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I shrugged that off thinking one day these guys were going to stop being surprised their dad knew things. It was like his weird super power. Especially when it came to them and their mom. I knew what I had to do now. The second Alexander said Melanie was leaving, it was all crystal clear.

Rhea agreed, “YES! Action! That’s what this Alpha wolf likes!”

I was going to talk to her right now. I could calm her down. If she wanted to go that was one thing, but if she just wanted to go because she was angry that was an entirely different issue.

Rhea told me, “I want to know exactly what happened. We need to resolve this right now. She was on the phone with us. I dare them to call us liar ever, but especially tonight. Brutus would rip them to pieces. That sounds sexy. This is Oden’s fault. He put thoughts into my head of this because Brutus would never let Oden rip people to pieces without him.”

She sighed in my head.

Honestly, I wanted to kick some ass myself. I couldn’t believe they kept her from coming today. The car accident was one thing because it was an accident. This though? This didn’t just punish Melanie, it punished and hurt me too.

EJ was furious in the bond once he began to filter through my feelings. He didn’t want me to be sad today, but I couldn’t help it. Ladybug wasn’t here to celebrate with me when they promised she was coming.

Rhea complained, “Why couldn't she have Fairy blood? I have come to love that inability to lie they all have. Then they would’ve HAD to bring her because of her inability to lie.”

I told her, “She’s a horrible liar anyway. I should’ve just insisted she come out here and get ready with me. Why didn’t I do that?”

She replied, “They promised she’d come, and she found a way to get ready with us that made her dad comfortable because they are wackadoodles about her leaving the territory alone.”

It was an accurate description, but hindsight felt like a bitch tonight.

EJ came up with a plan. Rhea purred, “That’s why I love him so much. Why is he so sexy when we can’t climb him? He’s a man with a plan. Get that plan done so we get back to being naked.”

I was on board with her this time. She squealed, “FINALLY!”

EJ popped us all back to the main group. My anger doubled standing here in front of them. Rhea growled, “I am also pissed. Their wolves are trying to apologize, but I’m shutting them down.”

Good. They deserved her anger and mine. We loved Melanie.

EJ’s voice was like a whip across the group. Rhea groaned, “Why is always so sexy?”

I honestly had no idea. I did know that everyone was stunned. EJ gave Drake and Sam a verbal lashing. Drake was pissed off too.

Rhea linked, “Melanie must have lashed out. Pepper is very upset too.”

I replied, “Well, they had it coming. This is fourteen years of people lying about her. I know she didn’t mean whatever she said to them anyway.”

On some level they knew that too. She was the biggest Daddy’s girl who loved her family so much.

I took EJ’s hand because he was close to losing it. I told Rhea, “It’s weird asking about their patrols versus ours. I guess they aren’t our pack anymore though.”

She reasoned, “They will always be our home pack.”

Rhea growled when she heard the time. I shared a look of disbelief with EJ because that wasn’t possible. Drake’s face crumbled when we explained how it was absolutely impossible. I finally felt a little bad for him. I knew how much he loved Melanie. I’m sure whatever she said broke his heart.

I looked around for Cassie to help with getting the truth of the matter, but she must have already left. Which was fair, she didn’t really live here anymore. She had her room, but she was with her mate. I was impressed she did Alpha duties around here too though. She was an excellent multitasker.

Rhea said, “Maybe Thor will link Haley.”

It wasn’t necessary. The Warrior acknowledged he could be wrong from the picture of the only pup that could possibly be thought of as Melanie. Honestly, you’d have to be pretty far away though. Rhea scoffed, “Or need glasses.”

Some supernatural’s did but not often. Usually only if they were a hybrid with human blood.

I could see in the Warriors’ eyes he didn’t think it was the pup he’d seen in the picture though. What the hell? My dad laid out a plan to have Mel come and spend the night here to calm everyone down. Rhea linked, “Just so you know Fang told me he linked Dominic that plan to link to Thunder for dad to say.”

Of course Dylan was somewhere around. Why didn’t he just come out and offer the solution?

This was good though. Melanie would come and we’d figure everything out. I nearly jumped up cheering when Drake agreed. Rhea told me, “I think you should it’s definitely called for.”

EJ said that he’d pop us to her and come back. Drake was about to say it wasn’t an emergency.

The venom and anger in EJ’s voice when he told him not to finish his sentence even had me stepping back in shock. I looked around noting Eric was trying not to laugh. What was going on? Were they all high? It was THEIR RULE.

