The Alpha and His Hunted Kitsune Princess

Where I Need to Be Pt.3

Pernell asked, “What is going on?” Then Paulson came around the corner. I snarled and punched him right out. Hark faded in. I demanded, “You get this mother f*****g prick OUT of here and Piper BETTER not have seen him!”

Pen said, “Grandpa wasn’t supposed to be here.” Pernell angrily agreed, “He wasn’t.” Hark said, “I’ve got it, Duke.” Theo walked in with Jane and Mike. Theo quickly realized what was going on. My brother urged, “Go see your mate, brother. I’ve got this.” I knew he would handle it and get these people to stop pissing me the hell off. I stalked into the gym causing people to gasp. Piper squealed, “Preston!” My mate came running over in the tiniest shorts known to man and jumped into my arms.

I inhaled her scent. Bernard was calming down. I hugged her tightly, “I’m here.” Piper giggled, “Anastasia and Valentina said you had a thing, but I knew you were still going to make it. They said Melanie can’t make it and they weren’t sure about Mike, Jane, and Theo either. I didn’t know Melanie planned to come, but I guess she was bringing your brother too. Are they ok?”

I told her, “They will be fine.” I felt Julian and William enter the room then spotted CJ and Nico. I snorted, “Piper, these are my very good friends CJ and Nico.” Piper laughed, “You brought a whole gang out for my scrimmage.” Theo was at my back. Jane and Piper hugged then Mike hugged her too.

I admitted, “This is likely a taste of the amount of people showing up to your games. Those people work for me.” I pointed at pack members in the stands. I added, “More of my family would be here, but there’s a situation going on.” Piper asked, “Do you need to go?” I answered, “I’m where I need to be.” I hugged her again then let her go.

Her teammates were squealing. One said, “How did he know to come? I have your phone.” Remi snorted, “Uhh he got her a new phone. That one you have now holds her old pictures because this one is hers with service. He didn’t want her walking around without a phone.”

One said, “That’s weird.” I rolled my eyes. Another said, “Romantic. That’s romantic. Women can never be too careful. I would’ve said not to take her phone. That could’ve been dangerous. Team Preston on that one. Taking her phone was over the line.”

I linked William and Julian, “You came.” Julian replied, “We are where you are.” The Rhoades sat by me. I snorted, “Pernell, you need to sit far away from me.” Bernard agreed, “So far I cannot smell him.” Then he’d have to leave the gym.

Pernell said, “Nathan told us about…” I cut him off, “I am not in the mood to discuss this with you.” Pen said, “Well, I’ll just say major points with me and my brothers for being here right now.” I said, “My dad raised me to know that my mate comes first. I told her I’d be here and as I am not the one kidnapped, I’m here. I will always keep my word to Piper unless I am physically unable to do so.”

I paused then admitted, “I do understand the sentiment as a brother myself.” Pascale said, “Yeah well…” I cut him off, “Where is your sister?” Pio answered, “At home.” I asked, “So, Pascale who is younger can be here? What sort of logic is that?” Pernell answered, “That the Ninko is going after women, not men.” Ok, fine that had merit.

Then it hit me. I linked Julina, “Space unheard, now.” Julian quickly chanted in Fealish. Nathan McDermont groaned, “Oh no.” Valentina chuckled, “I know I’m on the right side of that.” I turned, “Melanie has to know it’s not a coincidence Pernell was taken and Kenko was hunted. That sounds like a plan to me.”

Kenko asked, “Wait, what? This is about your Aunt and sister in law.” I replied, “That will be solved because my sister in law will not stay away from my brother. They are not currently in danger but will be at some point. This is about the signs.”

Valentina said, “So, I am looped in on the Ninko/Kitsune research as is Anastasia.” I asked, “How?” Valentina grinned, “Because we know how to talk to Melanie and I always take her side.” Anastasia replied, “As if there was another option.” There was and a lot of people took it.

Valentina waved, “Anyway, I pointed out to Melanie that I needed to be in the know because of how close you are with Julian and Anastasia needs to be looped in for the same reason with William. Melanie agreed.”

Pernell asked, “What are we saying?” I answered, “You were taken because someone told that goddamn Ninko that Kenko was going to be the Queen. Right, Val?” Valentina nodded, “Yes, Kenko’s family lives in the realm the Rhoades are supposed to be ruling.”

Kenko argued, “I don’t have a family, they died.” Anastasia said, “You do. The Ninko’s altered your memory because the Harpy Seer told them you were the future Queen. Your family believes you are dead. Your Kitsune fled the realm to save you both. That’s how you found the Rhoades.”

Kenko blinked rapidly. Pernell made the Kitsune noise of anger with his children. I said, “So, the Ninko came after her but she found Paulson.” Anastasia told me, “That’s something Melanie is looking further into. She believes the Ninko’s are holding pieces of Kenko’s memory in an object, but she believes it didn’t work the way they wanted. Melanie believes Kenko overheard where to find the Rhoades.”

