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He practically growled, “And? I’m not getting it here.

” Maximus, my cousin, faded in, “He’s saying he thinks they are scared he’d run off with Melanie and be possessive of her.

How can you say that about yourself, cousin?

Anyone would be lucky to have you as their mate and in their family.

They should parade her in front of you to see if the weirdness around her stops. She’s clearly yours.”

My Uncle studied me then asked, “Is he right?” Maximus snorted, “You know I am.” I muttered, “What he knows is you’re the stealthiest of my cousins to exist because you have Uncle Logan’s talent for it with your Demon side.” Maximus rolled his eyes saying, “I won’t say anything, cousin.”

I sat up and pushed all my feelings at him.

I emphatically stated, “I knew you wouldn’t.

You heard me say I didn’t want it discussed.

” Uncle Bjourn said, “Maximus is right. Anyone would be lucky to have you in their family.” Maximus added, “Plus, I can set people on fire if they try to keep you to that promise once you declare her yours.”

Uncle Bjourn snorted, “Maximus.” Maximus innocently asked, “What? I can. It’s a skill that I possess and I’m quite good at it.

” He did the impossible and made me laugh.

Uncle Bjourn said, “You’ll meet Melanie and Maximus will not be alone in making them back off that promise for you, your mom, and your siblings. ”

I snorted, “Mom was talking about literally holding his feet to the fire.” Maximus clapped, “Ah ha! You see where my fire throwing abilities will come into play. I can scare them by throwing it NEAR them, then make Aunt Haley her fire to hold his feet over. The plan is cemented in my mind for possible use if necessary. Levi seems to believe the McAlister’s are reasonable people though, so it may be for nothing. ”

He tapped his temple, “The plan does have merit for certain situations though.” Uncle Bjourn pointed at him saying, “Do NOT have your Aunt hold people’s feet over a fire.” I snorted, “That was way too vague.” Maximus grinned replying, “It really was. Bye!” He shimmered out.

Uncle Bjourn snorted, “You all live to give me a headache. Do we need to get in the ring?” I answered, “No, I need to go home and see my dad. He’s upset.” He put a hand on my shoulder advising, “Tell them what’s going on.” I snorted, “I can’t.” He argued, “You can.”

I shook my head, “It’s bad enough you’ll know. If she’s not mine, I’m just another possessive jerk.” He stared at me in disbelief. He blinked before saying, “I can understand why you think that, but not one person in this family, especially your parents have given you the idea that was true.”

I changed the subject, “Have you ever had the cookies from Red Run? Sam gets them delivered. Jase gives them to me too.” He snorted, “I don’t give a fuck about cookies.

I care about you.” I told him, “I’m sure Levi has had them.

Mom doesn’t care for them since they have peanut butter in them.

They were the only things that made me feel better when Red Run showed up without Melanie and Sam when she was first born. ”

My Uncle looked at me worried, “What does that have to do with this conversation?” I admitted, “I could use a cookie right now. They are always a pick me up when I’m down.” He rubbed his temples. He said, “I’ll get you a cookie then.” I teased, “It wouldn’t be the right cookie.”

He blew out a breath then said, “Go home and talk to your dad. Also, yes. I’ve had the damn cookie you’re talking about and they do make me feel better too.

” I asked, “Did my dad link you?” He answered, “More than once.” I hugged him, “Thanks for letting me get this out.” He replied, “I’ll always be here for you, and you know that.

” He kissed my cheek then I popped home.

My dad was waiting in my room. He handed me whiskey saying, “I’m guessing you’ve had a few based on the scent.” Oden chuckled, “He knew before he scented us.” I told him, “I’m sorry I snapped at you.” He shrugged, “It’s ok.”

I argued, “It’s not. You didn’t want to ask us, and I could feel that. I understand why you did. I didn’t think about Red Run’s relationships with other packs and how that could affect Elise. I don’t want that to happen.”

He said, “Bjourn said you mentioned cookies. It just so happens Elise had them at their house and EJ swiped them. I got us two.” I took it and said, “There’s just a lot of feelings with everything going on. Uncle Bjourn said…” I trailed off and took a bite.

I questioned internally, “What the hell am I doing? I was about to shame myself in front of my dad. I was about to tell him I’m a possessive ass.” Oden snarled back, “We are NOT a possessive ass, but maybe now isn’t the moment to tell him.”

My dad urged, “Uncle Bjourn said what?” I answered, “That he’s always here for me.” He’d said that many times over the years. My dad agreed, “He and all your uncles are. You know that.” I agreed, “I do.” He hugged me, “I love you and you can tell me anything.”

I nearly told him again, but the doubt creeped in.

Could I handle seeing disappointment in his eyes?

The answer was emphatically no. I never wanted my dad to think I was a bad person.

I replied, “I know I can, dad. I love you.” He hugged me again then left before my mom popped in and crossed her arms.

We had a stare off and she wrinkled her nose, “Those cookies again? I swear they popped up nine years ago and they refuckingfuse to leave.” I replied, “They are pretty good.” She disagreed, “They look dry and crumbly. Also, they stink.”

I laughed, “You just don’t like peanut butter.” She grumbled, “I don’t like dry ass cookies either. They taste like ash in your mouth.” I shrugged, “I didn’t like my first bite, but it grew on me.” She snorted, “You do not have cookies growing on you.”

I hugged her saying, “Never change, mom.” I felt her confusion, but she agreed, “I won’t.” She paused then added, “I’m here if you want to talk.” I whispered, “I know.” She kissed me and left me alone to my spiraling thoughts.

Flashback Ends

Micah cleared his throat and handed my computer over.

He came around to my side and explained how it all worked.

He said, “That back door goes into his computer. He won’t detect you there.

” I asked, “And if I wanted to take a screenshot or put a file onto my own computer?” He snorted, “Just pull it onto your desktop, like this.” He showed me.

I stood, “Thanks, man.” I walked out then turned, “Have you met all my siblings? We are basically family.” He blushed, “Uhh no not all of them.” I said, “I can get them here if you tell me which ones.” He waved, “No, no, no, you’re busy.

Everyone’s busy and my break is up. Thanks, I needed the distraction. ”

I yelled, “You realize I know that you don’t have designated breaks times.” He called, “Later, Alexander.” I rolled my eyes. Oden said, “He’s definitely into Magnus.” Magnus was Max’s wolf. I said, “Well, Max’s middle name is Harper and that’s an amusing tie in to Micah.” He chuckled in agreement.

Uncle Gunner was Max’s dad, so he wasn’t actually related to us since Uncle Gunner was related to us by his marriage with Uncle Harper and Aunt Calista.

Oden urged, “Let’s get back so we can set everything up.” I agreed and opened a portal. I used a charm so no one could just come into my room. I conjured a forty-nine inch computer monitor and the cables to plug my computer into it.

I pulled up the link through Jason’s computer and displayed it.

I growled the second she appeared on stage.

Her outfit was stunning, and possessiveness flared through me.

Oden snarled, “OURS!” The need to go to her was so high, but that promise I’d made kept me in my seat.

Oden grumbled, “Stupid fucking promise.” It really was.

I was so mesmerized by her dancing everything else faded away.

When she finished, I found myself clapping in my room on my feet.

She was an amazing dancer, and I knew one day she’d be all mine.

Oden grumbled, “Please hold onto that feeling.” It was true I waffled and grappled with self-doubt, but I touched the screen when she ran off.

I whispered, “I’ll meet you one day, Melanie McAlister. ” I meant it with my whole being.