The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Here to Stay Pt. 2

         Everyone left except Elise and Dad. My mom frowned, “TJ needs me. I’ll be back in a little bit.” My dad looked at me, “How did Alexander know?” I smiled, “Melanie McAlister stole Tristan’s phone and texted him about it.” My dad laughed, “Did she really?” I nodded, “She said no one else would’ve believed her but she knew he would.” My dad snorted, “Of course he would. Get out to your party.” I frowned, “I need to be here when they bring her in.” My dad said, “She won’t get out of our dungeons….She’ll be lucky if your mother doesn’t have your uncle Aiden set her on fire.” I snorted. 

            I walked out to the party with Elise. I did a double take when I saw Landon shamelessly flirting with Melinda. She was blushing furiously but flirting right back. I knew that Landon told Cousin Emmaline he didn’t want to know who his mate was yet but….” I looked over at Cousin Emmaline who was smiling watching them. She caught my gaze. I raised an eyebrow. She just smiled and looked away. So Landon and Melinda were mates. That actually made sense. Landon liked spending time with her ever since they first met. I felt Alexander’s presence. They must have come back. Julianna popped to me. She smiled, “Hi EJ. Happy birthday….again….I mean I told you on your birthday and now at your party.” I laughed, “How goes the search for your mate?” She told her mom she wanted to find out on her own because just being told was no fun. Julianna smiled, “I know mom knows…Dad doesn't want to know so he doesn’t….I’m fairly certain it’s not a wolf.” Elise laughed. I smiled. If any of us were going to get a fairy for a mate….it would be Julianna….and they’d better treat her like a princess, or I’d kill them. Uncle Aiden had abolished the tradition of making mates bleed their first time together. Julianna’s mate better adhere to that. 

            My Uncle Aiden walked over, “Happy birthday EJ….where is...Never mind Hello Nephew. Happy belated birthday.” Alexander walked up beside me. He smiled, “Uncle Aiden.” He gave him a hug. Julianna popped into his arms. A pop sounded, “Your Majesty I….” He trailed off staring at Julianna. She gasped. Alexander looked at me, “No way.” Julianna popped to him shyly, “Hi.” She whispered. He smiled at her, “Hello.” I heard a growl. Lucas barreled across the room, “Get away from my daughter Fegle!” Fegle smirked, “I don’t think I will get away from my mate, Alpha Lyons. I’ve been waiting for her for quite some time.” My Uncle Aiden smiled, “FINALLY!” Lucas growled, “No!” Dylan squealed, “REALLY?! Here I was trying to have myself good. I should’ve known better. I’m in Saint God Alpha Prick’s territory. Of course this is where fun goes to die. Do you ANY IDEA how mopey he will be about this?” Julianna whispered, “Daddy….what’s wrong? He’s my mate.” 

            Lucas’s jaw ticked. Cousin Emmaline popped over, “Lucas...he’s a good guy.” My dad walked over, “Lucas...let’s step outside.” Lucas hissed at Fegle, “Don’t you dare leave with her.” Julianna was near tears as they walked out. Alexander said, “It’s ok Julianna.” Julianna frowned, “Why doesn’t my dad like you?” Fegle smiled, “First of all, I am Fegle. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Your dad and mom had a spat once upon a time. Aiden brought me to cheer her up. Your dad doesn’t like me because of it.” Julianna frowned, “You liked my mom?” Fegle laughed, “As a friend. That is all.” Julianna smiled, “My dad is possessive about my mom. He’ll come around. He can’t stay mad at me.” Fegle laughed, “I’ve heard other people say your name, but can you tell me?” She blushed, “Julianna Lyons.” Fegle kissed her hand, “A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.” Julianna smiled, “You’re handsome.” Fegle threw his head back and laughed. He turned to Aiden, “I am aggrieved you’ve never introduced us before Aiden.” Aiden snorted, “Oh, you’ve never been around when she comes to Faerie. I was absolutely not keeping you two apart. I finally got a partial fairy with a full-blooded fairy. I’m contemplating throwing a party.” Lucas came back in, and they walked off to talk. 

