Fighting for what’s Mine

Elise is (almost) Eighteen Years Old

Elise was biting back a laugh as Alexander kept changing his shirt for his birthday party. Rhea told me, “He is so nervous. It’s adorable.”

That was true. Melanie had asked her about me outfit yesterday. She’d picked out a really cute one. She probably debated it a lot, but she’d just showed me the one. I couldn’t believe that finally Melanie and Alexander were meeting.

Rhea said, “I can’t even blame him for being nervous. Hell, I’m nervous for them both. This is so exciting. Oden is so nervous too.”

Aww, I was already beyond convinced they were mates. The only thing that would’ve made today perfect was Cassie being here. Melanie had been inconsolable when they’d postponed the party. She’d been ready to go when I called to tell her. She’d shut herself in her room until I came home later that night. By then she was just sad and annoyed she hadn’t anticipated her parents reacting that way. She felt she should’ve, and I defiantly think I should have.

When my phone buzzed, I couldn’t stop my smile because Melanie was calling. I walked out and went into EJ’s room. I jumped on the bed laying down and accepted the call. “Hi Mel, are you on your way?”

Melanie sobbed, “I hate them! Why do they do this to me?”

I was instantly concerned, “You hate who?”

Melanie cried “All the border patrols and Charline! She’s the devil!”

I was getting a very bad feeling, “Ladybug, what happened?”

Melanie explained, “They lied again. They said I crossed our border….well I guess we have a lot… I mean the Two Peaks border that’s now ours. I didn’t though! I didn’t even leave my room much today because I was afraid this would happen.”

Rhea growled, “What’s going on with this?”

I really didn’t know. She continued, “I only left for an hour. One hour to dance my nerves away. I should’ve stayed in my room. Why didn’t I stay in my room? Charline found me and dared me to cross. I told her in her dreams and came home…literally right home. Then they said I did it anyway.”

I reasoned, “No one would believe Charline.”

Melanie sniffled, “They believe the Warriors. Why do they do this to me? I didn’t do anything to them. They all even look like they feel sorry they had to report it, but I didn’t do it. I swear!”

I sighed, “I believe you. I’ll call my dad.”

Melanie kept crying, “Everyone going to the party already left. Only T stayed back because he’s doing something for dad. He believes me though. Dad wants to but…. why are they lying? I just want to meet my Xander. I saved my allowance for nine months to get his present. I wanted to give it to him in person. It’s a special birthday for an Alpha... I wanted everything to be perfect. It was going to be, and they ruined it!”

I wiped some stray tears away. I whispered, “I’ll find out what happened.”

She cried, “They must hate me. Why are they doing this to me? They ruin every chance I have! There were ten of them this time. TEN! Mom and dad asked why I did it, and I told them I didn’t. I could see they were so conflicted! They want to believe me…then mom ate her mom monster cookie. They just don’t know what to do.”

Neither did I. This was beyond bizarre.

Melanie ranted, “I could get away with crossing the darn border if I wanted to, but I NEVER have! Why do the Conners have that absurd emergency rule? I have no chance….You know what? I’m really going to have to go to New York and create an emergency to meet my Xander!”

I winced, “Let’s call that Plan D.”

Melanie snorted, “It’s more like plan Z since A-Y hasn’t worked. I'll go to New York if I have to. I could win that dance competition in my sleep. I just….”

She started full on sobbing. I couldn’t stop my own tears. This was so dang frustrating. Why did this keep happening?

I asked, “Are you ok?”

Melanie was hiccupping. She said, “No... I just… why are they keeping me from him? It’s not fair. It’s his eighteenth birthday. That’s a big one. Especially for wolves who are Alpha’s. I just want to be there for him. Why can’t I?”

I whispered, “I don’t know Mel, but we’ll figure it out.”

She cried, “I figured it out. I have to go thousands of miles away from everyone that I love to meet my Xander. I’m scared to go. That’s so far away from everyone, but… but what if it’s the only way to meet him? I don’t think I want to go.”

I reasoned, “You can’t miss my Mating or Luna ceremony, and Alexander will be there at both. EJ and I will work out when that will be. You have to come.”

Melanie whispered, “I won’t leave the house the whole day. I’d never do anything to miss your big day.”

I laughed, “See? Plan C forms.” Melanie snorted, “It’s plan Y and you know it. I want to meet him so badly.”

