A Ribbon Strand: Raised Hackura

Discoveries Pt. 2

I do know why sky and earth fairies don’t like partial fairies. They are elitist shitheads. Fairies believe their blood is sacred. It’s ironic because earth fairies have MANY partial fairy children. They are proud that their children can perform magic. They just don’t want them in Faerie. Like I said. They are shits. Your brother has been able to handle everything just fine. Don’t worry about King Aiden. He can handle himself. He’s quite powerful. I care quite deeply about any fairy news because of you. I will not let anything happen to anyone you care about if I can stop it. 

Your brothers are protective. I get that. If I had a sister, I’d make sure she was safe as much as I could. Don’t think that has anything to do with your skills Haley. Bjourn himself has told me how good you are. He’s quite proud, and I have to say as am I. I’ll have to speak with my men. They were not supposed to get close enough to you that you could see them. You and Lexi were close to my territory. Your brothers asked me to keep an eye out. You have no idea how hard it was for me not to come myself. Sadly, for so many other reasons I couldn’t be there. I did have a meeting I couldn’t miss. There are rumors an Alpha is losing his mind from grief over the loss of his parents. I won’t go into too many details, but his Luna is rumored to be taking the brunt of his insanity. I am trying to confirm all the rumors I am hearing to try to help her. I have to say…. it’s been hard for me if I’m being honest. I want to act, but I have held back when I know she’s in trouble. She’s not from my pack, so I need her former Alpha on my side to go after her.

 Thor loves that you love his name, as do I. How could you not love Thor? You can make it rain and bring lightning. That’s very impressive about your new power. YOU are impressive and beautiful. Anyone who doesn’t see that is a fool.

 As I said earlier Hales, we will meet. That’s not up for debate, the only question is when. Words do not express how much I enjoy our letter exchanges, as I said I only wish we could exchange them more often. I will never throw away a single note you write me. I treasure them all. I’m glad you still love your necklace. I spent an embarrassingly long amount of time picking it out. I wanted it to be perfect. Just like you. 

Yours, 

Eric and Thor

I read it six times, blushing furiously. He would take me in his arms and kiss me senseless? I squealed and put it in my special Eric box. I’d kept all his letters, and I’d magicked the box so no one but me could open it. I smelled the note before I put it away. Eric’s letters always smelled like the ocean. I had no idea how he did that. Tennessee wasn’t near an ocean. I shrugged and ran to find my brothers. 

            I found Bjourn. His eyes were golden. I should’ve backed off and waited to talk to him, but I was so excited. I yelled, “Bjourn!” He turned and his eyes went back to normal. I hugged him, “I missed you!” I whispered in his ear. He laughed quietly, “I missed you too, little one.” I pulled back, “Did you bring me my note?” Bjourn said, “I was there when Marcus got it for you.” I said, “Can I go with you guys to meet him next time? Please? I really want to meet him! He said he’d shift into his wolf for me.” Bjourn said, “Promise me you won’t just pop over and meet him.” I frowned, “Why not?” Bjourn said, “Little one, promise me.” I sighed, “Ok…. I promise not to just pop to him and meet him in person.” Bjourn pulled me into a hug. He whispered, “None of us are ready for that yet.” I frowned, “What do you mean?” Bjourn said, “You’ll love his pack. You might even want to move there.” I laughed, “I live here silly!” Bjourn nodded, “Yes, you do. I’ll take you to meet Eric the day you turn eighteen.” I sighed, “Three years? MAN! Just because you think I’d want to live there?” Bjourn smiled, “It’s one of the reasons.” I sighed, “Ok. The DAY I turn eighteen?” Bjourn nodded. Little did Bjourn know my ass was popping to him at midnight on my birthday so he could take me to meet Eric. 

