The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Odd Behavior Pt. 2

            I saw Alexander first. I asked, “Hey, how’s everything going?” Alexander sighed, “Aunt Astrid put off her coronation as queen.” I frowned, “They’d gotten married when I turned ten. They were going to wait until Uncle Bjourn was King, but Uncle Bjourn thought Astrid had been hurt on a mission. The second she got back he told her to plan their wedding. It was happening. She laughed. He mistook her being upset over one of her people getting hurt as her own pain. He did not handle it well. I asked, “Why did she do that?” Alexander said, “Cayden is on mission. He’s gone dark. He was supposed to be back but….He and Micah are still MIA. Astrid doesn’t want to be crowned without her nephew. It’s next month now. Gunner is worried about Micah.” I winced. Micah was Gunner’s son with a lesbian Hackura couple. He was just as techy as his dad. Even at his age. He was younger than I was. I asked, “So Cass is upset?” Cassie was going to Faerie for a whole month. We were going to pop to see her, but she wanted to stay in Faerie. My dad agreed because she was staying with Uncle Aiden and Aunt Lucinda in their summer home. Mom….would shut down about it but she genuinely wanted Cassie to have a good time. Uncle Aiden agreed to let six Hackura guards go with Cassie. Uncle Aiden was also assigning fairy warriors to her. I sighed, “She could just come for it...just one pop.” Alexander shrugged, “You know Cass. Once she has a plan….she sticks to it.” 

            I sighed, “I do.” Alexander smiled, “Elise...I feel this is the longest I haven't seen you since….well...forever. You look beautiful. My brother is a lucky man.” Elise smiled, “Thank you Alexander.” I looked at my phone. We had time before the ceremony began. I popped her to a hill that overlooked a lot of the kingdom. I’d never brought her here before. Elise gasped, “It’s beautiful EJ.” I looked at her, “Yes, you are.” She smiled, “Why did we come up here?” I was suddenly nervous. I said, “Well….uh...there’s….I’ve wanted….to….” Elise took my hands, “You don’t have to be nervous. It’s me.” I blew out a breath. I put my hands on her hips and looked into her eyes. We’d never kissed before. He breath caught. Excitement danced in her eyes. I leaned most of the way in but stopped right before her lips. This was her choice. If she leaned in we’d have our first kiss. I wouldn’t rush her though. She didn’t even hesitate to close the gap between us. He lips were amazing. The way they felt on mine. Brutus linked me, “Open your mouth! Move your lips.” I linked back, “Shut up! It’s my first kiss! I’m new at this.” Brutus said, “You’re my first human, but you googled how to do this.” He was right I had. 

            I began to move my lips against hers. It was a little awkward at first, but we fumbled through it. I pulled back smiling. She was flushed. I couldn’t stop myself from going back in for another kiss. I was already addicted to her lips. This kiss wasn’t as awkward. It was only going to get better. Alexander linked me, “Umm….you’re going to be late.” I pulled back, “We have to get going.” She smiled, “Ok….that was amazing.” I kissed her forehead, “I love you, Elise Kyle.” I popped us back to Alexander. He raised an eyebrow at me. He linked me, “Finally went in for the first kiss I see. I feel so proud.” I linked back, “Shut it.” Cassie joined us. She smiled and bumped my hip, but she didn’t say anything. My dad shot me a smirk. Jesus….was the whole family going to be embarrassing about this? My grandpa Titus stood on the stage. We all took our seats. He spoke, “Hodie non transiet per togam Eliae a patre et filio. Custodes tui erit princeps et rex. (Today, we pass the mantle from father to son. Your crowned prince becomes a king.)” Alexander linked me, “Good thing we’ve been teaching Elise Latin and Fealish. She’d be so lost.” I rolled my eyes. Alexander continued, “Not that she’s paying attention. She’s blushing and reliving your first kiss.” I sighed, “You’re one to talk. You haven’t kissed….anyone.” Alexander just shrugged. 

