The Alpha and His Hunted Kitsune Princess

New Insight Pt.2

I laughed, “You’re very perceptive, mom.” Mom smiled at me, “I understand why you asked Keaton for help, Preston. It’s f*****g smart because I admit I probably blocked out things from my childhood. All I ask is that you don’t ask what they saw happen to me, just if they saw it and didn’t report it.”

Bernard growled, “I want them dead.” I asked, “How did you know?” Mom answered, “I faded back and looked at what Keaton was doing. He knew I was there too, somehow. My godson is very perceptive.” Keaton was good at what he did.

I frowned, “You’re not going to tell me to let it go?” Mom snorted, “Me? Are you f*****g serious? Absolutely not. You do what you need, Preston. I can’t imagine hearing about what happened to me to either of my parents. I didn’t want my past to f*****g touch you guys, but that’s not life.”

Mom squeezed my shoulder, “I raised you all to be good men and women. I know you would never take a f*****g life that didn’t deserve it. So, you do whatever it is that you need to do.” I said, “I feel like there are attacks on my siblings that I’m not seeing.”

Mom disagreed, “You see corfuckingursula just fine.” I sighed, “That’s not what is hurting Alexander.” Mom locked down the bond, but I knew she didn’t know either. I told her, “You’re a great mom.” She jolted.

I hugged her, "Whenever Alexander is mentioned your deepest fear morphs into failing as a mother. I don’t understand that, but I know it’s wrong. You’re the best mom there is and we all love you.” Mom squeezed me saying, “Thanks, little man.” I snorted, “I’ve been a man and not little for quite some time.” By Hackura standards.

Mom admitted, “I know but you’ll always be my little man. All of you guys will be except your sisters. They are my little girls. I just treat them the same as I do you guys. The rest of you have a problem with that. It makes me want to get my sexist stirring s**t shtick.”

I busted out laughing saying, “That sounds just like you, mom.” Mom admitted, “I don’t know how to sound like anyone else.” I told her, “I love you so much, mom.” Mom hugged me, “As I love you.” She popped out and I popped to William and Julian who were with EJ.

I sighed, “Can we ever just do s**t?” EJ smirked, “No. You’re my little brothers and I want to make sure you’re going to be ok while you go and do the things you’re going to do. Based on the bond and things I’m hearing there’s a list. Just have Alexander have your back and include Cass like you planned.”

We all nodded. EJ warned, “None of you will so much as get a scratch while you’re doing what you’re doing. Got it?” We all nodded. EJ added, “I have a meeting, but I can leave if necessary. Wes and Max are on a mission but send them the feeling you’re ok. They find my harsh notions to focus annoying.”

We all busted up laughing and sent our brothers that we were fine. They did not care for that at all and realized EJ told us to do it. Julian grumbled, “It’s annoying that relaxed them in the bond.” I snorted, “As if we’ve ever been able to get around our oldest siblings.”

Cassie chuckled, “It’s good you know that.” She faded in and jumped down from a tree. I groaned, “Bernard!” Bernard said, “Rain said it was important to Cass for her to get to be a secret and jump down.” I pointed out, “You knew.” Bernard agreed, “I did.”

Cassie asked, “So, what are we doing?” I told her, “We’ll come get you in a little bit. We have something to do first.” Cassie grinned, “Alright. Do I get a hint?” I answered, “You already have one.” Cassie winked, “Humor me.”

William answered, “We have Keaton sleuthing out answers.” Cassie laughed, “Yes, I hear that upset Lishriekra. Mom’s all for it. Lexi Daniels more so. Emmett is cackling while Chase tries not to laugh.”

I told her, “We just need you to make sure the people Keaton finds tell us the truth.” Cassie saluted us, “I’m all over it. I’ll go work on some paperwork with Gia and Tory until you need me.” I groaned, “Don’t make us complicit in getting your mate going for sex.” Bernard snorted, “Rain is cackling.”

Cassie winked, “You’re plotting did that. I merely came along to find out. Cayden has siblings too.” I blew her a kiss and popped to the Hackura realm near Cora. The woman was trying to take a drink but it disappeared every time. Well, that was definitely Corbin.

I linked Julian when he popped in, “You’re the best at charms. f**k her whole damn day up and make sure she knows never to mess with us Fairies again.” Julian smirked admitting, “I’ve been working on some doozies.” William joined in linking, “Do your worst.” Julian’s smirk bloomed into a full on smile.

Bernard chuckled, “Somewhere Fang is talking about our dad’s pups splitting their faces open.” It was a running joke with the man that we smiled so much. I used to wonder why, but I’d sought out pictures from when he was younger. Dad didn’t smile, even in school photos. Mom changed everything for him and made him happier.

