The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

First Step to Healing Pt. 2

         I could feel his anger, bitterness, anxiety, and desperation shoot up from my foot when he found the scar from the bullet I’d taken all those years ago. I linked Freya, “See? That’s his reaction to ONE scar. If he sees the ones on my back….and I can’t imagine how he would feel.” Freya sighed, “He’d be upset, but he’d get over it. He could fix it with his mom.” I still didn’t get that. I guess….maybe one day I could talk to Haley about it. Maybe she would figure out how to get rid of them...She’d have to promise it was in confidence though. That was something that had….merit. She’d understand. Xander distracted me from all thoughts as his mouth descended on my n****e for the first time. God it felt better than when I’d imagined it. He seemed to lose all sense when I called him my Alpha. He nearly marked me. I don’t know if he even noticed. I wouldn’t have cared. Freya was confident we would shift. I wanted his mark on me. Freya purred, “We would shift….I’m still positive. No I still don’t have proof or anywhere people could look it up...I just know.” Freya purred, “Oden is in charge.” I linked, “Do you want to come out?” Freya answered, “For a minute.” She took over. Longer than she had before, but as we came she slammed me forward. It was a definite head rush. Xander and I went at it for hours. 

            I could barely keep my eyes open when we stopped. I woke up with a start. I sighed when I looked at the clock. It was four in the morning. I wasn’t tired. I’d trained myself to survive on little to no sleep. My body just had an internal alarm now because I had to serve breakfast or there was literal hell to pay. I quickly grabbed my leggings and went down the kitchen still in Xander’s hoodie. I was talking to Jason today. To say I was nervous was an understatement.  He had to be more upset than mom, dad, or T. I’d believed he didn’t want to see me. That he wanted nothing to do with me. That he’d wanted me as far from him as he could...in a pack he hated. Great. He had every reason to be pissed with me. 

            I decided I needed crepes. I started making everything. Freya linked, “Non sleeping weirdo…..Eric is coming. Now Freya is going back to sleep.” I smiled. I could hear him coming. I was more aware today. I got a plate out and put it on the kitchen counter with a fork. I heard a chuckle, “I thought it was you down here.” I turned, “I know you could smell it was me long before you got in here.” Eric smirked, “That’s very true. Why do you wake up so early?” I shrugged, “It’s an internal alarm at this point. Today I woke up later than normal. I’d be running behind in Black Path.” Eric told me, “You don’t have to cook. You know that right? No one will hurt you if you don’t. You could leave the kitchen in shambles and no one would give a damn. It would just get snapped back at some point.” I nodded, “I’m….I’ve grown to like cooking. It helps calm me down.” Eric raised an eyebrow as I put all the crepes out. Eventually he asked, “What are you nervous about?” I told him, “Jason wants to talk to me today.” Eric nodded, “I see. If you’re not ready to talk to him alone, that’s ok. Haley would join you, so would I, and I could clear Alexander’s schedule so he could as well.” Warmth filled me, “That’s very kind of you to offer. If the letters I have were from him….I’d take you up on it. I told my friends to listen to their side. It’s only fair that I do the same. I just know he has every right to be upset with me. I would be if I was him.” 

            Eric was quiet for a moment. I kept cooking. Eventually he spoke again, “Fair is not really at play here. This is about what you need. Jason may have the right to be upset, but he was not ripped from his family as a teenager in his formative years.” I smiled, “I can’t remember the last time someone said that to me until I came here. It’s about what I need. I haven’t thought about my needs for a long time. Maybe Cayden or Micah said it once….before that I’m pretty sure it was before I left home. I think I do need to hear what Jason has to say. It’s just easier with Tristan because I thought he was dead. There were no harsh words exchanged, be that false words or not. They were still said, and I still know what was said. I don’t really know how to get past that, but I know that if I don’t talk to him we won’t. I was there for him when I could be. Or I tried to be.” Eric raised an eyebrow, “What does that mean?” I sighed, “I’m sure you know what it means. You know I’m Red One. You know Jason was taken by hunters. I helped get him out.” Eric nodded, “Yes, and he came back with a resistance card in his pocket. So it stands to reason….you know them. The resistance.” I nodded, “It does.” That was true. I was sure he suspected far more than that from his gaze, but he was right. It would stand to reason that Red One worked alongside the resistance or that I was a part of the resistance myself. I just wasn’t going to confirm which one that was. 

