The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Voice of the Forgotten Pt. 1

            Melanie teased Xander about his hat. It was obviously my hat now. I’d heard Paige say many times...that if you dated someone their clothes became your clothes. Xander and I were so much more than dating….so his hoodies, hats, and everything else….according to Paige were mine. He started to tease me. I wanted to taste him. Freya linked, “Then do it! Come on…..he’ll love it!” I honestly just don’t know how people did this type of thing without an inner wolf. It’s not like I’d done this a lot...or to anyone who wasn’t Xander. He seemed to enjoy having my mouth on him, so I kept going. Doing things I hadn’t before like playing with his balls. Freya linked, “I am so proud. Proud wolf up in here.” I rolled my eyes at her, but I was grateful she was in my head. She gave me confidence to do things like this. Xander actually roared my name. So I guess I did it right.  Freya snorted, “You definitely did it right.” Freya was proving my point. I just didn’t know how people did this without a wolf. I pulled back and realized my lipstick got all over him. He didn’t seem to care. I looked around. I didn’t recognize where we were. I should explore. Freya snorted, “Make him chase us.” She had helped me earlier…..

            I could do that. I teased Xander then took off. He was yelling at me to stop but I couldn't. The wind on my face as I ran out the front door was exhilarating. I didn’t pay attention to the people around me. Everything here felt alive. I liked it here. I made it to a lake. I was about to turn right when a unicorn ran up to me. I gaped as it stopped right in front of me. It was an all white unicorn. I gaped, “A unicorn?” It closed the distance between us. I gently ran my hands over its fur. I whispered, “You’re beautiful.” The unicorn nuzzled my face then took off. I gaped after it. There was only one conclusion. Xander had brought me to Faerie. Xander grabbed me from behind, and suddenly we were in the lake. Freya was laughing about something. A desperate need for him took over me. Freya linked, “It’s the water. You just HAVE to love fairies.” I loved just the one partial fairy….Well and his family. The need for him just kept going. He popped us to a hill. I didn’t even look around. I begged him to spank me harder. Oh my god….later I was going to die for saying that...possibly smack myself. We lost all sense to each other. I felt a power overtake me. Freya snickered, “He unlocked one of his fairy powers.” Probably the earth. Whatever power he released….It made my need for him even more intense. I linked Freya, “Am I in heat?” Freya snickered, “No. That’s going to be fun though.” I snorted, “Sure...three days of feeling like I’m burning if he’s not touching me….we have different definitions of fun.” Freya linked, “Or a few more days than three….with some more intensity.” I linked, “What?” She didn’t say anything else. I frowned. Everyone knew that a mated she wolf’s heats were three days. 

                Eventually, Xander popped us back to the house we started in. Not that we were done. Neither of us showed any signs of being ready to stop. Eventually we fell apart on a bed. He teased me about being excited for my heat. That was confusing to me right now because of Freya’s comments. So, I asked him which power he unlocked. My guess had been correct.….it was his earth power. I closed my eyes attempting to sleep. My eyes snapped open. I looked at the clock. Fifteen minutes. I sighed. I looked at Xander. He was out. I walked around the house. It was truly stunning. Eventually, I wandered into the kitchen. I threw my hair up into a ponytail and started making muffins. People were going to get tired of these as much as I was making them, but I was REALLY happy. It was a little sad how unhappy I’d been until now. A sad thought stopped me in my tracks. It was all for nothing. Sadness filled my heart. My family was never gone. I’d fought against the rings without realizing I was in a version of one of their sick games myself. That upset me a lot. I obviously knew I was in the undergrounds….but I didn’t know my entire life was one massive screw you Melanie. Another thought came to me, the rings intentionally only targeted Jason….never someone I thought was dead. Why wouldn’t Alpha Kyle send Tristan or my dad out? Everyone else went out. I’d never looked into their death because I saw it. It burned. The rings didn’t know I was looking, but they avoided them just in case word spread. It annoyed me on a deep level.