            Landon came over to us. He laughed, “That’s going to go over well.” I snorted, “What happened with him and your brother?” Landon snorted, “Emmaline and Lucas had this huge miscommunication issue happening. Lucas was pretty busy, and he didn’t get to see or talk to her. She was depressed. Fegle came to cheer her up. To my dad he was flirting. Mom says he was just nice.” Alexander laughed, “That oughta go well.” My mom popped back with her friend Tabitha Bond. She’d found her after she visited a ribbon strand. Dylan shrieked, “BETA JAMES BOND IS HERE! Buddy old pal! And you brought your kids…. Hello Mini James Bonds.” Tabitha laughed. Beta Bond frowned, “You know my name is still Jason.” Dylan sighed, “Yes, you can’t decide if you are an assassin who lost his memory or a secret 007 agent. Some days I lean towards an assassin with memory loss….but Bond. Your last is Bond.” 

        Tristan walked up to us. He nudged me, “Who is she?” He pointed at Tabitha and Beta Bond's oldest daughter. I answered, “Everly Bond.” He smirked, “Introduce us. She’s pretty.” I snorted. I walked over, “Hey Everly.” She smiled, “Oh...Hey Alexander. Happy late birthday.” I laughed, “I’m EJ.” She sighed, “Dang it! I always get you two mixed up.” I laughed, “It’s ok most people do.” She smiled, “When Elise marks you….you’ll just have to walk around shirtless. That way I’ll know who is who.” I laughed, “I’ll keep that in mind. This is my good friend Tristan McAlister. He will be our ally’s Red Run Beta one day.” Everly flushed, “Hi, I’m Everly. I guess EJ said that already.” Tristan smiled back at her, “Hi, I’m Tristan.” They walked off. Alexander snorted. I turned back, “How are you little brother?” Alexander shrugged, “I don’t really know the answer to that.” At least he didn’t say he needed space. I told him, “Peter had men on Charline.” He smirked, “I know. We saw them.” I nodded. The rest of the party passed by quickly. Lucas and Emmaline returned without Fegle and Julianna. I wasn’t about to ask where they went. 

            I saw Tristan and Everly laughing outside. I smiled, “Cousin Emmaline…” I pointed at the two of them outside. Both were almost eighteen. Emmaline laughed, “What about them?” I raised an eyebrow, “You know what about them.” Emmaline smiled, “if you’re asking about mates....” I said, “I won’t tell.” She smiled, “They are mates.” I smiled, “That will be fun. I know Tristan doesn’t want to know but….” Emmaline smiled, “Everly comes around often enough.” I nodded. My mom really liked Tabitha Bond. She popped her back here to hang out every so often. Everly hung out with her mom a lot. I saw Tristan take out his phone. They exchanged numbers. I laughed, “I guess we will see how everything gets resolved. How are you doing? About Julianna?” Emmaline smiled, “I’m fine. He’s a good man. I know he’ll take care of my baby. I’ve known her whole life who her mate was.” I laughed, “What about my little brother?” Emmaline smirked, “Which one?” I raised an eyebrow, “You know which one.” She smiled, “I can’t tell you.” I laughed, “But that tells me you know who it is.” I winked at her as she blushed. 

            Tristan and Jason were staying the night. Tristan because he was absolutely refusing to leave until Everly did. Once her family popped out he sighed. This was going to be a hard secret to keep, but my mom raised me to respect other people’s decisions and their paths. I walked outside with Tristan by my side. My dad, his and Peter were already waiting. Elise joined us. I kissed her, “And where have you been?” Elise smiled, “Around.” I laughed, “Evasive.” Elise smiled, “I’ve got to keep up with you and your fairy siblings.” Tristan snorted, “I heard you punched someone.” Elise smiled, “Maybe I did.” I gaped, “What now?” Elise kissed my cheek, “It’s all good. I have to defend what’s mine.” I growled and pulled her into me, “That’s hot, babe.” Tristan groaned, “Gross.” I laughed, “Jealous.” Tristan grumbled but didn’t say anything else. We joined the group as Alexander walked up. Peter said, “Let’s get this over with.” I didn’t need to ask if Elise was coming. I knew she was. The second the door opened to the dungeon I heard screaming. I immediately popped to the sound. Then laughed, “Hi mom.” My mom turned. She was covered in blood. She wasn’t usually one for torturing people. She had her exceptions though. Charline screamed, “GET THEM OFF ME!” My mom rolled her eyes. Alexander popped next to me. I raised an eyebrow, “There’s nothing on you Charline.” Charline screamed, “SNAKES! THERE ARE SNAKES ALL OVER ME!” 

