A Ribbon Strand: Raised Hackura

Hunting Pt. 2

        Even the drums stopped. I stood out of my seat. Jackson was beside me in a second. Jim was behind us. What shocked us was Haley reaching out for his hand. Gunner sighed, “Oh just f**k us all.” Right before it got insane. Haley slammed him to the ground. She screamed at him that he’d ignored her for seventeen years. That he’d f****d her cousins on her birthday, and now he insulted me. Cason got up which I could’ve told him was a mistake. Haley tacked him to the ground. She punched him in the face. Jim snorted, “Damn…. don’t mess with the Luna. She’ll eat your lunch.” Cason swung back at her and I saw red. I shifted on the fly. Jim and Jackson were behind me. Cason tried to hit her again before I jumped over her. I sank my teeth into his arm and threw him away from her. I shifted back. Haley snapped my pants back on. My hands itched to pull the sword for my back. Cason looked at Haley with blatant lust in his eyes. I lost it. I threatened him. I told him he would be dead if he didn’t stop. She was mine, and he was never talking to her again. He said I couldn’t make that decision. Oh yes, I f*****g could. I was her mate, and she wouldn’t disagree with me. He was ruining this moment for her. She deserved the world, and he was trying to mess that up for her. I could kill him as easily as I was about to take my next breath. Bjourn was trying to calm Haley down. I saw her mom lead her away.

        Titus spoke, “Cason…. how DARE you!” Cason said, “I just wanted to dance with her.” Logan said, “Why? You never have before. Now she’s with her mate and you decide…. hell, now I’ll dance with her. She cried after Evin’s mating banquet because no one would dance with her. She even ASKED a few people to dance with her.” Bjourn and Evin shouted, “She cried?!” I answered Logan’s question, “Because Logan, he thought he had time. Now I’m here and I’m a threat to what he wants. Which is her. You f****d her cousins to try to make her jealous and it didn’t work. You never showed any interest in her unless she was with someone. First with the fairy and now me.” Cason said, “At least you're better than the fairy.” I growled, “And deadlier.” I pulled my sword off my back. I said, “Draw your sword. When I win, you leave our mating banquet, and you will not ever speak to her again.” Cason snorted, “You won’t beat me wolf.” He drew his sword. I let him come at me. He was surprised when I flicked off his attack. He frowned, “You’ve trained.” I didn’t answer him. I attacked. He was good, just not good enough. I disarmed him and broke his wrist. He hissed in pain. I leaned down, “She will never be yours. I’ll never let her go. She’s mine, and she wants to be with me. You made her feel like she was ugly. You made her feel undesirable. You will never make her feel anything again because you will disappear from her life. Are we clear?” Cason stood and left. 

        I went after Haley. She was walking back with her mom who smiled at me and walked back. I looked her up and down making sure she was ok. She had a slight bruise from where she’d blocked the shots from his fist. I should’ve killed him.  Haley healed it. She kissed me telling me to let it go. She said tonight was still for us. Her touch calmed me. I would let it go for her, but I would never forget who bruised her. If I saw him again, he would die. I told her it was hot watching her get upset over disrespect towards me. She pointed out I nearly ripped his arm off. I should’ve. Thor agreed. He’d upset her and tried to ruin something important to her. He’s lucky all I did was bruise his ego, pride, and honor. Well...I did break his wrist too. At least there was that. He was lucky to be alive. Haley didn’t seem to think he was still breathing. I assured her he was. She shrugged. She truly didn’t care. Damn. I should’ve killed him. I led her back to the dance floor to get her mind off everything. When the light was back in her eyes, I kissed her as everyone cheered. We went back to our table. Eventually Titus told us to head with him. I linked her asking what was happening now. She told me that I was being accepted into their bloodline. Really? I should’ve guessed that. All the princes feel their mates and they aren’t married yet. I longed to have that close of a connection with her. She’d talked about it in her letters. It was much stronger than a wolf mate bond. 

