The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Cruel Universe Pt. 4

                I got in the car. I quickly took the pill he gave me. Within minutes...the pain had gone away. I sighed in relief. To my surprise, so did Valentina. She snorted, “You act like I like you being in pain.” We hit the portal to take us back to Nashville. We went to my place. I had her disinfect my back and do what she could for it. She was crying, “I can’t believe they did this.” I snorted, “The things they do have ceased to surprise me.” I grabbed my black pants and a tight black t-shirt and a wine colored leather jacket. Valentina teased, “Who are you challenging?” I turned around, “Jean.” Valentina’s eyes widened, “What? WHY? OH MY GOD! Sierra found her mate too? I’ve GOT to go on vacation with you guys.” I laughed, “Yes, she did.” We walked outside and went through the portal. She walked me back from the direction of the punishing grounds. The pack was on the lawn when I walked up. My friends smiled at me. I walked up and announced, “Sierra found her mate.” Everyone stiffened. I looked Jean dead in the eye, “Are you challenging me for her right to be with him?” Beta Jean’s jaw flexed. He glared at me. Sierra spoke, “I want to be with him dad. He’s a Beta too.” Sierra’s mom fanned her face, “Oh my baby! That’s so great!” Beta Jean stood, “I’ll challenge you Melanie. She’s my daughter. I have the right to say no.” I told him, “You shouldn’t want to. She wants to be with him. He wants to be with her.” Beta Jean smiled, “You’re injured. I’ll win.” I laughed, “That doesn’t matter and you know it. Plus, even if you managed to beat me….her mate would kill you for trying to keep her from him. Trust me when I say….he could. You would bring a weight down upon yourselves you couldn’t possibly imagine.” 

                Beta Jean paused, “Who is he?” I smiled, “that is one of the questions that should’ve been asked previously. You already challenged me. You really should’ve asked who he was and what pack he was from.” Alpha Edwards asked, “Who is he and what pack is he from?” I sighed, “Sorry, we are past that portion of the tell all. Moving on to me kicking the supposed Beta’s ass….AGAIN.” Freya linked me, “I healed your back a little bit. I’m not at full strength….” I linked back, “You sound tired.” Freya whispered, “I’ll come out if you need me….I just need to rest.” I told her, “I’ve got this. You rest.” Beta Jean smirked, “My daughter isn’t leaving.” I smiled, “That’s rich coming from the man who’s tried to send her off four times with men who would’ve tried to kill her.” He lunged. I easily dodged him. He tried to dig his fingers into my back. Had I not worn the jacket….he might have managed it. I turned and pinned him in two moves. He didn’t tap out. Alpha Edward yelled, “ENOUGH!” I looked at Beta Jean and smirked, “I won’t stop until you tap out. Edward yelling does nothing for me. If you don’t tap out….I can kill you.” I left it unsaid that I would. He angrily tapped out. I released him. He gasped for breath. Edward ran to him. Dax and his mate glared at him. I told Addison, “Get Sierra packed.” Dax said, “I’ll go with you. Mason, Hendrick, and Caine….” Caine nodded, “I’ll help guard while she packs.” Hendrick and Mason nodded. 

                Sierra ran over and hugged me. She cried and linked me, “You have to come join me.” I hugged her, “You get packed and get to Phil. He’s probably pacing the halls.” Sierra bit her lip, “He won’t fully settle until you are there with your Xander.” I told her, “He’s going to text me when his mission is over. We are going to meet up.” She walked inside. Valentina handed me my phone with wide eyes. I frowned and looked at it. Xander had texted. 

  Xander: Call me.

  Xander: Lover bug…..call me.

  Xander: Seriously….like right now. Call me.

I was about to when another alert hit my phone. I slowly turned and walked away. Alpha Edward called, “Where are you going?” I turned, “That would be a whole lot of none of your business.” He growled but I kept walking.

