2

I blushed, “On the cheek.”

Cassie smiled, “You guys are so cute. Onto a subject change, who calls my brother Xander?” I laughed, “A few girls.”

Cassie frowned, “Why?”

I shrugged, “It might be hard for them to say Alexander. I only knew about one of them.”

Cassie smirked, “Hard to say? Hmmm, would this be the imaginary Melanie McAlister then?” I sighed, “She’s not imaginary.” Cassie teased, “Whatever you say.”

I shot back, “What does Jase call you?”

Cassie’s cheeks flamed, “He calls me Cass.”

I snorted, “Did you kiss him?” She threw a pillow at me, “No!” I teased, “Do you want to?” She shrugged, “Maybe one day.” I laughed, “You're going to have to beat guys off with a stick. You’re so pretty.” She blushed, “Thanks, Elise. You’re really pretty too. I bet my brother kicks some ass along the way as we’re growing up.” We talked for a little bit longer then went to bed.

The next day EJ popped our group home. The McAlister boys went home. I wanted to see Brutus. He was the most beautiful wolf I’d ever seen. He was big too. Even bigger than some future Alpha’s wolves are at sixteen.

We played together not nearly long enough when my mom came out saying it was time for EJ to go home. I hated this part and couldn’t stop my tears. I couldn’t help but wish he lived here, or we lived in his pack. He left and I went inside.

School was back in session, so I had distractions during the day. I had lots of Melanie stories saved up for EJ. She was just so funny. She’d been begging her mom to put her in dance lessons. She’d seen a flyer for it when they’d gone to the toy store. My dad told Drake they could have Warriors outside her dance class, so he finally agreed. She was SO excited.

The day of her first lesson I went over to wish her good luck. I found her crying in her room. I gently asked, “Mel?”

She didn’t look up. I noticed her tights were ruined and there was dried blood on her knees. They had holes in them, and they were muddy.

I ran to her, “Ladybug?”

She turned over, “He’s so mean!”

I frowned, “Who?” She answered, “Robert! He and his friends pushed me down and my tights wipped. Mommy will be so mad and now I won’t get to dance! She’ll gwound me.”

I questioned, “Why did they push you?”

I waved that off, “You know what, it’s fine. Well, it’s not fine. No one should push you like that no matter what happened. I’ll be right back.”

I ran outside and found Ray. I told him, “I need your cell.” He nodded and handed it to me without asking why. I called the Conners house.

Mrs. Blanch answered, “Hello, this is the Conners residence. Mrs. Blanch Speaking.”

I greeted, “Hi Mrs. Blanch, it’s Elise. I need to talk to Cassie.”

She laughed, “I told you to call me Nana Blanch like the Conners do. I see them as my own and since you’ll be in the family one day that applies to you as well. One moment.” I heard a pop seconds later.

Cassie said, “Hi Elise, I’m surprised you don’t want to talk to EJ.”

I explained, “This is a girl thing. I need you to snap me dancing tights. They are black and go under a tutu.”

Cassie laughed, “I know what they are, I used to dance. I’ll conjure them to you since snapping would only get them to me. I didn’t know you were going to start dancing.” I winced, “It’s for Melanie.”

Cassie laughed again, “Sure, right. They are for imaginary Melanie. Hold out your hands.”

She'd conjured tights to me. Fairies were amazing. I gratefully said, “You’re a lifesaver.”

She chuckled, “That’s me.” I told her, “I owe ya one. Talk later.” I handed Ray his phone back.

He frowned asking me, “What happened to Melanie’s tights?”

I determinedly told him, “We are going to find out.”

Ray nodded. I ran back inside and handed the tights to Melanie. She hugged me, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

I laughed, “You should thank your Xander’s sister. Cassie conjured them to me.”

She blushed and picked up her stuffed wolf that she now took everywhere. I was shocked people hadn't heard what she’d named him yet.

I asked, “What happened with Robert?”

