The Alpha and His Hunted Kitsune Princess

Normal Times Pt. 1

Piper was waiting for Preston. It felt like one second he wasn’t there and the next he was wrapping his arms around me. I giggled, “Has the bonding time interrupters been taken care of?” I answered, “That they have.”

Elise said, “Let’s play a game.” Melanie squealed, “YES! BONDING GAMES!” I tried not to laugh but then I caught Remi’s eyes and we busted up laughing. EJ said, “We could play never have I ever.”

Melanie gasped, “That’s mean… Piper doesn't remember things… oh are we like… tell her things….like if she doesn’t we are like….you did that.” I grinned, “That sounds kind of fun.” Preston asked, “Are you sure?”

I answered, “Sure but Remi and Karl have to be onboard since they will be the ones who know what I did.” Melanie squeaked, “Totally… it would be weird.. If other people…who are me… knew that… shhh Freya I’m pulling it off.”

Freya? Everyone froze. I glanced at Remi because Freya was the name of the woman Melanie said was like Sora to me. Why was she talking to her when Freya wasn’t here? Elise said, “Never have I ever hated a member of my family.”

Melanie said, “Come on… Pipes… you and I are drinking… so down the hatch we go.” Karl’s eyes widened. I asked, “Uhh who do you think I hate?” Melanie answered, “Your mom’s…. Rude…side of the family…. They tried to take you….maybe some of us are…” Alexander swooped in to kiss her.

I rubbed my head. Preston asked, “Piper?” I whispered, “I made them leave mom alone. They did try to take me from her.” It remembered it all. I yelled at them and they left, like I made them. I gasped, “I LOVE THIS GAME! I remember. I made them leave. Somehow. I know that sounds crazy since I was a child, but I did make them leave.”

Everyone just nodded. Alexander removed his lips from Melanie, which was good. She was my new source of information. I asked, “Who in your family do you hate, Melanie?” Melanie whispered, “It’s a secret…don’t tell Xander… or he’ll be exploding things mad.” Several people sighed while others snickered.

I said, “I won’t say a word to him.” She’d just tell him since she was SITTING in his lap. Remi whispered, “Oh my god, this is amazing.” Melanie whispered, “My grandparents… on my mom’s side… honestly they never got me… they always liked T and Jase more… but they didn’t come to my mating ceremony.”

I asked, “Your what?” Melanie waved, “You’d say wedding…for now.. Later you will not.” I blinked rapidly then turned to Remi, “You had a mating ceremony.” Remi gasped, “YOU REMEMBER?!” I answered, “No, I just know you did.” Remi huffed, “Stupid brain injury.”

I said, “So, we have suck-y grandparents on our mom’s side. Do we have other things in common?” Melanie snorted, “SO MANY! Do you want to know them?” I answered, “I do.” I felt there was a question out there that would unlock all the secrets for me.

Melanie said, “Well… you lost your memory and woke up around people you didn’t know… but you do know… I was shot and woke up with people I didn’t know… very mean people… so you do have it going for you that you’re surrounded by people you love.”

I asked, “You’ve been shot?!” Melanie answered, "Several times… but only once without a vest.” Alexander growled. Melanie whispered, “He’s testy about the vest comment… it’s definitely Dax’s fault.”

I asked, “Who is that?” Sierra answered, “My brother and it’s not his fault.” Melanie snorted, ‘He’s the one who told Xander about the record… that you guys made a record… not me… no one cares about that.”

I asked, “What’s the record?” Preston said, “We can’t talk about that. My brother will lose his mind.” Darn. Melanie waved, “Anyway… things in common…. We both have powe…” Alexander cut her off with a kiss.

I asked, “We have what?” No one answered. EJ said, “Never have I ever played competitive volleyball on a team.” I laughed, “Oh come on!” Remi and I had to drink. Remi said, “Never have I ever lived all over the country.”

Melanie squealed, “DRINK UP, PIPER!” I snorted, “Yeah, I know I lived all over. I just can’t remember where my dad lives.” Melanie answered, “He lives in Maine.” Remi snorted into her drink. I asked, “Does he? He seems to get here quickly.”

Melanie smirked, “Doesn’t… everyone you know….besides your evil teammates… get places quickly?” I admitted, “Actually, yes.” Melanie inclined her head, “Like Karl… Karl doesn’t live here.”

Alexander chuckled, “Melanie Jane.” Melanie asked, “What? He doesn’t.” I frowned, “That’s true but you’re always here. Your job is in Rhode Island.” Karl shot Melanie a look. Remi just smirked.