            I laughed, “You didn’t go with spider’s mom?” My mom shrugged, “Chelsea said Charline hates snakes.” My dad laughed and kissed my mom, “I do so love you Angel.” She blew him a kiss then decked Charline in the face, “NO ONE hurts my kids. NO ONE takes advantage of them either. I will walk through the fires of hell itself before one of my kids is r***d. DO YOU HEAR ME?!” I winced. Alexander touched her shoulder, “I’m ok mom. I was with Uncle Bjourn and Marcus. Even Spencer came. I can’t be compelled like that. I would just call one of my other sides forward.” Uncle Aiden popped in. He smiled, “I assume this is her little sister.” My mom hissed, “This is her. The C named b***h, brother….C named she wolves….they have to f*****g go. Except Chelsea. She’s the exception. That’s a normal f*****g name though.” My dad laughed, “So is Christy.” My mom hissed, “Excfuckingcuse me?! Her name WAS Christnasty.” I laughed. That was so my mom. Uncle Aiden set Charline’s hair on fire. She was screaming until he called the fire back to him. He’d let it burn her scalp. My mom kissed his cheek, “Thank you brother.” My Uncle smiled, “I would not let some crazy she wolf hurt my nephew.” 

            Alexander asked, “How did you know?” My Uncle laughed, “My sister told me you had someone here that was going to hurt you. She wanted me to set her one fire. We compromised at burning her hair off.” Alexander smirked, “I felt the fairy's presence outside the witch shop, uncle. You knew.” Uncle Aiden laughed, “Suspected. They were going to stay back and listen to what she had to say to his wolves.” He pointed at Peter. He added, “If she said what I thought….we were going to take her. Alas, you found out yourself.” Alexander winked at him. Uncle Aiden laughed and popped to him. He kissed his cheek, “I love you boys. All of you.” He popped out. My dad sighed, “Angel….we’d like to talk to her.” My mom shrugged, “So talk.” My dad snorted “She can’t answer if she’s screaming about snakes.” My mom rolled her eyes and chanted. She went and sat down. My dad kissed her then turned to Alexander. My dad asked, “Do you have questions?” Alexander nodded, “When everyone else is done….I want some privacy with her.” My dad nodded, “Fair enough.” 

            He looked at me. I stepped up, “What was your plan Charline? Was it just to make Alexander have s*x with you? Then what?” Charline looked terrified. She was looking directly at my mom. My mom said, “Oh you can’t f*****g lie while I’m here so don’t even try crazy psychotic C named she wolf. Charlooney. That’s her new name, people.” I laughed. Charline cried, “If I got pregnant….I was going to make him take me as his chosen mate if he wanted to see the pup.” I laughed, “You think he couldn’t have seen his child? You thought you’d have lived past the child being born when we found out what you’d done?” Charline cried, “I don’t know how anyone found out. There were fairies, Hackura, and wolves there! Even Alpha Peter knew.” Peter snorted, “I didn’t know what you were doing, but you were going to be questioned. Did you actually think you could outsmart me?” Charline said, “Yes.” Peter rolled his eyes, “You had your whole life ahead of you and you just threw it away.” Charline looked at Alexander in a panic, “You can’t….you can’t let them kill me!” Alexander laughed, “I’m not going to let them kill you.” She sighed in relief. Alexander spoke in a deadly tone, “I’m going to kill you.” Charline cried, “You can’t!” Alexander smiled, “I think you’ll find I can. Quite easily. What did you think? I’d let you go so you could come up with another plan? I don’t want you. I want my mate. That’s it.” 

            Charline was sobbing. She appealed to Peter, “Alpha Peter please….I’ll be good.” My mom snorted, “Unfuckinglikely Charlooney.” Peter sighed, “We’ve been trying for four years to get you to see reason. This is out of my hands, and in their shoes….I’d do the same thing. You are clearly a danger to their family. You should’ve known better. Who else knew?” Charline quickly gave up her friends. Peter asked my dad, “What do you want to do?” My dad shrugged, “Talk to them yourself. They didn’t attack my son. You’re an Alpha that I trust Peter. I know whatever punishment you decide will be fair. If they come after my son though….They will die as well.” Peter nodded, “I’ll talk to them, and we can go from there.” My dad nodded. I asked, “Did you dare Melanie McAlister to cross the border?” Charline smirked, “Yes, she wouldn’t do it though. b***h crossed the border later though. She thinks she’s so smart, but she’s not.” Alexander growled, “I’d like my minute now dad.” My dad nodded. My mom kissed his cheek and popped us all outside. Alexander’s anger barreled into my mom and I so hard both our eyes blazed. Peter winced. Drake laughed, “What else could she say to piss him off so much?” My mom frowned, “I don’t know. f*****g b***h!” I locked eyes with my dad then Elise. Peter also didn’t say anything. He knew too. 

