Ch. 251..260

Chapter 0251

"Prince Alexander, I thought that since you have spent enough time showcasing your charity, you might want to finish the opening dance with someone more appropriate to your rank.” It’s the blonde from earlier today. I have to admit she has some balls coming up to him during what I am gathering is an important tradition of the conference.

"Skylar is more than my equal, making her more qualified to be up here. I suggest you not make insults about people you are unaware of Charlene.” Xander starts to move us again.

Before we get too far though, Charlene opens her mouth again. She isn't going away without a fight.

"She's just a warrior, how does that make her an equal?

She's not even of age yet, so you can't tell me she’s your mate, we all know you haven't found her yet. Why would you even spend time with her when there are better choices for a chosen mate from your own pack? If she wasn’t being a b* tch, I would be impressed with her tenacity.

"First, I have no plans on taking a chosen mate. That is something you, your father and the rest of the Elders need to get through your head. Second, even without being a part of the Royal Pack, Skylar outranks you, if that’s what you are concerned about. I suggest you take your insults elsewhere and do not approach either of us for the rest of the night or I will have you removed."

Charlene gasps. Seriously? That's the thing that’s going to offend her, being kicked out of a royal party. This girl needs to rethink her priorities.

Xander does extract us from her finally to finish the dance.

We walk over to where his parents are accepting drinks from Barty.

"Oh, don't eat or drink anything that Barty doesn't give you personally."Xander looks at me as we reach his parents. My eyebrows shoot up.

"Really?! People are that crazy"

"People have tried, Little One, so we take no chances."

Alpha Reggie smiles at me.

"Dad, we need to get Skylar a brand so she can mindlink us.

We have been accosted a couple times and I couldn't warn her. I know the warriors want to wait another year, but if she is going to be playing this part, we need to be able to communicate. Charlene is on a warpath."

"I saw her approach you, that was bold, even for her.” Luna Anne smiles wickedly.

"Does she really think she is going to convince you to take her as a chosen mate? You would think being in the Royal Pack, they would understand better than most that the future king needs his Goddess Given mate."

"Unfortunately that is not what they are thinking about. For them it’s politics and power. By being related by marriage, her family specifically, thinks that it will sway more power and control their way and that they will be able to influence Xander to make decisions that benefit them specifically. It’s not new, I had a similar issue, but I also found my Anne far sooner than Xander even found Oscar. Now they just need their Luna."

It's so nice to see them talking about Oscar so comfortably.

Not all Alphas would be okay with their son being bis*xual since it could mean the end of their lineage. But I guess they also know that Xander’s Luna is coming too.

"That is fascinating too, that the Moon Goddess told you she's coming, but why is it taking so long? You would think that she would want her Alpha Kings to have their Lunas as soon as possible.” I ask all of them, but I'm looking at Luna Anne.

"I'm not sure, really. There aren't a lot of details when it comes to the Moon Goddess. But, I! guess our future queen has some things she needs to experience and people she needs to interact with before she gets to us. That’s all that I was told.”

Chapter 0252

"Interesting."

"Excuse me, your highnesses. I wonder If i could have a word with Miss Skylar here about some of her suggestions today. I was truly fascinated by your ideas young lady.” A grizzled but kind looking old man says to me. As innocent as he looks though, Xander's warning is making alarms blare in my head. This is what he was talking about and they are not wasting time trying to separate us.

I look to Xander to see what! should do. I don't want to openly offend anyone, but !I also do not want to go anywhere with this guy alone. He's not an Alpha, I can smell that much. So he must be one of the Elders. He looks battle worn and almost tired. His frame is still large and imposing, but I can see that he hasn't trained in years and the atrophy in his muscles is very evident. His wrinkles hide a myriad of scars, meaning he must have been a great warrior at some time.

Xander gives a slight nod, letting me know it's okay, but he doesn't let go of my arm when the Elder starts to turn and move away. We follow behind.

"I thought we could take a walk on the veranda, it’s such a lovely evening.” He makes his way to the door that leads out onto the balcony that sits behind the ballroom. He finally looks back at us when he pulls the door open"

Oh!

