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He shifted back, commenting, “This is a larger group than normal.” We’d brought some of the women with us because she thought they’d do well here. Kingsley said, “We need to get inside quickly.” He chuckled, “That explosion was you then.”

I winced, “Umm it… was me… well… no it was just me… I got mad and…” Luca cackled. He said, “You have such interesting friends that you keep, Katla.” Kingsley shrugged. He took us inside and a woman I knew was powerful squealed, “K!”

She ran over, “Oh my grandkitten is covered in blood. Stefan, get her to your shower and take care of her.” She gave him a look while wiggling her eyebrows. She cooed, “Grandma wouldn’t mind a grandkitten in the oven.” My mouth dropped open.

Kingsley laughed as a man came over. I gripped her hand tightly. She squeezed mine back saying, “I will leave you in grandma’s capable hands, Ashley.” She told Grandma, “This is Ashley Griffen.” I said, “Uhhh… that’s … well…”

I whispered, “People don’t like me, usually…

so…” Grandma hummed, “Well, then I already like you.” I blurted out, “Can I see your Cat?” She grinned.

I continued, “I’ve just never seen a Yule Cat and I have a list…

. of lesser known Supernatural’s…. Which…

like, Yule Cats are more well known than most people on it since you meet with the Hackura…

which I totally don’t know about… for reasons… ”

She laughed, “Oh my adorable new Grandkitten I love you so.” She waved calling out, “Get these women and children showers, clothes, and anything they need. I’ll be taking my new grandkitten around to find who she likes.

I have yet to succeed with getting K knocked up.

Let’s find your taste in my available brood. ”

I faltered, “I… umm… that’s… just… no?” She snorted, “What man has stolen my grandkitten’s heart then?” I winced, “One that doesn’t want me.” She tisked, “Then he is a fool. The best way over a man is under a new one.” I sputtered, “Umm… that’s… I’ve never… I mean … I just… no…. I’m good.”

She chuckled, “Do you still want to see my Cat?” I answered, “I really do.” She walked away from me and shifted. I gasped, “Wow.” She bowed down. I squeaked, “I get a ride?” Her cat chuckled. She waited for me to get on then took off.

I laughed, enjoying the ride. The man that was clearly her mate was standing there shaking his head at her with a smile on his face. It tugged at my heart because it had been a while since I’d seen that look outside Hendrick and Mason.

I saw it all the time at home in Red Run, but not anymore. Today, I’d seen it with the Quatchiees and now the Yule cats. All I saw now was tragic love stories or heartless non-existent love stories. I never saw this anymore and my heart pinged with sadness over it.

Grandma knelt down and I got off. I told her mate, “Umm she said I could ride so…” He cut me off, “My mate does what she wants. You are most welcome here, Ashley.” Grandma shifted back announcing, “Kristian, meet our newest grandkitten. K said her name was Ashley Griffen.”

He hummed, “The voice of the forgotten. Really?” I blushed, “Umm… well… that is what they say… they say a lot… all the time actually.” Kristian grinned, “You’re also in a popular band. Our Clouder would love it if you played for us sometime.”

Grandma squealed, “We have one of our grandkitten’s birthday’s coming up!” They had heard of us? Cayden said practically no one Black Mountain or their allies had. How did they not know when the Yule Cats did? We were in Europe for goodness sake.

I offered, “We’ll play. I mean… if you want.

” She grinned, “I do.” She winked at Kristian, “She’s my favorite grandkitten.

” He told me, “It changes minute to minute, but K is usually always in the top spot.” I agreed, “She should be… she needs people around her because she’s been alone too long.

But me and our friends help with that… though you probably helped first…

you probably kept her sane… which is good…

everyone likes…. sanity.” Good gosh, stop talking.

Grandma laughed, “She talks to herself out loud thinking she’s not. She’s adorable and I love her, Kristian.” He cooed, “Of course you do.” She added, “She needs a new man to get under since she’s lovestruck by one before they’ve even done the deed.” He snorted at her.

Tears pricked my eyes. I realized I desperately missed seeing their type of love.

The love I grew up around. Grandma gasped, “Are you alright?” I waved, “Totally fine and…” Kristian interrupted, “Has anyone mentioned you’re a bad liar?

” I grunted, “A lot of people… all the time, actually.” He chuckled.

I admitted, “It’s just that I’ve seen a lot of the love I grew up around today… and I see it few and far between these days. I make sure marked mates don’t feel the pain of cheating… and make sure forced markings don’t happen… so… seeing you guys is like a breath of fresh air.” They looked sad.

