4

Peter and Drake ran inside. Drake said, “Oh shit.”

Jason commented, “So I guess Robert doesn’t think Alpha’s that aren’t all black are real Alpha’s. On top of that he assaulted Elise.”

Peter snarled, “HE DID WHAT?!” By this point most of the supernatural’s who went to the school were in the hallway. Tristan nodded to me, so I knew the humans were nowhere around.

I popped to my brother and put his hand on shoulder. He spoke the chant so I could hear him. I linked him, “What did you see when you pushed things at him?”

Alexander replied, “Nothing. I heard him.”

He didn’t seem like he was going to add more.

Drake spoke, “Let’s get back home.”

Alexander glared at Robert. I could feel my brother desperately wanted to kill him. I linked dad, “About those feelings Alexander has, we have a little problem.”

My dad replied, “I heard. Your guards called. Did you stop Alexander from killing Robert?”

I answered, “Until I know the reason Elise’s dress was ripped, I did. If I don’t like the answer, I’m going to kill him myself.”

My dad sighed, “Let me know.”

We walked in a group out to the car. Alexander was still angry, but he helped Charline into the car. She looked like a hungry tiger eyeing her meat, but Alexander couldn’t have been less interested in her.

We drove in silence until we reached Elise’s home where Chelsea was waiting outside. I asked, “Did Melanie win her competition?”

Jason answered, “It’s a two day competition.”

We got out of the car, and I grabbed Alexander’s arm. Everyone else went inside except me, Cassie, Alexander, and Elise.

I told Alexander, “Do something to calm down. If that means you pop to Uncle Bjourn or fight a Warrior I don’t care. You are on edge and ready to kill.”

Alexander growled, “Of course I am! He’s VILE! He’s possessive over your mate and a nine year old and has been since she was three!”

I jerked back, “What do you mean he’s possessive of Elise?”

Alexander snorted, “Just that. He wants her.”

I snarled. Cassie said, “EJ, wanting doesn’t produce results.” Elise put her arms around me, “I’m yours, always.” I took several deep breaths.

Elise asked, “Alexander, what do you mean he’s possessive of Melanie? That’s what you meant, right? Robert always said he didn’t like her.”

Alexander snarled, “He’s told her she’s his. His to toy with, and his to play with. He ridiculed her over her toy. He wants to rip it to pieces in front of her.”

I asked, “That’s what you heard when you pushed things to him?”

Alexander’s jaw ticked, “He made her cry.”

I frowned, “Go beat something up, then come back. Just calm down.” Alexander popped away.

Cassie studied me, “You’re simmering on detonation.”

I looked at her, “Yes, I am. I’m the calmer one of us all, but this is about a little girl and my mate. So, we’re sticking with simmering. I’ll listen to his story. If I was older and the Alpha, I’d kill him.”

We stalked inside.

I inclined my head, “Cassie, ask him how he feels about my mate.”

Robert growled. Brutus took over, “Snarl at my sister again, whelp.”

Robert clammed up and I took back over. Cassie snapped her fingers in his face so he’d look at her. “How do you feel about Elise Kyle?” Robert tried to fight it. His dad crossed his arms staring at his son.

Finally, Robert spoke, “I love her. She shouldn’t be with EJ Conners. She should be mine.”

I snarled and charged forward, but Elise wrapped her arms around me. She whispered, “I’m yours.”

Brutus was raging in my head, “We should kill him.” Ray put his hands in front of me. He linked, “Elise is right behind you.” Which meant I needed to calm down.

I told Brutus, “We just might get to kill him at this rate.”

Robert was an idiot. I turned around, “Elise, what happened to your dress?”

Robert had better pray there was a good enough answer. Elise sighed, “He approached me, and it was admittedly creepily. I knocked him down. He was just trying to grab something to keep from falling. He didn’t mean to rip my strap off.” I was not alone in my growl.

I turned back to Robert, “She’s saved your life twice now tonight. Cassie.”

It was all I needed to say. Cassie questioned, “What have you been doing to Melanie McAlister and why?”

Everyone visibly stiffened.

Robert fought harder to not tell us anything, but it didn’t matter. He couldn’t lie if Cassie didn’t want him to. Robert answered, “I bully her.”