Prince Xander, I hadn't noticed you joined us. I didn't mean to disturb you. I'm sure you have other important matters to discuss with the other Alphas and Elders, I can watch over Miss Skylar, if you have somewhere else you are needed.” I didn't miss the dismissal in his voice, even though he made it as polite as possible towards his future king.

"Where I need to be is right next to Skylar, and I always like hearing her talk about battle strategy and training. It's something we have bonded over actually. She’s quite the warrior, so she really doesn’t need anyone watching over her."

"I'm sure for a she-wolf she is very accomplished.” I saw red at that comment, but Xander squeezed my hip to help keep me calm. I wanted nothing more than to punch this old bastard in the nose. "There is always a place for females to help protect children and tend to the wounded on the battlefield."

I clenched my jaw so tight, I ‘m surprised I didn't crack any teeth.

"Actually, Skylar goes head to head with male and female warriors. As a trainee in the Elite Warrior program she is top in her class over both male and female, they don't divide.

She also beat most of the trainers during her trials. She even took me down, and I was trying.” Xander looked at me and we both laughed. I’m surprised he admitted that.

"Elite training, how are you in Elite training, you are not even age eligible yet.” He let his nice old man facade slip just a little.

"Warrior Osiston and Alpha Reggie decided that I should join now, so I did.” I shrug my shoulders like the answer should be that simple.

"But all recruits are approved by the Elder committee, how did you get past that"

"I'm sure my father, the Alpha King, does not have to explain all of his decisions to you Bastian. The King does what is necessary for his kingdom. The Elders are an advisory committee when he needs a sounding board for larger problems.” The look that Xander is giving Bastian is one that speaks volumes, more than words could ever convey. He is treading on thin ice trying to insinuate that the

Elder committee has more power than the king and that he needs to get approval for his decisions is a dangerous move.

 

Chapter 0253

I have a little more insight into why I was brought here later than everyone and why I don't have the warrior brand though. I wonder if it's less to do with my age than these grumpy old men that want to feel like they have some semblance of power now that they are no longer Alpha’s running packs. I pack that away to ask about later.

" Xander, there you are, I have been looking everywhere for you. You owe me adance. Another blonde slides up next to us and Xander rolls his eyes and looks between the woman and Bastian.

This was the plan, to get me away from Xander to give her a chance to snatch him up. I almost have to laugh, they are not subtle about this at all. I expected more covert attempts, but they are not even trying to hide the fact that no one here wants me anywhere near Xander.

Before he can get too angry, I place my hand on Xnader’s chest"

It's okay, why don't you call Oscar and he can escort me outside while you entertain blondie’s delusion that she can maintain your attention for an entire dance.” I say low, but still loud enough for all present to hear and then wink at Xander.

A smile breaks across his face before he laughs. I can see blondie is not happy about my comment, but she’s also not

dumb enough to say anything in front of me either. I remember her from some of the meetings today and if she was paying any attention, she knows I'm not stupid and can verbally spar with the best of them.

" Anything for you Midge. I'm giving you ten minutes, then Oscar is going to bring you right back to me, okay?” He touches the underside of my chin and lifts my eyes to his.

The intimate gesture is not missed by the other two.

Oscar saunters up, he really is a beautiful man. He smiles at Xander and then at me"

I hear I'm needed to babysit, because you for sure don't need protection.” The three of us laugh"

I've got her your highness, we'll see you in exactly ten minutes.” Oscar winks at him.

Xander leans over to plant a kiss on my temple. "I'll see you soon.” I just nod.

" For not being mates, that boy seems awfully smitten with you." Bastian growls"

How did you manage to get his affections when the women around here have been trying for years?"

" I thought we were going to discuss some of my suggestions from earlier?” I raise an eyebrow at him.

" I really just wanted to get to know you. You seem to be something of a novelty for the royal family and I was curious. You seem to have each of them eating out of the palm of your hand. Even your new guard is only an inch from you."

I don’t have to look to see where Oscar is. I can feel his body heat behind my shoulder and the tension rolling off of him is almost palpable. He doesn't like this elder and I am inclined to trust his judgment just as I do Xander's in this Situation.