Drake was clearly confused but made the call anyway. My heart sank when he said she’d already left. Rhea argued, “No way! Ladybug wouldn’t just leave without saying goodbye to us. No matter what they’d done to piss her off, she wouldn’t just leave us all without a word.”

I agreed, “You’re right. She wasn’t like that. She would’ve texted them and she would’ve called me.”

Hell, she’d have the family that was taking her to New York bring her here first. Ladybug wouldn’t just leave. My blood felt like ice when Sam confirmed it. Fury filled me and I nearly shifted. My dad linked, “Pup, calm down.”

I gritted my teeth letting his Alpha command help me.

I told him, “If they had just let her come this wouldn't have happened. Melanie is reacting like a teenager for the first time in her life because THEY pushed her. I know it’s hard to remember sometimes but she is only fourteen.”

He replied, “I know that.”

I snarked, “They practically gave her the keys to run and never look back. I love them like family but at this exact moment I want to forget that.”

He told me, “That’s reasonable but you do love them.” I did and I think that made it all hurt more.

I walked away before I said something I’d regret. Rhea linked, “You tell them! Definitely screw their sorry! That was an epic parting line.”

She was just as pissed. I was surprised Sam even called after me. If she was looking for absolution, she wouldn’t get it from me. Mel was gone and it wasn’t fair. I just needed space to walk and have everything be quiet for a moment.

I walked until I couldn’t stand it anymore. Rhea sighed, “Finally. We are ready to talk. I will SCRATCH THEIR EYES OUT! We love her! They forget she’s just a pup! HOW could the Warriors just let Melanie leave with some other family without calling her parents? What kind of crack are they on? AND WHY DIDN’T THEY SHARE IT?! It had to be some good shit. EJ would NEVER allow that to fly here.”

She was right.

I sat down and a second later Alexander popped beside me. He put his hand on my shoulder and I let out a sob. Alexander knew what I was upset about with asking. He consoled me, “Someone will get in trouble for letting that just happen. Your dad will put someone through a wall for just letting Melanie leave.”

He added, “Who gives a shit if they called her parents and left a message? They just let the Beta’s daughter leave the pack without Drake’s permission. They let her leave without saying goodbye. I wouldn’t want to be any of them at training tomorrow. Drake, Tristan, and Jase will destroy them.”

I snorted, “Good.”

That’s how EJ found us. He offered his thoughts to Alexander that they weren’t keeping Melanie from him intentionally. Rhea snorted, “They THINK? We KNOW they aren’t keeping him from her.”

I agreed, “I’m with you. They definitely aren’t. Especially now. If they are mates, then Mel would come home, and they could smooth this out.”

EJ made some excellent points. I linked my dad, “Did EJ tell you he thought someone in the pack was keeping Melanie away from the allies?”

He answered, “Yes, and it’s a valid point and logical concern. I will look into it.”

Dammit! Why didn’t I think of that sooner?

I cried on EJ’s shoulder until he conjured me my phone. I had a text and a few missed calls from Melanie. I listened to the first voicemail. Her sobbing apology played, “I…. stayed…. home... all... day…. those... jerks…I mean they are nice… normally… Jerk may be harsh… but it’s not! They lied. I’m... I’m so sorry Elise. I wanted to be there for your big day. It’s not fair! I didn’t do it, Elise. I wouldn’t. Not today. It’s such an important day for you. You’re the big sister I never had, but always had… you know?”

I did know.

It wasn’t by blood, but Mel was my little sister. Rhea snarled, “Let’s get them all. She sounds distraught.”

She really did. The next voicemail said, “I sent your present with T. There’s an extra present if you could deliver it for me. All those projects I was working on are under my bed. I was going to surprise everyone, and I’ll just never get to.”

“Why can’t I be there for you? Why can’t I meet my Xander? He promised me we’d meet one day. Why can’t that day be today? I wanted it to be today so bad…”

She just cried for several minutes. Then she stopped. She whispered, “What the heck was that?”

The phone call ended.

What the heck was what? Rhea replied, “It’s the last voicemail. Maybe she texted the answer.”

Hopefully. I looked at her text. I wiped my eyes trying to stop my tears. My heart was broken for three people though. I didn’t know if I could stop crying.

Ladybug: I’m leaving, Elise. I’m sick of being where no one believes me. I’m going to New York. I’m going to win the competition and stay. I’m done with this place.

