It Doesn’t Add Up

EJ is Twenty-Five Years Old

EJ smiled over at Elise. I called my brother Wesley. He answered immediately, “EJ, everything is still fine here. You haven’t even been gone that long, big brother.”

I laughed, “I know.”

Wesley snorted, “Yet you’re calling me again. Why don’t you just enjoy your birthday vacation with your mate?”

I smiled and squeezed Elise’s thigh. I winked at her saying, “I am enjoying it. I just wanted to make sure that you were doing ok. It’s your first time being in charge of everything. Is Alexander letting you take the reins?”

Wesley snorted, “Alexander would have to leave the damn gym to not let me take the reins.”

I frowned, “He’s still in the gym?”

Wesley sighed, “Is he EVER not in the gym? I’m just waiting for him to start his mission for Uncle Bjourn.” I still hated that Alexander was going alone on a mission.

To be fair, I hated it when all my siblings went on a solo mission. Alexander was going on one just as we were coming back, so I wouldn’t see him for over two weeks. It was weird. I might make him pop to us before he left because I was going to miss him. Brutus huffed, “It’s too long for Oden to be gone without me.”

I actually agreed with that. I hated everything about it.

I heard a pop on my brother’s end of the phone then my sister spoke. Angela warned, “No one messes with Alexander. No matter what. Got it?”

I asked, “Wes?”

Wesley ignored me, “What are you talking about, little one?”

Angela reiterated, “Just what I said, don’t bother Alexander.”

I asked, “Angela, what’s going on?”

Angela sighed, “Can’t you all just say you’ll leave him alone?” Wesley snorted, “When was I not leaving him alone?” Angela giggled, “Then keep doing that, Wes. Pass the word along. EJ, Cass already promised me.”

I groaned, “Angela.”

Elise laughed, “EJ, just let her have her fun.”

I sighed, “Fine, but if he pulls me to him, I’m going. He’s ok though, right?” Angela snorted, “He’ll be fine. Gotta go.” She popped out. Wesley laughed, “I’m just glad it’s not me that her and Klaus are getting this time. Those two together give me nightmares.”

I laughed, “It’s only been a few weeks.”

Wesley sighed, “And they’ve pranked us ALL. It’s only fair that one of you oldest triplets get pranked. You’re not here and neither is Cass. Alexander REALLY should’ve seen this coming. Maybe they will snap away all the heavy bags and stop them being conjured back. Oh god, please don’t be that.”

I laughed, “I wish you luck if that is it, brother. Call if you or Max need anything.” Wesley told me, “We are fine.”

I gently said, “I know that you are. I wouldn’t have left you in charge if you weren’t. It’s only because mom and dad are on a trip too and her concupiscence will be starting while they're gone that I’m checking in. They will be back probably just a little before we are.”

Wesley sighed, “I know ALL of those things. Uncle Jackson, Uncle Harold, AND Uncle Darrin are here. We are fine.”

I grumbled, “I know. Did grandpa get off on his trip ok?”

Wesley answered, “Yes, mom took him to our place in Hawaii for his rest and relaxation rejuvenation trip. He sent me a picture on the beach. He’s already hanging out with the pack down there and having fun. He sent me a text that said, ‘hang loose’ and everything.” I laughed, “Good for him.”

Wesley muttered, “Yes, yes, yes, good for him. Now, enjoy Fiji and stop calling me.”

I winced, “I’ll give it a shot, but I’m not making any promises. You are my little brother, and I worry about you always.”

I hung up the phone.

Elise stood then jumped on my back. She told me, “I would like a piggy back ride back to the house. No portaling or popping back either.”

I squeezed her hamstrings, “Whatever my mate commands, I shall do.”

Elise wiggled her eyebrows, “Oh really?” I hopped, putting her higher up on my back. I kissed her cheek then said, “You knew that already, Elise Conners.” She giggled and bit my ear.

I growled playfully, “You either start sexy time, or you get a piggy back ride back to the house. What will it be?”

Elise sighed, “Sadly, I am starving and a sandwich sounds delicious.”

I laughed, “Then we better get to moving.” I started running loving Elise’s giggle.

We ran into the house where Dalton, Dakota, Cooper, Dane, and MaryBeth McAlister watched us laughing. I sat Elise down on a chair and snapped her a sandwich. Peter nudged me with an elbow, “It’s just not fair. I wish I could do that when Chelsea gets hungry.”

Dalton snorted, “If we are granting wishes then I want my mate.”

Dakota smirked, “Same, Dalton. Same.”

Dane frowned at them, “Did you ask Emmaline, my lovely nephews?” Dakota sighed, “Yup. She doesn’t know who mine is. I don’t want to bother Aria about it just yet.”

Elise groaned, “For god’s sakes. She’s not a pup.”

I agreed, “She’s not.”

Brutus said, “Lacy gets annoyed they don’t consider them more than a pup.” Lacy was ironically my cousin’s wolf’s name. Aria’s wolf being named Lacy made things interesting. It could get confusing, but it was a lot of fun. I did feel bad for her though.

I told Brutus, “Jayden and Jacob know how old she is. She’s keeping secrets though. That’s hard as an older sibling.”

Jaydon and I discussed it quite a bit. It was driving him mad, and I could easily compare our situations. Alexander drove me nuts keeping his crush on Melanie a secret for so long.

Dalton nodded, “I asked Emmaline too. She doesn’t know mine either.”

I assured, “Your mates are coming, but Aria would help if she could. So would Angela.”

Chelsea smiled at her boys, “They will be here when they are supposed to be. I bet they’ll show up in a way you don’t expect them to.”

Dalton smirked, “We might have to take turns traveling, Dakota.”

Dakota laughed, “Oh darn. Traveling. How awful. I don’t know how I will go on.”

Dane snorted, “You two.” Dalton raised an eyebrow, “You don’t get it, dear uncle. Neither does our sister. You’ve both known your WHOLE damn lives who your mates are. We’ve been waiting.”

Cooper muttered, “I am sitting RIGHT here, and I get it.”

Dalton agreed, “Of course you do, little bro.”

I put a hand on his shoulder. Peter said, “Alpha Eric waited thirty two years for his mate and it worked out really well for him boys.” Dalton punched my arm, “True. We got EJ in the family because he did.” Alexander’s annoyance trickled into me and that had me smirking.

Elise asked, “What’s that face along with the victorious feeling in the bond?”

I answered, “Alexander is annoyed.”

Dalton said, “That seems more cause for concern.” MaryBeth agreed, “What Dalton said.” Elise laughed, “Angela and Klaus strike again.” Everyone quickly got on my page about it being amusing after that statement.

Elise quickly ate her sandwich. I asked, “What’s on the agenda today?”

Chelsea offered, “We were thinking we could go to the Kula Wild Adventure Park.”

Dalton clapped, “Right on! I am so in.” Dane asked MaryBeth, “Want to go with them, MB?” He called her that a lot. She nodded, “Yes, it sounds fun!” Cooper said, “I’ll go.” We all laughed.

I snapped all our plates clean. Alexander’s excitement hit me next. It felt like he seemed to think everything was about to be worth it. What was going on? I raised an eyebrow because his anticipation was higher than I’d ever felt. I could practically taste his excitement.

Elise put her hands on my back, “EJ?”

I shrugged, “It’s probably nothing.”

I was walking outside when Alexander’s panic, concern, and fear hit me hard. I went down to a knee. Elise shouted, “EJ, what happened?!” I took out my phone and called Alexander, but he didn’t answer. I called Phil next, but he didn’t answer either.

I tried Gage. He answered, “Hey, EJ.”

I asked, “What the hell is going on with Alexander?”

He admitted, “I don’t know. He was in the gym.” I growled, “He left.” He groaned, “I just left.” He was going to look for his mate. I ordered, “Go. I’ll figure it out.” He sighed, “Alright.”

I called Wesley. He answered, “EJ, again. Really?”

I growled, “Don’t give me that shit. What did Angela do to Alexander?”

Wesley admitted, “I don’t know. I thought that was Max feeling that way because it was so close to me. I’ve been cursing him out in our link for not answering me. That’s my bad.”

That made sense because I felt Alexander and Cassie stronger because we were triplets. The other siblings had to search their connections. I heard a pop on his side again. Angela sighed, “He’s fine! Both of you take a chill pill!”

I argued, “He does not FEEL fine. He’s worried about something.”

To a very extreme level. I added, “He feels like he’s in physical pain, but I know it’s not his pain.”

Was he healing someone? Brutus said, “Oden is locked down. I can’t get anything from him. He’s in shock.” Awesome. Perfect. Wonderful.

Angela sighed, “It’s fine, I promise.”

She couldn’t lie and she’d never let him hurt alone. I blew out a breath saying, “Alright.”

I closed my phone and called Cassie.

She answered, “EJ, did you get anything out of Angela? All I got is Alexander’s fine. He’s not usually worried about a prank being pulled on him.”

I rubbed my face, “I mean maybe they did some doll trick where he thinks he’s being attacked.”

