3

Melanie answered, “Two Peaks. Well… that’s what they said… I guess they could’ve lied… but I don’t think they did.”

Jason went over to her and started talking softly to her. Brutus told me, “They are from Two Peaks. The one that’s shaking over there wolf told me.”

I asked, “Why did he tell you that?” He replied, “My presence is intimidating. Or maybe I warned him my human can cause him a severe headache that ends with his head exploding.” I wanted to laugh out loud.

I linked my dad, “Two Peaks wolves just attacked Melanie McAlister.”

My dad snarled, “WHAT?! Is she ok?”

I said, “She was doing just fine taking on three of them when I got here.” My dad sighed, “It just had to be the one Alpha we aren’t allies with in this area.” I questioned, “Why aren’t we?” My dad answered, “I don’t like him, and he doesn’t like me. I almost killed him a few years ago when he flirted with your mother.” So, the guy was a jackass. Noted.

Peter ordered, “Drake, get Alpha Johnson on the phone. Tell him he’s got some Warriors that he’s not getting back. Also mention that he’d better keep his pack in line.”

He knelt down and asked the one Drake had in a vice grip, “What are you doing here?”

The guy didn’t answer him.

Brutus linked, “That was a clear invitation. I warned them.”

Good to know. I pushed at him again. He started screaming. Peter jerked his head to me as I closed my eyes. I heard it all again. “That girl is stunning. I want her. Let’s take her. The al….”

It faded when Elise tugged my sleeve.

I let him go mentally then answered Peter. “They were here for Melanie. They saw her dancing and decided to kidnap her.”

One wolf snarled at me, “How are you doing that?”

Elise retorted, “He’s EJ Conners. Show some respect or I’ll kick your teeth in.” I laughed, “That’s my girl.” I kissed her.

When I pulled back Tristan and Jason were being held back by two warriors. Drake shouted, “ENOUGH! Boys, we’ve got this.”

He ordered the Warriors, “Let go of my sons, now.”

Sam ran into the clearing with Chelsea, rushing straight to Melanie, “Ladybug, oh my god!”

She crushed her into a hug. Garrett answered his phone, “Hello Alpha Eric.”

He paused then said, “I’m sure you did. Yes, Melanie’s fine. EJ is also fine. I don’t know if we are taking over the pack. We haven’t talked to Alpha Johnson yet.” Sharon must have charmed his phone so no one could hear his conversations. My mom had done that to my dad’s.

I got a frantic link in my head from my brother, “Is Melanie ok? Are you ok? What happened?”

I replied, “Alexander, she’s perfectly fine. She was taking on three, what appeared to be Warriors, and winning. They are bleeding, but she’s perfectly fine. I think I’d enjoy seeing the two of you fight each other.”

Alexander didn’t bother to hide his pride, “Jase said she’s skilled.”

I snorted, “Skilled is an understatement. Even Uncle Bjourn would be impressed by her.”

Alexander reiterated, “But she’s ok?” I assured him, “She’s perfectly fine and so am I. I’ll be home in a bit.” Alexander replied, “If you need me…” I cut him off, “I’ll call.”

Alexander asked, “What pack?”

I didn’t answer because I knew exactly what would happen if I did. As it stood our allies and us might be taking over Two Peaks. I warned, “Be on alert, little brother. We might be taking over a pack.”

He growled, “Damn straight. Which one?” I still wasn’t going to answer that. Brutus snorted, “He’s not good at hiding his crush.” No, he wasn’t.

Sam announced, “We need to get going Ladybug. You have a competition we can’t miss.”

Peter rubbed his face. He told her, “Take five Warriors with you guys. Melanie was their target. They will be waiting at your SUV. Drake, go see them off.”

Drake nodded and walked with his entire family out of the field.

Peter waited until Drake was far enough away, so he couldn’t hear, then he asked, “How old are you guys?”

They flinched. Peter growled, “EJ.”

Brutus was happy our father in law was asking us to help him. One yelled, “No! God, no! Don’t do that again! I’m twenty years old. They are twenty-three.”

I growled, “SHE’S ELEVEN!”

The ringleader snored, “Someone should tell her body that.”

It was true supernatural’s developed faster, but wolves weren’t considered mature until sixteen. Everyone snarled. Peter grabbed him by the throat, “You have GOT to be kidding me! You knew she was an unshifted pup. You could smell it!” Then threw him into a tree. I heard his spine break, and he howled in agony.

