Flashback Ends

I shook myself clearing my head of those last memories. I loved everything about our mating ceremony and reception. I just hated that Melanie wasn’t there. EJ gave me a kiss and left me to try to figure this out with Melanie. It would probably take a while.

Melanie was bouncing on her bed. I teased, “Let’s calm down.”

She told me, “This time we are coming with Warriors, and daddy is staying back with us. He’s been on edge since the accident.”

I sighed, “We all have. I don’t understand how we can’t find who did this.”

Melanie pursed her lips, “I wish I could remember what happened. I remember seeing the headlights from behind us… I even remember the sound of them accelerating to hit us… I definitely remember the crashing and rolling. I was screaming for mom. I thought someone was coming… then there was the pain in my head… Then I woke up in the hospital.”

She looked away and whispered, “They wouldn’t even tell me where mom was. It was so scary.”

My heart broke for her. I told her, “I know it was, but that won’t happen today.”

Melanie smiled, “Nope. Not today! Daddy seems determined to make sure it never happens again. Even for competitions we have a follow car of Warriors instead of just in the car with us.” I nodded.

Honestly, I didn’t blame Drake because the escort car made me feel better too. The whole thing had me unsettled. I dismissed those thoughts, “Ok, let’s see these outfits.”

Melanie squealed and set her phone on the desk.

She picked up the first one. “Outfit one.”

It was a short halter top dress. The top was white with red and gold designs and the bottom was red. Which wasn’t surprising since Melanie’s favorite color was red. She had gotten into red lipstick this last year. It looked amazing with her black hair. She was a stunner for sure.

I reasoned, “That’s very cute, but it’s a bit fancy for a Luna ceremony.”

Melanie groaned, “That’s what I thought. Hang on.”

She ran into her closet. She came back out in a black dress with flowers on it with a deep v in the front. I laughed, “Your dad let you buy that? Has Drake gotten a head injury that I don’t know about?”

Melanie frowned, “Tiffany gave it to me. She said that it didn’t fit her right… why wouldn’t he like it? What’s wrong?”

I laughed, “Keep that dress for another time. For example, a date night or your dad will have a heart attack and never let you out again.”

The only way he would was if the date was with Alexander who could explode heads and take names.

Melanie nodded, “Ok, that’s a good idea. I mean date night… my Xander would totally take me on a date… right?.”

I told her, “If you guys are mates, he would absolutely take you on date.”

She replied, “We are.” She ran back into her closet. Rhea chimed in, “I agree. They are.” I tried to temper my hope with that. It didn’t go well, but I did try.

My mom knocked on my door as she opened it. I waved her in. She sat down, “I can’t believe my pup is going to be a Luna today.”

She kissed my forehead. Melanie asked, “What about this one? Oh, Hi Momma Chelsea!”

I laughed. Melanie had always called my mom that. She called my dad, Daddy Peter too.

My mom smiled, “That’s a very pretty dress you have on, Ladybug.”

It was a blue two piece, but it didn’t show off her stomach. It wasn’t too low either. I nodded, “That’s an option. Let’s see the rest.”

Melanie walked out next in a black dress with a sweetheart neckline halter top that had cherries on it. The straps were red as was the belt. It was the perfect amount of modest but sexy. It was a bit retro, but Melanie was into retro things right now.

I told her, “That’s the one.”

My mom laughed, “It could only be more perfect if they were strawberries and not cherry’s.”

Melanie scrunched up her face, “I have a skirt with strawberries… but daddy won’t like the top that goes with it. He’s so weird about my dance outfits sometimes…”

I laughed, “Let’s stick with this one then.”

Melanie clapped, “I wanted to come early to help you get ready, but Dad has to take all the meetings for Daddy Peter today. He doesn’t want us leaving without him… but I thought I could stay on the phone while you get ready! It’s kind of like me being there.”

I smiled and plugged my phone to charge. I told her, “That sounds good to me Ladybug.”

My mom smiled, “You girls are going to squeal.”

