The Alpha and His Hunted Kitsune Princess

Done Running Pt.2

Sora replied, “He will look similar to me. If he has a kit, then a boy is the oldest. The only way to know I was the oldest would be to see us together. Though it’s unlikely he will have interest in being the ruler. His Kitsune and he will rebel against it because it’s not their role to fulfill.”

Mom sighed, “So, they really don’t know?” Sora replied, “The only way they would is if my sire had another daughter first. Once they see us together, if I have a brother, it will make sense. If his oldest is a daughter then I will attack because they chose not to come for me.”

Mom snorted, “You’d have to get in line, Sora. I just don’t think Pernell is like that. He would’ve come for you. He wouldn’t have stopped, I know it.” Sora said, “I hope that’s true. I will protect Piper from all threats. I would prefer that not be our sire, but I will protect her feelings.”

Mom pulled into a gas station. Mom gave me cash, “Go put thirty dollars on pump five and grab us some snacks.” I walked in and gave the guy cash then went and got some snacks. I came back to the car.

Mom was on the phone, “Ralph, I’m so happy about your granddaughter. I thought you’d be with her.” Grandpa Ralph laughed, “Jane’s a little busy with Theo at the moment.” Mom blushed, “Of course.”

Grandpa Ralph asked, “What’s wrong, Hazel?” Mom answered, “I was just so worried about Jane. Remi and Piper had one of their brainstorming sessions. Remi is growing increasingly frustrated that you guys won’t listen to their advice.”

Grandpa Ralph laughed, “It’s not that we aren’t.” Someone asked, “Would you like a cookie, Former Alpha Ralph?” Grandpa Ralph answered, “Sure.” Grandpa Ralph chewed then said, “I know something is wrong based on your tone.”

Mom said, “It’s nothing that won’t keep. You focus on your granddaughter.” Grandpa Ralph said, “She’s taken care of.” Mom urged, “Call Remi and ask for her theories.” Grandpa Ralph laughed, “A wolf from Missouri that now lives in Nashville could not pull this off.”

Sora jolted in my head and I actually gasped. Mom whirled, “Piper.” I frowned, “Grandpa Ralph how could you say that? You’ve never looked down on someone based on where they are from! Ashley has faced judgement from everyone, but I didn’t think it would you.” Then I hung up the phone for mom.

Mom frowned, “I’m not sure where that comment came from, sweetie. Your grandpa Ralph trusts you and he’s pushed his son in law to bring Ashley forward multiple times as a suspect because he trusts you and Remi.”

We got back in the car. Mom’s phone kept ringing so I turned it off. Mom sighed, “You know Grandpa Ralph was just going through a big pile of emotions. Don’t freeze him out right now.” I shrugged, “He doesn't get to dismiss me and Remi like that, and he shouldn’t do it to Ashley.”

I bit my lip thinking. Mom asked, “What’s going through your head?” I asked, “What if Grandpa Ralph’s attitude just now is why Ashley won’t meet the allies? What if she doesn’t think they will believe her? Everyone looks down on her because she’s wolf less.”

Sora said, “We are different. You have me.” Mom questioned, “What’s going on here, Piper?” I huffed, “I’m right.” Mom frowned, “Ok, but that’s not all.” I sighed, “I’m different from everyone around me. You made sure I was surrounded by love, but Ashley’s not. I can’t help but think people could treat me like her if you didn’t make sure there were good people there.”

I added, “Not everyone always welcomed us. Some people realized I’m powerful and they didn’t want us there. They made things uncomfortable. I have you so the ability to leave was always there for me. You took us away from those people.”

I whispered, “No one is taking her away. She’s facing all these pressures alone and thinking no one has her back and it makes me sad. I’m telling you she’s got to be that sniper for the allies, and they discount her. That has to hurt her on a personal and deep level. It’s important for an Alpha to see someone’s value and they don’t see hers.”

Mom squeezed my thigh, “You’re always so empathetic, but you’re not Ashley Griffen.” I reasoned, “Because I have you and Sora.” Mom urged, “Talk to your grandpa, Piper.” I shrugged, “I don’t want to.”

