Chapter 9 One Normal Thing #7
Xander continued, “That happened because one year cousin Emmaline went into heat around Christmas. He made everyone promise to celebrate on the appropriate day after that.” Kingsley replied, “Trust me, we know that.”
Xander replied, “I see. Well, I doubt the McAlister’s celebrated. They won’t care about that, and they aren’t Fairies. They are probably waiting for us.” I whispered, “It was going to be a normal moment… and Selene took it from me. We were going to have our first Christmas together… and it’s gone.”
Kingsley said, “Mel, your Xander is right though. Your family wanted to have Christmas with you guys. They haven’t done anything for it.” I wiped my eyes, but more tears fell. I asked, “Was it just too much to ask for that we all have Christmas together?”
Xander replied, “Of course not, but we can still celebrate.” I hiccupped, “It’s the twenty-ninth now. I just… I wanted Christmas… on Christmas.” Kingsley rubbed my arms. I could feel Xander was baffled in the bond.
Kingsley told me, “Christmas is just a date on a calendar. It’s really about who you’re with. H and I will come and celebrate with you guys. We will all go get a tree at the tree farm your mate snaps. We will decorate, drink and talk about boys. Just like we always did.”
Hastein cleared his throat, “I’m a man but you just continue.” I hiccupped a laugh. Kingsley rolled her eyes teasing him, “Fine. We will talk about our men and pretend they can’t hear us.” My friend walked over and kissed Hastein on the cheek.
He instantly wrapped Kingsley up in his arms. Hastein was really everything she’d always deserved to have. Xander told me, “I won’t let Selene ruin this for you, Mel. Kingsley’s right. Christmas is just a date on the calendar. Everyone will celebrate with us and go get a tree. It’s ok.”
I asked, “Did you find the sandwiches I made you?” Xander smiled saying, “I did. How did you know I like ham?” I blushed, “Umm… well… Jase said you always ate ham sandwiches after an intense workout.” My mate kissed my forehead.
I added, “Plus, I ate all the turkey… and pepperoni….ok…and provolone cheese.” Kingsley snorted, “How about the mayonnaise?” I smiled proudly saying, “I did not eat all that… there’s some left… not much… but some.” Kingsley laughed.
I asked, “Where are we?” Xander said, “My island in the Hackura realm. Hastein’s isn’t far from mine. I am curious how Kingsley found you.” I smiled knowing exactly how she did. Kingsley teased, “Would you like to know just how I got here and found her, Melanie’s Xander?” Hastein smirked.
I laughed and happiness bubbled up in me. Kingsley was going to show someone what she was. Hastein really was amazing at getting her to open up. Not that I didn’t understand why she didn’t. That was understandable since… ya know… showing people you were a Dragon would result in people talking.
Xander answered, “God, yes. I’ll even promise to keep it a secret until you’re ready to tell everyone.” Kingsley stepped back from Hastein and let her eyes go purple. Xander gasped, “She has purple eyes too? How have I never seen that her eyes can go purple?”
I told him, “Because K wears the contacts I developed. They are her real eye color, but they don’t show when her eyes go purple.” Kingsley shifted into Kayda, and Xander actually fell over. I walked over to Kayda and kissed her face.
Xander’s surprise overtook our bond. I cooed, “Hello again, Kayda!” She knelt down on the ground. I smiled and climbed onto her back. I knew that Kayda was trying to cheer me up because she always did. Kayda took off running and flew into the air.
I put my arms out as Kayda flew around the two islands I know knew to be Hastein and Xander’s. I squealed in delight and let happiness fill me again. Everything was going to be ok. Kayda flew back down to where we’d left the guys. When she landed and knelt down, I slid off her tail.
Freya linked, “Let’s shift. I want to meet Kayda.” I let her come forward. Kayda purred at Freya who jumped excitedly around her. They ran together for a bit before I shifted back, and Kingsley did too. My gaze found Xander.
Our bond told me his emotions were still in overload from what he’d seen.
I told Kingsley, “He’s in shock…but not the dangerous kind to a Fairy.
” Hastein laughed, “He is.” Xander had an empty glass of whiskey in his hand.
My mate looked at me saying, “You really do know a Dragon. I mean you said you did, and you do. Of course it’s my cousin's mate.”
“Oh god, Dylan will DIE. He will never let my dad live this one down. He will find another Dragon. He’s going to stalk ALL of H and K’s pups hoping one is mated to his grandpups. Or he will literally paint himself and dance around a fire to convince Lacy now is the time for them to have more pups.”