        Titus addressed everyone and Haley held my hands. Titus put his hands over ours and spoke in Latin, accepting me into their bloodline. Haley’s emotions slammed into me. She was happy. She wanted to f**k me again. My little nymph. She was also satisfied. It felt like she settled over something. Her dad yelled their chant again. I howled overwhelmed with joy and then yelled “TAH!” With everyone else. Her lust was bouncing off my own. I needed to get her out of there. Thankfully she said it was fine for us to leave now. Everyone laughed when I told her to pop us out. She took me to one of her treehouses. I knew it was her favorite one. She’d described it to me. I looked at her in awe. It was so impressive she could do these things. I told her I kept every letter she’d ever written to me. It meant more to me than she could ever know she kept all of mine even before she knew who I was to her. I told her to include Caleb and I in every treehouse she made in my territory. When I explained why she offered to include more people so long as she and I could have once for ourselves. That was fine by me. I wanted to see her naked. Badly. I undressed her then carried her into the bedroom. I knew I’d get the hang of our bond, but our lust just played off each other and we were buried inside each other for hours. 

        When we finally managed to pull apart from each other. I couldn’t help but express my complete fascination with our bond already. She worried about Jackson and Molly not having a room. I linked him, “Did you guys get a room?” Jackson said, “Yes, the queen showed us to our room. Molly was jazzed about that for an hour. We are in Haley's wing. I know that because the hallway is Pepto bismol pink.” I snorted. I assured Haley they were fine.” Haley popped us back to her room. I asked Jackson, “Do you want to meet up?” Jackson answered, “I’m only up because I was making sure no one else came after you. Molly passed out the second she calmed down about the queen.” I snorted, “Did Molly say anything?” Jackson said, “Yeah, she was next level about the queen talking to her.” I laughed. He didn’t know she was pregnant yet. Haley popped onto the bed. I jumped on top of her. I warned her that popping away from me would be dangerous. I saw the look in her eyes. I’d just issued her a challenge. She’d better be ready if she started that game. We both fell asleep. When I woke up, she was still tucked into me. We’d tangled up with each other during the night. I couldn’t resist kissing her. I rolled us over when she woke up and she slid down onto me. It was heaven. It got better every time. I couldn’t even resist her when we got into the damn shower. She was my addition, and I didn’t even care. 

        We finally made it downstairs. To my surprise the whole family was waiting for us to have breakfast. I linked Jackson, “Why didn’t you tell me?” Jackson said, “They said it wasn’t a big deal.” I apologized. Titus said it was no big deal. We all ate together. Jackson said, “We need to get back.” I sighed, “We do.” I kissed Haley on the neck. She looked at me knowing what I was going to say. She said we needed to leave. Marcus and Bjourn stood as we did. Jackson linked, “I forgot to tell you they are coming back with us.” I snorted, “Of course they are.” Jackson said, “Caleb was emailed a schedule. We will have a constant circulation of Hackura princes in our house.” I almost laughed, “That schedule will actually be helpful for Mrs. Blanch.” Veronica told Haley to be back for Sunday dinners. I’d do my best to be by her side. Someone would come with her though from my pack. Especially with those boys running around. She hugged her dad before we left. We stepped back into our living room. My brothers were surprised we were back. Tabitha and Amber were excited. They wanted Haley and Molly to join their girl’s night. s**t. I’d forgotten about that. Haley snapped herself into a low-cut gold number. I linked my warriors at my club, “Your future Luna is coming with my brother’s mates tonight. No one touches her. Are we clear?” They answered, “Yes Alpha.” I linked Jackson, “HA-HA” When Haley snapped Molly into a sexy little red number. Jackson growled back at me. 

        Jackson wanted to send guards. I knew what was coming. I’d seen Haley’s guard. Harold had f****d the girl in it. Tabitha actually handled it fairly well. She stalked out to the car after staking her claim. I linked Harold, “That went better than it could’ve.” Harold snorted, “I’m getting crazy, angry possessive s*x tonight. I’m here for it.” I laughed. Haley kissed me as they headed outside. We followed them and watched from the door. Haley joked asking if she still counted as a Luna because that wasn’t official. I was on her the next second telling her I could make that official so fast her head would spin. She specified we could have the Luna ceremony whenever I wanted. I smirked. My adorable little Hackura. I’d start planning it immediately. I let her go and watched as they drove away. Bjourn said, “Did anyone else notice my little sister put that emphasis on Luna Ceremony? Not to be confused with the mating ceremony which….is a wedding.” Marcus said, “Oh I did notice that.” Blade said, “Princess did. Wolf marry princess. Many years.” I smirked, “I’ll be married to her in no less than three years.” Bjourn, Marcus, Blade, Thomas, and Javi started laughing. Jackson linked me, “I’m surprised you’re waiting that long.” I smirked, “Oh I’ll get it done before then. I’m just giving myself some breathing room.” Jackson said, “There’s my big brother.” 

