Calling All Mates

Calling All Mates
The Next Morning

Kano jolted from his sleep the moment he realized Essence wasn’t there. Seeing 5:30 A.M. on the clock, he linked to her in panic, “Where are you, Belle? Are you okay?”

She linked back, “Yes, I’m fine. I didn’t want to wake you. I’m at Rafael’s shop. He’s giving me a makeover—and boy, is he grumpy.”

Kano let out a chuckle. “It’s gotten worse over the years. One would think knowing I’m his alpha would keep him from using crude language at me for missing my fittings—and yet, he still scolds me, and somehow makes me feel like a child.” He heard her laugh, and he smiled.

“Totally get it. He told me the hair might grow from my scalp, but it’s his, and if I mess it up again, he’s going to cut me. I don’t mind though; I know the nagging stems from love.”

Pondering her statement for a moment, Kano linked her again, “Next time, promise to wake me up, okay? I was worried.”

“I promise. Sorry to have worried you. Now go back to sleep. From what I was told, you had a very long night.”



Seeing Gregory exit his room, Kano approached his side. “Hey, can I speak with you for a moment?” he asked. Knowing Gregory was nervous, he shook his head. “There’s no need to be afraid. I wish to apologize to you.” He sighed. “I let my anger keep me from listening when you tried to explain the truth to me. I accused you of being disloyal when, if it wasn’t for you, Essence nor Kanon would be here today. Cayden also told me you knew of my identity for some time and never said a word. I shall always be grateful to you for keeping my secret as well.”

Gregory gave him a small smile of appreciation. “Thank you for saying that. It means a lot to me. I may not have been the best version of myself in the past, but the teachings and kindness given to me are something I will always cherish. It is an honor to have you as alpha and trust, all is forgiven.” He smirked. “Even the assault on my shoulder.” Kano rubbed the back of his neck apologetically, causing him to chuckle. “Really, Alpha, all is forgiven. Trust me, I understand completely.”

Kano gave him a genuine smile in return. “That means a lot to me. It is an honor to be your alpha and bear witness to all the changes you have made for the better. I truly look forward to seeing all the ways you leave your mark upon Blood Moon.” Leaning forward, he embraced Gregory, hearing him give a small sniffle.

“I’ll try my hardest not to disappoint you, Alpha,” he murmured.

“I shall do the same.” Releasing one another, the two men made their way to the dining room for breakfast. Seeing everyone already at the table, Kano sat in the middle of Kanon and Cayden. He kissed the top of her head and she giggled.

“Daddy, I’m eating!” she said. He chuckled; it soon turning into shock as he watched her practically inhale a piece of French toast. His eyes darted to Cayden, whose face matched his.

“It’s her seventh piece,” Cayden said before they watched her consume her eighth. He nudged his brother.

“I would say that she gets her appetite from you, but I remember all the late-night meals Savina would secretly prepare for Essence when you were asleep. It was quite impressive. I once saw her eat a turkey leg that was almost as massive as your head.”

Kano cut his eyes. “Don’t start with me, Cayden. I have a migraine, and I will thrash you in front of everyone.”

“Uncle Cayden, your head is bigger than daddy’s head,” Kanon interjected, laughing. Cackles flew around the room, and Cayden turned red before laughing at himself.

“I’ll let you get away with that one because you’re so adorable.” He sat silent for a moment before turning to her again. “Kanon, how do you know all of us so well? I’m happy about it, of course, but I’m also curious,” he said.

Smiling brightly, she took a sip of her orange juice. “Mommy tells me stories! I know you’re Uncle Cayden, that’s Aunt Ani—Ani—” She paused sheepishly at the fact that she couldn’t fully pronounce Anastasia’s name.

Anastasia smiled. “Aunt Ani is just fine.”

Grinning, Kanon continued. “And that’s daddy!” She directed her heart-melting smile towards Kano. “You all are next to me,” she said.

Anastasia looked at her confused. “Next to you?”