Julian whispered rapidly, “Xed Tem Zecka Fren Yuit earth Za Iojed Yeut Zre oipo Wer Tem smooth journey. Make things Xed difficult Xed possible, Beckta keep Br guessing Bets jui Zu'll shift from under Br. Xed Tem Zecka Fren The Yevce, Za Iojed Yeut any time Zre's alone Zu strike Uyla lightning near Br, even Bets Tem clear day. Make Br jump anytime Zre Dinko Sint Xed dares Ze think Fren The manei Cassie, Tem duchess Fren The fae.”

(As a child of the earth I ask that she never have a smooth journey. Make things as difficult as possible but keep her guessing on when you'll shift from under her. As a child of the sky, I ask that any time she's alone you strike your lightning near her, even on a clear day. Make her jump anytime she so much as dares to think of the name Cassie, a Duchess of the Fae).”

I asked, “Can the sky do that if it’s not raining?” William pointed out, “We are about to find out since she’s alone.” I pointed out, “We are here.” Julian snorted, “We don’t count. Nor does Maximus.” I searched out his bond and sent him annoyance. My cousin simply laughed back and faded in on the opposite side of us.

Lightning struck by Cora. She screamed, “What the f**k?!” I rolled my eyes. Cora sneered, “What will people say about the sweet little Cassie being out to get me?” Bernard snarled and it slipped out with Titan and Lief’s growls.

I popped over, “Nothing because it’s not her. You leave our sister alone. If you ever say her name with that tone again, well accidents happen. Then your greatest fear of your life meaning nothing comes true. No one will care that you’re dead and gone. Your name will fade from history. You won’t even be a blip.”

Cora snorted, “What can you do to me? So, you know my deepest fears? Big whoop.” I laughed, “It’s amusing and telling that’s all you know about me. My powers are hidden from those that are untrustworthy. Most of this realm knows I can do more, but not you. I wonder why?” Bernard teased, “Such sarcasm.”

I shifted into my wolf. Bernard snarled at her and she screamed. Julian told her in a bored tone while leaning against a tree, “I could suck you into this tree and they’d never find the pieces of you to prove it was me.”

William offered, “I could take her through a boulder and leave her behind. No one would ever find her there or if they did chisel her out in time.” Cora’s voice trembled, “Then they would know it was you.” William chuckled, “They couldn't ever prove it and no one would care enough to ask.”

I chimed back in, ‘Well, if she wants us to go for no one knowing it was us there’s a simple solution.” Maximus called, “Me killing her?” I laughed, “No, she wants more subtly than that.” Julian asked, “What are you thinking, brother?”

I answered, “Pull Max. He’ll create an earthquake and no one will suspect him because he’s on a mission. Everyone will assume Corursula here finally upset the Earth enough it snapped. Who could blame the Earth? This b***h is messing with things beyond what she can imagine.” Cora snorted, “Seriously? A juvenile nickname. I’m so far beyond your kin it’s crazy.” Bernard asked, “Does she know that makes no sense?”

I scoffed, “Well, your Ken can kiss my Barbie’s ass.” Maximus, Julian, and William busted up laughing. I added, “As far as the nickname, I can’t take credit. That one is all my mother.” Cora paled.

Julian laughed, “Yeah, that means mom knows. You’re f****d Corursula.” I got in her face, “If my mom wasn’t letting Cass handle this, your ass would be dead. So, go ahead and tell everyone we are messing with you. I dare you. It’s your move, Ken. My Barbie already knows that if you breathe a word of it momma bear is coming for you.”

I popped away and William and Julian followed. Maximus shimmered in laughing, “Your ken can kiss my barbies ass is the BEST thing I’ve ever heard you say.” I questioned, “What the hell was she talking about? Being beyond our kin?”

Maximus admitted, “I don’t know. I will look into it.” I hugged him, “We missed you, cousin.” Maximus laughed, “I’m always around if you need me.” Julian asked, “If we didn’t charm her, were you going to kill her?”

Maximus answered, “No. I’m trying to be around when she slips up and admits the s**t she’s doing.” I asked, “Which is?” Maximus replied, “If I knew she’d be blood eagled.” William growled, “You know.”

Bernard growled, “Let me go back and rip that b***h apart for Rain.” I pointed out, “This is going on still because Cass wants to handle it herself.” Bernard replied, “Well, I think our older siblings need to notice we can handle things too.” My wolf had a point.

Maximus said, “All I know are rumors. I also know everyone’s patience for the situation is rapidly ending. Alexander being around more often has certainly quieted things. I just want to be there when Corursula dares to raise her head out of the hole she sunk down to in terror of her head being exploded off.”

That was such a cool power. Bernard reasoned, “Our power is quite helpful too.” It was and I used it far more subtly than Alexander and EJ did. I moved in the shadows with my power to make people afraid.

Maximus winked, “Have fun with the rest of your day, little cousins. I’m off to find a fair maiden.” I snorted, “You prefer older women.” Maximus replied, “They are always beautiful though.” He shimmered out.

Julian rubbed his hands, “Let’s see what Keaton has.” I laughed, “We are hardly done.” William snorted, “I can’t believe you thought we were off to see Keaton, Julian. Preston didn’t move in the shadows yet.”

