The Alpha and His Hunted Kitsune Princess

New Piece in Place Pt. 1

Piper was settling in. Practice was the only thing in my life that was going well really. I had virtual appointments with my psychologist, Dr. Haley Conners. Who insisted I call her Haley. I actually really liked her, but none of my memories had come back. I knew everyone knew exactly what I was missing, but they weren’t saying anything.

My mom was getting married in an intimate ceremony today and I plastered a smile on my face. The truth was inside, I felt like I was dying. I wanted to know how happy I truly was for my mom. Looking through the pictures of us together, I knew we had a close bond.

Remi and everyone I knew said we did. I wiped my tears away not wanting to be selfish because it was my mom’s day. A man walked up, “Hey, pretty thing.” I asked, ‘What on earth is wrong with your eyes?” They were red.

The guy growled. A lot of people I knew did that. The guy asked, “What’s wrong with your eyes?” I answered, “Literally nothing.” He grabbed my arm, “You’re coming with me.” I scoffed, “My mom is getting married today, so no.”

The guy laughed, “Yeah, I heard there was a wedding today.” I asked, “Do you know my stepdad?” Now his eyes filled with delight, “You’re Nathan’s stepdaughter. Selene has smiled on me today.” I asked, “Who is Selene?” The guy laughed and gripped my arm harder.

On instinct I pulled back and my fist flew. I gasped after I punched him admitting, “I don’t know where that came from. I’m so sorry.” The guy snarled at me. I frowned, “Well, you did grab me.” Nathan’s son, Mike, shouted, “Piper!”

I snorted, “That’s my stepbrother.” The guy reached for me but Mike flew into the area with impressive speed. Mike shouted, “Get her out of here!” Remi said, “Piper!” Then dragged me off. Remi sighed, “You don’t need to practice for when I have pu…” Remi faltered, then said, “Kids.”

I snorted, “You said you weren’t having them for several years.” Which I apparently knew before she told me she and Karl were waiting. It sucked knowing nothing about your life. Remi snorted, “Yet, I turned my back for a second and you disappeared on me!”

I whispered, “I just needed a minute.” Remi sighed, “Piper.” I ground out, “I just wish I knew what this day meant to my mom and me. Ok? Those pictures said we are close and so does everyone else. Instead, it’s like a stranger is getting married today and I hate it.”

I wiped my eyes, “I hate that everyone is watching me and hoping that my memories are back. I hate that mom’s day is about me and my memories. I feel like my mom is having this small wedding because of me. Did she want a bigger one? Is she holding back because of my memories?”

Remi answered, “Girl, no. Your mom has never been a big fanfare woman.” I said, “Well, she should be! She’s amazing. She raised me by herself because despite the fact that none of you talk about my dad, he’s not in any pictures.”

Remi conceded, “He’s not.” I asked, “Why not?” Remi admitted, “That’s complicated.” Everything was. That was literally everyone’s answer for everything. It felt simple. The man hadn’t come around once since my accident. He clearly didn’t care about me.

Jane, Nathan’s daughter and my now stepsister, ran over, “Oh my god, Piper! Are you ok?” I answered, “Yeah, I just needed a second. Some weirdo with red eyes was bugging out. Maybe he was on drugs.”

Remi agreed, “Definitely. He looked like he was tweaking.” Jane said, “Well, thank god you’re ok.” Remi laughed, “You may not remember, but you are continuing your streak of finding the crazy people at wedding’s.” I snorted, “Well, my muscle memory isn’t a problem. I punched that guy without the intent to do so.” Jane grinned, “That’s bad ass.” They should probably not encourage that.

I asked, “Is that because I’m the poor girl with no memories? Because I’m pretty sure that was assault.” Remi scoffed, “That man had his hands on you and you didn’t want him. That’s self-defense, babes.”

Jane agreed, “Yeah, if anyone has red eyes they are clearly bad and you should punch them.” Mike jogged over asking, “Are you ok, Piper?” I answered, “I’m perfectly fine. Thanks for the assist, new big brother.” Mike smirked at me, “I have plenty of practice being an older brother. You are our family now, Piper.”