Drake growled, “WHAT?! STILL? Did he mean that in the present tense?”

Robert answered, “Yes, still. She’s still got that wolf and she shouldn’t have it! She should have a different colored wolf!”

Peter rolled his eyes, “My god. This is about that stuffed animal again. I have had Fairies AND Covens examine it. IT’S JUST A FUCKING TOY FOR GODS SAKE! There’s nothing magical about it. Get over the damn toy!”

Robert growled, “She’s nine! She's too old to have a stuffed animal!”

Peter snarled and Robert whimpered. Peter said, “You forget your place, pup. I am the Alpha of this pack.”

He rubbed his temples clarifying, “You’re telling me you’re still trying to take her toy? She’s said nothing about it.” Robert didn’t say anything.

I linked Cassie, “Ask him if he really saw Melanie cross the border before our birthday.”

Cassie immediately asked, “Robert, did you actually see Melanie cross the border before our birthday last year?”

Robert looked directly into her eyes, “No, but other people said that did so I told Beta Female Sam about it. Everyone knows the Beta’s are crazy about her security. They kept her home, and she stopped telling them when I bugged her.” Drake had to be held back.

I stopped Tristan but we were missing Alexander for Jason. Cassie was clearly not inclined to stop him. Brutus laughed in my head when I shot her a look and she smiled back. Jason hit Robert, “LEAVE MY SISTER ALONE! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!”

Garrett got ahold of Jason.

Drake questioned, “But she did cross the border, right?”

Robert shrugged, “I guess. I didn’t see it, but plenty of other people did.”

Did they? I wasn’t so sure. Drake nodded mostly to himself as Alexander popped back in. He had obviously taken a shower; his hair was still wet.

Cassie linked me, “Since when does showering calm him down?”

I answered, “Never.”

I linked him, “You seem calmer.” He just nodded. Peter spoke, “We will deal with this. Cassie, Alexander, and EJ you guys can go home.” Brutus grumbled, “He won’t handle it right. We should rip his head off and be done with it.” I didn’t disagree with that sentiment.

Elise took my hand and led me outside. She squeezed my hand. I hugged her, “I’m so sorry that the night turned out this way Elise. I know you were looking forward to it.”

I actually felt some guilt from Alexander in our bond.

He apologized, “I’m sorry about ruining the night, Elise.”

Elise told him, “You have nothing to be sorry for. You had every right to kick his butt. Don’t worry about it, and honestly he started it.”

He sighed and I knew he was going to worry about it.

Cassie hugged Jason, “Thanks for taking me, Jase. I had fun.”

Jason blushed, “Me too. We should do it again sometime.”

Cassie smiled, “That would be fun.” Charline said, “I had fun, Alexander.” Alexander coolly said, “I’m glad you did. Sorry about the ending.” Charline didn’t pick up his hint he wasn’t interested. She said, “We should do it again sometime.” Alexander shrugged, “Ummm.” Charline skipped away before he could finish as if he’d agreed.

Oh good. Brutus snorted, “Stage five clinger alert.”

I pointed out, “You don’t know that. I’m your first human.”

He said, “I don’t need to have more than one life to know that girl wants our brother. Oden did not like her at all. He’s snarling about her scent giving him a headache.”

I replied, “That was probably her overwhelming perfume. It was intense for a Werewolf.”

When you add in me and my siblings had a better sense of smell than most it was brutally intense. Brutus chuckled, “He claims it was both.”

A moody human and wolf what fun that would be.

I linked my siblings, “Give us a minute.”

They popped away. Jason sighed and went back inside. I hugged Elise again, “I did have fun until the end.”

She smiled, “Me too. I should’ve taken Cassie with me to the bathroom. What was I thinking?”

I snorted, “That no member of your pack would lay hands on you. Besides, you handled him just fine on your own. My girl is a bad ass.”

She blushed and I had to kiss her. I licked her bottom lip and she opened her mouth slightly. Our tongues met for a brief moment.

I pulled back, “That’s how I meant for this night to end.”

Elise smiled, “I like your plan.”

I looked back at the house before warning, “If he looks in your direction lay him out and ask questions later.”

