The Crown Hackura Prince and His Dragon Princess

Plotting Deaths Pt. 2

She had to know I’d find her, this is the kind of thing Hackura get off on. Which I might consider she wouldn’t know, but she did because she knew all about us. I faded back and found her easily. I couldn’t get up to her, but I could wait her out. She did come down and I followed her until I couldn't stand it anymore.

I enjoyed every second until my dad gently tugged on the bond letting me know she needed to go to work. Ok, team f**k the Vampires of Missouri. I could just kill all of them and then she could stay with me.

When she left I portaled home. I found my dad with Gabe. I said, “We can deal with what’s wrong with him in a second. I would like to kill all the Vampires and Missouri. They can just start anew.” He snorted, “No.” I groaned, “UGH! It’s a great plan. Fine. Gabe, what’s wrong?”

He snorted, “Our mates are going Christmas shopping with Melanie.” I replied, “Kingsley is at work.” He retorted, “Uhhh no. Angelique is going to do something to get her out of work.” I groaned, “Awesome. She couldn't have done that with something that would include us?”

He snorted, “It’s our fault and Melanie’s that they have to get us the perfect Christmas present. I am actually positive it’s a T.V. shows fault that convinced her she had to get the perfect gift.” I nodded, “I’m inclined to agree with that.” He shouted, “SEE DAD?!”

My dad chuckled, “I didn’t disagree.” I gave him a distraction, “Did you get to see the T.V. shows about us yet?” My dad asked, “The question now?” Gabe huffed, “I saw a TRAILER, because yes Melanie sent a trailer for her to watch before the seasons.” I urged, “Show us the trailer.” My dad agreed, “Please do.” Gabe said, “It’s actually a very intriguing trailer.” He pulled out his phone.

I gaped as the voice over came on and the clips of us. It was actually us and it had to be taken from surveillance cameras but it was cleaned up somehow. Gabe said, “So, that one is about our family, obviously. There are spin offs because and I quote ‘we have so many damn family members.’ So, that’s a thing.”

My dad asked, “What the f**k?” Gabe muttered, “Great! Now Angelique is basically giving me an ultimatum over text about getting the details from the Conners house. The f**k happened?” I said, “Well, Alexander is ready to kill so it involves his rambling mate.”

I stepped away and called Kingsley. The second I hung up I called Uncle Gunner. I said, “Whoever Angelique pretended to be in Missouri needs a sick Grandpa Joe with an emergency trail.” He laughed, “Alright. I’m on it.”

My dad asked, “Why did you yell?” I rubbed my temples, “We are going into a volatile situation, but my mate believe the Vampire causing the problems might have saved a suicidal Melanie.” My dad blinked. He shook his head, “No, she wouldn't.” I thought about it then acknowledged, “I agree with you, but they know her better. K couldn't prove it, but she feels that way and I trust her. I just feel I’m going to want to kill this guy.” Gabe said, “Why do you think I will hate him more?” I groaned, “Come on.”

We walked through the portal and the tension was so thick I was positive you could cut it with a knife. Gabe announced, “My mate texted me I had to come and report verbatim what was going on until she gets back. What’s going on?” Alexander snarled, “A vampire with a death wish.” I hated that I believed he was correct.

The Vampire I surmised was Charles chimed in, “I assure you, young wolf, I do not have a death wish.” Alexander retorted, “Your presence here suggests otherwise. My mate may not understand, but you do. Calling her my dear, hugging her the way you did, keeping a hand on her, teasing me saying I can’t help it while continuing to push me.” Oh f**k me.

He continued, “I am NOT just a werewolf. I wouldn’t have to lift a finger to incapacitate and stake you. You’d do well to remember that.” Charles smiled, “I am protective of my pupil. She is the most fascinating person I have come across in centuries. Even her friends over there.” He pointed at my cousin’s mates.