She frowned, “He twied to take my Xander wolf. His fwiends jumped out when I knocked him to the ground, but I didn’t let them take my Xander.”

I was going to kick his butt. I asked, “How many friends?” She held up five fingers. FIVE ON ONE?! Six if you included Robert, which I wasn’t sure I should. He was a coward and a bully. Maybe he counted as half a pup. Five and a half on one. FOR A THREE YEAR OLD?!

Melanie changed into her new tights. Sam came in a moment later. She waved at me, “Hi, Elise.”

I smiled, “Hi, Sam.”

Sam called, “Come on Ladybug, the Warriors are waiting.” Melanie hugged me and ran outside squealing. Drake was waiting outside for her while giving the Warriors instructions. He hugged Melanie and told her to have fun. Sam got in the car, and they left.

I waited until Drake went back into my house. Tristan appeared, frowning at me. “What’s wrong Elise?”

I ground out, “We are going to find Robert.”

Tristan groaned, “Why?” I growled, “Because he needs his ass kicked.”

Ray raised an eyebrow, “Robert is who ruined Melanie’s tights?”

I didn’t answer him. I knew where Robert would be because he was always around the same place. Tristan was right behind me as I stalked off on my mission.

I found Robert and his friends by the creek. He smiled, “Hey, Elise.”

I punched him right in the face. I yelled, “SIX ON ONE?! Six older kids fighting A THREE YEAR OLD?! I’m tempted to say five and a half since you shouldn’t count as a whole person! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!”

Tristan growled, “WHAT?! You attacked my little sister?!” Robert frowned, “No, she was walking around...”

I cut him off, “Well how DARE the little girl walk around her pack’s territory. The NERVE of her. I’m sorry, you’re right obviously. You should’ve fought A THREE YEAR OLD AND PUSHED HER DOWN!”

Robert argued, “It’s that stupid wolf!” What?

I looked at his friends, “You ruined her clothes because you wanted to take her stuffed animal from her?”

One friend said, “You have to admit it’s weird. She’s so obsessed with it!”

Tristan grabbed him by the throat, “So the fuck what? She’s three and you hurt her if I’m piecing this together right! Which is likely given my DNA.”

My dad’s voice came from behind us, “I’m sorry. What?”

We all turned around where he stood with Drake and Garrett. I looked at Ray knowing he’d told them. My dad said, “Sweetie, don’t look at Ray like he did something wrong. This is clearly a problem. What did they do to Melanie?”

I answered, “All I know is they tried to take her stuffed wolf from her and ruined her tights. She was covered in mud and there were holes ripped in them. If she didn’t have fast healing because of our werewolf blood I’m sure she’d have had scraped knees. Since there was dried blood on her legs.”

Drake growled, “WHAT?!”

He charged forward, but my dad stopped him. My dad ordered, “All you boys get to my office. This is NOT how I will have our pups behaving. You all are eight, nine, and ten years old for god’s sake. You’re picking on a three year old pup for having a stuffed animal. Jesus Christ. Garrett, get their parents to my office.”

Drake growled at them. The boys cowered in fear. Drake ordered, “Drop him, Tristan.”

Tristan did immediately. I looked at Robert, “You disgust me. All of you do. She’s just a little pup! Why won’t you leave her alone?”

Robert frowned, “I don’t know. It’s just something about her.”

Tristan growled, “What does that mean?!”

Robert shrugged. Tristan yelled, “If you have a crush on my three year old sister, the adults being here won’t save you from me.”

Robert backed up, “What? No! NO! Man, that’s gross! She's a cute pup but she’s three. I just...” He trailed off.

Ray pressed, “You just what?”

Robert exploded, “It’s something about that stuffed animal. I don't like seeing her with it.”

Drake growled, “PETER!” My dad ordered, “OFFICE, NOW! All of you!” I quickly asked, “Out of curiosity with six of you, how could you not get her wolf from her? She still has it.” Robert looked away.

My dad warned, “Answer her.”

One of the other boys said, “She’s fast.”