Everyone was so nice and sometimes I just wanted to scream. Jane’s husband came over and joined us. I hadn’t met him yet. He put out his hand, “I’m Theo Conners.” I blinked, “Any relation to Dr. Haley Conners?”

Theo answered, “That’s my mother.” My shrink’s son was here and related to the family my mom was marrying into. I hummed, “Small world.” Theo agreed, “It is.” I admitted, “I’m meeting your mom this week. We’ve had some virtual appointments.”

Theo said, “My mom is the best.” I asked, “Aren’t you going to say you knew that?” Theo replied, “I did not know you were my mom’s patient or that she had met with you. Patient confidentiality is very important to my mom.”

Well my doctor just got massive points in my book. I would think it was natural since there was no way she didn’t know. I asked, “Are your parents here?” Theo answered, “No, it’s just family but they sent a gift.”

I hummed, “Did you know the red eyed guy?” Theo answered, “No one knew him.” I frowned, “He was showing up uninvited? It’s that not allowed?” It sounded like something that wouldn’t be allowed, but what did I know? Nothing. Which was irritating.

Remi snorted, “It’s definitely not allowed. It’s a major faux pas.” Right. Remi said, “Well, let’s get you changed, chickadee.” I was the maid of honor. I nodded. My mom had people drying her hair when we stepped into the suite. I gave her a kiss on the cheek then got into the shower.

I wasn’t washing my hair. When I got out I stared at myself in the mirror. I whispered, “Can’t you just remember?” I closed my eyes hoping for some memory but nothing happened. I opened my eyes in frustration, then pushed all those feelings aside. Today was about my mom.

I put on my robe and walked out. A woman came over to style my hair while another started in on my make up. Mom chuckled, “This is quite something. Nathan insisted.” I reached over and took her hand, “You deserve this mom.”

I had no idea how long they had been dating since no one would answer that question. I did know that Remi said my mom hadn’t dated my entire childhood. Far be it from me to say anything about her romance with Nathan.

One, I could tell they loved each other. Two, they were adults. Three, she clearly put her life on hold to raise me. My mom deserved happiness. Nathan said we had a whole talk about it. I told my mom, “I’m really happy for you.” Mom smiled, “Thank you, sweetie.”

I desperately wanted to remember every moment we’d shared. Hell, just a little snip of something but still nothing came to me. My hair was done and my make up. I got into the sage green satin bridesmaid dress mom picked.

I could admit, my mom had great taste. It was an off the shoulder dress with a sweetheart neckline, according to the woman who sold it to us. It flared out past my waist. Mom gasped, “Piper, you look beautiful.” I hugged her, “Let’s get you into your dress and down to your man. They are a good family. They’ve been so nice to me.” Mom squeezed my hand.

We walked into her closet. Mom’s dress was simple but stunning. It was an Ivory Mermaid off the shoulder ruched chiffon long gown. Which was the literal description the store gave since I had no idea about anything really.

Yeah, I know I’m bitter. I shook that again and got mom into her dress and handed her the sage green bridal bouquet. I told her, “You look beautiful.” Then handed her the gift Jane and Remi helped me pick out.

I admitted, “Grandpa Ralph helped me pay for it.” Since I didn’t have a job or money. Which I’m told is normal for a girl my age. Mom opened the necklace and dangling earrings. I said, “Jane and Remi both agree it would go with your dress.”

Mom admitted, “I’ve never had anything like this.” I could tell she liked it though. I admitted, “That’s what Grandpa Ralph and Remi said. You deserve this though, mom. I’m pretty sure Nathan’s loaded so he’ll probably give you things like this a lot.”

Mom busted up laughing, “I just spent my money on…” She trailed off. I finished, “Me. I know but it’s time for you to shine, mom.” Mom cupped my face, “I’ll always be wanting you to shine over me, Piper.”

I grinned, “Not today though. Besides, Nathan is here to help me with his kids. Mike is pretty protective and Jane is a lot of fun.” Jane fit it with the flow Remi and I had. I hated that I didn’t remember our flow but I could feel it.