Gregory nodded. “Essence made it up to help her remember people. Kanon’s the best, and next to her, someone else is another word.”

“I am the best. Next to me, Uncle Gregory is the bravest,” Kanon said, flexing her little muscles.

A small blush crept onto his face. “I don’t know about all that,” he said bashfully.

“I actually think it fits perfectly,” Cayden replied.

Kanon put her finger to her temple. “Uncle Cayden is the smartest.” She placed her hand on her heart. “Aunt Ani has the biggest heart!” Anastasia and Cayden looked at one another at the same time. Words unspoken; they both acknowledged how Kanon had already stolen their hearts.

Kano raised his brow. “Let me guess. Kanon is the best. Next to her, her daddy is the prettiest,” he said, fluffing himself dramatically.

She laughed loudly. “No. I’m the best. Next to me, daddy is”—she smiled big, reminding him of Essence—“mommy’s favorite.”

Kano’s eyes widened. “What?” he asked, stunned.

Gregory rubbed the back of his neck. “Five years running. Never changed a word.”

He sighed, trying his best to gauge all his emotions at once. Even after last night—and this morning—he still found himself confused. So much time had passed. So much still felt the same, and in other ways, felt different. There was still so much to talk about, and though he didn’t want to stress her even more than he already had, he knew there were a lot of things they needed to address if they were going to move forward together. Still stuck in his thoughts, he heard the castle door open. The smell of vanilla hit his nose, and he looked up and saw his luna.

Essence’s face flushed at his intense gaze, and she pulled at her sleeve. “Is there any more breakfast? Rafael took longer than expected and I’m starving,” she said. The table remained silent, all gawking at her new look.

Kanon raced to her mother.“You look pretty!” she shouted, hugging her legs.

Essence reached down and picked her up. “Thank you, Bugaboo.” Unsure of the storm in Kano’s eyes, she cleared her throat and turned to Cayden. “I was wondering if Savina, Chip and the guys were around? I really miss them and was hoping I could see them.”

He nodded. “They are eager to see you, too. They just wanted to make sure you were better first. I’ll send for them.” He smiled. “Someone else asked to visit as well.”

“Who?”

“Caitlyn.”

She covered her mouth. “Really?! Please, I’d love to see her,” she said.

“Of course. She’s out of town, but I will let her know.” He nudged Kano, linking to him, “You look like a fucking idiot! Stop staring at her and go kiss her or something! I know she’s your mate, but Kano, even I’m about to call the police. Your gaze is making me uncomfortable, and it’s not even towards me!”

Kano coughed, and punched him before linking back, “You think you can watch Kanon for about an hour—two—a few hours?”

Cayden laughed out loud, leaving the rest of the table confused. “At least let the poor woman eat and stop being so easy. She hasn’t been here for a week, and you’re already eager to let her soil your purity temple.”

“That’s disgusting Cayden!” Kano roared, and his face reddened when he realized he said it out loud and not linked it. He grumbled under his breath. “I hate you.”

“Okay,” Essence said, arching her brow in confusion. She fidgeted again in nervousness when Kano stood from the table and walked over to her. Her hair was now the same orange of a sunset, and his favorite toffee was glowing again. He looked at her hungrily before taking Kanon from her. Putting her down, he swiftly pulled Essence into his arms. She smiled. “Do you approve?” He nodded, before capturing her in a passionate kiss that left her eyes blue.

“Mhm, that’s the type of stuff I like to see in the morning,” Brenda said as she and Ericka walked into the dining room. She laughed and nudged Ericka. “I give it about seven hours before he’s petting the hell out of that kitty again.”

“Nah, six. Definitely six,” Ericka said, and the two high fived. Completely horrified, Essence and Kano separated and darted back to the table. Her smile widening, Ericka nodded. “Yep, definitely six.”



After breakfast, Gregory left to spend time with Rafael. As Brenda and Ericka talked amongst themselves, they felt they were being watched. Letting out a sigh, Ericka shook her head. “She’s being creepy again,” she said.

