What’s Going On?

Elise is Twenty Five Years Old

Elise watched EJ call Wesley again. I knew this trip would be hard for him. I think he wanted to be there at our pack to help Wesley. He also knew that his brothers needed to figure out their flow just like EJ, Alexander, and Cassie had figured out theirs.

Rhea chimed in, “Plus, Alexander is there if there’s an emergency.”

He was ready to help if needed, because this was EJ’s first true time stepping away for this long. Normally Alexander was in charge if he left. Wesley answered and I wished I could hear them.

Rhea grumbled, “If he’s going to ask questions like if Alexander is letting Wesley take the reins, we should get to hear the answer.”

That’s true because the only person this was hard for was EJ. He was the lead Alpha of the pack. Alexander already stepped back from being the leader of the family because EJ has the reins. So, of course Alexander was fine letting Wes handle this with Max. He did it every day with EJ.

Suddenly they mentioned Angela and I barely managed not to laugh. Rhea chuckled, “I bet she’s pulling a prank on someone.”

I agreed, “She definitely is. She’d leave Max and Wes alone this week so that leaves Alexander. He should honestly be prepared the way Angela and Klaus have been pranking everyone since they’d met.”

I even had a theory that Haley offered advice and tips here and there. I just knew it.

In the back of my mind, I truly hoped she’d found a way to interfere and get Melanie and Alexander together. EJ needed to let that happen. Even if it was just a prank, he needed to let go and relax. Rhea agreed, “We really do need this.”

I told her, “I’m on board. Talk to Brutus.”

I was confident Alexander would be just fine. I knew EJ was worried because we were gone, his parents were gone, and so was his grandpa. Nathan deserved a vacation too though. He needed a break to have some fun. Hell, all of us did. It had been insanely stressful lately.

Rhea chuckled, “I just bet Marcus and maybe even Harper are around too. Which meant Gunner and Cali would be.”

I mused, “They wouldn’t leave Max alone to get into trouble. They’d be around just in case.”

That tracked. I’d throw theory out to EJ if he couldn’t give this up.

Plus, Micah had a mission coming up so I’m sure Gunner would want to be with Max. EJ hung up the phone. He came over and we teased each other. I loved our banter. Rhea agreed, “It is adorable. I’ve never had this type of back and forth with an Alpha mate. Fated or chosen.” Lucky me.

Rhea purred, “Choose starting sexy time. Come on beg him for a quickie on the private beach. Throw caution to the wind!”

I snorted, “He has no intention of being quick. So, there would be absolutely nothing quick about it.”

Rhea purred again, “I’m so in. Sexy beach time. COME ON ELISE! Do it for me!”

The hunger pains in my stomach were the only thing that stopped me from agreeing. Rhea sighed, “Stupid hunger. Couldn’t it just wait one hour? Damn human stomach.”

I snorted in reply.

EJ got us back to the house. Damn his back muscles had muscles. God he was so strong. Rhea snorted, “You’re regretting not putting hunger to the back of your mind now, aren’t you? We could have gotten us some of that! We missed out on WOWZERS. I know you love it just as much as I do.”

My stomach growled answering her. Rhea grumbled about my human needs again. I shot back, “As if wolves don’t need to eat.”

My brothers, Uncle Dane, and MaryBeth were all inside with my parents. I practically inhaled my food. Rhea cheered, “That’s the spirit get back out to the beach for sexy time!”

I could be persuaded that was the way to go.

My brothers started discussing mates. I had actually talked to Cassie about this other day. She had a feeling Dalton’s mate wasn’t a wolf. Rhea mused, “I wonder what his mate would end up being.”

We both know if Cassie had a feeling it was true. I’d learned that over the years.

Out of all my brothers I could see Dalton with a Luna that wasn’t a wolf. She’d be something else and probably powerful in her own right. Cassie had a theory, but she wasn’t certain yet. Which meant she wasn’t sharing her thoughts with my brother.

I personally had a feeling Dalton and Dakota’s mates were friends already. They were so close it made sense to me that their mates had to be too. Or at least I hoped they were. My brothers were talking about taking turns traveling.

I told Rhea, “Something about that feels wrong. It’s like they should go together. What if they separated two friends? What if they didn’t go to the same places and the friend was just waiting?”

She said, “Dad, Uncle Dane, Uncle Chrisopher, and Uncle Sebastian could run things in Red Run while they were gone. T and Jase would help, and we can’t forget Grandpa.”

I replied, “You make excellent points, and I adore you.”

She chuckled. I mentally filed that tidbit away. If they got serious about traveling, I would have to tell them how I felt. Dane and I shared a look. We both knew how lucky we were to have always known our mates.

I loved how EJ and I had always been, and I knew that Dane loved his relationship with MaryBeth. It also explained how drawn we felt to them. People might have suspected we were mates before the Fairies came into our lives. Knowing about our mates wasn’t something we took for granted. I counted my blessings about it.

It was hard being apart as pups, but knowing EJ was my path wasn’t something I would change for the world. I linked my mom, “Is it true Haley and Eric’s story inspired many Alpha’s and ranked wolves to wait instead of taking a chosen mates?”

She answered, “Yes, it is. Eric still holds the record for the longest anyone waited for their fated.”

Yeah, well unless Angela interfered, I was beginning to think Alexander may just take the damn crown from him. EJ’s victory and mischievousness bloomed in the bond. Dalton linked, “You’re making a face.”

I snorted, “I asked him out loud for you. Alexander is likely getting pranked.”

Dalton replied, “Your disappointment is showing. What’s up?” I grumbled, “I thought it was something else. Please drop it.” He blinked but did as I asked.

I’d hoped it was about Melanie, not a prank. He wouldn’t be annoyed if he met her. I should ask Angela when we get back where she stood on interfering with the blurry spots. She never promised not to pop to Melanie. How the HELL did I not think of that before?!

My head started to pound. It was true though. Angela and TJ had never made the promise. They weren’t born yet, and no one bothered to make them do so after they were born. Well, as far as I knew. I filed that away for later reflection.

If Angela had just played a prank on Alexander, then I could have her pop to New York and bring Melanie home for a visit. Rhea threw out, “I like it. A new plan forms.”

That jolted me with a tinge of nostalgia because Melanie and I had those types of plans. She’d be so proud of this one.