                 I walked to my place with Mason and Hendrick. I took out the motorcycle they’d bought me. They shouldn’t have done it. They said it was for getting the profits from their diner back for them. I’d made Alpha Edward pay them all they were owed. Especially once I could prove he had millions of dollars and didn’t need their money. I turned the key and it roared to life. I jumped on. I grabbed my helmet. I’d rigged it so it was basically Bluetooth to my phone. I group called Hendrick, Mason, Addison, Paige and Avery. They answered immediately. Avery asked, “Where are you taking off to?” I told them, “Angela Conners has been kidnapped. They are taking her to the hunting warehouse Jason was in. I’m going to intercept them before they get there. I am technically just going out for a drive. I do that a lot.” Hendrick hissed, “That’s beyond dangerous. They will….be pissed. Angela Conners….” I snorted, “Come on….Do they really want the Conners down here? We all know the answer. I’m solving a problem.” Paige snorted, “They will not see it that way, Mel.” I said, “She’s a kid, and she’s Xander’s sister. I knew it! I knew taking Elise on a whim wasn’t right. It was always about getting Angela. DANG IT! How did I not see that?” It made so much sense. Addison sighed, “You are not superwoman.” I told them, “I’ll call when we are on the way back.” Hendrick said, “You can’t have them come get her here. They won’t agree.” I snorted, “I’ll think of something and have it in play before I bring her back to Black Path.” Mason told me, “Stay safe.” I smiled, “I’ll be in more danger when I get home. Which is just bonkers when you think about it. I’ll be saving a super powerful child from a super powerful family….and they will be mad at me.” 

                I killed the bike and parked it about twenty yards back. I rolled my eyes. These idiots. I could see Angela screaming from where I was. I couldn’t stop my smile. She was giving them hell. She might be young….but she was part Hackura. She screamed, “WHERE IS ELISE?!” She headbutted a guy in the face, breaking his nose. The guy's head snapped back. Someone else snorted, “You stupid little b***h! She’s back home! We were told how to trick you. Your own grandmother wanted us to kill you.” I frowned, “That couldn’t be true.” Angela rolled her eyes, “Keep up Genius. Alania isn’t my grandmother. I didn’t even know her.” My jaw dropped. Her mom’s mom? The dead woman did this? How? They all seemed startled by the fact that Angela didn’t care that they’d gotten her because of Alania. She had the iron bracelets around her. Jerks! She was just a kid. I crept up. She fought them from getting inside. They were distracted. Angela looked in my direction and blinked five times. How the heck did she know I was here if she didn’t have her sight. Knowing there were five guys was helpful. I closed my eyes. Freya told me, “These two, one in the van and two coming back.” I climbed a tree and jumped across them. Freya snorted, “You know we are a wolf….not a monkey….or a squirrel.” I told her, “Well, I had to improvise these last few years.” 

            I dropped down on the back of one and snapped his neck. The man Angela was engaged with whirled around. I smiled, “You know...we don’t really like rogues around here…..or men who try to hurt little girls.” Angela used that to pull a knife from her shoes and stabbed him in the thigh and twisted. I smiled, “Also you forget that little girl is also a partial Hackura. She just stabbed you in your femoral artery.” The one from the van tried to get out but I ran to him and slammed the door on his head. He fell to the ground, dead. I grabbed Angela. I told her, “Climb that tree. I’ll take these two.” She nodded, “You’re my blurry vision. You’re Alexander’s mate.” I tilted my head, “Blurry vision? Well I mean...I am...that’s just...go climb that tree.” She giggled and took off.

             Blurry vision? Angela couldn’t see me in her sight? She was supposed to be the strongest fairy with sight ever. Why couldn’t she see me? I shook it off. The two other rogues came around the corner. I smiled, “Hello.” I pulled the gun from my back and shot them both in the head. Angela jumped down from the tree. She sighed, “I didn’t even get to climb up all the way up.” I laughed, “Next time, I’ll make the killings more interesting.” She smiled, “We are a good team.” I smiled, “So we are.” Angela nodded, “Makes sense. You’re my brother's mate after all.” I asked, “How did you know I was here with those on your wrists?” Angela smiled, “Did my naughty brother not tell you how good our hearing is? I heard you on the bike.” I gaped, “Really? That far away?” She nodded. I laughed, “How about that?” 