Cassie snorted, “That would explain his excitement, but not this near crippling pain and concern. I guess they could have him think he needs to rescue us.”

She was trying to talk herself into it. Alexander was still worried but not as much. He’d gone into full protective mode.

I assured her, “I’ll monitor him. If he tugs me, I’m gone. I’ll call you if I find anything out.”

Cassie snorted, “You’d better. If he tugs you, I’m coming too. That little brat better tug me if he pulls you.”

I laughed, “He’s a little taller and older than you.” Cassie retorted, “That doesn’t mean I can’t call him a little brat. He’s giving me anxiety. I will continue calling him a little brat until this feeling goes away.” I laughed because she hung up.

Elise told me, “We don’t have to go.”

I shook my head, “No, we should go. Angela insists Alexander is just fine. He will tug on our connection if he needs me.”

My phone beeped. I looked down noting it was our big family on all sides group chat.

Angela: WORRY WARTS IT IS FINE! Leave him alone! Several of you promised me you would. Have some chill FOR THE LOVE OF AESIR! I told you he’d be fine, and I can’t lie.

I rolled my eyes and got into the car. Ithios faded in near the house. He was one of the head guard for one of my older Hackura cousin. I told our group, “Just one second,”

and popped to him. I asked, “What are you doing? Is H here? I thought he was dark right now. Does he need me?”

My cousin Hastein was the Future King of the Hackura realm.

Ithios answered, “He is dark, but he sent me to you. He’s worried about Alexander.”

I snorted, “He can join the club. Angela says it’s fine.”

He laughed, “Well then, I’ll assure the Crown Prince all is well.” He faded back and I popped back to my in laws.

I popped us all to an abandoned road close to the park. We got out of the car and made our way into the park. I asked Elise, “What do you want to do first?”

She smiled answering, “The Splash Mountain Jungle Water Slide!”

I bumped her forward with my hips, “Let’s go then.” Dane and MaryBeth came with us. While the others scattered. I quickly took out my phone.

Me: Answer your phone, Alexander. What the hell is going on? You’re giving me serious anxiety, little brother. Just tell me that everything is ok like Angela says it is.

I conjured my phone away as we climbed up the water slide. Elise sat down and I jumped behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. I pushed us off before they could tell us we couldn't go down together. Elise giggled, “My daredevil man.”

I squeezed her tightly to me. I whispered, “No one can keep me from my girl.”

She leaned back into me.

The beautiful scenery flashed by us. My earth side loved it here. We were staying at my parent’s home. My dad had purchased this place for my parents first wedding anniversary and my mom loved it. Next, Elise wanted to do the Kula Canopy Flier. It was a zipline on a roller coaster track.

I wasn’t surprised to find Dalton and Dakota were already here. Dalton yelled, “I’m not leaving this section of the park! WOOHOO!!! What a rush!”

Dakota agreed, “It really is.”

Elise and I got in line. We’d lost Dane and MaryBeth along the way. I wasn’t sure where Peter, Chelsea, and Cooper had gone. Either.

We climbed our way up the ladder. I had Elise go first because I wanted to keep an eye on her. Brutus agreed, “Fabulous plan.”

I replied, “I know that.”

Elise squealed and giggled as the zipline/roller coaster took off. I couldn’t contain my smile. Alexander had dialed down his anxiety. He was still worried, but he was no longer panicked. That I liked.

Once I was strapped in myself, I pushed off. I held my arms out as I flew around the track. We rode it a few more times. Elise loved it so much and I loved seeing her so happy. She looked carefree and we’d had such a stressful time of everything lately I was addicted to the look on her face now.

Brutus said, “We need to do better at getting away and having distractions. I don’t want mate so anxious.”

I agreed, “Yes, we really do.”

Eventually we moved on and went to feed the turtles. From there we went into the fish display.

My water cousins would ADORE this place. They needed to come. I linked Jayden, “You need to put Kula Wild Adventure Park on your list of places to go with your siblings. You guys will love it.”

He replied, “I’ll make note.”

Seconds later he linked, “I googled that place. It’s a travesty I’ve never heard of it. I’m making reservations as I link you.”

I laughed and squeezed Elise tightly. She asked, “Are you having fun?”

I answered, “A blast.”

Next, we paid for some animal interactions. The bond told me Elise was a little worried. Not all animals reacted well to wolves, but I knew with my earth Fairy side that we’d be just fine. Elise wanted nothing to do with the snakes, but I held one. Dalton was all about it too.

We’d caught back up with them. Brutus snorted, “They caught up to us. They were on the zipline.”

I chucked, “We ended up in the same place. Do you like that better?”

He answered, “Yes.” Elise did hold the Iguana. I winked at her before we left and continued on in the park.

We met back up with the larger group for the ‘behind the scenes’ tour. We got to see the eggs they had in incubation. We also saw a very large coral display. We walked over bridges of open habitats. Chelsea, Elise, and MaryBeth were busy snapping pictures of everything.

I just enjoyed watching Elise be herself. It hit me at that moment that we could be expecting a pup or pups sometime soon. Brutus began to purr in my head. I told him, “She keeps saying she’ll be ready to try for one when she turns twenty-five. Having pups is officially about to start becoming a reality.”

He agreed, “And we are both thrilled.”

He was right. My dad was the best example of a father I could’ve asked for. I was beyond excited with a healthy dose of nervousness.

Once we were done with our tour, we sat down for the barbeque that came with the package we’d purchased. After that we went back through all the attractions. Elise wanted to do the slide and zipline/roller coaster again.

When it was almost time to go, Elise dragged me to the gift shop. We got something for everyone. There was a tiny ukulele Elise was eyeing. I grinned encouraging her, “Get it for Ladybug. You want to and I’m sure she will figure out how to play it.”

Elise laughed, “Really? You think she’ll like it?”

I nodded, “It’s from you so of course she will.”

I’d just prefer if Melanie started acting like herself again. It was a silly hope that the gift would do that, but I hoped it would. Elise got it and we left to meet the rest of the group. We made it back to the no access road and I popped us to the house.

Dalton ran back outside and jumped into the pool. I grabbed Elise and popped her to a private part of the house. I quickly untied the top of her bikini. She whispered, “EJ.”

I kissed her neck, “This bikini has been teasing me all day. It’s time to pay for that.”

She shivered with desire.

Brutus agreed, “It did taunt us, and you only untied it. We could’ve ripped it off.”

I laughed, “I like the way you think.”

I kissed down her body until I reached her nipple then gently sucked on it, eliciting those moans I loved to hear.

I pushed her back onto the bed and jumped on top of her. She giggled until I traced circles around her hips with my fingertips. I kissed her soft lips before sliding my tongue into her mouth. She started grinding her hips into mine. Brutus groaned, “No more waiting.”

I snapped her bikini bottoms off. I said, “We’ll taste her first.”

He was mollified by that response. I placed feather light kisses all over her body. I pulled her to the edge of the bed and got on my knees. I blew on her clit, loving when she jumped in surprise.

I smirked and quickly got to work and licked her slowly. I drove her over the edge three times before standing and lining us up. I threw her knees over my shoulders. I told her, “Touch yourself.”

She whimpered when I started thrusting.

I warned, “I’ll stop if you don’t.”

She quickly started playing with her clit. Once she came, I flipped her over onto all fours. I gripped her hips and slapped her butt cheeks. She flushed. God, I loved that she still blushed after all this time we’d been together. I slid back inside her.

We spent an hour like that before we took a shower and joined everyone else for dinner. I pulled Elise down into my lap. Dalton sighed, “UGH! Do you and Uncle Dane have to be adorably loved up with your mates? It’s so….”

Dakota finished, “Sickening.”

Elise snorted, “I’ll remember this, little brothers. When your mates show up you JUST wait.”

She winked at her youngest brother, “Don’t worry Cooper, you’re exempt from my teasing wrath. You only ever say how adorable EJ and I are together.”

Cooper grinned at her.

Dakota sighed, “Ours could get a move on. I’d be fine with them showing up tomorrow. Even if you tease us mercilessly.”

Dane laughed, “They might not be eighteen yet, nephews.”

Dalton shrugged, “I guess one day we will find out. When? Who knows? It feels like never.” Peter laughed.

Cooper said, “Grandpa Nick said you can’t talk, daddy. He said you and Drake pouted and played sad country music until you found mom.”

Peter gasped, “Drake is the one who played sad country music, not me!”

Chelsea nudged him. He admitted, “That I was in the room for singing along. The fact remains I didn’t play it.” Everyone busted up laughing.

Dakota grabbed a beer out of the fridge. He muttered, “One day. Is anyone else sick of hearing one day?”

I snorted, “Alexander is.”

Dane frowned, “Why isn’t he looking for his mate? He has all the time, and he can teleport or portal around.” I laughed, “You really don’t know, do you?”

Dane asked, “Whoa! Hold up! There’s a reason?”

MaryBeth gasped, “No way!”

She squealed, “SHUT UP! I WILL LITERALLY DIE! SAY I’M RIGHT! SOMEONE SAY IT!” Dalton frowned, “What is happening?” Dane answered, “I have no idea.” Cooper muttered, “You guys are clueless.” Everyone stared at him.