Another snorted, “And she fights pretty well.” My dad laughed, “Melanie McAlister bested all six of you?” Garrett snorted, “Seriously? Little Ladybug? You guys know she’s like three feet tall, right? You’re all over six feet.” They blushed.

My dad said, “You boys will be in training when you’re not at school along with whatever punishment we decide. There will be no bullying in this pack. Six boys not only went after a three year old, but they lost. I have no words for any of that other than I’m utterly disappointed you treated a fellow pack member in such a way.”

One of the boys grumbled, “She’s REALLY fast.”

Because that was the takeaway.

The parents of all the pups showed up and all were clearly mad. All six boys deflated and followed their dads back to my house. Ray told me, “I had to tell your dad. That’s a big deal.”

I shook my head, “It’s fine. I was going to tell my dad, I just wanted to punch him first.”

Ray laughed, “Of course you did. You’re going to be a Luna one day, and you have Alpha blood. Protecting your pack members is in your DNA.”

Tristan punched a tree, “What the HELL?! They should leave her alone because she’s my little sister! She’s the current Beta’s daughter. What is their damn problem with her stuffed wolf?”

I shrugged, “I really don’t know.”

Ray sighed, “You won’t like the answer.”

We turned simultaneously asking, “What are you talking about?”

Ray answered, “They are showing a bit of possessiveness towards her.” I yelled, “Robert is NOT Melanie’s mate.”

Ray shrugged, “We don’t know that. I’d doubt it though because they would not match well. That’s what’s happening though. Black wolves are Alpha’s. They are being aggressive because they don’t like seeing Mel with a wolf that wouldn’t look like their own. It’s probably not even something they are aware of.”

Tristan growled, “He said he didn’t like her!”

Ray shot him a measured look, “I think we both know who Robert likes, T.”

Tristan looked at me, “Yeah, we do.” I rolled my eyes, “I’m going to throw up if people keep saying that.”

Tristan asked Ray, “Why would multiple guys be upset about her wolf?”

Ray frowned, “I’ve seen it a few times in my life. She’s a cute pup so they are being overly aggressive because of the black wolf. They should know better though. I’d known my late wife our whole lives. She had a stuffed wolf that wasn’t the color of mine. I hated the damn toy, but I’d never take it from her. Or hurt her. I kept my dislike to myself. They need to get themselves in check.”

I frowned, “Maybe you should follow Melanie around.”

Ray replied, “I’ll do what I can, but I’m with you.”

I sighed and we walked back to the house. My mom was waiting with arms crossed. She asked, “You decked Robert in the face?” I nodded, “Yes.” She smiled, “Good girl. Next time, tell your dad what’s going on.”

I admitted, “I was going to. After I punched him in the face for what he did. She’s three.”

My mom frowned, “I know, the poor thing. Right before her dance lesson too. As for your plan, find him faster next time. The order is tell your dad, and if you manage to punch him well you have Alpha and Gamma blood. Who could blame you? Not me.”

All of us laughed and I ran to give her a big hug.

We waited for Melanie and Sam to come back on our porch. I growled at Robert and the rest of his group as they walked by. They all looked ashamed as they scurried away quickly. Sam and Melanie pulled up right as my dad and Drake walked onto the porch.

Melanie jumped out of the car as soon as it stopped. She ran to Drake. He picked her up, “How was dancing class, Ladybug?”

She smiled declaring, “I’m a pwodgy.”

A prodigy? It wouldn’t surprise me, honestly.

Drake tapped her nose, “Of course you are.”

Sam cleared her throat, “No Drake, she really is.”

He glanced up sharply looking at his mate. Sam explained, “I watched her and she’s amazing. The teacher wants her in a higher level class. They also want to put her in private lessons. She’s really good, Drake. Like insanely good. I had to keep reminding myself she’s only three.”

Drake smiled, “Of course she is. My Ladybug can do anything she sets her mind to.”

