Odd Behavior
EJ is Fourteen Years Old
EJ was training hard. I was pushing myself in a fight with Alexander. We were training with swords today. Alexander was angry about something, but he wasn't telling me what it was. It wasn’t as if I was completely clueless, I just wanted him to tell me himself.
I knew he was pissed because my dad had sat us down and told us the McAlister’s didn’t want us just popping in on them. He wanted us to promise we had to be told it was an emergency to pop to their house, or to any member of their family specifically. We had all promised, but I knew it hurt Alexander’s feelings.
It wasn’t just us though. Beta Drake had texted all the packs with Fairies in them about this rule. I knew my dad was surprised by it. It wasn’t as if any of us had ever popped into their house. I’d popped to Elise’s house countless times, but to my knowledge none of my siblings had ever popped to the McAlister’s. I heard my dad say he was surprised Beta Drake didn’t just tell him to his face.
The whole thing was odd. Beta Drake never said anything to me about it when I popped in and out of Red Run. The fight had ebbed my annoyance from the situation, but Alexander wasn’t calming down though. His eyes were blazing. I linked him, “What’s wrong?”
He didn’t answer.
Finally, my Uncle Bjourn declared, “Enough. Alexander, you can fight me.”
I snorted “Mom might have to heal you then. You’re being crowned King in a few days and he’s super pissed.”
Alexander snarled at me. I frowned, “What the hell, little brother? I know Jase is one of your best friends, but it’s not like you popped to their house anyway!”
My Uncle frowned, “What’s this about?”
I sighed, “We had to promise not to pop to the McAlister’s house, or them personally unless they said it was an emergency.”
Understanding lit in my uncle’s eyes for a brief second. He sighed, “Go on up the house EJ. I’ll take care of Alexander’s anger.”
I grumbled, “I don’t know why he’s so damn angry in the first place!”
Alexander said nothing in reply. I rolled my eyes and popped outside the gym. Now I was pissed off. Alexander was keeping something from me. I knew he was more sensitive than I was, but he couldn’t be this upset over something so silly.
Jayden popped next to me. He held his hands up, “I didn’t do it.”
I scoffed, “No, my brother did.”
He asked, “Which one?” I shot him a look. He shrugged, “You have so many.” I rolled my eyes, “Alexander is pissed off and not talking to me.”
Jayden admitted, “That McAlister bullshit pissed me off too.”
I sighed, “Even you know what it’s about.”
Jayden pointed out, “Everyone with Fairy blood is pissed off today about that.” I reasoned, “He could still pop to Red Run if he wanted. Just not the McAlister house. He could pop to the Kyle’s house and walk to the McAlister’s. He is being ridiculous.”
Jayden said, “Then it’s more than that. Jase is supposedly his best friend.”
I pointed out, “It’s not Jase’s choice.”
Jayden shrugged, “That could be why he’s upset. I’ll ask Finn if he knows since he usually does.” I laughed, “Lord, if you set Finn at him, he’ll be even more pissed at me.” I paused then grinned, “You know what? Do it.” Jayden laughed, “There’s your Fairy blood, cousin. Finn will be more than happy to be on the case.” He popped away to spin up the Frost Family.
I just didn’t understand this entire situation. Cassie, Alexander and I didn’t often keep secrets from one another. Especially if we were this upset about them. I just didn’t understand. I was lost in my thoughts the rest of the walk towards my house. Brutus told me, “Oden’s just growling so I’m not sure either.”
I smelled my dad before I saw him. I turned, “Dad.”
My dad commented, “Hi, EJ. Alexander seems particularly angry. I had to stop your mother from going down to the gym. He’s not bothering to control his side of the bond.”
I snorted, “I noticed. I didn’t realize he had a crush on Jase.”
My dad laughed, “You know he doesn’t.”
I sighed, “True, if any of my siblings did it would be Max.”
Max, my brother, liked both boys and girls. Cassie said she had a feeling that Max’s mate would be a guy. I’d learned to trust my sister’s intuition.
My dad assured me, “I’ll go talk to your brother.”
