I’m Ready

Elise is (almost) Sixteen Years Old

Elise jogged towards the spot where Melanie had said to meet her. My heart sank the closer I got because I could hear a fight. I knew Ray heard it too. We took off at a full sprint. We found Charline and her friends trying to take on Melanie, not for the first time. They were losing again too.

I growled, “ENOUGH!”

Melanie stopped fighting instantly but Charline used that chance to hit Melanie. She punched her in the back of the head. Crap. Melanie turned around and punched her right in the nose, which started gushing blood. Charline screamed bloody murder.

I looked at Ray who sighed and called my dad. I walked over to Mel, “Ladybug, what happened?”

Melanie’s jaw tightened. Charline screeched, “She’s a psycho brat!”

I heard a growl behind us, “Don’t talk about my daughter like that!”

I turned to see Drake, my dad, and Garrett had joined us. All looked annoyed. Melanie threw her hands in the air, “What does it matter? You won’t take my side, you never do. Even though all she does is lie… everyone acknowledges I can’t lie, but then you say I’m the liar. It doesn’t make ANY sense and…”

Drake interrupted, “Ladybug, that’s not true. What happened?”

It was kind of true. Charline yelled, “She broke my nose.”

I countered, “You punched her in the back of the head after I told you to stop fighting. She listened, you didn’t.” Charline glared at me as if I was a traitor.

My dad cleared his throat, “Melanie, what happened here?”

Charline’s friend Hannah snorted, “She attacked us.”

Melanie argued, “I did not! I was out here DANCING! They walked up and started talking about me being too old to have a stuffed animal. Then they tried to take him! They teased me like they always do! And she…” Melanie trailed off.

I looked at Ray knowing Charline had said something about Alexander. Charline snorted, “I was talking about my boyfriend.”

Melanie shot back, “He’s not your boyfriend, you psycho bitch! He doesn’t even….”

Drake cut her off, “Melanie Jane, language!”

Melanie huffed, “I didn’t do anything wrong. She came at me first and I was just defending myself… which is allowed under pack bylaws. She’s the one who should get in trouble…”

Ray was trying to cover a laugh with a cough. I hugged her.

Charline sneered, “No one believes you, Melanie. You are just a problem pup.”

Melanie glared at her, “No I am not. You are the problem... It’s not my fault you can’t finish what you start. You’re just jealous because you start the fights and I end them. Usually, I end them by breaking your fake ass plastic nose!”

Drake growled, “MELANIE, LANGUAGE!”

I bit my lip. Charline had gotten a nose job last year. I had no idea why though. Her nose had been perfectly fine. She must have really upset Melanie though because she usually didn’t curse.

Ray was now silently chuckling. Charline said, “Alpha, you should make her keep that stupid stuffed animal inside. It causes all the problems. Instead, we all have to cater to Princess Melanie.”

My dad growled, “Watch how you speak to me, Charline. I am your Alpha. You do not dictate things around here.”

Charline flushed and bared her neck.

Melanie smarted off, “Oh she thinks she’ll be taken as a Conners’ brother’s chosen mate…because she’s delusional…. then you’ll be punished for all the times you didn’t take her side. Plus…”

Charline lunged at Melanie. I shoved her back as fury filled my veins.

I yelled, “HOW DARE YOU?! You threatened MY DAD?! YOUR ALPHA?! WITH MY MATES FAMILY! EJ would have YOUR HEAD FOR THAT!”

I could do that. Melanie sighed, “Please, please, tell him Elise. She’s unhinged… and just has no idea how anything actually works in our pack. I know more about it than she does. She’s even making an Omega do her homework to pass her classes…under a threat…which is mean.” WHAT?

My dad said, “Your parents are all in my office, girls. Obviously, we have things to discuss. You cannot threaten me, Charline. I am your Alpha. You are not any of the Conners’ boys' mates, which you know since you’ve met them all. Their dad waited for his fated mate longer than any wolf ever has. They will not take chosen mates. Hell, YOU have a mate out there. We will have to discuss you threatening a pack member to do your homework. That’s not at all how this pack works. Melanie, stay away from them.”

Melanie frowned but nodded, “Yes, Alpha.”