                I put a batch of muffins into the oven. I took out my phone. I knew Tristan’s number by heart, unless he changed it. I memorized it a long time ago. I debated on calling him after typing in the number for probably ten minutes. Freya took over and hit dial. I was thrown back to the front of my mind. I hissed, “FREYA!” Freya sighed, “You want to talk to him…..so talk to him.” I bit my lip. Maybe he wouldn't pick up…..Freya snorted, “A beta not answering a phone call…..sure.” She was right, but it was early in the morning. I heard the phone pick up and shuffling. I heard a door open and my brother’s feet hitting the steps. My brother whispered, “Hello? Who is this?” I sighed, “Umm...I shouldn’t have called. I woke you up...I’m sorry.” Tristan immediately responded, “Ladybug? No, no. It’s fine….I’m up. You can always call me.” I sighed. Tristan asked, “What’s wrong? Where’s Alexander.” I spoke quietly, “He’s sleeping. I’m fine.” Tristan snorted, “You’re still a bad liar, Ladybug. Even over the phone.” I glared at my phone. Eventually it just spilled out,  “I just….How didn’t I know?” I started crying. Tristan asked, “How didn’t you know what?” I wiped my tears, “I was in a part of the ring. Not the normal one….but I’m…..some experiment for them. Jason was listed as the Beta in Edward’s files….I never found your name anywhere...but I didn’t look….because I saw you die….I’m supposed to be smart.” Tristan sighed, “Oh Ladybug….you are smart. There was magic going on here. You saw us die, and I am SO sorry for that. I never wanted you to know even a second of pain. I am so sorry I didn’t protect you. We were seeing and speaking to this girl who wasn’t you. It’s all messed up.” I cried, “Why did you believe I wouldn’t come home? I barely made it through long competitions. I wanted to come home. I hated it there.” I could hear Tristan start to cry. 

            Eventually he composed himself and said, “Any time we questioned things the compulsion made us repeat that you were living your dream. We all would then feel guilty for being selfish and standing in your way. It’s not that we never tried to see you….hell, dad bought a ridiculous amount of plane tickets for you to come home to see us all the time. Something would come up…..even on your first shift. We just got a call that you’d had plane trouble and barely made it to pack lands. Jase and I were waiting for you at the airport. Dad was drinking all the time...hell we all were. That fight from the night we thought you left…..we thought we’d finally hurt you enough that you’d snapped. We all just felt so guilty for holding you back….and f**k Ladybug….I’m so sorry.” I didn’t say anything for a while. I heard Everly whispering to Tristan. Great. Now I had woken them both up. I wiped my tears and grabbed my muffins out of the oven. I told him, “You guys were in your own hell. It still hurts me though, Tristan. I feel like a bad person because I’m so mad you guys had each other. I made friends…..but I’ve been on what felt like an island for a long time.” Tristan sniffled, “You’re not a bad person. I’d trade places with you in a heartbeat, Ladybug. If I could give that to you, I would.” I shook my head even though he couldn’t see me. I said, “No, then you wouldn’t have Kai. He’s a sweet kid.” 

            Tristan was quiet then he said, “You saved him.” I flinched, “Says who?” Tristan snorted, “Me. That necklace he wears…..I bet it has a GPS in it. I bet you found him. You brought him home.” Another thing that hurt my entire being. If I’d watched Kai after he’d walked into that diner….I would’ve seen Tristan come to get him. I’d just left once he was safe. I whispered, “That’s a guess. You don’t know that.” Tristan sighed, “I do know that deep down in my bones, Ladybug. One day, we will talk about that. I will never be able to thank you enough. You saved him. I don’t know why they took him, but I know they’d been trying for a while. There was a massive rogue attack…” I knew what night he meant. We’d missed the rogue attack because the hit on Chelsea and Peter had gone out first. Tristan continued, “They were coming for Kai. I just don’t know why.” I did. I cried, “Me. They were going to take him to try and make me behave. They had nothing else to threaten me with. I defied them. I challenged Edward all the time...they were trying to take him to have something over me. I’m sorry Tristan….I’m so sorry.” Tristan immediately said, “Hey, that’s not your fault. You did what was right, and they never got him. So you’re telling me your fake pack was involved with the rings and the hunters?” I snorted, “There was not an evil deed Edward wasn’t involved with.” Tristan sighed, “We could use whatever information you have on the rings, Mel.” I told him honestly, “Everything Edward did is on a flash drive in Eric’s possession. Including Black Path’s ring activities.” All of it was in Edward’s code...but it was there. I wasn’t ready to give them what I had as the resistance leader. 