I heard what we were doing today. I linked Cooper, “That was your request, right?”

He answered, “Yeah, they have a wicked sweet set up everyone will love.”

I asked, “Wicked sweet? Is that what the pups say these days?” He rolled his eyes at me.

EJ got so lost in someone’s feelings he was making an amused but confused face. Rhea linked, “He’s on the borderline of feeling trepidation according to Brutus.”

Why? I felt concern so hard it hit me in the bond, and I knocked into my dad who righted me.

EJ was on a knee, and I was right there. I knew who it was because I saw who he was calling. Why was Alexander so concerned I briefly felt it? Dakota linked, “What the hell?”

I replied, “I know what you do.”

My mom rubbed my shoulder while EJ talked to his siblings.

Rhea told me, “Oden is locked down to me.”

He didn’t often do that, but he wouldn’t be locked to Brutus. I held onto that hope. I linked my dad, “This whole not being able to hear the conversation is beginning to give me fits.”

He agreed, “It does suck on this end. It is nice to have privacy we’ve never been able to have though.”

I told Rhea, “Well, he’s being entirely too logical, and I hate it.”

She admitted, “Normally, I’d say you were being odd, but here I agree.”

We waited to be told what was going on while piecing together fragments of the conversation we got on his end.

I tapped my chin. Angela’s pranks didn’t involve being worried about things. They were fun. Annoyance sure, but never concern. Was I right? Was this about Melanie? Was he worried she wouldn’t be happy to see him? That was ludicrous, she’d probably choreograph a whole damn dance in his honor.

EJ was now talking to Cassie. They had their theories, but I was holding out hope on mine. Dalton linked, “You guys should come, not stay back. Why did you say that?”

I answered, “If it’s what he needs to do, I’ll do it.”

He was my mate and one day he’d know that it wasn’t a question. It was a moot point because EJ wanted to go.

EJ popped out of the car to talk to a Hackura guard. Dakota asked, “Which one is that?”

I answered, “Ithois. He’s H’s guard.”

Dalton laughed, “Yeah, we have to call him Crown Prince Hastein.” I retorted, “Well, I’m his cousin.” Cooper chimed in, “In law.” I laughed, “That’s not how they see it.” To Hastein I was just straight up a cousin to him now.

We enjoyed the water park so much. I felt free and carefree. Possibly like a human my age. Rhea said, “Look at mate’s smile. We need to keep him doing fun things like this.”

I agreed, “Yeah, we do.”

When we got to animal interactions I had hard limits. I told Rhea, “I don’t care if his Fairy side calmed the snakes or not. I am NOT holding a snake. That’s a solid pass.” Rhea snorted, “Agreed. Snakes are a no go. Although, mate looks damn FINE holding one.” I smirked because she was right.

The iguana and I seemed to have a mutual understanding and respect for each other. So her, I held. Iguanas were fine in my book. Rhea snorted, “Speak for yourself. Though that one was cute. We can handle that one, and that one only. I will growl at any other one. Don’t test me, Elise.”

I snorted, “I know better, Rhea.”

Afterwards, my dad had paid for a behind the scenes tour. I could’ve done just fine without seeing snake eggs. The open habitats were beautiful though. I was taking pictures everywhere. I’d send them to Ashley and Melanie later.

Right before it was time to go, I was shopping for everyone. Wesley told me he wanted a t-shirt and that most of my in laws would. We quickly got everyone something. I spied a little ukulele in the corner. It just looked like something Melanie would adore.

My heart panged with hurt. I missed her so much. I shouldn’t get it. She probably didn’t have time to learn anything new right now. My eyes kept wandering back to it though. My heart longed for the time when she was here. I missed her smile and talking to her.

EJ encouraged me because of course he’d noticed what I was looking at. It was a silly gift, and I knew that. It was just the kind of thing I knew she’d would love. Maybe I’d even be able to give it to her in person. If she’d met Alexander, then she’d come home. If I could get Angela to pop her in, it was a win win for me really. Rhea chimed in, “I agree with mate. Get it.”

I felt giddy when I purchased it.

EJ popped us back to the house. Rhea linked, “Oh darn, the bikini Cassie had conjured for our trip got his engines revving. It’s like one could’ve told Rain to make this happen.”

I snorted, “You set us up via Cassie’s wolf.”

She retorted, “Cassie agreed. Now, let me focus on orgasming.” Horny she wolf. She shot back, “Takes one to know one, my dear Elise. I know you’re excited about it.” I had no rebuttal to that.

I wondered if there was a charm on the swim suit, because there was nothing overly scandalous about it. Rhea snorted, “Just go with it. Who cares what his reason is? Not me, Elise. Not even one little bit.”

EJ and I lost ourselves in each other.

Eventually we fell apart for dinner. He snapped us into clothes and popped us downstairs. Dalton joked with Dane and EJ, but I saw the longing in his eyes. I hadn’t noticed how much my brothers wanted their mates until now.

Rhea whined, “Caulder and Jet do really want their mates. They said they’ve gotten more serious recently, but they always wanted what mom and dad have. Plus, they grew up watching us with mate. Then there’s MaryBeth and Dane. They see T and Everly too.”

I wanted my brothers wolves to be happy. They were seeing a lot of happy couples daily.

I replied, “Well, I can’t wait to meet them because payback is a bitch. I will get BOTH of them for the YEARS of teasing they’ve subjected me to.”

Rhea cheered, “Yes, girlfriend! Go off.”

I nearly laughed out loud and MaryBeth shot me an amused look. I was certain she’d say the same thing.

When EJ brought Alexander into the conversation my dad raised an eyebrow and sat forward in his seat. My dad linked me, “EJ doesn’t usually make comments like that.”

I was surprised, “No, he doesn’t.”

My dad laughed, “There was no way the whole family wouldn’t be caught up soon.” I replied, “Well, the more people who know means the more people who can make it happen.” He shot me a wink, “From your lips to Goddess Selene’s ears.”

Uncle Dane and MaryBeth were confused. I knew Dalton and Dakota had some suspicions, but I was guessing they thought Melanie and Alexander just wanted to meet. My youngest brother had a smirk on his face.

I linked him, “Do you know something?”

He replied, “Did you know in the basement there’s a vent that leads to dad’s former office, and the laundry room is one where you can hear his new one.”

Rhea cackled, “He’s spying on Alpha issues. Goddess, I love that pup.” My eyes nearly bugged out.