Ray jogged up, “I did say I should come.”

Elise rolled her eyes, “It was a dance in our territory. I should’ve been fine.”

Ray said, “Next time, I’m coming.” Elise groaned. I kissed her forehead and watched her go inside.

I popped to my room. My dad and Alexander were waiting. I asked, “Where’s Cassie?”

My dad answered, “With your mom. Now that you’re both here I have things to address. Alexander, you and some of your siblings not having all black wolves it doesn’t mean you’re not an Alpha.”

Alexander snorted, “I know that. I can take any Alpha, current AND future. Except you, dad. I can beat all my uncles already. I know I’m an Alpha.”

My dad raised an eyebrow, “You were angrier than I’ve felt you before, son.”

We both waited for his response.

Alexander just shrugged, “He wants Elise.”

That was true but it was evasive. Why wasn’t he telling us he was upset about Melanie? It hit me. Is that what had been going on? That’s why he was so upset about the promise we had to make? Because of her? He hadn’t even met her.

Brutus linked, “I’m getting the sense it is about her. Oden is grumbling and growling but I did catch the word bug.”

I pressed, “Ladybug?”

He mused, “I don’t think it was Lady preceding bug, but I believe that would confirm it’s about Melanie.” That didn’t make sense.

My dad studied Alexander, “Alright. I repeat you are an Alpha, Alexander. You just have other pieces of you that come through in your wolf’s fur. You’re an amazing fighter in wolf and human form. You and your brothers and your sisters all have Alpha blood. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel bad for who you are. You’re unique. All of you.”

Alexander nodded and my dad left.

I asked, “Are you going to talk to me?”

Alexander asked, “About what?”

I sighed, “About whatever is bothering you.” Alexander said, “Just let it be for now. Ok?” I pursed my lips, “Ok, but if there’s a time where I tell you to come out with it, you’d better.” Alexander looked at me, “I just need you to give me some space. I’ll be ok.”

I frowned because he’d never asked me for space. I agreed, “I’ll give you space, but I’m here if you need to talk.”

Alexander nodded and popped out of my room. Brutus huffed, “That was weird, and I did not care for it.”

Neither did I.

Plus, I didn’t understand why he didn’t want to tell me about Melanie. I understood why he was upset. He thought he’d meet her tonight. There were plenty of times we’d thought we’d meet her. I shook myself, knowing this would be resolved at Drake and Sam’s surprise anniversary party.

The next few weeks passed by quickly. Charline asked about Alexander every time I saw her. She was beginning to annoy me. Alexander would talk to her if he wanted to. Finally, I asked Elise, “Why are you friends with her? I swear if she asks me about Alexander one more time, I’ll lose it. He’s not interested. I’m two steps away from saying that quite harshly.”

Ray snorted.

Elise blushed admitting, “We aren’t friends exactly. She just told me she really wanted to go to the dance. No one had asked her yet, so she asked about Alexander. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

I smirked, “Because Melanie is pouting?”

Elise snorted, “She’s not been happy, but she’s also pretty busy. She’s really excited about the surprise party.” So was I.

Maybe we could get Melanie and Alexander to stop being moody. Though if they weren’t mate’s they’d both probably be even moodier. UGH. Alexander had thrown himself into training, which wasn’t really a problem. Him being upset was what I didn’t care for.

After I left Elise, I found him in the gym for the fifth day in a row. I said, “Brother, you’ve been here for hours.”

Alexander turned and looked at the clock. He shrugged, “I didn’t realize that. I’ve got to shower!”

He popped away.

My little brother Max popped over to me. He observed, “He’s nervous. Why is he nervous?”

Because he was hoping to meet his mate. I said, “You should ask him.”

Max snorted and sarcastically said, “Oh thanks, EJ. I hadn’t thought of that. I did ask him. He just kept punching the heavy bag and didn’t answer.” I chuckled, “Hopefully, you’ll see shortly.” I popped Max up to the main house.

We were running late. Cassie ran upstairs to get Alexander. He was very quiet when they returned. My mom quietly asked, “Alexander, are you ok?”

We all tried to look away. It would’ve been quiet in a house full of normal werewolves. Our hearing was better than theirs. My mom always tried to keep that in mind even though she didn’t have enhanced hearing. It was sweet of her.