            Grandpa Titus said, “Ego enim iam parat filium meum quia hodie natus est. Regina c*m suis ducet populum. (I have been preparing my son for this day since he was born. He will lead our people with his Queen by his side.)” Aunt Astrid was still on stage with my Uncle Bjourn. My Uncle knelt at my Grandpa’s feet. My grandpa spoke, “Ego autem in capite ejus coronam onto nunc. Gloriam nostram. Nam nostris. Rex enim noster (I pass the crown onto his head now. For our honor. For our people. For our King).” He lifted the crown off his head and placed it on Uncle Bjourn’s head. Uncle Bjourn stood. My grandpa went to his knees. My uncle instantly picked him back up and hugged him. Uncle Bjourn turned, “Non est magnum, ut honorem tuum, rex facti sunt. Ego permanere in via ne pater est. Astrid coronation Moram autem eius Regina mea est. Regina tuum. .... nunc celebramus (It is my great honor to become your king. I will continue to lead in the way my father has. Astrid delayed her coronation, but she is my Queen. Your Queen. Now....WE CELEBRATE!)” A mighty roar of cheering came from the crowd. Our family joined right in. Elise whispered, “That was a fast ceremony.” I laughed, “There’s a parade...and there’s an all day party.” People started making out. I wasn’t fazed. I’d be around this, but Elise wasn’t comfortable. I couldn’t have that. We’d come back for the parade. I grabbed her hand and popped us to the stables.

            Elise whispered, “You didn’t have to do that. I know this is normal to you.” I kissed her, “And one day if you are comfortable. We can stay, but you aren’t. I won’t have you be uncomfortable. We’ll join them again for the parade.” I snapped my mom and dad’s horses with saddles. I let her ride Pirate. I took my dad’s horse Treasure. I helped her onto Pirate and snapped her into jeans and t-shirt. She smiled, “Thank you EJ.” I smiled and popped onto Treasure. I led Treasure outside. I took her down the path to the beach. Once we got there I dismounted and helped her down. I looked at both horses letting my earth side come forward. I let them know to stay here. I took Elise down the bank and skipped some rocks. I asked, “What color is your dress for the dance? I’ll need to get a matching tie.” She smiled, It’s pale yellow.” I nodded, “I’ll match accordingly. I might just wait on the tie until I see your dress.” She laughed, “You’re too perfect EJ Conners.” I smiled, “Only for you.” She looked down, “Lots of girls here have their eyes on you.” I snorted, “Alexander. They have their eyes on Alexander.” She shook her head, “Nope...several of them want you.” 

            I tilted her chin to look at me. I said, “You are it to me. You are the air I breathe. Your face is what I see when I close my eyes. Your voice is my favorite sound. I don’t see anyone except you. You’re my girl. They are background noise. They can’t hold a single candle the stunning beauty of my girl inside and out.” I kissed her softly. Then pulled back, “It’s just you and me Elise. Those girls….I don’t see them.” She blushed, “I don’t know how you don’t. I can’t even blame them you’re so….” She trailed off. I laughed, “So what?” She whispered, “Sexy.” I lowered my voice, “You think I’m sexy?” She pushed my chest lightly, “You know you’re sexy.” I kissed her again. I really was addicted. I pulled back, “Do you have any idea….how hard it is for me around you? You’re just…..so perfect. You’re beautiful and dress GOD your boobs are mocking me.” She laughed, “No they aren’t.” I smiled, “Believe me they are. Come one. We’ve got to get back. I popped us back to the horses and we rode back to the barn. I snapped Treasure and Pirate oats. I conjured a sugar cube and gave it Elise to Pirate. My mom spoiled him. Pirate adored it. 

            I popped us to Alexander and Cassie. They were walking around with ice cream. Alexander handed Elise her favorite. Mint chocolate. I said, “Where’s mine?” Alexander shrugged, “I just got Elise ice cream.” Cassie sighed, “I got yours EJ.” I kissed her on the head and took my chocolate ice cream, “Thank you little sister.” She smiled, “Only by a few minutes.” I laughed, “I keep telling you both I’m the oldest therefore….that makes you my little sister and little brother.” We found our way through the crowd as the first float went by. My mom really did go all out. There were LOTS of giant balloons with Aunt Astrid and Bjourn’s faces on them. Everyone was loving it though. I could feel my mom’s happiness. I spotted her with my dad in the crowd. My current youngest set of siblings, until mom sneezed out number nineteen and twenty, popped to us. Grant, Bryce, and Bradley smiled at me, Cassie, and Alexander. They were three years old. Bryce said, “Up please!” I laughed and put him on my shoulder. Cassie picked up Grant and Alexander picked up Bryce. Elise smiled at me. We spent the rest of the parade like that. I spotted all my other siblings. All had ice cream. They were with some of our cousins. 