I closed my eyes, “I know that you do. I don’t know why this keeps happening.”

She sighed, “I’ve never crossed our border without permission. Never. Maybe I should if people just keep accusing me of it.”

I sighed, “Don’t do that.” She sniffled, “Why not? Everyone thinks I do it anyway! So, I might as well actually do it.”

I warned, “That will just get you in more trouble than you are now.”

Melanie cried, “What does it matter if I do? I still don’t get to meet my Xander. If I crossed, I might get to…because I’d make it to Black Mountain.”

I bit my lip, “You will meet him one day soon.” She sighed, “Maybe.” I encouraged, “Hey, don’t lose hope. We’ve got two plans already, and I’m sure we will come up with more.”

Melanie sighed, “We’ve run out of the Alphabet letters to make plans.”

I laughed, “We’ll switch to operation names like the Hackura do. Ok?”

Melanie said, “Ok.” I told her, “I’m going to call my dad.” Melanie whispered, “Ok. I love you, Elise.” I smiled at the phone, “Love you too, Ladybug.”

I immediately called my dad and got his voicemail. I left him a message, “Dad, come on you know this is bullshit! Call me back.”

I hung up and winced because I didn’t want to go tell EJ and Alexander. I willed my dad to call me back so I could stall a little longer. Sadly, it didn’t work.

I didn’t want Alexander to find out when their group showed up and she wasn’t with them though. I just didn't want to be the person to completely ruin his whole day. The poor guy had changed his shirt fifteen times. I sighed and walked back into the room.

My phone rang the second I entered. Really dad? Worst timing ever. EJ wrapped me in his arms, and I answered the call. My dad immediately said, “I know but there’s nothing I could do.”

Rhea grumbled, “I should just shift and run to go get her.”

Then we could get in trouble. Rhea asked, “And? I’m in. Trouble is fun.” I nearly laughed, “Not EJ trouble kind of fun.” She grumbled, “Fine. I’m just saying.”

I defended Melanie to my dad. My dad sighed, “I know all that but Warriors wouldn’t lie to us. They didn’t even want to report it but had to. Why would they do that if they weren’t sure?”

I screamed in annoyance and argued more.

My dad sighed, “You know there is nothing I can do. She’s Drake’s daughter. They think she’s rebelling because they keep her on a tight leash. It’s not as if it’s the most off the wall out there thought either. Plenty of pups do that.”

Except Melanie wasn’t like other people. Rhea sang, “Shift and Run. It’s sounding more and more like the best plan.”

I knew arguing with my dad wasn’t going to get me anywhere. I needed to figure this out. It was overdue that someone did. I hung up on my dad knowing I’d probably pay for that later. I was just so annoyed.

After I explained what happened Alexander was upset. I wanted to reach out to him, and only held back because his wolf was close to the surface. Unlike EJ, my presence wouldn’t really comfort his wolf. Rhea huffed, “Both wolf and human are upset. Off to the Hackura realm to fight they go. Oden is just growling.”

I hated that.

Rhea grumbled, “I hate that Alexander looks as if he couldn't have been less interested in the party that he’s just changed his shirt sixteen times for. Why can’t he just admit his feelings to us? It bothers mate and me.”

I replied, “I’m not sure what his hang up about it is honestly.”

She grumbled in reply.

I wished I could link Angela to ask if she was ok seeing the path veer off what she thought today would be. I’d talked to her, and she said there were several blurry paths in her Sight. She believed that meant Alexander’s mate was coming because he was happy on those paths. She tried so hard to figure everything out to make people happy. This would hit her hard.

Rhea warned, “This situation is heading into a huge blow up because Alexander won’t confide in mate.”

I agreed, “I know.”

I just didn’t like it. I knew if we could just get them to meet this would all be over. I didn’t like them both being upset like this.

EJ comforted me when he popped out. Rhea purred, “Mate is perfect. He always knows what we need.”

Yes, he certainly did. I still wanted to know why it never worked out the way we planned with those two. It was as if some cosmic force was blocking us at every turn.

That was ridiculous though. The Moon Goddess should want them to meet. Alexander even had a god and two goddesses and a god with his DNA on his side. We should have the stars aligning for them just like they did with EJ and me. Why was this so goddamn hard?

