The Alpha and His Hunted Kitsune Princess

Where I Need to Be Pt. 2

I waved to Remi then asked, “Karl, need a lift?” Karl came out putting a shirt on, “Yeah, that would be great.” Remi huffed, “Then I can’t harass Joe. This is not any fun. He’ll miss me.” Karl laughed, “You’ll just have to double up next time you see him.” Remi kissed him then said, “This is why I love you despite your love affair with your pillow mistress.”

Bernard snorted, “What?” I replied, “I have no idea.” Karl growled, “Remi.” Julian shouted, “Explain that and let’s go.” I grabbed Karl by the back of the shirt while Remi smirked. Sierra got off the elevator as we left with a phone.

Karl snorted, “Oh my god.” I replied, “I will not let my mate walk around with a stalker and no way to call for help.” Sierra smirked, “Yes, well there are five more phones for Piper just in case and when Melanie gets back she’ll order more because she’s just a touch paranoid.”

I asked, “Karl, what the f**k is a pillow mistress?” Karls growled, “I have a class to get to but I can explain it at the scrimmage.” Sierra knocked on the door, “I could explain it.” I laughed, “Of course you can.” Karl asked, “What?” Then I popped him to his pack.

I told him, “Have a good day. I’ll see you tonight.” Several people were staring at me, but I just popped out. I grabbed Julian, William, and Sierra since she’d come back out. I popped us back to the house.

Alexander was tense. I asked, “What’s going on?” Alexander said, “I don’t like that my mate is clearly going to multiple Ribbons. Something has to be going on.” I asked, “Can we do anything?” Uncle Aiden answered, “No, we can’t.” That had to be hard for my brother.

We were in a meeting when Angela’s devastation and dad’s fury hit. EJ ordered, “Leave. Everything is canceled. Something is wrong with Angela.” The pack member’s eyes widened. I glanced at the clock, it was nearly two in the afternoon. My day was flying by.

Bernard growled, “Why did the universe throw us an emergency when we have to be at mate’s scrimmage?” I admitted, “I don’t know but the universe is being a d**k. TJ found us first. I asked, “What’s going on?”

TJ ground out, “The Supernatural Council took Aunt Odette.” I snarled, “Excuse me?!” Julian and William were snarling with the rest of my siblings. Alexander growled, “That’s why Azoney has kept Melanie in the Ribbon despite getting hurt! She let this happen when my mate would’ve stopped it!”

I said, “Let’s get to the Supernatural Council building.” I popped us there. Mom was already here working with Uncle Aiden and Uncle Arion had faded in to help. I linked Julian, “Uhh where is your mate?” Julian growled, “f**k!”

I linked Alexander, “So, I notice Sierra, Valentina, and company are missing.” Alexander echoed Julian’s words, just out loud. “f**k!” Keaton asked, “What?” I stated what I’d noticed, “We lost Melanie’s friends.”

Fury blasted around the bond from Alexander so hard my eyes blazed. Alexander announced, “My mate is here and she’s pissed.” I linked Valentina, “You be careful.” Valentina laughed, “Always.” Yeah, no they were not anywhere near always careful.

Bernard offered, “Actually it’s Melanie that’s the one that isn’t careful. The rest are.” I linked Melanie, “Are you coming out here?” Melanie growled, “Maybe… probably…. The question is…if I kill more people to get there… they think OHHHHHHH they think… they can outsmart me! ME! I AM A GENIUS!”

Bernard offered, “Wow.” I linked Julian and William, “So, Melanie is mad. Uhhh she thinks the Supernatural Council thinks they are smarter than her.” William replied, “Yeah, I think we got the same link. That was a tone.”

I asked, “Where’s Anastasia?” William answered, “Not here. I popped her to see Dimitri and the rest of her family this morning.” Well, one problem down. Uncle Gunner said, “There’s a stronger signal to the west. I’ll try to use Melanie’s code to get further into their files from there.”