Melanie’s cheeks reddened. Drake said, “Now, we are going to go inside and have a family meeting about what we do when people are mean to us.”

Sam frowned, “What?” Melanie deflated.

Drake cupped her cheek, “Ladybug, you need to tell mommy and daddy when people hurt you, ok? You know you can come to Peter or Chelsea too.”

She whispered, “I just wanted to go to my dance lesson.”

My heart broke for her. Drake hugged her, “Let’s go inside and talk.” Jason and Tristan were already waiting on their front porch.

My mom laughed, “How about that Peter? We have Melinda who’s adept at the piano and now Melanie is our little dancer.”

My dad nodded. He turned to me, “Elise, let’s go inside.”

When he closed the door, he pointed to the couch.

I sat down and he joined me. He told me, “Sweetie, I need you to tell me things like this. I need to know what’s going on in the pack.”

I reiterated, “I was going to tell you. He’s just been so mean to her lately and I wanted to handle that first. THEN I was coming to tell you.”

My dad nodded, “It’s unacceptable no matter what their reason is. We do not allow that behavior here.”

I rolled my eyes, “Ray said it was about the color of the wolf.”

My dad nodded, “It’s likely that, yes.”

I snorted, “Who cares that the wolf is black? It shouldn’t bother them.” My dad agreed, “No, they should not. There is no excuse for any member of this pack putting an unwelcome hand on another member of this pack unless it’s in self-defense or training.”

I nodded, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I was just so mad at them for picking on her and trying to ruin a day she was so excited about.”

My dad nodded, “Just come get me or your mom. Drake and Sam are fine too. Hell, even Garrett or Sharon. Things like this will be your job one day, but for now it’s ours.”

I nodded and went upstairs.

The next day flew by. My mom called up to me in my room, “EJ’s twin brothers were born. Cassie invited you over for the night.”

I squealed and packed my bag. Cassie popped to bring me to their house. I felt at home the second EJ’s arms were around me.

I caught them up on everything. I swear Alexander just appeared out of nowhere when I mentioned Melanie, but then again, they all do that. They started to tease me about the excuses coming about her being at a dance lesson or recital. I mean she probably would have a lot of those. It sounded like they planned to keep her busy.

I decided the Conners pups were impossible. I knew EJ actually believed me, he just liked to tease me. But the others were keeping up their imaginary Melanie teasing instead of outright saying she didn’t exist because I was EJ’s mate. They knew I didn’t need to lie to them. We were laughing and having a good time until a howl of agony ripped through the air.

The three of them bolted to their feet in a second. EJ told me to stay behind as they popped away. I frowned. Ray told me, “It’s not an attack.”

He looked pale. I reached for his arm whispering, “Ray?”

Ray brokenly admitted, “I know that howl.” I frowned, “What is it?” Ray whispered, “Someone’s mate just died.” I gasped, “Oh no.” His family had died, so he knew the howl because he’d made it.

I squeezed his hand, “I’m sorry, Ray.”

Ray looked away, “I should’ve gotten them out. Our Alpha wasn’t worth shit. I was protecting our pack and then somehow they were just gone.”

I whispered, “I’m so sorry.” He closed his eyes. I could practically see the ghosts of his past trying to get to him.

I strained to hear what was being said. My entire body was demanding I run to EJ. He needed me, I just knew he did. I asked, “Are they talking to EJ’s grandpa?”

Please not Nathan. He didn’t deserve this. Ray nodded, “Cassandra’s gone.”

Tears filled my eyes. I knew EJ wasn’t close to her, but she was his grandma.

Ray handed me his phone. I called my dad. He answered immediately, “Ray, what’s wrong?”

I whispered, “Dad, I don’t know what to do. Cassandra Conners is dead.”

My dad sounded panicked, “Are you under attack? We can have Sharon pop us in to fight.”

I answered, “No, she wasn’t here. I don’t know what to do.”

Ray informed him, “It sounds like it was a car accident, Alpha Peter.”

