2

So, at least someone was on that.

I found Alexander punching a big oak tree. I scented his blood and noticed his hands were raw. Elise gasped. I growled, “ENOUGH!”

Alexander stopped but he didn’t turn around. I stalked over to him, throwing my arms up. I was so fucking pissed.

I pushed him, “Heal your damn hands right fucking now!”

I couldn’t even look at him. Elise linked me, “EJ, he’s broken about something. I’m sure it’s because Ladybug isn’t here.”

I was tired of not officially knowing what his problem was. I was done. I watched my brother's hands.

As soon as he healed them, I snapped him clean of blood. The sight of his blood did things to me I did not care for. I growled, “There is no more goddamn space for me to give you. EXPLAIN! NOW!”

Alexander whispered, “I can’t.”

I grabbed him by his shoulders and pushed him into a tree, “OH YES YOU CAN! Tell me what you’ve been keeping from me for five years. Tell me what puts you into this ridiculous mood all the damn time!”

He pushed me back, “She’s leaving, and I won’t get to meet her! She’s going to win because she ALWAYS WINS! They are keeping her from me and I…”

He trailed off.

I frowned, “And you what? What are you talking about? I mean obviously she is Melanie but….”

Elise gasped interrupting, “She’s going? But she said she didn’t want to go.”

Alexander wiped his eyes cutting her off, “She yelled at them tonight that she’d go to New York and find people who actually believed in her. That she’d win and stay the hell away from Red Run.”

I looked between the two of them. I said, “Alexander, I need you to back up and explain. Who do you think is keeping Melanie from you? And why?”

Alexander pushed away from me again and sat down on the grass. He whispered, “Don’t make me say it. I can’t see it on your face. Not yours.”

I looked at Elise, but she looked just as confused as I was.

I touched Alexander’s shoulder, “What are you talking about? What do you think you would see on my face?”

Alexander said nothing for a long time, “Disgust, revulsion, and disappointment.”

I backed away from him in shock. Brutus growled, “What?!”

I strode forward, picked him up, and let him feel my anger. I told him, “I don’t know why you think I would ever feel those things about you. So, I need you to explain. Right now.”

Alexander looked down, “I think I love her.”

I rolled my eyes, “Say her damn name.”

Alexander whispered, “Melanie.”

I sighed, “I think I just heard the hallelujah chorus. We’ve finally admitted it, and good lord I’m talking in the royal ‘we’ now. Moving on, what the hell are you worried about? Who is keeping her from you? What are you even talking about?”

I told Brutus, “Talk to Oden.”

He retorted, “I am. I like the answers you are getting just as much as the ones I am.”

Great. Perfect. Awesome. Brutus snickered, “Such sarcasm.” I reasoned, “That’s what I’ve got.”

Alexander explained, “They know I like her, they have to. It’s why she’s always grounded. We all know her crossing the border is bullshit.”

I nodded, “We do. We looked to see if there was a pup that looked like her. We found a pup with black hair. She’s taller and their body type isn’t the same, but it’s possible they think she’s Melanie from the back.”

Alexander whispered, “Males are possessive of her and always have been. They have to know I want her. I stole her hoodie because it smells so good.”

I questioned, “When?”

Then it hit me, “THE DANCE?! Five years ago?! Oh my god. There were two hoodies in the back of the damn SUV! Which one did you take?”

Alexander sighed, “Melanie’s. It’s a dance competition hoodie. Plus, her scent calms me down. She smells like strawberries.”

I replied evenly, “I am aware.”

Alexander growled, “They are keeping her away from me because they are afraid I’d be possessive of her like those other assholes! I probably made it worse when we took over Two Peaks. Fuck!”

He pulled at his hair with his hands, “I was just so mad! They were talking about taking her like she was theirs and they can’t have her!”

He blew out his breath. He whispered, “I wouldn’t want her near me either, but I love her. I wouldn’t take her. Not unless she was my mate. I truly want her to be happy.”

I frowned asking, “What are you talking about right now? What do you mean take her?” Alexander sank down into himself and I felt his despair.

He shrugged, “It’s the only explanation that makes sense. They know I’m powerful enough to take her if I wanted to. If I was possessive like those other guys are, it would be different because of who I am. I’m an Alpha.”

Brutus snarked, “Oh gee, that escaped our attention.”

Now was not the time for him to make me laugh by being snarky.