Drake came running back. He looked at Peter and frowned, “I see how it is. You get to have all the fun.”

Peter was breathing hard. Chelsea put her hands on his chest, “It’s ok, Peter. Ladybug is fine. Elise, Ray, and EJ got here in time.”

I snorted, “I think she’d have been just fine without us.”

She might have lost her stuffed wolf though. Drake questioned, “Peter, what happened?”

Peter snarled, “They are in their damn twenties.” Drake closed his eyes and started shaking. He was going to shift.

He backed away from Peter as his wolf, Pepper, took over. He growled at the wolves. This was a wolf defending his pup, and that was not going to end well if one of them so much as twitched. One of the morons shifted to fight him. Drake tore him apart easily.

I linked my dad, “I’d prepare for some type of action. These guys are in their twenties. Drake just ripped one apart.”

My dad growled, “TWENTIES?! Are they Warriors?”

I answered, “They have to be.” Peter called, “Drake.” Drake shifted back.

I snapped him clean and with clothes while he was breathing heavily. He growled, “That’s my daughter. What the HELL is wrong with everyone?! Tristan, why weren’t you with her?”

Tristan cringed, “I didn’t know she was coming out here. I was doing homework, and she must not have wanted to disturb me.”

Drake took a deep breath but nodded.

He ground out, “I’m so sick of this shit! Sam has already been talking about that competition to go to Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. For god’s sake Peter, I shouldn’t feel like my little girl would be safer there than here. I’m leaning towards letting her compete when she’s fourteen to see if she wins just to keep her safe!”

Fear gripped me and even Brutus stilled in my mind.

I looked at Elise noting she looked startled too. She clearly didn’t know about this competition yet. Peter and Chelsea didn’t look surprised though. Peter said, “She is safe here, Drake.”

Drake put his head in his hands, “I’m a shit dad. I can’t protect my little girl.”

Peter pulled Drake in for a hug. He whispered, “You can protect her. It’s what you’re doing right now. She is safe here and loved.” Drake whispered, “What if she’s safer there?”

I couldn’t stop myself, “What if she’s more vulnerable there? No one there cares for her like they do here. She could go off on her own there like she does here. Who would look for her if none of us were there?”

Drake startled but nodded at me.

I let Brutus come forward so I didn’t show my relief. I did not want to be around my brother if Melanie went off to high school in New York before he met her. Alexander was bad enough when she was in the state and the possibility to meet her existed. At least Drake was thinking about what I said.

If Melanie competed, she’d win. She always won. That meant I had three years to get them together. Warriors grabbed the remaining men. We all walked back towards the main house in silence. Drake, Peter, and Garrett went into their office while Elise, Ray and I went back outside.

The second it was just the three of us Elise started bawling. I pulled her into a hug, “Elise?”

She cried, “She’ll win! She’ll go to New York and I won’t see her anymore. She’s like my little sister! What about her and Alexander? What about Alexander’s feelings? What about Melanie? She’d be alone all the way in New York. She gets homesick at two day competitions!”

I consoled her, “Shh, it’s not a done deal. You don’t know if Drake will let her go.”

She cried, “If this stuff keeps happening, he’ll have her compete and she’ll win.”

I reasoned, “I can pop you to her.” Elise shook her head, “No you can’t, you promised.” I cringed. Fuck! She was right. It had to be an emergency.

I tried again, “You could Skype or FaceTime her. You could call her and text her. She has a phone now, right?”

Elise nodded. The McAlister’s wanted her to be able to call for help after that incident with the rogues and Witches.

An attack we’d come up with nothing about. My parents were worried, I knew that much. They didn’t like that there was no trail and neither did I. My mom still thought Melanie was a prank, but she was worried about the attack.

I whispered, “Hey, that’s three years away. Melanie could lose interest in dancing.”

Elise shot me a look. I winced, “Ok, it’s unlikely, but we both know she won’t want to be away from her Xander.”

Elise wiped tears away, “No, no she wouldn’t.”

I held her for several moments, then a pop sounded. My dad and Mom were in the yard. Two more pops hit my ears. I smiled at Alexander and Cassie. Another pop and my cousin Bexley, with our Lead Male Warrior Liam joined us. Cousin Emmaline popped in with the Blue Moon group. Surprisingly, Dylan was not with them.