            I asked her, “What all did they hit you with?” She frowned, “Wolfsbane...a lot….silver….and iron.” I nodded, “We’ll get your wolf back to you. And the iron bracelets off. I don’t want to jolt your system bringing your powers back. It would hurt a lot. One the bracelets come off...I’d imagine you’d have your sight back before you leave Black Path.” Angela’s eyes went wide, “You’re from Black Path? Wait….are you Ashley or Melanie?” I winced, “I mean...who is anyone really...when you think about it…it’s just a name. Do names really matter?” Angela laughed, “You’re funny.” She studied me, “You have to be Melanie. You look like the McAlister’s.” I winced, “That could be a coincidence.” Angela grinned wider, “I’m a fairy Melanie McAlister….you’ll have to do better evasions than that.” Good to know. I called Virgil. He answered immediately, “Mel? Is everything ok?” Angela smirked at me. I sighed, “I need you to get to my location. Several bodies to burn.” Virgil laughed, “I love when you talk dirty to me.” I told him, “Little ears!” Angela laughed, “I’ve heard much worse. He shouldn’t joke though. Alexander won’t like that at all.” That was….true on all fronts. I walked her back to my bike. I pulled out a kit and injected her with the antidote to get the iron cuffs off. She smiled. Then I gave her the silver and wolfsbane dose. She instantly smiled, “My wolf is back.” 

            I nodded, “Yup.” I gave her my helmet and got on my back. I took my phone out and called Blair. She answered, “Hey Ashley what’s up?” She must be around people. Angela gasped. Great. Just...great. This day….was the day of disasters. Plus, I needed to call Xander back to see what he wanted. CRAP ON A CRACKER! His sister was missing….after his brother’s mate was missing. He was back from his mission. It was probably cancelled. The god forsaken universe needed to give me a break. I glared at the sky and muttered, “I curse you Selene. You suck….SO HARD.” Angela snickered behind me. Blair said, “Ok…..why are we cursing Selene?” I told her, “Because she’s the worst and I loathe her. I need you to bring a group of warriors from your pack to Black Path to pick up a little girl.” Blair immediately said, “Walker is out on patrol. His brother is right here though. Is the little girl ok?” I told her, “You’re going to want Walker’s brother to come. It will matter greatly to her pack that you all had a hand in saving her. She was kidnapped. I got to her, but you need to get her home.” Angela asked, “Why can’t you take her home?” I sighed, “You’ll see.” Blair said, “Is this someone you will get in trouble for saving?” I laughed, “Oh yeah. Big time.” Angela frowned, “WHAT?” I told Blair, “Are you coming?” Angela whispered, “She’s already in a car.” I turned to gape, “Seriously with the hearing and stuff?” Blair snorted, “She’s right we are in a car. We will be there in fifteen minutes.” I told her, “That’s good.” Then hung up.

            Angela frowned, “Alexander will kill them if they hurt you. Why would they hurt you for saving me? That doesn’t make sense.” I told her, “Evil people do dumb things. I’ll be fine.” I’ve had worse happen I’m sure.” Angela frowned, “I don’t understand. You are Ashley Griffen and Melanie McAlister.” I told her, “What’s in a name?” Angela frowned, “Shakespeare doesn’t really cover this. This is weird. Your family will be upset.” I kicked the kickstand and snorted, “Not as upset as you think they would be.” Angela’s answers were drowned out as I took off. Her arms were firmly around my waist. I didn’t go as fast as I normally would. For several reason. One, Xander’s little sister was on the back. Two, I needed to time this perfectly so Blair would be pulling up with warriors at about the same time. I could see them when I stopped the engine. Alpha Edward and Beta Jean were standing on the lawn. Buck looked pale. Gamma Booker looked enraged. So did Trevor. I got off the bike, and took the helmet off Angela. 