Alexander continued, “She’s a good fighter, but I doubt she could beat me. I think they are afraid that I’m possessive of her without meeting her, that”

He winced, “I could hurt her. But I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t hurt her!”

I argued, “Alexander, they can’t believe that.”

Alexander yelled, “Then why is she always in trouble for shit she didn’t do! Why can’t I meet her? They wouldn’t even let me heal her when she got hurt! She couldn’t dance for a month! They would rather she be in pain than meet me.”

Elise sighed, “She wasn’t dying.”

Alexander snapped, “I don’t care! I offered to heal her! She was hurt and they STILL wouldn't let me come to her. I even begged dad to have mom go. She offered to, I HEARD her! They hurt her feelings by refusing, and confirmed her belief that Melanie is damn prank.”

He turned to me pleading, “I wouldn’t hurt her, you have to know I’m not like that.”

He curled into himself in anguish. He cried, “I’m not. I know I’m a strong Alpha Enforcer.”

He broke, “What if I’m just like the others obsessed with her? What if she’s not mine?” I growled, “You are NOT like them. I know you wouldn’t hurt her, and I’ve always known that.”

I pulled him up and hugged him. Alexander cried into my neck. I turned to Elise, “Are they truly keeping her from him?”

Elise was stunned by question. Her emotions told me she didn’t think that was it. She whispered, “I don’t think so. Sam told me at your birthday party last year that they didn’t know what was going on. That they didn’t think Ladybug was lying, but they couldn’t let the pack think the rules were different for the Beta’s daughter.”

She grimaced, “I hate it, but I know that’s true. People would push back on my dad and Drake about their decisions.”

I nodded accepting her answer. I pointed out, “She’s right, little brother. You know she is.”

Alexander snorted, “Fine, but the other shit is ridiculous. Broken down cars, and not letting us pop in. It’s not about us, and it clearly never was. It’s about me. They think they need to protect her from me.”

I told him, “I would NEVER think that’s true. This is why you haven’t confided in me? You were afraid I’d just see you as some other wolf who was possessive of Melanie?”

Alexander wiped his eyes and nodded, “Sometimes Oden and I are just so sure she’s our mate. Other times I have this fear that I’m just another in a line of other wolves who are possessive of her. What if she’s afraid of me? What if they are? Jase is supposed to be my friend. Why doesn’t he know I wouldn’t hurt her? I couldn't, not her.”

Elise frowned, “My dad said the McAlister’s would be excited if you were her mate. I don’t think they have any idea you suspect you are. I know you’re thinking on the side of what if you’re not her mate, but from where Drake’s coming from it’s different. What if you are her mate?”

Alexander looked at her.

She continued, “Then everything surrounding Mel stops. No wolf in his or her right mind would go for Mel anymore. Or her stuffed wolf since it looks just like Oden. It would be suicide.”

She was right. Alexander snorted, “She has a crush. T was talking about it when I walked up on them. She likes someone and I want to RIP THEM TO PIECES!”

I barely managed not to laugh, but just barely.

Alexander sighed, “Maybe I am just like those other possessive assholes. Mom and dad would be so disappointed in me.”

I smacked him on the back of head. “Hey dipshit, no one is disappointed in you. I’m incredibly annoyed you’ve kept all this in for five years when it bothered you so much. I know you, Alexander, and I always have. You would never hurt someone.”

“You would never take Melanie if she wasn’t yours. You’d be moody and beat the shit out of several heavy bags, but you’d never hurt her.”

Alexander said, “Which I need to continue doing right now. I need a heavy bag to hit. Or I’ll beat the shit out of Jase until he tells me who the fucker is that Melanie likes.”

His eyes were flickering back and forth to black.

I sighed, “Oden, let Alexander stay in control.”

I linked Brutus, “Are you not trying to help here?”

He chuckled, “I am amused neither wolf nor human realize Melanie likes them.” Unhelpful wolf. Oden told me, “I need to kill something.” I argued, “No, you don’t. Give him back control.” Oden growled and gave Alexander back control.

I glared at Alexander. Finally, I asked, “You need me to spell this out for you, don’t you? Melanie’s toy wolf, it looks like someone doesn't it? You did hear Elise say that, right?”

Alexander smiled, “It looks like Oden. I saw it in the pictures, so I already knew that.” I winced.

I realized the pictures probably furthered his theory. He thought they’d taken her out of the pictures so he couldn't see her. He linked me, “That’s exactly what I think brother.”

