Chapter 7 That’s Three #9
Charles said, “I’ve told you before my dear, you are extraordinary.
You can’t expect a normal existence out of that.
” Xander stiffened. Kingsley bit her lip urging, “Why don’t we get out of here?
Let’s get back to the Conners house. Mel and I will shower, and calmer heads will prevail.
” I muttered, “I need coffee.” Mason, Hendrick, Sierra, and Val yelled, “NO!” I rolled my eyes at them.
Tristan linked me, “I’ll get you a small shot of coffee once you come down from the shower.” I smiled at him, and he winked at me. Hastein walked over to us. I grabbed onto Kingsley and Xander popped us to our room.
My husband told me, “I’ll be right back. I’ll pop them to H’s room here.” I wondered if I said I knew exactly where it was… if anyone would freak out. Freya snorted, “I think everyone is having enough of a night.” Fair. They popped out.
Freya linked, “Let’s go for a bath, I’m a little tired out. Taking your pain was intense.” I felt guilty for that. Freya sighed, “Don’t you dare feel bad. I didn’t give you a choice. I’m not weak, just a little tired. I’d rather soak than stand. So would you.” My wolf was right.
I poured some bubble bath in and turned the water on. A cranberry vodka appeared next to the bathtub. Haley linked me, “I know you want coffee, but I think you need a damn drink too.” I replied, “Thank you, Haley.” My mother in law answered, “Of course.”
I got into the tub as it filled, closed my eyes, and took a sip of my drink. Xander popped to me and splashed the water everywhere. I laughed, opening my eyes. Xander was blushing. My mate said, “I thought you were in the shower.”
My husband sat down behind me, and I settled into him. I explained, “Freya and I made the executive decision that a bath would be nice.” Xander held onto me tightly. I told him, “I’m sorry. I don’t have any practice with our bond to control my pain from you.”
“Then I was trying not to die… so I couldn’t really focus on it. T linked me… and I was trying to explain but I was mentally doing math… and things were about to get hot… literally… not like… you know what I mean… because fire is hot.”
Xander said, “I don’t care about that. I tried to get to you and couldn’t. It was terrifying. I don’t understand why I couldn’t.” I said, “We must have crossed into an area that they’d warded you all out of just in case. They got lucky… but that’s mostly because I am INCREDIBLY unlucky.”
Xander replied, “I got a hold of your pain, and I don’t want you to control that.” I asked, “Would you control yours from me?” Xander answered, “With the amount of pain you were in, could I? No. No one could. You’d probably be an exception to that honestly. You are to everything else.”
I told him, “I don’t want you in pain because of me.
” Xander reasoned, “I feel the same way. I’m sorry I was an ass about your friend.
” He was still growling when he was saying friend.
“I still don't know if I like him because he wants you. Charles will be here tomorrow though, but not tonight. He went with Arthur somewhere.”
I snorted, “Is that how we are going about people who want to have sex with the other? Because while I disagree Charles is in that group for me… that is a dangerous precedent to set… Since there are a lot of women who want you.”
“You know that, right? Even in this pack. I’ve seen the way they look at me and you. They respect that I’m your mate…they don’t like me though, and they look at you with sadness and longing… because they want what’s mine… and I’m not nice about people trying to take you from me.”
Xander said, “I don’t think….” I cut him off, “I do. I’ve only ever wanted you, and I never thought I’d get it. I’m more than willing to nuclear on everyone… if that’s the precedent. Charles is a mentor who helped me. He brought a little normalcy into my life, but he was never more than that.”
Xander argued, “He would’ve been much more if you were open to it.” I asked, “What do you mean?” Xander said, “Mel, Charles has mentored few people in his VERY long life. Do you know where all those people are now?” I really didn’t.
I admitted, “I didn’t ask for a list of who he’d helped before.” Xander said, “Charles has turned every single one of those people he’s taken under his wing. He’d have turned you too and probably still would.” I said, “I don’t know if he could. That’s probably a Dylan question.”
Freya answered, “No, it wouldn’t work. Charles could drain you and kill you, over and over, but the magic of his blood would keep you alive instead of killing you.
If he’d drained you and didn’t replace your blood with his; then we would just die and become the goddess we were meant to. ” That would be a trip.
I told Xander, “I can’t be turned. The magic of a Vampire’s blood would just make sure I didn’t die instead of turning.” Xander sighed, “I bet that will make you more interesting to him.” I shrugged, “Charles never brought it up.”