            Booker snarled, “Who is she? And why is she here?” I laughed, “If you don’t know who she is you REALLY need to pay attention more often. Crack you head up from the s**t stain of this pack every once in a while. I came upon a pup in need on my ride. She was screaming bloody murder. She’d been kidnapped. Now, before you start shouting and turning purple with anger….I knew you wouldn’t want her pack coming here to get her. So I took care of that. I called Blair. Her lead warrior and...oh look at that….. Their Beta and a few other warriors came to collect her. I know...I’m such a good female lead warrior. I solve all the problems in one swift swoop.” Booker came and got in my face, “DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU JUST DID?!” I wiped the spit off my face, “Uhh yes...saved a pup...and solved your whole you don’t like people outside Nashville in this pack problem. You're welcome. Though spitting in my face because you’re so close to me is HARDLY a thank you.” Buck snorted. Everyone looked at him before he sobered. Addison ran out of the house with Sierra who gaped. I nodded to Sierra, “Get outta here.” She was going with several of my warriors. I was surprised Addison and Avery didn’t go. 

            Blair pulled up and jumped out. Alpha Edward grabbed Paige’s arm, “You alter that little girl’s memory of who saved her. It was Blair. You got it?” Paige yanked her arm away. She glared at him and marched over to Angela. She tapped her thigh once she was facing me. She wasn’t going to alter Angela’s memory. I didn’t think she could even if she wanted to. I spoke in fealish, “cunif actin the ticytoky to act owning  unheard (now would be the time to do your space unheard deal).” Angela gaped, “own  fealish?! (You speak Fealish)?” I winked, “et latin. (And Latin).” Angela spoke, “frater meus felix est. Veniet te. Irati videntur (my brother is a lucky man. He will come get you. They seem angry). I winked, “Semper irati sunt. est status naturae (they are always angry. it's a natural state of being for them).” Angela frowned, “Habeo multum quaestiones (I have a lot of questions.)” Before I could answer Booker snarled, “What are you saying to her?” I looked at him, “That she shouldn’t be scared that you are angry because you are always angry. I was putting her at ease speaking the language of her people. You could kindly shut the hell up. You’re scaring her. Who could blame her? Your face is terrifying? Seriously….turn around. No...that’s no good. Just go away. Stop scaring the pup.” Alpha Edward growled, “Paige. Now.” 

                Angela chanted her space unheard. Alpha Edward glared at me. I smiled, “I assume you would not like our visitors to hear what she is doing….that would be bad….for so many reasons.” Jean bared his teeth at me. Blair’s Beta walked up, “What the hell is going on?” I smiled, “I found a pup in need. I rescued her, and you’re here to take her home.” The Beta frowned, “That would make you Lead Female Warrior Ashley Griffen then.” I smiled, “I don’t know if it would make the lead female warrior but I am. I am also pleased to meet you.” Several wolves chuckled. The Beta looked at our pack leadership and then back at me. He asked, “Any reason this seems to upset them? If our lead female warrior saved a pup….we’d be celebrating.” I laughed, “Oh, this lot doesn’t like the womenfolk doing the saving around here. I’m not popular with this group. They hate gender equality. They are stuck in the dark ages. They prefer my stellar cooking skills...which is just insulting since I’ve saved their ungrateful asses SO MANY times. Who’s counting though?” Dax coughed, “Ninety-seven times.” I winked at him, “He is, of course. He’s got Beta blood and all. What can you do? The man likes data. It’s literally in his blood. Does anyone have coffee? I NEED so much coffee.” 