My dad advised, “Go to EJ and be there for him. That’s all you can do sweetie.” I said, “He told me to stay here.”

My mom took the phone, “Go to him Elise. He needs you. The big bad Alpha’s always think they can go down paths alone, but your place is by his side. You're his mate and you’re an Alpha too.”

I gave the phone back to Ray and took off.

I ran outside and put my arms around EJ. He might not have noticed but he visibly relaxed. My mom was right, he needed me. Nathan Conners looked devastated. I stayed tucked into EJ’s side. His mom showed up with cops. I was pretty sure I was the only one who noticed she had cuts and bruises covering her skin. I quickly noticed her guard and brothers arrived. Which meant I wasn’t the only one who noticed. I’d had one brief second of being the one in the know.

I took a deep inhale realizing she was with humans, and that’s why she didn’t heal herself. Haley had made all the necessary arrangements. I didn’t know what else to do besides stick by EJ. When Nathan said Cassandra was going to buy gardening supplies, I had the urge to go track her body down and kick her.

I looked up at EJ. He had the power to do anything in her garden she wanted. Heck, he could conjure anything she needed. She just needed to ask. I heard pops all over as the Conners pups fled the living room. They were hurt beyond measure at the hands of their grandma, again.

EJ popped us to Alexander. He was already beating up a heavy bag. The Warriors were giving him plenty of space because he was so angry. Cassandra was beyond selfish, and a lot of people were in pain because of her tonight. She died over something foolish.

I didn’t want to leave Alexander because he was basically my brother and he was hurting. I nearly told EJ to pop and get Melanie. If Melaine was right about him being hers, she could calm Alexander down. Even if she was wrong, he might laugh about meeting her because he thought she wasn't real.

Before I could act on that thought EJ popped us out. Ray was hovering near Nathan Conners. I winced when I saw the bottle of whiskey in Nathan’s hands. I could feel EJ’s concern. After a while Nathan just disappeared. Ray stayed back even though he looked like he wanted to go with him. I wish he had because I was perfectly safe. Us pups were sent to bed.

I stayed with Cassie and Buttercup really hating to leave EJ. I asked, “Cass, are you ok?”

Buttercup rubbed her back. She shrugged, “I wanted her to love me for such a long time, but she couldn’t. She doesn’t deserve my sorrow.”

I agreed, “She doesn’t.” I still gave her a hug. Us girls slept in the same bed holding each other.

When we woke up Nathan was still not back. I could see all the worry written on everyone’s faces. My parents came to get me. I really didn’t want to go, but my mom said they needed a family moment. I hugged EJ and left.

The funeral was on the following weekend. Nathan Conners had slept on our couch a couple nights. He was just rotating through everyone’s territories getting so drunk someone had to bring him stumbling into their house. Drake went to get him a few times from a few places with my dad.

I heard them leave early in the morning when they’d heard he was in our territory. He’d smell awful by the time they brought him back to our house. He spent the whole night crying. It was all so sad. I tried to talk to him once, but he’d been incoherent. Melanie was kept away from our house if he was there. I thought she’d be the one to reach him honestly. She was too little to see this though.

The day of the funeral Melanie came over to our house and walked into my room. I smiled because she still had her Xander wolf in her arms. I noticed she was upset and in a dancing outfit. I asked her, “You’re not coming?”

She wiped a tear away, “Mommy said I can’t miss my fiwst wecital. Will you be there for my Xander? Would my Xander wolf help him? You could take him with you and give him to Xander.”

I had to smile. She always rambled on and on if she wasn’t stopped.

I smiled, “I think Alexander would want you to keep the wolf with you to protect you. I’ll look out for him while I’m there.”

She nodded, “Ok, I taught Melinda all the dances so she’s coming too. Daddy can’t come though.”

I told her, “I wish I could come.”

She shrugged, “You’ve been thinking a lot. Why? Like you want to do something but awen’t.”

I admitted, “Nathan Conners is really upset. I think we should have you talk to him. You could probably get him to understand better than we can. His family needs him.”