I agreed, “They are. I’m impressed you caught on.”

He shrugged, “It wasn’t that hard. It’s kind of obvious.”

I agreed. Brutus was howling with laughter in my head. MaryBeth looked at Elise, “It’s what I think, right? Oh, MOON GODDESS let it be what I think. I’ll do a backflip right here and now.” Elise winked at her.

MaryBeth got up and did an honest to god backflip. She was on the cheerleading squad at their high school. Dane narrowed his eyes, “Who would she be this excited about? Melinda is mated...”

He trailed of when it clicked and shouted, “HOLY SHIT!”

Dakota caught on next. He yelled, “No way! Alexander thinks Ladybug is his mate?! I thought he just wanted to meet her!”

I smirked, “I didn’t say that. In fact, I said nothing. Ask your brother, he knows.”

Cooper snickered.

Dakota said, “Well, tell his moody ass to get up to New York! No wonder he’s always in such a bad mood.”

I raised an eyebrow, “There’s no emergency, and he doesn't want to get in the way of her dreams.”

Dane snorted, “You’re joking right now. It’s not an emergency….”

MaryBeth swatted him, “You HUSH! Ladybug is going to come home now! NO ONE will stand in my way. I will FIND a way to make that meeting happen. I miss my niece.”

Dane laughed, “It’s still funny that she’s your niece.”

MaryBeth snorted, “It’s hilarious and no more amusing than Dalton, Dakota, and Cooper being your nephews. Elise is your niece for god’s sakes. Our family trees are crazy. That’s not the point. The point is I want Mel back! No one better stand in my way on this point, or they shall SUFFER my wrath.”

I bit my lip so I didn’t laugh.

Elise was frowning. I linked her, “Are you ok?”

She nodded then took out her phone and texted Ladybug. Brutus linked, “Rhea said they want to talk to her.”

I asked, “Why?” He answered, “She just said it’s imperative they speak with her to clear something up.” Umm, ok?

Dane sighed, “MaryBeth ...”

MaryBeth shook her head interrupting before he could continue. “Don’t you Marybeth me. I’ve only seen Mel on Skype for a few minutes at a time for the last six YEARS and a little change. I’ll take her being in a territory one over from ours any day.”

Dalton reasoned, “It’s not a done deal.”

MaryBeth snorted, “So you think. Mel always said her Xander was hers.”

She slapped a hand over her mouth realizing what she said. Cooper snickered while Elise bit her lip.

Dane yelled, “Wait, what did you just say?! HER XANDER?! T never said anything! I talk to Duncan all the time! He’s basically my best friend and he never mentioned it. Though, he’s her Uncle. He might not know, but you’re her aunt and you know. Does he know?”

MaryBeth shrugged, “I don’t know if he does. We didn’t discuss it, and I can’t ask him now. He’s unreachable.”

I wasn’t the only one who winced.

After his mate died in a rogue attack, he’d stayed in her pack despite everyone wanting him to come home. He started going out for the Alpha doing dangerous things for their pack to get intel on the Ring. Surprisingly, he’d never been made. Unlike anyone else from our packs.

Brutus coughed, “The sniper protects him. She clearly knows he’s out.”

That was true. We’d found bodies in areas we’d later found out he’d been in with a Resistance circle. He wasn’t burned though and he wasn’t easily reachable.

Dane squeezed MaryBeth’s thigh and she discreetly wiped away a tear. My heart hurt for her. Duncan was her brother, and Melanie was her niece. They used to be close like sisters though. It had to be sad for her to have Duncan finding himself while Melanie was distant all the time.

Elise chimed in, “He doesn’t know to my knowledge.”

Dalton frowned, “Jase doesn’t either.”

I told him, “Jase and T think it’s a crush Ladybug has that’s unrequited. They are quite possibly VERY wrong, but I did not confirm that.”

Dakota started laughing, “Son of bitch, her toy wolf. It looks like Oden.”

Peter laughed, “It took you boys long enough to figure that out.”

Dane yelled, “NO WAY! You know?! Does EVERYONE know? Wait, no. Drake can’t know. He’d do a backflip like MB here.” He kissed her hard.

Peter admitted, “Drake has no clue, but he would do a backflip.”

Chelsea tickled him, “Because he can. So can someone else I know.”

Dalton asked, “Who?” Chelsea answered, “I’ve seen your dad do one off a boat.” They all gasped.

Cooper nudged me, “Does everyone know?”

He looked disappointed like he didn’t know something when he did. I laughed, “No, they don’t. Alexander hasn’t told anyone, and I didn’t even confirm that’s what he thinks.”

Cooper puffed right back up.

Dalton said, “I’m team Alexander and Melanie being mates. Just THINK of the training plans they will come up with. Your poor pack big sister, they have NO IDEA what’s coming for them. Ladybug was fierce at three and she promised Drake she’d keep up her Warrior training.”

He paused, “WAIT! We established Drake doesn’t know, but does Sam know?”

MaryBeth sighed, “No, and you won’t tell a SINGLE soul!”

Dalton cried out, “COME ON!” MaryBeth shook her head, “I have been sworn to secrecy. It will NOT get around Red Run that I spilled the beans. Melanie would never forgive me.” Dane shot them a warning glare.

Dakota groaned, “Seriously?!”

Everyone nodded. He grumbled, “I think someone needs to tell Dylan Frost he has the wrong nickname for Alexander. He’s not the Moody Triplet. He’s the Patience of Mother Teresa triplet.”

Dane snorted, “No fucking joke.”

Dalton added, “It’s a damn shame they didn’t meet before she left for New York. She’d have come home more often. Jase really needs to see her in person. Honestly, they all do. Drake’s been beating himself up for years. Sam’s stealthier about it, but I know she’s a mess too. It’s driving them crazy. They are all hurting. It’s odd because Ladybug used to notice that kind of thing.”

Brutus grumbled, “I agree.”

I know because I did too. She’d had a total personality change the second she left. Dalton rubbed his head. Chelsea sighed, “They are keeping a lot of things from her. I keep telling you all when Ladybug comes back here if she knew what everything was like. She’s going to kick a whole hoard of asses for this. I would be really upset if I was her.”

Dane frowned, “She’s living her dream though.”

Elise stood up so fast she knocked the chair next to us over. I asked, “Elise?”

She ran out of the room, calling over her shoulder, “I’m going for a run.” I stood but Chelsea got up sending me a ‘sit down’ signal. She said, “I’ll go with her.”

I heard Elise shift. Brutus linked, “Rhea said they need to be alone.”

I told Chelsea, “Hang back from her, I’ll send my guard too. Brutus said she needs to be alone.”

I knew my guard would follow Chelsea. They were here after all.

My head guard, Youngers, faded in. My other guard, Drax, faded in with him. Youngers assured me, “We’ll be with the Duchess.”

As my mate, they understood that Elise was my whole life. I felt bad because I didn’t think they often had things to do with me as their charge. I nodded to them as he faded back.

Cooper muttered, “That’s so cool.”

It was normal to me, but if I couldn’t do it, I’d find it very cool as well. Brutus scoffed, “You find it cool too.”

I did, but it was normal to me. Chelsea frowned, “I’ll hang back like they do, but I’m still going with her.”

Dane shrugged, “What did I say that made her run off?”

I explained, “Elise hates that whole she’s living her dream mantra.”

Peter snorted, “Don’t we all at this point? I swear Drake is at war with himself every day. He literally has arguments with himself.” Cooper whispered, “Then throws up.”

I asked, “He what?”

That was weird. Brutus agreed, “That’s very strange. Wolves don’t get sick like that.”

Dane frowned, “I didn’t know that.” Peter raised a beer, “I am aware you didn’t. The McAlister family is having a time of it right now. Jase’s situation with his nightmares are well known, but all of them struggle. Even Ben and Esther.”

MaryBeth looked at the ground and something told me Dane kept a lot about her struggles to himself.

Brutus said, “His wolf is telling me she’s been sick herself a few times.”

Why the hell didn’t they mention that?! He replied, “I don’t know.”

I said out loud, “We could probably help Jase. My mom’s been looking into the headaches. I do know that she and my Uncle Aiden disagree about what’s causing them. I know my mom is gathering us all when we get back to test a theory.”

Peter threw out, “I know. She told Chelsea why we were popping back to your house after vacation and not Red Run. Drake told me they will be there too. I’m honestly here for getting rid of these headaches any way I can. I don’t even care what her theory is.”

I sighed, “Mine don’t get as bad as anyone else’s. They are annoying though. Maybe I just needed to get away because it’s not as bad here.”

They made faces like theirs weren’t either. I continued, “Alexander though, I swear he gets them more than everyone else. Him and Elise.”

Peter snorted, “They’d rival the McAlister’s then. My dad is really worried about Ben. Meanwhile my mom is worried about Esther.”

MaryBeth snorted, “All of us are worried about every single one of us. These aren’t normal yet the pack doctor says we are fine.”

I assured her, “It will all get figured out now that my mom knows. She said there was nothing physically wrong with Elise too. So, the pack doctor is right.”

