The Alpha and His Hunted Kitsune Princess

Gummies Pt. 1

Preston is Twenty-One

Preston was finally relaxing. Bernard said, “Thank god. I hated Barker being so upset.” Theo was now with Jane. I walked into the gym and it felt like everything was back to normal. Alexander was here, but Theo wasn’t. My brother had been burning up all his daylight hours here.

Bernard linked, “Channing is on the border, sulking.” What? Why? I popped to Keaton. I sat down teasing, “What’s wrong? Is Lisa terrorizing the village? We can call Dylan Frost.” Keaton snorted, “I didn’t help.”

I asked, “What?” Keaton sighed, “I kept getting locations late.” I frowned, “Keaton, we got those Underground locations and got on their trail because of you.” Keaton shrugged, “Late.” I snorted, “We were all analyzing that. Multiple kingdoms and your leads were where we found Jane’s blood. Without you, we had no leads whatsoever.”

Keaton frowned, “I wasn’t right though.” I asked, “By what definition weren’t you right? Because you were right. You locked on multiple locations for Underground fights. That’s amazing. You were the only reason we had anything before the Resistance called.”

Keaton snorted, “Yeah well that call was weird.” I conceded, “Yes, it was.” Keaton said, “You know the only people I get that upset with and snark at like that are related to me.” I said, “You know that gives me a good lead.”

Keaton sighed in relief, “Oh thank god. You think it’s Melanie too. I thought about it then ate a cookie and the idea left. Now it’s bad.” I snorted, “No, I meant that maybe there’s a McAlister cousin or something out there. Fabian experimented on people and had pups created in a lab. Maybe they did that to the McAlister’s.”

Keaton stared at me, “Ok, but that person would not have met Jason. That would be a different type of anger on the phone. This is someone who is upset with him. Who wants him to be grateful they’ve saved him. Specifically him.” I offered, “It could be a cousin.”

Keaton said, “That call was not a cousin. That was full on sibling banter. Angry but sibling.” Bernard said, “Channing emphatically believes that.” I sighed, “I don’t see it. How could Melanie do all that and go to that fancy school?”

Keaton admitted, “I don’t know but she’d be my top suspect if I were you guys.” I snorted, “So, she’s yours. What does Emmett say about that?” Keaton made a face. I realized, “You only told me. I’m honored.”

Keaton shrugged, “I have been avoiding Emmett.” I questioned, “What on god’s green earth for?” Keaton answered, “I messed up and didn’t help get Jane back.” I admitted, “I did think you’d come in the larger group, but…”

Keaton interrupted, “No, I mean I didn’t get the location right.” I conjured his folders and found the one with Jane in it. I said, “You had this plot of land circled. What else did you have?” He sighed, “I had these earmarked as possible fight locations.”

I popped him to one just outside Nashville. I gagged, “God, the stench of bleach could knock over a building.” Keaton made a face, “Yeah, I agree and I don’t have your keen sense of smell. My god, that’s overwhelming.” I linked Dad, “Keaton locked onto the location for the fight.” Dad had mom pop me to him.

Mom made a face, “Wow, even I can smell the bleach.” We went inside. I nudged Keaton, “This is perfect. It’s got the seating. Now, you can use this layout to get other sites!” If Keaton didn’t doubt himself he could've shared this with us and we could’ve moved at the same time we’d gotten Jane. Bernard huffed, “Lisa is the worst.” Yeah, she was. Dad said, “This is great work, Keaton.”

More people got popped in and Keaton began to get agitated. I grabbed him and popped out. I asked, “What’s wrong?” Keaton answered, “I prefer to be in the background.” I pressed, “I know but why?” Keaton said, “It’s where I should be.”

I scoffed, “Not even kind of.” Keaton asked, “Shouldn’t you be getting ready to end Merida?” Bernard took over to growl. Keaton said, “I get it. If someone planned to hurt my twin, I’d kill them too.”

Alexander commented, “Hmm, interesting.” Keaton flushed and I glanced between them before Keaton waved, “Gotta go.” Then he took off. I asked, “What was that about?” Alexander said, “Just some interesting deaths, little brother.”

I snorted, “You think Keaton killed someone without approval?” Alexander replied, “He’s an Alpha blood he doesn’t need approval to kill threats to his family.” I agreed, “Yeah, but he’s determined to be in the files and in the background.”

Alexander pointed out, “Killing people in secret is by definition in the shadows.” I admitted, “I don’t see it.” I knew Keaton’s biggest fear was being a liability to his family. I didn’t understand that fear, but it was his.

Alexander urged, “Let’s head to the Hackura realm.” He opened a portal and we stepped through. I said, “Keaton’s lead about the fighting location was solid.” Alexander agreed, “Yes, and if Keaton even slightly believed in himself then we could’ve busted both at one time.”

