A Ribbon Strand: Raised Hackura

Need To Hear Your Voice Pt. 3

  I asked, “What did your partial find?” Dylan smiled, “He found a blessed book. That says the most powerful of siblings, King Aiden, is two sides of a coin. He is a fire fairy. They are more in tune with their feelings. The more time he spends with the light of the fairies, which just happens to be Alpha Fun Sucker’s mate, the more his true nature is revealed. Even the other siblings. The enforcer…. if he bonds with the light of the fairies…. he and his siblings develop an unbreakable bond. The enforcer will be selfish for all three of them, but never with each other if he bonds with the light of the fairies. It’s kind of beautiful. The enforcer can miss the boat, and then is not mentioned further. Something tells me he…” He made a motion with his finger across his neck, “That means he bites the dust. Our Prince should be just fine in our reality because my partials tell me he’s all buddy buddy with our very own Alpha Fun Sucker’s mate now.” I frowned, “Aiden should know that then. Why would they not save Arion in every reality.” Dylan smiled, “And that is where this story gets FUN SQUARED! My partial informant…. performed a chant…. on a whim... Because he’s a whimsical little mischievous fairy...about showing things that were hidden. This book…. sprang free from a royal encrusted box that dropped on the floor at his feet.” He pulled a book out from behind his back, and held it up and, “HALLELUJAH! Praise the gods! This book has seen the light of day, and its mine! ALL mine!” I said, “Get a copy of it Dylan.” Dylan hissed, “I told you he would want to take my precious from me Lucas! I TOLD YOU THUSLY!” I rolled my eyes. I went to my office and grabbed a spare copy of a Fealish dictionary I’d be saving for the perfect moment to give Dylan. I linked Caleb, “Make two copies. I want a copy of that book.” Caleb said, “He’s clutching it to his chest.” I said, “I’m aware. Just make two copies.”

        I walked back into the room. I said, “Normally…. with other people. I just take the s**t I want that they have. As much as it physically pains me to admit…. you have been an excellent informant.” Dylan said, “DID EVERYONE HEAR THAT?! ALPHA FUN SUCKER HAS DECLARED HIS LOVE FOR LITTLE OLD ME!” I said, “I will give you this.” I held up the dictionary copy and continued, “In exchange for the REAL book in your hands. You can make and keep a copy. To be clear, I am NOT keeping the book. I am using it to make the fairy King owe me more than he already does.” Dylan smiled, “A fairy King would owe you a favor thanks to me?” I nodded. He clapped, “I want a SUPER big check this time.” I snorted, “I’ll think of something.” Dylan ran out of the room yelling, “BETA CALEB DID YOU NOT HEAR YOUR ALPHA? WE HAVE COPIES TO MAKE! CHOP CHOP!” Caleb snorted and followed Dylan. I turned to Lucas, “I know who Alpha Chase’s mate is.” Lucas laughed, “Who?” I said, “Lexi Scott.” Chase was going to s**t his pants when he found out the Black Arrow was his mate. Haley had made me swear for four letters I would never tell a soul and got Lexi’s permission before telling me her moniker. Lucas said, “Did he meet her? We don’t have that.” Dylan shouted, “WE WOULD HAVE THAT IF IT HAPPENED OR I WOULD KICK BETA MATT’S ASS!” I said, “Miley was with Haley when she saved my pack members. Jim ran off with their clothes. Growling when they tried to take them from him.” Lucas snorted, “I bet that was a fun conversation with the mates.” I shrugged, “It might have been if either didn’t want to let their mate out of their grasp or sight for a single second.”

        Lucas shrugged, “I get it.” I said, “Rumor is your mate can stop time.” Lucas dropped his phone. Dylan came running back in, “I’m sorry. Did you just say my future Luna...CAN STOP TIME?!” I nodded, “Yes. I was linking Jackson. It felt like he paused for a brief second then the omegas were gone, and my mate kissed me on the cheek. I could feel it, but I definitely didn’t see it.” Dylan jumped up and down, “LUCAS’ MATE STOPPED TIME SO YOUR MATE COULD KISS YOU?! THAT IS THE CUTEST s**t I’VE EVER HEARD! Excuse me while I go send a shouting voice memo to all our allies about this adorableness. Fairies just make you two so much more approachable. Without these classics about your sensitive sides, they find you terrifying. You’re welcome.” He ran off before I could say anything. I said, “You’ve got to stop letting him have caffeine, Lucas.” Lucas snorted, “I actually don’t think he’s had anything today. He was somewhat convinced you were going to kill him.” I rolled my eyes. I linked Lucas, “I won’t kill him. I’d only ever threaten to kill him.” Lucas smirked, “Oh I know. You could tell him that.” I snorted, “And let him lose that healthy dose of fear he has for me? I don’t think so.” Dylan and Caleb made the copies of the book, and Dylan and Lucas left. 