I reasoned, “I don’t think so.”

Brutus said, “So, he knew you thought that because I was saying it to Oden. They already thought it though, so I didn’t give him the through or anything.

Elise blurted out, “You’re missing a hoodie.”

Alexander frowned, “Huh?”

Elise continued, “You’ve been missing it for years.” Alexander paused then shrugged, “I left one at the McAlister’s. I don’t need it.” Brutus told me, “I think you’re just going to have to be blunt. They don’t get it.”

I rolled my eyes shouting, “For god’s sake, Alexander, YOU are Melanie’s crush. You have been since she was three years old. She has the damn hoodie. From what I’ve heard from T she sleeps in the damn thing.”

Elise whispered, “She calls you her Xander. You are why she’s always so upset she can’t come to things.”

Alexander smiled brightly this time, “Really?”

I snorted, “I can’t lie, remember? It’s you she wants to meet. When I met her, she knew immediately that I wasn’t you. She called me EJ right off the bat, and just knew I wasn’t you. We all think you two are mates. Me, Elise, Dad…”

Alexander cut me off, “Dad knows?! I only talked to Uncle Bjourn about it.”

I snorted, “Dad knows everyfuckingthing. Of course he knows about this.”

Alexander shrugged, “He didn’t say anything.” I raised an eyebrow, “He didn’t because you didn’t say anything, you dork. We’ve all been giving you your damn space.”

I added, “Apparently, I shouldn't have done that. I could never think so little of you as you assumed I would. We are Alpha’s which makes us naturally possessive. I know you and your heart. I know you would never force someone to be yours. You couldn’t because you don’t have it in you. If the McAlister’s so much as HINT that they think that I’ll pulverize them.”

I felt Elise’s pain at the thought in our Hackura bond. I felt bad, but I would. No one would ever so much as speak those words about any of my siblings. Alexander cried, “She’s leaving.”

Elise frowned, “No, she’s not. Let’s stop this. We will go talk to them and find out exactly what happened.”

What good would that do?

As if I asked aloud, she answered, “I was on Facetime with her until she jumped into the shower. It was maybe twenty minutes before they had to leave. This has to be a misunderstanding. They can’t call me a liar.”

I growled, “No they fucking can’t.”

Elise nodded, “Exactly. They’ll let her come. Honestly, I can’t believe they didn’t. This is incredibly hurtful to me because she should’ve been here.”

I felt her hurt and guilt for not realizing sooner that Melanie wasn’t here. I was going to punch someone too.

I pulled her to me, “I’m so sorry, babe. Please don't be sad, not today.”

She whispered, “She missed my big moment. No, she missed ANOTHER one. After she missed our mating ceremony and reception, it hurts. Especially since she didn’t even want to miss it! It’s not fair. I wanted her here and they promised me that she would be!”

Alexander was silent.

I could feel his guilt. He felt like he’d ruined her night. It pissed me off because this wasn’t his damn fault either. My mom linked me, “So help me I am TRYING not to fucking come to you and your brother right now. You are adults and I respect that, but you guys are making it so damn hard.”

I assured her, “We as brothers are fine.”

She asked, “Why the fuck wouldn’t you be? What the HELL is going on?”

It was right there. I could tell her, but something stopped me. I answered her, “I’m going to find out.”

I grabbed Elise’s hand. I told Alexander, “Let’s pop back and get this resolved. Ladybug’s not leaving for New York without you seeing her. When is her flight?”

Elise answered, “She said it was first thing tomorrow morning. She’d put it off for me. They should’ve left tonight.”

I conjured my phone to see the time. It had been three hours since our run. This was getting resolved right now. I nodded to Alexander, and we popped back.

Jason instantly asked, “Hey slugger, what the hell?”

I growled, “DON’T!”

Several people looked at me in shock, but I didn’t care. I saw Angela, TJ, and my mom were missing. Red Run seemed to be the only pack left here.

I looked at Drake and Sam. I practically shouted, “It’s not enough that Melanie missed our mating ceremony. Now you do this to Elise? On her big night? EXPLAIN YOURSELVES!”

Drake glared at me, “You think we wanted to? You know full well why we had to ground her! Do you think I like my daughter screaming at me? Do you think I like her telling people in our pack who love her that she hates them? You think I don’t hate everything about this?”

