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He asked, “What world domination ideas do you have these days?” I rolled my eyes, “I don’t want to rule the world. I mean… I’d probably be bad at it… since my goal has been to meet my Xander forever and I never get to.”

He disagreed, “You’d rule the world better than anyone else would. What papers have you read?” I grinned and launched into the papers coming out of Faerie and the Hackura realm I’d read. With more details than he probably cared to know.

He nudged me, “See? You combine papers, themes, and ideas no one else does. We have hybrids but everyone still sticks to what they know. You’re the smartest pup there is.” That seemed like an exaggeration. Grandpa Ben called, “Duncan, where’s my grandpup?” He chuckled, “Busted.”

We walked back inside, and he snorted at us.

Grandma Esther announced, “The pup was healed by Haley.” I frowned, “I told you he would be. I’m not sure why anyone…

well no… his family and the people who saw it…

but he was still alive when they got him to the Princess Luna… so… I mean he was going to be fine.”

Grandma Esther added with a wink, “Alexander had to help but Haley and he were able to regrow all his limbs.” I pursed my lips because I knew that would affect Xander.

The bond he shared with his mom was a balance to each other, but it made him feel his siblings and his parents better than anyone else.

He must have felt he needed to pop to her.

Grandpa Ben ordered, “Now, you go get to bed before your parents say no more sleepovers because we beyond missed your bedtime.” I blushed, “I mean… I never go to sleep when they think I do…” They stared at me while Uncle Duncan smirked.

I continued, “Like when I was little… I would just close my eyes so mom would leave the room, and I could work on my ideas and…” Grandpa groaned.

Uncle Duncan busted up laughing. I gasped, “Please don’t tell them that until after the picnic.

” Grandma Esther said, “Yeah, I’m not telling them they didn’t sneak anything in during that time. ”

I shrugged, “It’s not like I haven’t heard people having sex… and…” Grandpa Ben yelled, “No! No! No! Ladybug you are NOT talking about sex.” I pointed out, “It’s perfectly natural… and supernatural’s have higher…”

Grandma Esther cut me off, “Loveable little Ladybug, go to sleep. Actually sleep this time. That big brain of yours needs rest.” I grumbled, “Fine.” I had more ideas to work out, but I did try to lay down.

I tossed and turned until I wrote three more ideas down then my brain quietened. Then I was able to fall asleep.

When I woke up, Melinda and MaryBeth were still asleep. My Uncle Duncan raised his coffee to me and inclined his head. I jumped up and ran over to him. He held up his finger to his mouth and we crept out of the house. He handed me the coffee and I slammed it.

He grinned saying, “There’s that Beta blood. Step back.” I did and he shifted then knelt down. I greeted, “Hi Jinx.” I climbed on his back, and he took off for a run. Pepper joined us and I squealed, “Daddy!” He purred and we kept running.

When we got back, I got off Jinx’s back.

They shifted back, grabbed shorts, and my dad slammed into Uncle Duncan.

He laughed, “You snuck back into the pack, little brother.” Uncle Duncan teased, “Which you knew.” My dad gently shoved him, “Of course I did. I always know what you’re doing.

It’s my job as the older brother.” He put Uncle Duncan in a headlock and gave him a noogie.

My mom yelled, “Melanie Jane!” I turned and waved, “Hi, mom.” She sighed, “You can’t just go somewhere without telling your grandparents.” Uncle Duncan said, “That was my bad, but I left a note.” My mom sighed, “She knows better.” She ate a cookie while talking and I nearly cried.

I waved to Uncle Duncan, and he yanked me in for a hug. I whispered, “Good luck on your trip.” He ruffled my hair, “Thanks, pup.” I ran back inside and got my things quickly. I hugged Grandma and Grandpa. Melinda and MaryBeth squealed and hugged me.

Melinda linked, “I can’t wait to go the picnic.

” Yeah, neither could I. My parents took me home where my brothers were waiting.

My mom cooked us all breakfast and everyone was laughing and talking.

My heart fell when my mom ate five mom monster cookies.

I was barely talking, which had my brothers looking surprised and concerned.

I had to bite my tongue several times, but I wasn’t going to wake the mom monster.

Peter came in and called, “Drake I need you.” My dad kissed us all on the head.

Chelsea called, “Sam!” My mom laughed, “I’m called into action too.

You guys stay out of trouble.” She pointed at me, “I’m looking at you Ladybug.

” I nodded, biting my cheek so hard I drew blood.

I literally NEVER caused trouble. I waited until the door shut and pushed my chair back so hard it fell. Jason yelled, “Mel!” I ran up to my room and slammed the door then screamed into my pillow in anger. My door flew open. Nosey big brothers.