Alexander looked up, “Huh? What? Oh, yeah. I’m ok.”

Mom frowned. She had Angela in her arms and my dad had TJ. We filled up five cars with our whole group including guards. My aunts and uncles were coming too. Our group made it with ten minutes to spare.

The second we got inside I went over to Elise. She was talking to my cousin Emmaline. Emmaline had a picture in her hands. Elise kissed my cheek, “Be right back.”

She went and put the picture of Drake, Sam, Jason, and Tristan in the center of the room. I frowned and looked around. There wasn’t a single picture of Melanie. Cousin Emmaline was frowning.

Elise came back declaring, “Now it’s perfect.”

I raised an eyebrow. Cassie linked me, “I’m completely convinced Melanie isn’t real. How can she not be in a single picture?”

I answered, “I don’t know.” I knew she was real though.

Elise looked at her phone then whispered, “Places, everyone! They are coming!”

I smiled, “Who’s your inside man? T or Jase?”

Elise smiled, “T.” Lucas turned out the lights. I noticed Drake was on alert when they walked in. We all jumped out yelling, “SURPRISE!”

I felt Alexander’s disappointment. For a brief moment I thought I was wrong and Melanie wasn’t his. Then a quick scan of their group told me that wasn’t the problem my brother had. He was upset because Melanie wasn’t with them. Drake and Sam were surprised by our appearance.

Drake looked over, “Dad?”

Ben McAlister laughed, “We’ve been planning with our grandpups for a few months now.”

Sam and Drake looked guilty. Ben asked, “Where’s Ladybug?” Drake said, “Umm.” Esther sighed, “Oh Drake, you really didn’t let her come?” Drake winced, “I didn’t know this was a party.” I felt my mom’s annoyance they wouldn’t let this joke go. She really thought Melanie was a prank to get one over on her, specifically.

Jason and Tristan jumped in. Tristan said, “It’s your party guys. Let’s enjoy it. Ladybug was disappointed, but she wants you to have fun. She had so much fun coordinating everything with grandma.”

Alexander walked out of the room.

I looked around and asked, “Where’s Melinda?”

Elise was frowning. She answered, “She had a piano thing. She was never coming.”

I nodded, “What was wrong with Cousin Emmaline?” Elise tapped my wrist.

I knew she wanted me to do my space unheard chant. I quickly did. Elise smiled, “Emmaline popped to get this picture. I can’t believe I forgot it. I told her it was an emergency.”

I smiled, “So she’s met Melanie now?”

Elise nodded, “I can’t believe she’s never met her. I swear it’s all just a series of weird coincidences.” I snorted, “Sure.”

Several people asked about the photos but everyone from Red Run acted like we were crazy and insisted the whole family was in the photo. I heard my mom say, “Am I fucking high? She’s not in a single picture.”

Valerie Bishop, Sam’s friend, said, “If you are so am I. Normally, she’s a moving blur in pictures but I can’t believe they didn’t bring one with her in it.”

I think Red Run was pulling a prank on my mom this time. It was just with the lack of Melanie in a picture.

I saw Chelsea get a call and step out. I was on alert when she didn’t come back. The party wound down. I asked my dad, “Can I stay with Elise and then pop home?”

My dad nodded, “Sure, your guard will stay so pop them back with you.” I agreed.

I helped Elise start packing some stuff up as my family left. I could’ve snapped it done, but then I’d have to leave her sooner. Eventually I asked, “Where’s your mom? She never came back?”

Peter walked over and the look on his face told me something bad happened.

Peter took a breath saying, “Drake.”

Drake turned smiling, “Hey man. Thanks for the…”

He trailed off then asked, “What’s wrong?” Peter answered, “There was an accident. Melanie dislocated her shoulder but she’s fine. The pack doctor already reset it and Chelsea is with her. Ladybug didn’t want to ruin the party for you and Sam.”

Drake snarled, “What kind of accident? She was supposed to be at home.”

Peter sighed, “I haven’t gotten clear information on that. I sent all our Warriors home though. She’s ok.”

I offered, “My mom or Alexander could heal her.” Drake sighed, “It’s not an emergency.” That stung.