He ran his hand through his hair, “I can’t change the rules for her even though I want to. It kills me! I don’t understand ANY of this! Do you really think I wanted to disappoint Elise or Melanie? Elise is like a daughter to me. I knew how important Melanie being here was to her. I can’t allow my decisions to be questioned though. You know that, EJ.”

Elise grabbed my hand and squeezed. She sent me her confidence she had this under control. She questioned Drake, “What did the patrol say? I know Melanie didn’t even leave the house today.”

Sam sighed, “That’s what Mel said.”

Drake answered, “Our afternoon patrol saw her cross at noon. They didn’t report it until right before we left. They knew how much she was looking forward to it and hoped we’d be gone before they had to give me their report.”

Did he just say noon? I glanced at Elise who was already looking at me.

She pressed, “They said she crossed at noon?”

Drake nodded. Elise declared, “That’s not possible. She called me at noon from her room and woke EJ and I up. I Facetimed her until Haley came in to snap me into my dress. Mom was even there for most of the call. EJ can verify she was in your house during the start of the call too.”

Brutus told me, “Hell yes we can. I dare them to call us or our Luna a liar. Double dog dare them even.”

I asked, “Why do you keep trying to make me laugh tonight?”

He answered, “It’s not my fault my snark makes you want to laugh. I have a dry sense of humor.” I knew that.

Chelsea frowned saying, “I didn’t know what time this all happened, but Elise is right. Melanie stayed on Facetime with us so she and Elise could get ready together. We even picked out her outfit together.”

Drake’s face crumbled. He growled and marched over to a Warrior from their pack.

He slammed him into the house, “WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM?! HOW DARE YOU TELL ME MY DAUGHTER CROSSED THE DAMN BORDER WHEN SHE WAS ON THE DAMN PHONE!”

The Warrior was confused, “I didn’t lie! It looked just like her.”

I pulled out my phone and showed him a picture. I asked, “Was it her? She’s a pup in a bordering pack.”

The Warrior studied the picture, “I guess it could have been her.” Drake punched him.

Peter pulled him off their Warrior. Drake took a deep breath, and I noticed his wolf was on the surface. Brutus said, “Pepper is quite upset because his pup was hurting tonight and lashed out with her words.”

Well, that was more than fair on her part at this point.

Peter announced, “We can have someone bring her. Elise and Ladybug can have a sleepover. Mel can stay in Cassie’s room since she and her mate left, I’m sure.”

Alexander’s hope barreled into me. I looked over at him and sent him my love. Drake agreed, “Of course she can. I’ll just call Warriors to bring her here.”

I offered, “I can pop and bring her here.”

Drake frowned, “It’s not an…”

I cut him off, “Finish that sentence, I dare you. I’m aware it’s not an emergency to you. I am OFFERING to go get her. I won’t pop into your house. I’ll pop Elise and I into her childhood home. Then I’ll walk my happy ass over and knock on your door. Does that work for everyone?” My dad bit his lip trying not to laugh.

Drake shrugged, “I guess if you want to.”

I snorted, “I do.”

Drake nodded. He used his phone to call a warrior. He said, “Hi Tom, EJ is going to pop in for Mel. It seems the patrols were seeing a different pup…” He trailed off then yelled, “Excuse me? What the hell? Why would you…?” He shouted, “She just left? Well, I don’t have a call. No, but I’ll ask Sam. She better or you’re dead meat.”

Alexander was devastated and didn’t notice that my dad was studying him. Sam asked, “Drake?”

Drake turned to her, “Did Tiffany’s dad call you? Tom said they came to pick her up early. They got an earlier flight and they left. Ladybug got on the plane thirty minutes ago.”

I closed my eyes in frustration.

Elise started to cry, and her sorrow nearly drowned me. It wasn’t just hers though. The McAlister’s standing outside were devastated. Sam was in denial. “No, there’s no way. She wouldn’t just leave without saying goodbye!”

Jason snorted, “After that scene tonight, I think she would. She’s mad but she’ll calm down and apologize for leaving this way.”

Elise shot back, “She’s hurt and it’s justified.”

Jason frowned, “Yeah, I know it is.” Sam dug her phone out and read through several messages and listened to some.

She sighed announcing, “He did call me. Tiffany wanted more time to prepare and called Mel who agreed to go. They all got on the earlier flight, and he picked her up.”

I asked, “Why were they even here?”

Sam shrugged, “Tiffany was in a small competition here. Melanie told her about it, but she wasn’t competing because….”

