A Ribbon Strand: Raised Hackura

Discoveries Pt. 1

Haley is 15 years old

            Lexi, Emmaline, Miley, and I were playing spin the bottle with a group of guys from the Hackura realm and the shroud. My dad had agreed to let me spend the night here. I was really excited about it. I’d only been able to have a few sleepovers with Lexi. I really wanted to have my first kiss tonight, it’s why Miley suggested we play spin the bottle. It was almost my turn to spin the bottle. It was one of the future Hackura guards' turn. His name was Trent. I’d had a crush on him for a few weeks. No one in the Hackura realm would ask me out though. I didn’t understand why. Everyone jumped over themselves to ask Miley out. A few even asked Emmaline out when she was there to train with me and Aiden, but they never asked me. Trent spun the bottle and it landed on me. I looked up and smiled. He did not smile. He paled and said, “Uhh…. I think it’s time for a break.” Lexi stood, “You jerk!” Rejection slammed into me, and I popped away. I didn’t leave the shroud though. I’d promised my dad I wouldn’t do that. I couldn’t hold back my tears. After a moment I heard, “Princess.” I turned, “Blade...just leave me alone!” Blade sat down beside me, “Is sad.” I said, “I’m ugly and no guys like me!” Blade said, “Princess Beautiful. Quis aliud qui dicit mihi occiditis (I kill anyone who says otherwise).” I said, “I just want to be left alone.” Blade said, “Why sad?” I said, “I told you. I’m ugly and no one likes me. A guy literally just paled at the thought of kissing me because I’m so ugly!” Blade gave me a look.

            I heard, “I’ve got this Blade.” I turned and glared, “Go away Gunner! Why are you even here?” Gunner said, “Hey, it was me or six of your brothers.” I sighed, “Fine, you are better than six of them being here.” He sat down. He didn’t say anything for several minutes. I said, “Why doesn’t anyone like me, Gunner?” Gunner said, “Plenty of people like you. I love you. Your brothers love you. Your whole family does.” I said, “Not like that! I mean like me like me. Don’t tell me you didn’t just see that? Trent literally ran away and paled at the thought of kissing me. Bravest race my ass. I thought he liked me.” Gunner said, “Hales….” I said, “I’m just ugly, and none of the guys like me.” Gunner said, “That’s not true. They are intimidated.” I scoffed. Gunner said, “They are. You are Titus’ only daughter, and you have nine brothers who can kill as easily as they breathe.” I said, “Ten. You count too.” Gunner laughed, “Fine, ten then.” I looked down and saw the blood on his hands. I said, “You hit him…. didn’t you?” Gunner said, “He made you cry. Plus, I was fourth in line. Miley kicked him in the balls, Lexi broke his nose, and Emmaline almost drowned him in a riptide.” I said, “I’m just not the girl who guys want to date. I just wanted to have my first kiss tonight. Everyone else in my grade has been kissed but me.” Gunner said, “Hackura boys are just scared to ask you out.” I said, “In case you didn’t notice we aren’t in the Hackura realm. Even James Scott, Lexi’s cousin, not her dad, the pathological flirt doesn’t like me.” Gunner said, “Hey…there’s a reason for that.” I said, “It’s fine. Just give me a minute.” Gunner nodded and left. 

            I wiped my tears and touched my necklace. My letter exchange friend Eric gave me this necklace when I was five. I said. I whispered, “I wish I could talk to you and not in letter Eric.” I took out my phone and looked at a picture I had of Eric. Logan had texted me a picture of him a few weeks ago. I couldn’t help but wonder if Eric would think I was pretty. He was really hot. Like mouthwateringly hot. Hottest guy I’d seen hot. I closed my phone when I heard leaves crunching. I said, “Gunner, I said…” I turned and saw Heath standing there. He said, “I’m not Gunner. Does that mean I can sit down?” I said, “It’s your shroud.” Heath laughed, “Not yet, but one day.” He sat down next to me. He said, “That guy is a jerk.” I said, “How can he be a jerk? I’m just not pretty.” Heath said, “That’s not true. You’re beautiful.” I snorted, “Yeah, that’s why no one ever asks me one a date. Even when Miley brings a guy over to talk to me when one is asking her out. They just stand there and don’t say anything.” Heath said, “As someone with a little sister…. there are those who are scared to ask Lexi out because of me.” I said, “That’s the excuse for an ENTIRE realm of people? The brave protectors of the realm can’t ask out a fifteen-year-old girl on a date? Hell, tonight was just kissing me. They can’t even kiss me?” Heath snorted, “I heard Cason has his eyes on you.” I snorted, “The guy who f****d my fairy cousin? I don’t think so. Emmaline read his soul. He’s creepy.” Heath said, “So you have standards. Come on, your fearsome foursome is missing their fourth. They are out for blood because Trent made you cry. Only your presence can calm them down.” I sighed, “Can we just stop playing spin the bottle? I accept I’ll never have a first kiss.” 