I replied, “WHAT?”

He laughed, “Yeah, I know a lot of things. Please don’t tell anyone.”

I agreed, “I won’t.” My mom asked, “What was that?” I asked, “What?” She shot me a look that said I wasn’t slick and she’d figure it out.

MaryBeth put the clues together first. To say she was beyond excited was an understatement. Rhea linked, “How about that? She actually did a backflip.”

I replied, “You saw her do that a lot.”

She replied, “Not in a few years now. It’s always good to review the classics.” I’d considered being a cheerleader like MaryBeth, but I did not enjoy it.

Dalton linked, “Your mate realizes it doesn’t matter if he confirms it with the actual words, right? His face confirms it. Alexander and Ladybug. Damn. I thought it was them wanting to meet. At least I’ll see her. I miss her ramblings and inventions. I barely passed Calculus without her. I only did because Jared gave me the homework she did for him.”

Melanie had done Jared’s homework?

Rhea linked, “Honestly, that’s the least surprising thing we’ve heard in years.”

It was. Melanie hated being bored. I went stock still when EJ mentioned emergencies. I wanted to scream and throw things. Rhea warned, “Something’s off here.”

My head started to hurt.

I told her, “I can’t think about that right now. Maybe Angela fixed it.”

Rhea sighed, “Hopefully. I miss Ladybug.”

I acknowledged, “Me too. A lot more lately. It’s been so long. I never thought it would get this far.” Why had I let it? I should tell EJ to get her and not take no for an answer. We had people who could portal, holoport and shimmer. Why weren’t we using them? Spikes felt like they were being driven into my head.

My dad linked, “Sweetie, are you ok?”

I replied, “Yup. Just having some thoughts.”

He observed me out of the corner of his eye. I noted my mom was doing the same thing. MaryBeth was planning and it hit me. It felt like something snapped loose in my mind.

I linked Rhea, “Wait. What happened to Melanie’s Plan Z? She was going to fake an emergency to meet Alexander. It’s been six years and she hasn’t tried it.”

Rhea agreed, “That doesn’t make sense. Once she thought of a plan she had to try it.”

Exactly. Even if she was having fun, she’d always wanted to meet her Xander. I took out my phone to text her.

Me: Mel, we need to talk asap. Let me know when you have time.

GOD my head freaking hurt really badly. I knew the whisper of her living her dream was coming before I heard it in my head. Yeah, yeah, yeah, give it a rest. Stupid part of my brain that really needs to shut up before I found a way to lobotomize myself.

MaryBeth let it slip that Melanie liked Alexander. Her eyes shot to mine full of horror. My mom linked me, “I shouldn’t laugh but it’s about damn time someone slipped up with that. I’m glad it wasn’t me though.”

I replied, “Melanie wouldn’t care if it got her to meet him.”

My mom chuckled, “How true. I suppose it’s too bad we never slipped up.” Yeah, wasn’t it just.

I was surprised no one who knew hadn’t up until this point. My dad was gloating. I linked, “Don’t tease them so much.”

He laughed, “I knew before so many Alpha’s and my own Beta. I’ve felt like a Beta for over a decade with this knowledge. It’s too fun not to tease them. You brought your mate with Fairy blood around and these are the consequences. I have fun.”

I rolled my eyes at him while smiling.

Rhea linked, “Shouldn’t Ladybug be homesick? She loved it in Red Run.”

I added, “Plus, she always wanted to see Black Mountain.”

Before we could continue Dalton mentioned Jason. Was he getting worse?

Rhea snorted, “What’s strange is she doesn’t notice anything going on around her. Jason literally looks like he black eyes all the time he’s so tired. Ajax said that he can’t contact her wolf because they’ve never met. That doesn’t make sense though. He should be able to talk to her, they are family.”

I sat back knowing it was strange Melanie didn’t notice ANY of the things we’d kept from her. She knew about stuff I didn’t when she was back home. She was keenly observant. Why would she ignore it all? She couldn’t be having that much fun.”

Rhea replied, “Unless she figured out that lobotomy you were trying to give yourself, it’s not possible. She’d come home and solve everything. Especially Laxenread.”

I replied, “Yet she hasn’t.”

When Uncle Dane said she was living her dream I couldn’t stand it. I had to run. I told Rhea, “Tell Brutus we just need some time alone.”

I shifted and ran along the private beach. I stuck to the forested area feeling the ground beneath my feet.

Eventually I shifted back and grabbed a shirt someone had set out. EJ’s guard must have followed me. They were always prepared. I called, “Thank you Youngers or Drax.”

They didn’t answer, but I didn’t think they would.

I watched the waves crash in while it felt like my heart was being crushed in my chest. I needed Melanie back. Why didn’t she need us? Why didn’t she want to be with us? Why did she give up on Alexander? That wasn’t like her.

My mom walked up and sat down beside me. She’d also gotten a shirt. She said nothing for several minutes. She petted my hair as we watched the waves. Eventually she asked, “What’s going on in your head, my beautiful little girl?”

I sighed, “It doesn't make sense. I can’t talk about it because I get a headache.”

My mom frowned stalling her hand. She asked gently “This is about Ladybug?”

I grumbled, “Headaches shouldn’t give away who I was talking about, but it does. That’s weird. You know what else is weird? Why doesn’t she miss us?”

My mom gently said, “I’m sure she does.”

I snorted, “Not enough to see us or to come home. She loves Red Run, and you know that. I understand being excited about a new place, but she’s spent Christmas and Thanksgiving alone for six years. I mean I know that family in New York spent it with her, but they aren’t us. They aren't her family. This whole thing is ridiculous. It doesn’t fit with her personality. Mel would’ve shown up with bells on to surprise everyone at some point. Probably well before it hit a year of her being gone. Why hasn’t she?”

My mom frowned, “I agree that it’s odd. We all think it is but she’s…”

I groaned, “Don’t say it. I can’t hear it anymore. I want to strike those words from the English language. Why does her dream mean we can’t skype with her for more than five minutes? Even on her birthday, mine, Drake’s, or literally anyone’s. Holidays we get nothing from her because she’s always busy and doing something. It doesn’t make sense.”

I screamed when pain exploded in my head.

My mom held me, “Shhh Elise, I know pup. I know. It hurts me too.”

