The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Shocked to the Core Pt. 1

            Melanie completely relaxed in Xander’s arms. He teased me about being a naughty hacker. Well, that was just not true. I was a really nice hacker….to him...and his family….ok...I’d even protected Dalton and Dakota’s businesses….which they would surely find out...crap...I’d protected Dane’s too. UGH. Maybe they wouldn’t check. Freya snickered, “Sure.” I might get a few days of time. Those thoughts slid away when Xander’s lips touched my marking spot. It felt like my skin was on fire. The desperation for him to sink his teeth into that part of my skin felt like it was clawing at my neck. Freya sighed exasperatedly, “Soon. So soon.” I REALLY wanted her to be right. It was a need that consumed me in moments like this. Freya sighed, “I mean….honestly I’m certain we would shift. We could just mark him later. This rule should be in reverse.” I asked, “Why?” Freya snickered, “As to not cause mass panic. We need a moment to ourselves first.” I frowned, “Several people will probably be there when we shift.” Freya spoke in a tone that said she knew something, “Will they? Or will no one be there?” Xander’s fingers felt so good I couldn't think about that comment right now. 

            Once we fell apart though….Freya’s comment came back to me. Even though Paige was knocking on the door upset. I couldn’t help but wonder….Why wouldn’t anyone be there? Xander should be there…..my family was going to miss that moment for me again? I was going to be unprotected when witches and warlocks lurk about trying to suppress wolves? No….Freya had to be wrong. Someone would be there. I couldn’t go through that alone again. I would hyperventilate. That couldn’t help me shift. Freya sighed, “I’ll be there, and we will be fine this time. I’ll be on alert.” I still didn’t understand. My mom should be there….and my dad. I’d made it to T’s shift after Elise’s. He took longer to shift without his mate there. Why wouldn’t they be at mine? Paige linked me, “Everyone says they can link you if you are part of a pack...well Dalton said that anyway...Open this damn door and explain this whole magic...scars shit.” I quickly grabbed Xander’s hoodie and ran to the door. He’d snapped himself clothes as Paige stormed inside our room. Xander explained he could remove the scars once she did the magic part. He’d even remembered the chant. It wasn’t necessary. I remembered every single word of that wretched spell. I explained to Paige why I’d never mentioned it. She’d felt bad about the whole thing. She’d gone with Addison thinking she’d be back for my birthday. She looked for me the next day, but assumed I was enjoying my wolf. It wasn't her fault. Xander told me to let him know when I was ready. Then he left. 

            Paige sighed, “Your brother is in the hallway.” I sighed, “Jason?” She nodded, “I’m not surprised. Is Ads here?” Paige shook her head, “No, her mom is going back to Nashville tomorrow. So she’s spending time with her.” I sighed and sent Ads a text letting her know Jason would need her when he got back. Paige touched my arm, “So….the scars are really going away?” I smiled, “Yes. I….this all feels like a dream sometimes. Like it’s someone else’s life. Like I’m going to wake up in that dark hole bruised, injured and alone. That I will have imagined all this.” Paige sighed, “I know what you mean. I never imagined a love like this that I have with Dalton. Corbin says I’m supposed to call Dalton my wick because I’m a full blooded witch. I’ve just been around you guys so long….that I say mate.” I laughed, “Do whatever you want, Paige. You’ve always hummed along to the beat of your own drum. Who cares about supposed to? Not our group...that’s for sure.” I linked her, “Have you asked Corbin about the girl he hands around?” Paige snorted, “No. We are like….kind of like family. That’s how he feels to me like an older cousin who annoys you. He does know a lot of stuff though. He’s funny. Do you want me to ask him?” I shook my head, “It’s not a big deal. I was just curious.” I was pretty sure the girl was his mate….I just didn’t know why he wouldn’t tell anyone. I sighed. I had my own secrets. Corbin could have his. I told Paige, “I don’t know if you are related to Corbin, but if you are….it’s distant.” Paige shrugged, “It’s not a big deal. Some people just feel like family. You felt like family to me from the moment we met. Now that’s true, you are my family no matter that it’s not blood. Alright let’s reverse this stupid curse so those vile words will off your back.” 