" I did nothing spectacular, and I'm not looking for praise. I am a warrior, I participated in the trials like all warriors wanting to join Elite training, I had a few conversations with the Alpha King about battle strategy and training and a few about life. The Alpha King and Luna Queen have been very kind to me. I have nothing else to say on the subject."

" Were you really a part of the relief warriors that helped the packs surrounding Alpha Brecc’s territory"

" Yes."

" How is that possible? There is no way any Delta or Gamma would have taken a thirteen year old girl on a mission like that."

" Maybe not in the pack you came from, but at Blue Crescent, we push our warriors, not hold them back. We have had several people my age start to train early because they showed signs of proficiency early on in many areas. Some are training to be healers with our pack doctors while still in school. Some train with our teachers working with pups.

Some of our Omegas are working with our farmers. I just happen to be good at fighting, so I was brought into the relief team to gain experience and knowledge. I also happen to be good at defensive strategy, which is what I supplied to Alpha Brecc. He chose not to use the tools that were given to him, because it was designed by a girl and now he is understanding the consequences of those actions.’ I closed my mouth after that. He doesn't need any more information from me and he can just sit there and squirm, knowing he isn’t intimidating me.

Chapter 0254

I can feel Oscar's chest rumbling behind me. Is he laughing?

Elder Bastian switches to safer topics after that. He asks how I like the facilities of the training camp, if I've had a chance to tour the Royal Pack, how I'm balancing school and training, things like that as we take a couple laps around the long and narrow balcony.

Oscar taps my shoulder, "It's time, Prince Alexander is looking for you.” I just nod and take his offered arm.

"It was a very illuminating conversation, Elder Bastian, thank you. I turn Oscar and I around and start walking in, not caring if I get a reply from this slimy as*hole.

We make our way inside and Xander is trying to extricate himself from blondie without making a scene, but after the conversation with, who I can only assume was her father, I’m having none of it. I let go of Oscar and walked straight to her, getting so close that if I was taller our eyelashes could braid together.

"I’m going to need you to stop making a fool of yourself.

You had your opportunity with the Alpha Prince, he is not interested, move along and move on." I let a little of my Beta and I guess Alpha aura out to make sure she knows I’m not kidding. I've never had a reason to use it before, but the sensation is amazing and terrifying all at once. I can see how the power could go to someone's head.

Her eyes go wide and she slowly backs away. Smart girl.

"When you become a Luna, remind me not to piss you off, like ever.” Oscar says from behind me and I turn around confused.

"What are you talking about, I’m no Luna.” I just stare at him as Xander takes his place by my side wrapping his arm around my waist where it has been all night.

"The hell you're not! That was borderline scary and very sexy all at the same time, and I don’t even like girls.” I couldn't hold in a laugh at that"

You are going to be someone's bada* $s Luna. I just hope it’s with someone in this kingdom. Can you imagine having to negotiate with her?” He looks at Xander"

We'd lose our whole pack fairly.” He shakes his head and Xander and I both laugh.

The rest of the night was much the same. Females trying to gain Xander’s attention, several Elders trying to distract me and many of them trying to get me secluded from the group with was creepy enough, but I had an invisible warrior following me around and Oscar by my side if Xander couldn't be. There were actually a few males our age who tried to approach me, but both Xander and Oscar growled at them for even approaching. The jealousy and dominance that they gave off just made me laugh and think of my brother and Oliver.

Around midnight Alpha Reggie and Luna Anne came over to us and said it was okay to leave if we wanted to. The three of us did not hesitate to get out of the dog and pony show.

We practically ran to the elevator, but before the doors closed and hand slid through stopping them and my heart stuttered. Was this when someone actually tried something?

The doors slid open slowly and I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding"

Warrior Osiston, seriously, you scared the sh*t out of me."

"Really? With all the BS you put up with tonight, someone stopping the elevator was what scared you?"

"The verbal sparring is nothing, after tonight, that’s what I expect from most of these people. I guess I let my guard down for something more aggressive.” I chastised myself. I can’t believe I let my guard down, even after I was warned.

"Lesson learned then?” I just nod and look down at my feet.

I'm upset with myself, that kind of behavior could be the difference between living or getting killed.

Chapter 0255

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Little One. Your assessment is correct. These people mostly deal in words, brides and threats. Especially in the King's Castle. They will not risk being an outcast here, but that doesn’t mean that they won't try things away from the king. You did good tonight, though."