Uncle Harper grabbed him and kissed him, “You be careful.” Uncle Gunner laughed, “What could possibly happen to me?” I linked Julian, “Why would he say that?” Julian answered, “Because doing anything to our family while we are all here is asinine.” Yeah, well it felt like Uncle Gunner had just challenged the universe.

Aunt Cali kissed Uncle Gunner gently, “I’ll come with you.” Uncle Gunner disagreed, “You stay safely with Harper in the big group.” He kissed the top of her head. Micah said, “I’ll come, dad.” Uncle Gunner shook his head, “No, you keep getting what you can here.” He walked off.

Bernard growled, “Walk after him.” I linked him, “I can fade back near you.” Uncle Gunner laughed, “They aren’t going to do anything to me.” I clenched my jaw but let it go. Dad yelled, “SOMEONE GET TO THIS DAMN WARD AND TALK TO ME DAMN IT!”

Someone ran over like their life depended on it greeting, “Alpha Eric.” Bernard growled, “Their lives do depend on them answering dad.” Thor snarled, “KING! I am a King, and you will give me my sister back RIGHT NOW!”

The guard said, “Uhhh, let me find out what’s going on.” Dad growled, “You do that, and thank every goddess you believe in your safely behind that ward. Be worried about what happens when I get in because I think we’ve learned I get where I want to go when people I love are kept from me.” The guard paled and ran off.

I linked Valentina, “What is the plan?” Valentina answered, “We are cover. They shouldn’t fight because you guys are here. Melanie’s goal is get Odette out of here. Which is a problem because she hates these people.”

I asked, “Why?” Valentina answered, “That is a very long story that involves papers, graphs, charts, and more.” I linked Julian and William, “I think Melanie came here for help and they let her go without it.”

William admitted, “I’m getting the same sense." Or I rubbed my face. William added, “I want to kill people based on the bond with Alexander alone, and that’s coming from Melanie.” Yeah, this was going to be a problem.

Julian linked, “The sound cut out on the tablet.” I snorted, "Yeah, Melanie has one thousand percent come here for help and they knew she was with Black Path. They didn’t report it, and she hates them. If she doesn’t kill them all right here and now it’s going to be a miracle after the day she had.”

William replied, “Melanie will prioritize Odette’s safety over her own need for revenge.” I agreed, “Yes, but now she has Freya who is angry. Freya can and will take over to kill knowing Odette is safe. I’m sure Melanie has a way to do that, which her wolf will know.” Both brothers groaned.

Calvin linked, “So, this is bad.” I agreed, “It is.” Melanie and Odette came out. William whispered, “Melanie cannot consider it a funny story that they turned her away.” I replied, “I’m thinking she might.”

I heard the shot fired. Dread filled me. I linked, “UNCLE GUNNER!” Uncle Gunner groaned, ‘This is going to hurt.” Then someone knocked him down in all black. I linked Julian and William, “I love our brother’s mate and her worst case scenario….” I trailed off when Caius and Brenton took off.

I linked, “Uhhh what?” William linked, “Check the bond, she’s their third.” Holy s**t. I asked, “Does Melanie just casually know everyone?” Bernard snorted, “Yes, at least we will be to mate’s scrimmage in time.” Yeah, no joke.

I glanced over at Hastein and his mate. I linked Uncle Bjourn, "Kingsley is breathing steam.” Uncle Bjourn clearly linked Hastein who kissed Kingsley. Ok. That happened. Kingsley seemed angrier than I’d ever seen her.

When Melanie deviated from her plan Hastein had to get Kingsley through a portal. That was weird. William linked, “Uhh problem. Anastasia said Melanie only deviates when someone is in danger.”

Melanie yelled, “KEATON, SAY….” Then her voice faded. I yelled, “SAY WHAT?” Nothing. She didn’t respond. I repeated, “SAY WHAT?!” Alexander frowned, “She’s not here anymore, and she’s not answering me.”

