The Alpha and His Hunted Kitsune Princess

Gummies Pt. 2

Dad said, “That’s different.” We all looked at him. Dad explained, “Alexander’s is not the same as this one. That’s more like the sniper thinks they’d mess up with Alexander.” Holy s**t! My younger siblings were right. The sniper is in love with my brother. Not liked him and harbored a crush, she was full on in love with Alexander.

Mom joined us, “Ok, let’s go the f**k home befuckingfore I kill some humans without any f*****g empathy. I’m pretty sure the entire damn realm would be better off without them.” I grinned, “So, did they question the kid?”

Mom scoffed, “Of f*****g course not and now his parents arrived. Guess what profession his father is?” I answered, “Cop or lawyer.” Mom tapped my nose, “His dad is a lawyer. So, he agreed the non-empathic should be f*****g dead cops could not question his son until a hospital checked him out.”

I laughed, “I love you, mom.” Mom replied, “As I love you. That f**k face asshole had the audacity to say TO MY FACE wouldn’t I want them to get justice for my child. What f*****g justice? The dickface is dead.”

I replied, “Killed by a well placed statue by the Resistance.” Julian hummed, “The Mayor got an email months ago about that book and he took to it.” Dad said, “We’ll have Drake look at her personality then. Maybe there were indicators that he’d like the book and take to it.”

I clarified, “Months ago?” Maverick snorted, “So, they knew the guy would be here.” Mom replied, “They couldn’t know he’d kidnapped someone or they would’ve f*****g killed him.” Uncle Gunner agreed, “They would’ve and this guy wasn’t here to kidnap Maverick. He was watching him.” I asked, “Why were you here Mav?” Maverick answered, “A mission for Uncle Aiden.”

William linked, “I sense that feeling you’re having it’s not possible.” I asked, “How else would they have details of where Maverick was going to be unless they hacked Uncle Aiden?” William replied, “Fairies aren’t as secretive. Someone could've talked or they have a source.” Or they f*****g hacked in.

Mom said, “More people are coming to be here at the scene. They have Aaron’s f*****g card for some damn reason.” Aaron chuckled, “In case they want to talk to Maverick.” Mom retorted, “Why the f**k would they want to talk to Maverick? They will believe it was a f*****g heart attack. I heard several people say act of god.”

I agreed, “That’s true.” Maverick chuckled, “I doubt they will ever speak to me again, mom.” Because Aaron would block them getting to my brother at every turn since this was going to be put down as a natural cause of death. They would have no reason to talk to Maverick now.

I asked, “Did they not know the guy had a picture of Maverick? Because normally you can’t see his picture?” Dad chuckled, “Small town and nosey busy bodies who noticed Preston and would’ve looked at the pictures the guy had. The sheriff was already coming to talk to him.”

Maverick admitted, “I could see that.” I asked, “What was the guy? Because it’s not human?” Maverick winked, “Goblin.” Bernard grumbled, “Let’s just kill them all. Goblins are always a problem. When have they helped?”

I pointed out, “They have been good sources on occasion.” Bernard snorted, “So, they can be good people when monetary value is placed on their character. Let us go with our siblings' obvious plan and get the Resistance to do away with the Goblins.”

I realized, “I bet there is a plan. Uncle Bjourn is not quiet in his hatred of them and that group that’s always on his core family's throats.” Bernard snorted, “No, they try and they die. It’s more like Uncle Bjourn’s foot is on their throat and they keep trying to kill him despite the clear disadvantage they have.” True.

We all popped back. Theo was tense and hugged Maverick. Jane was standing there looking like she wasn’t sure what to do. I nudged her, “Hey, sis.” Jane smiled, “Hey, Preston.” I popped her a bit away. Theo would still be able to see her but he couldn’t hear us.

I said, “Theo didn’t need to be there. You did not stop him from being where he was needed. He was never going with Maverick and a lot of us were there just now. All that Theo’s presence would’ve done was have more people talk about how we are our dad’s clone.”

Jane busted up laughing, “Did people really say that?” I answered, “Yes.” Jane laughed, “You guys do have subtle differences when you get down to it, but you do look like your dad.” I admitted, “I know. I just wanted you to know that you didn’t keep Theo from anything important. You’re allowed to need him right now. You’ve been through a lot.”