That just didn’t sound like her. Even in the past when this had happened, Melanie loved it here. She said the meadows around here inspired her dancing. She knew that EJ and I believed her. Rhea linked, “It is weird.”

I knew that.

Then it hit me, and I started to laugh. It made more sense now. Melanie went because she was going to activate her Plan Z. To create an emergency to meet Alexander. EJ had no idea what I was talking about of course, but that was ok.

Rhea linked, “Brutus is asking about the plan.”

I warned, “Don’t get his hopes up. Melanie might wait for an actual emergency since she’s the literal worst liar.”

She grumbled, “Fine, but I agree. She went to do Plan Z.”

Mel would make it happen when she calmed down. There was no doubt she’d win that competition. Alexander was worried about her coming home, but he didn’t need to be. Melanie was all about her traditions, and ours was to see each other on Christmas Eve.

Plus, she and Sam always decorated their Christmas tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving. They made a whole day of going to a Christmas tree farm to pick a live one for the living room. She loved Christmas possibly more than my mother in law did.

A wave of sadness hit me again about how unfair this all was. I nearly cried hearing Alexander’s voice sound so small wondering if they saw him as a monster. Rhea growled, “No one sees him that way.”

EJ’s fury blasted into me so hard I was sure his family was confused.

EJ was talking to his Uncle Bjourn. Rhea whispered, “Is it the wrong time to say that he’s so hot.”

I answered, “Yes. Because he’s talking about turning into a monster if someone thinks his brother is one.”

Rhea sighed, “Damn it. You have to admit it’s hot though.” It was true.

Before I could discuss a few thoughts about changing the rules Theo popped in. Rhea said, “I mean it’s not a conspiracy, but it feels like one.”

It kind of did. I linked my dad, “Wesley hit T?!”

He replied, “I’m a little busy trying to calm things down but yes.” My Luna Ceremony was going to be the talk of Faerie. They would consider this a smashing success.

EJ popped us back. Wesley was out for blood, I could see it on his face. Buttercup was trying to calm him down. Red Run was bewildered by his stance. Toby and Phil weren’t even bothering to interfere either. Jesus.

My mom linked me, “This is just devolving quickly.”

I replied, “I get it from their side. They don’t know what’s going on, but they are smart. They can figure out that Alexander gets sad whenever Red Run comes in. They just don’t know it’s because Melanie isn’t with them.”

She agreed, “I know that.”

EJ got Wesley out of there with Buttercup. I wanted to scream that Alexander’s side was a misunderstanding. He thought they saw him a certain way, but he was wrong. Wesley was just sick of feeling Alexander’s pain when Red Run came to these events.

Tristan went into denial over Melanie leaving. They talked about her moving her flight up. Rhea snarked, “No, that stupid family from New York gave her the choice. Why aren’t we yelling at those parents?”

She had a point. I’d get their number and leave a scathing voicemail.

I may not have pups yet, but I would DEMAND they call and ask me first before taking my teenage daughter somewhere without my explicit ok. My mom mouthed, “Sam left them both angry voicemails. Drake did too.”

Well good. They should give them shit. I was tempted to call their Alpha and throw around who my mate was, and I never did that.

Rhea encouraged, “Do that. Brutus would find it so hot.”

I just might. Dalton liked me, “Tristan is pissed Mel didn’t even know he liked Everly. Now, they didn’t get to meet.”

I replied, “Dalton, T is not as subtle as you all think and Melanie is incredibly curious. She knows he likes Everly. She was hoping they would find out they were mates.”

He asked, “She did?”

I replied, “Yes. In fact, she’s mentioned he likes Everly several times.”

Our conversation didn’t assuage my anger. My mom linked, “T didn’t do this and you’re not angry with him.” I wasn’t but he could’ve snuck her here.

Tristan actually recoiled from me. He felt so awful I could see it. EJ refuted his words. Tristan tried to call Mel, but it went to voicemail. Tristan handed me a present from Mel. I couldn’t stop myself from hugging him because he looked so sad.

I broke down with him. We were both always on Mel’s side. She had to know that. Dakota linked, “T told me to link you that we will get her home between us.”

I agreed, “Ok.”

We all knew he didn't have time to personally bring her back. He was going to take over the pack with my brothers in a few months.

Cooper linked me next, “I know that look. Jase has time.”

I replied, “He doesn’t, and you know it. He’s already taking on Beta duties for Uncle Christopher. He’s also doing intense Warrior training to challenge for the Male Lead Warrior.”