Julian said, “Val is moving towards them. They jumped down a well.” I asked, “Why the f**k would they do that?” William answered, “The song, clearly the Sargasso’s called to Odette.” Except Melanie would not find a problem with that.

The ward came down and all hell broke loose. I moved to have Keaton’s six when he hit Herman with a whole host of people. Bernard said, “Channing is literally raging.” I replied, “He deserves to be. These fuckers kidnapped our Aunt, and that’s his mate.”

I linked Julian, “Could that song have been the Merrick’s? Because Melanie wouldn’t care about the Sargasso’s and they’d answer the phone if they had them.” Julian replied, “Sierra said it can’t be them, their songs are darker and no one with them would know the light songs with Delana gone.” I said, “Well, something is wrong, they aren’t with the Sargassos.” William offered, “Another light clan isn’t really a problem.” Except it wasn’t going to be that.

Fury overtook my every being and the bond and I swung on a guard who had no chance going down in a heap. Our entire family was swinging. I linked dad, “What the hell?!” Dad replied, “It’s Alexander’s bond.”

I linked Melanie, “Hey, what’s going on?” It didn’t go through. Bernard said, “I didn’t think it would. Oden said he couldn’t link her either.” I managed to get Alexander’s bond tamped down, but not enough to contain all my fury.

Julian linked, “So, wherever they are people are dying.” Yeah, that had to be an understatement. Mom was finding out about Uncle Gunner’s sister. That was a whole thing. I just knew she was Caius and Brenton’s third.

I went over to Valentina. I asked, “What’s wrong?” Valentina’s eyes were full of tears while Julian held her, “I can’t shimmer to them.” I said, “Since we can’t pop to them, that’s not surprising.”

Paige whispered, “I know that magic, it’s Valdoma. Valentina has been up against it and recognizes it too.” Valentina cried, "Melanie can’t take her without us. She needs Paige to win.” I asked, “What now?” Dalton agreed, “What he said.”

Paige answered, “It’s my destiny to fight Valdoma and defeat her.” Valentina huffed, “Or die trying.” Dalton growled, “You’re not dying.” Valentina said, “Melanie would never let that happen.” I agreed, “She wouldn’t.”

William whispered, “We are missing quite the fight over there.” I waved, “Who cares? That will get resolved.” Dalton agreed, “It will. Can Valdoma hurt Melanie?” Valentina replied, “I think we should be worried Melanie will hurt Valdoma. Freya hates her.”

I gasped, “That’s who suppressed Freya?” Valentina nodded, “Yes, but Paige has to be there to kill Valdoma.” I reasoned, “Melanie could take Valdoma prisoner then.” Paige sighed, “I haven't got the deal ready that could contain her, but Melanie could poison or subdue her.”

I asked, “Does Melanie know she can’t kill Valdoma?” Paige answered, “Yes, she does.” Valentina said, “But she won’t be rational right now.” Julian offered, “I dove in the bond with Alexander, I think Valdoma got away. That’s why Melanie is mad.”

Paige snorted, “R.I.P. anyone who helped that wicked bitch.” I told her, “We will protect you.” Paige laughed, “Melanie will make sure I win. There’s a whole pla.” I sighed, “Not those again.” Paige grinned, “You’re about to be dealing with more of her pla’s shortly. They are captured and Melanie won’t stand for that.” Yeah, that tracked honestly.

William whispered, “Uncle Aiden commanded mom not to pop to Uncle Gunner’s sister.” I gasped, “Why?” Julian said, “It’s to all of us.” William sighed, "Because we don’t know if she’s working for the Ring.” I disagreed, “Her motivation was to protect Uncle Gunner. The only person she wanted dead was the sniper that took that shot.”

William replied, “Uncle Arion pointed out it could be a trap for mom.” I said, “That’s ridiculous." Dad linked, “I know that you all think this is a bad idea, but it’s not. Your Uncle Gunner’s sister is not in danger.” I replied, “She’s Caius and Brenton’s third and she was in all black. She probably knows Melanie.”

