The Alpha and His Hunted Kitsune Princess

Attacked Pt. 1

Preston is Nineteen

Preston rubbed his face. Bernard sighed, “His mother is the worst. He used to be so nice.” Yeah, Bradford was better away from the pack and his mom though. Arbor asked, “How is your parents trip going guys?” William answered, “My mom went into her concupiscence.”

Bradford laughed then covered his mouth. I asked, “What?” Bradford admitted, “So, we knew that because you two just hooked up out of nowhere.” Bernard chuckled, “That we did.” Arbor teased, “You guys had those women walking bow legged.”

William replied, “They were definitely satisfied.” Bradford muttered, “I gotta up my cardio man.” I asked, “Are you dating someone?” Bradford admitted, “I have dated, yes.” Arbor turned to look at him. I asked, “Are you trying to out evade me right now?”

Bradford sighed, “My mom’s on my ass.” When wasn’t she?” William questioned, “About dating?” Bradford winced, “She wants me to date this girl, and I tried. I really did.” He stopped talking. Benard snorted, “He is lucky that Fang isn’t here to lose his mind over the lack of details.” No joke.

I prodded, “And?” Bradford sighed, “There’s no spark. She’s beautiful but…” He trailed off. Arbor groaned, “Oh my god, will you finish a story? For f**k’s sake man. This whole trip you’ve started to talk and stop.” Arbor lasted longer than I thought considering he had Beta blood.

William laughed, “I think you’re driving my choice for a Beta crazy.” Arbor agreed, “He is and currently I’m a Warrior.” He was in our files, but he's William's Beta and likely would pull double duty and we all knew it.

William and Arbor both thought having him in our files as a Warrior would be an advantage to people always being on the look out for our pack leadership. The hope was that more people would talk around Arbor from other packs than they do our other Betas. I was proud of my brother for that strategy honestly.

Arbor continued, “Don’t worry, I linked CJ about it.” CJ was my Beta. Nico, my Gamma, linked, “You guys are heading back now, right?” I answered, “In a bit, yes.” Nico snorted, “Good. Arbor is driving CJ up a wall which is in turn driving ME insane.” Naturally.

Bradford admitted, “I’m not trying to. She just keeps texting me. If I don’t answer my mom calls and asks why I’m not.” William snorted, “You’re joking, right?” Bernard warned, “According to his wolf, he is not.”

Bradford shrugged, “She just really wants this relationship to work out.” Arbor snorted, “Dude, what relationship? The chick is refusing to leave you alone. Did you tell her you didn’t feel a spark?” Bradford admitted, “Yes.”

I asked, “What did she say?” Bradford replied, “That we don’t need a spark.” William replied, “Yes, you do. Is she even someone you’d hook up with?” Bradford snorted, “Not even drunk on all the alcohol in the realm.”

Bernard admitted, “I don’t know why this she wolf is after him.” Arbor questioned, “Do we know her?” Bradford answered, “She’s the Gamma’s youngest daughter from my mom’s old pack.” Oh god no. That girl was NOT coming to our pack again.

I linked CJ, “You call Patricia’s old pack’s Alpha and tell him to keep his Gamma’s daughter from harassing our pack member.” CJ replied, “THAT IS WHO BRADFORD IS DATING?!” I snorted, “Not dating. His mom wants it to work out.”

Bradford groaned when his phone rang. Arbor advised, “Just don’t answer and block her number.” Bradford admitted, “I tried that and my mom berated me for days until I unblocked Flora.” Bernard snorted, “I will not let him stay in our pack with that woman.”

I bartered, “Maybe point out my mother LOATHED Flora and she would not be long for this world if she moved to our pack.” Nico warned, “My sister found out that Flora wants to be chosen mated into the pack. Gia is on a warpath.”

I reasoned, “The only way she could have is if CJ told her.” Nico replied, “False. CJ told me and I told Gia. It ain’t gonna happen, P.” I nearly laughed out loud. William urged, “Answer the phone, Bradford.” I linked, “What are you doing?” William answered, “Helping us all.” He definitely had something up his sleeve.

Julian felt anxious in the bond. He wanted to be with us, but he had been in Faerie doing things for Uncle Aiden when left. I linked my brother, “Are you in the pack today?” Julian snorted, “I am listening to EJ get ranted at by Cassie’s Gamma, that mine has joined by the way, about Flora not being in this pack.” Jesus.

Bradford answered, “Flora, I…” Flora cut him off, “I need you to wire me twenty thousand dollars.” My jaw dropped and Arbor blinked rapidly. William linked, “So, this is going somewhere I didn’t anticipate.”

Bradford shouted, “WHAT?! What for?” I linked him, “The word you wanted there was no.” Bradford shot me a look. Bernard cackled, “You are right.” I know that. Flora replied, “My mating ceremony dress.”