I stopped thinking about it and just sat with my mom. I asked, “Is Jase getting worse?”

My mom winced admitting, “Yes. He can only sleep with medication from the pack doctor. Anytime he shuts his eyes he gets some flash. Old or new, it doesn’t matter. He wakes up more convinced Melanie was there that day.” Rhea whined in my head.

Mom whispered, “Only talking to her on the phone calms him down. He’s always much better after their skype calls, but they just aren’t frequent enough. I just don’t know what to do for him. Sam and Drake are really worried. I’m tempted to charter a private plan and send him to New York. Once he sees her in person, I know he’d let this whole Melanie saved him thing go.”

I nodded even though it felt like a lie.

Would he let it go? Was he right all this time? Did Mel save him? I shook myself because that was crazy. Rhea linked, “Not so crazy if the Resistance approached her.”

I replied, “She’d tell me. That would be an emergency.”

She reasoned, “Six years alone can change a wolf.”

She wasn’t alone though. Right? Rhea piped back in, “You just said that she’s not with family. She’s basically a lone wolf from Red Run.”

Damn it she needed to come home.

We walked back to the house in silence. Everything was all messed up. I grabbed my phone off the deck, where I’d thrown it before I shifted. I had a message from Mel.

Ladybug: I’m available next week. Towards the end of the week. Sorry I’m slammed right now.

Me: I was hoping for earlier. Just call when you can.

Ladybug: Sorry! Super busy. I’ll talk to you next week.

None of the words sounded remotely like her. Hell, none of her actions in the last six years were like her. The part that just didn’t add up was from the time she was three all she wanted was to meet Alexander.

I stilled, “Rhea, where’s her Xander wolf?”

She replied, “With her.”

I asked, “But have you seen it? I don’t remember seeing her with it in pictures or our calls. Not once and she always had it with her.” She agreed, “I don’t recall seeing it since she left.” I volleyed back, “Why isn’t he ever on her bed? Where is her Xander wolf?” She admitted, “I have no idea.”

What did I know? I knew it wasn’t in the McAlister house. No, because if something happened to Melanie and that was left behind, we’d know. God, that was the strangest thought I’d ever had. Nothing happened to her in the heart of our territory.

I shoved that aside wondering where the damn wolf was? She was never without it. What was going on? Why didn’t I think of that before? Rhea snorted, “These damn headaches are why.”

She was right. The headaches were the only reason. I managed to chuckle, thinking of my errant thought of someone taking Melanie and grabbing her stuffed wolf knowing it was important to her. If I were a kidnapper that would be vital, and a massive screw up if forgotten.

EJ said the wolf could be out of the frame. I could be a purple unicorn, but it seemed unlikely. Rhea snorted, “I am not purple. Nor am I a unicorn.”

I snarked, “Exactly.”

Rhea snickered, “Aren’t we testy?” I was but only because everything just didn’t add up to me. Sadly, there were no Karina cookies to calm my and make me think my thoughts were silly.

Now, I was practically a crazy conspiracy theorist. Keeping something from Melanie was hard. Something big was practically impossible. So, the fact that she never picked up on Jason briefly being kidnapped by Hunters was odd. She’s too smart for that. She’d check in on us and she’d be listening to gossip.

People knew Jason was kidnapped. It was not a secret and that pack she was with definitely knew. Yet Melanie had no clue? She’d be on the first plane home if she’d caught a whisper about a fraction of what was happening. My headache came roaring back.

EJ consoled me. I linked Rhea, “Sure we will figure everything out. Right after I nail a spike into my head to stop the other pain I feel. Maybe if I actually use a spike, it will all stop.”

Rhea said, “Let’s call that plan not even an option.”

Someone had jokes today.

Rhea linked, “I mean mate’s plan is better. He revisits the popping rule with Drake. Both packs have new leadership it should be reviewed.”

That was true. It should’ve been reviewed within the first month of Alexander and EJ leading the pack. Why wasn’t it? It was protocol. Why didn’t I talk to EJ about it sooner? An almost blinding pain hit me. UGH. I was SO over this shit.

EJ was still talking but I was focusing on not seeing spots. I caught when he said things could be different now. That would be great. Alexander could come with us to New York then. We could all go see her. I just needed to see her. That’s all this was.

We went and watched a movie with my family that I didn’t watch. I could tell EJ was unsettled. He was distracted and worried. I saw him text Corbin about magic. Dalton linked, “What’s up with you serious Sassafras’s?”

I asked, What?”

He grinned, “Made you smile.” I snorted, “Just Mel stuff. I’m tired of it.” He nodded. I just needed the pain in my head to stop so I could have clear thoughts.

Once we went to bed, I still felt troubled. Unsettled. I slept restlessly, and when I woke up EJ was gone. I sighed and grabbed the laptop we’d brought with us. I powered it on and smiled seeing that I had an email from Ashley. It was from the day before we got here.

Elise,

Well… I don’t know where to start… my brain is in fifty spaces... I guess I could start with my friends have decided I need a vacation. A no phone... that has service (I have one for pictures and music which isn’t really a no phones vacation but don’t try and tell them that because they will NOT hear it) vacation.

Do they realize I need a phone with GPS to tell me where I’m going? Obviously not… I asked for a compass because it’s always up to me to think of such things. I need something for directions… a compass would do…

Sometimes it’s hard being in my head. I think of things people don’t. Some I would consider obvious, but that’s not the point. I’m getting so off track. That also sounded braggy... I didn’t mean it that way... my brain just works in different ways than most people… everyone has said that… my whole life. Some people say it with derision… it used to be said with pride… not anymore… ever… STOP TALKING ABOUT YOUR brAIN OMGSH!

Back on track, my friends want me to cheer up. Odette is gone… like literally. Her vicious mother found the phone I’d given her. Her mother left it with a note for me in their abandoned apartment telling me to leave her daughter alone. It was RICH coming from a woman who barely knows her daughter. Or who is never around.

I wish she’d have said that to my face… I would’ve knocked her out… so hard. Maybe into next year… that would make me happy. That vapid, shallow woman and her revolving door of men nearly MISSED her daughter going missing. Does this phase her? NO! She just told Odette to be more careful. More careful!!

She should find a birth control company because she’d be the poster child for not everyone was meant to be a mother. She’s atrocious, and I LOATHE her. I hope a pack of wild wildebeests TRAMPLE HER WRETCHED CARCASS! After they DRAG her to HER DEATH!