            I took Xander’s hoodie off and grabbed a bra. Paige said, “God, I so hate Trevor…..I have a whole book of curses for him. Corbin said…..Trevor will end up alive for a while in his realm. He said your Xander will want to torture him. Corbin wants to see what I’ve cooked up, so we’ve come to an accord. He gets me time with Trevor….and he can see my book of spells….and curses.” I snorted, “He’d have done it anyway. He’s very observant. He could just watch you curse Trevor.” I had a few things to say to the pathetic excuse of a man myself. Paige smiled, “Ah...but this was fun. I’d like to think...if my older brother lived or was out of hiding wherever he is….or if remembered me….we’d be like this with each other. Like Corbin is with me.” I nodded. I understood that. Dax and Caine felt like brothers to me when I missed mine dearly. I sighed, “I really do think your brother is alive.” Paige smiled, “I hope so. Maybe like I did….he thinks I’m dead. I do love the idea that one day we could be reunited. Maybe if we saw each other….our memories would come back, and we could get to know each other as adults.” I smiled, “That would be really beautiful.” Paige smiled, “And by the way….the brew for you to drink so you can come to Red Run will be ready Saturday.” I smiled, “Thanks Paige.” She bumped my shoulder, “That’s what sisters are for...now...let’s get these awful scars ready to be healed and gone.” 

            I turned around and she put her hand on my back and started to chant. It felt like someone was choking me briefly before it felt like I was free. Paige stepped back and said, “Well, I for one can’t wait to see this s**t gone. Do you want me to stay while you talk to Jason?” I sighed, “Just wait outside. I’ll let you know if I need you.” Paige squeezed my hand. I quickly put on Xander’s hoodie again, and grabbed a pair of leggings. Paige opened the door and said, “You’re up.” Jason nodded to her and Paige stepped into the hallway and closed the door. Jason sighed, “I don’t think she’s warmed up to me yet.” I laughed, “She didn’t curse you so you’re doing pretty damn good.” Jason gaped, “Really?” I nodded, “Yup that’s pretty much how things are with Paige. She’ll get warmer over time. She’s never cursed you though….so she doesn’t dislike you….now anyway.” Jason snorted, “I’m pretty sure she thought about it that first night we took them home. She had a look in her eye until Dalton took her away to talk.” I smirked, “Probably. You’re lucky Dalton did that then.” I sat down on the bed and Jason came and sat next to me. 

            I sighed, “You should’ve brought Ads, Jason.” He shrugged, “Her mom is here.” I frowned, “You’ll need her though.” Jason sighed, “Then you know why I’m here. I want to see your back. I won’t seek out Ezra for information.” I snorted, “Nice title demotion for Ezra by the way.” Jason snarled, “No one who hurts you will ever have a title other than snake in my eyes.” I titled my head, “Alright.” Jason looked at me. Eventually he said, “You agreed to show me because I’ve seen it….right?” I nodded, “Yes. You did see it. I don’t know if the compulsions stopped you from fully remembering….but I’d imagine you remember now and you just want to be wrong. It will nag you. I intend to have it all removed tonight. Now that Paige has removed the magic on the words...Xander….he said he and his mom could heal it.” Jason pulled me in for a hug. I was taken off guard by his movement, but after a second I hugged him back. He whispered, “I’m so sorry, Ladybug.” I told him, “You didn’t do it.” Jason pulled back, “I’m your big brother. I’m supposed to stop bad things from happening to you.” I shrugged, “I wasn’t exactly around. You’d have never let it happen in Red Run. Even when I thought you’d known I was punished….I knew you’d never have been ok with what they did.” Jason sighed, “Let’s just...get this over with. I’m right about what’s there....You are right though. I don’t want to be.” I sighed and stood. I looked at him, “Are you really sure?” Jason shrugged, “It’s probably as bad as I imagined.” It was a little worse. I’d been whipped since he last saw it. 

            I took off my shirt. Jason snarled in anger. I closed my eyes. I felt awful. This is why I didn’t want them to know. Jason was just different because he did know. He growled angrily, “It looks worse than my memories.” I put my shirt back on, and turned around. I faced Jason, “Yes, well….I have been whipped since then.” Xander linked me asking if I needed him. Yes, but I needed to talk to my brother first. Jason had tears streaming down his face. He said, “You are none of those words. Why does it say Ice Queen?” I sighed, “Because I wouldn’t f**k Trevor. He told me it would he would stop hurting me if I had s*x with him. I wasn’t interested in any of the guys. Ever since I got there...I just wasn’t.” Jason closed his eyes, “Because you’ve only ever been interested in Alexander. I should’ve just gotten you to him.” I shrugged, “You didn’t think I was his. You thought I’d get my heart broken Jason. You were trying to protect me.” Jason shouted angrily, “But I didn’t!” I sighed, “We do the best we can with the information we have.” Jason hissed, “He branded you with his damn name!” I nodded, “I couldn't get away. I was too weak. I’d been starved and dehydrated and beaten. I wouldn't have let him do that. I used what energy I had to fight him off from trying to have s*x with me. I took Trevor down more times than I can count.” 