“I know,” Brenda replied. “How about we break the ice?” Turning, she beckoned Anastasia. Looking around, Anastasia pointed to herself, making them laugh. “No, not you. The pretty green-eyed chick behind you. You know, the one married to the beta.” Brenda said, smirking.

Anastasia chuckled before joining them. “Sorry, you just caught me off guard.”

Ericka nodded. “No biggie,” she said. “We’re just curious about something. How come you’re acting like we’re Hollywood? Have we done something that made you uncomfortable, because if we have just tell us and—”

Anastasia waved her hands frantically. “No! Of course not! I jus—” She inhaled. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to say thank you for having Essence’s back yesterday, and for looking out for her these past years. It means a lot knowing that she had caring people in her corner when I couldn’t be.”

Patting her chest, Brenda scrunched her face. “Right in the motherfucking feels. Nah, we appreciate that, though. E is one of us and Kanon—well, you already know how she gets all up in your heart.” She paused for a moment before continuing. “Oh, and by the way, yesterday wasn’t just about E. You give off good vibes. We like you. Trust, we would have beat shorty’s friends, but after E charged up like a damn Super Saiyan and punched her, nobody else needed to intervene…. except maybe alpha because she was about to demolish her some more.” The three shared a laugh as they looked over to Essence talking to Cayden.


Cayden unfolded his arms and gave her a big hug. “Thank you for helping Stasia. I had no clue what to do, and I doubt me punching a woman would have fared well,” he said.

She laughed. “Understandable, but I meant what I said. I don’t play that shit. Life is already hard; nobody needs the added bullshit of judgy people.”

“Did my brother fuss at you?” he asked, his eyes tinging playfully. “Because him, I will punch.”

“No, he actually um”—her face flushed—“his emotions are all over the place.”

“Seems like he isn’t the only one. Are you still in love with him?”

“Hasn’t wavered a bit,” she said, and Cayden smiled at the phrase. “I don’t know if things can go back to how they were though, a lot has changed.”

“Maybe that’s a good thing? It could be a chance for a new type of normal.” He waved around to Kanon and Kano playing, and the three ladies chatting, “New friends, and new family. I think Gregory and Rafael would also agree. This new type of normal could certainly be even better than before.” Hearing footsteps, they all turned towards the hall.

“Tre-Tre in the house!” Tremaine called out, entering the castle. Embracing Essence immediately, he patted her back. “You’re not about to pepper spray me, are you?” he asked.

She chuckled. “That depends. Are you about to get creepy?”

“And risk getting swatted by the wife? Nope!”

“I have never swatted you. Don’t tell those lies to Luna,” Savina said as she approached, glaring at him.

“Nope, I’m telling. Essence, she beat me like an old rug.”

“Stop that!” Savina shouted, amusement on her face.

He kissed her cheek. “You know I’m just playing, sexy mama. We have a healthy, happy marriage.”

Shaking her head, Essence hugged Savina. “It’s amazing to see you both. I also heard you’re no longer working at the castle.” Her brow raised. “And where is Chip?”

Smirking, Savina pointed over to Chip shyly approaching Kanon and Kano. “He’s usually so shy, but when he found out you and Alpha had a daughter close to his age, he practically harassed me to come over.” They all watched briefly as Kano played with the two children. “It’s wonderful seeing you, too, by the way,” Savina said, giving her an earnest smile. “And yes, I stopped working here a few years ago. Tremaine opened up a pottery shop, and it does really well, so I followed my dreams and now I own my own restaurant.”

“That’s amazing!” Essence shouted excitedly.

Tremaine posed. “I told her I take care of mine. Chip’s doing great in school, we got money in the bank, and all I ask in return is we get to play a little leapfrog.” He kissed Savina’s reddening cheeks. “Savi is a frea—owww!” he screamed when Bobby approached and hit him in the back of the head.

“Nobody wanna hear that shit, Tre. Stop being inappropriate!” he growled.

