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I sighed, “I’m just trying not to get my hopes up. They are already pretty damn high about it. You know I want her. I just know others do too.” Oden growled, “They can’t have her because she’s ours and I will RIP their heads off. Not unlike I will to he who will NOT be named that hurt Ashley.”

I snorted, “I cannot believe all that bullshit. Still. I can’t reconcile how that Alpha didn’t go apeshit.

” Other than Ashley was correct in her assessments of Alpha Edward, he was shit at his job.

She used other words but that is what she meant.

Oden agreed, “Nor can I. Can we agree that if he is the one who hurt her, and we can prove it, we go stealthy Hackura on his ass? I WILL HEAR HIS SCREAMS before he dies.” I chuckled, “I like the way you think Oden and I agree.” Oden snorted, “Thank you.”

Tristan, Jason, and Everly arrived. I frowned and walked over because my friend looked like hell. I asked, “Jase, do you need some coffee? Or a room to sleep in maybe.” Jason muttered, “Coffee would be good.” I conjured him some.

I looked at Tristan, but his eyes were on his brother. Jason looked truly terrible. I asked, “What’s going on, man?” Jason sighed, “I’m having nightmares so I can’t sleep. I honestly don't even want to sleep anymore. Every damn time I close my eyes, I see horrible things happening to Ladybug.”

I tensed asking, “What?” That was still going on? I tried to sound calm, but it came out as a growl. Everly shot me a look because we’d talk about this. Tristan, clearly unaware I’d discussed it with his mate, explained, “You remember when he was taken and beaten by Hunters before we got him back.”

I nodded, “Yes, I do recall that.” I didn’t want to though. My mom and I had to bring Jason back from near death. We actually didn’t know how he wasn’t dead. It was like something was pumping an antidote into his system for the wolfsbane that was in his veins.

I knew Jason had thought Melanie saved him, but I thought Everly and I agreed he’d be ok. We thought we were being silly. Was that not true? Oden growled, “Mate wasn’t there.” That was true, my Lovebug didn’t save him because at that exact moment she was dancing her heart out.

I still used the backdoor Micah installed on Jason’s computer for me to watch her dance.

Then I’d decided they called her Ladybug, but in my head she became my Lovebug.

Her dancing still struck me as sad, but she had a purpose in her movements.

Most dances were hauntingly sad, and they called to me.

I just couldn’t be selfish and take her dream from her. Even if it hurt.

Tristan pulled me back into the conversation saying, “Well, he dreams bad things happen to Ladybug and he can’t help her.

” I stated, “You talk to her though, and know she’s fine.

” Jason snorted, “Look me in the eyes, my friend, and tell me if you thought you saw your sister beaten, whipped, and shocked with some high powered cattle prod you’d be fine even after you saw them. ”

I shivered admitting, “No, probably not.” Gage linked, “Probably?! The answer is you would not be fine. In fact you would destroy the gym on the regular.” I’d never experienced it personally but that did sound fairly accurate on my reaction.

Jason sighed, “It’s haunting me. I tried to drive up to New York today, but my car broke down and T had to come get me.” I offered, “I could pop you to see her, Jase.” I could see Phil and Gage lean in with hopeful expressions.

Jason sounded extremely bitter when he said, “It’s not an emergency.” Oden growled in my head, “He has NO RIGHT to be bitter! It’s their stupid rule. We OFFERED to let him go see her. He’s being an ass.” I gritted my teeth and walked away to stand in the corner.

I wasn’t going to cause a scene on Angela and TJ’s birthday. They were just pups and it would be best if I was the one here when our little sister's mate showed up. I definitely wasn’t going to focus on that though. I was going to ignore it.

TJ linked me, “Why am I here?” I replied, “For starters, it’s your birthday party.” He shot me a pouting look. I knew it was because his mate, Allison Daniels, was already sleep. She'd come by earlier with Aunt Lexi, and they’d played. TJ was only here at this point for Angela.

TJ groaned, “When will this end?” I chuckled, “When Angela decides it’s over or the fact that her mate is coming goes over like a lead ballon.” He huffed but didn’t confirm or deny. Dang it! I really did need to prepare better.

I linked EJ before he left teasing, “Please tell Luna Slugger that I love her.” He retorted, “Karma is swift tonight, little brother. Claire just got here.” Oden growled in my head and guilt lanced through me. I retorted, “She can get out. I’ll tell her so myself.”

I knew I shouldn’t have been so intoxicated at the party she managed to kiss me at.

I’d wanted to save my first kiss for my mate.