I shot my cousin Jayden a surprised look. He looked amused but shook his head. Jacob actually laughed, “I told you they’d wonder where he was, dad.”

They didn’t seem like they were going to say more. My dad rolled his eyes which meant he knew where Dylan was.

My mom kissed his cheek, “I have a dispute I have to get back to. Let me know if you need me for anything.”

He cupped her cheek, “You know I will, Angel.”

They kissed before she popped away.

My cousin, Brooke Thomas, popped in with Christopher Kyle and they shared a kiss. They split time between her pack and this one. When Brooke turned eighteen, they were coming here permanently. Brooke had decided to let her brother lead her dad’s pack. Christopher was going to stay on with his siblings now and lead with Brooke at his side when she came of age.

Alexander walked over to me. He linked, “Where is Melanie? Is she ok?”

I replied, “She left for a dance competition and she’s still fine.”

He deflated. Peter, Drake, and Garrett walked out. Peter walked over to Christopher and gave him a hug.

He smiled greeting, “Welcome home, brother. Hello, Brooke.”

Brooke smiled, “Home to stay too. I conjured all our stuff to the wing you have set up for us. I’ll mostly be staying here. Since I uhh kind of accidentally shared my light again with Christopher. We can’t really be apart right now since we are twice light bound”

Peter’s excitement was easily seen all over his face. He clapped Christopher on the back.

He looked at me warning, “Don’t you get any ideas.”

I laughed. Brooke frowned, “It really was an accident.”

Christopher comforted her, “I know but I can’t say I’m mad about it.” Peter addressed everyone, “Thank you all for coming. Alpha Johnson is blaming Melanie for the situation. He demands we return his Warriors that attacked her.”

I snorted, “What the hell? She was just dancing in the forest. Hell, she was in her own territory.”

Drake growled, “Apparently they watch her with binoculars because she’d smell them if they didn’t.”

Alexander and I snarled. Peter said, “Well Christopher, you have good timing. We’ll take over Alpha Johnson’s pack and it will become yours. We’ll just get another expansion done on our main house, just as we did when Sebastian took on a pack. We’ll stay together like the Conners and Daniels do.”

Christopher smiled, “I’d be honored, brother.”

Sebastian and Susie Kyle walked out. She was pregnant with their first pup. Sebastian hugged Christopher. Ben McAlister and Peter’s dad walked up with Warriors.

Peter addressed them, “Red Run, we will be taking over Two Peaks today. They attacked our Beta’s daughter.”

Snarling sounded. Several warriors yelled, “Ladybug? Is she ok?”

Peter put up his hands, “Melanie is fine. She’s at her dance competition with Warriors guarding her. She held her own as you all know she can. EJ, Elise, and Ray helped her take them down before we got there. They are in our dungeons, and they won’t be going home. Let’s go.”

Everyone grabbed hands and we popped them to the border. We went in quickly. Alpha Johnson was meeting with his pack. He told them, “Our boys failed today, but we’ll get them back. We’ll get the girl and she’ll be mine.”

Alexander went into a rage like I’d never felt. I couldn’t stop myself from shifting as his fury filled the bond.

I moved to attack with him since he’d already broke from the group. He took most of them down with his pushing power. There were twenty-five men down screaming. I linked my dad, “I didn’t know he could do that many without me helping him.”

My dad admitted, “Neither did I.”

Their pack didn’t really fight after Alexander had neutralized those who had agreed with their Alpha by making their heads explode. Alexander shifted back into his human form and attacked the Alpha. Peter shifted back and raised an eyebrow at me. I linked Alexander, “Alexander, he’s down.”

Brutus linked, “He’s beyond down.”

Alexander had beat him unconscious.

When he didn’t answer me, I shifted back and touched my brother’s arm, popping us to a spot where our cousins liked to play in Blue Moon territory. Alexander snarled so loud I bet the pack was worried. Julianna called, “Alexander, are you ok?”

Alexander cooled in a second.

He turned, “Yeah, we were taking over a pack.”

Julianna frowned and gave him a hug. He hugged her back, “I’m ok. I just got really mad.”

Julianna asked, “Why?” I smirked, “Yeah Alexander, why?” Julianna shot me a look and I winked at her

Alexander glared at me. He pulled back from Julianna, “We need to get back. Your parents are there too. So are Jacob and Jayden.”

She chuckled, “That’s where they popped off too. Dylan is going to be so upset. He’s in your territory.”