Peter frowned, “How is that possible?”

I shrugged, “I know my mom has a theory, but it doesn’t make, and I quote, any fucking sense. That’s why she’s arguing with Uncle Aiden about it. My mom told him she was going to test her fucking theory even if it had flaws.” Peter snorted, “That sounds like your mom.”

Dane added, “She uhh had some colorful words to say about it. I heard her tirade from outside when she popped in to talk to you about it, brother.”

Cooper snickered, “She always has colorful words in her tirades. She’s funny.”

She really was.

Peter shrugged, “I didn’t even get to tell her all about it because she was already upset. I only told her that we’d been getting headaches for six plus years. That’s all she heard before she was off and running to the races.”

I had no sympathy for them with that.

MaryBeth snickered, “Please tell me you said that to her.”

Peter winked, “I’m no fool, MaryBeth.”

I grappled with my own feelings because it hit me out of nowhere that I felt bad because I never told my mom about it. Why did that feeling appear out of nowhere?

Several of siblings were throwing curiosity at me. All except Alexander who was so happy it was insane. It was the happiest I’d ever felt him. What was going on with him? Brutus commented, “For the life of me, I can’t come up with a single reason we didn’t tell mom about the headaches.”

I left Alexander to his feelings and circled back to why that guilt didn’t hit me until I’d been away from home.

My mom had read me the riot act about not mentioning them. None of us could come up with a single good reason that this had happened. I never felt guilty until now though. What was going on? Brutus admitted, “I don’t know. We should’ve felt guilty then.”

He was right.

There was no reason to keep something like that from her. She thought we believed she let us walk around in pain sensing our headaches. That had to kill her, and I’d barely said sorry. What was wrong with me?

I pushed it out of my mind. I hated that I’d hurt my mom’s feelings. I felt my dad in my feelings and knew the second he realized what it was about. His guilt flooded the bonds as well, but none of my siblings understood. So, my dad wasn’t home, and neither was I and we were the ones who finally felt guilty. That didn’t seem good.

I mulled that over until Elise and her mom came back a couple hours later. She checked her phone and frowned. I asked, “What’s up?”

Elise sighed, “Mel doesn’t have time to talk until next week.”

I hugged her, “But you’ll talk next week.” Elise sighed, “I guess.” I asked, “What’s going on?” Elise buried her face in my chest, “This damn headache. She’s living her dream, but things just don’t make sense.”

I pushed, “Like what?”

Elise frowned, “I know you think it doesn’t make sense either.”

I admitted, “A few things, but what doesn’t make sense to you?” Elise sighed, “She always wanted her Xander. Mel’s smart enough to know that he’d let her live her dream. I know I only see part of her bedroom, but it hit me the other day that I’ve never seen her Xander wolf. She always had him with her.” I argued, “He could be out of the frame.”

She huffed, “He could be. Then there’s the fact that she just always has these plans. She doesn't see that her family is hurting. She hasn’t caught on that we are all dealing with crazy Hunters, drugs, and snipers. None of it. Mel’s too smart for that. UGH THIS FUCKING HEADACHE!”

She rubbed her head.

I held her close, “You’re right. None of that makes sense. We will get it figured out though, I swear.”

Elise snorted, “I’ll have to drive a spike through my head first.”

I winced, “None of that. Look, the McAlister’s will be at our house when we get back. We’ll talk about popping to see Ladybug. Ok?”

Elise looked at me and her hope flooded the bond. She quickly said, “Ok. Are you sure?”

I nodded, “Yes, it’s past time. I should’ve talked to Drake a long ass time ago. I have no idea what’s going on with me. I didn't talk to my mom about the headaches. Yours get really bad too. I can’t…”

I trailed off.

Brutus said, “I know they hurt Rhea too. You know I’d never let Rhea feel pain.”

I did know that. I continued, “I don’t understand why I didn’t tell her. Alexander knew physically nothing was wrong with us. We shouldn’t have felt any pain then. We needed to look into this. Then I can’t figure out why on earth I haven’t talked to Drake about just popping to get Melanie myself. I mean, on the one hand the rule but fuck that. I’ve never talked with him about it. Maybe things could be different now.”

Elise whispered, “Really? You think so?”

I nodded, “It’s been let go for too long. I’ve realized some things since we got here and I just don’t know why they haven’t been questioned. That changes now.”

Elise nodded and I held her swaying back and forth with her in my arms.

We went and joined her brother’s watching movies, Elise was curled up in my arms the whole time. Why hadn’t I ever spoken to Drake about this bullshit popping promise? When I took over as Alpha, I should’ve at least asked him to reconsider. Or the million times Elise had cried about not seeing Melanie. That’s when I absolutely should’ve spoken to him, to spare my mate more pain.

Brutus said, “Maybe we just didn’t think it was our place.”

That’s bullshit and we both know it. I shot back, “What about the million times Alexander had been in a bad fucking mood about it? It is my job to fix things like that. Why have I been so passive about this? I’m not passive.”

Brutus answered, “Magic is the only answer I can think of.”

I cursed, “Fuck! How? I’d know. Or I should, right?”

Brutus replied, “Not necessarily. It’s not like a Witch or Warlock stood in front of us and chanted or anything. Unless our memory was taken, which I feel we would know about.” As a part of the promised family, I’d better. I took out my phone and texted Corbin.

Me: Discreetly look into whether someone can alter my memory or use magic on me I wouldn’t know about. Something that could make me passive about a subject when I’m not a passive person.

Corbin: What in the fuck is this request?

Me: A theory I’m working on.

Corbin: Between our moms talking and this request I’m worried about you guys.

Me: Our moms?

Corbin: They have been whispering and looking into things. I’ll look into your request on my own.

Me: Thanks.

One thing I didn’t tell him was a lot of this centered around Melanie and everything surrounding her. After the last movie we went to our room where Elise went to sleep. I got up and paced the downstairs. Everything circled back to one person. My head was swirling with thoughts, but it was always Melanie. The McAllister’s too, but her specifically.

It wasn't just us though. The McAlister’s themselves felt this too. I rubbed my face. This thought process didn’t make any sense. Someone cleared his throat, and I knew by the scent it was Peter. I turned around and he raised an eyebrow.

We stared at each until he asked, “What’s got you thinking so hard?”

I snorted, “Honestly?”

Peter smirked, “You can’t lie, so let’s go with yes.” I rubbed my face, “Melanie. It always goes back to Melanie, doesn’t it? That’s what’s got Elise so upset. Her...”

I trailed off then whisper shouted, “Fuck! Even her headaches go back to Melanie. What the HELL is going on? GOD!”

I rubbed my head. What have I been thinking?! Why hasn’t that clicked for me? Brutus whimpered in my head, but I knew he felt the same way.

Peter frowned, “EJ?”

I tilted my head, “I get out of our territory for a few days and it’s all clear. I barely even have a headache. What the fuck?!”

Peter snorted, “Speak for yourself. My head still hurts, and my gut reaction is to tell you Melanie is living her dream.”

I rolled my eyes, “Elise is right, it’s a mantra. But whose? It’s sure as fuck not any of ours. I have let the fact that Elise is so upset about this slide. Why? Elise is my everything. Why haven't I gotten us out there to surprise Ladybug? My wolf would never let Rhea suffer. He’d shift and run to New York to stop that from happening.”

Brutus agreed, “I would. You’d pop us there when you figured out, I wasn’t giving up, but I would do it.”

I continued my rant out loud, “Or, FUCK it all, why haven’t I just popped Ladybug back here to surprise everyone? Why hasn’t ANYONE in my fucking meddling ass family?! Granted they don’t know it’s bothering Alexander but…”

Peter rubbed his head and held his hands up, “I hate to stop you, but I can’t discuss this anymore. My head hurts too bad.”

I apologized, “I’m sorry. It’s weird that mine are better, but not yours. We need mom to fix that then we can brainstorm.”

Peter agreed, “I’m all for your mom fixing this.” He handed me a whiskey.

We sipped our drinks in silence. Eventually he sighed, “I’ll say this. I find it weird I’ve never asked you to surprise Drake with a Ladybug visit. GOD, that hurts. FUCK! I know it’s killing him. Why haven’t I asked you? Goddess above, we need a subject change before my head explodes.”

I could sense his distress and hear it in his tone. The veins in his neck were building. Brutus said, “Thunder is howling in pain.”

I commented, “It’s beautiful here.”

Peter laughed, “That it is. I don’t know if I can thank your dad enough for letting us use this house. Or you for popping us here. The flight would’ve been hell.”

I admitted, “You know, I’ve never been on a plane. My dad even owns one.” Peter laughed, “I haven’t been on a plane in quite some time. Ever since Emmaline came into our lives, which brought Sharon to Red Run.” I asked, “What did you think the first time you met Cousin Emmaline?”

Peter smiled, “I thought she was lonely. Which was odd because I was certain she was a Fairy. She wasn’t like any partial I’d met though. She had more Fairy blood in her than the partials I was used to meeting.”