        Bjourn said, “Not happening. You’d have to pull out some serious shit.” Marcus said, “No joke. She’ll agree to pop out six kids before she gets down that aisle.” I smirked, “You’re on.” Blade said, “Wolf...crazy.” Bjourn said, “He’s just confident.” Blade said, “Crazy. Princess Freak.” Marcus said, “Oh...she will….” Blade said, “Already.” Bjourn laughed, “How could she already be freaking out?” I frowned, “I haven’t mentioned anything about a mating ceremony to her yet. She doesn’t even know what it is.” Blade said, “Wolf, not mention.” I growled, “Who did?” Blade laughed, “Hood.” I growled, “Which hood?” Marcus said, “Heath. It has to be Heath.” Blade nodded. I growled, “Seriously? That guy is a PAIN in my ASS! Now she’s already thinking of ways around marrying me.” Jackson said, “Good thing you’ve had seventeen years of planning a way to convince her.” I smiled, “True.” 

        Bjourn asked, “What are you going to do?” I smiled, “I was going to slowly introduce her to the idea and tell her how important it is to me. We are already twice light bound, marked, and mated. What’s marriage compared to all that?” Marcus laughed, “Seventeen years and that’s all you’ve got?” I smiled, “I also have a stunning engagement ring that VERY pink and sparkly.” Bjourn laughed, “Let’s see it.” I led them back to my safe. I opened it and pulled out the ring I’d bought a few years ago. I’d had it designed especially for her. It was a three ring stack of Tempest, Margrette, and another Tempest band. All three rings were made in rose gold. It was a vintage inspired design. Haley loved vintage. The stone was oval shaped morganite surrounded by a unique diamond halo. This pink gemstone was the center, and the rest were small diamonds surrounding it. Bjourn whistled. Marcus said, “Damn…. this might actually do it. She is going to want that.” I laughed, “I won’t show her the ring until she’s ready.” Marcus said, “I take it back then. You have no chance.” Bjourn laughed, “He does. Our sister loves him already. He just might want to prepare for her compromise of five years.” I said, “That’s a start. I’ll call her wife before then.” 

        Marcus laughed, “Wolves. You all just rush to the altar.” I asked, “Why not? She’s mine, I'm hers. In this realm a ring is what makes people back off.” Bjourn laughed, “Ahh…. there will be my sister's loophole.” Marcus said, “True. She knows engaged women wear rings. Engaged is not married.” I laughed, “I’ll call her my wife soon enough.” We all sat in the living room and talked for a few hours. I smiled when my warriors linked me, “The Luna’s have left.” I smiled, “The girls are on their way back.” Bjourn said, “How do know?” I tilted my head, “I own the club they went to.” Marcus laughed. Bjourn smirked, “I should’ve know that.” The three of us jerked up with feelings of trepidation and concern from Haley. I asked, “What was that?” Marcus had out his phone. Blade said, “Is trouble.” Marcus yelled, “Gunner track Haley’s phone now!” Gunner said, “OH FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! She’s only been there a few hours. What HAS she done now?” I heard Harper, “She’s in trouble. Track her down now babe.” Gunner sighed, “I already am. Thank god she appears to have her phone. It’s triangulating.” Panic gripped all of us. Then urgency. She linked me saying they were being attacked. ATTACKED?! IN MY DAMN AREA?! I hissed, “THEY ARE BEING ATTACKED IN MY DAMN AREA! WHO THE f**k IS STUPID ENOUGH TO DO THIS?!” She told me they were halfway between. It was the perfect place for an ambush. f**k!

