan. The first sight that greeted me was Hector with Elouise. She was sitting up smiling with a lollipop in her hand. I asked, “Didn’t I just see you chowing down on a burger, Hector?” Hector snorted, “I came running here once I saw little Elouise coughing. Your mate acted very quickly. Is she trained?” I nodded. He grinned, “Excellent. That is very good.”

My lead warrior, Trevor, spoke, “Alpha, please thank the Luna again for me. She saved our little girl.” Elouise teased, “I met the Luna before you did, daddy.” He tapped her nose, “You did princess. You didn’t need to go to that extreme to meet her though.” Her mom wrapped her up in a hug. She was still crying. Elouise assured her, “I’m fine, mommy. The Luna saved me.”

I asked Hector, “How’s her head?” He told me, “She has a slight concussion, but her werewolf genes are fixing that. I’ll be having her stay here as an overnight guest as a precaution.” I nodded and told him, “On another note. I need Emmaline to get a physical. I doubt she’s had care since she was thirteen.” Hector blanched, “The rumors are true then. She was emancipated at age thirteen? Goddess in heaven... the judge who granted that should be punched. Terminate parental rights fine, but at least put her in the system for god’s sake.” I agreed with him.