"You were watching me?"

"The King would trust your safety to no one else.

Remember, you are special, Little One and very important to this kingdom."

I all of a sudden felt very tired. I don't want to be special, I just want to be me. I want to become a warrior, find my mate and ride off into the sunset with my family like a romance movie. Is that too much to ask? I lean into Xander and rest my head on his chest. His arm tightens around me and I just close my eyes breathing in his comforting scent.

The next thing I know I'm swaying, like someone is rocking me gently to sleep. I take a deep breath, and bury my head into the soft fabric I'm laying on. I hear whispers around me though, which is pulling me closer and closer to consciousness, making me grumpy.

"You should have seen her shut down Bastian. I've never seen someone else dominate a conversation with him before, it was amazing.”

"She went toe to toe with Olympia too. I thought that girl was going to wet herself. I’m already a little terrified of Sky, when she gets her full Luna powers she’s going to be a force, bigger than she is now."

"What makes you think she will be a Luna?” I’m starting to recognize voices now. Osiston is asking Oscar, I think. The swaying is lulling me back to dreamland, but I need to fight it, I want to hear this

conversation. Are they talking about me?

"She commanded a room of over fifty people, during the conferences today, as a female with all of these old school bastards who think females should be relegated to the pups and the healing rooms. The only reason they brought their own daughters in, who had no concept of what was going on, was because they found out she was going to be there and wanted the chance to parade them in front of Xander, not actually participate. She shut all of them down and proved she deserved a spot at the table without being mean or petty or having a political agenda behind it. Then tonight she stepped up to each insinuated insult and let no one intimidate her. If she’s not a Luna, Warrior Brogen, I would fear for your job security.” The people around us laugh quietly.

"Here Xander, I want her in this guest room, closest to you.

There's a few I still don't trust that might try something tonight.” I chose that moment to open my eyes, take a deep breath in and look around.

"Hey Midge.” Xander whispers. "You fell asleep in the elevator. You're staying here tonight and all day tomorrow, so dont try sneaking out early to go running,”

Chapter 0256

I just huff a laugh, he knows me too well already"

What if I wake you up and we go running together? I have to get my five miles in, I can’t slack because I'm hanging out with you.

That will just give more ammunition to...” I stop myself when I realize that we are not the only people in the room he set me down in.

" To whom, Little One? Who's giving you trouble?” Warrior Osiston asks, an angry look on his face I have never seen directed my way before.

I just shake my head"

It's nothing, really. I just have a different schedule and training set up than the rest of the warriors and some think that it is favoritism. I also get pulled from things in order to spend time with the Royal family, not everyone is happy about that, especially if they think it’s an assignment and they deserve the privilege since they have been here longer. It’s nothing like my pack Situation, it’s just jealousy and a lack of information.

Really.” I don’t want any of them intervening on my behalf, it just makes things worse.

Warrior Osiston just nods, hopefully in understanding, only time will tell.

" Let's get you changed and into bed. Boys scooch!" Luna Anne shoos everyone from the room and I giggle watching her handle all these big men, who respond like little boys.

She has me sit at the vanity and helps me pull all the pins and elastics from my hair. She points to pajamas that have been laid out for me and shows me the bathroom so I can wash the make-up

and stress of the day off.

She is still in my room waiting in one of the cushy armchairs in front of the massive fireplace, seemingly lost in a book.

She sets the book aside, but doesn't move from her spot when she addresses me.

" If you really do want to go for a run in the morning, please take Xander and Oscar and be back by 8am for breakfast.

Some of the Elders and Alphas are staying in the guest wing and based on their reaction to you tonight, will be less than pleasant knowing you are staying in the family wing."

" Why would they even know that? Are they really that nosey?"

" Are you really asking that question?” She laughs at me"

They all probably know who is staying in each room on each floor and how many guests came. Many of them seem to think the higher up you are the better the rooms are. They are all identical, I know because I designed them myself, but no one will listen to reason so I let them have their squabble. They all saw you leave with Xander, which is also a novelty, he does not leave with a woman as a general rule. It causes too much drama. So you both will be the talk of breakfast, naturally.”