I asked, “If the Ninko’s know where to find them, why don’t they attack?” Valentina answered, “They moved around but they had spies. Plus, and most importantly, they can’t beat them.” I asked, “Do they think they can if they have the future Queen?”

Valentina answered, “Yes, they do. They believe they will rule the Kitsune realm, which is not the name by the way if they have the Queen. The Harpy Seer helped the Ring capture Pernell, but she didn’t tell them what he was.”

Hazel asked, “Why not?” I answered, “We won’t know that, but it will be about power that evil woman is keeping for herself.” Anastasia agreed, “Yes, Melanie has a payment she’s working on from when this went down. The Ninko paid for Pernell to be taken. Melanie’s tracking that down, well she was before this.”

I linked Uncle Bjourn, “I know our family is busy but I need someone looking into details Melanie was. I need that to keep moving. It’s about Piper.” Uncle Bjourn said, “Thank god. Harper will delight in having a reason for Gunner to take a break even for a moment to figure that out and assign it to someone. He’d work on it himself but…”

I cut him off, “He needs to look into his sister. I understand. I just need the investigation to keep moving while Melanie is dealing with the stupid dark Sirens.” Uncle Bjourn agreed, “We will keep things going.”

Pernell said, “We have tech people, if we get Melanie’s….” Anastasia cut him off belly laughing. Valentina said, “The only people who could do that are Charles and Gunner.” I linked Uncle Bjourn, “Have Uncle Gunner contact Charles. He could keep it going.” Uncle Bjourn replied, “Even better. He’s mad at the man but he does admire him.” Maybe that would get them off on a better foot than after the whole Missouri dungeon fiasco.

I announced, “My family is on it. My Uncle Gunner will contact Charles.” Hazel said, “So, the guy after my daughter had Pernell kidnapped so he could try to get Kenko?” I nodded, “It sounds like that.” Kenko whispered, “Did I know that?”

Valentina answered, “Yes, you were captured but escaped using your powers.” Kenko flinched, “That’s why they tried to take Sora from Piper. This is all my fault.” I disagreed, “No, it’s not. Trust me, I’d like to blame you all for a lot, mostly him.” I pointed at Pernell, “But this was not your fault. This is an evil plot and it’s going to be for power. That is the Ninko’s who planned this fault and believe me when I say they will suffer.”

I glanced at Pernell, “I don’t like you, but I will work with you for justice. They went after you and your mate. Forces beyond your control kept you from Kenko safe while you were held captive. We will make them pay for that.”

I held my hand out to Pernell, “I promise you that. Together, we will have vengeance for what they did to your mate, mine, and yourself.” Pernell took my hand. I linked Julian, “You can make the space heard again.”

I turned and noticed Piper looking between me and Pernell smiling. Remi had an eyebrow raised. Karl ran into the gym and spotted me. The man looked shocked. He ran up and joined us as the scrimmage started.

They were clapping hands at the net then they lined up. Karl admitted, “I didn’t think you’d be here.” I replied, “I’m where I need to be.” I linked Alexander, “What’s going on?” Alexander growled, “They want me to kill people. Alon is dead.” I asked, “Did you kill him?”

Alexander answered, “No, I’ve killed other people they have not noticed are dead yet.” They would eventually. Probably after Odette was home. I didn’t need to ask how he did that, my big brother was stealthy. I watched Piper in her element. I said, “She’s amazing.”

Valentina and Anastasia were jumping up and waving their signs around. Uncle Jackson and Aunt Molly walked in and joined us. Uncle Jackson linked, “Your dad wanted to come, but your mom is picking at the Sargasso’s over their grandpa’s death.” I chuckled, “So he sent you guys.” Uncle Jackson answered, “Yes.”

Uncle Harold, Aunt Jessica, Uncle Darrin, and Aunt Shana walked in next. Valentina passed out more signs. We were quite the cheering section. Piper and Remi’s team won. My pack was pounding on the bleachers cheering.

The coach laughed, “I do hope you all come out for the season, this is quite the cheering section.” I linked CJ, “Get me tickets to every home game.” CJ snorted, “Gosh, I wasn’t sure you’d want that. Nico and I already did that.” Good.

Piper and Remi joined our group. Piper jumped into my arms. I said, “You were amazing.” Piper beamed at me and looked over her family. I saw her disappointment, “Miska couldn't make it?”

Pernell said, “There’s a bit of a situation like you have with her.” Piper gasped, “She has a stalker too?” Pernell blinked, “What?” Hazel asked, “You remember about…?” Piper interrupted, “Yeah.” Julian linked, “That’s a lie.” I could tell.

Hazel asked, “What else do you know?” Piper admitted, “I just remember I have one.” Pernell said, “We are being overly cautious with Miska right now due to that.” Piper admitted, “That makes sense. I wish you would’ve just said that at dinner. You were right, I was rude if that’s the case.”

Remi snorted, “You were not rude enough.” I asked, “What?” Piper waved, “Things were a little contentious while you were in the bathroom.” Bernard growled and it slipped out. Karl said, “Let’s go take these beautiful ladies out for a celebratory dinner.” I agreed, “Sure.”