“The demon and the wolf both are leery of me. They always have been. Mason and Hendrick too. Not Melanie though.” Of course not. Why would she be? She couldn't be SLIGHTLY helpful to me right now. She was highly intelligent, which made her curious. She was raised in a pack that wasn’t afraid of Vampires and most importantly Alexander wasn’t afraid of Vampires. This could be his fault, but I could say that. My dad shot me an amused look.

Charles prattled on, “She could’ve cared less that I was a Vampire. She walked right up to me and asked how old I was. Once I told her, her eyes lit up and she asked all about the history I’d seen. It is a rare quality that we do not often see in generations.” Of course it was rare. This was Melanie we were talking about. She lived to be rare. Everything about her was rare and this Vampire was impressed. I LOATHED older Vampires who thought things were rare because it meant they were heavily interested.

He continued, “We see the same mistakes repeated often. Melanie believes this could be avoided if Vampires were history teachers. She is correct of course, but why would we bother?” To help. That’s why.

Alexander asked, “What history was my mate interested in?” Charles looked at Aiden and smiled, “All kinds of course. The ones humans and study, but particularly Fairies. I knew quite a bit of their histories, and she was quite the student.” For the love of god. Was he going to state the obvious some more?

Alexander retorted, “She knew about Fairies already.” Aiden sighed saying, “Charles knows more about the family that ruled before ours.” I sent my groan to my dad and Gabe in the bond. Charles delightfully chimed in, “She didn’t just want to know about them. She was interested in your family tree as well.” Huh?

Alexander asked, “Why?” Charles smugly replied, “Ask her.” Ok, so we kill him. Kingsley wouldn't be too mad about it. Right? Alexander growled, “I’m asking you.” Charles shrugged saying, “And I won’t tell you.” I did not like this man at all.

Alexander remarked, “He does give bad first impressions.” He was trying to and succeeding. Aiden laughed, “It may be the first time you’ve met him, but I seriously doubt it’s the first time he’s seen you, nephew.” I glared at Aiden. That was not a necessary thing to say. Why was everyone stating the obvious today?

Charles admitted, “He’s right. I know quite a bit about you. I’ve also seen you in the distance a few times and over some surveillance footage that I…” He trailed off then said, “Let’s go with acquired.” Alexander asked, “Why would you do that?”

Tristan growled, “Melanie. To him we were dead, and Jason wasn’t a factor. You were the only factor that mattered.” Oh joy. The Beta wolves were here to rile up Alexander into killing the Vampire I mostly wanted to kill my mate asked me not to. Yay. My dad sent me amusement over the sarcastic feelings he picked up in the bond.

Alexander questions, “Factor in what?” Phil sighed, “Someone get the gym ready.” More like a body bag or vacuum for the pile of dust the Vampire was about to be. Uncle Eric asked, “What the hell is everyone talking about?”

Aiden said, “Charles is known for turning his mentees.” He was what now? Kingsley couldn't know that. I shot my dad a look and his feelings told me Aiden was right. Aiden added, “As fascinated as he is by Melanie, I’m sure that was his eventual plan.” Kingsley definitely wouldn’t be mad if I killed him now. Or just let him die. That seemed like a good option.

Alexander snarled, “YOU PLANNED TO TURN MY MATE!” Charles boasted, “If you’d have rejected her, I’d have gotten to her and turned her on the spot.” Dead Vampire walking. Drake growled, “Does my daughter want to be turned?” He definitely didn’t ask.

Charles shrugged, “We didn’t discuss it.” Arthur interjected, “It’s not often that Vampires practice discussing turning.” Alexander growled, “You do.” Charles said, “He is different than I am.” Alexander’s fury bounced in the bound. He practically roared, “So her feelings don’t matter to you?” The windows rattled but I was certain he didn’t notice.

Charles said, “On the contrary, her feelings matter a great deal to me. I do not let people that fascinate me die. I planned to turn her eventually. I just would’ve changed my timetable if you rejected her.”