Dad said, “Kingsley will be able to search for her then and we’ll have her.” Unless Melanie locked her out. Then it clicked. I linked William, Julian, Alexander, and dad, “Melanie doesn’t know that woman.”

Alexander replied, “She might.” I reasoned, “No, she doesn’t. Melanie clearly idolizes Uncle Gunner. They probably look enough. Enough Melanie would’ve ran some type of deal and found out they were related. At which point, she’d have gotten that woman to Uncle Gunner because he’s her mentor.”

Dad said, “That has merit, except Melanie has studied your mom. It’s possible that the woman knows about Gunner and Melanie was working on getting her to agree to meet him because that’s what your mom would do.” Except Melanie was past such things after the whole she was lied to and put in an illusion.

I linked William and Julian, “I’m right.” Julian agreed, “I think you are. Melanie doesn’t know that woman.” William offered, “Anastasia is pulling feeds. She’s good at finding people and she’s on it with her siblings.” Good.

Anger exploded in the bond again. Omi took the swing I threw and we battled it out until Alexander managed to tamp his mate’s fury down. Uncle Aiden’s voice boomed, “ENOUGH!” Alexander snarled but clenched his hands trying not to fight.

Uncle Arion clapped, “Bravo, brother. Two King commands in one day on our sister even. Are you feeling ok? Are you feeling slightly empowered? Is that selfishness I’ve been trying to bring out in you finally working?” That was not helping.

Dylan squealed, “I am here for all this.” He threw popcorn into his mouth. Grandpa Nathan asked, “Where is my daughter, Aiden?” Uncle Aiden winced, “Not with the Sargasso's.” That was obvious at this point.

Keaton snarled, “WHAT?! That wasn’t the dark song!” He paused then roared, “THAT DOUBLE CROSSING BASTARD!” Julian linked, “Wow. His Alpha Swagger is about to snap.” I snorted, “About to? He’s all Alpha male right there.”

Emmett asked, “What are you doing?” Keaton was making a call. The question was to who. Uncle Aiden said, “Lilosa’s power is to create an illusion that brings people to their realm. That well was her doing. I very much doubt Prince Delmar knew her plan.”

I linked Julian, “Keaton has Delmar’s number?” Julian replied, “I find I’m out of the loop on that.” Uncle Aiden continued, “He would not want the Supernatural Council breathing down his neck. Since they were crossed as well. Then there’s the fact that a Hackura Prince was shot at. My sister’s brother is fuming back there and now an orgy is about to break out.”

I didn’t need to look or reach for Uncle Harper’s connection to know he was going to claim Uncle Gunner with Aunt Cali. Keaton was snarking at Delmar. I linked Sierra, “Can you get the system to give us details on Delmar?’

Sierra answered, “I can try.” Good enough. Alexander popped Keaton out. I rolled my eyes and popped to my big brother. I linked Julian, “They aren’t even going to OFFER to give Melanie back? Do people not know who we are in the damn Water Realm?”

Julian replied, “Maybe not, but they are about to find out.” William linked, “Aunt Odette said hi and bye to her grandma, that’s hilarious.” I admitted, “I think we are going to have to look for things like that at this point.”

I grabbed our group and found Sierra and Phil. I asked, “What do we know?” Sierra sighed, “Odette and Delmar have been talking. I know that because Micah found it and cataloged it.” I asked, “Why?” Sierra answered, “Well, Odette is used to making decisions on her own and she thought Delmar should know about his twin that was hidden by the Merricks.” Pain gripped me and I held onto Julian and William.

Bernard growled, “I would rip people to pieces if they tried to take Lief or Titan from me.” Sierra continued, “Delmar is better than the Merrick’s as are the Wedell’s as a whole. They are Dark Sirens but not in the sense we consider good and bad.”