I snorted, “While you’re at it tell him I know he’s hiding something, and I’ll figure it out eventually.”
My dad smiled, “I imagine you will.” I raised an eyebrow, “You know.” It wasn’t a question. My dad answered, “I do.” I asked, “If he told you, why won’t he tell me?” My dad laughed, “He didn’t tell me. I figured it out.” I sighed, “Whatever. I’m going to Red Run.”
My dad raised an eyebrow, “Elise isn’t there.”
I knew she wasn’t. She was on vacation with her family. Which may as well be code for torture. I retorted, “I know that, but I’m not going to see her. I’m looking for the imaginary Melanie McAlister.”
My dad smirked, “I don’t think she’s imaginary.” I snorted, “Yet you haven’t seen her either.”
My dad replied, “I didn’t see Susie Daniels for the first five years of her life, but I knew she existed. The same way I knew she existed, I know Melanie McAlister does.”
I pointed out, “She’s nine and no one has seen her because she’s always got something going on. Dance, guitar lessons, math club, science club, and I’m certain there’s more. How can a nine year old do all that stuff?”
My dad laughed, “From what I know she’s somewhat of a genius.”
I snorted, “Well, I need her help. So, I’m going to find out if she’s real or not. Don’t worry though, I won’t pop to their house or directly to her.”
My dad nodded, “I wasn’t worried that you would since you promised not to. I can tell it bothers you through the bond and by that comment though.” I didn’t reply.
He let it go questioning, “How do you plan to find Melanie then?”
I explained, “Elise talks about her all the time. I have several places to check. Not that she’s EVER in those places when I’m around, but Elise told me that last night that Melanie has nothing going on.”
My dad’s eyebrows rose.
I continued, “Apparently, she’s bored. Melanie stole T’s phone and called her to tell Elise all about it. I guess Melinda is at some piano camp thing. I didn’t even know you could go to piano camp. So, I'm using the inside information I have to find her. If she’s not there, I’m officially going with Melanie is their imaginary pack member.”
My dad laughed, “There’s a camp for practically anything these days. What is it that you need her help with?”
I answered, “Elise’s school dance is coming up.”
My dad raised an eyebrow, “I know that, but you can dance.” I acknowledged, “Yes, but Elise learned how to ballroom dance from Melanie. I want to surprise her by learning the same dance.”
My dad smiled, “I see. You’ve already asked Elise to go to the dance, right?”
I nodded, “Of course I have. The dance is this weekend. We have Uncle Bjourn’s coronation. After that Elise has one more day of vacation left then it’s the dance.”
My dad questioned, “Did you know your brother is going to the dance as well?”
I shrugged, “Yes. Elise told him that one of the Warrior's daughters in their pack, Charline, wanted to go with him. He asked her and she said yes.”
My dad smiled knowingly, “I’m sure it will be quite the night. Let me know if you find Melanie McAlister. I can’t deny I’m curious about her. Rumor is they believe she’ll be their Female Lead Warrior the second she turns eighteen.”
I snorted, “I’m going to find her if she’s real, but that’s not a rumor. She can put guys twice her age and size down. Just keep this between us. Someone could slip up and tell Elise.”
My dad smiled, “I wasn’t planning to tell anyone.”
I took off as he walked into the gym. My mom yelled, “Hi, EJ!”
I turned around and smiled at my very pregnant mom. It was twins again. This would be twenty of us. Mom was pregnant with a girl and a boy this time. We were all preparing harder knowing our sister with the strongest sight ever was about to be born. I spoke quickly, “In a rush mom.”
She asked, “Is your dad with Alexander?” I nodded. She said, “Well, go on. I can feel your impatience. Be safe.” I kissed her cheek and popped away.
Specifically, to the edge of Red Run’s territory with Alpha Raven’s. Elise told me that Melanie liked to come out here to dance in a quiet field. I could hear music, so I knew I’d popped to the right place. I followed the sound.
When I saw her, I stopped dead in my tracks. Elise had talked about the way Melanie danced, but it was something else to see it in person. I was captivated instantly. She really was good and apparently not imaginary. She stopped dancing and spun around nose in the air.