        I told Caleb, “Take it to the safe room with Harold and Darrin. Take my Fealish dictionary. You all know some of the language already. Earmark anything you think is important or in reference to my mate or this damn prophecy. Jackson and I will join you after I call the fairy king. Let’s see if the damn number on that card actually reaches him.” Caleb nodded. I waited until they were in the safe room before I dialed. Aiden answered laughing, but I could hear the strain in his voice. He said, “Haley’s wolf...she is not awake yet.” I said, “I was actually calling for a different reason, but I appreciate the update.” Aiden said, “Oh? More news for me?” I said, “Yes, I recently got my hands on a book you would like to acquire.” Aiden said, “Oh? What book is that?” I said, “truths ina the fairies (Hidden truths of the fairies).” A pop sounded beside me. I said, “Not only does this phone reach you appear when I call it. Good to know.” Aiden conjured the book out of my hands, “This book has been missing for more decades. How did you find it?” I said, “It was given to me. I am giving it to you.” Aiden said, “You speak Fealish, don’t you?” I nodded, “Meself  latin.  Meself  owning.  Meself learned  orto lims (I speak Latin too. I love your sister. I learned both for her).” Aiden said, “Of course you did. No wonder you are twice light bound. You will not tell me how you found this.” I considered it then decided to let him search on his own, “You might wander around your library doing you show what’s hidden here charm.” Aiden’s eyes widened, “Naturally. I’ll do that. Thank you.” I nodded, “We will be brothers in law one day.” Aiden laughed, “Haley was raised with the Hackura. I wish you luck getting her to marry you before she’s at least thirty.” 

        I smiled, “I’m persuasive.” Aiden said, “She’s stubborn. You’d better have a good argument.” I smirked, “I usually do.” He nodded and popped away. Days banded together. I was overly aggressive in every training session we had. I’d heard from Logan. He found where they were rumored to be, but he couldn’t get in. He’d even brought his mate. She couldn’t get in even when she asked the shadows to take her in. He’d returned home to wait. He’d stationed a man who was to call him with any movement.  I’d left Haley dozens of messages just to hear her voice on her voicemail. I was losing it. Jackson had taken over fighting me in training sessions. My mother had a disapproving look on her face every time she saw me. Finally, one day at lunch I couldn’t take it anymore. I said, “WHAT is your problem mom?” My mother glared, “You. You are out of sorts.” I said, “My mate is unconscious! Of course I’m out of sorts.” My mother said, “You don’t know that. She could be fine now. It just hasn’t occurred to her to talk to you.” I stood, “Get OUT!” My dad stood. Tabitha raised her drink to me. Amber swatted her arm. My mother said, “Excuse me.” I growled, “Caleb has a house for you on the property. GET THE f**k OUT OF MINE!” I stalked off and into the gym. Judy spotted me when I walked in. Her eyes went wide she yelled, “Cardio day! Let’s get to the track.” Liam said, “Judy we were….” He trailed off when he saw me. He said, “Right. Cardio day. MOVE PEOPLE!” They scurried out like rats running from a sinking ship. I kicked a heavy pack into three others knocking them off the ceiling. 

        Caleb said, “Jackson is on a run with his family, but I’ll fight you until he gets here.” I turned. We fought. Caleb was good, but I was too angry. I’d knocked him down again when I was kicked from behind. All my brothers had showed up. I caught Darrin’s leg and threw him down. He winced. Harold and Jackson came at me. Soon it was just Jackson and me. I was mid swing when my ringtone for Haley sounded. I ran to my phone and picked it up as fast as I could. I could hear her beautiful voice. She was crying, but it was her. Everything inside me settled. Jackson and my other brothers muttered their thanks. I took the call in my office. I asked why she was crying. She was upset her dad was mad at her. She’d been grounded a few times, but her dad was not usually mad at her. Then she told me he yelled at her. He’d never raised his voice to her. I wasn’t sure who was likely to be more upset about that, her, or her dad. Something told me it might be Titus. I begged her not to cry. While thanking the moon goddess I was hearing her sweet voice. She started to sob saying Titus let it slip the fairies what the fairies wanted to do to her. He must be a serious mess if he let that out. She was distraught that her brothers had been dealing with this. She thought it was her fault.