            Tristan sighed, “You can trust us Ladybug.” Could I? That was the question. Trust was a thing I didn’t have much of. I was trusting Xander with everything in me. I didn’t know if I could spare any for my family or former pack. Particularly the later….or I guess current pack since I hadn’t joined Xander’s pack, and Black Path was never mine. There was a brain teaser...what pack is actually Melanie’s pack? Trust was something that had been beaten out of me. Eventually I answered him, “I’m trying. I really am...it’s just hard.” Tristan whispered, “I know. I’m still so sorry, Ladybug. We should’ve saved you.” I told him, “I saved myself.” Kind of...I guess. I definitely saved others. Tristan cried softly, “You shouldn't have had to.” I sighed, “People do things they shouldn’t have to all the time.” Tristan asked, “Will you ever call me T again? I hate hearing you call me Tristan.” I bit my lip. I hated that I was causing him pain. I wiped my tears, “Probably….one day. I really am trying Tristan. This is just….I wished for everyone back. It was all I wanted and now….” Tristan sighed, “You feel betrayed. You feel like we left you behind.” I cringed, “I don’t want to.” Tristan sighed, “It’s just going to take time. Thanks to the fairies….we have a lot of that to give.” Two pops sounded next to me. I jumped up and saw Xander’s Aunt and Uncle. The Queen and King of Faerie. I told Tristan, “I have to go…..I’ll see you at Jason and Addison’s mating ceremony.” Tristan whispered, “Please Ladybug….don’t go.” I sighed, “The King and Queen of Faerie just popped in……” Tristan sighed, “Oh, ok. Well, call me anytime Ladybug. I’ll answer.” I wiped more tears and said, “I know. You can call me too, you know?” Tristan let out a light chuckle, “I didn’t know that, but I’ll keep it in mind now that I have your number.” I said, “Talk to you later, big brother.” Tristan choked but eventually said, “Talk to you later, little sister.” I hung up the phone. 

            King Aiden smiled at me, “Before you call us King and Queen…..let me just say….Call us Aiden and Lucinda.” I smiled, “Ok, would you like a muffin?” Lucinda conjured one to her hands and said, “Do I ever. My nephews and nieces have been….talking about these muffins.” She took a bite. She moaned, “Oh my god Aiden…..try a muffin...Right now.” Aiden smirked and conjured one to him. He took a bite then smiled, “These are fabulous. I do hope they will be at all my sister’s realm’s holiday parties we must attend.” I laughed, “I’ve heard her parties are next level.” Lucinda smirked, “They are quite something. She is a great party planner.” Aiden smiled, “Speaking of parties….we have one to get you and my nephew to.” I gaped, “A party? IN FAERIE? But….I don’t have anything to wear….you guys are formal about everything. Right?” Aiden’s lips twitched, “Yes, it is. I have heard you studied all things fairy as a child and teenager.” I blushed. Lucinda snapped me into a beautiful red dress. I was surprised it had a back. She smiled at me, “Aiden found out your favorite color is red. Is it, right?” She snapped and a full length mirror appeared. Tears filled my eyes as I stared at my reflection. I whispered, “It’s beautiful.” I did a turn and sighed in relief that it covered my back. I didn’t want to ask her how she knew I wanted that. I really wanted to live in denial that anyone knew about my back. 

            I ran my hands over my new dress. Aiden said, “Well, I’ll go wait for my nephew.” He walked out of the kitchen. Lucinda smiled, “You MUST give me this recipe for these muffins.” I nodded, “Sure. If you want.” Lucinda smiled, “Oh, I do. I cannot cook, but there are fairies here who do. We usually conjure what we want…..but I think it would be a fun challenge to see if they could make these muffins as well as you do.” I flushed, “I’m sure they could.” Lucinda laughed, “I don’t think so….there’s something about you.” I frowned, “What do you mean?” Lucinda smiled, “I myself have a rare talent among fairies. I can sense others powers. I always knew Haley herself was powerful….I never believed her father was human because of what I felt from her. I thought the power I felt from her was due to her non fairy side….I have been around many wolves…..you have powers they do not.” 