            Eric smiled, “Whenever you are ready to talk about that….my door is open.” I nodded, “Ok.” To my surprise he didn’t push. That was odd. Why didn’t he ask? Zoe came in and started cooking beside me. She watched and eventually started handing me ingredients as I kept cooking. Eric’s brothers came in. One smiled at me, “Good morning, Melanie. I’m Jackson.” I nodded, “I know.” He snorted, “Of course you do.” Darrin asked, “Who am I?” I spoke over my shoulder flipping more crepes, “Former Alpha Darrin Conners.” Darrin snorted, “Just Darrin will do.” He kissed Zoe on the top of the head, “Good morning beautiful daughter in law of mine.” Zoe smiled, “Morning dad.” Harold said,  “Before you even say former Alpha….Just call me Harold.” I smiled, “Ok Harold and just Darrin.” They all chuckled. Jackson moaned, “Good god. You’re an amazing cook.” I blushed. EJ walked in, “I can smell that all the way upstairs….gimme one.” Xander’s brothers all started to file in. Xander popped in as I was about to set a plate on the counter. I handed it to him. EJ declared their run was rescheduled. I frowned. I’d completely forgotten. I mean I’d made muffins and they’d waited. I wondered if they didn’t today because Eric wasn’t waiting outside for them. Eric teased me about the food, and I pointed out Zoe helped. She pushed that off. I saw my family snag some crepes. Xander told me I didn’t always have to cook. There must be an echo in here. His brother Cole teased him. 

            Jason and Addison were popped in. Sharon again smiled at me warmly. I nodded at her before she popped out. My dad linked me, “It will be ok, Ladybug.” I nodded and kept cooking. Zoe helped me until I relaxed. Addison asked if Sierra cooked. I pointed out her crepes were better. Max was in disbelief. He would just have to wait until Sierra was in the mood to cook them. EJ was really excited about whatever meeting he and Xander had coming up. They all left, leaving me Addison and Jason. Addison kissed Jason on the lips. Her shirt moved and I saw her mark. I couldn’t help but smile. She hugged me when she broke apart from Jason. I whispered, “I’m happy for you Ads.” She squeezed me and linked, “He makes me really happy.” I linked back, “Good, or I’d have to punch him in the face.” Addison squeezed me, “Thank you for this. For talking with him. He’s been nervous since you agreed.” She turned to Jason, “I’m going to find Si.” He kissed her again before she bounded off with a plate of crepes. I handed him one and he in turn pushed a plate with crepes at me. I sighed. Jason said, “You will not get in trouble for eating with me Ladybug.” I smiled, “Sometimes….habits are hard to break.” 

            I sat down next to him. He started eating and eventually, I ate too. I only ate one. My stomach was churning. We sat in silence until Jason said, “”Let’s go into the living room.” I nodded. I followed him in and sat on the chair while he sat on the couch. Eventually Jason said, “Thank you for speaking with me.” I nodded, “You’re my brother.” Jason asked, “Do you know what Xander has to tell the group about that chick fight you had?” I snorted, “I was challenged by sixteen girls. I broke one’s back. She was awful.” Jason laughed, “Whose Alpha is mad then?” I told him, “I seriously doubt anyone’s. Alpha Theo likes me.” Jason snorted, “It was Claire then.” I growled, “Yes. The wanna be chosen Luna of Xander’s.” Jason said, “Hey….he was never going to do that.” I nodded, “That’s what he said.” Jason snorted, “I know he could kick my ass, but I’d fight him if he hurt you.” I smiled, “Thanks.” Jason sighed, “Back to what I wanted to talk about. You’re Red One.” I nodded, “I know.” Jason rolled his eyes, “You saved me from the hunter’s.” I nodded, “Yes, I did. I would’ve been there sooner, but the people I had didn’t call until they moved you.” 

            Jason frowned, “Did you tie me up in a tree?” I nodded, “Yes, they would’ve searched everywhere else. Wolves don’t hide in trees. They stay on the ground. So I tied you up in a tree.” Jason sighed, “They hurt you because of me.” I shrugged, “It wasn’t because of you, and it wasn’t that bad Jason.” He sighed, “I could've taken it.” I shook my head, “No, you couldn’t have. You were in bad shape. I could take it.” Jason’s eyes hardened, “I’m your big brother. I’m supposed to protect you.” I shrugged, “You weren’t in a position to. You were hurt, and you’re my big brother. Roles reversed; you’d have done the same….I think.” Jason growled, “You think? I would, Ladybug. I would’ve changed positions with you in a heartbeat. I want to know who hurt you because I WILL come for them. They should’ve come at me or T. They should’ve left you the f**k alone.” I shrugged, “They didn’t. This is where we are. I’d save you and do it all over again. I’d pick saving your life every time Jason. No matter what I thought was between us. I would not leave you behind. We are family.” Jason reached over and grabbed my hands, “I’m so sorry. I’ve been having nightmares. I haven’t been sleeping because I see you being tortured for me. I was sick….I was moody. Everyone told me I was just protecting, but I should’ve dug. I should’ve pushed past the headaches. I should’ve gotten up off my damn floor and done something.” 