Arbor gasped. William linked, “She met her mate?” I said, “Uhhh I think she means she’s marrying Bradford.” Bradford deadpanned, “Then have your mate pay for the damn dress, Flora.” Flora sighed, “I am asking my chosen to pay for it.”

I linked CJ, “Flora has dialed up her crazy.” CJ snorted, “How?” I said, “You’re going to need to have EJ call her Alpha.” CJ whistled. EJ linked me, “What’s going on with Flora that I have to call her Alpha?”

Gia linked me, “I adore you, Preston. Make sure that psycho daisy may never comes to our pack lands again.” I assured her, “That’s happening.” Bradford made a choked sound, “What?!” I linked EJ, “So, Flora is asking Bradford to pay twenty thousand dollars for a mating ceremony dress. They aren’t dating, he didn’t ask her to marry him, and she’s blowing up his phone.”

EJ asked, “Are you joking?” I answered, “Nope. I’m dead serious. I just heard her ask him for the money. His face is turning practically purple.” I linked Bradford using an Alpha Command, “Take a damn breath.”

Bradford did, then shouted, “You are crazy! I didn’t ask you to marry me! I’m not paying twenty thousand dollars for a dress!” Flora sighed impatiently, “Your mom and I worked it all out. I don’t understand why you’re being so difficult.”

I linked William, “You know, he’s been kind of a tool for years but not even Bradford deserves this brand of crazy.” William replied, “It’s his mom. He used to be fine. I’m actually shocked he’s got a backbone with this issue.”

I pointed out, “He only does because he doesn’t feel a spark.” William agreed, “That’s true. Who could blame him on this match though? I’m not saying Flora is long for the Supernatural World, but I am saying I feel bad for the sap that ends up with her.”

Flora was spoiled rotten and never told no. Her siblings weren’t as bad, but she was a chaotic mess. Bradford replied, “I didn’t ask you to marry me, and I’m not going to. I told you I didn’t feel a spark!”

Flora said, "After we get married and have s*x the spark will come.” Bernard said, “Uhh, someone needs to have a talk with the she wolf. That’s not a good way to believe relationships work. s*x does not equate sparks or feelings.”

Bradford replied, “I barely got through kissing your cheek. I can’t have s*x with you. You’re like my cousin. I tried Flora, I did. The thing is, we just don’t have chemistry.” Flora sighed, “Bradford, I need your card. Your mom didn’t know and I already used daddy’s card to buy my engagement ring. You owe him fifty thousand dollars.” I linked EJ, “She bought a fifty thousand dollar engagement ring on her dad’s card and expects Bradford to pay him back.” EJ groaned down the link.

I linked Julian, “Flora has gone off the deep end on the crazy train.” Julian snorted, “So I’m hearing.” William shot me a look. Bradford sputtered, “I’m not…” I cut him off, “Flora, this Alpha Preston Conners. My brother, Alexander, is Bradford’s Alpha but he’s dark on a mission right now. As such, I’ll handle this.”

Flora gasped, “You’re buying my dress! That’s so sweet.” Bernard snorted, “The delulu is strong with this she wolf.” I answered, “No, I’m not, nor is Bradford. I’m not sure why you believe his mother’s consent is more important than Bradford himself, but it’s not. You need to leave him alone because he wants you to.”

Flora snorted, “We are perfect for each other.” I argued, “The goddess disagrees.” Flora snorted, “Bradford could do no better than me.” William linked me, “Hmmmmmmm I don’t like him most days, but that’s not true. He could do so much better.”

I replied, “That’s your opinion, but it doesn’t matter. Bradford did not ask you to marry him. Alexander will not be happy if he gets back from a mission and has to get involved in this issue. EJ is currently being diplomatic. I’m being nice. Do you want to know what Alexander will be?”

Bradford muttered, “Neither of those things.” Arbor snorted out a laugh. I confirmed, “Correct.” Flora said, “I suppose I could take Alpha Alexander over Bradford.” Bradford dropped his damn phone.

Bernard and Titan snarled. Julian linked, “What’s wrong?” I shouted, “I was being nice. Now, I’m done. My brother will have NOTHING to do with you. You are not allowed to contract Bradford and if you try, I’ll bury you and your pack in litigation and I’ll have you charged with harassment and stalking. Don’t come near my brother and leave Bradford alone.” I hung up and blocked her number.

I linked EJ, “Stalker alert. This chick is now saying she’ll exchange Bradford FOR OUR BROTHER!” EJ snarled, “Which brother?” I snorted, “Your twin.” EJ asked, “Does Flora have a death wish?” Bernard replied, “Yes.”