            My eyes went wide….I mean….That was true. I could give myself a weird tattoo….plus the whole silver and wolfsbane don't affect me thing. As I was thinking of what to reply Lucinda smiled and added, “You are special.” I snorted, “My wolf says that. I say freak.” Lucinda frowned, “No, that is term unwise people use. You are quite wise. Though I imagine it was said to you often in that awful pack. People here called Haley that. They were small minded people unable to see the big picture. Just because someone is misunderstood, or can do something one does not understand….that does not make them a freak. Not in the slightest. People with a lack of vision and understanding use such terms for another person. They put people down to feel better about themselves. Or because they are dealing with something they do not understand. You, Melanie McAlister, should not think so low of yourself because others with self-esteem problems put you down. You will be a Luna, and Duchess of Two races. You are not a freak, my dear. I argue that no one is. Those who wish to say otherwise….well, they lack imagination and should probably examine why they feel the need to say such things. The unknown may be scary, but it is also exciting. That does not mean you discount something because you are scared or you have a lack of knowledge about it. I find that you cannot escape it. People like to say wisdom comes with age, but it depends doesn’t it. I have often seen those younger and older criticize that which they do not understand. Or if they are raised by someone who does not. Things do not have to be like that. Aiden has led our people into a new era without cruelty to their mates. Those who did so before were considered freaks. I myself had to hide for days after my first concupiscence. All to protect Aiden so that he would not be ridiculed for not hurting me. He was a man among boys. Don’t let the petty insignificant words of those who do not understand you get you down.” I let her words wash over me. I nodded, “I’ll try. You are very wise.” Lucinda smiled, “A Queen must be kind, wise, understanding, but also able to show she cannot be crossed. My daughter, Aiylee will be a better Queen than I when she rules.” I smiled, “I bet she aspires to be just like her mother.” 

            Before she could answer, Aiden and Xander popped in. He looked drool worthy in a tux. He popped us into a room full of people toasting….us? What was happening? A few women came up to me. They kissed both my cheeks, “We are pregnant because of you!” I gaped, “Huh?” One laughed, “Aww she’s so innocent. The magic the Duke released. It sent us all into a craze. You must be a tiger more than a wolf in bed.” Oh my god….I grabbed several glasses of champagne and chugged them. They were cranmosa’s. Aiden didn’t miss a trick. I looked around. There were more than a few jealous gazes being sent my way. I glared at them and most turned away. I’d seen a few women step out to what must be the bathroom. I walked off and found it easily. It wasn’t like a normal bathroom….No. Fairies' version of bathrooms were definitely something. Once you closed the door on the stall you chose it was like you were outside. I could actually feel the sun on my face. I wondered what the Fire fairies bathrooms were like…..Water fairies seemed obvious...I’d bet somewhere near water. Earth fairies probably had something like this….but what did fire fairies do? I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know. I walked out to discover the sink was more like individual cascading waterfalls. This place was so cool. I washed my hands and stepped out. 

            A woman blocked my path. I frowned, “Excuse me.” She hissed, “I won’t.” I laughed, “That’s a terrible call on your part. I promise you….I can get by you. I can either do it with or without hurting you in the process. Either way works for me. I’d prefer not to hurt you though, it’s my first time here….I’m trying to make a good impression on my mate’s family.” Her hands started to light up. She got in my face, “I don’t know how your trashy ass convinced Duke Alexander you are his mate, but you need to leave.” I shrugged, “I’m trying to leave, but again….you’re in my way. Also, I’m not trashy. I don’t even know where that insult came into play. Come up with better ways to describe people other than masochistic terms to describe women to put them down.” She snorted, “I don’t mean leave the room. I meant him. Leave him.” Freya snarled in my head. I told her, “You’re out of line, and Xander would kill you for saying that to me.” She paled and rolled her eyes, “How juvenile of you to call him that.” I laughed, “Really? Because you sound a little jealous that I can call him that but you still have to call him by his title.” I watched her face flush. I smirked, “Ohhh, it does make you jealous. Run along before my wolf decides she’s had enough of you.” The woman rolled her eyes, “I’ll have him in my bed. He didn’t even mark you. He doesn’t want you. You’re just a reject whose own family didn’t want to see you for years. Duke Alexander will see he belongs with me.” Freya slammed forward, “You will NOT touch my mate.” She punched her full force with my hand. Her hand? Was it hers when she took over or just us? Huh….that was a philosophical question to consider later. I linked Freya, “I think you broke her cheekbone.” Freya snorted, “We. You work out a lot….I’d say sorry about her face, but I’m not.” I felt her let me take back over this time instead of slamming me forward. So that was definitely progress. 