I raised an eyebrow because her sense of smell was really good and I was downwind. She tilted her head, “EJ?”
I popped closer to her, intrigued. I asked, “I know how I know who you are, even though most people aren’t convinced you exist.”
She frowned. I asked, “How could possibly know which Conners brother I am?” She frowned, “I’ve seen you plenty of times.” I laughed, “I’ve never seen you. I could’ve been Alexander.” She shook her head, “Nope.” I noted she was deadly serious.
I laughed, “Why not? Most people can’t tell us apart.”
She shrugged, “I can.”
I asked, “And have you seen my brother?” Melanie nodded, “Yes, in pictures.” She ran over to her phone and stopped the music. I raised an eyebrow when I saw what was next to the phone. A stuffed animal toy wolf that looked just like Oden. I might not have found that so odd if she hadn’t been so certain I wasn’t Alexander.
She turned around, “It’s nice to officially meet you EJ.”
I laughed, “You as well. I have teased my mate endlessly about you being imaginary. You get in trouble a lot and miss all the get togethers.”
She frowned, “I have recitals, competitions, and other stuff going on too.”
I teased, “But you missed our birthday party last year because you got grounded.”
She frowned, “Robert is a liar! I don’t know why he and friends hate me so much nor why anyone to them. They even get adults to lie! It’s not fair! Elise is the only one who believes me! I’m not lying they are!”
I frowned interrupting, “What are you talking about?”
Melanie said, “It’s just…”
She trailed off. Then brokenly added, “Nothing. It’s nothing.” I’d have to ask Elise about this. I told her, “You are aware you’re not a good liar.” She bit her lip, “I have heard that… a lot.”
I let it go and changed the subject, “You’re coming to your parents surprise anniversary party, right?”
She nodded excitedly, “Yes! It’s in two weeks. I told all my dance teachers I couldn’t have anything going on that weekend six months ago. My parents are curious why I don’t have anything happening, but they just think I want a break. Jase, T, and I have been planning the surprise party with Grandpa Ben and Grandma Esther. Xan… I mean you guys are coming, right? It’s at Alpha Lucas’ hotel…which you probably know…definitely know. It’s because we don’t want mom and dad to get word of it in our territory.”
My eyebrows were raised. Elise and I were having a chat. Melanie was about to call my brother Xander. No one called him that, but Elise had teased him about knowing people who did. I nodded, “We are coming.”
She smiled squealing, “I’ll finally get to meet everyone!”
I pondered, “Why is it no one outside of Red Run has met you?”
She shrugged, “Like you said… I’m always busy or grounded. Daddy doesn’t like me to leave our territory. Everyone says something happened… but it doesn’t really make sense to me. I’ve heard it’s because it was way before I was born.”
I knew what she was referring to because my dad had just told us about it. It had to with the Alpha Ducant’s death. Beta Drake was worried his brother would find out who actually killed him and try and exact revenge. Keeping Melanie here seemed like a serious overreaction, but I wasn’t a parent.
Melanie added, “Plus... now I’ve met you. You don’t live here, so I have met other people…. when you think about it.”
I laughed, “Only because I knew you were actually here. I have the inside track.”
Melanie asked, “Why did you come to meet me? I mean, that has to be why you’re here. You came to a place that only I come to. I’m guessing it’s about dancing.”
Before I could tell her, she answered her own question, “The school dance is coming up. I taught Elise how to ballroom dance... you want to learn the dance I taught her. Obviously. I’m not sure why I asked. It’s so clear.”
I laughed, “I was told you were quite smart. You’re right, I do want to learn the dance. Will you be here to see us off that night?”
She shook her head, looking angry, “I have a dance competition.”
I frowned, “I thought Elise said you didn’t have one this weekend.” She shrugged, “I signed up for one earlier this week.”
Oh my god. Alexander had asked Charline to the dance earlier this week. I asked, “What day did you do that? I ask because Elise didn’t mention it.”
