The Alpha and His Hunted Kitsune Princess

Interesting Party Pt.2

I snorted, “We hated them before we entered.” Julian linked, “Well, no one is paying attention to William and I. Pretty sure the older sister is seething.” I snorted, “Well, I don’t care.” We finished our dance and another woman walked up to me.

She cooed, “Can I have the next dance?” I replied, “I wasn’t done with this one, but thank you for the offer.” Fleur actually gasped but I spun her away to the next song. Fleur whispered, “That was my sister.”

I chuckled, “Well, then people should get their eyes checked. Your beauty supersedes her. Also, I would not have pegged you as siblings.” Fleur quietly admitted, “She’s actually my stepsister.” Bernard groaned, “I’m getting that movie with the stepsisters treating their sister badly vibes.” Yeah, I was too. Given I could hear everyone in this room talking about how the stepsister had poisoned everyone. One friend was even asking how the plan could’ve failed.

I linked Uncle Aiden, “If I set up a liaison with the Pallas cats and Faerie can you find a reason for her to live in Faerie?” Uncle Aiden chuckled, “Princess Fleur then?” I answered, “Yes. I’m getting evil stepsister vibes.” Uncle Aiden answered, “Of course that can happen.” Good.

I asked Fleur, “Have you ever been to Faerie?” Fleur answered, “No. None of the Pallas cats have.” I asked, “Would you like to?” Fleur admitted, “Yes, but it will never happen. There will be a reason my stepsister goes.”

I asked, “Would you like to move there?” Fleur answered, “I’d like to move anywhere, but a whole realm away does sound nice. It’s just a lovely thought though. It will never happen.” I asked, “Who is the cat glaring viciously at me?” Fleur glanced over then flinched, “My sister’s fiancé.” That felt like a whole story.

William linked, “Evil stepsister is HOT under the collar.” I replied, “Well, that makes me quite happy. I’m kind of hoping for a scene. It also makes no sense given the stepsister is engaged.” William linked back laughing, “Julian took someone out and got the story. It’s awful. We are all in on your plan to save Fleur.” Good.

I knew my brother had realized it was a stepsister because he could hear Fleur and me. I questioned, “Would you like to?” Fleur blinked, “I would but my sister will never let that happen.” I shrugged, “I find I don’t give a single s**t about your sister.” Fleur giggled then covered her mouth.

I asked, “Is your father here?” Fleur answered, “Yes, he’s watching us just like everyone else.” I looked around and spotted him. I chuckled, “Would your stepmother be the one hissing in his ear?” Fleur admitted, “Yes, they will make you stop dancing with me.” I replied, “I don’t think my reputation precedes me with you, Flower.”

Fleur asked, “What do you mean?” I answered, “No one makes someone with the last name Conners do anything that doesn’t share the same last name. My oldest brother might have me do something, but he will take my feelings into account. Obviously, my parents have that power, but as an adult they talk to me about things.”

Fleur shrugged, “They will still make you.” I laughed, “I assure you that’s not happening.” The song ended and I led her off the dance floor. A man came up to me, “My sister would like to speak with you.” I replied, “I’m busy talking to Flower here.”

The man said, “That’s Fleur.” I replied, “I would think you knew that meant flower given you are clearly her brother. So, I’m already talking to your sister.” The man flushed, “My older sister.” I glanced at the woman just behind him.

Bernard growled, “I hate these people.” I said, “Surely you mean stepsister given there is no way she is related to you by blood. Given that distinction I am talking to your sister.” Fleur whispered, “Excuse me.”

I chuckled, “Don’t run off, Flower. I am enjoying talking to you.” I turned, “You know, if anyone treated my sisters with such disparity at a party they’d be dead. I’d work on that if I were you.” The man sputtered, “Fleur is always jealous of…” I cut him off, “I’ll go ahead and tell you based on what I’ve witnessed, your stepsister and her mother are the jealous ones. The fact you are going against your cat to protect your stepsister over your sister when she’s clearly the bad one, is sad. Follow your instincts.”

The woman gasped, “You don’t know me to accuse me of such things. Fleur, I know you hate me, but poisoning the Conners family against me is over the line. I know you’re upset but….”