An ocelot jumped down onto Alexander's shoulder and purred. Melanie squealed, “GIZ!” I laughed, “Of course she has an ocelot.” Melanie said, “Freya wouldn’t let me get a cat… we compromised at ocelot…. Harish got one…. But they wouldn't let Odette get one… she’ll totally get one later.”

Melanie whispered, “I sent Caspian a text she wanted one… ok I sent to all her brothers… she might get the most ocelots…. I also told Nathan…. Gosh.. I’m putting ocelots on the map. How do people not know about the best pets ever?!”

I waved, “Wait, you and Odette got kidnapped. You guys are ok, right?” Melanie snorted, ‘We were so cool….I was so quiet… it hurt… they were wrong SO MUCH!” I asked, “Your kidnappers?”

Melanie waved, “I mean… they didn’t kidnap us… she died… it was funny… Odette said hi and bye… OH MY GOSH! We could have a grandparents suck club!” Valentina was losing it laughing.

I asked, “Odette’s grandma kidnapped you and then killed her?” EJ said, “Ladybug.” Melanie snorted, “Yup. To be fair… and most people in this hot tub care about that… the old granny was trying to sell her to someone… and take her from Keaton.”

I asked, “Who is Keaton?” Melanie said, “You’ll meet him… he’s friends with Preston… and he’s Odette’s person…like Preston is your person.” Preston stiffened against me. I grinned, “You know, you are the giver of information. I like it because it all rings true.”

I turned to Preston and kissed his cheek, “You’re totally my person.” I winked at him and he growled slamming his lips on mine. Melanie whispered, “See guys? I’m helping… I’m the best helper.”

Anastasia agreed, "Definitely the best.” Melanie said, “By the way… I’m working on it… there are dramatic options….I’m just saying….I’m not going for dramatic….but it probably will be… because the UNIVERSE doesn't like me.”

Preston pulled back and stared into my eyes. I smiled at him then said, “Melanie, it’s your turn for playing never have I ever.” Melanie hummed, “Gosh… this is hard… I’ve done so much… ummm never have I ever… no I did that….OHHH never have… No I did that too.”

I smirked, “Why don’t you tell us what you've done and if we haven’t done it we’ll drink.” Melanie snorted, “I like it…you guys want to be on my drunk level.” I whispered to Anastasia, “Has she really done that much?” Anastasia nodded.

Melanie said, “Battled AND WON against an EVIL WITCH!” They all froze again. I went to drink. Melanie said, “Nuhhhuuuuuhhhh you can’t do that. What you did… for the little boy… totally counts.”

Karl sighed, ‘f**k us all.” Melanie said, “OHH Jumped out of a helicopter.” Sierra said, “Maybe we don’t talk about that.” I gasped, “WAIT! I KNOW YOU! How do I know you?” Sierra admitted, “I don’t know. I’m not in the Conners siblings group but I’m expert in Drunk Melanie so here Phil and I are.” I knew them. How did I know them?

I stared at Remi who smiled. Ok, so there’s that, we knew Sierra somehow. Alexander growled, “You did what?” Melanie said, “I had a parachute… and I had to save your cousin… in a jungle… it was complicated.”

I said, “I have so many questions.” Melanie snickered, “Do you? What do you want to know? I have… so many answers.” I asked, “When will my memories come back?” Melanie hummed, "Technically your memories are already coming back…but based on my salutations… not in time to do something SUPER COOL…with us… because people are stupid…I’m not supposed to say that…but it's true.”

Remi covered her mouth. Melanie said, “I’m working on the other thing… there will be a scientific answer… so that piece will probably happen before your memories… because it’s your body and mind….keeping you safe.”

I asked, “What?” Melanie hummed, “You spent too long… in flight mode… and a heightened sense of anxiety… and your brain and body think… you can’t handle it… because well that’s a scientific debate… but don’t worry… I’m reading up on it …. And conferring with people.”

I asked, “About me?” Melanie said, “Well.. the brain and the body's reaction to trauma and TBI’s recovery… and how it differs….it’s for you…but like I’m not telling any of them about you specifically…. I’m using other cases…I’d never lead anyone to you.”

I said, “That’s very sweet of you to look into it.” Melanie said, "Research is… kind of my jam.” Anastasia commented, “Is it ever. Never have I ever spent time with friends under the stars.” Aww, that was sad!

I snorted, “Drink right now, girly.” Everyone stared at me. I pointed at the stars, “You’re doing that right now. We all gotta drink.” We all did, Anastasia reached over and squeezed my hand, and I squeezed hers right back.