She whispered, “I signed up Wednesday, and I haven’t told her yet.”
It was too good. That was the exact day my brother had asked Charline to the dance.
She added, “I can still see Elise in her dress before we have to leave.”
I nodded, completely amused. Melanie McAlister had a serious crush on my brother. That was adorable. Brutus chimed in, “A long standing crush.”
He was right. I remembered this wolf she had out here. This was the toy wolf that male members of this pack still hated she had.
This was the wolf she’d been so upset about when I was eight and she’d fought Robert. I wondered if Ray knew the reason Melanie had been so upset about it now. He’d been curious the day it happened. I’d have to ask Tristan why he’d been keeping this secret.
I cleared my throat, “Before we start, can I ask you a question?”
She shrugged, “You just did so... yeah?”
I laughed seeing why Elise liked her. “Elise told me the story about when you first got that wolf.” Melanie blushed scarlet red.
I asked, “Why did Robert throw him in the mud? Mind you, I have been meaning to do this for quite some time.”
I stepped back and bowed to her while she giggled. I added, “And for every other fight you’ve taken him down in. I asked my dad if we could get you over to our pack to train our she wolfs. You’re awesome.”
Melanie angrily said, “Robert’s just pathetic. He moons over Elise you know?”
I growled, “I do.”
I shook myself, “Anyway back to my question.” She couldn’t lie but she was good at evasions. That was interesting.
She sighed, “Wait…you said train…at your pack?”
I nodded. She squealed, “REALLY? Like you actually asked?!”
Brutus said, “That hurt my ears.” I chuckled, “I did. My question? Keep in my out evading a Fairy is nearly impossible.”
She angrily answered, “He said he doesn’t like me having my wolf.”
I frowned, “Doesn’t, as in currently? I thought this was past tense. Shouldn’t it be?”
She shrugged, “All the guys hate it.” I’d have to ask my dad about this because that sounded weird. I didn’t sense any magic on the toy.
I pushed, “Was that it? That’s a serious grudge to have over a stuffed animal.”
Melanie sighed, “No, Robert said he wasn’t a real Alpha wolf.”
HE?! The stuff animal was a he?! Brutus was snickering in my head. He told me, “It’s Oden. Of course it’s a he.” Oh my god.
Melanie continued, “He said that real Alpha’s are all black and I should get a different wolf in a different color. He still says that.”
EXFUCKINGCUSE ME?! Brutus was no longer amused. He was angrily snarling in my mind.
Melanie looked me directly in the eyes and I realized she’d known exactly what she was doing. I could see it. She was smart. I looked at her, “Is that true? Or do you just want me to kick his ass?”
Melanie snorted, “I can kick his butt just fine. I don’t need your help for that. You can ask Elise about it. She knows it’s true.”
Robert was going to get more than his ass kicked.
Most of my brother's wolves were all black but there were other colors mixed in. He was saying Alexander wasn’t an Alpha. He was also saying Cassie wasn’t either, along with several of my other brothers. Everyone knew what Alexander’s wolf looked like and Oden was a replica of that stuffed wolf.
Melanie added, “Plus… I gave you what you want. You want a reason to kick Robert’s butt because he thinks he loves Elise. She hates him, you know? Because he’s mean to me.”
I frowned, “Why doesn’t anyone know this is still a problem?”
She sighed, “No one believes that I didn’t fight someone or that I didn't cross the border. Why would they believe he’s still mean to me?”
I did not like this at all. I leaned down, “Does Elise know this is still happening?”
She flushed, “Don’t tell her please! She’ll feel bad. I stopped telling her when….” It clicked for me.
I interrupted, “Last year on the day of our birthday.”
She shrugged, “Even adults said I crossed the border. They all swore they saw me. I didn’t though, I SWEAR I didn’t! I begged my parents to let Cassie come over, or your mom, to make sure I was telling the truth. They just sent me to my room.”
I studied her noting she was telling the truth. What the hell was going on? Why were adults trying to keep her here? Did they just know their Beta didn’t want her out of the territory, so they went along with her bullies?
