A Ribbon Strand: Raised Hackura

Stopping a War Pt. 3

        Eric said, “They are idiots. They are demented.” I said, “Do you get letters like my dad does?” Eric's voice was hard, “What?” I said, “My dad said he gets letters threatening me every day.” Eric said, “He shouldn’t have told you that.” I said, “Why? It’s true...I could tell.” Eric sighed, “I know it’s true. That’s not the point.” I said, “What’s the point then?” Eric said, “You knew there were threats against your family. Your royalty.” I said, “I did. They break him Eric…. I could feel it in our connection. He grounded me. I didn’t do anything wrong. I had to do it! I can’t face you in battle Eric. I can’t. That’s the worst official face to face meeting of all time. I would throw my sword at your feet.” Eric said, “You wouldn’t have to. Thank you Hales. Thank you for saving my pack members. You did an incredibly selfless thing. Your family would understand if they knew why.” I said, “Now, they’d feel bad.” Eric sighed, “So?” I said, “I can’t tell them. Aiden made me promise.” Eric snorted, “Of course he did.” 

        I said, “You’re the only one who’s not mad at me.” Eric said, “Oh I’m mad…. just not at you. They aren’t mad at you either. They know who you are.” I asked him a question that plagued me, “Was Aiden mean to me in a different reality? My dad said if different decisions were made…. Aiden could hurt me.” More tears filled my eyes at the thought. Eric said, “I do not think there’s a reality where Aiden Holloran could physically harm you, no. I think in his grief of losing his father and Fabian slithering into his life…. he might have been passive about you...but hurt you. No, the man I met…. he loves you.” I said, “I never meant to hurt anyone. I was trying to help.” Eric said, “For the record Angel...I would never declare war knowing you could be on the other end of the field. Before…. if I hadn’t known you…. I would’ve. That probably makes me a bad Alpha, but I can’t…. I won’t face you.” I whispered, “You said it was war.” Eric said, “I was angry. My pack members were hurt. I would’ve killed them. Aiden would’ve HAD to speak to me. I couldn't actually do it though.” I said, “For me? You’d do that for me? I know how much your oath means to Eric.” Eric said, “I would do anything for you. I love you too. You hung up before I could answer you.” I blushed, “You speak Fealish.” Eric said, “Et Latine loquor, loqui (and I speak Latin.” I was crying for a different reason, “ut mihi fecistis (You learned for me?” Eric answered, “nihil ego dixi vobis non me tibi. Plus loqui linguis his nostris irruentes et erit dies unus (i told you there is nothing I won't do for you. Plus you speak these languages our pups will one day too.)

        I smiled, “A little boy that looks just like you.” Eric laughed, “Don’t forget a little girl who looks just like you. I had Caleb put in a moat just in case that happens.” I laughed, “You did not!” Eric snorted, “No, but he does have the costs on it. I like to be prepared. You save two of my pack members a great deal of pain. They will not forget that.” I said, “They were in agony. Their sorrow called to me.” Eric said, “Who stopped time?” I smiled, “Emmaline can do that. She’s gotten pretty good.” Eric whispered, “I felt your kiss on my check.” I said, “I didn’t actually meet you. So….no promises were broken.” Eric laughed really loud. He said, “Oh my little fairy. You feel free to do that anytime. Next time…. aim for the lips.” I smiled, “I’ll do that.” We talked for several hours before Blade stepped in. I said, “I have to go, Eric.” Eric said, “I love you Angel. I’m counting down the days until I meet you.” I said, “I love you too. I’ll look for a charm that speeds up time. Surely Aiden has one.” Eric laughed, “I wouldn’t say no.” We hung up. Blade held out his hand for the phone. He said, “dabo eam. Pater vester venturus sit (I’ll give it back your father is coming.)” I nodded and handed him the phone. He left quickly. 

            I slid under my covers and stared out my window. I knew the moment my dad entered the room. I could practically taste his regret on my tongue. He laid in my bed. He whispered, “Princess…” I turned over, “I’m sorry I caused you guys so much trouble Daddy.” he scooped me up, “It’s nothing.” He meant that. He said, “I wasn’t kidding. I would burn the realms down for you princess. Hell, I’d burn down all the realms and it would be nothing to me. To think of one hair on your beautiful little head being harmed…. I lose it Princess. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you. You have a pure heart. I would never change that about you for the world. I truly wouldn’t.” I said, “Do people really write you such awful things about me?” My dad winced, “I shouldn't have said that.” I said, “If it was a lie, I’d agree with you.” My dad said, “Forgive me princess. I was not myself. I was worried about you, and just the thought…. Aiden wouldn’t bring me to you. Miley tried to open a portal, but magic blocked it. I was losing my mind. I shouldn’t have taken my frustrations out on you.” I whispered, “It’s ok. I could never stay mad at you daddy.” We sat in silence, “Do you hate me daddy?” My dad choked out a sob. He held me close, “I could never hate you princess. No matter what. You are my little girl. Next time…. I need you to call me or one of your brothers. Ok?” I said, “I’ll try.” He kissed my forehead, “That’s all anyone can ask for.” He stayed for an hour. He had phone calls to make since he’d been running around killing while I was out. 