He chuckled, “No one else thought she was, but I always did. I even told Lucas that. Emmaline was my first big lesson in making sure those in my territory were safe. I have an aching feeling Melanie will be another one. One I will regret forever.”

I assured him, “We will figure out what’s going on. Maybe she really is living her dream.”

Peter snorted, “One argument and we don’t see her for over six years. It doesn't fit with Mel. FUCK! I’m going to bed. I’m sorry EJ, this headache.”

He got up and left, rubbing his temples.

Brutus said, “He is right though.”

I agreed, “He’s right about a lot. Why the HELL didn’t anyone ever ask me to bring her back for a surprise? Or their own Gamma family that can pop themselves? Why didn’t Elise ask me? What about T? Literally anyone. What the hell is going on?”

He answered, “I do not know.”

I took out my phone not knowing who to call. I tried Alexander first, but he didn’t answer. I asked out loud to no one in particular. “Where are you little brother?”

I sighed and went to bed. Or I tried to. It was a good thing I didn’t need much sleep. My questions were swirling around in my mind.

The next few days flew by. We went to the beach, and I watched in complete utter disbelief at the people around me. Everyone had calmed down and even laughed off their concerns about Melanie. No one mentioned the night when we started to question things. What was going on?

Brutus agreed, “They are all brushing it off as if they were overreacting.”

I asked, “Are we? Are they right? Or am I finally clear headed?”

He replied, “Our head doesn’t hurt anymore, but theirs still does. It’s them, not us.” I watched them all having fun.

I conjured my phone to me. Elise laughed from the ocean, “EJ, don’t call Wes again.”

I told her, “I’m not calling him. I’ll be right back.”

I walked far enough away I could still see Elise and called my cousin, Levi Cambridge. He was the only other one who’d met Melanie that I knew of.

He answered right away “Hi EJ, how’s Fiji?”

I answered, “Beautiful. That’s not why I called though. I have a question.”

Levi replied, “Alright, hit me with said question.” I asked, “Do you get a headache if I say the name Melanie McAlister?”

Levi snorted, “Not exactly, but I do get annoyed. Because T has bit my fucking head off about her living her dream and shit. I just don’t get it and think it’s all fucking weird. That teenager I met wanted nothing more than to meet Alexander. Now she could care less? It’s bizarre.”

I was about to say something when he continued.

“It’s also weird she’s never come home. It’s freaking strange there’s a fucking disaster every time she deigns to an attempt a visit. Or they try to go and see her. I’ve offered to portal her in. I thought T was going to punch me, so I stopped asking. All I know is if any of my siblings did this shit it would end. Quickly.”

I explained, “I usually get a slight headache, but being away from home I feel fine. Things aren’t adding up. What can you tell me about Melanie? No, what can you tell me about Ashley?”

Levi snorted, “You’re jumping subjects their cousin.”

I snorted, “If not for their family backgrounds I’d swear they were the same damn person. Micah is weird when talking about talking about Ashley.”

Levi sighed, “I know. Sadly, I don’t know much about her. She’s a source. Of what? I don’t know. I know she’s not a great liar, but she’s taken a page from the Fairy handbook. She’s evasive.”

I questioned, “Is she a partial Fairy? Is that why she’s wolf less? She could just need her mate. I don’t have that info.”

Levi quickly said, “Micah and Cayden say she doesn’t have Fairy blood. She knows a few Fairies though.”

I thought of Peter’s story about Emmaline. I offered, “They might not have met a partial with Fairy blood like she has.”

Levi argued, “Micah has been around tons of partial Fairies with differing levels of Fairy blood. He still says she’s not a Fairy. I think he’s right.”

I frowned, “A full blooded Werewolf not having a wolf is not possible.”

Levi said, “You don’t have to tell me, and I know it broke her heart. Micah said she was devastated on a level he didn’t understand. He said it seemed to put her on a destructive identity crisis path.”

I rubbed my temples, “Have you ever dug for information on her? What does she look like?”

Levi answered, “No, but that’s because she’s not my source. I have no clue what she looks like.”

I cursed, “Fuck. You have to know the type of source…”

Levi interrupted, “I know that timing for certain things coincides with Micah or Cayden going to see her.”

I asked, “What things?” Levi answered, “Drugs. Those drug runners whose shipments we’ve stopped.” I snorted, “Black Path being involved in drugs would not surprise me at all.” Brutus asked, “Why wouldn’t she tell Elise about it?” That I did not know.

Levi added, “I also know they got to a target at one of The Rebels concerts. She got them in, and they came back with one of the Utah drug ring leaders. She helps with things like that.”

I frowned, “Alright. That’s something at least. Have you ever looked into Melanie?”

Levi snorted, “Ask your dad. He’s got a guy on her. My guy spotted his the one time I tried to have someone check up on her.”

I groaned, “Great. I’ll try and catch him before mom goes into her concupiscence.”

He chuckled, “Best of luck.”

I hung up and dialed my dad. He answered, “Hello EJ, please tell me you know what that was with your brother. I barely kept your mom here. She’s been fretting ever since wondering if she should go to him.”

I admitted, “I haven’t talked to him, but he’s happy. I called to ask if you have someone on Melanie McAlister.”

My dad answered, “I do. Why?”

I asked, “Does he send you pictures of her?”

My dad sighed, “I had him stop trying. He’s not a photographer.”

I pushed, “So for all you know, he’s not following her.” My dad said, “She introduced herself to him.”

I argued, “Anyone could say they were Melanie McAlister. It doesn't make that true.”

My dad sighed, “I have a headache. FUCK! I have to go.”

I felt why so I didn’t ask. I pushed my bond with my mom down knowing she’d gone into her concupiscence.

I called Alexander, but he didn’t answer again. I left a message, “Call me back unless you want me to pop to you. I swear if you went dark on a mission without telling me, I’ll kick your ass. You seem FAR too happy for that though. I have questions and I need some damn answers.”

I hung up. I checked the bond and dove into his feelings. He was insanely happy while also confused. Happy was his driving emotion though so I guess that was something.

I walked back and got into the ocean with Elise. She commented, “You seem to be a million miles away.”

I kissed her, “I’m right here.”

Brutus linked, “We should tell her.” I disagreed, “Bringing it up with her would only give her a headache.” He agreed, “You’re right.”

As the days went on, I was barely sleeping. I was really worried about Ladybug. Was she in New York? Of course she was. She had to be. Didn’t she? Why would people get headaches when they thought too hard about her? Why hadn’t we physically seen her?

I called Toby. He answered asking, “Do you sleep?”

I snorted, “Rarely. What do we have on Alpha Ezra’s activities?”

Toby replied, “Nothing abnormal. He goes to visit Nashville as much as he always does.” I instantly questioned, “Who is he visiting?”

Toby groaned, “You know we don't really have sources in Nashville, EJ.”

I ran a hand through my hair, “Then ask Phil since he does”

Toby snorted, “If I find him, I’ll do that.” I stilled before asking, “Phil is gone too?” Toby answered, “Yup. I’ve got to run an errand out of the territory today with Genevieve, so I’ll text Phil. Everyone’s going to be gone today except Wes.”

I groaned, “Thanks. That gives me the warm fuzzies to know he’s alone.”

Toby laughed, “Chill, man. You’re on vacation and Austin is going to be with your Uncle Jackson. Guess who is going to be with Austin?”

I answered, “Arlina.” He clicked his tongue, “Yes, and she can pop. Wesley will be fine.” I hung up the phone in annoyance.

I was grateful we stayed around the house today. Elise and I were getting hot and heavy in the pool until Dalton yelled, “EJ, Jayden is on the phone.”

I groaned, “Is it important?”

Brutus grumbled, “He can link us.” He could. I asked, “Do you have everyone blocked out?” He muttered, “Maybe.” I laughed at him in my head.

Dalton answered me, “He seems to think so.”

I growled, “Fine!”

I got out of the pool and took the phone. I snarled, “Jayden, this had better be good. My link was blocked out for a reason.” Jayden laughed, “I couldn’t stop myself. I’m too curious about what was happening in your territory.”

I growled, “I’m not there and you know it. Why call me?”

Jayden snorted, “I know you aren’t, but I thought the pack link might give you a clue. The rumor running around my pack is that Alexander brought a girl home.”

My mind literally blanked. Brutus grumbled, “The pack link is oddly quiet.” Ok, then.

Jayden continued, “Said girl kicked another girl's ass over him. By the time I got there he and the girl were gone. No one, including Dylan Frost, has anything to say about it. Which means Alexander told them not to.”

I clarified, “Alexander brought a girl home then left? What was her name?”

Jayden asked, “You do realize I referred to her as ‘a girl,’ yes?”

I muttered, “I did hear that.” He nearly shouted, “I don’t know her name. I just know there was a cat fight over my cousin that doesn’t date. Now, no one wants to talk about it and my curiosity is peaked.”

I assured him, “I’ll call him.”

Jayden snorted, “Hopefully he answers you. He didn’t answer me, and his link is also blocked out. Quite harshly according to Basque.”

That was his wolf. Which meant Oden and Alexander were doing it.