Rhea said, “It’s not your fault.”

I didn’t really believe that. Ultimately this time, I blamed myself. I should’ve just stayed with her today. They wouldn’t dare say the both of us were lying. I’d have no reason to lie.

I asked Rhea, “Do you think Alexander has a hard time admitting his feelings to EJ because of Mel’s age?”

She answered, “No. He has Fairy and Hackura blood. Wolves have the most trouble with that being raised in the human realm and their laws shade that way of thinking because their children are not like supernaturals. Alexander has seen other realms.”

I guess he’d tell us when he was ready. I told Rhea, “Let’s just agree that if Charline shows up, we deck her a good one.”

Rhea cackled, “I’m so beyond in for that plan. She needs it. Honestly, she reminds me of my past human.”

That made me feel really bad for my wolf. Rhea snorted, “You definitely should.”

I asked Rhea, “What does Thor think?”

Eric and EJ were talking so my wolf could ask him. She replied, “He believes Melanie and thinks it’s another pup that looks like her in a different pack.”

That was at least a solid working theory that made more sense than they just wanted to annoy me and ruin my plans.

Hope started to fill me again. Maybe we could find a look alike and validate Eric and Thor’s theory. I’d never met anyone who looked like her, but it wasn’t impossible. Maybe from the back someone could pass as Melanie. Black hair wasn’t uncommon. Maybe they were just seeing her from behind and assuming. That could work.

I could tell even EJ was hopeful about this plan. Eric still seemed frustrated. Rhea told me, “Thor prides himself on knowing things. Plus, it frustrates and upsets his pups.”

That all made sense. Eric even had a plan ready to go if we could. The disappointment I felt from earlier was still there, but I felt better with a plan.

Rhea chuckled, “Thor said Angela wouldn’t let them move the party around for Cassie.”

I wanted to laugh out loud because they didn’t seem to see it, but Angela already ran the board. She would make paths happen with her sight. It was absolutely adorable.

Rhea grumbled, “I hate that her and Snow get upset about the blurry paths.”

Like Alexander’s mate. She didn’t understand why. I wanted to say it was cosmic intervention. My thoughts were swirling. Was it actually a bigger conspiracy? Who would care? And why? What does Melanie not meeting the bigger group of our allies even achieve? No one could possibly care about that. Right?

Rhea agreed, “That’s true. It’s not just Alexander. Only mate has met her.”

She made a valid point because that was weird at this point. She was thirteen. I’d known all these people for as long as I could remember. So had Tristan and Jason.

EJ brought me out of my thoughts and I realized I was being silly. I shoved those thoughts aside and focused on my mate. I got lost him as I always did when he was inside me. It was really his fault because it wasn’t fair how mouthwateringly hot he was.

Rhea sighed, “Just tell him to mark us. Be a rebel, girl. Look at how hot he is.”

I snorted, “You’ve been saying that for two years.”

Rhea purred, “He gets hotter every day.” She wasn’t wrong. I would officially be his soon. He’d mark me and never let me go. Rhea purred, “Oh come on Elise, be a bad girl. I’ll take over for you and do it.” I snorted, “He wouldn’t do it.”

Rhea sighed, “He’s so perfect. He just needs to be a bad boy. For just one moment. Use those wiles of yours Elise Kyle.”

I replied, “Soon.”

Rhea sighed, “Ugh, fine.” After we climaxed Rhea purred, “It will feel even better once we turn eighteen. We already have sensations, but when the mate bond kicks in? GIRL. He’s going to kill us. I’m ready. SO READY! Death by orgasm. It’s not a bad way to go, but you can’t actually die. I’m loving life this time around. Look at the sexy man candy. God, I love it here. I have been promised centuries and I want them. No actual dying.”

I dryly replied, “You were the one talking about dying not me.”

She grumbled, “Don’t talk nonsense when I’m blissed out thinking of the centuries of orgasms we are going to have. Centuries of this. Goddess, I’m so happy.”

EJ was honestly sex on a stick, and he was complimenting me. Rhea snorted, “Right? Obviously, we are hot, but he should get a mirror. Is he trying to start another round? I’ll jump him Elise, I’ll do it. Put me in girl!”

I was going to do just that, but a knock at the door stopped us.

Rhea sighed, “Brutus says it’s Max. When that boy finds his mate, imma knock on his door at random times and interrupt.”