Aunt Haley interjected, “Now, wait a damn minute. Vampires turn other supernaturals WITHOUT their f*****g consent?!”Uncle Eric haphazardly tried to talk to her about it. “Angel….” Aunt Haley interrupted, “NO! No one f*****g Angel’s me right now. Or little sister. Or mom.” Uncle Eric shrugged, basically giving off the I tried sign. He was ready to kill Charles too.

Aunt Haley ranted, “That’s f*****g bullshit. Supernatural’s can understand the turning process. Turned werewolves can’t shift. That’s a big f*****g deal.” She was right. Charles said, “She could not shift at the time anyway.”

Alexander jumped back in, “Did you know what happened to her?” He was dead if he did. Well, finally anyway. Charles answered venomously, “If I knew, they would’ve been dead. I was traveling overseas on Melanie’s sixteenth birthday. Birthday’s become trivial the older you get. I would not have let someone harm her.” So he was definitely with Angelique then.

Alexander snarkily asked, “How the HELL did she hide from you that they hurt her?” Charles looked at Sierra which made Phil growl. Sierra sighed, “Charles wasn’t around as much as you think, Alexander.”

She admitted, “For a Vampire nomad, he was around a lot; however, he flew in and out of our lives. If Melanie was hurt when he was around, we told him she was busy.” Alexander snarked, “Which he knew was a lie.”

Charles agreed, “Of course I did. I did not suspect such a sinister plot as the supernatural world has come to discover. Not unlike your Hackura commander, I am aggrieved they did not tell me. They would’ve died gruesome deaths.” Damn it. I didn't want to feel bad for him, but I did know Cayden felt like s**t.

Alexander said, “If you’ve seen me then you knew I wanted her.” My Aunt made a face and I felt her slam walls down on our bond. I wanted to curse. Charles said, “Of course I did.” My Aunt’s eyes blazed for a second before she shut them.

Alexander pointed out, “You could’ve gotten her to me.” Charles laughed, “I encouraged the girl many times to come see you. She is fearless about most things, but not you. She was determined that everything needed to be just so before she went to see you. I am not obligated to kidnap the girl to get her to you. You were free to go see Ashley Griffen anytime you wanted.” Jesus Christ. He really did want Alexander to try and kill him. Did he really not believe he’d get bested? Because Alexander could kill him alone.

Alexander changed the subject after they glared at each other. “Where are you staying? Because it sure as f**k won’t be here.” Aunt Haley gasped, “Alexander!” I sent my dad the emotion that we were f****d. Alexander declared, “It won’t be.”

Arthur quickly offered, “He can stay with us.” Charles smiled boasting, “I was issued an invitation for Christmas.” I nearly groaned. I took out my phone.

Me: Please god, tell me you know when I say the name Charles Lennox who his mate is.

Aria Lyons: I do and she’s nearby. Is he staying with Arthur?

Me: Yes.

Aria Lyons: Good. Then he will meet her.

Me: Thank f*****g god.

I texted the next person to set that up.

Me: Does Charles meet his mate at Arthur’s house soon?

Angela: Tonight. He looks kind of dirty. I might need to look into that. He might get in a fight.

Me: Yeah, with us. He’s being a d**k to Alexander.

Angela: Ok, I won’t look then.

Sam spoke, “My daughter likes you so I’m inclined to say you’re not a bad man, but if you so much as drink a drop of her blood with the intent to turn her, I’ll stake you. She JUST got her wolf.” Charles replied, “Since the young wolf didn’t reject her, I’d altered my plans. Werewolves look young for quite some time. If she was ever close to death I’d like to see you try to stake me. I have drank her blood before though.” I did not get that memo. Did I? Why would he say that?

My dad’s jaw dropped. Phil said, “Oh shit.” Alexander snarled, “WHAT?!” Alexander threw him into the wall. Charles smirked, “It has been so long since I fought a Fairy I was unprepared. I will not be next time, young wolf. I should’ve guessed your reaction to that news.” Should have guessed? He could be dead right now.