Alexander laughed, “You should pop over and tell him where we all are.”

He winked at her. She grinned broadly, “I’ll do just that.”

That was going to be his chosen distraction, clearly. Brutus asked, “Are we letting him get away with that?” I replied, “He will tell us eventually.”

I popped Alexander and I back to Two Peaks. Christopher smiled at us, “Well Alexander you set it up and I knocked it out of the park. The Alpha is dead. Not that he was hard to kill after you got through with him. You’ve got moves kid.”

Alexander smiled, “Thanks. I train with my dad and Uncle Bjourn.”

Christopher snorted, “That would do it.”

A pop sounded and I already knew who it was. Julianna giggled. Dylan had his hands on his hips. He glared at my dad, “SAINT GOD ALPHA PRICK, I JUST KNOW IT WAS YOUR FAULT I WAS NOT brOUGHT TO THE ACTION.”

Jason snorted, “There was not much action really. The Conners boys exploded people’s brains.”

I bit my lip knowing that was not the right thing to say.

Dylan huffed, “I missed them exploding people’s brains?! MAN! I missed the Mini pricks in action! I haven’t seen them explode people’s brains in FAR too long. You rob me of such things, Saint God Alpha Prick. It’s just rude, today of all days. Julianna, be the lovely partial Fairy you are and pop me back to Saint God Alpha Prick’s territory. Where I SHALL cause chaos.”

I raised an eyebrow.

I hadn’t asked why he was in our territory, but I shrugged that off. The rest of us that stayed behind handled everything left. Everyone watched Alexander with a lot of respect if not curiosity. The fact that everyone didn’t know about his crush now was just sad. Brutus pointed out, “They think we helped him push at people.”

That’s true.

Dylan would’ve announced it to everyone had he been here. The only McAlister who seemed to catch on was Tristan. He didn’t say anything though. He and Alexander just had a staring contest. Our allies were already consolidating the pack.

Cassie popped in and was able to sort out who should stay and who needed to be killed since mom was locked in a dispute. Her concern was wafting in the bond though. I could tell she wanted to end it, but someone must have sent her feelings to stay there. It was fine we had this under control anyway.

There were a few more pack members obsessed with Melanie. Alexander’s anger came back with a fury. It was tinged with a worry I didn’t understand. He had to know she was safe. I kissed Elise goodbye when it was time for us to go. Her cheeks flushed reminding me of her earlier confession. She was ready to have sex. I was going to claim her as mine. Brutus was excited. He knew we couldn’t mark her yet, but we were going to claim her as ours.

Our group popped home. We easily found Dylan with Wesley and Buttercup. I asked, “Why weren’t you with your pack today?”

Dylan snorted, “I was sent away for being too gleeful.”

Buttercups sighed, “Dad, you were giddy that two pack members died in a rogue attack.”

Dylan scoffed, “Giddy? No my darling girl, I was elated. The wicked Witch of Blue Moon and her evil sidekick are dead. It’s a good thing.”

I asked, “Who died?”

Dylan answered, “Betty and Davis.” My eyes widened because I knew those were his parents.

Buttercup shrugged, “They were just really sad, dad. They were always hovering around our family. I think they were lonely.”

Dylan and Wesley growled. Buttercup sighed, “Wes…”

Wesley interrupted, “I have been itching to kill them. I don’t like how they look at you. The only reason I didn’t kill them was because our packs are allies.”

Dylan loudly whispered, “Who could’ve cultivated such a strong instinct in this adorable Conners pup?”

He put a hand over his head and pointed to himself. I shook my head. Wesley added, “I’m not sad they died. They were weird about you for some reason, and I didn’t like it.”

Wesley didn't know they were her grandparents because Dylan and Travis had a massive falling out with their parents before he was born. Not even Buttercup, Finn, or Hank knew they were their grandparents. Well, to my knowledge. They were Beta pups though, so they could’ve figured it out.

Dylan clapped, “And this is why THIS Mini Alpha Prick is meant to be in my family. He gets me. No one is sad they are gone.”

Buttercup argued, “Dale and Debbie seemed sad.”

Dylan amended, “Ok two people are sad, and it’s not the type of sad you think it is. All I did was suggest throwing a party and got sent to Saint God Alpha Prick. Where all party ideas go to die because he has no fun.”

My dad snorted, “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to call Lucas and ask what the hell I did to him and when.”