I groaned, “Don’t do that.”

She retorted, “Oh imma gonna do it, Elise. We could be having round two. There is no knock blocking. Knock blocking can be returned. I WILL fight fire with fire.” I smiled because I loved my wolf. She was so much fun.

Rhea snorted, “Of course I am.”

EJ started laughing and I had no idea why. Ugh. I couldn’t wait until I could link him and the people in this pack. I just knew the things his siblings didn’t say out loud were funny. Rhea replied, “I mean I can ask Brutus and tell you.”

I explained, “That’s a game of telephone bound to get messed up.” She snickered in my head.

EJ got up and snapped us dressed and clean. We’d still smell like each other, which was good. Rhea growled knowing what I was thinking about. We had to get on some girls last year at their party. This year would probably be no exception.

I was now in my party outfit. It was a white spaghetti strap crop top and a navy and silver short skirt. EJ was practically salivating. Rhea purred, “Wait until he sees the skimpy lingerie you found online.”

She was right. I knew EJ would love it. He never cared about what I was wearing, but the look on his face would be worth it.

My mind flashed to Christmas when he ripped my red bra and matching thong to pieces. I shivered delightfully at the memory. EJ grabbed my hand and popped me downstairs. When he tugged on my hand, I turned back to see his eyes blazing.

I looked around noticing all his siblings' eyes were too, even Angela. Oh no. That must mean it was Alexander’s anger. What happened now? All of them quickly got their eyes under control. EJ went to handle things. I watched him walk out the back door frowning.

Jason asked, “Hey, where is EJ going?”

I shrugged. Jason made a face, “Ok, then. Where’s Alexander?”

Preston snorted, “Beating the crap of something or someone somewhere that is not here.” Jason questioned, “Uh why?”

I sighed, annoyed, “Jase, get a clue.”

I was over this whole song and dance. He stared at me, surprised. My dad linked me, “It’s not his fault.”

I shot back, “It’s someone’s.” Jason held his hands up, “Whoa, does everyone know this is a party? There are too many tense people are around here for a party.” I rolled my eyes, “Not everyone is here though, are they?” Jason shut up immediately.

Rhea admitted, “He does feel bad and so does Ajax.”

Ajax was Jason’s wolf. I replied, “They can feel bad all they want. She should be here.”

Jason sighed and followed Tristan out the door. Tristan linked me, “I know it sucks but…”

I interrupted, “It more than sucks. I’m over it. I’m so over it. I’m sick of excuses and situations and whatever the hell this is. She called me crying her eyes out.”

Tristan visibly winced. Drake asked, “Are you ok, Elise?”

I answered, “No.” Then I walked away. Getting into this here wasn’t what I wanted to do. I needed air before I blew a gasket.

After I’d walked a few yards away I heard a pop. EJ’s mom was beside me. I smiled greeting, “Hi, Haley.”

She studied me, “I don’t know what’s going on, but you look like you need this.”

She handed me a pink drink. I laughed, “I’m technically not old enough to drink it in this realm.” I’d had alcohol before, but I knew she would go on a rant that would make me laugh.

Haley rolled her eyes, “This damn realm. In a few weeks you’ll be legally old enough to get married and be considered an adult. Human children even have to decide what to do with the rest of their lives at eighteen. Jesus, it's so fucking mean. What if they hate what they pick? Well, they go into debt to change their major. All to come out of school and probably not get a job in the field they fucking picked in the first place. Or get stuck in jobs and careers they hate. It’s madness.”

She shrugged, “Anyfuckingway. If you’re old enough to get married in a few weeks, you can have a strawberry martini under the supervision of a fucking adult. Besides, we are supernaturals. Plus, your mom said it was fine.”

I laughed and sipped the drink. I admitted, “This is good.”

Haley smiled, “I’m here if you ever want to talk. Now, I’m off to find this imaginary Melanie McAlister.”

I sighed, “She’s not here. She got grounded.”

Haley’s jaw dropped, “Are you fucking kidding me? Again? I...”

She trailed off then narrowed her gaze. “So, you all ARE pulling a fucking prank on me? She doesn’t exist and this is just a long running prank. I knew it! Even Eric is in on it.”

I laughed, “She exists, and she’s certainly not a prank.”