My dad, cousins and Uncle Eric held Alexander back. My dad sent me the emotion they needed me. Instead of joining them I asked, ‘Why exactly should we not let our cousin kill you? His mate has been taken advantage of enough. I’ll not stand for someone pretending to be her friend when you are using her. No one will stop me from killing you. The one person who could convince me to give you a head start left to go shopping.” If told her he wanted to turn Melanie she would spit on his ashes.

Sierra quickly said, “Melanie made that choice. He didn’t force or coerce her.” Alexander demanded to know, “SHE WHAT?!” Charles bragged, “Her blood was divine, it rivals a Fairies actually.” He was not doing this right now. He hummed, “Different in taste for certain. I’d take her over a Fairy any day. Fairies are so hard to catch when they want to be.” No. He did not just say that. That was bad. Her blood tasted better than a Fairy?! f**k. That knowledge couldn't get out.

I sighed, “Just let Alexander go, dad. I’d kill the Vampire if I was him too.” EJ yelled, “You are not helping, H!” I argued, “Actually I am. I’m telling you the solution to the problem. Let Alexander kill him. Problem solved. This Vampire is being quite disrespectful, and I dislike it.” Plus he held the knowledge that Melanie’s blood tasted that good. Whoever his mate was would get a second chance.

Surprisingly, Maverick’s quiet mate shouted, “ENOUGH!” She certainly commanded the room and Maverick radiated his pride for her in the bond. Olivia ordered Charles, “Just tell him the story. Stop baiting and toying with him.” Ok, she had some bite to her. Maverick was good for her, which I’d known already.

She continued, “You didn’t have s*x with Melanie or even kiss her. You wanted to, but she didn’t want you. You respected that. You live by your own code. Whatever. That’s fine! Stop trying to start s**t with the person you’ve always known was important to Melanie because you are jealous of what he’s always meant to her.” She must have some intuition because Addison and Sierra looked surprised by her analysis of Charles' feelings. Vampires didn’t give away their options or emotions at his age.

Charles chuckled, “Being mated looks good on you, Olivia. The shy quiet wallflower has bloomed. I like it.” Maverick glared at him. Olivia said, “Sure. Just tell them the whole story or I will.” Charles chuckled, “You do understand the story is embarrassing for me, little Olivia.” Was he trying to bait every member of this family?

Olivia retorted, “We all have embarrassing moments. You know mine. You’re baiting him, and that’s mean. You know exactly how he would react to you given him partial details. Hastein is right. You’re being disrespectful.” I inclined my head to her. Charles laughed, “That’s true. We all do have embarrassing moments.”

Eventually he admitted, “Olivia is not wrong. I am jealous of the loyalty you have always had from your mate. Particularly when, in my opinion, you'd done nothing to deserve it.” This mother fucker. Olivia cleared her throat.

Charles laughed, “Alright. I’ll get to the whole story, little Olivia. That wolf is good for you. I see that Fairy spark for life returning to your eyes.” He was trying to help her too? What was his deal? Which way was his moral compass pointed, exactly?

Charles hummed, “Where was I? Ahhh, yes. Melanie’s blood. I’d returned to see Nashville intent on speaking with Melanie. I hadn’t told her I was coming. It was a surprise. I was coming out of my day time rest. I wasn’t fully awake.” He was making excuses which means he was attacked.

He added, “Some Hunters had luckily stumbled onto the place I’d rested. They had some Vampires they were working with as well that were nearby. The Hunters had subdued me somewhat. I was overwhelmed when the Vampires arrived. Their intent was to torture me. I was not in a good state. Melanie burst in with her mask and killed them all.” Naturally.

Tristan said, “I’m sorry. How many Vampires were there?” I could get Kingsley to show me the report of this since Charles was obviously not going to answer that. Arthur offered, “It would’ve had to be a lot to be able to subdue Charles. As we age we get stronger.”