I added, “There’s a difference in being close and needing your mate than keeping him from his siblings. You’ve never done that and it’s ok to say you need to be with him. You lost your mother in an attack you were present for and tried to reach her. You were kidnapped and weakened with silver. You fought for your life until we got to you. It’s ok to need Theo with you. You’re safe now, Jane.”

Jane’s eyes filled with tears and a few tears. Theo instantly popped to us and took her into his arms. Jane took my hand and squeezed, “Thank you, Preston.” I added, “You also don’t need our permission. You make our brother happy. He was a mess while we were tracking you down. We are all so damn proud of you for fighting and hanging on not knowing we were coming. No one blames you and Maverick is not upset that Theo didn’t show up to the fallout after he left.”

Jane admitted, “I feel like if I could just remember the sniper then…” I cut her off, “This isn’t the same sniper, Jane. You haven’t met this one.” Bernard offered, “As far as we know.” Well, that was true. Jane chuckled, “I totally get the poison deal though.”

I pointed out, “You can read the reports and offer your insights, but you’re dealing with a trauma that is quite recent. We don’t begrudge you for needing Theo and today was a planned Hackura realm day. Madeline is here and you feel totally safe here. It’s ok.”

Theo linked me, “Thank you, P.” I nodded. At least I could help one of my siblings today. I knew the younger ones seemed to want to bait a trap or send someone in it to prove the Resistance would kill someone who upset Alexander. I needed more time to figure out who to put on that line since an ally would be over the line.

Bernard snorted, “Lisa could go though.” I argued, “She is an allied pack though. The Resistance wouldn’t go for that.” Bernard said, “All our siblings wolves disagree if the Resistance believed Lisa upset Oden then she would die.”

I questioned, “Why don’t you call her Lady?” Bernard admitted, “I’ve never talked to Lady or met her. So, I call her Lisa.” Fair enough. I rarely saw that bitter, narcissistic chick either. I popped to the dungeons and nodded to Dawson then sat down outside Merida’s cell.

Merida woke up and screamed when she saw me. Merida cried, “I’m sorry, ok?” I snorted, “You were trying to have my brothers killed. My twins and you think I’m going to forgive you? No, I don’t forgive you. I have other questions.”

Merida frowned, “How on earth can you guys have questions left at this point?” I replied, “Because it occurred to me. I could understand how you don’t get that sometimes questions come to you because you clearly don’t have the brains you were born with.”

Bernard chuckled, “Burn.” Merida frowned, “Are you calling me dumb?” Benard huffed, “I dislike talking to her." I replied, “If you have to ask, I really don’t know how we ever had a conversation. How did the Resistance clock onto you?”

Merida snorted, “I still don’t know. That’s not a new question.” Julian faded in, “You were right, brother. You had nothing in common. There was no reason you would talk to her.” I realized, “We are talking to the wrong people. The Resistance wouldn’t have talked to Merida. If they had, she wouldn’t be alive.” Because hearing from her mouth that she tried to kill William and Julian would’ve had the sniper who loves my brother killing her.

William agreed, “We already know three of them took her down.” Three and I was in a group of triplets. I filed that away. I popped our group near Daisy from high school. I knocked on her door and she answered, “Well, look at that. It’s Preston Conners. At least I’m pretty sure it is. You guys are hard to tell apart. Want a smoke? It’s my personal brand.”

I grinned, “No, but thank you for the offer. I was just curious if anyone ever talked to you about what happened that day at the Carnival.” Daisy answered, “Yeah, those cops had such questions and they kept following up.”

I asked, “Cops?” Daisy grinned, “Yeah. I’m not warm for the female form but those girls were WHEW!” Daisy fanned herself then shouted, “HOT!” I asked, “Could you describe them?” Daisy replied, “I just did. They were HOT!”

William’s deep amusement went through the bond. Julian asked, “Could you draw them?” I winced, “Uhh Julian that’s…” Daisy cackled interrupting, “Oh my god. Preston here is trying to tell you that I couldn’t draw my way out of a paper bag. We had art class together and I had to grovel for a C.”

I admitted, “That’s true.” Daisy laughed, “Gosh, you guys a hoot.” I asked, “Can you tell us anything about them?” Daisy said, “The one girl gosh, I could not get her the right gummy to get her high man. She had a tolerance out the roof. The super shy chick barely spoke really but she was here though. Plus, she was always all about the tolerance chick's ideas. She definitely thinks the sun shines out tolerance girls ass. The other chick was definitely a Russian hotty.”