            I didn’t want the day to end. My dad walked over, “I’m sorry son, but it’s time for Elise to go back to her family.” I frowned. He touched my shoulder, “It’s just one more day then you’ll see her for the dance.” He winked at me. Cassie squealed, “I’m so excited.” She was going to go with Jason. Alexander had already told him not to hurt our little sister. They weren’t mates, but they did like each other. Elise smiled. I didn’t know if she would be smiling when she found out Melanie was upset about it. I could feel Alexander’s excitement. I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t think he liked Charline as more than a friend. I popped Elise back to her family. They were already waiting. Peter came over and hugged her, “Did you have fun sweetie?” She blushed, “It was a lot of fun dad!” He smiled, “Good.” Ray said, “That realm just does things differently. The little Alpha took her on a horse ride. It was cute.” I blushed. Elise rolled her eyes, “Don’t tease him!” Ray said, “I’m not. He considered your feelings. It was cute.” I hugged Elise and whispered, “I’ll see you soon.” She smiled, “Yes, you will.” 

            I popped back to my house knowing my family would’ve come home already. Cousin Emmaline was with my siblings when I got back. Wesley looked confused. Preston was pouting. I smiled, “What’s going on?” Cassie gave me a look. I linked her, “What?” Cousin Emmaline smiled “Ohh you’re little siblings just want to know who Alexander’s mate is, but he doesn’t.” I stared at my brother in surprise. I knew he wanted his mate. Alexander said, “I want my mate. I just don’t want cousin Emmaline to tell me. I want to see how the universe brings us together. Like Lexi and Chase.” Oh. That made more sense. Preston stood and crossed his hands, “But you’re sad! Cousin Emmaline could tell you and then you’d be happy.” I raised an eyebrow, “Cousin Emmaline has met Alexander’s mate?” Emmaline shook her head, “No, I haven’t.” Preston deflated. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask if she knew his mate anyway. She didn’t need to meet someone’s mate to know. She could see a picture. Sometimes she could even hear the names. The only thing that stopped me was the look on Alexander’s face. Preston grumbled, “You should have her keep an eye out, Alexander.” Alexander kissed the top of his head, “I want to see how we are brought together.” Preston sighed, “Fine. I still think you should let cousin Emmaline tell you.”

            Alexander left. I waited. Cousin Emmaline popped to mom. I wanted to curse. I was going to ask her if she knew I just wanted to wait for the rest of my siblings to leave. She probably wouldn’t tell me, but I might be able to tell. Slowly my siblings left until it was just me and Preston. I asked him, “What’s up Preston?” He shrugged but said nothing. I sat down, “Come on P. It’s just you and me.” Preston said, “I just have this feeling his mate needs to be protected. Alexander said she’s probably fine.” I frowned. I asked, “Why do you think that?” Preston sighed, “I don’t know. It’s just….I have a feeling she needs us. Like people are being mean to her.” Thoughts swirled around me. Was Melanie’s crush more than a crush? Could she really be my brother’s mate? They both shared an affinity for fighting. If she was Alexander’s mate….Preston was getting the sense that she was being bullied. I intended to handle that. I told him, “Tell you what...I’ll keep a lookout.” Preston got up mumbling, “Don’t know how you could do anything. You’re not the soul searcher. We don’t know who she is.” I laughed, “No I’m not. I’m still your big brother. I’ll protect all of you with everything in me. That includes Alexander’s heart.” Preston walked away, “He’s so sensitive.” I couldn’t help but laugh. 