Dylan yelled, “UMM HELLO, THE SUMMIT! ALPHA PRATER! DO YOU NEED A REMINDER? MY EYES ARE STILL BLEEDING FROM THE PAPERWORK!”

My dad snorted, “Lucas didn’t have any complaints.”

Dylan flipped the bird to my dad’s back and called, “YOU TELL HIM THAT I WILL STILL HAVE MY PARTY! It’s already planned and I will spring it on him now, like my creepy ninja friends appear out of thin air. I HAVE BEEN WAITING to use the skill they taught me and I’ll use them for party. MUAHAHAHAHA!”

My dad shook his head but never turned back around.

Dylan looked around asking, “Where is the moody triplet?”

I asked, “Huh?”

I looked around realizing Alexander had disappeared. Dylan raised an eyebrow, “You know why he’s moody, right? Or are you another one of those Alpha’s that needs their hand held by their Beta? Which is basically your moody triplet. You sir are screwed. He’s also an Alpha/Beta/Enforcer. YEESH no wonder he’s moody.”

I rolled my eyes, “Toby Kruthers will be my Beta.”

Toby was Nick and Emily Kruthers’ son. Phil Kruthers, Cousin Miley and Jim Kruthers’ son would be Alexander’s. Dylan asked, “Do we need to get Toby in here to tell you why your moody triplet is moody? He’s getting dangerously close to a nickname addition. I think he’ll soon be Mini Moody Alpha Prick.”

I rolled my eyes, “He’s sensitive, not moody.”

Dylan clapped, “YOU DO KNOW! OH MY GOD! THE HEAVENS HAVE OPENED! OH NO! There’s two of them now running around knowing things and being annoying. BLACK MOUNTAIN, BEWARE! You really are your father’s mini prick who just knows things.”

I rolled my eyes.

Wesley frowned, “What’s wrong with Alexander?”

I answered, “Nothing is wrong with him.”

Dylan snorted, “Ask a better question, little Wesley.” Wesley rephrased, “Why is he moody?” Dylan held up his hand for a high five and Wesley slapped his hand.

I told him, “Ask Alexander.”

Wesley grumbled, “He doesn’t answer or says he needs space.”

Dylan snorted. I rolled my eyes as Phil walked inside. Dylan said, “Ahhh, the unlucky future Beta of the Mini Moody Alpha Prick arrives. The chosen son of Miley and Jim. Run along and help because your future Alpha is moody. I know that you know why that is.” Phil asked, “Huh?” He played dumb knowing full well exactly what happened. I shot him a smirk.

Dylan continued, “See, I found myself a voicemail while not sniffing around Saint God Alpha Prick’s office. That is definitely something I did not do in my boredom when I was sent away for being the source of fun and delight in everyone’s lives. It seems a certain someone from Red Run was attacked today.”

Phil groaned and went upstairs in search of Alexander.

I narrowed my eyes asking Dylan, “How do you know?”

Dylan snorted, “Don’t insult me. I eat popcorn and I know things, little mini know it all prick.”

I sighed. Dylan added, “Plus, anyone paying attention knows. It’s sad that everyone doesn’t know. Well, except your mom because she thinks things are pranks.” Things being Melanie.

Dylan continued, “In my humble opinion, I have sources who say it’s double sided. Part of that is just from my power of sight from the strange arrangement of pictures from the McAlister’s anniversary party. A certain stuffed wolf I have memos about got Dylan thinking.”

Wesley stood, “It’s sad people don’t know what?”

I laughed. Dylan sighed, “Ahh little Wesley, start cultivating sources so that you know things too.”

Wesley rolled his eyes and walked off. Buttercup sighed, “Dad, why did you do that?” She ran off after Wesley.

Once they were out of hearing range I said, “I’m sorry about your parents.”

Dylan snorted, “Why? Travis and I aren’t. They stalked our daughters like creepers. I’ve been on pins and needles looking out for their insanity. They were meeting with a Witch again when they died. A different one than the one before.” Oh no.

“Danver was watching them. They didn't even know they were being followed. Four rogues attacked their group. The Witch is in our hospital, but it’s doubtful she’ll make it. Your mom offered to heal her even though I know it was hard for her to do so. She’s such a giving, perfect soul. I feel it had something to do with Buttercup. The Witch lives or she doesn’t, but I won’t have her healed.”

Interesting.