I don’t know how I’ll find Odette again. Her mom always changes her name when she moves. She’s such a conniving person. I’ve used my hacking skills but I’ve got nothing… it annoys me... I can’t believe she just took her and made her leave the phone behind

GOSH! I’m so freaking worried about her. If you hear people talking about an Odette, can you tell me? Or just keep an ear out please? It won’t be her legal name. She’ll just be telling people to call her Odette… that sounds weird, but we’ve discussed her before… so maybe it’s not.

Her mother needs a serious death. Not like some nice, peaceful death. A TRULY awful, horrific one thought of by someone who knows what they are doing. Ask King Bjourn for me, would you? I need ideas. She must go down. Hard. I suppose I could ask Micah, but he’s just too nice for what I need. Cayden well… he’d want some information I can’t give him. So yeah, King Bjourn is the option.

So that is why my friends think I need a vacation. I’ve only plotted her death a hundred times. They find that weird. I told them I AM WEIRD, but they insist I take a vacation anyway. Because her mother sucks ass and I’m “moody”

about it. I have to go on a vacation. I actually haven’t been on one since... well… you know.

My family used to take vacations together. I really don’t want to take a stupid vacation. Who needs them? Well, I mean they are fine. I know you are on one, but you… you deserve a vacation… I don’t. I didn’t mean to sound insulting. I really wasn’t... UGH.

I hope you enjoy your vacation. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to check my email while I’m gone. Sierra probably plans to hide all electronics from me. She’s coming with me, because that’s part of their plan. Hopefully, nothing falls to pieces while I’m gone. I mean … god... not that things can’t run without me. I just... OH MY GOD ASHLEY STOP TYPING!

Have a good vacation... that you totally deserve. Yeah so... bye

Ashley

I typed out my reply right away.

Ashley,

You definitely deserve a vacation. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. Our vacation here is beautiful. Weird things are going on, but things tend to be weird around us. EJ promises we will get it all sorted out. I know he’s worried about it. I’m actually writing back to you because he’s outside. I think he’s pacing.

I am very sorry about your friend. I don’t know how a mother could do that. I can’t believe she would cut her daughter off from her friends. Odette might just find a way to reach out to you herself. I hope she does. I will keep an ear out for the name though. I’ll talk to Bjourn for you too. I’m sure he has plenty of ideas. I’m quite certain he will find the request intriguing. What information does Cayden want from you that you can’t give him?

I don’t know how to make you see that just because your family died doesn’t mean you don’t deserve nice things. Their deaths were not your fault. I truly hope you are enjoying your vacation wherever you are. If you just so happen to end up in Fiji, I’d love to chat. I could use the distraction. Hell, we all could. We are worried about someone very dear to us. Things just aren’t adding up any more about her.

I won’t bore you with the details. I just hope you are having fun.

Elise

I walked to the window and saw EJ and my dad talking. I linked my dad. “Do you have him? I know he’s worried.”

He replied, “I got it. Try to get some rest.”

I climbed back into bed and fell asleep. The next day I felt much better about everything while EJ was still churning things over.

We were all in the ocean snorkeling and he was on the bank. He took out his phone out and walked away. Far enough away we couldn’t hear him. MaryBeth swam over to me, “What’s up with your man?”

I sighed, “I don’t know exactly. I think yesterday is still bothering him.”

MaryBeth shrugged, “Sleep always makes me feel better about the Melanie situation.”

I smiled agreeing, “Me too.”

Simultaneously we said, “I had the craziest thoughts yesterday.” We both kind of looked at each other in surprise.

MaryBeth whispered, “That’s weird, right? Why would our worries vanish overnight like it’s a reset? Why did we have crazy thoughts?”

She rubbed her head. I urged, “Let’s not get these headaches. We are on vacation. Go have fun with my uncle. God, that’s a weird sentence.”

MaryBeth laughed, “Technically speaking I’m your aunt and Melanie’s.”

I snorted, “That’s enough to give anyone a headache. You are my aunt by marriage, hers by blood. None of that talk. We are trying to get away from headaches.”

MaryBeth splashed me with water.

Dalton went under water and surfaced putting me on his shoulders. Uncle Dane did the same to MaryBeth. She laughed teasing me, “Guess it’s you versus me.”

I snorted, “I guess we got voluntold about this. What gives you guys?”

Uncle Dane answered, “We’ve decided no more worrying. EJ is doing enough of that for all of us.”

I frowned and looked over towards my mate. He wasn't having any fun. I shouldn’t have worried him so much yesterday. I wanted him to relax, but he was in full Alpha with a crisis mode.

Rhea said, “Maybe if he sees us having fun and relaxing he will.”

That did work a lot so there was no harm in trying. MaryBeth and I fought for several rounds. I won all except the one where I looked over at EJ. He looked so confused, sad, and angry. I knew from the bond he was all those things plus worried. Who was he worried about? Was this still about Alexander?

Eventually EJ got into the ocean with us, but he wasn’t really with us. The bond told me something was really bothering him. Rhea linked, “He doesn’t want to worry us.”

I replied, “We both know this is about what we said yesterday.”

That made me feel guilty. I didn’t want to ruin our trip.

The next several days EJ was physically present, but his mind was anywhere but here. He wasn’t sleeping. I was standing just inside the house watching him pace on the beach. He was on the phone again. A throat cleared behind me, the scent told me who it was.

I turned greeting, “Hi, mom.”

She pointed at EJ, “What’s going on in that boy's head?”

I frowned, “I don’t know. It’s like he’s still upset about Ladybug. I ruined our whole trip. I shouldn’t have said anything.” My mom chuckled, “I’m sure it’s not about that at this point. He would’ve settled like we all did. Give him some space then talk about it later.” She went to bed.

I sighed. I told Rhea, “Again with the space. We gave Alexander space for five years and it bit us in the ass.”

I watched my mate helplessly. Rhea sighed, “Brutus said he won’t tell me until it’s solid. They don’t want to upset us for no reason.”

I questioned, “Are we not upset now?” Rhea answered, “Not as upset as we could be evidently.” EJ was still pacing so I went to bed.

To my surprise EJ was there when I woke up. He’d actually gotten some sleep. I texted my family that we were sleeping in. I laid as still as I could until he woke up several hours later. We got up, ate a late lunch, and started swimming in the pool.