            My Uncle Bjourn stood silently in the back. He kissed my mom’s cheek, “Go on and put TJ and Angela down for the night. I’ll take care of Alexander’s anger.” My mom sighed, “Fine but Charlooney dies….tonight.” My Uncle nodded, “She will, little one.” My mom popped away. Drake hugged Tristan and Jason who’d joined us. He and Peter left. Peter looked back, “Have Elise popped home by one in the morning.” I nodded. Elise sighed, “Can’t I spend….” Her dad laughed, “Soon enough Elise...you’ll be moving here.” Elise nodded, “Ok dad.” I put my arm around her as they left. Jason and Tristan migrated inside. I waited for Alexander. My eyes were still blazing. He popped up to our group. Uncle Bjourn said, “We will be back tomorrow Eric.” My dad hugged Alexander then said, “It’s Sunday dinner. We’ll just join you both there.” I smiled. Alexander and I had questions for our Hackura family. We even had a plan to keep mom busy and away from the conversation. My smile faded when I looked at Alexander. I linked him, “Is she dead?” Alexander replied, “Yes.” I hugged him, “Go get your anger out.” Alexander popped my Uncle Bjourn away. I walked Elise upstairs. 

            I looked at the time, “Damn...I didn’t realize it was so late.” Elise sighed, “If Alexander used his power….he’d hear all the s**t Charline said to Ladybug.” I winced, “I hadn’t thought about that. No wonder he was so pissed.” Tristan came up, “You guys are cutting it close.” I sighed, “I’ll be back. Tell Jason that Alexander is in the Hackura realm. He’s with us tonight.” Tristan nodded. I grabbed Elise and popped her home. I held her in my arms on her porch. I leaned down and kissed her. I could smell Ray coming up on us, but I didn’t care. I heard a throat clear behind us. I pulled back from Elise. Ray smirked, “Little Luna….when I get the night off then I hear you punch people….it makes me think I shouldn’t take the night off.” I laughed, “You still need to tell me about that.” Elise tapped my nose, “Ain’t nothing but a thing boyfriend.” I rolled my eyes. Brutus sighed, “I hate that word. We are so much more than her boyfriend.” I smirked, ‘“It’s what humans say.” Brutus linked, “We are so far from being human...it’s crazy.” I laughed. I kissed her again, “Goodnight Elise.” She walked inside. 

            I smiled, “A few weeks Ray, and you’ll both be back with us.” He nodded. I said, “I’d still like for you to keep an eye on her once you get back.” Ray smiled, “Is that my assignment?” I nodded, “If you’d like it. It’s not as intense as here, but…” Ray nodded, “I’ve watched her grow up. She’s like my own daughter now. I don’t think I could stop.” I smiled, “Good. I’ll see you soon Ray.” He nodded, “You mean tomorrow. It’s Sunday dinner.” I laughed, “You’re coming then?” Ray said, “Yeah...I leave her alone for a night and she turns into Slugger.” I laughed, “True.” I popped into my house. I asked Tristan, “I could easily find out by linking a warrior...and they will be having words with me about not linking me…..What fight did Elise get into?” Tristan laughed, “Seems a girl from Alpha Theo’s pack was talking about you. Elise let her know you were hers. Seems there’s another girl obsessed with Alexander. Guess he got drunk at your party last year and made out with her.” I turned, “What? He can’t get drunk….well….not seriously drunk enough to forget things. He’s never said anything to me about making out with someone.” 

            Jason snorted, “I mean….he was lip r***d. He was drunk and she grabbed him by the collar. Before he could do anything she’d kissed him. Make out is….a strong word for their lips touched for a second before he pulled her off him and walked away. Beat the s**t out of a heavy bag in the gym. I didn’t see the problem. The girl’s a warrior's daughter and she’s hot. None of that made him feel better.” I frowned. The space for Alexander was getting so VERY small. Tristan asked, “Why didn’t you tell me Jase?” Jason said, “Uhhh I personally never wanted to mention it again. I don’t know if you know this about our friend Alexander but he’s…. intense. He was not on board with what happened. He doesn't want to talk about it. My momma raised me to respect that.” Tristan laughed. Jason added, “If I didn’t need to clarify...he did not in fact make out with anyone; I’d never have said anything.” I nodded, “You’re a good friend.” Jason smiled, “I know. I’m fabulous.” I laughed. He frowned, “My mate’s not from around here though.” I frowned, “Why do you say that?” Jason sighed, “I asked Emmaline if she knew. She said she’d never heard my mates name or met them.” I frowned, “You’ll find her man.” Jason sighed, “I know.” Tristan laughed, “You and me brother. We’ll find them.” Oh Tristan would find his soon enough. He turned eighteen in a few weeks. Everly would turn eighteen six months later.