I wouldn’t have been so slow to react if I’d just not drank as much.

I’d been so upset that Melanie wasn’t there and Claire had just kissed me.

I’d worked ALL the alcohol out of my system in the gym.

Claire needed to leave this party. I had zero faith Melanie would show up, but I didn’t want Claire in this house. I didn’t want a single rumor to fly around when Melanie came home about Claire and me. Because there WAS no Claire and me.

Oden snorted, “Glad you’re jumping on my bandwagon for the time being.

Melanie is ours.” I rolled my eyes, “Whatever. I won’t have Melanie hear that shit.

Claire kissed us not the other way around.

There was definitely nothing great about it either.

She banged into my teeth, and there was no chemistry.

” Oden replied, “Preaching to the choir Alexander. I felt nothing except annoyance.”

Angela popped over to Claire. Oden snarled, “If she upsets Snow I will shift and rip her throat out!” Snow was my little sister’s wolf. I added, “If she upsets wolf or human, she’s dead.” Angela crossed her arms and pointed, “YOU were NOT invited. Leave.”

Claire frowned, “But I…” TJ popped over interrupting her, “You heard my little sister. Get to stepping, or I’ll tell my mom why Angela wants you to leave. She does not take kindly to crazy she wolves with C names.”

He paused for dramatic effect before adding, “In fact, you’re lucky she doesn’t have our enhanced hearing. Or you’d already be in a world of hurt.” He wasn’t wrong and everyone that could hear this exchange knew it.

Phil linked me, “GOD I hope your mom sees her. She did a NUMBER on Claire when she kissed you. It’s always the best when Cousin Haley goes off.” I rolled my eyes, “It will be fine. She’ll leave.” Claire was arguing with Angela.

Oden scoffed, “She did not say she wasn’t crazy.” She did. I replied, “She isn’t Charlooney crazy, but she kept coming at me like I was honey, and she was a bee.” I repeatedly told her I wasn’t interested, but she just kept coming.

Claire insisted, “I’m not crazy.” Oden grumbled, “I think she is as previously stated.” I think she was desperate and obsessed over the idea of me and my name. I wasn’t sure that translated to crazy. Oden grumbled, “I am.” Well, he was entitled to believe that.

Angela snorted, “Yes, you are. Do something about that before it gets you killed. It might be blurry, but I see a path where someone KICKS your ass. Hard. Now shoo! You won’t ruin our birthday this year. I REFUSE to let this happen.”

Oden purred, “Mate is going to eviscerate that she wolf.” I replied, “Claire isn’t known to be a great Warrior, but we’ve never seen Melanie fight. We’ve seen her dance, which is amazing, but we’ve never seen her fight.” We heard plenty of rumors about her skills though.

Oden shrugged that off saying, “Elise and EJ have. Both said she was good and that was YEARS ago. TOO MANY GODDAMN YEARS AGO! I want mate.” I wanted to smile with that tidbit of knowledge, but I didn’t want Claire to take it the wrong way. Instead, I sighed loud enough for everyone to hear.

Claire glanced at me with an expression I was certain she thought was seductive, but she was wrong.

The appeal was clear in her eyes for me to intervene, but I just stared back at her.

I didn't want her here and I certainly didn’t invite her.

I’d never led her on. I’d never even hinted I wanted her.

Claire turned in a huff and started to leave with her friends. Several people were snickering. My dad walked over and spun Angela around in a hug. I saw my uncles, both wolf and Hackura, smirking. Uncle Aiden was actually laughing since he’d been close enough to hear.

I heard my mom ask, “What the fuck are you all so amused about?!” EJ snorted, “Good luck with that one, brother.” I sent him my annoyance which just made my older brother smile.

You keep a secret from a guy for five years and he gets all excited to make you deal with your mom wanting to know what the hell is going on.

I spotted Robert at the back of the party.

That guy. Oden snarled, “Why is he even here? So, he’s dating a pack member.

That does not grant him an invitation to my siblings birthday.

” I actually agreed with that. I linked Gage, “Why is Robert here? He was absolutely not invited either.” He groaned, “Don’t worry. I’m on it.” Good.

I looked around for Cassie but she wasn’t here yet. I hoped everything was ok. It was easy to lose track of time in the Hackura realm. I sent her a quick text.

Me: Are you all good? TJ and Angela’s party started. It’s dramatic already.

I glanced back up and saw Phil catch Claire right outside the open front door. He handed her a small container. He smiled saying, “For that severe burn you just got from my Alpha. Run along crazy C named she wolf. No need to ever darken our door again.”