He added, “I even had Julianna try and she got nothing.”

I said, “I’ve left messages but haven’t heard from him. I’ll kick his ass since he’s running around our pack.”

I hung up. I called him again, but he still didn’t answer.

I left him a message just growling. Brutus linked, “Oden is just purring away.”

I asked, “But you got through to him.”

He said, “Oden never blocks us out like that.” It was true, we’d never done that to each other. Even with blocks up people can reach us.

I debated how to continue then decided to call Wesley. Wesley answered, “Hey, EJ.”

I asked, “What the hell happened with Alexander today?”

Wesley sounded nervous, “That’s certainly a question, big brother.” I glared at my phone, “And the answer is?”

Wesley sighed, “I honestly don’t know where I would start that explanation. I needed his help, so he popped in. Things got weird after that.”

I sighed, “The beginning of a story is usually a good place to start so you were on the right track with you asked for his help and he popped in.”

Wesley growled, “I know that.”

I somewhat demanded, “Then start talking.”

Wesley took a big breath before saying, “Alexander wants to talk to you about it himself.” I grumbled, “Then he should answer his damn phone.” Wesley sounded like he was wincing, “He doesn't have his phone, it's here. That's why he didn’t answer any of our texts.”

I threw my head back shouting, “You’ve GOT to be KIDDING ME!”

Brutus growled, “Is he for real right now?”

I replied, “I know you mean Alexander since Wes is just delivering his words, but he appears to be.”

Wesley rushed out, “He said as soon as he gets back from his Hackura mission he’s going to talk to you. He even left a note for Toby to clear your schedule and that no one else can be in the meeting.”

I was immediately concerned, “Is he ok?”

Wesley snorted, “He’s more than fine and you know that because you feel him. That asshole, I was worried.”

I asked, “Tell me more about the girl he brought home. Can you at least tell me her name?”

Wesley snorted, “That’s up for debate apparently. I’m not part of the debate so I just know it’s debatable.”

I groaned, “How on god’s green earth is that possible? Did you meet her?”

Wesley sighed, “No, I did not meet her, but I saw her. What I can tell you is she’s fierce.”

I sighed, “This is easily the least helpful conversation I’ve had in a long time.”

Wesley ground out, “I promised him.” I sifted through out bond finding that he truly felt like he was between a rock and a hard place. He wanted to tell me, but he couldn’t.

I groaned, “Fine. If you think of anything else, can you tell me who else can I pester?”

Wesley sounded frustrated, “No one. Not a lot of people were here, and Alexander used an Alpha Command on everyone who wasn’t me.”

I smacked my own face

Elise asked from the doorframe, “What did Jayden want?”

I answered, “It’s a long story.”

That I did NOT want to get into. I questioned Wes, “Who was the other girl in the fight?” Wesley sighed, “EJ.” I sighed, “Seriously? You can’t even tell me that? This had better be the BEST sibling heart to heart Alexander and I have had in years.” Wesley snorted, “I think it’s got to be pretty damn good.”

I gently asked, “Did Alexander help with whatever you needed him for?”

Wesley answered, “That I can tell you. Yes, he did.”

I closed my eyes, “When I get home in a few days, someone is going to answer my questions.”

Wesley urged, “Just wait for Alexander. He’s the one with the answers.”

I sighed, “I heard you father in law was there. He has answers, I know he does. This is just incredibly frustrating. UGH!”

I hung up. Wesley felt somewhat frantic over my last comment.

I asked my wolf, “I’m sorry Dylan FROST is going to keep a secret?”

Brutus reasoned, “He keeps a lot of them to drop at the right time.”

The right time was the literal second I got home. Elise asked, “What’s going on?” I snorted, “There was apparently a cat fight over Alexander in our territory. With whom, you ask? I don’t know. Why? I don’t know that either. Alexander used an Alpha Command on everyone except Wes.”

She started to say something, but I charged on. “Why not Wes? I’m glad there is a question I can answer being asked. Because Wesley PROMISED not to say anything.”

Elise frowned, “Just ask one of your other siblings.”

I explained, “None of them were there today except Wes. Even Toby and Genevieve are gone. I don’t know where Phil is, but I assume it’s wherever Alexander is.”

Elise reasoned, “So call Alexander.”

I snorted, “He left his phone at home.”

Elise gasped, “He what?” I nodded, “Yup.” Elise sighed, “Well, that’s weird.” I added, “Alexander and I have a meeting when he gets back. Just us.” Elise grimaced, “That sounds serious.”

I snorted, “Did you not hear me say the words cat fight? There was an actual cat fight over him.”

Elise frowned, “Mel will be furious.”

She would be then she’d probably fight both the girls. Brutus muttered, “Unless one was her.” That thought pulled me up short because it was correct.

I warned my wolf, “If he met her and said nothing, we may have to pummel him.”

Brutus snorted, “He can beat us in a fight.”

It was true, but only if he wanted to. Elise asked, “What do Alexander’s feelings tell you?” I answered, “That’s he’s really freaking happy, but he’s also just got this underlying confusion. Charity!” Elise frowned, “I assume you mean your cousin and not that he’s doing charity work.” I nodded.

I called Phil’s older sister Charity. Jeffery would be out for Uncle Bjourn so he’d be busy. She answered, “EJ.”

I asked, “What does Phil feel like to you?”

Charity said, “One second.” She paused then said, “He’s really happy yet confused.” I said, “Interesting.”

Charity asked, “Why?”

I snorted, “I think he’s with Alexander who feels the same way. Do you know where they are?”

Charity chuckled, “I don’t. Sorry cuz.” I told her, “That’s fine.” I hung up. I tried going through my bonds to hers. I noted that while she didn’t sound it, she was worried about Phil but trying not to be. I searched out Phil’s deciding his feelings mirrored Alexander’s exactly. They were definitely together.

Elise smiled saying, “Don’t worry about it. I’m sure Alexander’s fine.”

I thought he was fine too. My question was what girls? What fight? Why did they fight? And what the HELL is going on? Brutus muttered, “I still think Melanie has to be one of the girls.”

Yeah, I’d like that very much. I trusted Brutus I just wasn’t holing out too much hope. I’d been burned by the Alexander and Melanie meeting bridge too many times.

The longer we were here, the more I questioned. While everyone was sleeping, I called Toby again. He answered angrily, “I don’t know anything about the damn fight. No one is talking and it’s DRIVING ME INSANE. Dylan Frost is HIDING from me. Genevieve can find him either.”

He shouted, “I tend to think that means the apocalypse is upon us. I even texted HIS Beta group chat. ALL of us want answers and he’s weirdly absent and silent. It’s unusual and we all agree. Travis Frost is looking for him, but if he found him he didn’t say.”

I said, “I feel the same way you do about all those words. I wasn’t going to ask though. My question is if we’d gotten anything on Ashley yet.”

Toby sighed, “Not really. We, and I’m using the Royal we since it’s me, are being quiet. If I could be louder about it…”

I interrupted, “No, we can’t be. My theory would upset Elise. I need to be certain before I say anything.”

Toby reasoned, “EJ, I think we have enough to say, at minimum, that Ashley is part of the Resistance. We should at least TALK to her. It’s circumstantial but it’s there EJ.”

I sighed, “Tell Drake McAlister to come to our house earlier than my mom told him to.”

Toby snorted, “Your mom already told him that before her concupiscence started. She wants him and the rest of the McAlister’s here before dark. Why? I don’t know. I just don’t get to know things anymore. I feel very out of sorts. I’m supposed to know things.”

I snorted, “You and me both, man. I pride myself on knowing things, but this entire vacation I have seen things I should’ve years before now. Is Micah around?”

Toby answered, “He’ll be available a few hours before you get back.”

I groaned, “That will have to do I suppose.” Toby asked, “Why?”

I explained, “I need him to look into a few things for me.”

Toby questioned, “What things?”

I paused. Brutus said, “He’s our Beta. He will help us.” I huffed answering him, “Ashley and Melanie.” Toby asked, “Melanie McAlister? What about her?”

I rubbed my temples, “I want him to look at the videos on Alexander’s computer of her dancing. Yes, he has them. Don’t ask. I want to know if they had been tampered with.”

It sounded crazy and I wasn’t even done. I really didn’t want to say it.

I sighed, “I’m probably being a heavy conspiracy theorist. I just think that things don’t make sense Toby. I need to know if I’m right.”

Toby whistled, “Ok. I’m getting the sense you suspect Melanie isn’t where we think she is.”

I winced, “I don’t know. I’m not certain, and I know it sounds crazy.” Toby whistled again then was silent.

Eventually he said, “It doesn’t sound crazy at all at this point. Maybe she’s doing some secret wolf thing she can’t talk about. She’s a bad liar, by all accounts, so that could be why she doesn't come home.”

I snorted, “That’s better than my theory. It’s probably that.”

Brutus argued, “You don’t believe that. You just think it makes more sense.” Did he have to hold up a mirror in my face right now?

Toby asked me, “What do you think?”

I ran a hand through my hair, “I want to be wrong.”