Mom sighed, “We don’t always do things we want.” I grumbled, “I hate when you have a point.” I turned mom’s phone back on and answered the incoming call. I answered, “What?” Mom shot me a look that said I was being rude, and I was. I just didn’t care.

Grandpa Ralph said, “That’s not really the way to greet me.” I said, “You don’t trust mine and Remi’s judgement. You’ve been lying saying you do then when you had no idea I could hear you, you dismissed me.”

Grandpa Ralph argued, “That’s not true. I have asked Ashley to be interviewed multiple times. Alpha Theo Bartlett has several times.” I shot back, “According to Remi he’s never directly asked her.”

Grandpa Ralph sighed, “He’s building a rapport. They think she could take Black Path down with evidence if they got her to trust them.” I urged, “Send Remi.” Grandpa Ralph admitted, “I have tried to do that. Nashville will not allow down there. Karl has a source there because he didn’t ask permission to go get that hot chicken for Remi. Joe thought being a rebel was quite fun. Plus, he’s allowed down there.”

I reasoned, “Then Remi and I can just venture around when we play the college there. Maybe we could meet her.” Grandpa Ralph sighed, “Maybe next season. I’ve heard the Nashville packs are cracking down since they couldn’t locate Ashley.” I wanted to throw the phone in frustration.

Grandpa Ralph said, “I do believe in you kiddo.” I didn’t reply. Grandpa Ralph sighed, “I really do, Piper. People make good points here about that though.” I questioned, “Do you know if Alexander has talked to Ashley?”

Grandpa Ralph chuckled, “Alpha Alexander does communicate with her. A lot of people around here do.” I grumbled, “Maybe I should contact her since none of them ask the right questions.” Grandpa Ralph laughed and by the end of the call we were back to normal.

I offered, “I’m really glad Jane and Madeline are ok. How’s Nathan?” Grandpa Ralph sighed, “He’s hurting really bad, Piper. Having his daughter back helps. We are having the funeral tomorrow, but I heard him at the sight. He was telling his mate that he found their little girl.”

I asked, “Do you have any happy news? That’s very sad.” Sora huffed, “I will tell our mate that I refuse to let him die and make me sad.” I nearly busted up laughing. Grandpa Ralph chuckled, "Apparently Nathan’s second chance is coming in sooner rather than later.”

I said, “Wow. The man had so much launched at him in a short time.” Grandpa Ralph agreed, “I told him just to take that relationship slow.” Wolves didn’t really do slow but I could see that happening in this case.

I asked, “How did that come about?” Grandpa Ralph answered, “Former Luna Emmaline told him. It was a time.” I asked, “How is the rest of the family?” Grandpa Ralph admitted, “We are letting the loss settle. It finally hit us now that Jane’s home. We aren't rallying around each other and looking for her every waking second and reality has crashed in.”

I apologized again, “I am very sorry for your loss.” Grandpa Ralph sighed, “I was never supposed to outlive her. Any of them really.” I scoffed, “You’re living a long time.” Grandpa Ralph sadly said, “They were supposed to go long after me though. She was so young.” I knew that.

Mom was wiping tears away. Grandpa Ralph sighed, “Now, tell me what’s going on with you and your mom because I know it’s something. I’m not taking no for an answer either.” Mom said, “Ralph, grieve your granddaughter in law. We are fine.” Grandpa Ralph commented, “You’ve been driving for too long. No where you go is that far from the cabin you’re in.”

I winced and glanced at mom who insisted, “We can discuss it later.” Grandpa Ralph growled, “Did that bastard get close again?” Mom gripped the steering wheel tightly. I answered, “He tried to herd me to me. Sora thought he was twenty miles away or so.” Grandpa Ralph growled, “Herd you how?”

I admitted, “They looked like people who found me running, but they called me a fox. I don’t get why he wouldn’t have them say Kitsune. They didn’t smell like anything though. They looked real as mom does next to me though.”

Grandpa Ralph growled, “Are you heading to the safe house we set up, Hazel?” Mom answered, “The second one. Twenty miles is too close.” I asked, “Why were you running towards me?” Mom answered, “I just got this notion we had to go.”