Cole said, “Never have I ever gone to college.” I laughed and drank with a few people. We played several more rounds. Melanie was busy making out with her husband on the couch so it felt like my session of answers had left.

I wiggled myself onto Preston’s lap and kept occasionally grinding on him while reaching for drinks. Preston whispered in my ear, “You’re going to get it later.” I laughed and had fun with the group.

Eventually waved, “Well this was fun. Thank you for the lovely evening.” I grabbed Preston’s hand and ran up to the house, giggling the whole way. Preston punched the code in for the house and dragged me to the elevator. I kissed him which somehow led to him pinning me against the wall.

I moaned, “Preston.” The bathing suit was ripped and suddenly he was inside me. I gasped in surprise as we began rocking. The elevator stopped, he must have pulled the emergency stop button. Did I care? Nope.

When I came I saw stars and Preston carried me into what was apparently our room according to the woman who owned the property, so I’d go with that. Preston put me on the bed and I made a noise of annoyance.

Preston asked, “Piper?” I said, “Nest.” Preston simply picked me up and we fell asleep together in my cozy nest that made me safe with Preston here. His arms wrapped around me in this place felt like nothing could ever touch us.

I woke up to the smell of food. I laughed, “You’re always so prepared.” Preston smiled at me and I cupped his face and kissed him. I asked, “What’s that face for?” Preston said, “Drunk Melanie just gave a lot of information yesterday.”

I asked, “Do you want to talk about it?” I sighed, “My Uncle Gunner lost someone important to him, and it was a plot designed to hurt him. For him to see and my Uncle Harper. I hate that it hurt them so much. I hate that they lost someone who was meant for them.”

I rubbed his shoulders. Preston added, “Melanie introduced some people to my cousins and they are definitely getting married.” Well, that was fast but when you know you know. Preston added, "People tried to kidnap my cousin’s baby.”

I gasped, “The ones just born?!” Anger started to fill me. Preston nodded, “Yup, but Melanie’s ocelots she bought for them were on it.” I asked, “The ocelots protect people? Is that why you got me one?”

I replied, “At the time I got you one because it was cute.” I laughed, “Zazzy is that.” My ocelot jumped down into the nest and purred at us both. I cooed, “Awww, look at you.” I picked her up and she nuzzled me.

Preston hugged us both. I asked, “Is that all?” Preston snorted, “No, she gave some information about Cassandra.” I asked, “Who is that?” Preston answered, “She technically speaking was my grandmother but I’ve never really called her that.”

I asked, “Do you get to be in the grandparents suck club?” Preston snorted, “Yeah, she was horrible to my mother and even tried to hurt my sister because she looked like my mom.” I gasped, “That’s horrible! What an awful woman.”

I agreed, “She truly was terrible.” I hugged him, “I’m sorry.” Preston admitted, “She died the day Julian, William, and I were born.” I blinked, “Oh.” Preston nodded, “Yeah, she believed herself to be some amazing gardener, but she really was terrible. She went for supplies and crashed into a construction site.” Wow. The universe must not have liked that woman.

I asked, “So, what’s on the agenda for today?” Preston laughed, “I thought we could meet with my friend Keaton and Aunt Odette.” I grinned, “I’d love that.” We got dressed and left the house quietly because some of his siblings were still sleeping.

A boat was waiting to take us back to the dock where hopefully my boyfriend’s car. Preston whispered in my ear, “By the way if you jump off a twenty foot fence ever again I’ll spank you so hard your ass will be sore for a few days.”

That definitely should not make me wet, but it did. Preston growled and pulled me into his lap. We made out until the boat docked and got into his car. We took off through the waterfall and back out. The security guards tipped their hats while smirking at me.

I asked, “Do I have something on my face?” One said, “No, but you’re cleared through the front gate whenever you’d like to come here. There’s no need to scale the fence.” I blushed furiously as Preston hit the gas.

We took off to a place called Stormbreaker. I asked, “What’s this?” Preston winked, “My mom gifted this place to my dad.” I teased, “Your family is so extra. Your parents gift each other businesses.” Preston winked, “We’ll try out the pizza place my dad got my mom sometimes.”

Jesus, that really is what they considered presents. That’s a little crazy. Am I right? Ugh! Stop thinking your subconscious is going to answer you, Piper. I didn’t understand why my heart pinged with a little bit of pain every time nothing answered me.

We walked in and a stunning girl squealed while the man behind her smirked. Odette waved, “Oh my god, hi! I’m Odette. This is Key, I mean Keaton.” Keaton laughed, “Odette is the only person who calls me Key.” Duly noted.