I warned, “I can’t do nothing about what you just told me. I’m an Alpha and I won’t let this shit stand.”
She shrugged, “I know, but you actually believe me.”
I nodded, “I do.” She sighed and put on music, “I’ll teach you the steps I taught Elise. Well not the exact ones… the partner’s piece... so you don’t step on her feet.” I chuckled.
She put on Elise’s favorite song and showed me the steps. She even taught me some spins and dips. My phone rang. I saw Alexander’s name on the readout and so did she. I put my finger to my lips, and she nodded eagerly. She looked so excited. Brutus chuckled, “Her eyes lit up.”
I barely managed not to laugh.
I answered, “Hello, brother.”
Alexander asked, “Where are you? I’m really sorry about what happened earlier.”
Melanie frowned. I told him, “I’ll be back in five minutes.” Alexander snorted, “That doesn’t tell me where you are.” I laughed, “No, it doesn’t. I’ll be back soon.” I hung up.
Melanie frowned, “Why didn’t you tell him you were with me?”
I winked, “He’d tell Elise. They are practically brother and sister. I want to surprise her at the dance.”
She cooed, “You and Elise are so cute!” I ruffled her hair, “Take care, little Melanie. I didn’t know you had a phone. I’ll give you my number, and you can call should Robert be a problem for you again.”
Melanie sighed, “It’s just an old phone with no service. I get to use it for the music.”
That was too bad. I gave her a quick side hug, “Thank you for the help.”
She smiled, “Anytime.” I snorted, “Umm not really. You’re nine and I just met you. That’s just a little sad because I practically live here part time.” She shrugged, “I’m busy… or in trouble. Mostly busy though… I’m not really a trouble maker. I guess I sound like one though.” Oh, good lord I had to stop the rant.
I asked her, “What’s your favorite thing to do?”
She didn’t even hesitate, “Dancing. I feel free when I dance.”
I nodded, “I hope I see you before you turn eighteen.” Melanie frowned, “I’ll see you in two weeks at my parents' party.” I teased, “I might hold my breath this time. Remember, it’s our secret so you can’t tell Elise.” She nodded, “I won’t.”
I popped back to my room. My brother growled when I appeared. I rolled my eyes, “Sorry I startled you. I’m going to grab a quick shower.”
I snapped my clothes into my laundry basket and popped into the shower. Alexander was gone when I got out.
I linked him, “What the hell? Where did you go?”
He answered, “I just wanted to say sorry about earlier. That’s it.”
I rubbed my temples, “Ok, but where did you go?” I could feel he was in the territory. He replied, “I’ll see you later.” Well ok then. My evasive moody brother was just going to be weird all day.
I went to get my laundry. I didn’t want Elise to smell Melanie on my stuff. To my surprise my laundry basket was empty. Nana Blanch must have grabbed it while I was showering. I shrugged and grabbed clothes from my closet.
My phone rang. I knew the ringtone meant it was Elise. I answered, “Well if it isn’t my girl.”
Elise laughed, “Two more days.”
I smiled knowing I was popping to bring her to my Uncle Bjourn’s coronation, then I’d pop her back to her family vacation.
Elise asked, “What did you do today?”
I snorted, “Among other things I wondered what the heck is wrong with Alexander.”
Elise was concerned, “Is he ok?” I rolled my eyes, “He’s got a bug up his ass about this McAlister popping rule.” Elise sighed, “Yeah, I mean it’s pretty weird.” I knew that.
I pointed out, “There’s nothing I can do about it. I’m just abiding by people’s wishes.”
Elise sighed, “I guess.”
I changed the subject, “I want to talk about your day.” Elise laughed, “We went hiking. The twins jumped into the lake when mom and dad weren’t looking.” I told her, “I love your laugh.” She giggled.
I added, “Even though I can’t see it I know you're blushing, and I love that too.”
We talked for a few hours before my dad knocked on my door. I said, “I gotta go. Bye Elise, I love you.”
She whispered, “Bye EJ, I love you too.”
I yelled, “Come in.”
My dad entered. He asked, “So, how’d it go?”