Toby clicked his tongue, “You asked about Alpha Ezra. You think he’s running some long con on us and the McAlister’s? That somehow involves Melanie and New York.”

I snorted, “It sounds crazy unless he joined the Ring to get back at Drake. Or he was in with them the whole time. I just don’t know.”

Toby reasoned, “He would’ve had to be really fucking careful about that for our dad’s not to sniff him out. They watched him closely. It’s possible though. I don’t think it’s crazy either. I think you’re right to be worried.”

I was surprised.

He acknowledged, “Hell, I’ve been worried for a while. It’s just when you say anything about Melanie and people bite your head off about how she’s living her dream. I’ve even thought it myself more than once.”

I closed my eyes, “That’s the concerning part. Why does everyone say that? Why did it take me leaving and getting some distance from our territory to question all this? What is going on? And most importantly, is Ladybug ok?”

He didn’t answer but I didn’t think he would have one.

I whispered, “If I have failed her all this time, I will never forgive myself. She was just a pup when she left.”

Toby sighed, “Yes, but a pup not in our pack.”

I snorted, “She’s likely my brother’s mate. I should’ve known better. Dad has someone following someone that I’m not convinced is her at this point. If someone is impersonating her this is a long con.” Toby shouted, “HOLD THE PHONE!”

I snorted, “I can’t believe I had to tell you.”

Toby ranted, “I mean I just thought he liked her and wanted to meet her. You’re saying he thinks she’s his. Damn. So many things make sense. I’m going to give this one to you. I can’t believe you had to tell me either. Damn. Just damn. Also bless you. I have questions that are answered in these dark times of no answers. I needed this.”

Elise came outside and I noticed it was morning. I told Toby, “I’ve got to go.” I hung up.

Elise sat down in my lap. She cupped my face asking, “Will you tell me what’s going on?”

I evaded, “I’m worried about some things. Some things I should’ve seen. I don’t want you to worry unless it’s necessary. I hope to all the gods and goddesses that I’m wrong. I would never forgive myself if I worried you about nothing. Nor will I forgive myself if my speculations are right. I will tell you if and when I know I’m correct.”

Elise sincerely told me, “I’m here for you. You’re my mate and I’ll be there now if you need me.”

I shook myself, “Tell me something happy.”

Elise smiled, “Ashley is on a vacation with one of her friends. She’s actually taking a break for herself. Her friends had to brow beat her into it, but after the last Rebels concert she went on a vacation.”

Brutus stilled in my head. I casually asked, “That was around when we got here, right?”

Elise nodded, “Yup.”

I sighed, “Good for her. I’m sure she’ll tell you all about it.” Brutus linked, “That lines up with when Alexander was worried and happy. He’d be worried if he was introduced to Melanie as Ashley. He knows what she looks like.” He shouldn’t have been that worried unless she was hurt. Brutus said, “We think Ashley is Swiffer. She could’ve been hurt.” FUCK MY LIFE.

Elise clapped, “I can’t wait to swap vacation stories with her.”

I smiled and kissed her. I told her, “I love you, Elise.”

If Melanie wasn’t in New York, was Ashley really Melanie? That would explain why she didn’t come here, but her family was very much alive.

Brutus linked, “But we think Ashley fights in the undergrounds. What if Alexander saw her after a fight? He’d be worried then.”

I argued, “Melanie has a wolf, she has to. Drake has pictures of her wolf.”

Brutus shot back, “That we haven’t seen.” That was sadly accurate.

I reasoned, “Yes, but T has said she was a pretty wolf.”

Brutus sighed, “Our theory makes sense.”

It did and it didn’t. If that crazy theory was right, Ladybug and I had some chatting to do. The email exchange I’d had with Ashley floated into my mind. She’d said Elise brought a sense of home and normality to her days.

I circled back to thinking it made sense, but it didn’t. Why would Melanie think she wasn’t welcome? It would make sense about Alexander though. Melanie McAlister had always been about my brother. What if Melanie and Ashley were friends? What if Melanie was really in the Resistance? Why wouldn’t she come home though? Why wouldn’t she talk to me? None of this made any damn sense.

The vacation flew by. The Kyle’s and even MaryBeth had a great time. I was a mess of emotions, and I knew Elise was worried about me. I could tell in the bond. On our second to last day, we almost cut the trip short.

Drake had called. Kai had been kidnapped, but by the time they told us, Blue Moon had news. He’d been dropped off in their territory with a card from the Resistance. Kai didn’t remember much, or so he claimed, and he wouldn’t talk about who saved him.

Then we found out that earlier that day Jason, Jayden, Finn, and my little brother, Theo, went to a supernatural mall in Missouri to bait a group of the drug ring members. My dad was going to be pissed right alongside me at them for that.

They got shot at. Someone saved them yelling for Jason to duck before rapid fire shots were fired. They did not catch the shooter of course. Finn was also there and said the shooter was fast. Peter told Drake the next time he’d better call THE SECOND something happened to someone.

Elise called Everly and talked to Kai herself. She was worried but he said it wasn’t a big deal. He was saved. Another rebuke for the Kyle’s was delivered in his rescue message. Our sniper really was pissed at them. It wasn’t their fault the play date had gone awry.

I called Jayden. He answered, “Yeah, I know.”

I growled, “Do you? You don’t go off to Missouri without me.”

He admitted, “Honestly, Jase needed the distraction, man. He’s a mess. A literal mess. His sorrow nearly drowned me and we had some intel. I was prepared, just not as prepared as the trigger happy sniper. To be fair, she seemed to be flying by the seed of her pants. She was terrified when she screamed at Jase too.” We discussed it a little more before we got off the phone. What if she was so scared because her brother was being shot at? It made sense and it didn’t.

Our last day here, I snapped us all packed. I texted Micah.

Me: Get on Alexander’s computer and check the videos of the girl dancing. I want to know if they were tampered with.

Before he could answer Elise’s confusion and then fear slammed into me. I popped to her. She was standing outside staring at her phone in horror. I touched her on the shoulders, but she didn’t respond. I asked, “Elise?”

She turned around with tears in her eyes.

I looked over at her family who was coming outside. Elise rubbed her head and went to her knees. I grabbed her shouting, “Elise, what’s wrong?”

Chelsea yelled, “ELISE!”

Elise looked at me pleading, “We have to go home and you have to talk to Drake. I think something’s wrong with Melanie. We have to go see her. No, we NEED to! I need to see her! I’m so worried. Melanie remembers everything. She doesn't know what Plan Z is! She doesn’t know our code word.”

I frowned completely lost. Brutus told me, “Rhea is howling in agony. Do something. NOW!”

I asked Elise, “What is Plan Z? What code word?”

Elise cried, “Can we please just go home?” I carried her back inside. Drake McAlister and I were going to have one HELL of a conversation.

Everyone in our group was looking worriedly at Elise. They put a hand on me, and I popped into our home. My dad called, “EJ? Elise? You’re early.”

He stalled then asked, “Elise, are you alright? What’s happened?”

I felt him frantically searching his bond with me to find out if something happened to me.

I looked at Drake McAlister, “I need to take her to see Melanie. This shit ends. NOW.”

Drake frowned, “I haven't ever stopped Elise from going to see Melanie.”

I snorted, “No, just me and my family. I don’t have time to get her a flight. I want to pop to Melanie. Is this all really about Alexander? Is he right? Because he better not be. I stood up for all of you, so help me god you’d better say I’m right and he’s not.”

Tristan asked, “Wait, what? Why would this have anything to do with Alexander?”

I glared at Drake saying, “My brother thinks you are keeping Melanie from him because you think he’s just another in the long line of possessive men that likes Melanie. Is. He. Right?”

Elise tightened her arms around my neck, and I felt her distress in the bond. I just needed this answer.

Brutus linked, “Pepper is in shock.”

I relaxed slightly. Drake was taken aback, “Alexander likes Melanie?”

I raised an eyebrow, “He more than likes her. He thinks she’s his mate. The ONLY reason we don’t know for sure is because you all have some excuse for Melanie not showing up at ANYTHING!”

Drake gasped, “Really? Ladybug and Alexander?”

His eyes filled with tears. Sam shrieked excitedly and hugged Drake. She cried saying, “Our pup will come home. She’ll come home. Oh god. She’s coming home.”

Jason asked, “What the hell?! Why would Alexander think we would keep them apart? He’s not some weirdly obsessed wolf about her. He would never be mean to her. Those guys were mean to her. Holy shit! He ripped Two Peaks apart because of Ladybug?”

I snorted, “Yes. Keep up. So, this isn’t about you keeping them apart?”

Drake wiped his eyes, “Why the HELL would I do that?”

I yelled, “I DON’T KNOW! Why don’t you have a SINGLE picture of her? Why don’t you want us to pop to her? These are answers I don’t have! You have them.”

My dad linked, “Son, let’s take a breath.”

I replied, “I’ve taken too many. I want answers.”

Drake frowned, “We have a million pictures of Melanie.” My dad snorted, “No, you really don’t. I’ve never seen her.” I looked around asking, “Where’s mom?” My dad answered, “Waiting for Sir Arthur, Robert and Breanna to get to their house. Once they get there, she’s bringing them here, for some reason.”