            I started to walk away when Heath grabbed my arm. He pulled me back flush against him. He tucked my hair behind my ear and leaned in slowly. My heart stopped. His lips touched mine gently. My lips parted. After a few moments Heath pulled back. He whispered, “All you had to say was you wanted a kiss, Haley Cambridge. Your mate is a lucky man. You are beautiful.” I turned red. He smiled and kissed my lips lightly again, “Now you’ve had two kisses.” I said, “Well, I can’t tell Lexi you kissed me!” Heath laughed, “Sure you can. She’d probably squeal with delight. Come on. Let’s head back before Emmaline drowns the whole shroud.” I laughed. We walked back to where Lexi, Emmaline and Miley were waiting in a comfortable silence. Heath said, “I return your last member of your fearsome foursome. She had not left the shroud, and Emmaline could’ve found her ten times faster than me. Don’t think I don’t know exactly what your plan was.” Emmaline said, “Yeah, well I had people to mess with.” Heath rolled his eyes and walked away. I asked, “Where did all the guys go?” Emmaline snorted, “We sent those Hackura jerks packing back to your realm.” I said, “How did you do that?” Miley said, “I opened a portal. Lexi drop kicked a few of them into it. Emmaline pelted the rest with hail until they were through.” I smiled, “You guys are the best.” Lexi said, “Sooooo…. those were quite the grins you and Heath had walking back here.” I blushed. Emmaline said, “I knew it! Both your souls were happy!” Miley said, “Haley and heath sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G.” I said, “We weren’t in a tree Miles. We were firmly on the ground. I guess I’m not an ugly troll after all.” 

            Miley said, “b***h! Don’t tell me you actually thought that!” I said, “What else was I supposed to think? Guys run away from me in our realm sometimes. Only Cason the creep looks at me for any long periods of time. What was I supposed to think?” Miley said, “Kace and Phillip stare at you too.” I exchanged a glance with Emmaline. She told me their souls were scary when it came to me. Lexi said, “What was that look?” Miley said, “Spill it fairies.”  Emmaline said, “They aren’t good guys…. they just need to find their mates and stop their obsession with Haley.” Miley said, “EXCUSE ME b***h?! OBSESSION?” I said, “Emmaline said it’s not to the alert the brothers point yet. They don’t really even talk to me.” Lexi said, “I will bury an arrow in the asses if they THINK about doing something weird with you.” I smiled and grabbed their hands, “I love you guys.” Emmaline blurted out, “I have the perfect guy for you to date!” I said, “In case you weren’t listening…. people don’t want to date me.” Miley said, “Uhh Heath just kissed you.” I blushed, “He doesn’t want to date me though. He’s going on a long mission tomorrow anyway.” Lexi said, “He is.” Emmaline said, “He’s a fairy! He’s been pestering Aiden to introduce you two since he saw your picture. His name is Exsis! Call Aiden! No, I’ll call him.” I said, “Don’t bother him!” Emmaline laughed and pulled out her phone. Aiden answered quickly because she said, “Hello cousin! Can you pop to me?” I hissed, “EMMALINE!” Lexi and Miley laughed.