I was about to tell him to pop us to our room when Dalton yelled there was a phone call for him. UGH! I would get Dalton back the SECOND his mate showed up. Meddling, cockblocking little brother. Rhea growled, “I will think of something SO good for us. We just keep getting so close to WOWZERS then BAM blocked. I’ll accept your stomach being hungry but not our brother. That’s someone I can get back at.”

I smirked, “I’m in. Plot away. Let’s include Haley.”

She shrieked, “YES! No one plots better than her. She is a MUST in the plan.”

Maybe I’d ask Melanie. Rhea replied, “She’s the worst prank puller of all time.” I laughed, “I know so you know it would be funny.” Rhea conceded, “In some horribly bad way for Dalton. On second thought, yes to Melanie too.

The bond told me EJ was furious. He wanted to relax and nearly felt there. Now, he was agitated again. I waited for him in the pool hoping this would be quick. I could hear him talking. I linked Rhea, “Did he just say Alexander brought a girl home?”

She answered, “Yes.”

I quickly pushed my feelings down in our bond so he wouldn’t feel my elation. I got out of the pool and looked around. No one was watching me, so I did a cartwheel. Hell, I did two. I could feel it in my toes Angela had figured out her blurry spots. Alexander and Melanie were together.

Rhea linked, “FINALLY! I want to throw a party. We could clue Haley in. She’d put together the most EPIC parade.”

I snorted, “After kicking all our asses for not mentioning it before now. We are already in hot water about the headaches.”

Rhea snickered, “It will be worth it. This DEMANDS a parade.”

I linked Zoe, “What’s this about a cat fight?”

She snorted, “All I know is one girl has beautiful thick black hair, the winner actually. That was all I got before everyone clammed up and locked it all down. I wasn’t here or I’d have the tea, I swear.”

I told her, “That’s more than most have. You’ve got the scoop.” She laughed, “I know.” Rhea howled happily in my head. I did another cartwheel for good measure. Angela did it!

I linked her, “I ADORE YOU!”

She giggled in reply. EJ was now talking to Wesley trying to get answers. I could feel it in my very soul even though Wesley didn’t know her name, I did. I was right. I gathered myself and walked inside.

I admirably held in my squeal while EJ relayed the conversation to me. Tears filled my eyes as I realized Melanie truly came home. I quickly wiped them away. Rhea linked, “Alexander clearly wants to talk to mate himself about the situation.”

I groaned, “Why doesn’t my brother in law like me anymore? I’m so nice to him.”

Rhea chuckled.

No, I could contain myself. I could do this. When EJ hung up, I asked what was going on. I even felt I’d pulled off blasé quite well. Rhea linked, “He’s so annoyed he’s not focusing on the bond. That’s why we are getting away with this. Your tone did pull it off though.”

I was taking that as pulling it off.

I linked Zoe, “Alexander used an Alpha Command?”

She replied, “Yeah, so no one would talk about it. We all think it’s weird but fun. This is what Fairies have done to us wolves. Honestly, I’m loving the distraction from Dana being out at a meeting. Now I feel like Nancy Drew trying to solve a mystery.”

I chuckled, “Let me know if you find out more.” She sighed sadly, “I will but I have my doubts.” I did as well. She was working against an Alpha Command.

Why was it a secret though? Rhea theorized, “Probably because Melanie didn’t want anyone to know she came home and didn’t go see her family.”

I gasped, “OH MY GOD! I will kick her butt for that later. The points remains she came home, and she’s met Alexander.”

Rhea agreed, “I do like that. Let’s focus on those points. Finally, something happy involving her.” No joke.

I cursed the lack of details because only Wesley had been home. That fed into the conspiracy side of my brain. Rhea reasoned, “Mate is the ONLY Conners sibling who has met Melanie. So, even if they had been home, none of them would know it was her.”

I warned, “Don’t rain on my conspiracy parade with your valid points. I swear to GOD the actual universe is against me when it involves Melanie.”

I’d just have to make Wesley draw a picture of her. He was skilled at drawing and that would be the final confirmation. Rhea linked, “Based on the hair you know it was her.”

I added, “Plus winning the fight, but having her identified would make it better.”

Rhea chuckled.

Something pricked in my mind about that, but I was not welcoming a headache. Not right now. Not when something had FINALLY gone right with those two. Rhea linked, “Well, I am VERY proud of your evasive skills right now.”

I knew I was only getting away with it because EJ was distracted.

I asked about Alexanders emotions. They made sense to me with my vision of what was going on. I’m sure he was confused about why they weren’t running their happy asses to Red Run or something. Or shouting from the rooftops that they’d met. Of course he was happy he’d finally met her. We discovered Phil was with them.

Rhea linked, “Maybe Melanie’s friend, Tiffany, was Phil’s mate.”

I liked that a lot. Tiffany was part of the reason she stayed gone. Tiffany lost her drive to dance and Melanie said she didn’t want to leave her behind in New York.

Throughout the rest of the vacation, EJ was still staying up all night talking to people on the phone. I was watching from the kitchen. It spoke to how distracted he was that he didn’t notice I wasn’t asleep right now.

MaryBeth gasped behind me, “Goddess, you scared me! I came down for a late night snack but since you’re up….”

She trailed off then frowned, “EJ is on the phone again? He does NOT know how to vacation. You should hide his phone.”

I snorted, “He’d just conjure it away.”

She winced, “I’ll think on that problem. Anyway, you know something Elise Conners. I want to know what that something is. You’re VERY happy about it and I NEED to know.”

I laughed, “I suspect something.”

MaryBeth snorted, “Your suspicions are practically always right.”

I looked outside, “Did you hear about the fight over Alexander?”

MaryBeth nodded, “Yeah, why?”

I smirked, “Alexander brOUGHT one of those girls home. The girl who one was described as having beautiful thick black hair.”

MaryBeth fell out of her chair. She jumped up and whispered, “NOOOO!”

I nodded, “It HAS to be Mel. That whole thing with Angela when we got here wasn’t a prank. She got Alexander to Mel.”

MaryBeth wiped her tears, “I called Julianna and asked what she knew. What she heard was some she wolf broke some other she wolf's spine. She said she heard it wasn’t just one girl fighting the winner, but a group of this girl and her cronies.”