I admitted, “I think that too.” CJ commented, “Then you know it’s beyond obvious.” Nico teased, “Don’t mind him. He’s grumpy because he was out of the loop on our Alpha’s discovery of an Underground fight arena.”

Nico waved, “Now, I know you’re thinking ‘Nico, what about you? Aren’t you feeling left out?’ I’ll answer: No, I am not. This is par for the course in the life of a Gamma. The poor Beta blood isn’t used to it at all.”

CJ huffed, “By the way, the Beta’s think you guys might have jammed up a regular site.” I frowned, “Huh?” Alexander asked, “Yeah, what?” CJ explained, “Everyone said the bleach smell was overwhelming, even your mom. The other places we caught onto, those weren’t cleaned. I think you guys just took away a main place for the Undergrounds fights.”

I admitted, "Honestly, with that location is tracks. Those packs are terrible.” Alexander offered, “Not all, but the majority are. The good ones keep their noses down and wouldn’t check out remote sites like that. The bad ones don’t care enough to even think about checking.”

CJ nodded, “Yes, exactly. THIS IS WHY WE TELL OUR BETA’S THINGS! We theorize and s**t. Poor Clara. She had no idea the files her Alpha was into. Now, she’s off trying to ferret them away to figure out Keaton’s ideas. Since he’s not sharing.”

I snorted, “He didn’t exactly share them with me either. I conjured Keaton’s research to my hands." Nico said, “Well, Clara can’t do that but her siblings can. Then she could tip the rest of us off to Keaton’s thoughts. Why doesn’t Keaton do that himself? I find that to be a great question.”

I replied, “His girlfriend makes him doubt himself.” Alexander chimed back in, “So, you want me to kill her? Consider it done.” Bernard said, “It’s not the worst idea.” Chase sighed, “Couldn’t you not have said that where I could hear you?”

Alexander turned, “Why do you care if you heard me or not? That girl is undermining your son’s confidence to a level he didn’t share intel with us that could’ve had the Undergrounds busted. That’s a big deal.”

Chase said, “I understand you’re worried about the sniper but…” Alexander cut him off, “That has nothing to do with this.” Chase glanced at me, CJ, and Nico asking, “Can you guys give a minute here?”

I warned, “Based on the bond, you’ll need more than a minute.” Alexander was pissed off. Chase was going to need Dad or Uncle Bjourn. Well, EJ would work too. Cassie would simply tell Alexander to kill Lisa.

When we got far enough way CJ asked, “So, is Alexander killing the Alpha Swagger Killer whisperer?” I replied, “That’s certainly a fun way to describe Lisa. As far as my brother, pretty frustrated so probably not. Lisa will continue to draw breath.” Nico sighed, “Feels like a mistake."

I chuckled, “Parker.” Parker faded in saying, “I could kill Keaton’s ex.” I replied, “I believe they are back on.” Parker asked, “Does what we are doing today not give everyone the exact reason Lisa should die?”

I argued, “The situations are not the same here. What Merida did is completely different. If Lisa tried to kill Keith, Keaton would kill her with his bare hands.” Parker said, “Did you suspect Merida of trying to kill Julian and William? No. The Resistance did. They were the ones who looked into the situation.”

Nico groaned, “They probably won’t look into Lisa too hard because…” He trailed off. TJ faded in, commenting, “Alexander.” Nico acknowledged, “Yes.” I rubbed my temples, “What?” Bernard snorted, “Don’t ask that! Now, we seem ridiculous because our younger siblings got it all figured out.”

TJ explained, “Lisa hasn’t upset Alexander. Find a way for them to cross paths and for Lisa to piss him off, then the Resistance will kill Keaton’s on/ off girlfriend.” Clavin agreed, "Exactly, Merida is dying because you almost got hurt which upset Alexander.”

Grant joined us next, “Yeah, they even gave Merida to him. When it should’ve been you because the Resistance at its core comes back to Alexander is everything.” Bryce agreed, “Merida easily could’ve been given William or Julian too. Instead, it was Alexander who was harder to get to at the time.”

I asked, “Are all of you just lurking to make valid points about the Resistance?” Bradley faded with Tim. I yanked William and Julian to me. They popped in asking, “What’s going on?” Cole and Angela popped in. William shot me a confused look. Cole said, “Maybe the rest of us see the obvious links you guys don’t.”

Bryce grumbled, “Or they do then they eat a cookie.” Angela huffed, “Their constant ability to be hangry and craving sweets does seem to be the problem. Mom is on our side.” I asked, “Mom knows about your theories?”

Parker said, “Mom is the only one who doesn’t act like we are crazy. You guys act like she is so we stay quiet.” I frowned, “I don’t think mom is crazy.” William growled, “Yeah, who is acting that way? Mom is the furthest thing from crazy, and I’m not ok with people making her feel that way.” Bernard was growling in my head.