William asked, “Russian?” Daisy nodded, “Yeah, I looked up one thing she kept calling Merida and it was Russian.” Julian and I shot each other looks wondering why William cared about that detail because the bond told us he really did.

Daisy chuckled, “She totally got away with that because she’s Russian and no one else must be curious about what she said. Also, they were super into solving the case, which I didn’t think there was one. Then that report came out that Merida drugged that guy and caused it.”

Daisy snorted, “That b***h had to go and die instead of facing justice too, but Ree’s family received all her money.” I asked, “They what?” Daisy nodded, “Yeah, I ran into her brother at a bar and he was fuming. We talked about how crazy it was. Then he admitted they got all her money.”

William asked, “How much money?” Daisy snorted, “I could not believe it. Like I spotted that girl cash when we went out sometimes. Like how f*****g rude! Ya know? Like I didn’t make bank at the time or anything, but I make a hell of a gummy. Got a super cool backer now too but there were lean times. Ya know? I still helped Merida out and spotted her a drink or meal here and there.”

Daisy scoffed, “That b***h was sitting on MILLIONS! I paid for her freaking uber home one night. I was trying to sell my totally organic gummies to distributors. I believed in myself and my product and was struggling. I thought I was being a good friend, and that b***h literally had millions. There were some months if I was going to make rent. Ugh. Bitch.”

I asked, “Who is your backer?” Daisy beamed, “This super cool girl boss chick.” I pressed, “When did you meet her?” Daisy said, “Oh, people like that have representatives Preston. I think you know that since you are rich too, but actually my luck turned after the first time the bad ass trio of chick cops showed up.”

Julian asked, “Were those cops wearing uniforms?” Daisy answered, “The first time. Other times they were in plain clothes. I think they were going against their bosses, but they totally cracked that case open. No one thought it was a case but them.” I agreed with that.

Bernard said, “Titan is very interested in the Russian connection.” I knew that but why? Julian asked, “What kind of questions did they ask you?” Daisy answered, “Lots of different stuff. One asked if Merida ever gave you candy.” Holy s**t she did. Shock went through the three of us.

Alexander linked, “P.” I said, “I’ll be with your shortly." Mom linked, “Do I need to kill someone?" I laughed, “No, but thanks for that laugh.” Dad growled, “P, are you ok?” I answered, “Uh huh. Just finding out more s**t my ex hook up did.” Bernard was growling in my head.

Daisy told us, “I mentioned I’d seen her give you suckers. They told me later that another classmate said she was weird about them. I guess she gave one to you the first time you met but wouldn’t let anyone else have them.”

SUCKERS?! AGAIN?! God f*****g damn it! Cora got Cayden with the damn suckers. Now, Merida got me with suckers? Fury bounced from me, to William, and Julian. We needed sucker protection. Aunt Megan could probably do something about that with mom.

Daisy continued, “The Russian chick was totally sly. The talkative chick, now she had no poker face.” I wanted to meet the talkative one then. Maybe we could get some freaking answers. Bernard snorted, “Since Daisy described her as talkative, I’ll agree.”

Daisy admitted, “I distanced myself from Merida about six months before she died because the talkative chick’s questions made it clear she was asking about Merida. The first time they just wanted to know my observations.”

William asked, “Which were?” Daisy said, “Oh we talked about the tarot card chick. They tracked her down though.” I jolted, “They did?” Daisy laughed, “Yeah, I guess they saved her life.” Bernard stilled in my head.

Daisy cackled, “That crazy tarot card chick told the talkative one she owed her, but the talkative chick said the Russian girl needed the help. So, I guess the favor transferred or whatever.” I asked, “What did the Russian chick want?”

Daisy admitted, “They didn’t say, but I got the sense the Russian chick kind of has a low scope. Ya know?” I admitted, “No, I don’t.” Bernard sighed, “I have no idea what those words meant.” Julian linked, “Thank god you don’t because I had no clue what she meant.”

Daisy said, “It seemed like she’s around those two girls, and the one doesn’t talk. Other than to agree with the talkative one. Very ride or die with the talkative one. So, she has a low scope and thinks those two are normal. They definitely are not.” They were probably Supernaturals which would probably seem odd to humans.

Julian surmised, “So, it’s not that the one girl is shy. She’s taking cues from the talkative one.” Daisy snorted, “She also didn’t seem to trust anyone except the talkative one. They were all really HOT, like I said. She was very all about whatever the talkative one thought. Like all in.”