            Jason wiped tears from his eyes. He told me, “He will pay, Ladybug.” I nodded, “I know. Do you understand why I don’t want the rest of our family to see that?” Jason said, “I do. I think you’re right. I know why you agreed about me seeing them too. I didn’t want to, but I knew. Hearing it….and seeing it are different.” I nodded, “I know. It would really hurt them. It hurt you, and I didn’t want that….I just didn’t want you to think you were crazy. You’d seen it….you’d know whether I showed you or not.” Jason sighed, “I’m just so damn sorry Ladybug.” I shrugged, “It’s going to be gone...then I go shopping for my mating dress...and get something without fearing what people will see.” Jason frowned, “You didn’t fear what people would say in Black Path.” I sighed, “No, but people already whispered about me as it was. I’m a Luna here. My family is here. My mate is here. This information didn’t hurt people in Black Path. My friends were pissed. They felt bad they weren’t there, but it didn’t hurt them on the level it hurts everyone here. They felt guilty, but they knew they were under an Alpha Command to leave the area. They couldn’t go against that. Here everyone just feels guilty.” If they didn’t….Grandpa Ben and Nick would’ve confronted me about saving them. 

            It was possible with the drugs….they thought they were wrong or they wanted to be. Logically, they felt guilty. I was surprised they hadn’t shared their theory with my parents. Or Jason and Tristan. Both of them would confront me in a heartbeat. Something was weird with that. I shoved it aside. Jason said, “I don’t have to stand up there with Alexander, you know? If you don’t want me…” I cut him off, “I already told Xander I knew you’d be up there. You are one of his best friends. You should be up there. Besides, you are my brother….and a hundred years from now….I want to see you and our family in those moments. I hope by then these times will be a distant memory. I think I’d regret it if you weren’t there. There are wounds….but I want them to heal. I missed Tristan’s mating ceremony….I missed a lot of first moments in my nephew’s life. My first shift was a travesty. Hell, my life for the last several years has been a travesty. I don’t want to miss any more big moments. I missed your graduation ceremony…..there are too many missed moments. It might be hard right now, but I think we will all regret it if there are more moments missed.” 

            Jason nodded, “I think you’re right, but then you were always such a smarty pants. You know we will all go to counseling sessions with you. Mom and Dad want to talk to you about a family session. We all want to go.” I sighed, “If by all of you….you mean you, mom, dad, and Tristan….we could do that.” Jason frowned, “Grandpa Ben and Grandma Esther want to come too.” I shook my head, “No. Not right now. I want to have a few sessions on my own….then we can all have one.” Jason sighed, “Alright….we are more than our core family though. I won’t push you, and I’ll make sure they don’t….We all missed you though.” I shrugged, “That’s just going to take more time for me. I don’t want them missing big moments either….but I’m just…” Jason grabbed my hand and squeezed, “I get it….You thought they’d abandoned you….because of the lie about you not being dad’s biological kid.” I sighed, “Part of me wonders….what if it was true? Would they even care about me now?” Jason sighed, “Oh Ladybug…..you are dad’s biological child. I understand the question though, but that is something they would’ve known the entire time. I might not have known...but our grandparents would’ve. The Kyle’s would’ve. They never treated you any differently because they all knew. You are not a hunter, Ladybug. You’re a werewolf through and through.” I hugged him, “Thanks Jason.” He squeezed me tightly. He pulled back, “Well, let go find your mate, and get those ugly words off your back. You are honestly stronger than anyone I know. I might have just withdrawn into myself in your shoes.” I shook my head, “No you wouldn’t have. You’d have charged up to Red Run...demanded they give me to you, and make Alpha Peter tell you to your face he didn’t want to see you. I should’ve.” Jason shook his head, “You were just a kid. We should’ve protected you. I’ll do whatever I can to make this up to you.”  