Alexander guessed, “Fifteen Vampires and thirty Hunters.” Jason said, “My little sister killed fifteen vampires.” He clearly did not know Alexander was guessing. He didn’t know that, and he missed Sierra’s eye twitching. Hopefully, I remembered to ask Kingsley later.

Charles said, “And the Hunters, but I digress. As I told you, she is fascinating and impressive. She would’ve made a great addition to my family line.” I shot my dad a look and he rolled his head around ready to fight if need be.

Charles told Alexander, “If she’s dying and you are not around to save her, I will turn her.” The f**k he would because I could get her help. Melanie wasn’t going to die or be turned into a Vampire unless she decided to be.

Charles continued, “Anyway, Melanie marched right over to me and cut her wrist and told me to drink. It took a while for me to recover. A few of my children made their way to me. She fed me her blood as I recuperated and guarded me. She has the thanks and debt of my bloodline.” That was useful and made me want to curse. That meant they were all interested in Melanie. The entire goddamn bloodline that I didn’t have.

Me: We need Charles Lennox’s bloodline.

Uncle Gunner: You know we don’t have it all. You picked the recluse and Vampires in general guard their bloodlines.

Me: Check Melanie’s system. She knows and has a FAVOR from them all.

Uncle Gunner: FML

Me: Yeah.

Alexander practically shrieked, “My mate has a formal debt from your bloodline?” Charles smiled, “She does. My children who have met her like her too.” Of course they did. Uncle Eric asked, “So do you have children that work in the Resistance? You would’ve wanted someone to keep an eye on my daughter in law.” He was right and that was DEFINITELY in the system.

Charles grinned, “I heard you were quite the strategist.” Aiden coughed, “Knew.” Charles' laughed before answering. “Of course the Fairy King is right. I did know that fact about Alpha Eric Conners. I don’t give away who members of my family line are.” Except probably to Melanie.

He added, “I do not force my children into anything. There are some who decided to work with the Resistance. They did not have to leave their homes as Melanie can get around with her network. Some of my children like the challenge of going somewhere new. Melanie doesn’t make anyone do anything. It’s another thing that is fascinating about her. Then I heard the white wolf fought with you all and it all made sense. Of course my dear Melanie is the white wolf.” He just can’t decide if he doesn’t want us to kill him or not. I was just leaning towards no and I’m right back to yes.

Elise said, “That’s a rumor.” Charles laughed, “And the masses buy that, but I am not the masses little Luna. I have my own feelers and traps out there for people looking into Melanie. Patricia’s email was read by myself seconds before Melanie deleted it. She wouldn’t have been looking for me as we do have to keep some things as the teacher that is not passed down to the student. I knew before I read it though. It makes so much sense. She is a goddess.”

Oh good, another hacker. Yay. I needed to join this pack so I could link people my sarcastic commentary. I glanced at Gabe who was pretty much in line with my feelings. He tilted to his head to the right letting me know that’s the way he’d go if we attacked. I tilted my head left and he grinned. My dad sent us the emotion to knock it off.

Charles pledged, “I would never tell her secrets. Not to you or others.” I glanced back at him and noted he was directly talking to Alexander. What f*****g secrets? Alexander shot back, “I know her secrets.” Charles smiled, “Do you? Interesting summation, young wolf. You had no idea who I was. Though, my dear would not consider that a secret, in her defense.” His what? His what?!

Alexander snarled, “Will you stop calling her that?” Charles laughed, “I’m afraid that answer is still no.” Going back to killing him. Angelique shimmered in and I nearly groaned. My dad’s eyes snapped to mine and he hung his head for a brief second.

Charles smiled, “Ahhhh the Angel/Demon mix. Have you decided to let me kill some Angels yet?” I could not get a grip on this man’s moral compass if I tried at this point. Gabe’s fury and indication slammed into me.

He ground out, “I’ll be handling that.” Alvin and Arvid were now here and faded back. Brenton was debating coming. Angelique skipped over to Gabe and kissed him. When she pulled back she told Charles, “My mate wants to handle it.”