Angela answered, “Mom has gone to dad and the other Alpha’s current and former with her ideas of what is going on and they act like she’s crazy. Name one time mom’s been totally and completely wrong?”

I admitted, “Only about things involving herself, but dad wouldn’t call mom crazy.” My younger siblings were overreacting. I knew that when it came to someone treating mom a certain way my mother could be wrong, but not with others. TJ said, “Exactly so maybe hear us and suggest an obvious solution to some problems.”

William questioned, “Like what?” Parker answered, "Getting Lisa killed.” Julian laughed, “What? We are plotting Lisa’s death and you didn’t pull me sooner, P? I’m offended.” I got slapped on my arm. Tim said, “If Alexander gets mad at Lisa, she’ll die.”

I pointed out, “Claire was killed by Alexander, not the Resistance. They weren’t even around then." Parker asked, “Didn’t someone tip him off?” I admitted, “Yes, but I don’t know who did.” Angela huffed, “FIND OUT! That would be a massive clue as to who is behind this. You just admitted our brother got a tip about a bad person after him BEFORE the Resistance started.”

I pointed out, “Alexander would’ve thought of that.” Angela disagreed, “I don’t know. You guys can be like dad with women.” William said, “I’m pretty sure we were just insulted.” Angela groaned, “Look, you all have crazies after you. We easily spot them, but you don’t. Alexander has brushed off the idea that the same person is tipping him off to things now.”

William pointed out, “Alexander is the one who knows who gave him the tip. Other people do too. Spencer definitely does.” Angela huffed, “I know that.” Of course she did. Bernard said, “Our siblings wolves are very agitated.”

I questioned, “Who else besides Lisa do you want to test this theory with? Because an allied pack member is probably not the best test.” Bradley said, “Don’t you get it?” I asked, “Get what?” TJ said, “Ariena.”

I said, “The Resistance is on her trail and so is Alexander. I do get that.” Calvin groaned, “They are on her because she upsets Alexander.” William said, “So, we rid ourselves of problems by highlighting people that upset our brother.”

I reasoned, “Or situations that could lead to upsetting him. Like the thing with Merida. The Resistance looked into it because we were in danger.” Julian replied, “You’re joking. We are in danger a lot. Who has that kind of time?”

Bryce replied, “The woman in love with our brother.” I frowned, “In love is a stretch.” Tim groaned. ‘You’ve got to be kidding. No, it’s not. This woman is in love with Alexander. Mom agrees and thinks it’s Alexander’s mate.”

Maverick popped in and felt agitated. Bernard agreed, “Very.” I asked, “What’s up Maverick?” My brother answered, “I just feel weird. Morris was on edge.” Angela demanded, “Get back there right now. Not you, Mav.”

I popped without a second thought. It was utter chaos. There were ambulances, firetrucks, and cops. William grabbed my arm followed by Julian. Hark sighed, “Aesir above, kid. Why can’t you ever just give me a second to grab your damn arm?” I replied, “Angela told me to get here.”

I saw people recording on their phones. I found someone who looked less shocked. I asked, “What happened?” The guy snorted, “A damn miracle is what.” Someone bumped him. The guy asked, “What? I’m right. That guy had a child in his trunk, unconscious and a picture of other targets. He had a heart attack when he started the car, but crashed into that new sculpture that just went in.”

A man got out of a car and people applauded while he blushed. I glanced at Julian who said, “I’m on it.” He took off. William asked, “What pictures did he have?” The guy shrugged, “I don’t know. I did hear a woman say the man in the picture had just left.” My heart stuttered in my chest.

One woman pointed at me, “That’s him.” A cop ran over, “Sir, we need to talk to you.” I asked, “Why?” I linked dad, “I need Aaron.” Dad growled, “Why? What’s wrong?” I replied, “I think the Resistance just killed someone after Maverick again.” Dad growled in anger that someone was after my brother.

The cop said, “You were having lunch here.” I replied, “No, my brother was.” One woman said, “They are twins then.” The cop said, “We need to speak with your brother.” Julian came back over and William stepped up.

The woman gasped, “Ok, I don’t know which one it is, but it’s one of them.” The cop stared at us. I admitted, “They are my brothers, but they weren’t here.” Aaron, dad, and Maverick showed up.

Maverick said, “I was eating here.” One woman fainted when she saw my dad. Another whispered, “I’d give him four kids too.” Someone replied, “That is Eric Conners and his wife gave him twenty kids.” The woman shouted, “TWENTY!”

Bernard started to growl in my head. One woman whispered, “Let’s go say hi. She must have stretch marks galore. He’s probably looking for someone else.” I barely suppressed Bernard’s growl as anger tore through the bond.