I laughed, “I’d apologize for interrupting your woe is me victim performance that is hardly the first time you’ve put it on according to everyone I can hear, but I’m not even remotely sorry. No, but I hear everyone in this room. So I heard your stepsister's friends talking about how they cannot believe her plans to ostracize Fleur backfired with a Conners stepping in.”

The stepsister gasped, “You’re lying.” I replied, “Learn about Supernaturals.” Herman flashed over, “We should all back down here.” I said, “No, I don’t think we should. She accused me of lying. Which is insanely ignorant given I cannot.” The man replied, “She didn’t mean it.” I laughed, “She did.”

The woman said, “Hans, I did mean it. He’s lying.” William and Julian appeared at my side. I grinned, “So, to be clear you are insisting I’m the liar here?” Two more of Fleur’s brothers appeared at her side.

One whispered, “You need to stop talking.” The sister gasped, “You never let anyone speak to me this way! Fleur poisoned him against me.” I laughed, “No, she didn’t. In fact, she expected to be discarded in favor of you, expected it even.”

I glanced at her father then her brothers sarcastically saying, “I wonder why.” They all flushed. The woman said, “She’s jealous of me.” I laughed, “You can’t hide your motivations from me. You’re the jealous one whose ugly inside and out.”

Fleur gasped again. I conjured her look enhancer away and suddenly she appeared as she was. Jaws dropped. I held up the trinket, “The Ireland Fairy group often sells these. You’re not supposed to combine multiple of them.” Her dress didn’t fit correctly anymore because she’d used this for bigger boobs.

The woman screamed, “YOU STOLE FROM ME!” I laughed, “I did not.” Herman demanded, “Shut up.” The woman gasped, “Herman.” I replied, “Oh, let her keep talking. I find this deeply amusing.”

Fleur’s dad walked over, “We can let this go.” I hummed, “I don’t think we can. She’s called me a liar and a thief. You’re quite lucky my guard isn’t here, or you’d be dead already.” The woman gasped, “You cannot talk to me this way.”

I replied, “You’re mother certainly raised a horrid daughter who doesn’t understand the concept of those superior to her. Unfortunately for you, I am one of those people. I give grace where it is needed. Though, it’s probably her fault you’re the twisted person you are. I’m getting the sense you were never told no by your step family or her.”

I turned to the father, “You helped curate a monster and ostracized your own blood. I know who you are so I know she is the daughter of your true mate. Maybe think how your deceased mate would think of you treating your daughter this way.” I glanced at her brothers, “Or your sister.”

Julian chuckled, “Given this was their mother’s best friend I’d agree. I have learned such fascinating details about this family and their dynamics.” I snorted, “Of course it is.” The woman sputtered, “Our grief brought us together.” I questioned, “To make sure your daughter was treated as a Princess versus the actual Princess?”

I linked Cassie, “Portal to where I am and make these horrible people tell the truth, then you are free to cause some chaos before leaving.” Cassie replied, “I’m here.” The woman answered, “My daughter deserves better. We’ve framed Fleur and everyone just believes us. We’ve come up with evidence but we never have to present it.” I questioned, “Wouldn’t they see it as false?”

The woman answered, “Of course. It’s all lies. Fleur welcomed us, but privately I told them she resented us. My daughter attacked her and we orchestrated everyone coming in when she defended herself. Based on my daughter’s word alone and my whispers of resentment, they believed us.”

The woman laughed, “I even got them to put Fleur in the attic and give my daughter her old room. Not to mention the heirlooms my daughter has that were important to Fleur. My best friend told me every piece that would go to her daughter, but now mine owns them. Even her fiancé.”

I questioned, “Fleur was engaged?” Bernard growled, “Kill them now.” I was going to. The woman scoffed, “It was arranged but they were childhood sweethearts. My daughter always liked him, but he never looked at her. Now, he’s her fiancé because we convinced everyone it was a better match because of Fleur’s jealous behavior."

The mom cackled, “Her beloved brothers who treated her like a princess treat her like the help now. My daughter has everything she should’ve had now. Even my husband loves my daughter more than his own.”