She giggled, “All over Alexander. Julianna said rumor is this she wolf took on ten to fifteen girls all by herself. Of course it was Ladybug! Why didn’t I think of that?! Oh god. She’s really coming home, Elise.”

We stood there hugging as tears streamed down our faces. Eventually we parted ways and went to bed.

I got a couple hours of sleep. When I woke up EJ wasn’t there. I found him outside still on the phone. I tried to get him to open up, but he was clammed up. I distracted him with tales about Ashley and her forced vacation.

He felt calculating in the bond. I didn’t know about what, but he wasn’t as upset as he’d been before. I was going to count that as a win. Hopefully, I could write to Ashley about Melanie and Alexander finding each other. That would be big news. Maybe it would inspire Ashley to go after her guy. I wanted her to be happy too. She just needed to give herself permission to find that.

The rest of our vacation days bled together. It went by both too fast and too slow. EJ was sleeping a little more, but not by much. I distracted him as much as I could. Rhea snorted, “We did a DAMN fine job distracting him. In the shower, the closet, and in the pool.”

I smirked, “We can never tell my brothers or in laws about the pool one.”

Rhea chuckled, “Uh, uh that’s a no. You are missing a golden opportunity with the pool encounter. You hold onto that then tell them we got freaky in a pool they were swimming laps in. They will shower for hours and that would be hysterical.”

I acknowledged, “We’ll just have to keep that in mind then. We do owe them some payback.”

Rhea laughed, “That’s the spirit!”

My heart almost stopped when we got the call Kai had been kidnapped. He was quickly returned before I could scream out instructions. The sniper was also back, she’d saved him. I sighed in relief. Rhea commented, “That’s odd timing. The sniper is back just when Alexander goes on his Hackura mission.”

I questioned, “Why is that odd? Alexander isn’t the sniper.”

Rhea snorted, “No, he isn’t but he wasn’t alone wherever he was now, was he?”

I argued, “Melanie isn’t the sniper.” Rhea answered, “I’m not so sure.” I didn’t want to think about that. She was coming home and that was a happy thought.

Then we were told Jason, Jayden, Finn, and Theo had been saved by the sniper earlier that day. Rhea chuckled, “The sniper needs another vacation. We know two people recently on vacation, Elise. People with Witch and Demon friends. I’m just saying.”

I grumbled, “That doesn’t mean anything.”

Rhea sighed, “It doesn’t not mean anything either. Just because you don’t want it to be true doesn't mean it isn’t.” I rubbed my head. EJ called Theo and reamed him after he talked to Jayden.

I was lost in thought concocting crazy theories. What if Melanie IS the sniper? Not just the sniper but Ashley herself. The name itself after all was her favorite book character. Maybe she got recruited by some secret supernatural group that’s why she never comes home. Great. Now I was crazy because of my headaches.

Rhea offered, “I don’t think you’re crazy. A lot of what you just thought makes sense. Even if it hurts my head like crazy.”

I asked, “Do you know about some supernatural group that would recruit her?”

Rhea sighed, “Yes, and so do you. If you were the Ring Resistance, Melanie is the perfect candidate. She’s insanely smart and wants to protect the love of her life. They gave her an option to do that.”

I reasoned, “But Ashley’s parents are dead. We think the sniper fights in the undergrounds. Mel would never do that.”

Rhea sighed, “Melanie is smart enough to know how to earn the most money possible. She is absolutely capable of winning a fight even if she’s hurt. We know that better than anyone.”

I cringed, “I can’t think about Melanie fighting like that. Plus, Ashley’s parents.”

Rhea whined, “As both our heads are pounding now, I will say one more thing and shut up. Ashley’s backstory could be a cover. She’s the same age as Mel and just as skilled a fighter. Without the backstory, we’d have suspected something sooner. A lot of people would’ve. Ashley won’t come meet you and if she’s Mel it lines up.”

She closed our link because the pounding was unbearable.

I had to stop thinking about it, but Rhea wasn’t wrong. I just hoped she was. Ashley did ramble just like Melanie. Melanie had stopped doing that though. Was I not talking to Melanie in those calls? Was Melanie really not Melanie? GOD this sounded insane.

I was withdrawn the rest of the day. MaryBeth wanted to talk to me, but I just went upstairs and went to bed. I hoped to god Rhea and I were spit balling crazy theories. I bolted up in bed with one last thought on the subject.

My insane theory would explain Alexander’s confusion. EJ had told me that Alexander had videos of Melanie dancing. He knew what she looked like. He also knew what Melanie smelled like since he had her scent. What if he was confused because Melanie introduced herself as Ashley?

I wiped away the tears that fell onto my cheeks. That couldn’t be it. No. Melanie was in New York living her dream and that was that. I pulled the sheets over my body and forced myself to go to sleep clinging to the hope that thought was right. I just had a very bad feeling she wasn’t in New York living her dream. I whimpered in pain and let it all go.

On our last day, Melanie finally called. I walked outside smiling knowing this was what I needed. Everything would settle once I talked to her. This would straighten everything out. I accepted the call, “Hi, Ladybug.”

Melanie giggled, “Hi Elise, what’s going on? I thought you were on vacation.”

I stared at the phone in surprise.

I hadn’t told her that. Had I? Rhead said, “I don’t think so.”

Neither did I. We hadn’t connected in a few weeks. I shrugged it off. Someone must have told her. I offered, “Yes, but we are coming home today. I was just curious about something and had to ask you.”

She chuckled, “Ask away.”

It was all off. I charged on, “What happened to your Plan Z?”

Melanie laughed, “I decided to go back to plan A.” Rhea linked me, “What? That makes no sense.” Rhea was right. I played it off, “Sure. How is Plan A going then?”

Melanie answered “Great! Just like all my plans go. You know me.”

I did and that’s why I knew she wasn’t Melanie. My headache was killing me, but she didn’t know Plan Z was about meeting Alexander. Melanie didn’t forget things like that.

I forced myself to laugh, “Good for you! Anyway, I needed your help with something.”

Melanie sighed, “Sure, I guess. I’ve got to run here in a few minutes though.”

She always did. I rushed, “Right. Well, Dalton and I were trying to remember that code word we had back when we were pups. For the life of us we couldn't remember. Dakota forgot too. I just knew if anyone remembered it would be you. T and Jase said we were just dumb pups sitting in the forest making shit up. We have been trying to think of it all week.”