One man snorted, “He’s knocked his wife up enough to have twenty kids. I don’t think he’s looking at anyone else.” Another woman retorted, “As he shouldn’t. That woman has given him TWENTY children. He should worship the ground she walks on and you two are shameless and given women a bad name.” That calmed us all down including dad.

The cop asked Maverick, “Did you see anything unusual.” Maverick glanced at Aaron who nodded. The cop asked, “And you are?” Aaron answered, “The family lawyer. Preston texted me when he saw the scene.”

The cop sighed, “It’s just routine questioning. This man was a target.” Another cop came over. Maverick said, “I just ate lunch.” The cop questioned, “Did you notice the man?” Maverick asked, “Did I notice the man staring at me like I was his next meal? Yeah, I did.”

Dad growled and put a hand on Maverick’s shirt. The cop asked, “Why didn’t you say anything?” Maverick shot back, “What’s the crime in staring at someone? People do that to me a lot. I was focused on other things.”

The cop questioned, “What other things?” Aaron said, “That’s not relevant at all. My client didn’t interact with the man. One could call this an act of god.” Julian commented, “Along with a very well placed statue. I hear the Mayor had it placed there.”

The cop grunted, “Yeah, I guess it was some art surprise. Did you see the statue?” Maverick answered, “Yeah, I did.” The cop asked, “So, what was it before it got broken?” Julian linked, “Wait for it.”

Maverick sighed, “It was a circle with a R that looked like the symbols on a compass.” Holy s**t. The cop snorted, “Yeah, the mayor has been all about saying we should live our lives by a compass not a clock. Something some author said.”

Dad said, “Sean Covey.” The cop shrugged, “Sure.” I linked dad, “Why do you know that off the top of your head?” Dad answered, "Alexander did a report in one of the business classes he took on that guy’s book.” You’re joking.

I linked Julian, “Did you talk to the Mayor?” Julian answered, “Uh huh. It’s clear he had nothing to do with the statue, but he is taking credit.” I advised, “Go back and talk to him about why he got into Sean Covey. Alexander did a report on the book that guy wrote.” Julian snorted, “Oh my god. I’ll be right back.” He left again.

The cop said, “You were very lucky, son.” Maverick sighed knowing what was about to happen. Dad’s anger exploded in the bond. Dad growled, “He is MY son.” Someone snorted, “No one could question that. It’s almost like you cloned yourself.” I rolled my eyes.

Mom pushed her way through the crowd to the car. Aaron groaned, “Fuck.” One cop yelled, “HEY! This is a crime scene!” Mom said, “I’m a therapist and I need to speak with that poor child. You all give him some space right now and let the paramedics work.”

The cop said, “You’re not his parent.” Mom replied, “No, but I’m his doctor. As a licensed medical professional who has permission from his parents to treat him. BACK THE f**k UP!” Dad left to go get to mom.

Dad put his arms around her the second he reached her. Someone gasped, “Is that his wife? I need her surgeon’s name, workout routine. All of it. Damn. She’s had twenty kids? Holy s**t she looks amazing. God damn.” Someone snorted, “Of course she’s had surgery.”

The other woman said, “Who cares if she has? She looks AMAZING! After you’ve had kids, you can talk. It changes your body and sometimes you need to feel pretty. So shut up because you don’t know what you’re talking about. God, people act like it’s vain to want to be pretty when it’s shoved down our throat.”

That woman continued, “We are told to be the best mom, but bounce back from birth and be bikini ready. Also hide our stretch marks because they are ugly. You all with your standards can f**k off. That woman looks amazing and she must tell us her secrets.” Supernatural genetics and a healing ability was my mother’s secret.

One said, “She’s not that great.” I growled, “My mother is amazing in every single way and my father has never looked at anyone since he laid eyes on her. Walk away before I make you.” They blushed and took off.

Maverick started to walk off and I went with him. I asked, “What are we doing?” Maverick said, “The Resistance has snipers. We should look for a perch.” I pointed out, “This was a sniper acting.” Maverick shrugged and we went around looking and we found a spot on a building.

I pointed out, “This is nothing like the usual sniper’s spot.” Maverick replied, “Mine is clearly not the same one as the group. They kill via poison, not a shot.” I pointed at the spot, “This suggests they can. That is a sniper notch, so they were ready to shoot.”

I linked dad, “Get to me and Maverick. Hark faded in and more Hackura showed up. Uncle Gunner announced, “The cameras here were down, but we’ve matched the build to the person who sat at the table that guy was at.”

Maverick sighed, “So, Alexander and I have different snipers.” I pointed out, “The main sniper is everyone’s sniper. Apparently you have a separate one.” Uncle Gunner argued, “Alexander has a different one as well. It’s not the main sniper.”