I shook his hand, “I’m Piper.” Keaton smoked and hugged Preston. Odette hugged me, “Tell me everything. I know you play volleyball. Ok, I do know a lot about you Melanie told me.” I laughed, “Well, then you might have to tell me about myself because Melanie seems to know everything.”

Odette grinned, “Easily the truth. Are you ready to throw axes?” I grinned, “Sure. Let’s do it.” Odette looped her arm with mine, “We are a team versus you guys.” I whispered, “Something tells me they will kick our ass.” Odette grinned, “Probably, yes.”

They did in fact kick our ass. Odette said, “Girl break strategy session!” Odette took me back to an office in a sea of rooms and I gaped. I said, “Wow. These comics are cool.” Odette said, “They are my brother’s.” I asked, “Which one?” Odette laughed, “Eric.” Ah, Preston’s dad.

Odette got on her phone and called Melanie. She answered, “Hey… Odette… how is axe throwing going? I mean… I don’t know where you are… what are you doing? I am totally unaware… you’re with Piper and Preston…those are details I don’t know.” Her voice squeaked sixteen octaves somehow.

Odette laughed, “Mel, we’ve discussed how you can’t lie. Piper and I are getting our behinds kicked by Preston and Keaton. How do Piper and I win?” Melanie answered, “Umm… go bowling… and distract them while it’s their turn.”

I snorted, “You’re saying we can’t win axe throwing?” Melanie answered, “Uhhh… no… you can’t… not with them.. Even distracting them won’t work… Preston can hit… the bullseye without looking….and so can Keaton… you guys haven’t trained with weapons enough to win… bowling….you can win there though.”

I asked, “What if I took my top off?” Melanie said, “Uhhh well… if Keaton was throwing… he wouldn’t look.” Odette growled and I smirked at her. Melanie continued, “If Preston was throwing… he’d still hit the bullseye… then claim you.” Claim me?

Odette said, “Ok. Thanks for the advice.” Melanie hummed, “Sure… have you guys talked about books yet?” Odette gasped, “YOU’RE A BOOK GIRLIE?!” Melanie hummed, “That was in the folder… Piper is reading that mob series you… related things to.”

My jaw dropped, “How do you know that?” Melanie squeaked, “Huh? What? Me? Uhh you… told me? In class…. Totally in class.” Odette rolled her eyes. I said, “Wow. You’re getting worse at lying.”

Melanie sounded actually offended, “I AM NOT!” Odette said, “You are but you’ve made my book girl's heart happy. Gotta go.” Odette hung up. I asked, “How the hell does she know what book I’m reading?”

Odette waved, “Melanie knows everything and she learns all about people because she doesn't think she peoples well. To be fair, people tell her that. I think she does fine. Melanie just likes to know things. She means you literally no harm.”

I snorted, “I’m pretty sure she’s harming a lot of people in my life.” Odette laughed, “Yeah, that’s math to her.” I asked, “Huh?” Odette smirked, “Melanie is a genius.” I admitted, “I noticed.” Odette shrugged, “Mel sees things differently. Anyway, you’re reading The Future Don and His Hidden Princess?”

I admitted, “I am. I’m so worried for Miley.” Odette titled her head, “Why?” I groaned, “The side characters I love always die. They make you fall in love with them then they die and it’s gut wrenching.”

Odette laughed, “Where are you at in the book?” I answered, “They landed in Ireland. Connie’s grandma is a bitch.” Odette rolled her eyes, “Yeah, she horrible. Ronan actually becomes more liked.”

I gasped, “NO!” Odette grinned, “He’s kinda funny.” I snorted, “I hate him so much.” Odette said, “I think you don’t ever not hate him but his wife makes you feel like he’s not bad.” I groaned, “No, that means she gets worse.”

Odette grinned, “Yeah, she gets so much worse.” I asked, “What the hell is her problem?” Odette winked, “You find out.” I begged, “Just tell me if Miley lives. I need to prepare to cry and Remi will probably destroy everything in our apartment.”

Odette laughed, “Miley has a book.” I sighed, “That doesn’t mean she lives.” Odette assured me, “Miley’s fine. Dramatic stuff goes down, of course, but she’s alive.” I sighed, “Thank goodness. Remi really would’ve revolted.”

Odette laughed, “People do die though.” I shrugged, “As long as it is not Liam or Connie.” Odette snorted, “In my opinion, only crazy people kill the main leads of a story and the author is not crazy.” I replied, “I’ve read plenty of crazy and it made me ball.”

Odette said, “This book takes you through it, I won’t lie. The whole series does. The women coming into the families have backstories that make you want to rage for them.” I asked, “What did Melanie mean that you related stuff to?”