Drake cleared his throat, “Eric, you were at our anniversary party our pups threw. HOLY SHIT HER STUFFED WOLF! Oh my god! Has Ladybug always liked Alexander?”

Tristan snorted, “Good catch, dad. Very slow on the uptake.”

My dad nodded, “Agreed. Let’s focus on the party. Melanie wasn’t in the pictures there and everyone thinks it's weird.”

Elise frowned, “Yes, she was.”

Emmaline cleared her throat. I hadn’t even seen that Blue Moon was here. I linked Jayden, “Hello to you too.”

He replied, “This is crazy, and I have no words yet.” Fair enough. Emmaline declared, “Eric is right. Melanie wasn’t in the pictures. I thought it was weird, but everyone from your pack acted like it was a joke. I thought it was a prank to keep Haley believing Melanie wasn’t real.”

She added, “Even when I popped into the Kyle’s house after Elise declared it an emergency and walked to your house. There were no pictures of her there either.”

Dylan was biting his lip. I did not care for that but at least he’d emerged.

The Daniels were quiet, but that wasn’t odd. Sam said, “But you’re all wrong. Melanie was in all those pictures.”

Elise confirmed, “She was.”

I sighed, “Ok, someone pulled a prank or used magic then. Drake, give me permission to pop to Melanie.” Drake frowned, “Shouldn’t you ask your dad?”

I snarled, “OH MY GOD, I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS! GIVE ME FUCKING PERMISSION! Declare it a damn emergency! SOMETHING is going on! Release me from the promise and let me go to New York! I know where her apartment is.”

Drake was confused, “What promise? You were the ones who said we couldn’t have you pop to US unless it was an emergency.”

I countered, “No, you made us promise not to pop to any McAlister unless YOU said it was an emergency.”

Elise gasped.

Drake disagreed, “I never said that.”

My dad said, “Yes, you did. I even called you and we discussed it. You said you didn’t want your pups to not do things for themselves. You didn’t want them to rely on people for things, especially given EJ would be around a lot because of Elise.”

Drake gaped, “Eric, we never talked about this. You texted me saying you didn’t want to discuss it. I NEVER talked to you on the phone. I didn’t say any of that.”

My dad frowned “We talked about it again when Melanie and Sam got into that car accident. Haley was upset you wouldn’t let her heal them.”

Drake shouted, “EXCUSE ME?! It wasn’t offered! I did NOT want to watch my mate and my young pup in pain.”

Eric frowned, “Then who the FUCK did I talk to?!”

Drake snorted, “I don’t know. Who the hell texted me about this? Where is my daughter?!” He held his head and shouted in pain.

Brutus said, “We don’t have time to figure that out. Let everyone else. Mate NEEDS to see Melanie.”

I looked at him, “Drake, just give me permission to go to her apartment in New York.”

Drake sighed, “I release you all from a damn promise I didn’t make you make. Go. Please! Get Melanie and bring her home.”

I popped with Elise still in my arms hearing him scream, “SHE IS LIVING HER DREAM.”

Brutus linked, “That was weird.”

That was a word for it. I set Elise down and looked around the apartment that was supposedly Melanie’s. Elise started crying because the place was bare. The desk where Melanie sat when she video called was against a wall.

Where the camera would hit on the wall held the only decorations in the whole apartment. The computer wasn’t even on the desk. Elise sobbed, “Where is she?”

I tried to pop specifically to Melanie and was thrown back hard.

I shouted, “You’re fucking kidding me!”

I grabbed Elise and popped to the arts high school Melanie went to before Julliard. I walked in and looked around, until I found an administrator. I smiled, “Hi, I’m looking for some information on one of your former students.”

She smiled apologizing, “Oh well, I’m very sorry, but we can’t do that.”

I linked Theo and Maverick, “One of you pop to me.”

A second later Maverick walked around the corner. I linked him, “I want information about Melanie.”

He smiled at the administrator and used his influencing power. “You want to tell us all about your former student Melanie McAlister.”

The woman smiled, “I sure do.”

She typed then tilted her head, “Huh. That’s odd. We were looking at her as a potential student. She never attended this school though.” I yelled, “WHAT?!”

Maverick frowned, “Are you sure?”

She nodded, “Yes, I am quite certain.”

Elise had gone past sobbing and was crying silently, holding her breath. I picked her up and carried her to an alley, then popped us to the registration building for Julliard. Maverick was right behind me having guessed where I’d go next.

He asked, “EJ, what the fuck is going on?”

I growled, “I don’t know, but I’m not liking the picture that’s forming.”

We walked inside. I inclined my head to the lady at the front desk. Maverick spoke, “Hello beautiful lady, you want to give us all the information about a current student of yours.” She smiled, “Yes, I do. Who?” Maverick replied, “Melanie Jane McAlister.” She typed into her computer.

She sighed, “Such a shame really. She got in twice but she’s not a student.”

Elise shrieked, “NO, SHE HAS TO BE!”

The woman frowned, “She’s not. As I said she got in twice. Her Aunt called the first time and rejected her spot due to funding. We tried to tell her we had financial aid that Melanie qualified for, but she said no.” They had more than enough money, and Allison thought she was here so there was no aunt declining the spot.

The woman continued, “When Melanie applied again the following year, we thought her financial situation had changed. Then her aunt called and said Melanie’s mental stability wasn’t good enough to come and rejected the spot a second time. Melanie hasn’t applied since.”

None of that was true.

Brutus linked, “If she’s Ashley she might not be mentally stable. She’s fighting and nearly letting herself die, over a lie.”

Yes, but there’s no way she didn’t believe it. She’d come see them if she thought that. Which meant if Ashley and Melanie were the same person she believed everything in Ashley’s background.

The woman drew our attention again, “If you’re friends are with her, tell her to apply again. She’s older now than most applicants but her talent captivated the admittance committee. Her file is earmarked in case she ever decided to reapply.”

I could hear my heartbeat in my chest.

Maverick grabbed my arm. He smiled, “Thank you, ma’am. We will just be on our way.”

She giggled, “I love an accent that’s not from around here.”

Good for her.

I called my dad. He answered, “Do you have Melanie?”

I snarled, “Have your man grab the girl he believes is Melanie McAlister. Mav will stay behind and bring her home.”

My dad asked, “Thinks?” I snarled, “She’s never even fucking been here. Where is Alexander?”

My dad answered, “He left on the mission for your uncle yesterday. He’s dark, but I’ll call Bjourn. I know your feelings say we need someone to get him and bring him home.”

I hung up. I told Maverick, “Pop to dad’s guy. Bring the Melanie McAlister imposter to our dungeons. I have questions she’s going to answer.”

Maverick nodded asking, “Is Melanie really Alexander’s mate?”

I answered honestly, “I think she is, but we don’t know.”

Maverick’s eyes went gold, “They will pay for this.” I agreed, “Yes, they will.” Whoever the fuck ‘they’ was.

I popped back home with Elise. Drake frowned asking, “Where’s Melanie?”

I growled, “I don’t know. What I do know is she was NEVER in New York. She never went to high school there, and she NEVER went to Julliard.”

Sam started sobbing, “What are you saying? WHERE IS MY PUP! SHE’S SUPPOSED TO BE LIVING HER DREAM! WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?!”

Elise pushed off me, “I have to get out of here. I need to run.”

I offered, “I’ll come with you.”

Elise ran outside growling, “ALONE!” I winced. Brutus whined, “Rhea agrees. They need space.” Fuck space.

Drake announced, “My dad’s not answering.”

Brutus asked, “What does that have to do with anything?”

I didn’t know. Peter explained, “He’s with my dad. They have a meeting with a drug dealer later, so they won’t have their phones on.” Drake cursed, “FUCK!”

Micah came quickly into the room wide eyed. He said, “Uhh EJ, we need to talk.”

I frowned, “I already know those tapes are messed with.”

Micah nodded, “Yes, but it’s just the backgrounds. The girl dancing in them is there but not where the background was. That’s NOT what we need to talk about.”

Dylan said, “We need the Moody Triplet.”

We all turned to him. Drake growled, “Why?”

Dylan sighed, “We just do.” I pressed, “Dylan?” Micah yelled, “EVERYONE JUST SHUT UP!” I turned to him astonished. He grabbed me and announced, “We will be back.” Then he dragged me out of the main room, down to my office and shut the door.

I asked, “What’s going on?”

Micah questioned, “Why does Alexander have these? And WHY does Jason McAlister have them for him to have?”

I explained, “They’re videos of Melanie McAlister dancing. Alexander has them because Melanie is his. Or so I’m convinced. Jason has them because she’s his sister.”

Micah gaped, “THIS?”

He flipped the computer around, “This girl is Melanie McAlister? That’s what you’re saying?”

I nodded. He was about to say more when I fell to the ground in pain, and it felt like my heart stopped. My mate was hurt. I screamed, “ELISE!” I had to move so I gathered my strength and ran out the door.