Drake said, “Ladybug, go back home. I’ll come talk to you with your mom later.”

Melanie sighed but nodded and their group walked away. I asked, “What did she say?”

Melanie frowned, “It’s not fair! I try to stay away from them... but they seek me out. She’s the crazy one obsessed with Xander and talking about how he’s her boyfriend. HE’S NOT HERS!”

I hugged her, “No, he’s not. He doesn’t like her and he’s not her boyfriend. Don’t let her get under your skin.”

Melanie snorted, “I was letting it go until she took a swing. Like I said, she’s a psycho. She knows she can’t beat me. I don’t understand why she keeps trying… unless she’s trying to beat me to impress Xander. Which is so not happening.”

I smiled knowing that was true.

Melanie was good, I couldn’t even beat her. Our matches ended in a draw in practice. Ray nudged her, “Did you get her good?”

Melanie nodded. Ray smirked, “Good girl. Now, get on home before you get in more trouble.”

Melanie sighed, “I seriously don’t see why it’s my fault that she’s crazy. She starts the fight… I can’t just let her beat me….that would be silly….they’d jump me…and I’m not losing to her…that’s...” I agreed, “No you can’t. Just get home before you get grounded.” She took off.

I laid down on the ground and groaned. Ray asked, “Are you going to tell your young Alpha?”

I sighed, “I can’t tell him today. He’s having that talk with his mom. Why can’t Charline just take a hint? Why does she even care about Melanie?”

Ray snorted, “Do you really not know why?”

I admitted, “No.”

Ray laughed, “Melanie was right about why Charline wants to beat her in a fight. Honestly, I think your dad and Drake are the only people who haven’t put together why Melanie loves that wolf so much.” Interesting.

“People around here talk about how much sense Alexander and Melanie would make as mates because of their fighting skills. Charline is jealous. She tries to fight Melanie because she thinks Alexander will talk to her if she wins. People talk about what a good fighter Melanie is. Everyone has already declared she’ll be the Female Lead Warrior the day she challenges for it.”

I knew that.

He winked, “In fact, people have said that to Alexander’s face when Charline was present. There’s a light in the boy's eyes when people say that. He’s proud of her and Charline is jealous of that.”

I snorted, “She’s jealous of an eleven year old? This is just absurd. We know Charline isn’t Alexander’s.”

Ray shrugged, “Apparently, she has a dream of being his chosen mate still.”

I snorted, “Melanie’s right then, Charline is psycho. Alexander doesn’t like her. He couldn’t make that clearer.”

Ray said, “He might have to. This might need to be directly stated, but Ladybug is rarely wrong. She’s too damn smart for her own good sometimes.” I sighed and bit my lip.

Ray mused, “I think the problem will be if Charline gets smarter about this after today. Melanie doesn’t tell when she gets in fights. Other people do.”

I tilted my head, “Which is weird when you consider that they lose.”

Ray laughed, “You would think it would be the other way around. She’s a spitfire. I keep hoping she and Alexander will meet. The more I think about it the more it solidifies for me. I’ll be damned if I know how she just knows but, I think she’s right. I think they are mates.”

He shrugged, “I’ve never heard of a wolf knowing without meeting someone, but those two together feels right. She’d bring him out of his shell, and he could be her calm.”

I smiled, “You want to see them fight together.”

Ray smirked, “Hell yes I do. Those two fighting side by side? It will be a sight to see. It’s bound to happen one day since we are allies. Everyone here knows once she has a wolf, she wants to be the Lead Female Warrior. She could get a GED and challenge the day she turns sixteen and win.”

I pointed out, “She won’t though. Drake and Sam want her to get a high school experience.

He replied, “Whenever she challenges, she’ll win that tournament easily. Hell, she could win now without a wolf. If she and Alexander haven’t met by then don’t you just know who’d pop in to watch the tournament?”

I winked, “He might even drive.”

Ray said, “The fact that you said that tells me he likes her. The Conners’ pups hate driving. They’d much rather pop or portal.” I acknowledged, “I agree. I think he likes her too.”