I just roll my eyes and sigh"

Please tell me that I am not Xander’s female mate. You would know that right? I don't know if I could handle all of the stupid politics like you do.

No one would have teeth left." I sag onto the cloud soft comforter on my bed and my eyes instantly get droopy with how comfortable the crisp white linens are.

" Oh, I don't think so, no. You are already a part of this family by blood, there would be no reason to pair you to Xander.

But, I agree with Oscar, you have great potential to be a leader in whichever pack you end up in."

" But, I don’t know if I want to be a Luna.” Even to myself I sound a little panicked. "That’s a lot to put on someone's shoulders."

" Don't you already do that though?"

" I just serve to protect my pack. That's all."

" Spoken like a Luna.” She smiles, like she’s trying to rile me up. I grumble under my breath, which only makes her smile wider"

You also train your pups, you keep all of your future leaders inline. Those boys would follow you to the ends of the earth, you know that right? You clearly put up with so much more than anyone knows and did it in the name of protecting your pack. All while maintaining a training schedule that rivals Osiston’s and every possible advanced clas you could take at school. It's what any true Luna would do. But I also don't want to get your hopes up either, like

many of the girls you saw here tonight. The title of Luna has been glorified to them, but not the job or the work that goes with the title. They will be devastated if they do not gain that title, you will not. I have no idea what the Moon Goddess has planned for you, but you are important.”

Chapter 0257

I let out a little whine, it sounds petulant even to my ears.

She just complimented me in the best possible way and all I can think of is when I am done training here, I just want to go home and be with my pack. By the time I get back though all the guys would be of age and probably found their mates and will have no use for me.

That thought also makes me sad. I have these big dreams and I am following them without regret, but I also don't want to have this divide between me and Mateo and the rest of the guys because I followed my dreams. The thoughts are overwhelming and I feel tired all over again.

" Sleep, Little One, you have one more day with us before you go back to reality.” She walks over looking almost angelic in the dim light from the lamp next to the bed. She tucks me in and kisses me on the forehead and I can’t stop the single tear that slips out. Even Mary wasn't allowed to tuck me in when I was little. Luna Anne pretends not to notice. "Sleep tight, sweet girl.”

With that she turns and walks out of the room. I reach over and turn off the light. I think I was asleep before my head even hit the pillow.

I get up the next morning and before I can even step out of my room to head to find Xander there is a knock at my door.

" Hold on.” I say trying to secure and elastic in my hair while opening the door at the same time.

I open it to find Xander and Oscar in workout gear ready to go. I just smile at them, grab my phone and head out.

I sent a message to Sierra yesterday telling her I would be here, but I wasn’t sure how all of this worked. Would she be allowed to see me here in the castle? I shot her another message as we

walked out letting her know we were going for a run around the castle property. I don’t know if she'll get it, but I figured she would at least see it and maybe we could meet up today and I could describe all of the drama that went down last night.

No sooner were we outside on the back lawn did I get a message back from her. She used a lot of four letter words for me waking her up this early without notice and she will meet me for breakfast since it’s not an official function she can come over to the castle. I It is so early that the sun has barely started peaking over the mountain range and the mist from the dew casts an eerie fog over the grass.

" Well, at least it will be hard to tell who’s out here running, just in case your fan club is stalking you from their windows.” I laugh at Xander.

" No worries there. All of their windows face the front of the castle. Why do you think we cam out this way?” He laughs and Oscar and I joinin. I As we jog the first mile we are a bit more leisurely about it, just warming up really. I get to know Oscar more. He's the son of the Royal Delta, which is perfect for him.

He will be able to best protect the Royal pack and his motivations will be higher since his mates are the future Alpha and Luna. He has always thought he was just gay, but now that he knows they have a female mate waiting for them he’s interested to find out if they are both just mated to Xander or if the three of them are mates. I never thought about that before. I have heard of people having more than one mate, it’s not rare, but it’s not super common either.

I never stopped to consider how there might be different dynamics in those multi person relationships. That would be something fascinating to study, if I had free time.

Chapter 0258

The land around the castle is breathtaking. We even made it all the way to the other side of the massive lake that I saw in the picture in Dakota's room. I found the fallen log and had Xander take my picture on it to send to the guys. It’s not much, but something to let them know I am thinking of them and trying to connect from a distance.