I asked, “What were their names?” Daisy snorted, “They lied and I know they did because the talkative one made a face when they were introduced. She also never said her name. Oh! The one that didn’t talk was very into fire.” So, a Demon or Fire Fairy maybe.

Daisy continued, “Anyway, they came back because the crazy card reader that made people SUPER uncomfortable said something that had them coming back to me.” I asked, “What did she tell them?”

Daisy said, “Well, it was obviously about Merida asking about the Ferris wheel. Which I remember she was trying to get you to do while you were working. Or you were done working. I don’t remember. Oh my god, I totally helped them crack the case!”

Daisy laughed, “They really were my windfall of good luck. Now, I’m closing on a house. Me! I’m paying for a house in full. I’m the first person in my family to own a home. I went from the one no one was proud of to a business woman. Some don’t like that I sell my gummies, but it’s totally legal now.”

I said, “I’m very happy for you, Daisy. Thanks for talking with us.” Daisy grinned, “No problem.” I turned to leave but William asked, “What did the Russian woman call Merida?” Daisy answered, “Сука. Which thank god my search engine knew what I was saying because it sounds like Suka. It means b***h. There were more words, but my search could not help me since I clearly didn’t type them right.”

We left and said, “Let’s go talk to Ree.” We popped to her family’s house and knocked on the door. Her mom opened it and immediately hugged Julian. Ree’s mom admitted, “I’m hugging all of you.” Then hugged William then me.

Mom admitted, “I don’t even know if one of you is Preston but…” I cut her off, “It’s me.” She hugged me again and cried, “Thank you so much for saving my baby.” I replied, “Not a problem. I was just curious if you guys were ok after the news came out that it was all a plan.”

Ree’s mom sighed, “Yeah, we were mad. Honestly, we nearly sued the city but we started getting money that we thought was from the city. They claimed not to know about it, but I think someone felt guilty. Then it turned out someone involved had been feeling guilty.”

Ree’s mom said, “That money is obviously Ree’s though. My husband and I were worried about paying her medical bills but that money helped. Then someone donated and paid it all off with the physical therapy she needed.”

I frowned, “Physical therapy? Why would she need that?” Ree’s mom sighed, “She fell when we got her home down the stairs and broke her leg. The medicine disoriented her. The money covered everything that our insurance didn’t. We were drowning in bills then the debt just disappeared and we got the best physical therapist and a home helper.”

Ree’s mom said, “That home helper was amazing. Ree had to be home schooled for a while because crowds made her anxious.” I admitted, “That’s fair.” Ree’s mom said, “Your mom’s colleague made home visits and still does. Ree’s back in school though. With both her dad and I working I was going to have to go to overnight shifts at my job to take care of Ree.”

Her mom winced, “I don’t know how we would’ve made it, but then the home helper appeared. Fully credentialed and paid for. I don’t know if Merida felt guilty, as she should have or who did. I just know it was a god send.”

Ree’s mom said, “That woman was so beyond qualified it was crazy. Multiple certification and a therapist to boot. She took care of Ree and hooked us up with an in home teacher that was also covered. Both of them lived with us, and we still have get togethers with them. They became family.”

I realized we’d let people like this down. I didn’t realize humans had such struggles after an event like this. I asked, “What do you mean?” Ree’s mom looked at me in confusion. I clarified, “About what your insurance covered?”

Ree’s mom sighed, “They weren’t going to cover Ree’s physical therapy. It was going to cost us tens of thousands of dollars and we were already thirty grand in the hole for the hospital stay.”

Ree’s mom said, “There were lab bills, doctor bills, surgeon bills, medicine bills, and anesthesiologist bills. Our insurance only covered so much. Ree had a complication and if not for her surgeon doing a follow up with her we could've lost her.” Uncle Marucs had followed up then.

Ree sighed, “She nearly went septic, but that doctor caught it. I adore him for that and the money didn’t matter to us, but things piled up. We couldn’t cancel the kids sports and trust me that’s a hell of an expenses. Our oldest daughter was in dance at the time and that’s…” She trailed off then admitted, "Everything was an expense.”

I felt horrible I never knew any of this was going on. I apologized, “I’m so sorry. We would’ve helped out.” Ree squealed, “Preston?” Ree came and gave me a hug. She said, “Thanks for saving me!”