Haley sighed, “If you’re sure. Like really fucking sure.”

I nodded, “Yup.” She sighed, “Ok then.” I finished my drink and handed it back to her. I told her, “I’m going to walk around for a bit.” Haley nodded, “Of course. Fresh air always helps.” I teased, “Says the Sky and Earth Fairy.”

She winked, “Then you should know I’m right.”

I acknowledged, “From what I know, you usually are.”

Haley smiled, “I do so like you Elise Kyle.” I blushed, “I’m glad and I like you too.” I really did. She was amazing. She smiled and gave me a reassuring hug before walking back inside.

I started walking towards where teenagers hung out during the parties. Rhea grumbled, “Mate left.”

I asked, “Why?”

Rhea sighed, “I don't know.” I reasoned, “He’ll be back.” Eventually, I turned back around. I walked by a group of girls I’d never seen on my way back to the house.

One sighed, “I just want one night with EJ Conners. I wore my best bra and lucky underwear.”

Rhea growled, “This bitch is going down.”

I stopped walking and glared at them. One girl rolled her eyes, “He’s gaga over his mate, Trin.”

Trin shrugged, “I’ll make him forget her. They aren't officially mates anyway. The mate bond hasn’t kicked in.”

Another friend sighed, “Trin, he’s got Fairy blood. For him, the bond is there. Not to mention he has Hackura blood and is past the age of sixteen. They feel a slight tug to their mates even if they are underage. He beyond knows who his mate is.”

Trin shrugged them off, “You’re just jealous.”

I growled, “Of what? The fact that you’re about to get your ass kicked?”

She turned and I punched her in the face before pinning her easily. I asked, “Who the fuck are you?” She whimpered, “I’m from out of town. We all are.”

I growled, “That doesn’t seem like you answered my question.”

I punched her again, “Who are you?”

She whispered, “People call me Trin.” I got up and threw her at her friends. I warned, “Go near my mate and I’ll pulverize you. Got that?” Someone put their hand on my back, but I knew the scent, so I wasn’t worried.

I turned greeting, “Sam.”

She smirked at me. Trin gasped, “You’re Elise Kyle.”

I retorted, “No, I just like to call EJ Conners my mate for fun. YES, I’m Elise Kyle. Get the fuck out of this territory.” Trin sneered, “You can’t do that.”

I heard another voice, “Yes, she can.”

I turned and smiled, “Hi, Liam.”

He nodded, “Future Luna Elise.” He turned to the girl, “Get out of this territory in the next five minutes or my Warriors will take you and throw you out.” She turned red.

She glared at me shouting, “You stupid bitch! You’re just afraid of competition.”

Rhea snarled and pushed forward. I let her, but she didn’t shift. I tackled Trin to the ground and hit her repeatedly. Sam calmly said, “Elise, let’s have Liam get her out of here.”

She put her hand on me and linked, “EJ is yours.” Rhea growled, “Damn straight he is.”

I sighed and took back over, got off Trin, and straightened my clothes. I’d have to change. EJ would notice the scent and blood. I heard a pop in front of me and smiled. Angela snapped me clean. She stuck her tongue out at Trin.

She crossed her arms and tapped her foot, “Just so you know EJ loves Elise, and he’d never hurt her. It’s always been her and him and it always will be. Trust me, I know.”

She tapped her head and popped away.

Liam laughed, “You just have to love her. Now, take heed of the warning, and do not come back here. Men, escort them past our border.”

Several Warriors hauled them off. Liam was well respected in this pack specifically but the surrounding area too. Hell, within the werewolf community at large. He’d been challenged for the Lead Warrior position several times, but he never lost the tournament. EJ didn’t think anyone would until his oldest son challenged him for it.

Sam side hugged me, “Let’s get back inside.”

I shook off her embrace, “Sure. Thanks, Liam.”

He smiled, “We consider you our Luna around here already. No one will treat you poorly in these lands.” I smiled and started to walk back.

Sam sighed, “You’re mad at us.”

I didn’t have to ask how she knew that. I plainly stated, “She didn’t do it.”

Sam frowned, “I don’t know what’s going on anymore. Our Warriors aren’t lying though. Cassie proved that, but….” I interrupted, “If you know there’s a but why isn’t she here?”