            Aiden popped in the next second. He smiled, “Hello. Why is it always you four together? What mischief have you gotten into now? That I have to get you out of again. You know I have SO much more fun when you all include me in the plan prior to needing my help out of it.” I said, “We are best friends.” Aiden smiled at me and kissed my forehead, “Hello little sister. It is good to see you.” He turned back to Emmaline. “Why am I here, cousin?” Emmaline said, “This dumb boy made Haley feel like she wasn’t pretty.” Aiden's hands lit up with fire. He yelled, “WHAT?! WHO? Who made you feel like you weren’t pretty? You are stunning! I will kill this boy.” I said, “I feel better now.” Aiden said, “I do not care. My little sister shouldn’t’ think she’s not pretty for even a moment.” Miley said, “Oh, she thinks it fine because she got her first kiss.” Aiden’s flames went out. He said, “First? Really? With all your admirers in the Hackura realm you just had a first kiss?” I said, “I don’t have admirers.” Aiden snorted, “You do little sister. And not the creepy ones. You have so many more.” I said, “No one ever asks me out.” Aiden frowned, “Never?” I said, “Never.” Emmaline said, “Don’t you think Exsis should come and meet Haley. They’d be so cute together, and he wants to meet her!” Aiden laughed, “Of course. I’ll introduce you to Exsis little sister.” Emmaline clapped, “He’s so fun Haley!” I blushed, “Does he actually think I’m pretty? You’re not going to order him to date me or something, right Aiden?” Aiden snorted, “I ordered him to not pop up while you were on a mission to try to meet you so you could start dating. He’ll jump for joy at the chance to come meet you.” 

            I smiled, “Really?” Aiden said, “You know I cannot lie little sister. Exsis has been like an annoying parrot at my side asking to meet you.” I smiled, “At least someone is.” Aiden smiled, “You will like him little sister.” I said, “I hope so.” Aiden laughed, “Enjoy whatever this is that you all are doing.” He popped away. Miley said, “So, Gunner is here.” I said, “I know…. he came over to talk to me. Did you know he was here before he punched Trent?” Miley said, “No…. I’m actually impressed he got your brothers to stay back in our realm.” I smiled, “Oh please. Harper’s boytoy lover and Calista have Harper wrapped around their little finger.” Emmaline sighed, “That was a weird moment. It just hit me that they were all suddenly mates. Which means Gunner’s mate died, but they weren’t sad at all.” I said, “Sad? We had to pop the heck out of there because they were ripping each other's clothes off.” Emmaline blushed, “Yeah they were.” Lexi asked, “How is your fairy boyfriend?” I said, “What was his name again?” Emmaline smiled, “Desurn. We broke up.” Miley said, “Did he pop your cherry? Was it bad?” Emmaline blushed, “No, our souls aren’t right for each other.” I said, “You date a lot of fire fairies.” Emmaline said, “My dad doesn’t want me to spend time with fairies that aren’t water or fire fairies. He said the Sky and Earth Fae are weird about partials. Not a lot of them like the fact that I live with him in Faerie, I guess.” I frowned, “Hey, f**k them! Faerie is your home, and you have every right to live there with your dad.” 

            Emmaline smiled, “You’re right! I do.” I smiled, “Heck yeah I’m right.” Lexi pulled out a bottle. I said, “No way!” Lexi said, “I snuck some of our good stuff for guys!” We turned as we heard rustling. Ted ran in, “I know my girls aren’t about to crack open the good stuff without TeleTed.” Lexi said, “You made it!” Ted sat down next to me, “Hey, those guys are losers. If I liked girls…. I’d ask you out.” I smiled, “Thanks Ted.” Lexi said, “Oh it’s ok Ted. My brother popped her first kiss cherry.” Ted said, “GIRL! Look at you locking lips with that fine ass!” Lexi said, “Why Ted?” Ted said, “Hey…. Heath is fine. I’m just saying. Good for our girl!” Lexi rolled her eyes. She pulled out the glasses and poured us all drinks. We laughed and talked the rest of the night. We stumbled to Lexi’s house then up to her room. I was a little tipsy when everyone else fell asleep. I conjured myself a pen and some of my stationary. 

Hello my Letter Exchange Friend, My Eric,

Sounds right, doesn't it? My Eric. I was thinking about you tonight. I wished I could talk to you in person instead of waiting for your next letter. Then I realized...ummm duh I could just write you a letter and conjure it to you. I didn’t promise not to do that. My friends and I had some special drinks tonight. They were trying to cheer me up. I was sad because we were playing spin the bottle, but no one wanted to kiss me. Literally. The bottle landed on me, and the guy practically turned the color of a white bed sheet. It made me wonder if you would pale at the thought of kissing me. 

