Chapter 15 Drunk Melanie #11
I asked, “Did we miss a meeting?” Hastein snorted.
I was sure he’d texted Kingsley about this…
or talked to her. I wondered if she told him she was going to be the stripper.
She’d taken on steel… which my serum for her fixed…
but I didn’t know that’s what was wrong with her… when she said she couldn’t go.
I linked Xander, “Does Hastein know the stripper was supposed to be K?” Xander snorted, “I don’t know, but I’ll be sure to tell him. Kingsley would probably have a lot of fun with that. Plus, my cousin would also ask for a show like I did.”
I replied, “Asked is a word. Demanded is more in line. No, no… you commanded me to give you a show.” Xander winked at me. Tristan’s angry voice cut in, “You were stripping at fifteen.” I replied, “Just the one time. Like literally just once… and barely… it was like ten minutes total.”
Everyone looked at me. So, I continued, “That’s counting the arrival time, being propositioned and saying I’m not that kind of dancer, drugging them… I danced for like two minutes… maybe. That’s high balling it. They saw me without a shirt. That’s it. Then they passed out so fast.”
Jason growled, “You were fifteen.” I said, “It wasn’t the plan… the woman who was supposed to go got sick AND I was lectured about it at the time.” Hendrick chimed in, “She really was.” Which was still insane.
I told my family, “I had dancing costumes that showed off more than those guys saw… so it’s fine when you think about it.” Mom smirked and looked at the ground. Jason growled, “They propositioned you.” I nodded, “Which they could’ve gone to human jail for.”
Eric snorted and added, “To Supernatural’s she’s an adult. I know the human realm doesn’t see it that way, but we do. Even as wolves, we’d consider fifteen able to be sexually active. They are practically full grown adults at sixteen to us.”
I agreed, “Exactly….honestly….it wasn’t as bad as the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and more demanding I have intimate relations with them in Black Path…and whipping me when I said no.” Several people snarled.
I groaned, “Why were they even here? Because it’s probably not to annoy me…
but it feels like that’s the answer.” Freya snickered in my head.
EJ answered, “They came because they were threatened. They’d been collecting money as the go between and all the people involved kept getting killed.
So, to prove their loyalty they were sent at us directly. ”
I snorted, “Then the Ring gave them up. They are just pawns.” Tristan asked, “Are you playing chess?” I shrugged, “In a way, yes. We all are. There are moves and counter moves. It’s basically a giant chess board.”
Dad conceded, “That’s not the worst comparison.” I agreed, “Exactly. The good side just doesn’t give up their pawns like the bad side does. They must have realized that group was compromised. It took them long enough. I mean really… it’s been six years. They are kind of slow on the uptake.”
Hastein offered, “She’s right. We’d have noticed that well before it reached six years. Unless of course there was some weird cookie or Vampire compulsion involved.” Everyone seemed to agree. My brothers were still upset and hung up on the word stripper.
Dad didn’t seem too thrilled either. Meanwhile my mom seemed like she was somewhere between not liking it and being proud. While also finding a dash of humor in the situation. Eventually, the group broke up, and we went on about our day.
Xander was a little overprotective in the following days. Our talk about me not fighting was intense. KJ, Chason and Fowler were not as far back as usual. They were within a step of me at all times. It was driving me somewhat crazy.
I could acknowledge that I did understand because Xander saw me get stabbed. I knew it was rough seeing someone you love get hurt, so I dealt with the increased security around me. The Ring had been quiet.
That usually meant they were plotting something big, but we’d finally had some peaceful weeks.
I started working with TJ on being able to feel emotions but not choke on them.
I felt it was solid progress. Haley worked with me on my electric and healing powers.
My healing abilities were nothing like hers really…
. Or Xander’s They were only in specific instances and situations.
The rest of January went by without incident. I was leery at the beginning of February, but we’d made it to almost the end. I was beginning to think the next thing that would blow up was Eric at the Summit tomorrow.
I had several more sessions with Haley. I was actually nervous for my next request. I wanted to have a group session. I had a list of those I wanted there and just needed to give it to Haley. I could talk to all the people on the list myself, but I was being cowardly, giving it to Haley to do.