She frowned, “No, you’re better at talking to people than me. Mommy says I have no filter.”

I snorted, “He needs that.”

She took my hand, “He’s an Alpha that’s hurting. He needs an Alpha blood to talk to him right now. That’s you, not me.” I nodded thinking over her words.

Melanie left for her recital and my mom told me to pack a bag. I couldn’t help but feel guilty over the fact that I was excited I’d probably be spending the night at EJ’s. It was just for a really sad reason. We left as soon as I’d packed since my dad wanted to get there early.

I ran to EJ and just held his hand the second I saw him. Eventually the funeral started and I listened as a bunch of people talked about how much they liked Cassandra. It all seemed fake. I hadn’t met anyone who said they liked Cassandra except Nana Blanch. She also used in in the past tense about how Cassandra used to be different. Most people I knew tolerated Cassandra. I didn’t say anything though.

EJ’s cousin, Aiylee, found her mate after the ceremony. I really liked her. She was very interesting. She’d be the Queen of Faerie one day. I was surprised Eric didn’t like her mate. He was protective of all his nieces and nephews though.

Nathan actually laughed about the situation, a real laugh. I hoped that now he would be ok. I noticed Alexander had disappeared. I was really worried about him. I knew Melanie would want to know how he was. Thankfully, EJ popped us to him a minute later.

I gaped at what I was seeing happen before my very eyes. Alexander was beating a Warrior in a fight. A full-fledged Warrior of the Black Mountain pack. My dad was right, Alexander would be an enforcer. I could tell how proud EJ was of Alexander. I was too.

I ended up with the triplets after the fight. They were all really worried about their grandpa. I didn’t tell them everyone was worried about Nathan. I’d heard my dad on a call with the Alpha’s talking about it. Ray was offering advice but it came down to Nathan himself. Maybe Melanie was right, I should talk to him.

We needed a subject change, so I brought up Melanie. It made them all laugh. The conversation took a turn when I realized why they never spent the night outside the pack. People wanted my mate and future family. They were powerful. I looked at EJ not wanting him to get hurt. I was lost in my own thoughts the rest of the time.

When we went back to the house Cassie asked where their grandpa was. They thought he’d left. I knew who would know. I went and found Ray when everyone else went to sleep. He frowned, “Aren’t you supposed to be sleeping?”

I asked, “Where’s Nathan?”

Ray sighed, “He’s in his wing of the house drinking. I’m sure he’ll be heading out soon.”

I asked, “Why did Eric think he was gone?”

Ray said, “Because Nathan wanted his sons to think he was gone. They are sad too. Alpha Eric missed something for once. Or he lied because he didn’t want his pups to see their grandpa shit faced in pain.”

I nodded then went and waited by the front door. Ray raised an eyebrow at me, but I knew needed to talk to Nathan.

I didn’t have to wait long. Nathan came down the stairs a few minutes later, but I blocked the door. He sighed, “Elise, I’m heading out.”

I said, “I know that. I know I’m just a pup, but this is my mate's heart on the line. If I didn’t try to talk to you then I’d never forgive myself.”

Nathan frowned, “What’s wrong with EJ?”

I answered honestly, “He’s worried about you. Cassie wanted to play with you when we got back today, but you weren’t here.”

Nathan grimaced. I said, “I won’t lie to you and say I liked Cassandra, but I do know she loved watching you play with your grandpups. It’s one of the few times I ever saw her smile.” He ducked his head.

I continued, “Your grandpups all love you. I know your sons are worried about you. I just don’t think Cassandra would want this for you. You’re shutting yourself off. You’re not talking to any of your grandpups. They miss you.”

The thing about Cassandra was probably a lie. She wanted people to be miserable. She’d love this, but maybe he wouldn’t think so badly of her like I did.

Nathan started sobbing. I rubbed his back and whispered, “I can’t imagine your pain, but Ray can. I know he’ll talk to you. You guys could even have a drink together. Just…”

Nathan interrupted, “No, you’re right. I’m not honoring her memory. It just hurts.”