            Bjourn had to go join dad for court. I walked down to the stables. I went to find Pirate. I conjured a sugar cube. Pirate neighed when he saw me. I was one of the only people Pirate was nice to. I smiled. I heard a pop then Aiden’s voice say, “Did I not tell you Exsis…. she’d be with her horse.” I heard a laugh, “You did tell me that.” I turned and popped into Aiden’s arms, “Hello big brother.” Aiden smiled, “Hello little sister. I can’t stay long but meet Exsis. He’s been begging to meet you for years. I’ll leave you two alone.” Aiden popped out before I could say anything. I blushed. Exsis looked at me like I’d never seen anyone else look at me. He was tall with dark hair. He had green eyes with flecks of amber in them. He wasn’t as hot as Eric, but he was hot. He said, “You truly are stunningly beautiful.” I blushed harder. He tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. He said, “Aiden often spoke of your beauty, but the reality pales in comparison. There are no words to adequately describe yourself. You are truly fairer than our former queen.” My jaw dropped. Everyone said my mother was the most beautiful fairy around. I said, “Do you truly believe that?” Exsis said, “You know fairies cannot lie, Princess.” I blushed, “Call me Haley.” Exsis said, “Haley. Such a beautiful name.” He said, “I would like to take you on a date tonight. I would like to show you the fire fairy territories.” My eyes widened, “Really?” Exsis said, “Oh yes. I know you have only seen the castle and the water territory. I think it’s high time you say the fire territories.” I said, “Ok! What time?” Exsis said, “I’ll pop to your front door with your permission at five o’clock this evening.” I nodded, “Yes, I grant you permission to pick me up in this realm.” He bent down and kissed my cheek, “See you then Princess.” He popped away.

            I squealed and popped into the castle to my room. I called Lexi, “Exsis asked me on a date! You have to come help me decide what to wear. Call Emmaline. She’ll pop you in.” Lexi said, “YES! Finally! A man with sense.” I texted Miley to get her ass to my room. I popped to my parents’ room. I knew my mom would be there. She smiled, “If it isn’t my little girl.” I said, “I have a date tonight.” My mom smiled broadly, “And who is this smart young man who’s asked my little girl on her first date?” I said, “His name is Exsis.” My mom raised her eyebrows, “A fairy? Whew…. tall order you are asking of me and your brothers’ mates tonight.” I said, “No one here likes me. Exsis thinks I’m beautiful.” My mom said, “You are. How did you meet this young man?” I said, “Aiden introduced us.” My mom said, “Well, then I know the young man means you no harm. Go get ready for your date. I’ll alert the girls and Gunner. Maybe between us all we can keep the armies from being deployed.” I laughed and popped back to my room where everyone was waiting. Emmaline was bouncing up and down, “I knew Exsis would ask you out! Ohhh this is so exciting!” I snapped several outfits that were vetoed for one reason or another. Finally, we settled on a pink crop top that had off the shoulder sleeves and a high waisted long pink rose patterned skirt with a slit almost to my butt. Everyone nodded, “That’s it. That’s the outfit.” I snapped my makeup and hair done.

            Lexi laughed, “I don’t know how other people get ready for dates, but I LOVE the fairy way. I personally am glad I never had to do it the longer way. It pays to have fairy friends.” I smiled and twirled around. I said, “Emmaline...do you think Exsis will like it?” Miley said, “Who gives a s**t if he likes it? You like it.” Emmaline smiled, “He will like it.” Miley said, “What we have to worry about is your brother’s losing their s**t and making you stay home.” I bit my lip, “Exsis is coming at five.” Miley laughed, “He must know when court ends today.” I said, “Aiden knows.” Emmaline said, “They really should’ve seen this coming. We are a mischievous bunch after all.” We all laughed. Blade said, “Is coming.” I said, “Of course you’re coming Blade. I wasn’t going without you.” He nodded and stepped back. I was waiting by the door at four forty-five. Emmaline had just popped Lexi out. My mom said, “You look beautiful. Oh...my baby has her first date.” Katie said, “About damn time!” Torvi and Astrid came out too with Calista and Gunner. Torvi handed me a dagger. I said, “I’ve got one on me.” Astrid said, “Good.” There was a knock on the door. Gunner said, “I’ll get it.” I said, “Please be nice!” Gunner rolled his eyes. He opened the door and stepped back. Exsis popped inside. He took me in. He said, “Princess…. you look stunning.” I blushed, “Thank you Exsis.” 