Elise cut her off, “Because tonight was my Luna Ceremony.”

She turned and walked away. Sam yelled, “Elise, I’m so sorry!”

Elise called over her shoulder, “Screw your sorry.” Peter’s eyes widened and Chelsea put an arm around Sam. Brutus growled, “They hurt mate.” I knew that.

I glared at them, “Is that all there is to this? Warriors being confused about a girl with dark hair?”

Drake questioned, “What are you talking about? What else would it be?”

I studied him, “I better not find out this is about anything other than that.”

Drake glared at me, “If you think I like disciplining my daughter or breaking her heart, you are wrong.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Breaking her heart?”

Drake ran a hand through his hair, “She wants to meet everyone pretty badly. I know I fucked up holding her too tightly in the beginning, but you’ll see when you have pups that it’s hard. I just wanted her to be safe. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. I probably lost my little girl tonight.”

Peter reasoned, “Melanie loves you, Drake.”

Drake winced, “You didn’t see her tonight.”

Sam squeezed his hand, “She was just upset. She loves you so much. She’s always been a daddy’s girl.” Drake continued, “Anyway, I don’t punish my daughter for kicks.”

I pushed, “Could someone in your pack not want her to meet us?”

That clicked for me. What if someone also thought Alexander was her mate? What if they were doing this so she wouldn’t meet him because they were possessive of her themselves? Brutus agreed, “That would make sense.”

Drake questioned, “Why would they care?”

I shrugged, “If she meets someone who has Fairy blood, they could know they were her mate. There are Hackura around here and if they were over the age of sixteen, they’d know if it was her. Same with the Hood who run around here quite frequently.”

I shrugged, “Maybe they don’t want her to meet Emmaline who would know who her mate was.”

I studied his face looking for any indication that he knew Emmaline and Melanie had already met. I saw none. Melanie had kept it a secret and I found that interesting.

I continued, “If she met your allies the chances Emmaline would know her mate increase and people are strangely possessive of her.”

Drake winced, “I didn’t think of that.”

I retorted, “Obviously.” Drake growled, “The hostility isn’t necessary. My daughter is already upset with me. Believe me when I say that’s enough punishment. She’s my little girl and I adore her.”

“She was so upset with me and Sam that she left without saying anything to any of us. Not down the road either, for New York. We all know she’ll win that competition. I can’t leave the pack right now to go after her. After tonight, she might not be coming home.”

I told him, “You hurt my mate too, and I genuinely like Ladybug. I don’t pretend to know what it is to be a parent, I don’t. I will one day, but that day is not today. I do know what it is to have someone hurt your mate. You would do exactly what I’m doing if someone hurt Sam that way.”

I turned and walked away.

Phil linked me, “You forgot hurting your brother.”

I replied, “I didn’t forget. I’m not certain Alexander is wrong. If they intentionally kept him away from her, there WILL be hell to pay. My brother may be deadly, but he’s not some possessive asshole who would forcibly mark a fourteen year old. He respects women and men alike. He would never do that.”

Phil agreed, “I know my cousin and my Alpha. I know he wouldn’t.”

Jason raised his hand, “Hey, why did Slugger haul off and hit me?”

I called over my shoulder, “Ask him. Or your brother.”

I kept walking knowing my dad would deal with the bullshit. I found Elise and Alexander back where we’d been before the confrontation with the Red Run group.

I sat down saying, “I don’t think it was about keeping her from you.”

Alexander shrugged and the bond told me he didn’t believe that. I knew for Drake’s part, I was right. I said, “I think there’s something you didn’t consider, brother. What if there is someone else who is possessive of her and didn't want her to meet all the allies because the odds of her finding her mate were higher?”

Alexander growled but seemed to be considering my words.

I hugged Elise. She started crying, “She missed our mating ceremony and my Luna ceremony. It’s not fair! She just left without saying anything.”

I kissed her cheek, “You don’t know that.”

I conjured her phone. There were several missed calls and voicemails from Melanie.

The first several had Elise crying and I cursed myself for the millionth time for making everyone, including myself, unable to hear her phone. She put the phone down, “She promised me she didn’t do it and said she was sorry. That she really wanted to be here for me. She said she sent a present for me with T. The last thing she sent was a text, saying she was going to leave and spend time with people who actually believe her.”

A text? Brutus hummed in my mind and I knew why. That sounded off, but her Beta blood would be pissed as any ranked blood wolf would be. Brutus sighed, “You’re right. No ranked blood would’ve dealt with any of this crap as long as Melanie has.”