Xander snorted, “He likely would’ve, considering he was keeping tabs on you. If he thought you were coming to me, he’d have been around to turn you if my rejection had killed you.” I admitted, “It’s flattering he’d want me as a child.” Xander groaned.
I insisted, “It is. Charles is especially covetous of his blood. I can’t say it was anything I’d envisioned. We’d never talked about it, so I didn’t really give it thought. It can’t happen so there’s really no point dwelling on it.” Xander sighed, “I suppose there isn’t.”
I finished my drink, and we got out of the tub. I honestly felt much more relaxed. Xander playfully smacked my butt. My mate growled in my ear, “When we get back to this room, I will claim you.” Wow. That tone.
I shivered, “Ummm ok. I have literally no problem with that… it’s fun…
but why?” Xander actually laughed before he kissed me hard.
My husband pulled back and said, “I love that you don’t know.
I was going to claim you after Charles showed up.
Then you got hurt. Plus, watching you fight is really hot. ”
I frowned, “I didn’t fight though. I ran someone over and shot people.
” Xander growled, “Hurt. Which I did not care for. It’s still hot.
” I shrugged, “Whatever you say.” I was all for him claiming me once I had the shot of coffee my brother promised me.
Freya purred, “I do feel better already.” Of course she did.
I grabbed Xander’s hoodie, and some leggings and we went downstairs. Most everyone was gathered in the living room, but it wasn’t a formal gathering. I walked into the kitchen with Xander literally a step behind me.
Tristan smiled when I walked in then handed me a tiny shot of coffee. It was better than nothing. I quickly took it. I said, “Thanks, T.” Tristan laughed, “What are big brothers for?” I smiled at him, and we hugged.
Xander pulled me back into him. Tristan said, “You scared the crap of us tonight, Ladybug.” I snorted, “I was just trying to shop.” My big brother kissed the top of my head saying, “I know.” We all walked back out to join the rest of the group.
Haley snapped Xander and I food. Kingsley smiled at me from between Hastein’s legs on the couch. His arm was firmly around her as she sat between them. I asked, “So… next time we go shopping… how many guards are we taking?” Bjourn snorted.
Xander said, “My guard will be with you next time with Chason, KJ, and Fowler.” Hastein said, “My guard will be with Kingsley, as will hers.” Kingsley sighed, “I was fine. It was a little bump to the head. I was more worried about Mel.”
I pursed my lips, “Annoyingly, that is true. Kingsley’s damn near indestructible.
” I heard popcorn crunching. I smiled greeting, “Hi, Dylan.” Dylan said, “Hello, MelAshley. I’m glad you’re ok.
I am DISTRAUGHT I wasn’t popped into the action.
Christmas is always so calm. You give into that feeling and it bites you in the tuchus. ” I bit my lip.
Dylan said, “Though you are firming up my theory on what she is.” He pointed at Kingsley. This was going to be good. I asked, “What is that?” Dylan answered, “She’s a Pegasus.” I smiled because I actually knew a group of Pegasus’s. They were really cool, Kingsley just wasn’t one.
Xander linked me, “Is he right?” I answered, “Do you think he’s right?” Xander snorted, “I don’t think Pegasus’s exist.” I told him, “Oh, they do. They are really freaking cool. There are both real Pegasus’s and Were ones.” Xander gaped at me.
Dylan demanded, “No silent conversations! I must be part of the action.” I laughed.
Kingsley said, “Life is more fun with mystery in it, Dylan Frost.” Dylan smiled, “I do like you. I still think you’re a Pegasus.
The other option is a werepanther, big footed ostrich.
” I spit out my water and started to choke which had Xander clapping me on the back.
Kingsley was in near hysterics, and I couldn’t blame her. My friend gathered herself and said, “That is easily the best guess anyone has ever given.” Dylan winked at her, “Stick around. That’s what I do.” People filtered in and out of the room.
My dad came over and pulled me into a hug.
He choked out a sob. I told him, “I’m fine, dad.
” He squeezed me tightly then released me to my mom, who hugged me tightly as well.
Mom whispered, “I felt that same panic when I woke up in that human hospital and they wouldn’t tell me if you were ok. That is not a feeling I enjoy.”