Ray started laughing hard. He snorted, “Think? Do you think he likes her? That girl already owns him. I know that, and I don’t even see him on a daily basis. It’s sad everyone doesn’t know. Well, I know why Haley doesn’t. She’s convinced Melanie isn’t real, and that everyone is pranking her.”

I rolled my eyes, “She will realize it’s not a prank soon enough. Plus, it’s not sad for everyone else. You see Alexander when he’s with EJ, Cassie, and me. He’s less reserved around us.”

Ray sighed, “That’s true. Haley is sharp as a tack. If he was overly obvious around her, she’d figure out how to get the two of them to meet and end the farce of her thinking Melanie is a prank. Why doesn’t he do that?”

I shrugged, “EJ and I can’t figure that out either. He just keeps saying he wants to see how they are brought together. He could tell Haley he liked her though. She’d respect his wishes, she’d just do something Fairy about it.”

Ray laughed, “She’s one of a kind.”

I smiled agreeing, “She is.”

We walked back to my house lost in my thoughts. I was worried about EJ. I’d heard rumors about what Haley went through before she’d met her Hackura family. I hoped they weren’t true.

My mom was waiting in the house. She gestured to the couch, “Have a seat, sweetie.”

I nodded, “I actually wanted to talk to you. Can we go to my room?”

My mom nodded. EJ had charmed my room so no one could hear in there. We walked in and I laid down on my bed. My mom sat down next to me.

I asked, “What did you want to talk about?”

My mom sighed, “EJ will end up here at some point, and he will need you.”

I sat up, “You know Haley’s story?” My mom smiled sadly, “I do. We had a pack member join back when you were little who had been abused. Once Haley got her degree as a therapist, she started hosting group therapy sessions for supernatural’s. I told the woman who joined our pack about it. She wanted to go, but only if I went too. I asked Haley if that would be ok. She said it was fine after she checked with her other members of the group.”

She looked away then wiped away tears, “That night Haley told everyone that sharing their story was personal. That it had to be done on their own terms and when they were ready, but not a moment before they were. Then she shared her own story. I have never heard a story like hers. It’s hard to hear that is her past. She’s so nice, welcoming, and kind. I think if I had to deal with a fraction of what she had, I wouldn’t be nice or welcoming. I would have thorns and be prickly with hard and jaded edges. I would….”

She shook herself and stopped talking.

I frowned, “It’s really that bad?”

My mom nodded, “It really is. EJ will need you. All you can do is be there for him. Remind him that his mom is here, and everything is ok.”

I nodded, “Ok.” My mom wiped tears out of the corner of her eyes, “Ok, that’s what I wanted to talk about. I hope your conversation is less heavy.”

I gulped, “Well, I…”

trailed off then jumped in, “you said we could talk about sex stuff.”

My mom smiled, “We can talk about sex stuff. I hope you know that your dad and I do that stuff. We have you and your brothers.” I shook my head, “Yes, I know that mom. I have really good hearing. I just pretend I don’t, let’s not pop that bubble.”

My mom laughed and held up her hands, “Ok, do you have questions about something?”

I shook my head, “No, I just wanted to tell you I’m going to tell EJ I’m ready. I want him to claim me.”

My mom searched my eyes, “This is your choice? You don’t feel pressured or….” I shook my head cutting her off, “EJ has never pressured me for anything. All the stuff we’ve done is because I have initiated it. We talked about it first. We’ve done everything except that.”

My mom nodded, “If that’s what you want to do that’s fine with me. He’s your mate, but even if he wasn’t you know yourself. If this is what you truly want, then that’s what’s important.”

I smiled, “I really do want to. I want all of him. I love him.”

My mom smiled, “I know.”

I whispered, “Will daddy be disappointed?”

My mom laughed, “No, he won’t. I don’t know that you want to tell him directly you’re having sex. There’s a difference in knowing and being told outright.”

I rolled my eyes, “I didn’t plan to tell him, but he just knows things.” My mom smiled, “He’ll know. As long as EJ is respectful and it’s what you want, your dad will be fine.” I nodded. We talked for a while and then I waited for EJ to get here.

I went downstairs to the living room and paced. Where was he? How long was this talk? I watched the clock as it got later and later. I should just get a Warrior to drive me to him. I could feel it in my very marrow that EJ needed me.