            My aunt Molly came in. She looked around, “I swear you were all in here like ten minutes ago.” I smiled, “I can link them all. What’s going on?” Molly said, “Your moms in labor.” I smiled, “Dad could’ve linked us.” Aunt Molly snorted, “Your dad is being next level about the security of the pack with your new little sister’s arrival impending.” She might think that wasn’t necessary, but we’d been preparing for my little’s arrival since before I couldn’t remember. I linked my siblings, “Mom’s in labor. Pop to the hospital.” I grabbed my Aunt Molly and popped  us there. My grandpa Nathan was pacing along with my Uncles. Cassie popped in, “Whoa….we need WAY too much calm in here.” I linked her, “It’s about our sister.” Cassie linked, “I’m aware.” Alexander popped in. I did a double take, “Is that my shirt?” He blushed and looked down. It was. Mrs. Blanch must have switched it that day she took my laundry. I sighed, “Stealing my clothes little brother? Wash it and get it back to me.” His emotions went too fast through me for me to decipher. I could see it on his face though. He didn’t want to give me the shirt back. 

            I linked him, “Hey...forget about it. You can keep it.” He linked back, “Really?” I frowned, “Of course. It’s just a shirt.” I could conjure myself another one. He hugged me. I inhaled. This shirt missed the laundry. Why the hell was he wearing my dirty shirt? What on earth was going on with him? I shook that off when my Uncle Jackson announced, “We can go in.” We all popped in. My dad was holding a pink blanket. I quickly walked to my mom and kissed her cheek. I asked, “Who’s this?” My mom smiled, “This is TJ.” I smiled, “What’s it stand for?” My mom looked at my Grandpa Titus who had just entered the room. She smiled, “Titus Junior.” My grandpa teared up and came over to my mom. I walked over to where most of my siblings had gathered. Alexander was already holding our little sister. I asked, “What’s her name?” My dad smiled, “This is Angela.” I took her from Alexander next. Cassie sighed, “Ok...I get her next. I’ve been waiting for a little sister for fourteen years, people.” I smiled, “You love all our little brothers.” Cassie smiled at them, “I do love you all, but now I have someone who will know the pain of overprotective brothers.” 

            I snorted, “We aren’t that bad.” Cassie raised an eyebrow, “ALL of you have told Jason he’d better behave himself. Even our youngest little brothers. He’s a family friend, and you’ve all acted like he committed a crime asking me to a dance.” Bradley growled. I laughed, “Did they really? Jason is a brave man.” Cassie sighed, “And you ALL know him. He’s here all the time. He’s Alexander’s best friend.” Alexander said, “One of them anyway.” I turned. He had a definite tone when he’d said that. I linked Cassie, “What was that?” Cassie frowned, “I don’t know. He’s been off since….” I sighed, “The promise.” Cassie nodded. We spent as much time with our siblings as we could before mom asked us to get the youngest set of triplets to bed. They all groaned. We decided to walk. My eyes were drawn to the amount of warriors in the hospital and around it. My mom’s entire guard was visible. Serion and Blade looked entirely too serious. Blade was always serious, but Serion was more playful. I linked my dad, “Is there already a threat against Angela?” My dad sighed, “Put your siblings down for bed, and bring Cassie and Alexander to my office.” I didn’t like the sound of that. I linked Cassie and Alexander, “After we put them down….we are going to dad’s office.” Cassie linked back, “Dad’s going to leave mom’s side?” I said, “I guess.” That wasn’t good. 

            We put our little siblings down at a rapid pace. We popped into my dad’s office. He wasn’t there. I linked him, “We are in your office.” My dad said, “I’m just waiting on your Uncle Harold. Grandpa Nathan just walked in.” I did not like this. Alexander said, “EJ…” I said, “Dad’s waiting for Uncle Harold to come to mom’s room. Grandpa Nathan is already there.” Alexander stood to pace. My dad came in a few minutes later. He sat down, “You guys know….that Angela is going to have the strongest sight Faerie has ever seen….” He trailed off. He sighed, “Pop us all to the hospital.” Alexander stood, “Why is mom ok?” Dad snorted, “She knows we are talking. She wants to be a part of the conversation.” I grabbed his hand and nodded to my siblings. We popped to the hospital. My dad kissed my mom, “I wanted you to get some sleep.” My mom smiled, “I’m up now. Angela was hungry. She didn’t want a bottle.” I smiled at my mom feeding my little sister. Alexander felt fiercely protective of them both. He asked, “What’s going on? Who’s threatening Angela?” My mom put an arm on my dad. They clearly linked then my mom said, “I know you all know some things about my childhood. In a few years...I’ll answer all your questions. For now, there are few things to talk about with Alania.”