Tristan asked, “What the fuck was that?” Jason snorted, “You aren’t supposed to curse.

” Tristan shot him an annoyed look. Tristan growled, “I smell your blood.” I replied, “I bit my cheek so she wouldn’t ground me for saying I NEVER cause ANY trouble.

I do everything I’m supposed to and it’s not going to matter. ” I began to cry.

Jason sounded mortified, “Hey, don’t cry Ladybug.

Please. T, help me out here man.” Tristan sighed, “Mel, mom wouldn’t have grounded you for that.

” I snorted, “She’s snarfing down mom monster cookies with Grandma, Grandma, Melinda and MaryBeth.

They come in prepackaged cookie dough form now. ” Jason groaned.

Before he could say anything, Tank called up, “Jase, we’ve got practice to get to.” I hugged him, “I love you, Jase.” He agreed, “You too.” He asked, “You’ve got this right, T?” He nodded, “Yeah, I got it.” Jason left and we heard the door slam.

Tristan said, “Mom loves you.” I replied, “I know that…it’s just that…

” He cut me off, “It’s just nothing. I know Grandma told you about the deaths rogues have cost this family.

I was hoping that would help you understand their reactions better, especially mom.

She saw the mangled bodies of her own family.

” I argued, “But I’m NOT crossing the border, I swear! ”

He hugged me acknowledging, “I know you’re not.” I yawned. He laughed, “Why don’t you take a nap so you’re ready for the picnic?” I whispered, “We both know I won’t get to go.” He gasped, “Where is the positive version of my sister? You’re always adamant you’ll meet your Xander.”

I gasped, “SHHHH! You’re not supposed to say that so loud.” He replied, “We are the only ones here. Take a nap, Ladybug.” I nodded, “Ok.” I set my alarm so I could get up and get ready in time. I went to sleep and dreamed of the moment that Xander and I met.

My alarm blared and I sat up. I whispered, “It’s time.” I jumped in the shower and flew over to my outfit. It was a black skirt with red flowers and red top. I smoothed it out and glanced at the clock, a little surprised no one had come to get me.

I ran outside hoping that they didn’t leave me. I found my family gathered and everyone looked sad. I asked, “What’s wrong?” Everyone turned and Tristan winced. My mom crossed her arms with tears in her eyes. I took a step to go towards her, but she held he hands out in a stop motion.

My dad whispered, “Sam.” She asked me, “How could you?” I noticed there was a bit of a crowd, and several people were looking away. A few had hats in their hands wringing them. I asked, “What did I do? I just took a nap and…”

Mom screamed, “STOP LYING!” I stared at her asking, “About what? I literally haven’t said anything that…” She warned, “You were seen, just admit it.” I frowned, “I don’t know what you’re talking about… I just woke up and took a shower.”

She shook her head, “I know your grandma told you what happened yesterday. I know you know about our family members, and you selfishly crossed the border anyway!” I gasped, “No, I didn’t! T, tell them.”

I turned to my brother who looked near tears. My mom said, “Melanie Jane McAlister, you know full well he had to leave. Don’t you even put him in this position.” Tristan jumped in, “She was asleep when I left.” My mom waved, “You left her a note.”

I blinked at her but her anger remained.

I didn’t do anything wrong. I scoffed, “You still don’t believe me.

I didn’t do it! I never do it.” She warned, “Do NOT start. Do you know your dad and I saw that little boy yesterday? Can you imagine our terror? Of course you can’t, because you don’t have pups. ”

Saying I was too young would probably be a bad idea. Jason linked, “Don’t say it. I see the thought on your face.” I replied, “I didn’t do anything wrong.” He sighed. She wiped away tears. I whispered, “Mom, I…” She sighed, “Just admit what you did.”

I repeated, “I took a nap and a shower…. In that order.” She sighed, “Sometimes, I really do try to understand that you’re a pup and you don’t understand selfishness like adults, but this is beyond what is acceptable.” Dad jumped in, “Sam, that’s not fair.”

I bit my tongue again because not talking was getting hard.

I knew what she was going to say. She said, “You’ve yet again made Mrs. Dutton stay with you.

She was coming today to the picnic today, ya know?

Now, she’ll be with you because you’re grounded.

I cannot understand how you could be so hurtful and selfish. ”

I exploded, “YES YOU DO BECAUSE YOU ARE THE ONE WHO IS SELFISH AND HURTFUL!” My dad warned, “Melanie Jane, don’t talk to your mom that way.” I pointed at her, “You know I didn’t do anything wrong. You always do, then you eat your mom monster cookies.”