Melanie laughed, “Right, that day in the forest. I remember what you are talking about, but I just can’t remember for the life of me what the word was. I’ll think about it.”

My mouth dried and horror slammed into me.

The word was Mshango and we weren’t sitting in a forest when we came up with it. We were in my old childhood bedroom. We all remembered the word. This girl didn’t know what Plan Z was and she didn’t know about Mshango. Oh god. Rhea howled in agony in my mind.

Melanie said, “Anyway, I’ve got to run. Talk soon.”

Rhea took over, “Yeah sure thing, Mel!”

The fake Melanie hung up. I stared at the phone. Tears filled my eyes. Where was Ladybug? EJ was suddenly outside with me. My head was pounding with pain but now I knew the truth.

Melanie wasn’t living her dream. Part of my head was screaming at me that she was. I was having to physically fight myself. I must have fell because the next thing I knew I was in EJ’s arms, begging him to help me.

I cried to Rhea, “We need to find her. Something was wrong. That girl on the phone wasn’t her. Where is she? Where is my little sister?”

I knew was beyond hysterical. My dad linked, “Sweetie, please breathe.”

I linked my family, “It’s not her. It was never her! WHERE IS SHE?!” That confused them, but I blocked them out.

EJ popped us home. I knew the emotions around me were heightened. I could barely think over the pounding in my head. I linked Rhea, “Could Ashley really be Melanie? Why is there a fake Melanie? Why does our head hurt so bad?”

Rhea weakly replied, “I don’t know about any of it. I have a bad feeling about all this.”

She wasn’t alone in that.

Dalton pried our link open, “You need to talk to your mate. He thinks he’s never seen a picture of Melanie.”

What? There were a million pictures of Melanie everywhere in Red Run. Even in my house. The McAlister’s couldn’t be prouder of her. GOD THIS HEADACHE!

Eric claimed Melanie wasn’t in the pictures at the anniversary party. Everyone disagreed with us when we argued she was. I was going to be sick. The room started to get unbearably hot. Oh god. Did Alpha Ezra take Melanie? Everything snapped back into focus when EJ screamed at Drake to give him permission to go to New York.

I looked at him in shock. Rhea asked, “Huh? How bad does my head hurt?”

Not that much apparently. Everything was a lie. This had been planned for such a long time. They hurt her and I let them. I felt the bile in my throat. I wasn’t the only one crying when we found out this rule wasn’t put in place by Eric or Drake. Oh god. How were we so blind?

Was I wrong? What if Ashley wasn't Melanie at all? What if someone took her? This was such a long con. Could some supernatural group have wanted to recruit her and set this up? Why would they do this to us? WHERE WAS SHE?!

EJ got everything done and popped us away. We were in the apartment that was supposed to be Melanie’s. I started sobbing because it was very clearly staged. Melanie’s scent wasn’t even here. She’d never been here. I was near hysterics.

I linked my mom, “It’s not real. NOTHING IS REAL!”

She asked, “Elise, what’s going on? Sweetie, talk to me.”

I couldn’t though. I was not rational right now. I linked Zoe, “EJ was thrown back trying to pop to her. She’s never been in this place. Oh god, Zoe.” She said, “You’ve got this. It’s going to be ok. We will find her now.” What if she was dead? Goddess, no! Please not Ladybug.

EJ popped us to the high school Melanie had gone to. My head was pounding so hard it physically hurt to move. I buried my head in EJ’s chest and cried as the clues unraveled around us. Melanie was nowhere to be found in this city. Not at the high school, or Julliard. The facts were clear. She’d been missing for six years and not a damn one of us looked for her. She must hate us all.

I refused to think that for the last six years Melanie had been tortured and suffering. I was wholly rejecting her being dead. I would’ve felt a shift in the world. So would the McAlister’s. Rhea offered, “Or Melanie really is Ashley. She thinks everyone in her family is dead except one of her brothers and isn’t welcome in Red Run. She started over and used a new identity.”

That made me cry harder because it made sense.

Why would anyone do this to her? If it was Alpha Ezra, he had NO idea what was coming for him. I linked Dalton, “Ask Esther if Allison, Melinda, or MaryBeth declined a spot for Melanie at Julliard.”

He scoffed, “I know the answer, it’s no.”

I yelled, “JUST ASK!”

He linked me moments later, “She asked them all. They said no. What’s going on?”

I yelled, “Who the FUCK was this aunt that did?! I will get my hands on her and RIP HER TO PIECES!”

Dalton linked, “Melanie’s spot was declined? Why didn’t she come home?” I sobbed, “Because she’s never been here. We left her all this time.” He gasped in shock.

Maverick linked, “I’ll get the fake Melanie. It’s going to be ok.”

I snarled, “You warn her that she is six different ways of screwed. She WILL talk to me, and I WILL find Melanie. Everyone who had anything to do with this will PAY!”

He agreed, “I’ll do that. They will pay, I promise.” He squeezed my hand.

EJ popped us back home. Everyone was distraught and I couldn’t think. The walls were closing in all around me, and I needed to run. I took off crying. I let Rhea drive. I shifted back and grabbed EJ’s shirt. I screamed, “AHHHHHHHH!”

I was so pissed.

I began to hit the tree repeatedly just like I’d seen Alexander do several years back. Rhea linked, “ELISE, DUCK!”

I ducked just in time, but I was surrounded by Hunters. I fought like hell. I’d taken down six of them when I heard several shots ring out. I dodged all but one.

I looked at my arm in shock. A tranquilizer dart was sticking out of it. I screamed in pain as I felt the wolfsbane and silver hit my system. A man snorted, “Later than we planned, but we have the little Luna. Let’s go.”

He caught me as I fell.

I linked, “RHEA!”

Nothing. Oh god. I couldn’t move. I tried to link, “EJ!”

Nothing. We crossed our border and stepped into a holoport. Seriously? Hunters and Witches working together. That was bullshit. I didn’t recognize where we were. I did see a stage. They were going to cuff me to a wooden beam and call EJ on that laptop sitting on the desk in front of it.

A man smiled, “I think we should chat before we call that husband of yours. It’s good to let them stew.”

Before he could say anything else my eyes drifted shut. I just needed to sleep, then I would fight my way back to EJ. That’s what I would do.