I asked, “Why?” My mom answered, “Your dad just told me Ray found his second chance mate. It’s Nadine Daniels' sister, Nora.” I squealed and ran to my window.

Melanie yelled, “Take me to the window! I want to see her too! That’s so exciting. Ray deserves to be happy! That’s so great… and I bet she’s pretty.”

My mom laughed and picked up my phone while I peeked out at the scene. Ray was holding onto a very attractive woman tightly.

My heart warmed. I emphatically said, “He deserves this, and he is ready. Does anyone else suspect Angela had something to do with this?”

My mom laughed, “You know her best.”

I smirked, “I’d put money down she did.” We sat back down.

I felt EJ’s anger in our Hackura bond. I sighed and went back to the window then groaned, “Oh man.”

Melanie asked, “What’s wrong?”

I sighed, “Raphael is here and so are the Daniels.” Melanie squealed excitedly, “THE ANGEL?! OH MY GOSH ELISE! THERE IS AN ACTUAL ANGEL AT YOUR LUNA CEREMONY! HOW EXCITING IS THAT?!”

I admitted, “I prefer when the Daniels and Raph are not all in the same room.”

Melanie demanded, “Let me see him!”

I held the phone up. She said, “Wow, an actual Angel. Black mountain is so exc…” She faltered. Alexander had popped out to the middle of the scene. She must not have been able to see him before when my mom showed her Ray and Nora.

My mom giggled, “Black Mountain is so what, Melanie?”

Melanie dreamily sighed, “Exciting… so much happens all the time. I mean we’ve been on the phone for like maybe seven minutes and you’ve had a couple find their mate… AND an Angel is there.”

My mom laughed, “Just say what you want to say.”

She giggled, “He’s so handsome! I just don’t like it when he’s upset… and his hair is all wet… not that I noticed…”

Her voice went up six octaves. She was the worst liar of all time.

I told her, “I see another handsome man out there.”

Rhea purred, “Mate is delicious.”

I replied, “She’s not teasing me about EJ. It’s Alexander.” Rhea retorted, “My point still stands.” My mom laughed, “I just don’t know how you tell those Conners boys apart.”

Melanie explained, “It’s easy when you think about it....”

My mom snorted interrupting, “It’s really not. You just instinctually know that’s Alexander. I would’ve thought it was him or two others. I’ve gotten fairly good at recognizing EJ but sometimes, if he weren’t always attached to Elise here I’d get confused more often.”

Melanie pursed her lips.

Before she ranted about all the differences Angela popped into the scene outside. I clapped my hands together saying, “I knew she had something to do with this.”

She calmed everyone down then TJ popped in to really make everyone calm down.

Melanie asked, “That’s TJ, right? He must have calmed them down.”

My mom snorted, “Now you’re just showing off!”

Melanie frowned, “Not really. He’s the youngest boy… Well, Angela is younger, but I said boy. He’s a little shorter than…” My mom cut her off, “I’ll give her that one.”

We watched the scene then saw Raphael stiffen. My mom and I jumped up shouting, “NO WAY!”

He ran towards the house. We had to crane our necks to see. His wing was Charlie Rose. Melanie squealed, “WHO IS IT? WHO IS IT?”

I answered, “It’s Charlie Rose. The partial Werewolf/Witch.”

Melanie nodded, “T says she’s so nice. Jase had a crush on her a few years ago. I think they even went on a date. She wasn’t crazy like T’s ex from several years ago. I mean that’s mean but… it’s true.”

My mom asked, “Huh?”

I laughed, “Charlie Rose and Jase did go on a date. They decided they were just friend material.”

Melanie sighed, “T and Jase don’t tell me about their dating lives after that one she wolf. They say I’m too young, but I’m not. I’m about to start high school. Jase went on a date when he was fourteen. Daddy scrunches up his face and leaves when I say that but Mom laughs. I just hope Everly comes today. T likes her and hopes she’s his mate.”

I knew that.