A few girls shouted, “Piper!” Remi sighed. Piper laughed, “Be right back. We’ll just change.” They went to the locker room. The second they left one girl walked right up to me saying, “This is excessive for one date.”

Uncle Jackson growled. I asked, “Excuse me?” This girl was a hybrid. Julian warned, “You need to back the hell up.” William agreed, “So far.” Anastasia chuckled, “Everyone just wants to be scared of the shadows lately.” Holy s**t.

I linked William, “Did she just threaten this chick?” William chuckled, “Would Melanie consider that a threat or a matter of fact, brother.” Oh my god. The girl frowned, “What even are you?” William growled.

I warned, “Walk away.” The girl shrugged, “You didn’t even mark her. I’m better than Piper anyway.” I growled, “You will not disperse me or my mate.” The Kitsunes made noises of anger. The girl insisted, “You didn’t mark her.”

I linked Cole, “I need you here now.” Cole walked in the door. William snorted, “Aesir above.” Julian said, “I like it.” Hazel whispered, “What’s going on?” I linked Cole, "You make everyone see this chick walk away from me.” Cole agreed, “On that.”

I called, “Hark.” My guard faded in again. I said, “You do not get away with disrespecting what is MINE! I do not need to explain myself to the likes of you. Piper is mine and that doesn’t change. You are quite literally nothing, other than dead.” Hark took her away screaming.

I linked Cole, “Let everyone go.” Pernell stared at me. Pen said, “Well, at least she walked away.” Pernell said, “She did not.” Cole said, “I was going to tell you it didn’t work on Pernell.” I snorted, “I can tell, thank you little brother.” I hugged him.

Pen asked, “Uhh what?” Pernell said, “I have power over visuals. That young man made everyone see that girl walk away but it’s not what happened.” Nathan McDermont said, “Welcome to the world of Fairies. You know full well you don’t disrespect a Hackura or their mate.” I agreed, “You don’t. Piper is a Duchess of the Hackura.”

Pen whistled, “My sister has a lot of titles. Where are we on her taking over our Kitsune group? Because I’m so not it.” I growled. Pen laughed, “I’m sort of joking. I know where we are, but I’m glad that’s not my destiny.”

Karl warned, “I’d not say that around my mate if I were you.” Piper and Remi came back smiling. Their teammates were throwing wary looks my way. Julian linked, “The Supernaturals are jealous.” I put my arm around Piper and took her to my car.

Piper asked, “So, what’s going on? Is Melanie ok?” I answered, “Melanie is being detained.” Piper gasped, “Oh my god! Did she get arrested for assaulting that girl last night? I’ll testify.” I said, “She didn’t get charged with assault.” Piper sighed in relief, “Oh, then what happened?" I said, “I’ll tell you but it has to stay between us and Remi of course. Karl can know as well.” Since he already knew.

Piper nodded, “I swear.” I explained, “My Aunt has a whole lot going on her mom’s side of the family. Her mom sold her into an arranged marriage along with her grandma to different people. One of those families has them both.”

Piper gasped, “They kidnapped them?! Let’s kill them.” I laughed, “They are regretting that. Melanie being there is going to end badly for them.” Piper said, “They will be ok?” I nodded, “Yes, I’ll have to rejoin my family to get them back.”

Piper teased, “Are you guys going in instead of the authorities? I’d give you grief but it sounds like my mom and I did that to save Remi.” I answered, “We have our own people.” Piper grinned, “Right. Rich people. Are you going though?” I answered, “I will.”

Piper said, “You’ll be careful right?” I answered, “Of course I will. I won’t leave until they tell me I’m needed. I’ll be back to you as fast as possible.” I parked at the restaurant, which was my mom’s pizza place.

Piper leaned over and kissed me. God, I was never going to get used to this feeling. Piper pulled back saying, “We’ll have to work on your tension back at my place. You were so HOT when you walked in but you could cut the tension with a knife.” That was probably somewhat accurate. I took her hand and led her inside. Everything was going to be ok, and I’d be more centered after spending time with her.

Preston knows the key to getting what he wants. Get Melanie on it. LOL Who is going to tell her no? And even if they do, she's not going to care. Someone gave her permission. Really it's not shocking this guy is going to die. Melanie may be in Ribbons but she will get things done. Sierra is here to deliver the phone and we are off and going.

Now, Odette has been taken by the Council and the Lily. Melanie and Odette are with the Wedell's. Are you surprised Alexander killed people in the Siren realm? It's not overly surprising really. Paige has insights. The younger Conners have a system. Klaus is getting called in with Allison.

Paulson picked the wrong day to mess with Preston. Preston has made some very good connections about Pernell's capture and the fact that the Ninko's were after Kenko. They used their powers on Kenko and there's a tentative accord with Preston and Pernell. ONLY when it comes to that Ninko. Preston does NOT like Pernell. Things need to keep moving on melanie's investigation while she's with the Wedell's. Charles could easily pick it up.

Preston told Piper a little of what's going on. She's mostly worried about him and we are off to eat in victory for the girls win :)