I scoffed, “Based on carefully crafted lies.” The woman grinned, “We even told them Fleur tried to poison my daughter by using an allergy she doesn’t have. They didn’t even check medical records. We’ve faked so many issues and have them convinced my daughter has a blood disease that Fleur’s blood type can cure. Guess who gets held down and forced to take blood. Her cat is so weak she can’t help her.”

I stared at her while people became visibly uncomfortable. I turned to Herman, “I’d like to be shocked you associate with people with such poor judgement and so easily led, but I’m really not.” Herman hissed at me.

I opened a portal and kicked the stepsister through. The mom screamed, “My baby!” I said, “For calling me a thief and liar, your daughter will die.” The woman wailed, “MERN!” The man stared at her, “You had me hurting my manual like a criminal. I had her held down thinking she didn’t want to save her stepsister. I…” He trailed off then turned to Fleur with tears in his eyes.

Mern whispered, “Sweetheart.” I cut him off, “How long have you been treating your daughter this way?” The room tensed. Fleur answered, “Ten years.” I turned, “How old are you?” I thought she was maybe twenty.

Fleur answered, “I turned eighteen yesterday.” Her family gasped as if they’d just remember that. A man came over with tears in his eyes, “Fleur.” Fleur flinched away from him so I pulled her into my back.

Julian and William flanked us. Bernard took over “Stay AWAY from her!” The man replied, “She’s my fiancée!” I scoffed, “No, I think your fiancée went through a portal to die.” The man reasoned, “I’ve told Fleur, it’s just for appearances! I’ll always be Fleur’s, it’s just something her sister wants for status to be seen as with me. Sometimes we have to be intimate to keep that appearance. I’ve always loved Fleur and her sister…”

I cut him, “That was no sister. As a Hackura I have seen how stepsiblings behave. This was repulsive and unforgivable. This was a ladder climber reaching for the top and shoving the rightful Princess to the ground and you damn cats letting them.”

One brother flinched, “Fleur.” I growled, “Stop talking to her.” I turned to her father, “Fleur will be the liaison to Faerie. The first Pallas Cat to hold the position. I will find someone worthy for her to report to, but you will not speak to her. My mother will insist on being her therapist. I think your grumble is about to be having some very bad times.”

Mern said, “My daughter can speak with us. She lives at home.” I scoffed, “My Uncle has already agreed to give her a place in Faerie. As the liaison to Faerie, that’s where she will live.” Mern shook his head, “No, we need to speak to Fleur.”

I replied, “You treated your daughter like a blood mule for ten years. What’s the punishment for that, Herman?” Herman answered, “That’s for the cats to decide.” I snorted, “You’re not going to punish a blood offense?” People gasped all around me. I smirked at Herman knowing I’d made him look like an incompetent fool.

I glanced at Mern, “As I said earlier, quite the company you keep. No wonder you lock Faerie out of things. We could run circles around this group led by their nose. We would probably rule the Supernatural Council in minutes. Wouldn't we?” Herman loved control.

Mern said, “I was…” I cut him off, “Led around by your d**k by a ladder climber, we know.” One brother said, “Fleur, please tell him…” I cut him off, “Tell me what? That woman told the truth.”

She pointed, “You made me.” I laughed, “I don’t possess that power, but I can tell you a lot about you.” She frowned. I said, “Your worst fear is having nothing and I assure you it will come true. Remember this day as the moment your schemes crashed down around you.”

Mern said, “I was tricked.” I replied, “There is tricked then there is treating your child like you did. My dad would die before he allowed people to hold us down and take blood from us. He would also never trust someone’s word over ours.”

Herman replied, “Your dad can feel you.” William commented, “There’s also the fact we can lie. Our dad wouldn’t take someone’s word over my cousins who can lie either. He would gather evidence. He would NEVER let blood be taken from us if we were unwilling. You took someone’s bodily autonomy away. I’m sure Herman here can tell you how the Conners, Holloran’s, and Cambridge’s feel about that.”