My mom laughed too, “It’s hard for dads to see their daughter’s date. Peter struggled with that too, but he at least had the knowledge that his daughter was dating her mate.”

I grabbed some nail polish, “Time to get going since I’m determined to do some of this the non-Fairy way. Let’s see where the day takes us.”

Melanie snorted, “I’d do everything the Fairy way… like all the time. Getting ready takes so much time… you could be…”

I interrupted, “I know you’d use the time to take over the world.”

She muttered, “I mean not the whole world… that would require more time… and probably less sleep.” Rhea snickered, “Why do I think she has a plan to take over the world if it was necessary?” She probably did.

My mom did a French tip on my nails. Melanie painted her nails red to match her dress. It was actually fun getting ready this way. I just wished she’d been able to be here in person. I asked, “So, are you competing tomorrow night in New York?”

My mom answered, “Of course she is.”

Melanie sighed, “I don’t know. I’m still undecided. My parents want me to, but New York is just so far away from everyone and everything. I’d miss so much. T and Jase haven’t met their mates yet. I just don’t know… plus I think I would get really home sick. You know the last competition was a week long and Sharon had to pop us back after day three… I just… don’t know.”

I urged, “Follow your instincts, Mel.”

She nodded, “I will.” Rhea muttered, “Straight to Oden please and thank you.” I nearly laughed out loud.

My mom looked at her phone. She announced, “Haley’s coming.”

Melanie sighed, “Man! I wanted to meet her, but I need to get in the shower and throw on some eyeshadow.”

I teased, “Don’t forget your red lips.” Melanie smiled, “How could I? It’s my signature look now. I mean… I’m trying… no I decided. It’s definitely going to be my thing.”

I waved goodbye at the phone. “I’ll see you later, Mel.”

She squealed, “I’m so excited! You’ve worked so hard this will be an amazing day! Relax and enjoy it all! I’m so proud of you.”

I laughed, “Thanks, Ladybug.” I hung up and Haley popped in.

She greeted, “Hello you two.”

She hugged my mom then me. My mom said, “So, I hear you are conjuring her dress. It’s a good thing you’ve changed the tradition about the Luna dresses.”

Haley grinned, “Yes, I told her it was her choice. Honestly, I get the whole tradition shit thing, but people’s styles aren’t all the same.” She handed me the garter with the old dress material, and I put it on my leg.

I told her, “I really appreciate this, Haley.”

I showed her a picture of what I wanted. She complimented me, “That’s stunning!”

My mom’s phone rang. She jumped up saying, “I’ll be right back.” She stepped out. Haley frowned, “Ok let’s get to conjuring.”

I closed my eyes and heard her touching material. Then she snapped her fingers. I looked down seeing the dress was now on me. The material felt amazing on my skin. Haley snapped a mirror so I could see it. I spun around in a full three hundred and sixty degree turn.

It was exactly what I wanted. White, no sleeves, lace on top with a flower design. The material was sheer until it got to my breasts. It had a slight V cut with a cinched belt at my waist then it flared out into a flow-y style.

Haley smiled, “You look beautiful.”

I hugged her, “I really can’t thank you enough. You’ve done so much for me.”

Haley took my hands, “Elise, I have considered you my daughter in law since before you were born. You’re my son's mate, and I will always be here to help you with anything. You can always come and talk to me. Mentally prepare yourself because I am about to get a saying from this realm right.”

I bit my lip. Rhea began to laugh in our connection because Haley didn’t often do that. Haley shrugged continuing, “Only because this damn saying actually makes some fucking sense. My door is always open to you. You’ve done an amazing job this past year. I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished.”

“I know you were nervous, but even when you made mistakes you owned them. That’s all anyone can do. You grew from the experience when you did make them.”

I told her, “I appreciated you not saying I told you so in those situations.”

Haley snorted, “That does no one any good. You have to learn, and sadly that often comes from making a mistake. I had to learn when I got here. I wasn’t infallible, and I’m still not. We do the best we can because at the end of the day we make mistakes. Everyone does. No one is fucking perfect. Life would be INCREDIBLY fucking boring if we were. This is for you.”