I grinned, “It is my specialty.” Julian grinned, “What do you got?” I nodded to him, “You go charm Corursula’s friends to forget the times they have scheduled to hang out. They will be late or not show up and she’ll feel forgotten.”

William whistled, “Damn. You’re going all in on her fears.” I snorted, “You mess with my siblings you get the wolf.” Bernard agreed, “Damn straight!” Julian laughed and popped out. William asked, “What are we doing?”

I popped him near where Cora worked and went inside. The owner came out to greet us, “Duke Preston and Duke William, welcome.” I said, “We need to talk.” He nodded, “Of course.” We sat down and he asked, “What’s going on?” I answered, “I want you to forget to schedule Cora to come in. Her work sucks and the only reason she still works here is because you know her father. So, don’t schedule her. Watch your work productivity rise on the days she’s not here and your overall satisfaction among employees.”

He winced, “She’s my friend's daughter.” I replied, “I’m your Duke.” William chimed in, “As am I. Don’t schedule her.” The man asked, “You want to pretend to forget to schedule her? Because she’ll call.” I grinned, “Then tell her you’ll get to it. Then don’t.”

The guy asked, “So lie?” I answered “Yes, you don’t Fairy blood this is not a hard ask. When your friend calls and asks why because his daughter will complain to him, you tell him to take it up with William and I.”

The guy said, “He’ll probably come to your courts.” I admitted, “I hope he does. Won’t everyone wonder why Cora isn’t in anyone’s court if he does?” The man shrugged, “Maybe not. Cora never fights her own battles really.”

I hummed, “How un-Hackura of her.” The guy jolted and I winked, “Have a good day.” Then popped out with William. William laughed, “You made him want to do it because she’s a spoiled brat.” I pointed out, “He already wanted to do it. That girl doesn’t do her work, pawns it off on other people, and takes his money. All while causing her work environment to devolve into utter chaos.”

Julian popped back in saying, “So, they are going to miss meeting her in an hour.” I grinned, “Perfect.” William said, “Alright, let’s check in on little Daniels. If he hasn’t struck gold yet, then we move onto Hetti and Rex.” I snorted “Keaton will someone already earmarked if not more than one. He’s that good.”

I popped to my friend. Keaton had the files in piles already and was pouring over new ones. Knowing him as I did I knew that one pile was discarded, one was suspected, one would be confirmed for him.

Bernard boasted “Bringing him in was a good idea.” I knew that. William asked, “Is this organized chaos? What am I looking at?” I laughed, “You’re looking at people we have to kill, possibly people to kill, and people that are safe.” For now.

Keaton pointed, “That’s confirmed, middle is questionable leaning towards definitely knowing something, and last one is they knew nothing. Mostly Fire Fairies.” William said, “Uhh little Daniels, we said not Fairies.”

I laughed, “Yes, but Keaton does in depth dives on people. He’ll include anyone.” Keaton acknowledged, “I just couldn’t ignore them. Their names were right there for me to see. I only found two to question. Most are already dead, which is interesting.” Not really.

Keaton offered, “Some died quite brutally.” Julian snorted, “As they should have.” Keaton laughed, “Ok. Well, this has been fun.” I replied, “Good. You're not done. I see all those folders.” William added, “Plus he has notes of other files he wants. Julian, you’re up.”

Keaton blushed, “I don’t…” Julian conjured him more. Keaton laughed, “It really has been a fun day.” Julian snorted, “Oh ye of no Fairy blood.” I laughed, “Guys, just because we would be bored to tears doesn’t mean everyone else is.”

William agreed, “Yes, because he has no Fairy blood.” Julian pointed out, “He’s through and good though. Say little Daniels, wanna be our file bug at all times?” Keaton asked, “What?” I snorted, “They want you to be the person we come to and get information out of a file from that we need.”

Keaton bopped his head, “Sure. That would be fun.” Julian sighed, “We gotta get you a new girlfriend if this is your idea of fun.” Bernard chimed in, “Keaton’s motivations do say he’s happy to have spent the day away from her.” It hadn’t been a day in the human realm.

Keaton huffed, “Lisa’s fine.” William laughed, “My dude, we don’t settle for just fine.” I’d argue she wasn’t fine at all and cutting his confidence down. Keaton shined and his girlfriend clearly didn’t like that.

I grabbed the confirmed pile. Julian agreed, “Yes, let’s start here. Confirmed.” I said, “Agreed. We can get them to say it to our faces with Cass and get them.” I pulled Cassie and Alexander to us.

Alexander’s eyes instantly narrowed, “That’s a lot of files. Hi, Little Daniels.” Keaton laughed, “Big Conners.” Alexander snorted a laugh. I grabbed my siblings. William snorted, “I’ll meet you there with dad.” Right. He wanted to come.

I popped us to the Goblin realm. Cassie groaned, “Ugh! Why is it always Goblins?” Alexander replied, “Because no one will let me burn the realm down.” I snorted, “That cannot be how you want to do it.”