The woman cut in, "Regardless, that man did steal my daughter’s trinket. We can’t ignore that. We can call it wash if he gives her back.” Bernard said, “I’m shifting.” I told her, “My name is Duke Preston Conners.” Then I shifted into Bernard. He jumped on her before she could shift and raked him claws down her face. I popped off and shifted back. Julian snapped me back into my outfit.

I added, “Nothing made with charms or materials of Faerie can be stolen by me. They belong to my family. Anyone named Holloran can take any Faerie trinket back if they so please. Especially when they are used incorrectly. Isn’t that right, Herman?”

Herman ground out, “Yes.” Someone yelped when the punch bowl splashed in their face. Herman sighed at me. I grinned, “Are you breathing?” Herman now glared. I was kind of hoping he’d drop fang because mom would take them from him.

Another Vampire said, “You’ve made your point.” I asked, “What point was that? Because I actually made a different one than I’d intended. Now, I see the Hackura need to conduct investigations into the families of those on the Supernatural Council to make sure people are not being maltreated.”

Herman replied, “I will.” I said, “You let a blood offense go. Ergo, the Hackura will conduct the study.” Julian chuckled, “William and I made our point. Let’s go to our party, brother. This one is dull and drab.” I agreed, “Yes, let’s.”

I held my hand out to Fleur, “The choice is yours. You can take my hand and leave these people behind. You can start in Faerie where you will be seen as different and a hot commodity.” Because they weren’t assholes to other people anymore. Hisses echoed around the hall.

I told her, “You’ll have my home and the Hackura realm open to you with this position, but I will not strip another choice from you. I will tell you these people do not deserve your or your loyalty. No one has the right to make medical choices for you. Or be idiotic enough to believe there was a full blooded Supernatural with a blood disease only one person’s blood could save.”

William offered, “Nor did they ever request our mom or brother come heal her. If her blood disease was so serious that should’ve been option number one other than holding a girl down for ten years to extract her blood and making your cat weak.”

Someone went to speak, “Fleur, you…” Benard snarled, cutting them off. Fleur blinked away tears then asked, “Why are you being so nice to me?” I answered, “Because someone should’ve been nice to my mom. Because I wasn’t raised to be an asshole. Because I saw a beautiful woman looking like the saddest girl in the room all alone and I wanted to make her smile.”

I added, “Because everyone deserves basic human decency and to be treated as a person. I was raised with respect and a code. I will not abide disrespect to me or others. A great injustice has been done to you, and you deserve a chance to be the person you were meant to be.”

I glanced at her stepsister’s fiancée, “Not tossed aside for a new shiny jewel because he wanted to attach himself to a name, not a person.” I turned back, “You can see that for what it is now. Betrayal close to home always hurts the worse, but you will come through stronger for it. You will have better people around you if you want.”

Fleur didn’t hesitate to take my hand. People shouted out at her but I popped us out. Mom gasped, “Oh my f*****g god, she’s so pretty! Is that who you were feeling so protective of?” I answered, “Yes, this is Fleur.”

Mom asked, “The Pallas Cat Princess? I have tried to meet her so many times, but the request has been declined. Why the f**k didn’t anyone say she was sick? Her cat needs to be healed. Why the f**k do people always think I’m f*****g useless?!”

Fleur whispered, “You asked to meet me?” Mom answered, “Yes. I always want to meet with Princesses of other races. It’s part of my duty as a Princess of Faerie and the Hackura realm.” Fleur snorted, “So, you’ve met my stepsister.”

Mom answered, “No, I f*****g refused unless you were together. It’s not protocol and would be snubbing you, as the teens say. I couldn't do that.” I grinned at my mom. Uncle Aiden said, “I have Fleur’s place set up.” Mom asked, “What f*****g place? What the hell is going on? Also, when we get to said place, I will heal her poor cat. You need to give people f*****g s**t for not asking for my healing, brother.”

I warned, “You’ll be going full hijinks on the grumble for what they’ve done. You’ll be proud of Fleur for leaving them all behind her.” Before mom could reply Fleur admitted, “I was leaving tonight either way.” Uncle Aiden questioned, “You were?” Fleur answered, “Yes. One of my friends contacted some group that was going to get me out.” William asked, ‘Which one?”