Right before I was about to get my dad to have someone drive me a pop sounded. My mate’s eyes were bloodshot and puffy. He’d been crying which shocked me. EJ was not a crier. I ran to him. The second I wrapped my arms around him he was sobbing into my neck. My heart broke hearing it because he was so broken.

I let him talk himself out. I linked my dad, “Dad, I think EJ really needs me tonight.”

He replied, “It just so happens I’m on the phone with Eric right now.”

I gratefully said, “Thanks, dad.” He told me, “I’ll do anything for you.” I knew that was true.

When we went upstairs to my room I knew EJ was numb and I needed to bring him out of it. I stared at my reflection in my bathroom, “Think.”

I wished I had my wolf right now so we could figure out what to do. Then it hit me I loved the taste of him. An orgasm would definitely take his mind off things. I nodded to myself and got ready for bed.

My plan worked. Then all thoughts left my mind as he brought me to my own orgasm. I hadn’t planned for him to reciprocate. I just wanted him to take care of him and make him feel better. We talked until I fell asleep. I felt EJ jolt awake and frowned. Did he have a bad dream?

My brain was slowly waking up as I ran a hand over his arms. Gosh he spent so much time in the gym. His arms were so muscular. My mom interrupted whatever was about to happen. I looked at EJ’s half naked body. Images of us were running away in my head, but I snapped out of it.

I thought about telling EJ that I didn’t want him to stop touching me ever. Ultimately, I didn’t want our first time to be rushed though. I wanted us to be able to take our time. I forced myself to walk into the bathroom. I took several deep breaths then got ready.

We all ate breakfast in silence, even my brothers. Everyone was throwing worried looks EJ’s way. He was uncharacteristically silent. I knew he was still thinking about everything. There were things he didn’t understand. It was a lot to absorb.

Dalton linked me, “Is he ok?”

I replied, “Not really.”

He winced. Cooper looked like he wanted to say something about sixty times, but ultimately didn’t. Dakota seemed at a loss too. They were all always joking like EJ was already family. Our breakfast was usually all smiles.

My mom linked me, “Follow your instincts. You know what to do with and for him to get him out of his head.”

I asked, “How do you know?”

She replied, “Because even when I barely knew your dad, it came naturally.” I pointed out, “You had a wolf.” She agreed, “Yes, but even touching him helped. Alpha’s need places to quiet the noise in their heads.” I thought over her words and knew what to do.

I lead him away. Ray nodded to me and walked out of hearing distance. We were still in his line of sight. I was distracted hearing about the Beyond. The Beyond? I didn’t even know what that was. I didn’t like the sound of him being pulled somewhere like that. I linked Melanie, “Do you know about Fairy stuff? I’ve seen your duffle bag of books, so I hope you do.”

She squeaked, “Fairy books? What…? That’s so… huh?”

I snorted, “You’re a bad liar. When EJ leaves, I have questions about something he said.”

She replied, “Well… I could be able to help… that’s a thing… that I could maybe do…I read a lot so…” I told her, “I’m going to focus over here so you can calm down. I’m not upset you have the books.” She replied, “BORROWED! I didn’t steal them or anything and…” I cut her off, “I know you don’t steal.”

I successfully distracted my mate until he left. I saw his pants twitch when I mentioned sex. I hid my smirk successfully, I think. Honestly, I wanted him to mark me, but I was willing to wait on that. I knew no one would understand if I was marked before I was eighteen. We had rules, but his Fairy side made it different.

I was shocked when EJ took off for a fight. I knew where we were going. I linked, “MELANIE JANE!”

She didn’t answer for a second. She replied, “I am a little busy… well… yes…and…”

I asked, “Who shifted to fight you?” She replied, “Uhh well… so… the thing about that is ….I do not know. I’ve never seen these wolves before. I guess the thought my dancing was offensive or something….cause they aren’t from our pack…so…I clearly upset them…I did yell…which in all fairness…was deserved….they totally deserved to be yelled at.” What the hell had happened?