She handed me the old Luna book handed down to other Luna’s for each pack.

I opened it and saw Haley’s name and her sisters in law’s. I whispered, “Thank you. I thought this was lost.”

She said, “Well, it’s been found and now it’s yours to pass down and share with the other Luna’s of the pack.”

I squeezed her hands, “Thank you. I have a slight favor to ask.”

She grinned, “Ask away.”

I asked, “Can you snap my makeup and hair?” Haley nodded, “Of course. What do you want it to look like?” I told her, “A natural look with curly hair please.” Haley smiled and snapped me ready.

My mom came back in looking distracted. Haley called, “Chelsea, are you ok?”

My mom answered, “What? Oh, yes. I’m fine”

She looked at me and tears filled her eyes. She smiled, “Oh honey, you look so beautiful.” I smiled, “Thanks, mom.” She hugged me, “You just grew up so fast.” I laughed, “Not really.”

My mom kissed my cheek, “You did.”

She wiped her eyes and gathered herself. “Ok, your dad is waiting outside the door to see you.”

Haley smiled and hugged me, “I’ll see you out there.” She popped away.

My mom opened the door and my dad walked in. He smiled, “You look so beautiful, Elise. Your mom and I are so proud of you.”

I smiled and hugged him. He stepped back and wiped away a few tears. I looked back at my mom and asked, “Mom, are you sure you’re ok?”

She nodded, “Yes, I’m just going to get out there.” She was upset though, I could see it. I asked my dad, “So, have any more mates happened out there? I know two mates have been found already.”

My dad laughed, “I was there for one of those. I, for one, am glad that Raphael has his mate. He just riled up the Daniels ever since before Emmett and Emma were born. Alpha Chase has been riled up about him since before they were born.”

I snorted, “Emma doesn’t mind him much. Only when he goads her dad.”

My dad raised an eyebrow, “Which is every time we see him.”

I snorted, “I mean it’s more so because he’s a possessive Alpha male.”

My dad laughed, “You do realize you married one.” I smiled, “That I did, and today I become his Luna. What made you and mom so upset?”

My dad frowned, “Let’s not discuss that right now, sweetie. Today is your day. Let’s just have your celebration. You’ve worked so hard for this.”

I pressed, “You’ll tell me before you leave?”

My dad frowned, “We will see. For now, let’s just get you out there. We can’t keep everyone waiting now, can we?” I frowned because we easily could, EJ wouldn’t mind.

I wondered what happened, but I knew he wasn’t going to tell me. Rhea told me, “Thunder won’t say either.”

My dad’s wolf wasn’t usually tight lipped with Rhea. I sighed and nodded my acceptance.

We walked outside, but I didn’t see anyone in the crowd once I laid eyes on EJ. He was just so captivating. My eyes locked on his and the world faded away. Those ocean blue eyes drew me in and refused to let me go.

It always amazed me that the love I saw there reflected back at him in my own eyes. I teased him about the mates that had been found today already. I looked at Alexander, but he didn’t seem twitchy. I looked around realizing the McAlister’s were late. Hopefully, Melanie didn’t change again. She just got so nervous sometimes.

Rhea laughed, “Plus we kept her on the phone the whole time. I think we have to hope she didn’t show her mom all the choices again to confirm her selection.”

I just hoped the second they arrived Alexander claimed her as his.

Eric linked me, “You have to answer if you accept the duties as the Luna here soon.”

I blinked and looked at him. He was smirking. I linked, “Sorry.”

Eric smiled as he talked to the crowd without faltering, or giving away that he was linking me.

He confided, “It’s not a problem. During Haley’s ceremony I didn’t hear a single word said really. Just say you accept right now.”

I was grateful he had gotten my attention. The words came out at the exact right time.