            We all hated Alania. I knew enough about my mom to know that she’d never call Alania by her first name if she loved her. Alania was mom’s birth mom. She never told us stories or ever once called her our grandma Alania. She still called Grandma Cassandra our grandma, but never Alania. My dad was angry. I could feel it. My mom sighed, “Alania also had sight.” I nodded, “I know.” My mom said, “A letter arrived today for me...right before I went into labor.” I hissed, “Another gift?” My dad snorted, “They aren’t gifts. They are abusive tendencies from your mother’s fairy family.” My mom sighed, “Alania was….vain. She saw how powerful your sister was through her sight. She told me Angela would never be safe.” Alexander, Cassie, and I all growled. My dad said, “You guys know I won’t let that happen. Neither will your grandpa Titus or Grandpa Nathan….or any of your Uncles.” Alexander said, “Sight can be wrong. She sees paths. Alania…” He spat out her name, “Didn’t live long enough to know which paths would truly be Angela’s.” My mom said, “No, she didn’t. There are many options. She could see danger for Angela in all paths and use that information to torment me. That doesn’t mean anything is going to happen to Angela. Our family is strong, and we will stand together.” 

             I looked over to the charred wall. I knew my Uncle had been here. I asked, “What did Uncle Aiden say?” My mom sighed, “He’s upset. We are all going to protect Angela. Your Uncle Bjourn is assigning six guards to Angela.” Cassie gasped, “Like you have?” My mom rolled her eyes, “I used to just have four, but yes like I do.” Cassie smiled, “I have four. Which seems odd. All my brothers have three.” My mom laughed, “Does it really seem odd when you think about the men of our family? I’m the reason you don’t have six too.” Cassie groaned, “Oh come on!” My dad kissed her on the top of the head, “You’re my princess. You will be protected.” Alexander and I exchanged looks. He didn’t like this anymore than I did. We went back up to our house. I didn’t sleep well. Eventually I called Elise. I just needed to hear her voice.

                She picked up, “EJ?” She whispered. I sighed, “I woke you up...I’m sorry...I just…” She immediately said, “What’s wrong?” I sighed, “My siblings were born. TJ and Angela.” Elise said, “That’s great! But...you’re upset.” I sighed, “Alania is torturing my family from the grave. She told my mom Angela would never be safe.” Elise was stunned, “What? No. We will protect Angela. No one will hurt her! Who could beat us EJ?” I didn’t have an answer for her. I whispered, “What if I fail my little sister?” Elise spoke softly, “Hey….you’re not going to fail Angela. WE will not fail Angela.” I smiled, “We huh?” Elise snorted, “She’s my sister too. No one is taking my little sister.” I couldn't stop my smile. Elise was fiercely protective of my siblings just like I was. I told her, “I just needed to hear your voice.” Elise laughed quietly, “Don’t hang up. We’ll just leave the phones on. It will be like I’m there with you.” It wouldn’t be. My arms would itch to hold her, but I didn’t want to hang up either. We fell asleep like that.

            I spent the next day going over reports. A fighting ring for supernatural’s had come up. Alexander and I both had bad feelings about it. Dad and all my Uncles were investigating it. They couldn’t find anything. My dad was worried. He said there was something suspicious about the underground. Alexander and I felt it too. After time started to crawl by we finally made it to the day of the dance. My mom snapped all our pictures. She smiled, “Chelsea promised to send me all pictures of you with your dates.” She bit her lip, “Maybe I should just f*****g come with you.” Alexander said, “Mom, it’s ok. You’re a little scared to leave Angela and TJ right now. It’s a dance. Our guards are going. Stay here. Take care of you.” My mom sighed, “I’m the parent here, you know? When did you guys get so smart?” She kissed both of our heads, “You take care of each other, Elise and your sister. Promise me?” We both smiled. I smiled, “Easiest promise ever mom. I promise.” Alexander smiled, “Me too.” My dad walked in. My mom said, “I’m going to go get Cassie. She is ready.” My mom popped away and popped back with Cassie.