Xander also had to be a guy and made sure I took a picture sandwiched in between both him and Oscar so he could send his own picture. I felt guilty for about three seconds and then thought it was hilarious. He will most definitely get responses before I do.

I know I’m not supposed to have outside contact with people while I’m in training, but it has been eating me alive that I haven't been able to contact them and I haven't had an opportunity to respond to their letters, which were mostly apologies for not being there for me and protecting me.

Based on the tone of the letters, there’s no way they didn't see me at my worst that night. I don't know how to let them know it isn’t their fault. Kaley is at fault and whoever else she talked into inflicting the pain. I am at fault for not standing up for myself and just putting her in her place when I know that I can.

That is a mistake I will never make again. No matter what her father threatens, I will not stand by while she harms and

tortures and threatens members of my pack. She has no right, even if she is Luna, no one should treat people the way she does. It will never go unanswered ever again. I We finish our run by racing past the crazy maze Alpha Reggie took me in to tell me about my connection to the Royal family and up the stairs to the massive landing outside the main entryway.

I won, of course. There was no way I was going to let either of them beat me. It was fun to have healthy non-judged competition between friends, the kind that makes you smile whether you win or lose.

" Sh*t, you are fast for having such short legs Midge.” Oscar is panting, but I love that he picked up on the nickname the rest of the warriors have started to call me. Something about having a nickname signifies that you have been accepted. All the guys have one for me and it feels like something personal between us.

" I wasn't kidding, she’s a bada*s.” Xander is panting behind him.

" Do you do that run every day” Oscar asks.

" Not everyday, but I do run in some capacity everyday. I like to change it up, otherwise your body gets complacent.” I shrug like it’s common knowledge, because it should be to someone at his level.

 

Chapter 0259

" It’s official, Xander, I’m sorry, but I’m going to need to leave early every morning and train with your girl here, otherwise I’m going to get my a*s beat.” We are all laughing as we head in the doors not really paying attention to our surroundings.

" Prince Alexander!” A shrill voice basically shouts.”"Where have you been? We have been looking for you everywhere this morning, you left so abruptly.” A brunette is talking and a blonde is following close behind. I know she means that we left early last night, but her word choice could make people believe that Xander spent the night with her or both of them. I have to hand it to her, she knows what she’s doing.

" Skylar and I decided to go for a run this morning after we got up, you know, keeping up training and all, no matter what frivolous things we have to do. Not all of us can sleep in for those extra beauty hours.” Okay, so Xander has some game too.

I just step back closer to Oscar to let Xander handle these clowns, I'm not in the mood, it’s too early for these catty b* tches.

" Well maybe we can sit together at breakfast this morning since you're all done entertaining and have the freedom to sit with people closer in rank to yourself."

Why do these tramps keep insinuating that I am lower than they are? If they have no rank at all then I outrank them in general. I can feel my temper rising to the surface. I take a deep breath before speaking, I will not let this girl rile me up, she isn't worth it. I don't know what came over me, but I stepped forward and took Xandar's arm.

" Actually, Xander, we should go shower and change. I know your mother was expecting us down right at eight for breakfast. At this rate with all of the chit chat we will probably only have time for

one shower.” I grab his arm tighter and wink at the brunette and drag Xander away willingly, Oscar trying and failing to hold in his laughter as we make our way to the elevator.

" Yep, Luna Midge, I will never piss you off as long as I am alive.” Oscar is openly laughing as the elevator is closing on us. Xander still hasn't said anything.

" Xander, say something. Did I do something wrong, cross a line? She was just pissing me off and the only way I could think to shut her up was to imply that we were sleeping together.” I tried not to outwardly cringe at that, it was so far out of my depth, I hope I didn't embarrass him. I rub my hands over my sweaty face to try and rid some of the blush I know is creeping up my neck and my cheeks. — He pulls me into a sweaty hug"

You did not cross any line, but do you even have any idea what you told her?” He leans me back, just far enough to look me in the eyes.

" Mostly, yes. The concept I implied, I fully understand. Any actual real world knowledge of any of that stuff, not a clue."