Everyone on the list would all probably say yes if I asked. Freya linked, “They would say yes.” My wolf was probably right I was just nervous. This felt like a big step. I was doing better with everyone. There was just this cloud hanging over us, and I wanted it gone.
I found Haley snapping her bags packed in her and Eric’s room. My mother in law smiled at me asking, “Do you want me to snap your clothes packed? I know Alexander could, but he doesn’t know all the things women need on trips.
I considered it then agreed “You know what? Yes. Please do snap my clothes packed.” Haley winked, snapped her fingers, then led me over to the couch in their room. My mother in law asked, “What brings you here?” I handed her a piece of paper.
Freya chuckled, “Words would be good.” I was getting there! Freya laughed. I told Haley, “I want to have a group therapy session with you and everyone on that list. I was hoping you could set it up.” Haley nodded and looked through the list.
My mother in law commented, “That’s a lot of people, but I will set this up. You know they would agree if you asked.” I shrugged and Haley squeezed my hand. After a moment she asked, “Why is Eric on this list? Not that I mind one bit. I’m just curious.” I bit my lip.
I answered, “Several reasons… actually. The main one is for you and Xander. It’s easier for Eric to be there and support both of you if he knows what’s going on. Xander is dealing with everything, kind of. I just know Eric can help him the best. I also know my past…. brings up your own.”
Haley interrupted, “I don’t factor in your journey.” I shrugged, “To me, you do.” Haley sighed, “I have been meaning to talk to you. I didn’t mean to tell him, but Eric knows what your back said. I had a flashback and talked in my sleep. I am so sorry.”
I gave her a hug before saying, “Honestly, I thought he knew anyway… because well… mates and everything. Chelsea always said mates don’t count. Her and my mom would laugh about that.” Haley said, “It’s different when it’s patient confidentiality.”
I pointed out, “My back wasn’t patient confidentiality. I asked my mother in law and mate to heal my back. It wasn’t privileged information in my opinion…. and it’s ok.” Haley hugged me tightly affirming, “I’ll get this group together after the Summit. Does Alexander know about this?”
I nodded, “He does, he also said everyone would also agree.” Haley smiled, “My son can be so smart sometimes.” I shrugged, “It’s not like I’m inviting the Haskins…
they’d definitely say no.” Haley’s eyes blazed.
Eric came into the room, “Angel I…” My father in law trailed off when he spotted me. He greeted, “Well, Hello Melanie.”
I smiled, “Hi Eric. I’ll just go. Thanks for snapping my suitcase packed Haley…
and uhh, the other thing.” I linked her, “Also a warning… Eric might get… like, really mad at the Summit. Like use a Fairy power mad. Well… that’s just a projection…
I didn’t get the full details… I should’ve… but Eric has one, right?”
Haley answered, “He has two. Why would he be mad?” Wow. Two… they kept that under wraps. I knew about one. That was smart. I answered, “Dylan did… a thing… but I didn’t get the exact specs… just the general concept.” Haley laughed, “He usually does. I’ll make sure to keep Eric calm.”
Well…. I wasn’t sure she could do that… but it could be fine. I quickly ran back to my room where Xander was. My husband smiled saying, “I see you already packed.” I told him, “Your mom snapped it done for me.” Xander smirked, “Lucky me then.” I rolled my eyes, but he was probably right.
The next day I woke up and made muffins for the road. This was my first Summit… I’d always wanted to go… and now I got to. I couldn’t help but think a lot of things were kicking off when I got back. Karina and I found a space we wanted for our bakery. We were still deciding on a name though.
EJ had bought the bakery for us. I’d argued, but my brother in law pointed out he wanted to buy the sniper a bakery and said he would.
I knew I wasn't going to win an argument against him…. his Fairy side wouldn’t let it go…
so I relented. Karina and I were going to work on the menu when I got back.
We’d been working together and had come up with some pretty good creations of our own.
Bradford and Xander were our happy test tasters.
All of Xander’s brothers were happy to be our testers too.
There was a list…but Egres, Gordon, Hutchins, KJ, Chason, and Fowler were at the top…
and generally around... so, they usually won.
I packed up the muffins for the cars and dropped some off at the pack house. Egres and Hutchins were visible. I asked, “Where’s Gordon? You guys…. have been around.. a lot… so he’s gotta be here.” Hutchins smiled answering, “Around.” That did not answer my question at all.