He begrudgingly admitted, “You’re right.” I knew that.

Alexander joined us, which I was impressed by. The Hackura realm moved faster so it made sense he’d calmed down. Haley popped out letting her confusion show. She often hid her emotions, but I think she desperately wanted someone to clue her in.

They all left immediately when Haley popped back in and said Angela needed them. Haley crossed her arms and glared around those remaining, “I may not know what’s happening out here, but let’s all remember the rule in this territory. People who act like assholes, get treated like one. Tonight is about Elise. So, if f you’re not going to fucking respect that leave. I love you all to pieces, but whatever is going on, it ends right fucking now. Are we clear?”

TJ popped out with tears in his eyes, “Mom, can we go to our treehouse?”

Haley immediately bent down, “Of course sweetie.”

She picked him up and popped away without another word.

Drake frowned, “She’s right. Tonight is about you Elise.”

He hugged me, “I’m sorrier than you will ever know. I love you as if you were my own. I’m so very proud of you and I know Mel is too. You’ve become an amazing young woman.”

I smiled, “Thanks, Drake.”

I quickly opened my present. There was a second package and a note for Alexander which didn’t surprise me. I quickly tucked that into my back pocket. Tristan raised an eyebrow letting me know he’d seen that move. Well, it was none of his business.

Dakota linked, “T would like to know if that’s for who he think it was.”

I replied, “Ask if he actually wants to know.”

He sighed, “He said, ‘Yes, she’s just got her heart set on it. Do you think he’ll keep the present? It would crush her if she found out he didn’t.’ I hate being your telephone.” I assured him, “He will keep it and your Beta asked you, not me.” It was still weird I couldn’t link the McAlister’s whenever I wanted.

I closed the link and unwrapped a beautiful bracelet. There was a charm with an L and mountain. I read the note.

Elise,

Obviously, the mountain charm represents your current pack. On the back is the initials RR…for Red Run… which was also… probably not something you needed me to tell you… but I’m me so…I did…obviously because you’re reading this.. Never forget that you’ll always be a part of this pack too. We love you here.

I know you’ll be an amazing Luna. Which brings us to the L charm… It represents… well you... because you are the heart of Black Mountain as their Luna. You are also an Alpha though… and I don’t want you to forget that, which you can’t because well Rhea…

When you look at this bracelet remember you are the fierce, protective mother of the pack. They will all fight beside you proudly as I will. I love you, Elise.

Ladybug

P.S. I’m really sorry I can't give this to you in person. I’d planned a whole speech about how you are my sister by choice, and I love you. It was long… and… probably too long. I’m forgetting it all right now because I’m upset but... I even practiced it. I love you, Elise. If your bracelet changes color, get the HELL out of dodge!

I was sobbing as I put the bracelet on. Rhea asked, “What does that mean? Get the hell out of dodge?”

I told her, “I’m not sure. We can ask her.”

I walked away from everyone without feeling guilty. I was done being here. No one even tried to stop me.

Possibly because Liam had walked up to guard me. I saw his fierce stare at everyone, letting them know I needed my space. I wound my way around the house to Angela’s room. I wouldn’t pull EJ out of the room, but the second he was done I needed him.

EJ stepped out and he immediately hugged me while Eric walked past us. I told him about the bracelet. I couldn't believe she was gone. Rhea cried, “She is the sweetest little thing who always makes me laugh.”

I was worried she’d stay away to prove a point, despite her homesickness.

The other part was she’d see how much she’d been sheltered. Giving a teenager that view, and freedom was dangerous. It was something she’s never had. Any wolf of rank would grab onto that. I cried into EJ’s neck until Rhea linked, “Alexander deserves his present too.”

She was right.

My mate led me to his office, where Alexander was sitting with their dad. I walked right up to him. He set his whiskey straight down on the desk and took the present I held out to him. His eyes lit up when he opened it.

I dropped my hand in shock. Melanie gave Alexander a ring. Rhea screamed, “Is it a wedding ring?!”

It looked like it. She told me, “Thor and Brutus are in shock.”

I’d bet. It wasn’t often Thor was surprised. Alexander read the note after he put the ring on his right hand.

He dropped the note and yelled in surprise himself. Eric teasingly, but a little bit seriously, asked him if he just got proposed to. I mean if he did, didn’t he accept? Because he put the ring on. Isn’t that basically a yes? Rhea squealed, “Yes, it is! Plus, mate agrees with our logic.”