Mom smiled, “Everything is going to be ok, sweet girl.” I put on a fake smile, “I know it will.” I did not know that it would. I was beginning to think I was going to feel like I was walking around with part of myself missing forever. That I would just form new memories and the old ones that I had for twenty years were never coming back.

That was my scariest thought lately that twenty years of myself was just gone. I didn’t know who I was on top of knowing no one else. I didn’t want to reinvent myself, I just wanted to remember who I was.

I got my mom ready and we walked down to a lovely intimate chapel that was apparently Nathan’s. I heard someone say he had it built for my mom. While I know that I have no memories I do know he paid a ton to have it done quickly because it wasn’t here when I visited before I moved into the dorms.

Remi and I lived in the dorms, but Nathan said he was going to talk to someone about getting us an apartment off campus. I was pretty sure he was wasting his breath since student athletes lived in the dorms.

We got there and the doors opened. The decorations were stunning. The people here thrived on tight deadlines, clearly. I know it was a tight deadline because we hadn’t gotten dresses for the wedding before I lost my memories.

I walked my mom down the aisle to Nathan, kissed her cheek again and went to stand up there across from Nathan’s Best man, Gary. Mom and Nathan had their ceremony. I wished that I had a frame of reference because the blood part seemed weird, but no one reacted so it was probably normal.

We moved outside where there were lights hung up and a big party outside. I watched my mom and Nathan dance together. Mike came and stood beside me. My stepbrother asked, “How are you doing?” I replied, “They look really happy.” Mike agreed, “They do but I asked about you.”

I shrugged, “Today isn’t about me. I think every other day has been so let’s just leave that be for today.” Mike simply glanced at me then offered his hand, “Let’s dance.” I agreed, “Sure thing, big bro.” Mike laughed and we danced. Jane danced with him next and I went and stood off to the side.

Theo joined me and handed me a glass of champagne. I teased, “Aren’t you going to ask how I’m doing?” Theo replied, “I know you don’t actually want me to ask that so I won’t.” I winked, “Aren’t you perceptive?” Theo smirked, “Motivations don’t get by me.” Ok.

Theo offered, “I can go.” I admitted, “It’s easier to talk to you than other people. I didn’t know you before so you don’t look at me like you’re hoping I remember you.” Theo tilted his head, “That must be hard.”

I looked away but admitted, “It is because I want to remember too.” Theo said, “It’s ok to be scared you won’t remember your life.” I sighed, “No one can tell if I will. Your mom is actually the only person who confidently states everything will come back.”

Theo chuckled, “If I were you, I’d be on mom. She doesn’t lie or say things she doesn’t mean. I’m sure she’s looking forward to meeting you in person.” I turned to watch my mom and Nathan again.

I admitted, “I’m glad she has him. I guess he saved me too. I just wish I remembered it all.” Theo replied, “I’m sure it’s very disconcerting to know nothing about yourself or the people you love who love you back.”

I snorted, “You could say that again. The doctors think I need to remember on my own so everyone’s favorite thing to say is it’s complicated when I ask a question. It seems very much not complicated.”

Theo asked, “What are they saying is complicated?” I snorted, “My main one sounds bat crap crazy.” Theo laughed, “You’ll find my threshold for that is very high. Hit me.” I sighed, “I’m missing something, but I don’t know what it is. Everyone does but they won’t say.”

Theo looked me dead in the eye and said, “Then don’t stop asking. You keep searching and doing the work to remember what that is.” I frowned, “Everyone usually shrugs me off.” Theo shrugged, “I’m not everyone. Always trust your instincts, Piper. When your mind fails you, those won’t.”

I stared at my stepsister’s husband as if he just said the most profound thing I’d ever heard. Hell, maybe he had. My mind was failing me and letting me down at every turn, but earlier with the uninvited guests my muscle memory of fighting and instincts told me to fight.

I acknowledged, “I think that’s the best advice I’ve ever gotten.” I winked, “That I remember.” Theo laughed, “What is the second thing?” I admitted, “My dad. Everyone says he’s complicated but he’s not here.”