            My insecurities were creeping back in from her comments about me and Xander. The fears I’d had for years of him truly wanting me were surfacing. I quickly shoved them away when I saw Xander. He was mine, and I’d prove it to these catty women. I claimed his lips. I could tell he liked it. He was amused. I blushed when Aiden spoke about the situation when I pulled away from Xander. I’d probably ruined his party…..no wait….fairies loved this kind of thing Maybe...I made the party better in their minds? Please, god….let this make their party better. Xander, Aiden, and I went back out to the party. Several women toasted their drinks in the air to me. Lucinda winked in my direction. I sighed in relief taking that as confirmation I didn’t ruin the party. Xander and I stayed for a while longer before Xander popped us home.

            My dad was waiting for us in the living room. I wondered how he knew we’d come here. He wanted to tell me that they were going home tonight. Several emotions filled me at once. Pain because this was the first time my dad saw me in a dress like this. Actually, this was the first time I’d worn a formal dress. I’d dreamed of going to school dances and having my dad tell me how pretty I looked. I didn’t get to go to those though. Addison brought me once…..I didn’t even get in the door. On the other hand, I was sad that my parents were leaving. It didn’t feel like we’d made much progress with each other. On top of the fact I felt bad because I hadn’t been helping Addison plan everything. I didn’t even know anything about the plan besides she had her dress. I was positive my mom and Everly would help her. I hoped Addison’s mom was coming. I knew that she would be there if she could. I gave my parents a quick hug...because I was trying. I’d told Tristan I was trying, and I was. It wasn’t exactly their fault…..but it still hurt I’d been alone while they had each other. I really needed to find a way to get over that. Freya sighed, “It’s not just that. You feel like they should’ve come for you.” She was right. I did. When it came down to it….Xander was the one who brought them to me though. They’d have had no clue I wasn’t in New York if we’d never met. I’d still be living that life. I’d still be in Black Path…Close to death honestly since I’d saved Angela. Though, logically that would’ve brought the Conners there. So maybe they all would’ve come anyway.

            I shook myself and called Addison. She answered, “Hey Mel.” I sighed, “I suck. I have no idea how the plans for your mating ceremony are going. I’m so sorry.” Addison laughed, “I’ve actually had a lot of fun planning with my mom and yours. Everly and I were the boots on the ground, and your mom and mine were conferenced in.” I sighed, “Is your mom coming?” Addison giggled, “She should be getting here anytime now.” Xander popped in and kissed me then left. I asked Addison, “So….what’s the dress code?” Addison laughed, “You’ll be standing up there with me. Si should have your dress and hers by now. I sent them over. Your brother has asked me a million times if you’re really coming.” I sighed, “I’m coming.” Addison laughed, “Oh, I know. You know….it’s ok if you can’t stay the whole time. I understand.” I gritted my teeth, “I’ll be there, Ads.” We promised each other we’d be there for the big moments. Addison and Sierra had to put under and Alpha command to leave on my sixteenth birthday. Addison spoke softly, “Sometimes….the world just doesn’t deserve you Mel. I know this will be hard for you. You’ve never actually been here since….” I sighed, “I know. I’ve been on the border….never crossed into the territory which is just all levels of ironic since….I always got blamed for crossing the border. This time I’ve been on the other dang side of the border not crossing back into Red Run….which….I always could’ve crossed without being thrown in the dungeons and killed….how different can actually crossing the border be than being on the other side?” Addison snickered, “It’s not too different. It’s nice here.” I forced words out of my mouth, “I know.” We talked a little bit longer about all her plans for the day. 

            It hit me how tired I was. I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Freya snorted, “You didn’t sleep yesterday my little wonderful weirdo.” I snorted. Unlike when other people said it….she meant it lovingly. I accepted long ago that I was weird. It was true. Luna Elena told me that everyone was weird in their own way when people called me weird. I missed her. I was glad she was coming. I fell asleep. My eyes opened to a battle. I saw the same thing again….my mom was about to be murdered. I looked around. I didn’t recognize this place. Where were they? Where was I? The snarl of anger I’d heard stopped everyone again and I was pulled out. I landed with a splash into a pond. I swam to the top. I sighed when I saw the white wolf waiting for me. I swam to the edge. I told the wolf, “Not that I’m not happy to see you but I’m having this recurring nightmare that my mom is about die; however, I never get to see how it ends….or who is snarling in anger….or why NO one is shifting or using their powers….My mate isn’t using his. It doesn’t make sense. That wouldn’t happen. Well, I mean I’d bet a spell could do that….but he’d have to ingest something….then I’d have to kill someone. My wolf would be upset that her mate was having to recover...because it would have to be wolfsbane and silver probably to make Oden that weak.” I stopped because the white wolf snarled.