Eric winked at me and linked, “You and EJ are lucky to have always had each other. I am so proud of both of you. You complete each other and always have. You’ve both done such an amazing job so far. I know you will take this pack farther than Haley and I did. I’m very happy to have you as a daughter in law. Take care of my son. He needs someone to pull him away every now and again to have fun. He’s a lot like his old man.”

Eric looked past me to Haley. I assured him, “I’ll do my best.”

Eric replied “Haley and I are always here for you both. We aren’t going anywhere, but this is your time. Grab it by the horns and follow your destiny. Never forget about each other though.”

I smiled at him, grateful for his words.

Everyone started to strip for our run. I’d just have to see what happened with Mel afterwards. Then I’d tease her mercilessly for being late. EJ and I led the pack on our run. Mated couples started splitting off. Alexander led the unmated group after EJ and I split off.

Poor things. He’d probably have them run a couple more miles to work off his nervous energy. EJ shifted back. I could feel in our bond and see in his eyes exactly where his head was. His lust barreled into me. It was insane how intense the Hackura bond was, but I loved it.

I shifted back and he attacked me. His grunts did things to me. I brought us to the edge quickly. I had more plans for other rounds. I was contemplating round two when EJ let loose a growl that vibrated through me.

Rhea sighed, “I mean it’s just not fair that makes me want to jump him even more. Can he have a growl that’s not sexy?”

I could feel through our bond that whoever EJ felt, they were very angry. It had to be an intense emotion to bleed into our bond. We were going to have to check it out.

Rhea pouted, “Oh come on! Just one more round. Or a quickie. Someone will still be mad in fifteen minutes. We can talk EJ and Brutus into a quickie. I believe in you, Elise.”

I was trying not to laugh as the situation didn’t call for that.

EJ snapped us into clothes. Rhea sighed, “You see what happens when you hesitate? The window closes. Mark that down and remember it later. This absolutely could’ve waited fifteen minutes.”

EJ popped us back to the main yard.

I saw Everly and Tristan slipping inside. Then noticed Melanie and Alexander were missing too. I knew he wouldn’t mate with her yet, but maybe they went somewhere private to talk. Jason was nursing what was already a black eye which made me gasp.

Rhea began to growl. I linked my mom yelling, “THEY DID NOT leave Mel at home. Not today of all days. They couldn’t.”

She sighed, “I don’t know exactly what happened.”

I cut her off, “They are liars is what happened. They PROMISED me that she would be here.” I told Rhea, “Shut down our link unless it’s important or EJ.” She agreed, “Happily.” She was pissed.

Rhea snarled, “You. Are. Fucking. Kidding. Me. She got grounded?”

The pack link was sparking like wildfire over Alexander punching Jason and roaring in anger. Several Warriors were already on the way to the gym in the vain hope of Alexander not upping training if he happened to see them already working out. I feared it was a lost cause.

The entire situation as chaos. What I didn’t get was why Alexander hit Jason. Rhea said, “Maybe he’s the one who said Melanie was grounded.”

I reasoned, “Alexander wouldn’t hit him for that.”

What was going on?

I spotted Angela all huddled up on the stairs. I linked her, “This isn't your fault.”

Angela replied, “You need to follow EJ. He’s going to be upset with Alexander.”

I assured her, “I’ll follow them. We’ll get it straightened out. I promise.”

EJ was only two strides ahead of me, but his anger was palpable. I didn’t need our bond to know he was frustrated. We ran several miles away. I could hear sobbing and the sound of something hitting something else. What was Alexander hitting?

When we came into view, I couldn’t stop my gasp. Alexander’s hands were a bloody mess. He’d been punching a tree and torn his skin to shreds. No wonder Angela was so upset. EJ’s fury burned into my veins. I gripped a tree to keep upright. Rhea was shocked.

My heart hurt, for everyone in this situation, but especially him and Melanie. She would be devastated because he’d reacted this way. I was a little worried that he did something worse when they didn’t let him come heal Mel after the car accident. We didn’t check on him then because we were on our honeymoon.