Sometimes I think about just popping to you and saying hi. Bjourn and Marcus talk about how busy you are though. I wouldn’t want to interrupt your work. Sometimes I just really want to meet you. I really want to see Thor. I feel like I know him with all the questions you’ve answered for me over the years. I’d love to see your pack territory. It sounds beautiful. We could hike to the top of your mountain. I love mountains. My earth and sky side love mountains.

 I’ve never asked you this, but would you ever shift for me someday? Guess I just needed some of the special hood drink to get up the courage to ask you that. Hmmm I guess other things going on since we last wrote are that I've discovered another cool power. I make the earth split it two! How cool is that? I can put it back together, don't worry. We can meet someday, right? Gosh you probably think I’m some annoying little girl who peppers you with questions all the time. Maybe I’ll convince one of my brothers to bring me with them the next time they see you. You’ll get two letters from me this time! Because I’m sending this one to you in the fairy way.

You said you always keep an ear out for other news in supernatural communities once. Do you know why Sky and Earth fairies don’t like partial fairies? Are they causing problems for Aiden? I don’t know if you care about fairy news, but I’d like to help my brother if I can. I’d hate it if someone was giving him grief because of me.

OH! My missions have been going really well! Lexi and I tend to be paired together. My brothers were all out on my first mission. They acted like they weren’t, but I felt them all there. They still come out now when I go on missions if they are not on their own. I saw a few wolves out on my last one. I didn’t see a black one though. I was ready to pop myself to them and demand they shift so I could see if you were there when I saw them; however, I waited and watched them. No black wolves which means there was no Thor. I know I’ve told you this before, but your wolf has the BEST name! I should probably stop tipsy writing. 

I hope to meet you one day Eric. I really enjoy our exchanges. I never take off the necklace you got me. I keep all your notes and presents in a special box only I can get in. Now I’m blushing writing a letter. Maybe you should just read this one and throw it away. 

Yours,

Haley Cambridge

I conjured the letter to Eric’s desk. I popped outside to Blade next. He raised an eyebrow. I kissed him on the cheek. I said, “I’m sorry I snapped at you earlier.” Blade shield, “Is fine.” I said, “No, it’s not, I shouldn’t have done that.” Blade said, “Blade not angry. Never angry at Princess.” I smiled, “You are too good to me.” Next I popped to Gunner. I asked, “Aren’t you at least going to come inside and fall asleep in a bed? Gunner said, “Will that make you feel better? I’ve slept in worse conditions.” I said, “Gunner, you either come inside or I’ll snap you a bed out here. Blade’s coming inside. He always does eventually.” Gunner said, “I’m coming inside. I was just giving you guys space. You know your brothers will flip the f**k out about this Exsis guy.” I rolled my eyes, “I just want to go on a date, Gunner. They are all about me having a normal childhood. Everyone else gets to go on dates.” Gunner said, “They’d prefer a Hackura. You need to be careful with a fairy little one.” I laughed, “Hey, I’m six foot one. I’m hardly a little one anymore.” Gunner smirked, “You’ll always be our little one. I’m serious. Be careful.” I nodded, “I know. You know Aiden wouldn’t introduce me to someone who wanted to hurt me.” 

            Gunner said, “I do know that, but this Exsis could take you somewhere with people who don’t feel as he does.” I said, “You guys trained me well. I’ll be ok.” Gunner said, “What about me?” I laughed, “You?” Gunner said, “Yeah, me. When you meet the fairy, your brothers will lose their goddamn s**t. You know who gets to deal with that?” I bit my lip, “You just have to deal with one of them.” Gunner snorted, “No, no, all us mates will have to deal with all of them. It will take each one of us to keep them from killing oh so many people.” I said, “The girls will be on my side. You’re on my side too. You just want me to be careful.” Gunner said, “We are all on your side. We don’t trust the fairies with you.” I sighed, “I know and one day you’ll tell me why.” Gunner said, “We will.” I said, “I’ve been researching, and I can’t find a SINGLE war between the Hackura and Fairies.” Gunner said, “No, you cannot. We haven’t had one.” I threw up my hands in exasperation, “Then what the hell happened?!” Gunner said, “I can’t tell you.” I sighed, “Gunner, there’s a difference between can’t and won’t. It’s really not fair that daddy made me promise not to make anyone tell the truth about it using my powers.” Gunner smirked, “We both know you’ve only used it on your brothers when you were practicing. You don’t use it on them to get the information you want.” I sighed, “I don’t ever have to. You know I try to not do that to people I care about. Only if I’m mad.” Gunner smirked, “Yes, I know.” I sighed, “I wish you guys thought I could take care of myself.” Gunner said, “It’s not you that’s the problem.” I sighed, “What if you told them I was going on a date with a vampire that way they won’t be as mad about the fairy?”