            I frowned, “The floor?” Jason sighed, “Dad was always worse. Sometimes he’d be sick for days. It was like he had the human flu or something. Lately….the headaches about you living your dream were so debilitating that I couldn't get off the floor.” Tears filled my eyes, “They were that bad? It wasn’t just a regular headache?” Jason nodded, “Yes. it felt like someone was hammering a spike into my head.” I closed my eyes, “I don’t know what to do Jason. It hurts. I was alone. You had each other, and I had words that weren’t from you. Calls that weren’t you. Did you change your number? Because I called it….a lot. How was I not talking to you?” Jason frowned, “I don’t know. I called your phone a lot too.” I frowned, “I haven’t had my phone since that night.” Jason growled, “MOTHER f*****g ASSHOLES!” He stood to pace. He grabbed my hands, “This will NOT happen again because if I don’t see you in person for two days I’m coming to find you. Headaches be damned; however, if you ever think I’ve said something awful to you or turned my back on you…..you come talk to me in person.” I frowned, “I’ve never been back in Red Run’s territory Jason.” I’d been on the border….a lot, but I'd never crossed the boundary. I had been all over their borders. It was tough not to cross into the territory to save Peter and Chelsea. We were just barely out of their territory, but we’d managed. I’d been prepared to go in if necessary. Jason frowned as if he was confused. I’m sure he wondered how I got him back to Red Run if I didn’t go inside the border. We had a portal in Alpha Raven’s territory. Valentina put him just barely over the border. We’d climbed up into a tree and made sure they found him before she shimmered us out. 

            Jason told me, “I’d never abandon you, Ladybug.” I sighed, “I didn’t want to believe that you would for a long time Jason. I was punished a lot.” Jason growled, “What kind of punishments?” I shrugged, “Let’s just say….not any Alpha...Peter would use on his people.” Traitors….yes. His people, no. Jason growled, “I can’t believe they hurt you.” I shrugged, “People hurt people all the time.” Jason turned to me, “It should never have been you. I should’ve protected you.” I sighed, “You can’t protect someone from the world Jason. Forces out of our control acted against us. The problem is, I don’t know how to get past it.” Jason sighed, “Time. We will do whatever you need.” I frowned, “What about what you need?” Jason frowned, “I don’t need anything.” I tilted my head, “That’s not logical. It has to hurt your feelings that I believed you turned your back on me. It has to hurt all of your feelings.” Jason opened and shut his mouth several times. Eventually he said, “It’s not about us.” I shrugged, “I disagree. We can’t move forward until all of us are honest. It’s ok to be mad at me. I’m kind of upset with you. I’m just not the only one in this situation, and logically….you’re upset with me. I had my reasons, but so did you. Those reasons and the truth don’t diminish how we feel about it.” Jason frowned, “I don’t want to be upset with you.” I snorted, “It’s not about what we want all the time, Jason. There is hurt between us, and not just on my side. They made us hurt each other.” 

            Jason sighed, “Why are you so damn smart?” I laughed, “I don’t know.” Jason sighed, “Maybe….I am upset. Can I see the letter from me but not me?” I frowned, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Jason shrugged, “I saw the one from Peter.” I frowned, “That’s not the same. Besides, it hurt his feelings.” Jason asked, “You have one's from Everly don’t you?” I nodded, “Yes.” Jason sighed, “Will you think about letting me see them?” I frowned. I didn’t know if that would make things better or worse. I nodded, “I’ll think about it.” I might just toss them all in a fire, but I’d think about it first.” Jason smiled, “You girls are going shopping for Addison’s mating dress tomorrow. She’s really excited.” I smiled, “Good. Her asshole dad burned her mother’s dress when he found her playing with it.” Jason growled, “I f*****g hate that guy.” I smiled, “Join the club.” Jason snorted, “The McAlister’s unite against Edward Davis.” I smirked, “Then he doesn’t stand a chance.” Jason smiled, “No he doesn’t. You’ll be there right? At my mating ceremony?” Pain registered in my heart to realize I should’ve been at T’s mating ceremony. I nodded, “I plan to, yes.” Jason smiled, “Good.” He stood, “Alright. I’m going to join the meeting about you beating Claire’s ass.” I coughed, “Broke her back.” Jason smiled, “That’s my Ladybug.” We awkwardly stood. He started to turn away and I ran into his arms. I knew he was surprised. I whispered, “I really missed you, Jason. I missed us.” Jason hugged me, “I missed you too Ladybug. The few minutes fake you could talk to us sucked.” I snorted, “She sucks.” Jason laughed, “Agreed.” I pulled away from him, “I’m going to go hit the gym. Maybe run some laps.” Jason snorted, “You and Alexander just make sense.”