            Gunner said, “Interesting timing. Who suggested the time of the date?” Exsis said, “Oh, that would be me. Let’s get out of here Princess.” Gunner said, “Have her back by eleven. If she’s not here by then you do NOT want to see what happens next.” Exsis said, “Yes, yes, war and blood will be spilled. Aiden briefed me on you all.” He held out his hand to me. I smiled, “Bye guys!” My mom said, “Be safe and have fun!” I waved to them and Exsis popped us out. I saw Blade fade into the background. I gasped, “Is that the fire fairy mansion?” Exsis laughed, “Yes, it is Princess.” I said, “You can call me Haley.” Exsis smiled, “And I will on occasion, but when I look at you, I think…. She’s a beautiful stunning princess.” I blushed and turned back to the fire caste. It was literally on fire. It had some eternal burning flames running off it. Exsis said, “Let’s get dinner first.” I couldn’t stop looking around as we walked to the restaurant. The fire territory was just as beautiful as the places I’d been in Faerie. Several people stopped to gawk at us. Exsis squeezed my hand, “They are jealous I have the most beautiful girl in Faerie on my arm.” I said, “I think they are surprised I’m here.” Exsis said, “That could have something to do with it.” We walked into the restaurant. It was a place where they grilled your food in front of you. It was VERY stereotypical of the fire fairies. Of course they liked watching the fire and the food being cooked in front of them.

            We were seated at a private table for two, but the hostess said, “Welcome to the fire territory Princess.” I smiled, “Thank you. It’s very beautiful here.” the woman smiled kindly at me. She popped away. The man cooking our food popped in. I whispered in Exsis’ ear, “Why do they cook the food?” Exsis said, “He loves to cook, and we love to watch the fire cook our food. That element is missed out on when you conjure food.” I smiled. Exsis was rubbing his hand in a circle on my exposed leg. Everyone in the restaurant was watching us with open interest. After the restaurant we were walking around outside. Exsis said, “That’s a beautiful necklace that matches your outfit quite well.” I smiled, “It’s my favorite necklace.” My Eric necklace. I really didn’t even take it off even to sleep. Exsis popped us to a secluded area with a fire pit. There was a love seat by it. He grabbed two sticks. He snapped marshmallows onto them. He said, “Have you ever had smores, princess?” I said, “Not that I cooked, no. I’ve snapped them done before.” Exsis laughed, “Sometimes there’s a beauty in cooking. The fire is alive.” I smiled, “Said the fire fairy to the earth and sky Fae.” Exsis kissed my bare shoulder. He said, “Trust me Princess. It will be worth it.” 

            Exsis showed me how to roast my smore. Once the marshmallows were done, he got the chocolate and gram crackers. We sat and ate them. When we finished, he smiled, “You have some marshmallow on your lip, Princess.” I said, “Oh, Where?” I went to wipe my face, but he caught my hand. He whispered, “I’ll get it.” He leaned in and kissed me. Softly at first, but soon his hand was threading through my hair. He shifted so I was straddling him. I gasped and he used that moment to thrust his tongue into my mouth. His hand trailed along my side as we made out. I pulled back to breathe. He looked into my eyes smiling. He said, “I would very much like to see you again, Princess. I will be leaving in a few weeks, but I’d like to spend as much time with you as I can prior to that.” I frowned, “Where are you going?” He smiled, “I’m going to Ireland to help your brother with a few issues. I’ll be infiltrating a group of faeries we need to know more about.” I frowned, “That sounds dangerous.” Exsis said, “Oh, it’s very exciting as well.” I smiled, “I’d like to see you for the next few weeks before you leave.” Exsis kissed me, “Very good. I should get you back before blood is spilled in the streets.” I said, “Is it that late already?” Exsis said, “Time flies when you’re having fun princess.”