            We spent the night playing video games. The next day flew by. Before I knew it, I was popping to the Kyle’s home and picking up Elise. She ran into my arms. Ray came up to us and put a hand on my shoulder. I popped us to Sunday dinner. Alexander nodded to me. I looked around. Still no Cass. Angela said she was ok though. I did a double take when I saw Max. I frowned, “I thought you had something with Uncle Aiden today.” Max shrugged, “I did. I just got here. Angela wouldn’t stop bugging mom about me coming today.” I shrugged. Max did too. He added, “Who am I to upset my little sister?” I laughed, “We would never do that.” He looked around and frowned, “Cass still isn’t back?” I sighed, “Doesn’t look like it.” 

            Angela squealed, “MAXY! You came.” I laughed. Only she got away with calling Max that. Max bent down, “Of course I did. You wanted me here.” She clapped, “YAY!” I noticed everyone in the room that we needed to ask our questions about. I said, “Hey mom.” I popped over and kissed her. She smiled, “Hey EJ.” I smiled, “Don’t you think it’s been awhile since there’s been a party here?” My mom tilted her head thinking, “Actually, yes.” I kissed her cheek again, “I thought you could plan something to celebrate Aunt Astrid and Uncle Bjourn’s reign so far. There’s a planning committee for it right now on the ceremony fields.” My mom gasped, “They would plan a f*****g party without me? Bjourn!” My Uncle raised his hands, “I had nothing to do with this.” I laughed, “He didn’t know. You’d be back in time for dinner.” She kissed me, “Bless you son. I’m the f*****g party planner around here. Astrid gave me the damn title and everything.” She popped away. My dad said, “Son...why did you just get rid of your mother?” Everyone looked at me surprised. I sat down at the table and gestured for them to do the same. 

            Everyone sat. I told them, “Alexander and I have been looking into fairy things. There’s not a single person here who wants mom to hear what Alexander and I have to say.” My dad frowned, “What are you talking about?” Alexander said, “We have been looking into tying life forces.” My dad stood, “Why? Do NOT do that!” Alexander sat back, “We weren’t looking to do it ourselves.” I added, “I asked Uncle Aiden how Alania died.” Everyone went silent. Alexander said, “He was evasive. We looked into it. See…..there’s no way she died that quickly. She should’ve lived for some time. I think…..We think someone in this room killed her. Uncle Aiden can’t lie so I think….” He paused. I picked up our theory, “Alexander thinks Aunt Megan got involved so Aiden didn’t have to lie. We think he saw a body disintegrate to dust. It looked like Alania, but it wasn't her. Was it?” Alexander said, “We aren’t mad. I was mad thinking Alania did all her deeds and got away with an easy death. I just want to know the person behind the people I love most pain and suffering paid for it all. Immensely. Tell me one of you tortured her for seven years or longer then killed her. She almost took Preston, William, and Julian from us with her stupid tricks.” 

                My dad’s jaw ticked. He didn’t look around and he didn’t say anything. I added, “I think it was you.” I pointed at my Grandma Veronica. Finally Grandpa Titus spoke, “Your grandma took her from Faerie. Megan was pregnant with Lila. She could get in and out of Faerie because of that. We all took turns torturing her. I was on the phone with your mother when….I heard her screams and felt her pain when she took that toy. I heard your cries Alexander and EJ. I heard Cassie’s screams. Alania was always your grandma Veronica's, but I couldn’t….that day it had to stop. I killed Alania for what she’d done to my princess and my grandbabies. To my sons. To my love. To our family. When she almost killed Julian, William, and Preston….I lost it.” Grandma Veronica added, “I was going to torture her for seven years. Ended up only being a few. Your grandpa did what he had to do.” Alexander said, “That’s why no more gifts come from Alania. She stopped them before she died except the ones about Angela.” My grandpa hit the table, “Apparently. That f*****g cunt and her loopholes! I knew better. I specified too much. I focused on your mother not thinking….” Bjourn said, “It’s not your fault dad.”