I admitted, “I can’t imagine you do… that was a horrible feeling… they didn’t answer me about you either.” Xander growled, “Fuck them.” I snorted, “Dad sued them.” Phil said, “And we killed them.” Everyone turned to him.
Drake asked, “It was you?” Xander replied, “It was me, Gage, and Phil.” Gage chimed in, “We had to protect our Luna, and they were assholes. We only killed the Supernatural’s and humans who knew about Supernatural’s.
We clearly should’ve questioned them.” Xander inclined his head in agreement, but my happiness that he’d defended me filled the bond.
Haley snapped me another alcoholic drink.
It was definitely taking my edge off the day.
It eventually became a much smaller group.
Kingsley whispered, “I was terrified when I came to. I felt the jolt from my watch, but they told me you were dead. I think my heart stopped until I heard the beeps come through.”
I reached over and squeezed her hand. I told her, “It wasn’t even close. I was out of the car the second they shimmered away. I would’ve gotten out before, but I REALLY didn’t want to fight them at the time.” Hastein offered, “I can replace the car.”
I shrugged, “It’s not a big deal, it was just a car.
We tend to go through a lot of them.” Kingsley sighed, “I liked that car.” I linked Xander, “Kingsley’s favorite car is a Ferrari.
She’d do a backflip for a purple one. It’s custom but, ya know…
your cousin is insanely wealthy.” Xander snorted, “I’ll tell H. ”
I told Kingsley, “The car isn’t a big deal, we have more.” Micah said, “I need lessons on how to track the watches.” I replied, “I have instructions written down, and I can send them to you.” Sierra muttered, “He might actually understand them too.”
I grumbled, “They are easy to follow.” Sierra rolled her eyes, but they were. There was also the easiest way which was asking ILYX where I was… but only certain people could get that answer… Xander or Kingsley.
Angelique laughed, “For you and Charles the instructions are easy to follow. The rest of us, not so much. It’s practically hieroglyphics.” That seemed dramatic. Micah interjected, “I’m sure I can follow it.” I agreed, “You can. They aren’t that difficult.” Several of my friends laughed.
I linked Xander, “They really aren’t that difficult.” He kissed the side of my head. Everyone left except my family. My dad grabbed me into a big hug again. Dad eventually said, “I’m with you, Ladybug, I don’t want you in any more car accidents.”
“My heart stopped when I got the call from the hospital when you and your mom were hit. This was unsettling as well. We didn’t know where you were, and we couldn't get to you. We knew you were in a lot of pain, and I did not care for it.”
“I do not like your answers for Alexander not coming to heal you either. That’s the priority. We are a big group that can go protect your friend. Alexander and his Guard coming to you doesn’t mean we can’t save someone else. Also, Alexander don’t ask if you can heal my daughter; just do it.”
My mate inclined his head. UGH! He was going to do that. I snorted, “I mean… I also don’t like me getting into car accidents. I’m done with cars for anything outside of work or tracking people down. No more carefree drives for me.”
My dad kissed my forehead, and my mom pulled me into another tight hug. I squeezed her back. Jason and Tristan gave me hugs along with Addison. Everly smiled at me, and I gave her a quick side hug. We were making progress with our relationship… so it felt right.
I linked Xander, “What if we just popped upstairs? I know it’s lazy, but I’d rather use our walking to our wing energy for other things and…” Xander grabbed me and popped me upstairs. I said, “Thanks. I really didn’t want to walk up those….” Xander kissed me gently.
My husband pulled me into his arms and just held me. I told him, “I’m ok. Freya took my pain. I was in shock… but I’m sorry it hurt you so much though. I didn’t want that.” Xander held me tightly then whispered, “Oh god.” The emotion in his tone had me holding him closer.
My mate said, “It just came out of nowhere. I felt your panic, then your pain. I have discovered I do not handle that well.” I said, “I’ll do my best, so you don’t have to deal with it.
I’m going to do my part. No more cars.” Xander snorted, “I’ll find a charm that protects your car. ” I whispered, “Ok.”
We stood like that for several moments him just reassuring himself that I was ok. I literally felt the change in him. When he accepted that I was ok, his need to claim me hit our bond full force. Xander whispered in my ear, “You’re mine.” Freya purred in my head.
I smiled agreeing, “I’m yours.” My husband pushed me against the wall. At least this part of how Christmas was supposed to go this year was going to be right. Hopefully, this meant we could have a good Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.