I laughed and Kingsley snorted. I said, “I actually think Dylan’s soul might briefly leave his body and come back.
” Hastein added, “For what it’s worth, I think that will happen too.
” I asked Kingsley, “Does Kayda like flying here in the open?” I knew being in the skies had to mean the world to her.
Kingsley grinned, “She loves it. We’ve taken H for a few rides.” Xander snorted, “Oh god. Dylan is going to talk about H riding you into battle.” Kingsley purred and kissed Hastein hard on the mouth. She winked at him and offered, “That could be fun.”
Hastein laughed, “That is true. It would definitely be fun and quite the sight to see.” Xander snorted, “A Dragon you guys. She’s a Dragon.
” I offered, “A royal one too.” Xander laughed, “Of course she is. Queens of the Hackura are usually daughters of a lord. Naturally, Kingsley is a Princess. Are there more Dragons somewhere?”
Kingsley answered, “Your Uncle Aiden says there are. The Dragon realm closed themselves off as you know. Your Uncle gave me several books about our history, and likely who my family is.” I hugged her.
Kingsley added, “I don’t remember a lot about my life.
I always knew I was a Dragon and that I had Kayda, but I didn’t know I was royal until Melanie looked into it.
Your Uncle Aiden is actually being quite helpful. ”
Hastein snorted, “Because he wants something in return.” I thought about it then blurted out, “Yes and no. K gives him access, but Fairies are also curious by nature. Aiden would want to know more about Kingsley.”
“When you factor in that it will be important to Haley to help Kingsley… Aiden does actually care and want to help. He just has added bonuses in it for him as the King of Faerie. You can’t really fault him for it.
Because of who she is mated to… his main motivation is to make his sister happy.
Your dad would do the same.” Kingsley smirked at me.
Hastein sighed, “Fine. That’s somewhat true.
” I laughed, “It’s all true. Aiden is a good guy.
He’s also a King. You understand the things he does.
If K wasn’t mated to someone important to Haley, he would still offer to help because Haley would want to help someone in need.
It just wouldn’t be as important to him as it is now because of who she is. ” Hastein tussled my hair.
I gasped, “Hey! I spent a long time getting the tangles out of my hair.” Hastein laughed, Kingsley wiggled her eyebrows asking, “Did you?” I answered, “Well, yes. When you have sex for four days straight without seeing a hairbrush your hair revolts.”
I clapped a hand over my mouth. Hastein laughed and Xander chuckled.
Kingsley smirked, “Four days straight huh? Nice.” I offered, “Well, I slept… some… not much… or it didn’t feel like much.
I mean you just wait for when you feel the need to get your breeding cave in order to nest… then you’ll see.”
Hastein asked, “Excuse me? Did you just say breeding cave?” Xander chimed in, “She mentioned nesting too.” I flushed, “Well, that’s just… what the books call it. I’m pretty sure it doesn't have to be in an actual cave.”
“Kayda would know… they just get the sense to start making sure that they have everything they need near them… and stocking up on things. They create their own little cave to nest and breed in. I’m pretty positive it does not require a real cave…
but Kayda does like those so… ya know.” Kingsley laughed.
Hastein teasingly asked, “Is that so, K?” Kingsley smirked, “I get more warning than wolves. I’ll feel the need for you to be near.
Then, as she said, to make sure we have everything we need to hole up for a period of time.
I’ll find some place that feels safe and protected and start nesting so to speak. ”
Hastein smirked, “Well, I can’t wait.” Kingsley giggled, “Neither can I.” I couldn’t help myself, so I squealed, “Aww, you guys are so cute!” Hastein laughed, “Let’s get back and start this Christmas tree picking ordeal.” I smiled.
Xander popped us all back where everyone was already waiting. Xander must have linked them. My family was here along with his siblings. Cassie looked ready to burst at any moment with her twins. Tristan linked, “Merry Christmas, Ladybug.”
I took a deep breath because I never thought I’d hear my brother say that ever again. My mom ran forward and swung me around. Several people shouted, “Merry Christmas, Ladybug!” I smiled replying, “Merry Christmas!”
Xander snapped his fingers then instructed, “Let’s go pick a tree.” Rena popped in with Dax, Caine, Judy, and Buck even came. The Kyle’s were popped in and it felt like a whole moment. It started snowing outside.
I gasped, “Did you do that, Xander?” My mate winked at me saying, “It didn’t feel right without snow.
” I squealed and ran outside and gaped at the tree choices.
Sierra said, “These are much better than the ones we got to choose from on Christmas Eve.” I gently pushed her saying, “Our trees were awesome.”