        I quickly told her that was not the case. There were sick people everywhere. That they were among the Fae was not surprising. I knew there were groups that didn’t want her called Princess. Aiden refused to call her anything but Princess. The fire and water fairy kingdoms applauded him. Sky was coming around. Earth were sticks in the mud. She pointed out I knew who she was. I told her I’ve always known it was her. From the moment I picked up the phone I’d known she was my Angel, my Haley. She told me she didn’t know what to do. I’d help her through anything. I hit my desk when she told me she wanted to see me. Wanted me to hold her. I’d never let her go. Once she was in my arms that was it. I wouldn’t be able to let her go. I was spoiled with our phone calls, but the moment we met…. I’d have to hold her. I’d have to kiss her sweet lips. I’d need her like I needed air. I was already addicted to her voice. I’d spiraled and gone to a dark place not hearing the most melodic voice I’d ever heard for...honestly…. I’d lost track of the days. I told her I’d keep her safe. She asked who kept me safe. Who kept all of her loved ones safe? I barely withheld the answer that she did. She’d been doing little things to keep my pack safer since she found out about us. I had no doubt she did the same for her family. 

        Her voice sounded frail when she asked why people didn’t like her. I sighed. Stupid fairies. They wanted power. Which is why they wanted her. They couldn’t have her though. She asked if I got letters like her dad did. Not yet. I would once people knew who my mate was. WAIT?! She knew about the letters? Titus shouldn’t have told her about that. Not tonight. Not in anger. Haley didn’t see the problem because it was true. The problem, and I’m sure Titus would agree, was that he lashed out in fear. I could understand the inclination. I couldn’t imagine the fear he felt. He must feel like a failure from the other reality that visited him. Haley was so upset because she could tell from their bond how upset her father was. She was upset he’d grounded her when she’d done nothing wrong. I sighed. I knew that If Logan came to me, she’d left their realm without her phone. She wasn’t supposed to do that. She told me she’d never face me in battle and that she’d throw her sword at my feet. My heart hurt. Thor said, “We could never face her Eric. It would never happen.” I answered him, “I know.” I thanked her for saving my pack members. They would be her pack members one day, and they would never forget this. The whole pack was buzzing with the rumor that the Hackura fairy princess was our Luna. They were detailing the story about her saving Grant, Michelle, and Mary. Grant was boldly claiming the future Luna was a beautiful Angel. 

        Haley told me she couldn’t tell her family she stepped in for me because Aiden made her promise. Of course he did. She said I was the only one who wasn’t mad at her. Oh, I was plenty mad. Just not at her. I was mad at so many things. The situation. Other realities fairies for being shits who caused repercussions in mine. Dumb ass earth fairies I now had to give back to Aiden. When I longed to crush their skulls into dust for making me go without the one voice that calmed my very soul. For making that voice cry. For hurting the most pure and beautiful soul I’d ever known…. I’d killed for far less. To abate that need to kill them…. was getting harder. Haley surprised me asking if Aiden was mean to her in another reality. The other her mentioned nothing about Aiden. After meeting him…. I doubted he would ever be capable of harming her physically. After reading about him in the copy of the book Dylan got…. I knew he couldn’t. Not even Arion could physically cause her harm. They loved their sister in the prophecy even if they had a tumultuous relationship. To hurt her chipped at their very soul. I didn’t want to see a reality where they’d done it because they would forsake their own soul if they did. Only Emmaline could save them and considering the fact that in the prophecy she’s close with the pure of heart fairy…. I don’t know that she would help them if they hurt Haley. I think emotional hurt is what other realities may have seen. If Fabian lived, Aiden might have seen her abuse and done nothing publicly. Arion absolutely would have done that. 

        I wanted Haley to know I wouldn’t have declared war. If I hadn’t known about her...I would’ve in a heartbeat. Hell, I’d probably have gone to war with the intent to take her as a bride and avenge my pack. Knowing her though…. I would never put her in danger like that. She seemed surprised I’d do that for her. It was the perfect moment to tell her I loved her too. I teased her saying she hung up before I could tell her. She was surprised I spoke Fealish to her for the first time telling her I spoke Latin too. She was sobbing now. I told her I would do anything for her. She spoke these languages, so I learned them. I’d help her teach our pups one day too. She laughed and said she wanted a little boy who looked just like me. I said I wanted a little girl who looks like her. I’d had Caleb look into moats for our territory when Logan gave me a picture of Haley when she was fourteen. If we had daughters who looked like her…. we’d need moats…. plural. I asked Haley to confirm for me who stopped time so she could pop away. She told me it was in fact Emmaline. She said she’d gotten pretty good at it. I’d say so. I wished I’d seen the first kiss I’d gotten from my mate, but I was happy to have it, nonetheless. I told her next time she’d need to kiss me on the mouth. If anything could unfreeze time for me….it would be that. 