            I popped us both to my home. He walked me inside holding my hand. Oddly, no one was there. I said, “Maybe they were fine with it.” Exsis laughed, “And the sky is green.” I said, “The sky is blue.” Exsis smirked, “Exactly.” He popped away. I popped to Miley. She smiled, “How was it?” I said, “Great! We made out and he wants to see me again! He’s leaving in a few weeks, but…. we are going to hang out until then. Where is everyone?” Miley snorted, “The gym.” I grabbed her and popped us there. I gaped at what I saw. All my brothers were bloody. Even my dad. I said, “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?” Everyone stopped and turned to me. My dad said, “Princess…. you’re back.” I said, “Yeah…. WHAT is happening here?” Bjourn came over to me and kissed the top of my forehead, “We were worried.” I said, “I was perfectly fine. You guys date. Everyone in the damn realm dates.” Bjourn said, “Not a fairy.” I said, “I do recall a certain Hackura dating my fairy brother for several years.” Bjourn sighed. Marcus came over and said, “Did you have fun, little one?” I smiled, “Yes. Exsis and I are going out again. Until he leaves for Ireland.” My dad said, “Wonderful.” It didn’t sound like he meant it. 

            Exsis and I spent the next several weeks with each other. We spent time in Faerie and the Hackura realm. Exsis joked everyone was jealous of him being with me. He even charmed Phillip, Kace, and Cason to stay away from us. He was a lot of fun. We’d developed a closer connection. We didn’t have s*x though. I was sure he wanted to, but the timing wasn’t right. I’d jerked him off, and he’d fingered me. My underwear never came off. I was always wearing a skirt. He simply moved my underwear out of the way. It felt really good. He said I was beautiful when I came. He always said things like that. On his last day with me he sighed. He pulled me close to him. “I do wish we had more time to spend together.” I said, “Could you pop to see me?” He tucked a hair behind my ear, “I wish that I could Princess. That might give me away though. I have to be smart.” I said, “No, of course. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.” Exsis said, “I have enjoyed these few weeks more than I can say.” I smiled, “Me too.” Exsis said, “I do hope to see you again one day.” I smiled, “Me too.” He leaned down to kiss me. We made out until my lips were swollen. Exsis said, “What a beautiful last way to remember this moment. Your perfect lips swollen, and a little out of breath from my kiss. I will miss you princess. Truly.” I said, “I’ll miss you too.” He popped away. I sank down by the tree we’d been sitting at. I cried a little bit. I really would miss Exsis. He was the first guy to show interest in me, and he was fun. 

I heard another pop. I looked up, “Hello brother.” Aiden smiled, “I wanted to check on you. You feel so much stronger than other Fae’s. I thought his leaving might upset you.” I said, “I’ll miss him. He was a lot of fun. Thank you for introducing us brother. I worry about his safety too.” Aiden smiled, “Exsis is one of the best. He evades better than most fairies. He will be just fine.” I said, “Promise me if he’s hurt, you’ll send me to him or bring him to me to heal.” Aiden said, “I will bring him to you if he gets hurt, but he will be fine.” I nodded, “Ok then.” Aiden stayed with me for a while before leaving. I popped back to my room. Emmaline, Lexi, and Miley were waiting with candy and junk food. I laughed, “You guys!” Lexi said, “We had to be here for you!” I laughed. We all stayed up late eating and laughing. Emmaline turned it into a dance party at one point. I had the best friends in all of the realms. 

A few days passed. I was a little mopey. Logan came up to me, “You need a good prank.” I smiled, “Yeah? I’ve been saving one.” Logan said, “That’s the spirit. What is it?” I smiled, “Snapping moms’ clothes to a storage place in the earthly realm and replacing them with Walmart clothes.” Logan said, “GENIUS! Do that.” I popped away from him to my parents’ closet. It was a giant room in and of itself. For fun I called the wind to watch the clothes sway before I put my plan into place. A letter floated down from the back of the closet. Shoot! I walked over to it and stopped. It was addressed to me. Why was it in here?

To the baby me, 

God that’s f*****g weird to say. You were a baby when I brought you here. Do I address you as Haley? Sounds like I’m talking to my damn self…. which I am GOD the ribbon is confusing.