EJ was so upset he wasn’t looking at Alexander, but I was. His emotions were all over his face. He was devastated. There was a bit of self-loathing there too. What was going on? I could feel how emotional the sight of Alexander’s blood made EJ.

I linked the pack, “Stay out of the west field until further notice.”

Everyone replied, “Yes, Luna.”

That was weird. People around here called me that often, but now it was official. I was the Luna. I shoved that weird feeling aside for now. Haley linked me, “Link me if you need anything.” She’d know who this involved. I couldn’t imagine how hard it was for her to stay out of it.

Alexander sounded so small and broken during the conversation I had a few tears leaking out of my eyes. Rhea growled, “I don’t like this.”

I gasped to her, “He’s saying Melanie’s going to New York! She decided to compete? I could swear she was leaning towards not going. She’d miss everyone too much.”

Rhea reasoned, “She’d miss him too much. She was definitely leaning towards not going.”

He explained what he knew. I told Rhea, “This isn’t right. She didn’t mean that, she was just upset. We will go see her. Tonight. EJ will understand that Mel needed me. She knows we believe her.”

Rhea reasoned, “I’m sure we can solve it quickly and climb EJ mountain.” I teased, “You have a one track mind.” She agreed, “Yes, so please get on it. It’s so easy.” I shook my head at her.

EJ was sending me strength because I couldn’t keep my devastation from him. Rhea was trying to cheer me up and I knew it. Everyone knew if Mel competed, she would win. What if she agreed to stay because she was so mad?

Honestly, I was mad too. This wasn’t fair. Rhea linked, “Not to mention what could she have possibly done? We talked to her until they were about to leave. She needed like fifteen minutes. What could’ve possibly happened in fifteen minutes?”

It was a valid question.

The conversation took a strange and confusing turn. I linked Rhea, “Disgust? Why would he be disappointed and disgusted? I need Oden to give us a hint.”

She replied, “He’s just whining in the link.”

She didn’t mean complaining but a literal whine of a wolf in pain.

I felt EJ’s hurt and anger that Alexander would think that of him. Alexander then began to lay out his feelings for the past five years. To say that I was astonished would be an understatement. He thought the McAlister’s knew he liked Melanie. I knew he was wrong, but he’d gotten the thought into his head that they were protecting her, by keeping her away from him.

Rhea linked, “What utter bullshit. We need Fang to wade through all that utter nonsense. Or someone with Beta blood. My Alpha blood just wants to scream that’s completely ridiculous.”

She wasn’t wrong. We might need to bring a Beta in. Maybe their cousin, Charity. She wasn’t either of their Beta’s, but she could usually calm Alexander down.

I couldn’t believe this stemmed from those possessive jerks from Two Peaks reacting to Melanie. I linked Rhea, “No one thinks Alexander would hurt someone who didn’t come against his family or pack.”

She agreed, “I know that and I’m telling Oden. The whines have dwindled. I really think he needed to hear EJ say that was bullshit.”

He probably did. Alexander was more in his feelings than most the Conners in general.

Rhea snickered, “He still has the hoodie.”

I reasoned, “Of course he does.”

She snorted, “Which does NOT still smell like Melanie. If he’d told us we could’ve gotten him another one.” That was true. We might have to do that anyway.

This was completely absurd. If anyone was concerned Drake would’ve told my dad. In turn my dad would have talked to Eric. That’s how things are done. No one was worried about Alexander hurting Melanie physically.

Jason and Tristan were worried she was going to get her heart broken, but they didn’t think that was his fault. They had NO earthly idea Alexander thought she was his mate. Rhea reasoned, “He is clearly deeply hurt that they didn’t let him heal her after the accident.”

I replied, “But that was his dad’s rule. Drake was just abiding by their wishes. He’d tried his best to get the doctor to say it was an emergency. Drake hated seeing Melanie and Sam hurt.”

It hadn’t been severe, but it took Sam’s wolf some time to heal her. Melanie had our accelerated healing, but without her wolf it was a much longer process.