Bradford whispered, “She’s actually insane.” Arbor muttered, “You said it, but since you did, please reach down into your pinky toes and realize your mother is cuckoo for coco puffs.” Bradford sighed, “Yeah, with this thing she is.” All the time. Patricia was crazy all the damn time.

Arbor snorted, “Sure. Just this one thing. Please dear god, do NOT take a chosen mate approved by your mother. For all our sanity.” I cut in, “Unless you want to go through the pain of losing a mate, I’d follow that advice.”

Arbor turned to glance at me sharply. William backed me up, “My brother is right. Mom wouldn’t deal with that type of crazy in the pack well.” I snorted, “I was referring to Alexander more than mom. Mom might be subtle. Alexander would hear this and promptly rip out hearts.”

William agreed, “Yeah, ever since that kiss thing he’s a little extra sensitive. I can’t figure out why.” Bradford stared between us both then asked, “Are you serious?” Arbor jolted. Bernard shouted, “BRADFORD KNOWS?!”

My gaze narrowed, “Alexander told you why that pissed him off so badly?” Bradford answered, “Uh no. He did not. We aren’t friends, but he is my Alpha. Warriors talk. Listen to the pack link every so often guys, it’s helpful. Particularly on this topic.”

I growled, “Why was he so upset?” Bradford blinked, “Other than he didn’t want her to kiss him? Your brother got as drunk as he could at that party and someone kissed him. When he clearly didn’t want to kiss anyone. Given that he’s not sexually active.”

William reasoned, “We know he wants to wait for his mate.” Bradford continued staring at us like we were missing the obvious. Arbor groaned, “Will you just use your words?! For GOD’S sake man.” Bradford’s eyes began darting around.

I snorted, “Oh come off it, we are not that scary. We grew up with you.” Bradford disagreed, “You are in fact that scary, but something is wrong. Do you smell that?” Arbor snorted, “No.” I frowned and inhaled. Bernard said, “No.”

William answered, “No, I don’t.” Bradford shook his head, “No, something is wrong. We need to move. Now.” Then the scent hit me before I heard the c**k of a gun. I shouted, “GET DOWN!” I heard someone get hit and felt like my soul left my body.

I shouted, “WILLIAM!” At the same time he shouted, “PRESTON!” Bernard said, “It’s not Titan’s pain. Feel the bond.” EJ linked, “WHAT THE f**k IS GOING ON?!” I called the wind and threw it at those with guns.

I heard a pop then people were sucked into trees. Julian came. My brother sent me his incredulity that he would not show up. I knew he would, but he didn’t have to. We weren’t hurt. Bernard said, “The pack panicked.” I needed to focus on the here and now.

Arbor was on my right. God damn it. I shouted, “Bradford!” I shifted into Bernard and let him rip the Warlock above Bradford to pieces. I shifted back and demanded, “Hold on! You’re going to be fine.”

Bradford was struggling to breathe. I demanded, “Lie back!” I gently pushed him back down and conjured gauze. I told him, “Just breathe.” He couldn’t get his breath. I had to Alpha Command again, “BREATHE, BRADFORD!” He managed a slight one.

William popped to me with Arbor and we popped to the hospital. I shouted, “Ethan!” People came running. I ran through it, “Shot to the upper torso. He might have hit his ribs. He’s having trouble breathing.”

I told Bradford, “You are going to be fine. Do you hear me?” Mom was in her concupiscence and Alexander was on a mission. I called Uncle Aiden. He answered, “Preston.” I said, “One of our Warriors with us got shot.”

Uncle Aiden popped in with a healer. The healer nodded, “You know I can’t heal him fully.” I reasoned, “You can tell us if he needs it.” The healer left and came back, “I did what I could. It will ease his pain but he’ll still be here. I’m not the Princess or the Duke.”

I retorted, “Did anyone ask you to be?” The healer admitted, “No.” I snarled, “Then stop comparing yourself to them every goddamn second and wanting them to feel bad for not being available every second of every day.”

Alexander was holding my bond closely. I sent him that I was fine. His reply was that he knew it was physical. Maverick walked into the hospital flanked by Theo. I nodded to them both. EJ popped in and grabbed me and William and pulled us into hugs.

Calvin popped in and snarled in anger. Uncle Jackson ran into the hospital as Calvin shifted. I said, “Little brother, we are fine.” Bernard said, “We are covered in blood and Casper does not care for that.”

I snapped my fingers saying, “It wasn’t our blood.” Which I was now clear of. EJ asked, “What happened?” I answered, “I don’t know. Bradford smelled them and then chaos hit. I don’t know what the hell they were thinking honestly. They had to be aiming at Bradford.”