            Gunner rolled his head back and laughed. He said, “Hell no. They’d never let me come watch over you instead of them again.” I said, “Then are you going to get in trouble because Heath kissed me?” Gunner said, “No, if he wasn’t going on a long mission, I’d have hoped he asked you out.” I snorted, “Please, he has a crush that he’s denying he has on Allie. I’m not even sure why he kissed me.” Gunner raised an eyebrow, “He may have a crush on Allie, but he likes you too. He kissed you because he wanted to. Because you’re beautiful and he’s a man who has wanted to kiss you for a while.” I said, “No he hasn’t.” Gunner said, “Oh he has, and he’s not alone. Care to explain this soul search thing Emmaline did on Kace, Cason and Phillip. That’s why you practice your computer skills with me now, isn’t it? You’re avoiding him.” I said, “You’re better than he is.” Gunner said, “You know, I would’ve accepted that if you didn’t grow up around me; however, I can recognize your evasiveness little one.” I sighed, “Emmaline said they aren’t at a scary stage, but they feel how stalkers do.” Gunner eyes widened, “They are stalking you?” I shrugged, “She said that’s what it feels like.” Gunner nodded, “Alright. Come on. Let’s go get some sleep.” I popped us to Blade then popped all of us inside. I popped up to Lexi’s room and fell asleep.

            The next day when we woke up Lexi’s mom cooked us breakfast. I gave everyone a hug. Emmaline got ready to pop out. She said, “Bye cousin! Have fun on your date.” I said, “He hasn’t asked yet.” Emmaline smiled and sang, “But he will.” I rolled my eyes. She was optimistic. I was trying not to get my hopes up. I hugged Lexi and Emmaline. Lexi said, “Call me later!” I smiled, “You know it b***h!” She laughed. Blade opened a portal and we stepped through it with Gunner. My dad scooped me up the second we were in the Hackura realm. He twirled me in a circle. He kissed my forehead, “We missed you here princess. It’s not the same without you.” I kissed his cheek. I said, “I missed you too daddy.” My dad had to run to make it to court. I popped to my room. I looked over at my desk and smiled. There was a letter from Eric waiting for me. I ran over and ripped it open.

Hales, 

My Haley huh? I had to re-do my letter after yours from last night. My Haley does have a nice ring to it. I will absolutely take you on a hike to the top of the mountain when you are able to come for a visit. I’d even shift and let you ride Thor up to the top. Thor is practically humming with excitement that you want to see him shift. 

As for your spin the bottle game, that boy is a fool. He should’ve taken you in his arms and kissed you senseless. I would’ve. I am never too busy for you Haley. I’m available to you whenever you want. If that means writing letters and conjuring them to me. If that’s how I can have you in my life, then I’ll take that. One day you will see my pack, and to be honest I’m counting down the days. I look forward to each and every letter that you send. I only wish I could send them to you as you sent me the one from last night. I’d never let a day go by without reading your sweet words.

You can always ask me anything Haley. I will always answer your questions. You don’t need alcohol for that. Plus, I don’t think you want to see me shift as much as I was to see your beautiful smiling face. We WILL meet someday. That’s not up for debate. Be careful Hales, if you can convince your brothers to bring you to see me you might find I won’t let you leave. The thought of having you here excites me on a level you cannot understand.  

You have never annoyed me with any of your questions. I love them. I look forward to reading them. My brothers made fun of me for how much I was smiling when I found your letter on my desk.