        Eventually Haley said she needed to go. I heard Blade tell her that her dad was coming. Her guard knew about us and was helping. We hung up. Jackson was standing in my office doorway. He sat down, “Tabitha is throwing a party in the main house. Everyone up there is drunk on her drinks. She’s being VERY generous with the alcohol tonight.” I shrugged, “I’m not surprised.” Jackson said, “You kicked mom and dad out.” I said, “I’ve been warning mom since I was thirteen not to be a s**t about Haley. I told Harold, as I told you, and Darrin that if any of your mates wanted mom out of the house, I’d be the bad guy. It’s a testament to Tabitha’s character that she's never once asked him to do it.” Jackson said, “That’s true. You have a family lunch, and you miss shit.” I smiled, “How is my little niece?” Jackson said, “Saied is fine.” I said, “When do I get more of them?” Jackson laughed, “Maybe in a year or two. We are enjoying our little family.” I nodded, “Fair enough.” We walked up to the main house. Caleb was waiting. He said, “Jackson linked, he said Haley called. She’s ok?” I nodded, “She’s grounded.” Caleb snorted, “You’re joking? King Titus actually grounded her?” I said, “She’s been grounded before.” Caleb said, “Never by Titus. Veronica was her disciplinarian.” I shrugged. Caleb continued, “Your parents have moved into their new house and uhh…” I opened the door to an actual party. I laughed. Caleb said, “This is happening.” 

        Tabitha spotted me. She winked, “The man of the hour people!” Everyone cheered, “ALPHA! ALPHA! ALPHA!” I laughed. Tabitha put a drink in my hand. The rest of the night passed in a blur. I got a text from Dylan.

Dylan F: Friendly reminder to get me something fabulous for being the best MVI

PS I heard you kicked your mother out and finally being a full grown man living without your parents. Good for you! We were planning a Failure to Launch set up for you ;)

I rolled my eyes. I looked at my watch. It was morning for Haley. I snuck away and called her. She picked up after a few rings. She whispered, “Thor?” I said, “Say my name Angel.” She giggled, “That is your name, Eric.” I shivered. She wasn’t even trying to be sexy, and I was about to lose it. I said, “I need to pick your brain.” She said, “That would be mean….and it would kill me. You’d have to crack open my skull to pick at my brain.” I laughed, “No... that’s...it’s a saying. I need your help.” Haley snorted, “Ok...brain picker. What do you need?” I said, “I’ve told you about Beta Dylan.” Haley said, “My WFF.” I said, “Huh?” Haley said, “I’m his best partial fairy friend. He has to be my werewolf friend forever.” I said, “He should be your BWFF.” She whispered, “You’re my BWFF.” I swore my heart grew a size and thawed. I said, “That’s the sweetest thing Angel. I need a present for him. He did a really good job for me. I have no idea what to get him. Money is too easy.” Haley thought about it. She said, “You said he’s always eating popcorn.” I said, “Oh, he is.” Haley giggled, “What’s his wolf’s name?” I said, “Fang. He’s JUST like Beta Dylan.” She sounded like she was writing something down. She said, “Look at your desk later. I’ll get you the perfect thing for him!” I smiled, “I’ll look forward to it.” 

            I was in the middle of handling disputes when an envelope marked Beta Dylan’s Reward showed up on my table out of thin air. The pack link was going crazy saying this was confirmation of who their Luna was. Jackson dismissed the group. He came over and motioned to me, “Open it, Eric.”

Thor 

This will do the trick. I’m an excellent present giver after all. Even you said so.

Your Angel

Jackson howled when I pulled out the piece of paper. I said, “No way.” Caleb pulled up his phone and turned it around, “It’s real…. I found it on google…. it’s a real business you can buy it and everything. She actually bought him a popcorn company and named it Fangs popcorn.” I said, “It looks like she’s even having some sent to him. He should’ve just gotten some delivered….” Caleb’s phone rang. Caleb snorted, “Oh I think he got it.” Dylan’s voice came over the speaker nearly blowing it out, “A POPCORN COMPANY?! I WAS JOKING AND YOU GOT ME A POPCORN COMPANY?! I LIVE ALPHA FUN SUCKER! I MAY EVEN CHANGE YOUR NICKNAME!” I laughed, “I can’t take the credit. I mentioned it to you BFPP that I needed a present. She said she would take care of it.” Dylan screamed, “I KNEW THIS WAS A FAIRY! I TOLD YOU LUCAS! ALPHA FUN SUCKER COMES UP WITH BATTLE PLANS THIS REEKED OF A FUN FAIRY!” The phone fell to the ground as I heard Dylan passing out his popcorn, “FANG’S POPCORN FOR ALL! THE BEST POPCORN AROUND!” Lucas picked up the phone, “We will never hear the end of this.” I shrugged, “She does give good presents.” Lucas snorted, “She does.” I hung up the phone, unable to wipe the smile off my face. My mate was amazing. Now I just needed to meet her in person.