            He walked out of the room. I texted Alpha Theo I wanted to talk to him. I had promised if I ever remembered what happened with Trevor...I’d tell him. I turned in time to see Robert kissing some girl through the window. She had a platter in her hands. Anger churned in my guts. They were THE cookies. The mom and dad monster cookies. I ran into the kitchen and grabbed a pitcher. I filled it with water and put it on a tray. I waited until I smelled someone coming. I inhaled deeply and smelled the peanut butter cookies. I timed it perfectly so we ran into each other. Then I made sure the water destroyed every last cookie. I turned to the girl and cringed. I hit her harder than I meant. I didn’t want her to fall over. I said, “I am so sorry.” She laughed, “Oh it is fine muffin Luna. We all don’t pay attention to where we are going every once in a while.” I just let her think that was what happened. 

                I stood, “Where were you doing with these? Gosh, I’m rude, who are you?” She smiled, “I’m Karina. I was going to the Alpha’s office. The Conners love my cookies.” I’ll bet they do. She was going to take them to my family and my mate. What did Robert want now? To make my mate reject me? Can cookies do that? I asked, “Oh? Where did you get the recipe?” She laughed, “Actually my boyfriend gave them to me. He said it was his mom's recipe. We made some the night of Luna Elise’s ceremony after everyone split off from the run. We made so many the next morning I left some out and the Conners just love them.” I nodded, “Who is your boyfriend?” She smiled, “Robert Fallon.” I went over to the refrigerator and grabbed fruit and vegetables out of the fridge. When I had my anger contained I turned. I said, “He’s not your mate?” She sighed, “No. He's just so kind.” Yeah. No he was not. She continued, “He’s a warrior and he usually comes to sit and watch me bake his mom’s cookies. I know he has better things to do. I’ve talked to him about being chosen mates.” I nodded, “What does he say?” She smiled, “Oh, it’s not the right time.” She rubbed her head. I asked, “You ok?” She frowned, “Light headache.” I asked, “Do you eat the cookies too?” Karina smiled, “Oh no. Not these. Robert makes mine for me. He brings them every week.” What an ass! He was just using her to get to Black Mountain. This poor girl. I asked, “Have you tried to find your mate?” She shrugged, “I’m happy with Robert.” I nodded. I was GOING to get him for this. He was keeping her desire to find her mate tapped down. I wondered if he was doing something to keep her wolf down too. 

            I texted Paige discreetly asking her to take a look into reversing it. Paige was going with Avery to check Robert’s room. I told her to make sure she sprayed herself with our scent concealer. Robert wasn’t going to get away with this. I smiled, “Well, I am very happy with my mate.” Karina smiled, “We are all so happy you are here with Alpha Alexander. You’ll have to show me your muffin skills sometimes. We are the cookie and muffin queens around here.” My heart broke for her. She’d been used by Robert. He was such an ass. I asked, “Does Robert stick around and wait for you to come back?” She smiled, “Oh, sometimes. Today he was going to wait for ten minutes then go.” I’d catch him in Blue moon’s territory then. I finished placing things on the tray. She still had a few left to do. I smiled, “I’m off. I’m sorry I knocked you over. I truly didn’t mean to.” Karina smiled, “Don’t worry about it.” I nodded and ran off to the garage. I got on my bike and took off. 

            Sierra called, “Mel….where are you going?” I told her, “I’m going after Red Run’s traitor. Shockingly….it’s Robert. He’s always been such a jerk.” Sierra whispered, “Maybe we should get the guys.” I told her, “I remember everything, Si. He was the one who hit my mom and me in the car on the way to Elise and EJ’s mating ceremony. He blew something in my face and my mom’s then he left us there. My mom was unconscious the whole time. I couldn’t move to help her. I screamed for help for at least an hour before someone found us. He just left us there. He was there the night I thought I saw my entire family die. He was laughing at me as I cried. He was there the night I was supposed to shift. I saw him. I’m GOING to kick his prickly snobbish butt.” 