I whispered, “I’m so sorry.”

He acknowledged, “I know she was not everyone’s cup of tea, but I miss her. She’s gone and I’m just lost in a dark night where the sun doesn’t rise anymore. She’s been by my side through some rough days. We were forged in fire, but we were thrust back into the flames. Damned if these last twenty plus years she wouldn’t walk by my side. We weren’t us by the end and it kills me.”

Ray spoke softly, “The sun will rise again. You’ll see her in the faces of your pups and grandpups. You’ll always have that, Nathan. You have a family that loves you. No relationship stays the same. It’s not your fault it wasn’t. You tried more than most would.”

Nathan shook himself, “I do miss my grandpups.”

He turned and walked slowly down the hallway.

Ray smiled, “You are going to be one hell of a Luna, Elise Kyle.”

I smiled, “Thanks.”

I turned and walked up the stairs. I gasped when I felt arms around me. I wasn’t scared because I knew it was EJ. He smelled like charcoal. I could see his relief about his grandpa and that made it all worth it.

The next morning the Fairies were working to cheer everyone up. EJ snapped me into a bikini and I blushed as his eyes trailed my body briefly. I smiled when Nathan joined us in the lazy river. After watching EJ’s parents I looked at EJ and his eyes held a promise. A promise that he’d love me like that, always.

He took us to the roof. It was strange that one day this would be our territory. I knew my brothers were meant to run Red Run. This was my home, right here with him. This was our destiny, I felt it. He held me tight until it was time for me to go home, then he begrudgingly popped me home.

Five minutes after he left, Melanie ran into our house. I called, “Hi, Melanie.”

My dad smiled, “Hi, Ladybug.”

She waved at him then grabbed my hand. She dragged me outside clutching her Xander wolf. I laughed when she finally stopped dragging me around.

She looked around then whispered, “How’s my Xander?”

I smiled assuring her, “He’s actually better today. How was your dance recital?”

She smiled, “Good. Mommy said I was the bestest one.” I laughed, “I’m sure you were.” I hugged her.

She whispered, “I wish I was with my Xander.”

I laughed, “I bet you did. I watched over him for you.”

She blushed, “Do you think he’d watch me dance sometime?” I smiled knowing even if he wasn’t hers, he would. He was a really nice guy. I said, “You know, he probably would love to watch you dance.”

She proudly told me, “I made up a dance for him.”

I encouraged, “Show me.”

I didn’t really know what to expect since Melanie had never danced around me. My jaw dropped when she started moving. She was so graceful and poised. The dance was truly incredible. She really was a prodigy. It wasn’t an exaggeration.

When she finished, she looked at me, “Do you think he’d like it?”

I nodded, “I know he would. You really are good. I had to keep reminding myself you are only three.”

Before she could answer I heard a growl.

Melanie spun around and I put her behind me. I saw one of our Warriors' sons. He was five. He yelled, “Put that wolf down!”

Melanie clutched her wolf to her chest. I questioned, “What is with you guys and this wolf? Let it go.”

He growled again.

I raised an eyebrow and growled back. He was just a young pup and I had Alpha blood. My growl was far more impressive than his. Robert came running around the corner. I sighed, “Oh great, you’re here.”

Robert yelled, “Just get rid of the stupid wolf! No one likes it, Melanie!”

Melanie yelled, “I do! You’re mean!”

My dad came outside. He growled, “ENOUGH! This is ridiculous! Melanie, go inside please. You too, Elise.”

Melanie ran to him with tears in her eyes. She begged, “Please, Daddy Peter I wanna keep my wolf.” She always called him that. My dad’s eyes softened, “Of course you can keep it. It’s your toy. You don’t have to get rid of your wolf, Melanie.” She nodded and ran inside my house.