        Gunner said, “I got it!” He gave us their exact location. I felt pain burst through Haley. It felt like my blood was burning. I hissed, “WHAT IS THAT FEELING?” Bjourn said, “Push her pain down. You’ve read how.” I did. I asked again, “What was that?” Bjourn said, “Iron. We have to go.” Blade said, “Is trouble. Blade knew.” I didn’t disagree with him. I said, “From now on girls’ night includes you, Javi, and Thomas.” All three nodded. Bjourn opened a portal. We stepped behind the coven attacking them. They didn't sense us in the slightest. Haley did though. She kept them talking to her. Someone paid them. We had unofficial Satan’s Coven members in our hands. I linked Jackson, “They are dead.” Jackson linked, “Molly isn’t here Eric. The car is down there; in the raven.” He looked at me in a panic, “Tell me she’s not down there.” I answered, “Haley would’ve sent her away.” Jackson frowned, “Why?” I sighed, “Act surprised but she’s pregnant. I promise you she’s not in that car, and Haley probably made her run back to the club.” Jackson’s jaw dropped, “She’s…. really?” I nodded.” Jackson puffed up then glared murderously at the coven members. We snuck up on them and put each of them in a headlock. 

        I looked at Haley and nearly snapped the warlock’s head off. She wasn’t just hit with iron. She’d be shot! I linked Ethan, “The Luna has been shot.” Ethan said, “She’s certainly going to keep me busy…. isn’t she?” I growled, “Be ready. Get Catherine to check on Molly.” Ethan said, “Why would…. oh…. right. Ok then.” I saw our warriors run up behind the girls. They would’ve made it at least. Jackson demanded to know where Molly was. Our warriors told him she was back at the club. Marcus said, “I’ll take you Jackson.” He nodded in thanks. Caleb linked me, “The warriors asked permission to shut the club down to save the Luna’s.” I said, “Next time tell them to move their asses. f**k the money. We don’t need it. They protect their Luna’s. Hell anyone, they have my permission.” Caleb said, “I said something similar.” I grabbed Haley. Blade came over eyes blazing. Haley tried to say she was fine. Getting shot was NOT fine, it was so far from fine you couldn’t even see it on the scale of what fine meant. I linked the warriors, “Get our prisoners to the dungeons when we get back. We will be questioning them shortly.” They linked back, “Yes Alpha.” 

        A portal was opened to my pack hospital. Technically we went through the Hackura realm first. I just didn’t even look around. Ethan said we needed to start an iron drip. I wanted to rip things apart. I was tired of her getting hit with iron. I rolled my eyes when my parents ran in. I linked Harold, “Great. Just what we need.” Harold sighed, “We need Jackson. I can’t handle her today. Tabitha almost got shot.” I linked, “Haley did get shot.” Harold said, “Kick them out then.” I should’ve. My mom asked where Molly was a second before Molly ran through with Jackson and Marcus right behind her. She hugged the girls. My mom was confused wondering why she wasn’t with them. Molly explained that Haley sent her for help. Jackson linked me, “Thank her for me. Hell, I’ll thank her later. Twins Eric.” I linked, “I know. Congratulations little brother.” My mom didn’t agree with Haley’s decision. She said Molly was the most experienced fighter. Bjourn snorted. Marcus raised an eyebrow. They knew how my mother was. They definitely didn’t like her. Haley pointed out she’d fought with her brothers since she was little. I didn’t know she’d trained with Aaron, the commander of their armies, but that made sense. Ethan was looking all around. He tried to ease the growing tension by saying he needed to treat the Luna’s. My mother asked which ones. She said they were all fine. My jaw dropped. My mate was BLEEDING! My mom replied that Haley wasn’t a Luna. I linked my dad, “You get her the f**k out of here before I banish her.” My dad gaped, “Eric….” I said, “I’ll do it. She’s acting like Haley’s pain is NOTHING! She’s my f*****g mate dad.” 

        Haley punched my mom in the face. My mother should’ve known better. Haley was raised with people who do not abide respect. Haley told my mom how she got shot, saving Tabitha. My dad winced. She told my mother she didn’t have to like her, but she did need to respect her. Alpha Chase linked me, “My mate is…. incoming. She was there when Matt got the memo from Caleb. She’s worried about Haley. She’s…. very fast.” I linked back, “Great….my mate just punched my mother. I’m sure having the Black Arrow in this situation will calm everyone down.” Alpha Chase linked, “WHAT?! OH s**t…. Lexi will lose it. She loves your mate like a sister.” I linked back, “I know that. It’s been SUCH a good night already. We should’ve stayed in the damn Hackura realm.” Haley told my mom she could shut up or be challenged to a fight. I linked my dad, “Tell her to shut up.” I could see it in my mom’s eyes. She thought she could beat her. I linked her, “Don’t you dare.” My mom said, “She needs to be taken down a peg.” I said, “The only person that is true of, is you.” My mom said she could beat Haley without her powers. Blade snorted, “Is stupid.” I wished I could disagree. My mom called her a little girl and accepted her challenge. I linked her, “I will never forgive you.” She looked at me in shock. She tried to link me, but I blocked her. I linked my father, “I don’t want to see her after this. Maybe ever again. You are welcome in our home, but she is not.” My dad winced. My dad grabbed my mom. I could see him linking her. 