            Addison spoke, “Do what you have to do, Mel.” I told her, “I see his car.” Sierra added, “Maybe just don’t kill him.” I told her, “I don’t intend to kill him. Yet. We need him alive. Or his dad will catch on, and we might lose the connection to their plans. I intend to take his phone.” Addison asked, “His dad?” I snorted, “You’ve never seen Robert. Have you?” Addison thought about it, “Not yet. He’s avoided us. Jason said he’s not but he’s literally the only person I haven’t met.” I told her, “He is avoiding you. Because he looks like his dad. They have the same cold dead eyes.” Sierra gasped, “NO!” Addison screeched, “Alpha Ezra?! Your saying his biological dad is Alpha Ezra?! How is that possible?” I told her, “Robert’s dad, the man who raised him, not the biological one, is from Red Run. He traveled to find his mate. I’d put money on the fact that she was from Alpha Ezra’s pack. They didn't leave after he marked her, and you know what happened after that. They drugged Robert’s dad and sedated him when she went into heat. Alpha Ezra took the first day or two of his mom’s heat then she was with her mate for the last day. That’s standard in the forgotten packs. Robert is the result.” Addison hissed, “GOD I HATE THAT RAT BASTARD! His mom has to know.” I sighed, “I’d imagine she does. Or she’s in denial.” I had another theory. Before Robert was old enough….his mom gave Alpha Ezra information. Nothing harmful, or so she thought. I’d have to talk to her eventually. I’d protect her. She was a pawn. She was abused and manipulated. She was a very nice woman though. She came over every time she found out Robert had hurt me. She would be crying. She apologized profusely. She was a victim, and I stood for those people. I looked ahead, “I am going to cut Robert’s car off, and ruin his whole day. Bye guys.” Sierra sighed, “Be careful.” 

            I ended the call and drove Robert off into Blue Moon’s territory. He jumped out of his car, “What the hell is your problem?! Who the hell taught you how to drive?” I took off my helmet, “Someone very good at driving. Hello, Robert. I’d say long time no see, but that would be a lie wouldn't it? We’ve seen each other since I turned fourteen.” He sneered, “The dancing daughter returns.” I hissed, “You knew where I was. Don’t bother lying Robert. I remember. Everything. I’d be VERY careful what you say to me. What would everyone think of all the things I know?” Robert gulped, “You wouldn’t dare.” I smiled, “All in due time, Robert.” He was slowly edging up on me. I heard Dylan squeal, “MELASHLEY is here!” Robert growled and tried to hit me thinking I was distracted. I punched him and flipped him onto his back. Dylan yelled, “FIGHT! NO ONE DARE TO STOP THIS!” I looked at Robert, “That move didn’t work when I was a kid, and it certainly doesn’t work now. You should know, I’m ten times the fighter you will ever be. You’re just like your dad.” Robert snarled and jumped up, “I’ll take that as a compliment.” I smiled, “It wasn’t meant to be one. He’s evil and so are you. Traitor.” Several gasps were heard around. I pushed, “You’ve been using that girl, Karina. You’ve spelled her somehow. You are working with witches, and betraying your pack.” Dylan gasped, “OH MY GOD! She’s now part of my show people. NO ONE MOVE! OR BREATHE! SILENCE BY ALL WHO ARE NOT ME IS GOLDEN!” 

            Robert smirked, “You don’t know everything I did.” Dylan said, “Ummm...Do my ears deceive me? Because I believe he just confirmed everything she said was right. That was by far the easiest someone has admitted to their wrongdoings without my goddess present. NO ONE TOUCH ME I AM UNSTABLE! Prepare a doctor and a bed. Our paralyzer shall pulverize him….then we must hand Red Run their traitor. GOD! What a time to be alive! And to be me.” Robert tried to hit me again and I punched him in the stomach. He wheezed, “You brother was looking into the cookies because of your obnoxious ass. I had to stop him.” I frowned, “Tristan?” He grinned, “I put him in the hospital. I ran him off the road in an ice storm, and hit him in the head with a baseball bat. For good measure….and left him there to die. It’s a shame someone saw his car and called an ambulance. People were sent to the hospital and spells were cast. Couldn’t have him remembering any of that or about your cookie theories.”