I added, “We heard Drake complain to my dad multiple times about the fact that it needed to be an emergency.”

She said, “I don’t think Oden and Alexander care. We learned it hurts when their healing is denied.”

She was right we had.

I sighed, “Well, they run the pack now. So, they could change the rule if they wanted. Right?”

Rhea replied, “Maybe for themselves, but not their siblings under eighteen.”

Well, maybe I’d ask EJ about that later when everyone had calmed down.

Alexander feared he was obsessed with Melanie like all the other wolves. Rhea growled, “Oden says the same, but he’s convinced she’s theirs. This is just ridiculous. We shouldn’t have let him hold this in for five years.”

She was right. The poor guy.

It hurt watching Alexander break down in EJ’s arms. I tried to make things better by using facts, but the air stayed sad. Rhea agreed, “The air does feel sad.”

Alexander had Earth and Sky blood so that made sense.

I finally figured out why he’d hit Jason though. He thought Jason believed he’d hurt Mel and that hurt his feelings because they were best friends. Rhea scoffed, “Neither Jason nor Ajax think that at all. They think Mel was setting herself up for heartache. Well, Ajax doesn’t as much but she’s his sister, so he worries.”

I told her, “You don’t have to convince me. Get Oden to see reason.”

She replied, “I need a Beta wolf.” Probably.

Alexander barely listened to me when I tried to explain their side. He was pissed because he heard Tristan say Melanie wanted to meet her crush. EJ’s amusement flooded our bond. Rhea linked me, “Oden is raging about this crush. Can I tell him that they are jealous of themselves?”

I bit the inside of my cheek so that I wouldn’t say anything. I told her, “Let EJ tell him.”

She groaned, “But it’s so funny. He’s stopped whining and is now raging ready to kill. He just doesn’t know it’s him. Honestly, we need a Beta wolf in here. Alpha’s are too blind right now.”

I shot back, “STOP trying to make me laugh during this very serious moment.”

She sighed, “This is the only funny thing that’s happened in the last thirty minutes or so. Let me have it. He wants to rip himself to pieces but doesn’t know that. The threats have gotten worse about how the crush gets torn into pieces too. He’s going to convince Alexander to let him shift and bite the crush. The plan has layers, Elise.”

EJ tried to lead Alexander to the water that Melanie liked him. It did not work.

Christ in heaven. I agreed with my wolf, “You might be right about needing a Beta. Did he really not put that together with her stuffed toy wolf?”

She told me, “You have no idea how proud Oden is that the wolf looks like him. Seriously, if you think Alexander looks peacock proud think of Oden in another stratosphere about it. This is golden comedy right now. Fang will be so sad he missed it. So will Ariz.”

That was Dylan’s son, Finn Frost’s, wolf.

Rhea linked, “I think you need to mention Melanie has his hoodie. I feel that would bring back the puffed up Oden. I enjoyed that quite a bit.”

She had a point. I teased, “Look at you being the Beta we need.”

She replied, “I’m not going to help if you’re snarky. It’s kind of a compliment though.” It was.

He did NOT pick up on the hoodie hint. Rhea said, “The human did not. Oden is now purring. He’s purring. This is delightful. I know it’s a serious moment, but I am having fun. Is this what Fairies feel like? I think it could be.”

EJ finally revealed who Melanie’s crush was.

The complete one hundred eighty degree turn in his mood was staggering. The air felt easier to breathe and he puffed up the more EJ talked. Rhea linked, “I’m telling Oden that Mel sleeps in his hoodie.”

I snorted, “You just want him to keep purring.”

She replied, “I really do. It makes me happy.” She loved him as a brother.

Alexander’s hope for the situation now had turned the night around. Rhea snorted, “He cannot be surprised Thor knew. That’s always been his thing even when he was Duke.”

I asked, “Did you know him in a past life? Duke/Thor, I mean.”

She hummed in reply so I guess she did.