I gasped. I was in the ribbon? I was a jumper? That meant I was twice light bound to my mate. A mate that was mine through all realties! I was blessed enough by our fairy goddess to be in the ribbon? That’s crazy….me? Really? I kept reading.

Anyway, I brought you to our Hackura family because of the things I suffered in Faerie. They were not kind to me. I was abused, raped, and beaten. Our uncle, who Bjourn killed, was their ringleader. That shouldn’t happen now though. I fixed Emmaline and Lexi’s lives too. Lexi’s parents were murdered in my reality but that should be fine now. Emmaline’s stepdad was the worst. Her mom wasn’t great either. Cousin Marcious should be raising her here though. I hope you both are good friends. 

We can do a lot of very cool things. We are part of the promised siblings.

My hands were shaking. The promised siblings? I was the pure of heart fairy? You have to be f*****g kidding me! That’s why Aiden was so powerful? That’s why Arion’s skills at fighting had gotten so much better? He was the enforcer? Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. I took several deep breaths.

I don’t know when you will get this letter. I’m pretty sure I scared the f**k out of our dad and brothers when I told them what all happened to me. Dad blames himself for not protecting me, so I’m sure they go overboard in this reality with you. Try not to be too mad at them for that. My reality was f****d up in terms of childhood. Our dad thought I wouldn’t like him because he didn’t know what was happening to me.

I’m sure Aiden has taught you about the ribbon in this reality. He knows we are in it. I spoke to him before I left. Our mate is amazing. If you haven’t met him yet his name is Alpha Eric Conners…. he’s an amazing man.

My mouth dried and I stopped reading. It felt like the room was spinning. My letter exchange friend was my mate? They all knew. That’s why Bjourn made me promise not to pop to him. They didn’t want me to move realms to be with Eric yet. I had so many conflicting feelings. I understood. I wasn’t ready to leave my home. This ribbon version they saw…. she suffered. That was clear. I have not though. My family wanted to give me the childhood she never had, but I couldn’t at least been allowed to see him. It hit me like lightning. Eric knew. That’s why he was so certain we’d meet one day. My poor mate. He must have known this whole time. My other self would’ve gone to see him when she was here. I HAD to see him. I conjured the letter back to its spot in the closet.

I popped to my room. How was I going to do this? I couldn’t think clearly. My hands were still shaking. The need to see Eric….to make sure he was ok was so strong. I promised not to pop in and meet him though. My body was shaking. I couldn’t break a promise, but I needed to see him. I froze mid pace. THAT was it! I could see him and not meet him. I sighed. Eric told me that werewolves' sense of smell was strong. I could conceal my scent though it should work. I could pop in and see how he was doing. I could make sure everything was ok. That would settle my light. I could keep doing that until we officially met. I smiled at my next thought. Talking on the phone wasn't meeting in person. That was talking. No one said we couldn’t talk. Loopholes were a fairy’s best friend! I texted Lexi.

            Me: Can you covertly get Alpha Eric Conners number?

            Lexi: My dad has it in his office. Why?

            Me: Get the number. Delete this texts and have Emmaline pop you here

            Lexi: Ok…. you will explain this right?

            Me: Yes, we need to make plans

            Lexi: I am deeply intrigued by this whole thing! I’ll be there in five.

I smiled and texted Emmaline.

            Me: Lexi is going to have you pop her here.

            Emmaline: YAY! Fearsome Foursome time

Next, I texted Miley

            Me: My room. Now.

            Miley: Logan said you were getting out of your funk pulling a prank

            Me: That prank has been put on hold. My room. Lexi and Emmaline are on the way

            Miley: Ok…. coming

I sat back. I ran to my Eric box. I opened it and pulled out all our letters. Even from the start now that I knew he knew….it was clear. How did I not see it? Emmaline popped in. Lexi said, “What the hell is going on?” Miley walked in. I nodded to Emmaline. She quickly made the space unheard. I loved that about my friend group. We didn’t need words a lot of the time. Lexi raised an eyebrow.