I smile sheepishly and shrug my shoulders at him before he pulls me back into a hug.

" Sometimes I forget how young and innocent you are. There are so many things you have gone through, that no one your age should even have to think about and then normal teenage things, like s*x, you are still so innocent."

" Oh, damn, I never thought about that!" Oscar almost shouts"

You speak in a war meeting like a 60 year old seasoned veteran, but you're not, you're what fifteen?

You're just a baby. Have you even had your first kiss yet?"

I felt Xander’s arms tighten around me and his breath catch like he’s afraid to know the answer.

" Not romantically, no. It's mostly been like what you've seen Xander do. Kisses on the cheek or forehead. All more brotherly than anything. You have to remember, until a year ago no one hung out with me or even acknowledged my presence. It was an unspoken rule by my bully. She made sure people gave me a wide berth. If they tried to engage with me they got hurt, and I couldn't always intervene so it was just easier to keep my distance, it kept them safer. My brother and the rest of the guys didn’t even acknowledge me until last year when Sierra showed up. So my romantic experience has been vicarious observations through my brother and his friends and their conquests."

Chapter 0260

" You are really going to have to give up this girl’s name sometime, Midge. The more I learn about what you went through, the more I want to rip her hair out one strand at a time.” Xander growls into my hair before he takes a deep breath in and lets it out slowly"

How is it possible that you aren't my mate, but your scent has the ability to calm me down almost as well as Oscar's?"

" That's a random change of subject.” I observe, still in his embrace, face buried in his chest. He doesn't seem keen on letting me go anytime soon.

" It's true though, I noticed it last night too.” Oscar adds in"

When Bastian decided he could be a d*ck when Xander left.

I was so close to you, your scent kept me level headed, but you aren't our mate are you?” I shake my head no.

" Maybe that’s your ability, the special blood thing that you get from being the first born female in our bloodline."

Xander observes"

I'll have to ask dad, I didn't even register that’s what was happening until now, but the fact that it works on Oscar too, it has to be something. Only a mate's scent is supposed to have that effect."

The elevator door dings as we reach our floor.

" I know this is going to sound weird as hell, but Midge, go grab some clothes, you're going to get ready in our room this morning."

" What?” Both Oscar and I speak at the same time.

" Is that really necessary?” I ask.

" There isn't a guard for you and after what happened downstairs, people are already milling about the castle, it would make me feel better if you stayed close.

Oscar looks a little defeated and I can imagine after all the s *x talk I know why.

" What if I promise to not leave my room until you and Oscar come to get me? I feel like a third wheel and that is not a place I want to be in. Go do what you need to do.” I'm pleading, both for me and for Oscar. "You can even text me when you are on your way, I won't answer the door unless I know you're coming."

" Oh, he'll be coming alright.” Oscar mumbles. I know I turned three shades of red, but I pretend to ignore it.

" We need to talk your dad into getting me branded so I can mindlink, this would be so much easier.” I rub my temples as I walk towards my door. I will not get in the way of the very little time they have together. "Il will not come out. I swear.

Text me when you are at my door, I will be quick , but take your time and do what you need to do.” I wink at both of them and slide through my door and lock it before anyone can argue.

Knowing what they are doing just a room away has me thinking about who I will be with, who I could be with. The problem is, I only see my guys. My brother is not a turn on for me and Sam is for sure taken by Sierra. It's only a matter of time, but Oliver and Cameron and Dakota.

Their faces swim in my head as I strip off my sweaty clothes and step into the steaming shower. I wouldn't even be able to choose if the Moon Goddess gave me a choice. They all protect me in different ways, make me feel safe, and loved.

More than just a sister or friend. How would that work?

Would she make me choose, or give me three mates? How would I even keep up with that? Alpha’s are known for their s *x drives. And once they find their Luna, you may not see them for a week. What would it be like to have two or three men like that? To have someone who will be that obsessed with me and my body sounds amazing and terrifying all at the same time.

What would they do first? Would they be gentle, ease me into intimacy or would they be rough forcing dominance over me? Both thoughts have me panting to myself because they aren't all bad thoughts. I should be getting clean from our long run, but I can’t get the idea of someone owning my body, dominating me in a way no one has before.