            I nodded and walked outside. Paige scooped me into a big hug then we headed downstairs. We could hear Dalton talking to Xander and EJ about how bad he felt over what happened to me. I sighed. I’d never thought Dalton or Dakota were bad Alpha’s. Hell, I even knew that Alpha Peter wasn’t a bad Alpha. I had just felt betrayed and abandoned. Because I deserved to be protected too. For Dalton and Dakota reversing a banishment was not uncomplicated. I didn’t really blame them. I’d hope they might, but as time went on I accepted that word was not coming from them. I was still upset with Alpha Peter. It might not be rational….but he was my Alpha. He should’ve protected me. He was family. Dalton wanted a hug. I glanced at Paige. Her face was so hopeful. I could give Dalton a quick hug. We separated after a quick second. Freya linked me, “That meant a lot to him and his wolf. You really do make me proud. You didn’t have to hug him, but you did it for him and your friend. You can be selfish Melanie. It’s ok.” I sighed. It wasn’t like I hadn’t wanted to hug Dalton over the years. I wanted to be back with them how we were before that fateful night. There was a sense of belonging when I was around Red Run wolves….but at the same time a sense of not belonging. Which didn’t really make sense….but it was how I felt. 

            I was nervous when Haley popped in. I started to ramble. I was nervous...I’d wanted my scars gone for so long. Haley popped me away. She smiled at me and said, “You ramble when you’re f*****g nervous. Why are you nervous?” Xander popped in and I nervously asked if they could heal my back. Haley had no problem with that. She looked excited that I’d asked. I quickly took off my hoodie before I could lose my nerve. I swore some rain clouds blew in for a brief second. Under any other set of circumstances, I’d have laughed when Haley nicknamed Trevor, Trevogre. That was a good one and truthfully...fitting. I was too scared to be excited….I’d tried everything I could to get rid of them...now though….maybe they would be truly gone forever….no concealer to take away some of them....Just permanently gone. Xander confirmed they would be. They started to heal me and my mind drifted into that peaceful place. Freya purred, “This is amazing.” I sighed, “Are you going to tell me why you don’t think anyone will be at our first shift?” Freya sighed, “I can tell you later.” I frowned, “Are you really sure they will all miss it?” Freya chuckled, “It’s not like it will happen on your birthday. How would everyone know to be there?” Well, that was true. I sighed, “But won’t Xander be there?” Freya was quiet then said, “No, he won’t be there, but we will get to him shortly afterwards.” I frowned, “Get to him? Does someone take him?” Freya sighed, “No.” I could tell she wasn’t going to say any more. 

            It felt like seconds before my eyes snapped open. I cautiously reached my hand up and felt smooth skin. I ran to the door I prayed was a bathroom. Thankfully, I’d been right. I turned around and tears filled my eyes as I looked into the reflection. My scars were gone. They were really gone. The words and even the ugly whipping scars...the words….I just kept staring at the reflection….they were really gone...as if they never happened. I ran my fingertips over where the words had been. Xander came into the bathroom and held me as I fell apart with relief. It was over. Trevor didn’t have that power of me. I knew it was silly….but those words gave him power over me sometimes. Now, he had nothing. I could beat him in a fight. He had nothing to make me feel ashamed. All his tools to make me feel like nothing were gone. When Xander said he was going to pop us back I pushed away to go hug his mom. I ran into the living room and threw myself into her arms. I thanked her repeatedly. She whispered into my ear, “You are a f*****g badass. Trevogre has no power over you, and he never did. He is nothing. His vicious words mean absofuckinglutely nothing.” I just kept thanking her. It didn’t surprise me that she understood how I felt about this. I’d heard about her childhood. She probably did understand better than anyone how those scars made me feel. When I pulled away from her Xander popped us back to our room. 

            We ate pizza together. I felt exhausted. I was completely drained. I fell asleep snuggled in with Xander. I woke up feeling completely energized. I grabbed a tight red hoodie and some leggings. I left quietly and found my new spot to dance. I danced for an hour, but I still felt energized. I went to the gym next. I wasn’t surprised when Fowler and Chason walked in behind me. I laughed, “Do you guys sleep?” Fowler yawned, “Do you?” I nodded, “Yes.” Chason laughed, “I’ve got a little pup. He wakes up early. So I took the morning shift so my wife could sleep. It’s actually my workout time.” I smiled, “I’d love to meet them sometime.” Chason laughed, “She’d like to meet you too.” Fowler said, “No mate or pups for me yet. My little sister would like to meet you though.” I smiled, “I could do that.” I moved over the heavy bag and started to warm up. 