        She said Haley should know better. Marcus snorted. Haley countered saying she is the one who should know better. I heard Lexi Scott enter the room. She screamed and flew at my mother. Alpha Chase linked, “What now?” I linked, “My mate is going to fight my mother.” Alpha Chase ran into the hospital gaping. I linked Lucas, “You’re not going to believe this.” Lucas linked, “I was about to call…. the girls were attacked?” I sighed, “Oh that was so ten minutes ago, Lucas. Now there’s been a challenge issued. My mate, WHO HAS BEEN SHOT, is about to fight my mother.” Lucas linked, “WHAT?! She got shot?! She’s fighting your mom?” I stopped answering him because I was about to tell my mother Haley’s second could be whoever the f**k, she wanted it to be. When Haley declared it was Miley. My mother frowned. I linked her, “WILL YOU STOP BEING SUCH A b***h! SHE’S BEEN SHOT AND YOU SO SELF CONCEITED YOU AGREE TO A CHALLENGE BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU CAN WIN! I HAVE NEVER DISLIKED YOU MORE!” My mother flinched away from my angry glare. 

        My mom quietly asked Molly to be her second. Molly refused and dropped that she was pregnant which is why Haley sent her away. My mom tried to backtrack the whole thing. She linked me, “Eric...I didn’t know.” I linked, “You didn’t ask. You assumed it happened because it’s Haley. You just assumed she did something wrong. If you weren’t such a hateful, spiteful, and vengeful person this wouldn’t be happening. Honestly, I might just send you away until my mother…. the loving woman who raised me, re inhabits your body.” Haley stalked outside with her friend. My mom looked at Amber and Tabitha. Tabitha hissed, “Don’t you look at us b***h! She saved us! She put her life on the line FOR US! If she hadn't been with us, we couldn't have had pups with our mates. That coven had plans. They were going to take us to some doctor that was ready to perform hysterectomies. Anyone who stands by you tonight is my enemy.” Harold’s jaw dropped. Growls filled the corridor. My mother nodded, “Then I will stand alone. She may have been right here, but she’s young. She’s not ready to be a Luna yet. We were supposed to have another year for her to mature.” I snorted, “The only immature person I see here is you.” I turned and stalked outside in time to hear Haley ask for Emmaline to be called. I linked Lucas, “Are you heading this way?” Lucas said, “Dylan and I are jogging in your direction.” I said, “Shift and run. Emmaline will pop in soon. Haley is having Lexi tell her about the situation.” I heard his howl as he shifted. I snorted as I heard Dylan yell, “LUCAS! YOU SAID JOGGING! WAIT! I WASN’T READY! THIS IS BLATANT CHEATING!” 

        I turned back to my mother, “Even now…. bleeding from gunshot wound she thinks of others. I cannot believe you.” My mom reached for my arm, but I jerked away and stalked over to my mate. Haley introduced herself to Alpha Chase. Matt’s mate ran up. He was pissed that Haley was bleeding. He was not alone. I was beyond irate. I stepped up behind Haley telling her she didn’t have to do this. I would kick my mother out. She could live in our Montana house for all I cared. Haley said she had to do this so my mother would respect her. I was never speaking to my mother again. I begged her not to do this. If my mother hurt her…. that would it. We would be broken and fractured beyond repair. Haley told me that it wouldn’t happen. She had no intention of my mother hitting her. If she so much as scratched her beautiful skin…. Haley assured me it wouldn’t happen. Haley pointed out my mom wasn’t rude to me. She may as well be. If she was like this to my mate it was as if she spit in my own face. Haley seemed unperturbed when she said her own mother didn’t like her so why should mine. Both should love her for the light she is.