Theo admitted, “I can’t say I know about that situation, but he could be traveling.” I laughed, “Your judgmental tone says you would judge him quite harshly for not showing up for me now.” Theo sighed, “I do. I have great parents though. My dad would be by my side if anything happened to me, but I don’t know the situation here.”

I asked, "Shouldn't you though? My mom just married your father in law.” Theo chuckled, “Things move fast around here and my brother’s wife reveals crazy things twenty-four seven.” I laughed, “I should meet her. Maybe she can tell me all about myself.”

Theo lifted his champagne glass, “If anyone could, it would be her. She’d just also tell you all kinds of things without meaning to. She thinks she’s having internal thoughts while talking out loud.” I admitted, “I already like her, that’s hilarious.

Theo added, “Plus, we just found out about my Aunt. She’s seventeen and just came into our lives. Your dad could be in the same boat.” I looked at my mom and admitted, “Mom’s not like that.” Theo said, “I agree but you never know what the circumstances are.”

I snorted, “Yeah, like her family has been nowhere in the stories I’ve heard. It sounds like it was me and mom against the world.” Theo nudged me, “Sounds like your blessed.” I sighed, “I’m giving a speech.” Theo nodded, “You’ll do fine.” I wasn’t so sure about that.

I told him, “I like talking to your family. You guys have a common trait so far of being easy to talk to.” His mom was a very good therapist but I was thinking Theo would be one as well. Theo grinned, “Perks of being raised by a therapist I suppose.” Probably.

The DJ announced, “It’s time for speeches.” I sighed, “Wish me luck.” Theo grinned, “Good luck, Piper.” Mike and I made our way up front. He whispered, “You’ll do great.” God, I hope I could speak in public. Everyone seems to think I can. They are probably right given they remember me when I don’t.

I took the microphone and it made that loud horrible noise. I said, “Well, that was certainly an introduction.” Everyone laughed. I said, “Hello, everyone. You may have heard I’m Piper, if not don’t worry that’s new to me too.” Several people snorted.

I said, “This lovely woman is my mom, and I can tell you that she’ll love this community. Mom has been there for every second since I woke up. I may not remember, but I know that she made a lot of sacrifices for me and that says a lot about the person she is.”

I turned to my new stepdad, “Nathan, I’ve seen you and my mom together and I can honestly tell you I’ve never seen her so happy.” I winked at him. It got the crowd laughing again. I waved, “In all seriousness, you have been there for her and me in this trying time. You’ve been my mom’s rock and I appreciate all the support you’ve given us both.”

I said, “You raised two awesome humans who have been very accepting and supportive. I’m very excited to join this family and I sure hope you can hold a plank for a whole minute.” I touched my head as I heard several gasps.

I apologized, “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I said that. It was not in the speech I practiced.” Except that for some reason I was positive my mom would find it impressive if Nathan could hold a plank for a full minute.

I raised a glass, “To Nathan and my mom. I wish you both every happiness. Cheers.” I took a drink as everyone else did then handed the microphone to Mike, who was looking at me slightly concerned.

Mike whispered, “Is your head ok?” I answered, “Yeah, I’m fine.” I wasn’t fine, not even remotely. People clapped and I went over to my mom and Nathan. I gave him a hug first, the man had the identical expression that his son did, concern.

Mom whispered, “That was a lovely speech, Piper. You’re right too, I am impressed by Nathan’s plank holding skills.” Nathan snorted. I shrugged, “I still don’t know why I said that.” I hugged her then walked off but I heard her whisper, “I do.”

Remi grabbed me and I sat next to her, Karl, and Grandpa Ralph and his wife for Mike’s speech. When he finished his far less awkward speech than mine. To be fair I felt mine was going really well until that plank comment. God, why was I so awkward? It was the lack of memories and that grated.

Remi pulled me over towards the bar the second the speeches were over and people filtered back out to the dance floor. I whispered, “Did I ruin the wedding?” Remi snorted, “Don’t be silly, of course you didn’t.”

I pointed out, “I pulled out that plank comment out of nowhere.” Remi gently said, “You didn’t though. Your speech was hilarious and perfect. I would know that as the person who helped you memorize and practice it.”