            I heard a throat clear behind me after I’d been in the gym for ten minutes. Freya growled in my head. I sighed, “Let me guess….that obnoxious throat clearing belongs to...Bradford.” I turned around, “Of course it does.” Bradford’s eyes narrowed, “I want to fight you in the ring.” I laughed, “My advice of saying….no you really don’t, would fall on deaf ears...wouldn’t it?” Bradford snorted, “So you were good at fighting in Black Path, they are shit.” I snorted, “Formally, they are just fine now. I didn’t just take down people in Black Path. I’ve taken down Alpha’s. Several in fact. I feel the need to point out….you don’t have any Alpha blood. You’re going to challenge my authority….you’re not asking for a friendly spar. I take those very seriously. I had to.” EJ’s beta walked up. I smiled, “Good morning Toby.” Toby raised an eyebrow, “Is it? Is it really? We have different definitions of good. Bradford….cool your jets. She is your future Luna….she’s ALEXANDER’S Luna for god's sake. This is practically suicidal. The harder trainings he’s had will pale in comparison for this act alone….think of others.” I laughed, “Toby, haven’t you noticed he’s not the brightest? Nor does he care so much about others. His pride was hurt, and mommy dearest couldn't save him. In fact, she took quite a hit herself. Where is daddy by the way Bradford?” I looked around and spotted him. I laughed, “You look like your dad. You don’t act like him though. I fought with him to defend Alpha Theo’s pack. Do you really want to do this? You’ll end up seriously injured.” Bradford snorted, “No, I won’t. You will.” I sighed, “Fine. Get in the ring.” Toby groaned, “Why me? Ok….I’ll just….linking Alexander would be…..a bad idea...Dad...I’ll link my dad. He’ll have an idea. Any of my cousins would do something bad…..Phil would just get out a chair and sit down.” I laughed, “True.” 

            Bradford smiled, “It’s time to teach you how things go around here.” I laughed, “You’re going to teach me something? You? Who doesn't even understand how a pack works? That will be the day. You can’t take me.” Freya snickered, “No, he can’t.” Bradford laughed, “I’ve been training since I was little.” I smiled, “What a coincidence…..So have I. I was beating warriors when I was a child. I worked ten times harder when I was kidnapped to be stronger, faster, and better trained than anyone else. After my wolf was suppressed...I tripled that effort. I can easily take you down. You do the bare minimum to get by as a warrior. I’m betting the only reason you are here is because you have work in the gardens later. Or your dad made you come.” His left eye twitched. I laughed, “Ahh...so that’s what it is. Your dad made you come to train this early.” Bradford moved to attack. I pinned him easily. I stood up, “Now, let this go. I’m better than you. You lost in less than thirty seconds.” I turned around and felt him get up. I told him, “Don’t do it.” He attacked anyway. I heard several growls. I saw Haley’s eyes narrow. I wondered when she’d popped in. Eric was already moving towards the ring.

             I simply turned and punched Bradford in the face and slammed him on the ground. I heard several things crack. I told him, “One, no man with respect or honor continues a fight after they are pinned. Two, no man with respect or honor comes for an opponent when their back is turned. Learn some respect. You are not the first warrior who thinks I’m some weak wolf less chick who needs to be taken down a peg. I mean what I say. I am good. I have skills you couldn’t dream of having because you are lazy and arrogant. When you heal, get back here. I’ll help you improve your skills, but you have to want to put in the time and effort. I think you could be great. You have the raw talent. You just don’t have the drive. I can make you better, but I won’t if you don’t want to try. Take your whole life philosophy and throw it out. Educate yourself on the pack and how we really work. Come back to the gym and I will help you if that’s what you want.” It wasn’t even the first time I made that offer. I’d made it many times in Black Path. It was surprisingly successful.

            I turned, “Who is done with their workout?” Five men raised their hands. I told them, “Get Bradford to the hospital.” One snorted, “We should leave him there.” I titled my head, “No, you shouldn’t. He’s a fellow warrior who was put in his place, but he is still your pack member. We help each other even when you think that they got what they deserved. We help each other because we are a pack. We defend this pack because we are warriors. Part of being a warrior is helping those in need. Bradford can’t walk. So pick him up and get him to the pack doctor.” Eric grinned at me. Haley was beaming and clapping her hands. The warriors nodded at me and got a stretcher to put Bradford on. No one even batted an eye that Haley didn’t offer to heal him. Eric spoke, “You do give one hell of a speech Melanie McAlister.” I snorted, “I guess.” I faced the crowd, “Alright. Let's get back to work. If you want to spar with me...well, I’m already in here.” Fowler came in first. He was really good. I gave him a few pointers. Chason was next. They were both good. It wasn’t any wonder they were constantly around me. Xander must have assigned them to shadow me.