I turned back to see Ray coming after us. Logically, Melanie had to be right. No one in the pack would shift to fight Melanie because Drake would kill them. EJ snarled and let go of my hand, shifting into Brutus in the next second. Damn my stupid birthday not happening yet. If I had my wolf, we’d tear those jerks to pieces! I could tell both EJ and Brutus were pissed.

I heard Ray was on his phone with Drake.. He knew where we were headed too. I heard Brutus’ snarl of anger. I linked my dad, “Someone is attacking Melanie! She doesn’t know who it is, but they are in wolf form.”

He warned, “You be careful, we are on the way.”

I told him, “I’m getting to her.” He said, “Fine. Just let EJ and Ray deal with those in wolf form.” That wouldn’t be the order once I had my wolf.

I came into the clearing to see that Melanie was just fine. The wolves were bleeding, but Melanie was fine. Pride filled me. We had to be right, and she had to be meant for Alexander. I ran to her as she clutched her wolf to her chest while EJ took down the wolf who was trying to rip it to shreds.

I grabbed her whispering, “Mel, you need focus on the fight. I could buy you another toy wolf, ok?”

She shook her head, “He’s mine.”

I sighed, “I know that but let’s focus.” I wished I could shift too and take these jerks down.

A wolf was circling towards us. Melanie drop kicked him in the face. I smirked. She’d broken his jaw. EJ had clearly had enough and used his pushing power. The wolves fighting dropped to the ground howling in pain.

Melanie whispered, “Wow,”

EJ wasn’t letting them go. Ray shifted back. My dad, Drake, and Garrett ran up to us. I had an odd sense of Deja vu. My dad addressed me, “Sweetie, touch EJ and tell him to let them go.”

I nodded, wondering why my mate hadn’t done that yet. He didn’t tend to keep people locked up mentally.

When he shifted back, I saw him fully naked. Focus, Elise. It was hard though because dang he was perfect. I wanted to drop to my knees right here and let him do wicked things to me after I sucked him into my mouth. I licked my lips then mentally smacked myself. My DAD is here, stop it, Elise! EJ was too distracting.

Tristan linked me, “Your dad wasn’t looking, but I didn’t need to see that either.”

I replied, “Then don’t look.”

He asked, “What the hell happened here?” I replied, “Honestly, that’s a good question.” He retorted, “I know. I’m a Beta, asking questions is my thing.”

I looked over at my dad surprised when EJ told us what this was about. He was busy looking at EJ so we didn’t lock eyes. I glanced at Ray who was frowning. No one in our pack would do this. I didn’t recognize these wolves. Jason joined us and linked, “What the hell?!”

Tristan said, “If I had a wolf these pricks would be fucking dead.”

I agreed, “Same.”

I saw something flash in EJ’s eyes that I couldn’t quite identify. I could tell whatever it was it made EJ feel even more protective of Melanie. Tristan asked, “What was that? Does EJ know Ladybug thinks she’s Alexanders?”

I mused, “It would be just like Mel to shout that she belonged to her Xander.”

He rubbed his face.

Maybe EJ believed it with the conviction I did now that they were mates. He would protect his brother's mate with everything in him. Jason linked when the attackers shifted back. “EXCUSE ME BUT AREN’T THOSE FULL GROWN, ADULT MEN?!”

Before I could answer, the McAlister’s had moved to attack. I turned to study Melanie wondering how she had everything under control before we got here. She’d have saved her wolf and herself without help. How was that possible? I linked Jason and Tristan, “At least you got in some good shots before they made you stop.”

They wanted more blood though, I could tell.

Dalton linked, “What the HELL is happening?”

I answered, “Some other pack, because these aren’t rogues, attacked Melanie where she dances. She’s fine though.”

He said, “My question still stands.” I nearly snorted. I admitted, “Yeah, I don’t know what anyone was thinking with this move, little brother.”

Tristan linked, “Seriously? They told her what pack they were from? Why? Because the only reason I can think of is they are lying. Or because they didn’t think she’d be able to tell us.”

I pointed out, “They definitely didn’t think she could tell us.”

He growled, “I didn’t get a link.” I admitted, “I did but after I linked her.” He groaned, “Yet another chat to have with her.” I didn’t know if that would work.