Peter smiled, “Thank you for the offer, EJ. She’s already healed. Her arm is just a little sore.”

Sam said, “Drake, we need to get home right now! My poor pup!”

They left with Tristan and Jason on their heels. I snapped everything packed.

Peter urged, “EJ, why don’t you pop on home? Elise can call you later.”

I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to check on Melanie. I didn’t know if she was my brother’s mate, but I did know he cared about her. I knew that Elise did too.

Peter’s gaze softened, “Drake’s not going to let anyone near Melanie. He’s very protective of her.”

I pointed out, “I’d never hurt her. Plus, I know she’s important to Elise.”

Brutus huffed, “And to our brother. We could help, somehow.” I agreed with that.

Peter nodded, “I promise she’s ok. Chelsea is with her. Elise can call you later when we have more details.”

I sighed, “Alright.”

I kissed Elise and popped home. My dad was clearly startled by my arrival. He was in the living room with a glass of whiskey.

He said, “I thought you were staying longer.”

I shrugged, “Something happened with Melanie. She dislocated her arm.”

My dad frowned, “That’s why Luna Chelsea left and didn’t come back?” I nodded, “Melanie didn’t want to ruin her parents' party.” Eric frowned, “I’ll call and let them know your mom would heal her.” I told him, “I offered. They said she’d already healed, and her arm was just a little sore.”

My dad shrugged, “That was evasive, and something about it hurt your feelings. So, I’ll guess you offered and it was denied. I’ll offer anyway.”

I nodded and walked upstairs knowing he’d be pissed off when they said the same thing to him that they had me.

My little brother, Theo, was waiting for me in my room. He asked, “I heard you say that the imaginary Melanie got hurt. Is she ok?”

I nodded, “She is fine, her arm is just sore.”

He jumped off my bed and ran away.

I raised an eyebrow, and I left my door open a crack and watched my little brother knock on Alexander’s bedroom. He was inside for a few minutes then came back out with twenty dollars. Brutus huffed, “You’ve GOT to be kidding me! Alexander paid Theo to ask us about Melanie.”

I asked him, “Why isn’t Alexander telling me about this?”

He sighed, “I don’t know.”

My phone lit up indicating a call. I checked it noting it was Elise. If it was anyone else I’d be charging in to speak to Alexander. Instead I answered, “If it isn’t my girl.”

Elise was crying. I asked, “Elise? Babe? What’s wrong?”

She said, “Someone broke into the McAlister’s house and a few of the other houses in the pack. That’s how Melanie got hurt. Everyone else was at the party. By the time we got back they’d escaped somehow. She fought off eight adults and at least one was a Witch.”

I bolted up, “But she’s ok?”

Elise said, “Her shoulder was already reset. She’s complaining that the pack doctor wants her arm in a sling for a few days. I’m scared now though. What if Drake’s not paranoid? What if Alpha Ezra really is coming for the McAlister’s?”

I assured her, “It was probably just luck Elise. No one was supposed to be home. They weren’t looking for Melanie.”

Elise took a deep breath, “You’re right. Maybe they just wanted to break some stuff and let us know they got in.”

I nodded, “I’m sure that’s it.” We hung up the phone.

I linked my dad, “Your office.”

He didn’t answer for a minute. He sounded out of breath, “I’ll be there.”

I knew that meant he’d been having sex with my mom. My dad walked into his office. I asked, “You’re watching Alpha Ezra, right?” My dad nodded, “Of course. Why?”

I answered, “Melanie got hurt in a break in. There was at least one Witch involved. They were long gone by the time Chelsea and some Warriors got there.”

My dad frowned, “That wasn’t him but alright. Poor pup. Her dads going to put her on a stricter lock down.”

I pressed, “What if it was a test run?”

My dad frowned, “I will look into it.”

I nodded and went to bed. Preston’s words were running through my mind. Alexander’s mate needed us to protect her. I’d keep a closer eye on Melanie.

I didn’t know what she was to Alexander, but she was important. He cared about things deeply.

He was a little aloof with others, but our family knew Alexander in a way no one else did. I had to protect my brother and my girl’s hearts. I could do that. I closed my eyes thinking over plans.