Grandpa Ralph said, “Call me when you get there.” I amended, “We will text. You need to be present for the funeral.” Grandpa Ralph said, “You’re family too. She would’ve wanted…” He trailed off, “She wanted to meet you guys. The whole family does. The ones who have met you brag about it.”

I teased, “We are the best.” Mom agreed, “We are a barrel of fun. Plus, we are bringing the drama lately.” I rolled my eyes, “That Ninko is bringing the Drama.” Saro angrily took over, “He is RUINING everything! We only get to play volleyball because it’s under a different name!”

Mom assured Saro, “One day you’ll play under your name. Plus, Piper plays as Sora so it is your name.” Sora huffed, “Piper should NOT have to do that. Ro shouldn’t be so upset we didn’t get to her senior year bucket list either!”

Jiff, Grandpa Ralph’s wolf, said, “You wanted to do it too.” Sora angrily said, “Piper deserved that! That Ninko ruins everything. We feel most at home in your pack than anywhere else we’ve been. He keeps stealing that from us.”

Mom sniffled. Sora said, “That’s not your fault, mom. It’s his. We were staying.” Jiff assured her, “You’ll get to do all those things.” I took over, “We can’t even be roommates in college because I can’t stay there.”

Grandpa Ralph said, “Circumstances change, Kiddo. Maybe next fall everything will be different.” Yeah, maybe. Sora offered, “It could be.” I told him, “I’m sure the funeral will be beautiful.” Grandpa Ralph choked up, “It will be. Nathan ensured it.” Of course he did. We hung up.

Mom asked, “Now, don’t you feel better?” I said, “We are all crying, so probably not.” Mom said, “Yes, but you’re not mad at each other.” I said, “We should send some flowers.” Mom nodded, “I called the flower shop and an arrangement is coming from us. They were holding it until the funeral.”

I asked, “Should we go?” Mom frowned, “We can’t lead trouble to a funeral.” I wanted to flinch but nodded, “Yeah, you’re right.” Mom said, “That’s not our fault. That psycho’s doing is not our fault.”

Mom pulled over again and got an energy drink. I said, “I’ll drive. Save that and get some sleep.” Mom hesitated but nodded. I got in the car and drove. Mom fell asleep pretty quickly. I knew the location of all the safehouses. We’d find another place to go after this.

Sora said, “Maybe a coastal city this time.” I agreed, “For sure.” I hoped that we could stay for a while. I knew the school year was hard on mom. I looked over at her sleeping form. Mom had sacrificed so much and now we were running from a mad man.

I wished I could contact my dad. Mentally I had a whole conversation, “Dad, I’m mad at you. It’s probably not fair but I am. I’m running AGAIN with mom. Do you even care that guy almost got me? He’s hunting me because of your DNA yet you’re always nowhere.”

Tears filled my eyes, “Mom says if you knew about me, you’d be here. I just don’t know anymore. I sense you out there so why don’t you sense me?! Huh? You’re my dad! You're supposed to be here. You’re supposed to stop the bad guys! Mom is doing her best against the Supernatural World.”

“You’re damn lucky her best is stellar. Sometimes I get so mad at you because I think you’re just letting me flounder and live my path. Because that’s what you jerks do, apparently. I’m not living my path. I’M RUNNING!”

“I’m tired of it. Mom’s tired of it. All my friends are tired of it. Mom’s put her ENTIRE life on hold because of me. She says it’s fine but it’s not. It never has been because you should’ve been there to share the burden with her.”

“WHY CAN’T YOU UNDERSTAND I’M OUT HERE! I NEED YOU! You’re never here! Sometimes, I think I hate you. I don’t even know if it matters. Mom tried to reach you, and you just brushed her off as someone insignificant. How could you do that to someone as great as mom?”

Sora whispered, “Piper, he cannot reply.” I scoffed, “He never does anything. I’m tired of living like this. It was a thing when we got the sense to move. This is relentless. This is dangerous and I’m tired of being prey. They shouldn’t let me! They should protect me!”

Sora agreed, “Yes, but they don’t know.” I shouted, “THEY SHOULD! You sense Alpine out there but never once has he sensed us. It doesn’t make sense a Ninko is this after me recently unless he was directed.”