I knew this was trouble because we weren’t friends with Two Peaks. My dad didn’t like the Alpha. Actually, no one did. He was creepy. I knew that and I’d only met him once. He’d checked my mom out, then me. My dad nearly killed him.

I linked Tristan, “What were they doing here? Were they here scouting? They couldn't possibly think they could take us. They aren’t even a quarter of our pack’s size.”

He replied, “That would take serious balls, but that pack isn’t exactly led by stellar leadership.” True.

Everything got crazy again. Jason linked, “EJ just blocked their view of my sister!”

He had and it was deliberate. Tristan and Jason snarled down the link hearing Melanie was the target. Why? She was a pup, and that pack couldn’t even know who she was. She’d never met them.

Dalton linked me, “Drake is going to reach his breaking point.”

I replied, “It’s impressive he hasn’t so far. You come try and help to contain Jase and T.”

He snorted, “I like my face how it is and free of blood. Plus, it would be hypocritical. I’d already have killed someone if this was you.” Fair enough, I guess.

Tristan said, “We need Mel out of here.”

I pointed out, “Surely your mom will remember her recital once she’s assured her pup is safe.”

I was right. Dalton linked me again, “So, this is going to hell in a handbasket.” I agreed, “Yes, it is. I know we age quickly, but unshifted pups are off limits.” Every supernatural had their ages where things were appropriate and sixteen was ours. Especially with an older wolf. The Hackura had their ways in their realm, but we tended to follow human traditions in that aspect.

I linked Tristan, “What art school is he talking about? Mel can’t be ALONE in NEW YORK!”

He replied, “Dad thinks she might be safer further away from Alpha Ezra’s pack.”

I asked, “Does she want to compete for the spot?” He didn’t reply. I was thinking that answer was no then.

I linked Jason, “Surely, your dad knows that Melanie loves him so much. She is such a daddy’s girl.”

He agreed, “Yeah, I know she is.”

My mind wandered while they talked. I just hoped it didn’t come to fruition. Melanie being so far away in New York hurt my very soul. I wanted her with me.

If we could just get Alexander and Melanie to meet this wouldn’t be happening. Suddenly we only had three years to accomplish what we hadn’t been able to in eleven years. Every time they were supposed to meet something came up. What if she went off to New York before they met?

I’d gotten it into my head that she and I would be together in Black Mountain. Now my little sister would be thousands of miles away. I broke down when it was EJ, me, and Ray. Not caring that I’d confirmed to Ray that Melanie liked Alexander. He knew that anyway. Plus, I was pretty sure Alexander liked her too. I knew Ray wouldn’t say anything.

I did know that if people kept coming for her and she kept getting in fights Drake would let her compete. He’d think she was safer away from us. If she competed, she’d win because she always won. She’d literally never lost anything she’d ever tried let alone in dance. My thoughts were swirling because I didn’t want to lose Mel. Pops sounded all around us.

By the time I pulled back, all our allies were here. My Uncle Christopher was home, but I couldn’t even let myself be excited to see him. Alexander walked up to EJ and me, unsure if he noticed the new way I was looking at him because he was my hope to keep Melanie around.

I prayed a silent prayer, “Moon Goddess, PLEASE let them be mates.”

Brooke and Uncle Christopher’s situation gave me ideas. Tristan linked, “Your dad literally told you not to get ideas.”

I huffed, “I mean it’s impossible not to. I am not ready to leave home, but being without EJ all the time is torture.” He said, “Well, Mel would miss you.” Damn him going for my Achilles heel.

They were all going off to take over Alpha Johnson’s pack. I did notice that Alexander was red faced angry. My eyes lingered on EJ until he popped away. I grumbled, “If I had a wolf, I could go with them.”

My Aunt Susie laughed, “T and Jason grabbed a Fairy, so you could’ve tried that.”

I groaned, “Dang it!” She inclined her head, “Come on inside.” I sighed, wanting to point out that Brooke got to go. She had a wolf though, but she was only a little bit older than me.

I trudged inside, sat down on the couch, and started crying. My Aunt Susie said, “It’s ok, Elise. They will all be fine.”

I shook my head, “It’s Mel. They are talking about sending her to some fancy dance school in New York.”