Grandma took me to a room where I got to shower. I spent several hours with them, and I could admit that I really missed this. I felt lighter here. Grandma pulled me aside, “You can stay here. I gave this same offer to K and she comes around often. I wish she’d stay.” I did too.

She laughed, “You talk out loud still when you don’t mean to. It’s quite endearing.” I winced, “It’s problematic at times.” She nodded, “Like when you go out for your circle group.” I sighed, “It’s the Resistance… I mean…. so I’ve heard… from people…”

She snorted, “I can already tell you are in it. We will help if you need.” I reasoned, “The Hackura would want that knowledge.” She shrugged, “Then they can piece it together as I have. If you need us, we will help.” I asked, “What’s your proof?

” She answered, “Kingsley has come here in all black and now she brought you. You are aware you also came in all black.”

I shrugged, “Black is standard mission garb for like… well, everyone.” She laughed, “Maybe a certain King of the Quatchiees called my husband. My mate is curious why he’s on the list when you haven’t met us. I’m no longer curious. It’s because K knows us.”

I conceded, “Fine. That’s actually… sort of proof.

” She chuckled, “We will assist you if you need it.” My watch beeped and I touched it.

I stood straight up. I shouted, “I need to go… so… tell K to have fun with your grandkitten… she needs some fun… she’s said she’s had bad experiences…

recently and she never says that after spending time with him. ”

She snorted, “No one would, I taught my grandkitten’s right.

One must be a generous lover in bed.” I blushed, “Umm ok… sure. That sounds…. reasonable…” She chuckled, “Come back and I’ll find someone you like.

” I shook my head, “No… I’m just… kind of a one man woman…

so…” She winked at me and I took off running.

I left and found our holoports and ran all the way back to my second place. I quickly changed and ran to the pack. I flew into the gym and grabbed my weapons. Buck asked, “Are we being attacked again? We were just challenged last week!”

I waved, “No, bad people are coming… but you won’t help with me that. Even though you know it’s wrong. So… I’ll just be gathering weapons.” He whispered, “Are they coming for Avery? Just get her out of the pack like you have others.”

I muttered, “Others? That’s… you say weird things…

sometimes.” He sighed, “Please don’t try to lie.

” I waved, “It’s not Avery. I stopped that already.

” He whispered, “Thank you.” I grumbled “Will you just go talk to your sister and stop moping around? Because… I don’t get you.

” He replied, “I know you don’t.” He walked away.

I linked Caine, “Where are you?” He answered, “At a neighboring pack on an errand with Dax. Why?” I ordered, “Get back! There’s a group coming to try to take Addison!” He snarled. I linked Addison, “Where are you?” She replied, “Getting bad vibes. My clothes are all packed.”

I warned, “Get out of sight.” She replied, “I don’t hide anymore.” I groaned, “I get that… really, I do.. because…well you know I do…but this works better if I just challenge them, and they leave… tail tucked…” She hummed back.

I linked Sierra, “Get Addison out of here. Drag her if you must.” She snorted, “I’m a Beta blood so that’s not going to work. For some strange reason you can drag Alpha blood around, but I cannot.” I blew out my breath.

Three trucks came to a screeching stop, and I took off. Edward was standing with Jean, Booker, and Trevor. Just waiting. Edward nodded, “Regus Kliner, nice to see you.” WHAT?! The guy who had killed his last FIVE mates?! No.

Addison linked, “Isn’t that the guy you are considering killing?” I snorted, “He tipped the scales in my favor… hard. Actually, just like… completely in my favor…so…considering is a word.” She replied, “You can’t kill him here!” I could… and I was probably going to.

Edward said, “Addison is inside.” I called, “And she’s not leaving. She doesn’t like him.” He growled, “That doesn’t matter, and they haven’t met.” I shrugged, “Well, we’ve all discussed Mr. Kliner here. He has a reputation for…”

Regus snarled, “Who are you?” I answered, “I’m…” Booker cut in, “Lead Female Warrior Ashley Griffen and she’s leaving.” I rolled my eyes. He warned, “I’ll whip you until you’re barely breathing.” I waved, “That was so last week… come up with a new threat please and thank you.” He growled at me.

I asked, “What? I said please… and thank you. You’re just never happy.” I waved, “Anyway Regus, you won’t take Addison. Or see her. I’ll challenge you… and you really don’t want to do that.” He snorted, “I can kill some wolf less bitch.”