Sora gasped, “No.” I reasoned, “Yes! What if they directed him at us because they want to be safe themselves.” Sora said, “No. Our sire and Tenko would never do that.” I replied, “Maybe, maybe not.” Sora said, “Mom thinks our sire is a good man.”

I scoffed, “A good man who left her in his dust and never so much as checked on her. I’m beginning to think he’s trash.” Sora admitted, “Not being able to settle anywhere of our choosing is taking our toll on us.”

I knew that. I sighed, “I just think he should know. For so long, I’ve excused myself for being just a little bit mad. Now, this situation is escalating. That guy is killing people to try and get me. He’s getting closer, Sora. You know and so do I. I can’t have mom be collateral damage in this fallout. I can’t lose mom. Our dad has never been there for us, but she’s been there every day.”

Sora assured me, “We won’t let anything happen to her.” I reasoned, “Then we may need to find a way to take this fight to him. For one the hunter needs to be hunted. He can’t just keep getting away with this. We aren’t meant to run.”

Sora admitted, “No, we aren’t but we don’t know our full capabilities.” I ground my teeth because that was true. Which again fell firmly at my dad’s feet. I scoffed thinking, “Dad. I should just call the man Pernell.”

Sora sadly said, “He’s our sire.” I snorted, “He’s never been a dad to us a day in his life. He moved on and left us out here. Regardless of whether he knew or not. He should’ve known and you know that too.” Sora sighed, “I know.” Pernell should’ve looked for my mother just to check.

I sighed, “I’m tired of not having set places we can go. We are moving every two - four weeks.” I looked at my mom wondering for the millionth time if I should drop her off at Grandpa Ralph’s pack and confront the man facing me.

As if she knew I needed her, Remi called me. I put in my EarPods and answered, “Hey, Rem.” Remi said, “The minions in my head say that you need me.” I sighed, “They are usually correct.” Remi asked, “What’s going on?”

I sighed, “Mom’s asleep.” Remi snorted, “That’s not what’s wrong.” I said, “I’m contemplating taking action.” Remi questioned, “What type of action?” I answered, “Dropping mom off with you and confronting the jerk myself.”

Remi hummed, “I see. Why on earth do you think your mom would stay behind? She’d hunt you down and I’d come because I have to. Obviously.” I snorted, “Obviously.” Remi asked, “Why are we having these two in morning thoughts?” I answered, “He’s getting too close, Remi.”

Remi sighed, “Well, he’s not caught you yet.” I admitted, “I can’t live like this for much longer. I’m getting angrier at my dad with every passing day. I’m believing the theory I formed about them letting live my path with extras.”

Remi sighed, “I mean we can’t rule that path out. You know I’d like to for your sake, really I would. What extras are we talking about?” I said, “That some time last year when I had to leave they pointed that bastard at me to get him away from them.”

Remi was quiet then said, “The man Hazel describes would not do that.” I argued, “His dad would though.” Remi agreed, “For sure, should he be alive.” I scoffed, “Being evil makes people live longer.” Remi laughed, “Ok, true.”

I said, “I still think that he should know about me. I call him dad all the time, but he’s never been that to me. Now, we didn’t even stay somewhere two weeks before we had to go. I don’t have all my powers and every part of me is pissed because we are running so much.”

Remi said, “Well, of course you’re not. You essentially have Alpha blood, girl. This type of feeling is totally normal. You just can’t go off at the guy without a plan.” I snorted, “I have a plan. Hunt him down with Sora and kill him.”

Remi reasoned, “You don’t know what he can do. Plus, if you do that then you have to bring me. Obviously.” I replied, “I couldn’t live with myself if he hurt you.” I’d take Kitsunes to fight the guy because they knew what he could do. UNLIKE ME!

Remi said, “So, to sum up: we are pissed at your dad, suspecting the evil old gramps as tipping him off about you, will claim some bullshit about it being your path, and the petty interest has increased at the Ninko prick for pissing off my girl.”

I snorted, “You forgot the part where I want to start hunting him and not the other way around.” Remi replied, “Because that’s the anger in your veins talking, not that rational brain in that perfectly beautiful head of yours.” I huffed.