        The second he was gone Marcus filled my doorway. I said, “Hi Marcus.” He said, “Let’s go.” I frowned, “I’m grounded.” Marcus said, “You’re not leaving the castle. Come on.” He reached out his hand and I took it.” I walked down to the kitchen with him. I said, “I could’ve popped us here.” He laughed. He turned on the lights and there stood all my brothers plus Gunner. They had lined the table with ice cream. I smiled, “What’s this?” Gunner handed me a bowl with chocolate ice cream with brownies in it. He said, “For you.” I smiled and took it from him. It was my favorite. I sat down and we all ate ice cream laughing and having a good time. Marcus left first. He gave me a hug before he did. Eventually, it was just Logan and me. He walked me back to my room. He said, “Are you ok?” I said, “I feel bad. I feel bad that you guys are doing all this extra work for me. I feel bad that daddy carries such a heavy burden. I hate that Aiden and Arion have been dealing with this.” I stopped, “It hurts Logan…. they are supposed to be my people too. No one here cares that I’m not a full blooded Hackura. I’m still their princess. They are my people, and they would betray me. They would hurt me. It hurts.” Logan held me tight. He said, “It’s not all of them.” I said, “I know.” He left me in my room. I said, “I know you’re in the bathroom Bjourn.” He kicked the door open. 

        He smiled, “How did you know it was me?” I said, “I know you. You’re my oldest brother.” He said, “Dad shouldn’t have said those things to you.” I sighed, “I don’t understand why everyone keeps saying that. It was the truth. He didn’t lie.” Bjourn sighed, “Oh little fairy sister of mine…. we don’t care that we have to kill fairies. We are quite good at killing. It is second nature to us. The need to protect hums in all our veins, but for all of our siblings…. it’s like a fire. I’ve killed for all of you, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. None of us will let anyone hurt you. I would die a thousand deaths myself.” I said, “Why doesn't anyone understand that I feel the same way? I love you guys. I have every right to defend my brothers as you do me. When you become King if you declare war Bjourn…. I’ll be at your side. It’s where I belong. I just….” Bjourn said, “It was Eric, wasn’t it? You thought Eric would declare war.” My eyes widened. I avoided his eyes. Bjourn sighed, “I know you can’t tell me. So I’ll tell you what I think.” I nodded. Bjourn said, “I think you want to meet him. I think you’ve been helping in little ways with your friends. I think….it would have to be Emmaline…. heard a rumor someone was going to attack Eric’s pack. You went and it was too late to stop it. You took those that needed to be healed and sent Aiden to Eric. You healed them because Eric means a lot to you. You didn’t want to stand opposite him on a battlefield.” He was missing a few key details but DAMN he was good.

        Bjourn sighed, “What you’re missing is Eric would never stand opposite of you on a battlefield.” I whispered, “I’m not saying that’s what happened. IF it did, Eric wouldn’t be the only person on the other side. You would be there too. All of you would stand with him. Where do I stand when all the people, I care about are on opposite sides? I can’t watch that happen. I will do everything in my power to never have a situation came up where the people I love are opposite of each other.” Bjourn said, “You are missing what I’m saying. Eric wouldn’t have declared war. You mean too much to him, little one.” I looked at my feet. I said, “Alpha’s do what they have to when it comes to protecting their pack.” Bjourn said, “They do, but it would never happen. I promise. Not in this reality anyway. Maybe in others, but not this one.” I nodded. Bjourn kissed my forehead, “Scare me like that again, and I’ll find a way to pull such an epic prank, little sister.” I snorted, “Without me to plan it…. I don’t think so.” Bjourn snorted, “You didn’t see us at that moment. We all felt you send us a wave of love. It felt like goodbye.” My eyes widened, “No…. I meant it to be comforting.” Bjourn said, “I know you did. I’m just telling you. It was pure chaos here for a moment.” I sighed, “I’m sorry.” Bjourn said, “You did what you felt you should. Don’t apologize for that. Your instinct tells you to help people. I taught you not to ignore those. I just ask you not to fight that instinct when you feel you need to walk away. Not everyone deserves to be saved.” I nodded. 

        Bjourn left. I sighed. I popped to my dad. He was holding his head in his hands. He was so lost in thought he didn’t hear me come pop in. I said, “Daddy.” His eyes shot up. He asked, “Princess?” I said, “Bjourn told me what you guys thought when I sent you love.” My dad closed his eyes. He said, “You have far better control with the bond than most partials.” I said, “I meant to comfort you. I was apologizing that I was going to be out of it.” My dad stood and hugged me. I felt his tears on my neck. He said, “I thought I’d lost you princess. Gunner said your phones were here…. I knew you weren’t with them though. I can’t lose you. You’re my baby. Blade told us you’d run off with Miley about something concerning Emmaline. Marcious had no idea what was going on. Then…. Then James Scott called. He said you girls had got involved in fairy s**t. I was so worried they’d tricked you. That they got their hands on you and went to the one place I couldn’t go.” I smiled. “That’s not true daddy. If I am there, I’m always willing to bring you guys. You can open a portal to Faerie anytime you wish if I am there.” My dad hugged me, “I’ll keep you to that. Your oldest fairy brother could’ve told me that.” I said, “I thought you knew, or I’d have told you that.” My dad said, “No, but that does ease a slight worry I have. If we ever can’t find you…. if I can open a portal to Faerie...I’ll know where you are.” I smiled, “I love you daddy.” He sighed, “I love you so damn much princess.” I hugged him tight, never wanting to let go.