Elise sobbed, “I believe her.”

I held her, “I know you do. She’ll calm down. You know Ladybug is just upset. You know she’s wanted to meet Alexander forever.”

Elise choked out, “Her Xander. She’s just so adamant.” I felt Alexander’s pride and hope in our bond.

I looked over urging, “Go get her, brother.”

Alexander snorted, “I can’t. It’s not an emergency.”

Elise frowned but said nothing. Out of nowhere my mate started laughing. I nudged her, “What’s so funny?” Elise shrugged, “Melanie’s Plan Z is happening eventually I guess.”

I groaned, “Oh god. That doesn't sound good. What on god’s green earth is Plan Z?”

Elise smiled, “You’ll find out. I’m sure Mel will make it happen.”

Alexander sighed, “She’ll win. She’s going to be gone for four years.”

I reasoned, “She’ll come home for the holidays.”

Alexander shrugged, “Maybe. I wouldn’t if I was her.”

Elise cried, “No, she has to! I always see her on Christmas Eve, it’s our tradition! Christmas is her favorite holiday!”

Alexander sighed, “I won’t stop her from living her dreams.”

I argued, “But she’s your dream.”

Alexander nodded, “She is, but I won’t hold her back.” Elise whispered, “You're her dream too. She told me.” Alexander’s excitement filled him.

He nodded, “She’ll be back for holidays. Now that we’ve established it was never her crossing the border, they have no reason to not let her come over. Unless it’s about me.”

Elise took his hand, “It can’t be. Anyone would be proud to have you as their pup’s mate.”

Alexander frowned, “Unless they see an Alpha Enforcer who’s possessive over a girl, just like everyone else. They see a monster.”

He popped away. Brutus snarled. I growled, “FUCK ME! He’s not a damn monster! No one fucking sees him that way.”

I called my Uncle Bjourn. He answered, “EJ.”

I asked, “Is Alexander there?”

Uncle Bjourn laughed, “I’ll check the gym. What happened?” I ground out, “He thinks he’s a fucking monster. I’m kicking his ass later. No one thinks my brother is a monster, and if they do, I’ll show them one. Me.” I hung up and threw my phone smashing it to pieces before I snapped it back to normal.

Elise gently told me, “They don’t think that.”

I acknowledged, “I don’t think they do. I will not be kind about this though if they have kept them apart all this time. I like Melanie and truly believe she is my brother's mate. I will not stand for someone keeping them apart intentionally. It certainly feels purposeful at this point.”

I sneered, “It’s not a fucking emergency. I swear to God if that gets said ONE MORE DAMN TIME!” Elise was about to say something when Theo popped to us.

I looked up and took a deep breath before asking, “Theo, are you ok?”

Theo didn’t answer me. He had questions of his own. “What’s wrong with Alexander?”

I told him, “That’s for our brother to say.” Theo frowned, “Wesley punched Tristan McAlister.” I sighed, “Well, fuck us all.”

I grabbed Elise and popped back to the house. Everly looked confused. Wesley growled, “I know it’s one of your faults!”

My dad said, “Son.”

Buttercup was trying to calm Wesley down. Wesley screamed, “I’ve had ENOUGH! STOP HURTING MY BIG brOTHER! LEAVE HIM ALONE!” I quickly ordered, “Wes, go to my office.” He popped away with Buttercup without another word.

Drake, Peter, Dalton, Dakota, Cooper, and Dane looked confused. Jason pointed at me, “That’s two of you tonight. What exactly did we do to Alexander?”

Tristan wiped his nose, “I didn’t do a damn thing to him. I was with my mate. What the HELL happened?!”

I shrugged, “Among other things, your sister left for New York tonight.”

Tristan’s eyes snapped to me, “What? No, she didn’t. Her flight’s tomorrow morning. She wasn’t even sure she wanted to go.”

Drake explained, “In her anger they pushed up their flights. She’s already gone, they already boarded when we found out.”

Tristan’s eyes filled with tears, “But she didn’t meet Everly. She can’t be gone. She didn’t even say goodbye! Ladybug would never leave without saying goodbye.”

Elise spat out, “She said she was going somewhere people would believe her.”

Tristan looked like she’d slapped him. He whispered, “Mel knows I believe her.”

Elise wiped her eyes, “She knows I believe her too. It’s still what her text said.”