I saw Drake come running up on the side of our house. He looked really mad. I started for my house and heard Drake ask my dad, “Do we have a pack meeting saying people need to leave my damn daughter the FUCK alone about her stuffed animal? This is just ridiculous, Peter.”

My dad sighed, “Maybe we do.”

I walked inside.

My mom dropped to her knees and hugged Melanie. Melanie cried, “It’s my wolf.”

My mom consoled her, “Of course it is. No one will take your wolf. What’s his or her name?”

Melanie didn’t say anything. She just kicked at the ground with her feet. My mom shot me a look and I smiled.

My mom said, “Melanie, I’m the Luna of this pack. If you tell me something you don’t want people to know I’ll keep it a secret for you. Even from your mom as long as you are not in danger.”

Melanie whispered, “Xander.”

My mom clarified, “The wolf’s name is Xander?” Melanie nodded. My mom smiled, “That’s a nice name.” Melanie sat down on the couch and played with her wolf.

After ten minutes Drake came in and got her. Dad said, “I’m going to walk with them to their house.”

My mom nodded. As soon as they left my mom asked me, “Did you tell Melanie what Alexander Conners’ wolf looked like? Is that why she HAD to have a wolf with white paws and chest?”

I nodded, “She calls him her Xander.” My mom touched her chest, “That is the cutest thing!”

I quickly asked, “Could they be mates?”

My mom considered it and said, “Of course they could. It’s likely just a crush. Hopefully.”

I frowned “Why hopefully? I’d love it if they were mates.” My mom snorted, “Your brothers will be short several warriors at this rate if it’s not just a crush.”

She waved, “I meant because Alexander would lose his mind over this if Melanie was his mate. She’s three and boys more than twice her size and age have been trying to take that wolf from her. A wolf that she wanted because it looks like him. They hurt her over it.”

That was true.

My mom rubbed her temples, “Drake is barely managing not to kill people over this. Your dad has been having to calm him down which is quite the role reversal for them. I’ve been having to calm your dad down. He views Melanie and her brothers as family. Your dad and Drake grew up together.”

I knew that.

“The LAST thing we need is another male of rank being upset about this. We’d run out of people to keep them calm about it. Drake has even made training particularly tough lately. Alexander is an Alpha wolf plus he’s only eight. No one would say anything if he beat up another eight year old. That’s something your dad and Drake can’t do.”

I laughed, “Alexander would too. He might even if he just heard about the situation. He’s very protective of people. He doesn’t believe Melanie is real, but Jase is one of his best friends.”

I thought about it for a while then added, “They should be worried. I saw Alexander beat a Warrior in their pack in a fight after his grandma’s funeral.”

My mom gasped, “What? He did?”

My dad came back in. I nodded, “Yeah, Bjourn said that Alexander was one of the most talented fighters he’s ever seen.”

My dad seemed surprised, “Really? Prince Bjourn said that?” I nodded, “Yup.” My dad whistled, “Dang. That’s impressive. When he gets older, he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with.” My mom laughed, “It sounds like he already is.”

My dad asked, “Why are you guys talking about Alexander?”

I smiled. My mom shrugged, “It just came up.”

My dad raised an eyebrow, “Sugar baby momma, what’s going on?” She rolled her eyes, “You would keep that nickname even though I’m your wife. It’s just girl stuff.” My dad laughed, “There it is. That one I’ll buy.” My mom laughed, “You’d just get a headache.”

My dad shook his head, “I don’t need another one of those. This situation over a stuffed animal is getting out of hand. Now, let’s watch a movie with my favorite girls.”

He raised his voice, “And my best guys!”

My mom laughed, “They are playing outside Peter.”

My dad kissed her, “You pick a movie. I’ll go get them.”

I quickly asked, “Why do you sometimes address Bjourn with his title and sometimes not?”

He answered, “In public it’s respect. He’s a friend at this point, but other times it’s to clarify if it’s him or someone else.” I nodded.

My mom let me pick a movie. When my dad got back with my brothers, we put it on and had family time. I looked around knowing this moment was perfect.