Arbor said, “They didn’t appear to have a targeting order. The scent on the bullets was silver and iron.” Casper snarled. I linked Calvin, “We are ok.” Uncle Jackson urged, “Come on, Cal. Shift back.” Calvin did and I snapped him clothes.

EJ told us, “Elise is informing Bradford’s family.” His dad made it before his mom. I glared his mom down. EJ linked, “Preston.” Patricia asked, “Why are you glaring at me?” I snorted, “You know the last thing your son almost knew was that you tried to put him into debt for a mating ceremony he didn’t want to be a part of.”

His dad, Mike, asked, “What?” I snorted, “Go on, Patrcia. Tell your mate how you told a spoiled brat to contact your son for her twenty THOUSAND dollar mating ceremony dress and her fifty THOUSAND dollar engagement ring he didn’t purchase.”

Mike gasped, “What?” Patricia said, “Bradford can afford that.” I scoffed, “No, he cannot MIKE can. Bradford cannot as of this moment. Forget that he doesn’t want her and told her that. You’ve filled that girl's head with delusions and I pray for soul if she turns her attention to Alexander.”

Calvin snarled with Cole and Parker. I warned, “Maybe realize you could’ve lost Bradford today because we were trying to deal with the Flora situation, which was of your making. Flora called and as an Alpha I had to step in. She was legit crazy. Flora is a spoiled brat and honestly Bradford could do world’s better than that girl.”

Patricia gasped, “She’s a little spirited but….” Mike shouted, “SPIRITED?! She’s a horrid brat! You want Bradford to be her chosen? Why? Do you not spend enough of my money?” Bernard chimed in, “Well, this is awkward.”

I snorted, “Not just wants him with Bradford, Mike. She tried to arrange the ceremony without his consent or knowledge.” EJ offered, “Which is not happening. I informed her Alpha of that before things got crazy. He is not happy, to say the least.”

Patricia replied, “Bradford will smooth things over.” EJ sighed, “You misunderstand. He’s upset with Flora. Their pack heard Bradford tell her that he saw her as a cousin. Her father was unaware she’d bought the engagement ring or had people making her a custom mating ceremony dress.”

I linked William, “That makes the price make more sense.” William replied, “That price is insane and we have the money for it.” I reasoned, “If our mate wanted it, we’d get it. Plus, we have family in the fashion industry. Mom would conjure it so it does seem like a crazy amount, but only because we are not used to those price tags.”

William replied, “No one in our pack has gotten married in a dress that costs that much.” Julian yanked me into a hug then grabbed William. Julian declared, “New rule.” Patricia sighed, “I don’t know why I’m being attacked right now.”

EJ rubbed his temples, “God, that line.” It did sound an awful lot like something Grandma Cassandra used to say, but Patricia was her friend. Bernard snorted, “Her wolf is semi tolerable, but not really.” Patricia wasn’t tolerable so it didn’t surprise me that her wolf wasn’t.

Bernard reasoned, “Kena was lovely.” That’s true, she just slept a lot. Julian snarled, “Was anyone talking to you? NO! Go see your son. My brother’s called Uncle Aiden who brought a healer.”

Patricia waved, “Then why are we worried?” Uncle Aiden answered, “Because the healer cannot do what my sister or nephew can. Your son is alive and will heal, but he’ll be here healing unless Alexander gets back early.”

Patricia gasped, “Call the former Luna! I’ll call her myself.” Calvin snarled, “Talk to my mother and I’ll get you.” EJ stepped in, “Mom is in her concupiscence. You can call her all you’d like, but she will not answer.”

Patricia gasped, “A pack member is in need.” Calvin retorted, “Do you do a damn thing when you’re in heat?” Cassie popped in. Patricia glared at my brother. I warned, “Let’s not do that.” Bernard growled.

Uncle Jackson shouted, “ENOUGH!” The entire hospital quieted. Uncle Jackson said, “I’ll say what EJ is trying to nicely say Patricia, move your ass to your son’s bedside. Not before you thank Aiden for bringing a Fairy to help and keep Bradford with us. Do not speak to my niece or nephews who were terrified their brothers were hurt.”

Uncle Jackson waved, “They are Alpha bloods and you have your hackles raised. Maybe act like you’ve lived in a pack for five seconds before you incite one enough you lose your life.”

Patricia gasped, “Well, I never.” Calvin growled, “You’re about to. Julian was talking and you interrupted him. You’re being horrible, like always.” Patricia went to say something but Mike led her away. The man looked over his shoulder, mouthing, “I’m so sorry.”

Uncle Jackson squeezed Calvin’s shoulder, who glared at Patricia until she turned the corner. Bernard said, “Casper is going a mile a minute.” I urged, “Tell Brutus you need his assistance.” Bernard snorted, “I do. Casper is about to shift and track her down.” It wouldn’t be the worst thing really.