I groaned, “I still don’t think I like them.” Sierra warned, “Melanie is going to get to the Merrick’s.” I asked, “How?” Sierra answered, “I don’t know but she needed to be in a Dark clan to hack the Merrick’s and now she’s there. Lily just gave Melanie everything she needed to get her pla’s in order.”

I asked, “What’s the pla?” Sierra admitted, “I don’t know but I know it heavily involved Odette.” I groaned, “And they are together.” Mom linked, “We are heading to the Sargasso’s.” I said, “Let’s pop in and observe.” I grabbed our group and popped in.

I easily spotted a problem. I linked Julian, “Hijinks the f**k out of the old guy.” Julian replied, “Alon. I’m on it.” I linked Sierra, “Do we need to kill Alon?” Sierra replied, “Melanie gives practically one hundred percent on him being dead within the next twelve hours at maximum.” Jesus.

I left them all to their conversation and found my younger siblings. Parker growled, “What do we do here?” I replied, “Get with Jayden and all the Lyons. Help them with hijinks. TJ, stay away from Alexander. Let our brother rage.” TJ asked, “Are you sure?” I answered, “Yes, they need to see how goddamn serious we are.” TJ nodded.

I asked, “Angela, what’s the timeline?” Angela winced, “Not one Alexander likes. Melanie proceeds with her plan and it works. You have time to go see Piper’s game and spend some time with her. Everything goes down tomorrow once the Wedell’s realize they can’t meet with Caspian because our Water Cousins are wreaking havoc.”

I asked, “Do we stop them to give us more time?” Bernard snorted, “Do you want Oden to lose his s**t?” If that’s what needed to happen, we’d make it happen. Angela replied, “No, I think it’s best if we let this one go. My god, Melanie’s plan makes things spin in my head.” My little sister grabbed her head.

I told her, “Stop. We will let this plan proceed. Ok? Let Melanie's plan firm up.” Angela snorted, “Melanie has so many plans in case things go wrong, but if this timeline sticks it’s best for everyone.” I nodded, “Then we all know what to do. Let’s go. I’ll see you guys later.”

I popped back home and called Klaus. My sister’s mate answered, “Preston.” I told him, “Pop to the Water realm and stick with Angela.” Klaus replied, “Consider it done. I was not issued an invitation. It’s the only reason I am not there.” I urged, “Take Allison with you. Keep TJ away from Alexander. I don’t even want him one room away.”

Klaus laughed, “You are exploding your most volatile brother?” I replied, “Alexander will simply say it how it is. There are times my brother needs to work through his emotions. If he kills some people, they deserve it.” Klaus chuckled, “I’m on it.” Good.

I glanced at the time, popped to my car, and took off. Bernard said, “We will get Tatum back.” Yeah, well those fuckers better feel the pain. I linked Jacob, “Can you hear me?” My cousin answered, “Yes.”

I replied, “You give them everything you got. I want them to feel the pain. They don’t get to make my dad and Alexander feel this way.” Jacob agreed, “You got it, cousin. We will get them back.” I knew that.

I linked CJ, “I want a damn meeting with those mother fuckers once this settles.” CJ replied, “I feel that will take a while.” I disagreed, “No, it won’t because you will get with Melanie when we get her back and get me on their schedule.” CJ replied, “Got it.”

I parked at the gym and walked inside. I needed to see my mate and I needed to right now. Pernell was just inside and he nodded at me, “Preston, I…” I cut him off, “Do NOT speak to me right now.” Hazel asked, “Is everything ok?” Nathan McDermont came in behind me wincing, “I wasn’t sure you’d make it, Preston.”

I snorted, “There’s a pla.” Kenko asked, “What on earth is that?” Nathan McDermont sighed, “That’s somehow a long story.” I scoffed, “No, it’s not. My sister in law comes up with pla’s and works on the n to the plan. Mother fuckers forgetting who the goddamn hell the Conners are.”