Sam reasoned, “Drake’s the Beta of our pack. We can’t let everyone think the rules are different because Melanie’s our daughter.”

I stopped, “Then you believe her.”

Sam sighed, “I think sometimes I do. I mean honestly, I don’t know what’s going on. I was so sure when we left it was right, but now I don’t know. Normally, I know exactly when that girl is lying to me. With all this I just have no idea. They don’t have a reason to lie, but Melanie does.”

I challenged, “But she’s not.”

Sam sighed and ate a cookie. They were her favorite and she always seemed to have them. Actually, more so since she got pregnant with Mel. I’d never seen her eat a cookie before then. Had I? She held out one for me so I took and ate it quickly.

Sam said, “We still can’t let the pack think rules don’t apply. That would be bad for your dad and Drake.”

She was right, and I hated it. People would start to challenge their authority if they let this slide. I walked away and headed back inside.

I made it back a solid minute before EJ walked in. Gosh, he made my heart stop. He inclined his head to his dad’s office. Rhea grumbled, “This is going to be about why he left and Alexander’s anger.”

I asked, “What’s Oden saying?”

She answered, “He’s not here.” Interesting. I thought EJ went to get him or something.

I followed the group out because I wanted to make sure EJ was ok. Rhea purred, “Of course we do. He’s ours. It’s even our job to make sure he’s ok. Goddess above, look at his perfect ass.”

I followed her advice. The thing needed a statue made of it. I’d worship at the altar. Rhea teased, “We have the real thing to worship.”

We definitely did.

I was surprised this was about Charline. The way my mate took charge of the room nearly had me purring seeing him so dominant and in charge. Rhea linked me, “Let’s just kick everyone out and throw him down on that table.”

I told her, “You’re not helping.”

Rhea practically sang, “You were thinking it too.” I admitted, “Yes, but we need to focus. We will be the Luna of this pack. We can’t throw him down every time he does things like this. He’s going to be the Lead Alpha.”

Rhea sighed, “Just go ahead making responsible points. Fine, I suppose we won’t. Just so you know, we totally could do every time he goes all authoritative in front of us. Just later. We have to keep our throwing people out to worship his ass to a reasonable amount.”

I nearly laughed out loud.

We focused in time to hear what Charline had done. Rhea snarled in my head, “I will kill her!”

I studied my mother in law before replying to her. “You’ll have to beat Haley to it.”

Rhea chuckled, “For someone who doesn’t have a wolf for me to talk to, I really like that woman.”

I asked, “Can you imagine her with one?”

Rhea replied, “Yes, she’d be ferocious with a wolf.”

I snorted, “She is without one.” Rhea explained, “I’m just saying. You know her wolf would be my best friend too. We’d be fierce together. I’m sad that will never happen.” So was I.

You had to have at least a drop of werewolf blood to be granted a wolf. When you got to our partials it was usually only those that had at least half werewolf DNA that got a wolf. That wasn’t an exact science either. Honestly, it varied. Haley had no wolf blood at all so it was something that could never be.

Haley made good points that the guys disagreed with. I linked Rhea, “But if we were talking about someone doing this to Cassie or Angela they would absolutely agree. They’d lead the charge saying that sending them into heat would be rape. Why can’t they admit it on the flip side?”

Rhea answered, “Stubborn male pride. Alpha’s and male wolves in general have that attitude. I think it’s because we are in this realm. The Hackura see it the way Haley does. All supernatural’s outside this realm do.” UGH!

I was getting the sense we’d glossed over my dad’s question about how Alexander found this all out. My dad linked, “Do you know how this came about?”

I replied, “I don’t. Corbin is their cousin, and he has good contacts. Alexander was in the Hackura realm. It makes sense that’s what happened.”

He shrugged. I got the sense he felt the same way I did. The explanation didn’t feel right for some reason.

Everyone left, including Haley who had to leave to go see TJ. He was such a cutie too. Him and Angela were the troublemakers of the Conners brood. Once she left, the truth came out about Melanie being Alexander’s source. Rhea groaned, “God forbid that detail was said around Haley.”

She had a point. I could tell Haley, I guess. My head started to pound.

Before I could move, I mentally shrugged that thought off and my headache disappeared. Haley would find out one day. Rhea said, “Melanie makes me so damn proud. Even broken hearted she managed to help her Xander.”

She was right.