We’d practiced in our dorm room. I asked, “Where did the plan comment come…?” I trailed off. Remi said, “Your mom got hurt saving me with you. Hazel was a bad ass who protected us both, but she cracked her ribs.” Holy crap! We were such a dramatic group of people.

Remi continued, “On morphine your mom rambled on about some things. Essentially her point was anyone who has tried to hold a plank for a whole minute knows a minute is a long time.” I excitedly asked, “So, we are saying I remembered something?”

Remi nodded, “You did.” I frowned, “Ugh! Why didn’t it feel like I remembered then? I just thought once I started to remember it would be like BAM memory. Not me feeling like I said something random.”

Remi grinned, “This is good though.” I agreed, “It’s definitely good. I’ve felt oddly hyper here.” Remi quickly questioned, “Come again?” I shrugged, “I thought I was drinking too much caffeine but I stopped days ago. I don’t know, I guess this area revitalized me or something.” Moving here was going to be good. I already remembered something.

Even if I didn’t remember what that was about at all which was beyond annoying. I really thought if a memory hit, I’d get the whole feeling. Or know that I remembered something. I wanted to scream at the sky asking how I could remember a random comment without remembering. That felt like bullshit.

Remi was right though, it was progress. That just slipped out about the plank. Somewhere my mind was trying to stop failing me. Maybe the comment Theo made about instincts spurred my mind into action. It didn’t want to fail me anymore.

I really was losing my mind with thoughts at this point. Grandpa Ralph came over asking, “Can I have this dance, Piper?” I agreed, “Sure, Grandpa.” I put my drink down and went onto the dance floor with him.

Grandpa said, “It’s perfectly fine to give yourself some grace, you know?” I sighed, “It’s all I’m doing really.” Grandpa Ralph snorted, “No, you’re not. You’re upset with yourself and feeling like you remember. You took a big hit to the head, kiddo.”

I sighed, “I wish I knew why.” Grandpa Ralph said, “You will.” I sighed, “The therapist before Haley kept hinting that I was trying to hurt myself.” Grandpa Ralph growled, “That whackadoodle didn’t know anything. You would do no such thing.”

I snorted, “The whackadoodle said that things were changing in my life and I might have been jealous Nathan was stealing my mom or crying out for attention.” Grandpa Ralph growled, “I knew we shouldn’t have let people at that hospital speak to you. That’s a load of horse shit.”

I admitted, “I hope so. Mom clearly put her life on hold for me. I really hope I was happy for her. I can see she deserves every happiness and Nathan is great. You can’t fake the twinkle in their eyes.” Grandpa Ralph insisted, “You were so happy for your mom. You were not trying to hurt yourself, Piper. Haley will tell you that therapist was a no nothing twit.”

I laughed, “I’ll have to ask her professional opinion at our session after practice tomorrow.” Grandpa Ralph urged, “Please do. I promise you that you weren’t trying to hurt yourself. I can state that with the utmost confidence.”

I shrugged, "Apparently everyone struggles.” Grandpa Ralph agreed, “They do that’s just a fact of life. No one would think less of you if you were struggling or having dark thoughts. We’d get you help, but that is not what happened. I promise you that.”

I nodded, “Ok.” I wanted him to be right. Theo’s advice came back to me and I realized my instincts said that Grandpa Ralph was right. Relief hit like a tidal wave. I’d been worried for weeks and agonizing over if I’d tried to get my mom’s attention and ruin her relationship with Nathan by jumping.

Which would make me feel like utter s**t since the man himself jumped in after and saved me. Now, my instincts and Grandpa Ralph said that wasn’t the case. It felt like I could take a breath.

Grandpa Ralph added, “You love your mom so much and have wanted her happiness for so long. You talked to Nathan and made sure his intentions were honorable. You put my grandson on notice when so few do. You are a strong, vibrant, amazing young woman.” I hugged him, “Thanks, Grandpa.” I just wished I remembered who I was.

I hugged my mom before she and Nathan went to a cottage he had somewhere in this area. Given he was rich I was positive it was going to be a very nice cottage and not like how most people thought of one. Or what I looked up on the internet because I had no frame of reference.