Tremaine looked at Essence bashfully. “My fault, but you know I just be playing.”

Engulfing her in a hug, Bobby pointed to Ricky. “Tell Luna what you said yesterday.”

Ricky snickered. “Some things never change. Girl, you came in swinging like a hood superhero. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at how the poor girl squealed as she flew across the room,” he said.

Essence rubbed the back of her neck. “Oh, y’all were here for that, huh?”

“Me, Big Bobby, Chuckie and Phil were. Tre was at a parent-teacher conference, and Stephan and Fontaine were getting everybody in line.”

Essence looked at him in confusion. “Everybody in line?”

“Oh yeah, I forgot you don’t know. Stephan and Fontaine run the frontline army now. Alpha put them in charge. They’ve always been good at combat, but now they just be beating on enemies with no remorse. “

Chuckie approached, shaking his head. “Fontaine wore one rogue out so badly, he hit a Tre, and pissed himself.”

“Why the fuck would you say that in front of my wife, you dick,” Tremaine growled, and Chuckie rubbed the back of his neck.

“My bad, Tre.”

Essence chuckled and gave Chuckie a hug. “I could totally see that about them and I’m definitely proud. How about you guys, though? What’s been going on with you?”

Chuckie smiled. “Well, I’m baking now. I work at Savina P’s restaurant. Big Bobby does construction, and guess what? Little Ricky and Phil are teachers!”

“What can I say? Philly Phil loves the kids,” Phil said, joining and embracing her. He scrunched his nose twice before shaking his head, trying to refocus his attention.

“You alright, Phil?” she asked.

He scrunched his nose again. “Yeah, I just keep smelling this waft of peppermint.” He sniffed around. “Do you know if they hired an overnight cleaning staff or something? Last night was the first time I smelled it. I’m not complaining or anything—I love peppermint—I’m just curious.” She shook her head, and then let out a big grin. “Why are you smiling at me like a Cheshire cat?” he asked.

Grinning harder, Essence called out, “Bren, Eri and Ani, come here!” Folding her arms to her chest, she waited for them to come over.

“Sup?” Brenda asked, before nodding in greeting to everyone. She nudged Ericka. “Stop being rude and…” Her words trailed off when she saw Phil and Ericka staring at one another as the imprinting hit them both.

“I knew it! I knew it!” Essence said, jumping up and down excitedly.

Brenda shook her head. “Damn! They got you, Eri, man down.”

“Hello, I’m Ericka, but people call me Eri,” Ericka said finally, extending her hand to Phil.

“Nice to meet you, Eri, I’m Phil.” he replied, stepping close to her. The sky blue of his eyes was the first thing that caught her attention, and the way they held an innocently dark smolder inside. He may have had a baby face, but Ericka knew there was something darker underneath. It was in the way he looked at her, and the way he had said little, and yet every bit of desire he had for her was written all over his handsome face. She liked it. The darkness of his expression caused a chill of excitement to go through her. “Are you checking me out?” Phil asked, as he continued his own roam over her body.

She placed her hand on her hip. “And if I am, what are you gonna do about it?”

His eyes danced, and he let out a chuckle. Tilting his head upward, he linked to her, causing her face to flush. Phil grinned. “Mhm, don’t let the baby face fool you, Ms.Eri.”

Coughing loudly, she shook her head and murmured, “Fucking hell. I am not prepared for this.”

Essence let out a silent cheer. “Love, man, such a beautiful thing,” she said.

“I disagree,” Brenda said, twisting her lips. “Shits for the birds.”

“You don’t want to find your mate?” Savina asked, confused.

“Nope. I was married before and he worked my last damn nerve. I’m a lot to take in because I have so many interests and my mind is all over the place with ideas and stuff, and no shade to any of y’all—I love, love for other people—but that monogamy trip just isn’t for me anymore.” As the words left her mouth, two foreign scents hit her nose. Her body stilled, and her eyes shot to Essence in pure horror. Closing them quickly, she slowly backed away from the group.