                The Beta laughed, “I don’t think you need any coffee.” Caine handed me a cup. I smiled, “Bless you Caine.” I chugged it. The lead warrior said, “Umm...do you insult them all the time and they don’t growl for respect?” I handed Caine the coffee cup. I smiled, “I barely insulted them. To answer your question though. I call them spineless to their faces all the time. Nary a growl is heard” I looked at the group who just glared at me. Then I turned back, “That’s their typical response.” The Beta gaped, “Umm ok. I'm Beta Patrick.” I smiled, “I know that.” He nodded, “Ok….well we’d love it if you’d come to do a training at our pack sometime. Provided you don’t call our Alpha spineless.” I laughed, “Oh I know who your Alpha is. I have no problem with him. He knows what his job is. Maybe you could send a memo to our pack. Those three have lost all sight of their jobs.” Beta Patrick’s eyes went wide. He glanced at the group then back to me. He nodded, “Okkk...this is interesting. He’s my card. Call and we will set something up.” Booker growled, “She won’t be training for your pack.” I snorted, “Don’t listen to him. Lord knows I don’t. I’ll call you tomorrow. We will set something up.” I looked at Blair. If I didn’t call tomorrow she’d sent her mate to look into it. Tears filled her eyes. She ran forward to hug me. Her brother in law, the lead warrior, looked very confused. So did the Beta. Blair glared at Alpha Edward. 

            He nodded, “Blair. It’s good to see you.” She wiped her tears, “I can’t say the same. I’ve loved every second of not seeing any of your faces. I definitely loved not being in this hell hole you call home.” The Beta and lead warriors' jaws dropped. I squeezed her hand, “Get the pup out of here.” Blair hugged me again, “Stay safe.” I smiled, “I’ll do my best.” The Beta was frowning. Alpha Edward was practically vibrating with anger. Not at me….but at the fact that the Beta was clearly catching on to something bad going on here. That was very bad for all of them. Paige stepped back from Angela. Angela was instantly picked up by Blair. When they left. Alpha Edward looked at Paige, “The little girl won’t remember Melanie saving her, right?” Paige glared at him, “That’s what you asked me to do. With absolutely no regard for the repercussions that could have on a young mind. You make me sick.” I smiled, “Join the club.” Alpha Edward looked at me, “GET IN THE HOUSE.” I shrugged, “Ehh, sorry don’t feel like it. I need to drop my bike off back at home. Toodles!” I jumped on and drove to Hendrick and Mason’s house. 

            I parked and came out. I asked casually over my shoulder, “Can I help you Buck?” He looked at me, “You need to run Melanie. Get out of here.” I told him, “I’m not the running type. My dad taught me that.” Buck ran a hand through his hair, “Come on Mel. You know that was big. I don’t exactly know all the shady s**t because I don’t want to. I know who that was though. It was Angela Conners. You HAVE to leave.” I told him, “Not in my blood, Buck.” Buck frowned, “Yes….my wolf said he sensed yours now. Which means being a Beta IS in your blood. How is that possible?” I told him honestly, “I really don’t know. It’s all messed up to the tenth power.” Buck nodded, “Just...lay low.” 

            Mason came running up. His eyes were filled with hatred. I frowned, “Mason? What’s wrong?” He hissed, “The Alpha is holding a newborn pup hostage. He’s got a knife to his throat. If you don’t turn yourself over to be punished, he’s going to kill the pup.” Buck gaped, “WHAT?!” Mason looked at him, “Why does that surprise you?” Buck said, “Uhh because all they ever have to do is tell Melanie to go to the punishing field.” I frowned, “Catch you guys later. I guess” I ran back to the main field. I spotted the Alpha. I nearly spat at him. Naturally, it was an Omega’s pup he was holding hostage. The pup’s mother was still bleeding. She had dragged herself from the hospital screaming. The only person in the pack not glaring at the Alpha in disdain was Beta Jean. He just looked worried. Booker was oddly nowhere to be found. 

            He growled, “Get your ass to the punishing field.” I nodded, “Sure...saving a pup IS a punishable offense. Give the pup back.” The Alpha shook his head, “No, you’ll cooperate if I have the pup.” I raised an eyebrow, “When have I not cooperated? Give the mom her pup back.” The pup wailed when the Alpha nicked his arm. The dad was being held back. The mom was sobbing. The Luna ran to her. She screamed, “EDWARD STOP THIS!” Alpha Edward said, “MOVE MELANIE!” I shrugged, “Fine.” I turned to the mom and told her, “I’ll do what they say. Your pup will come home.” She cried, “Thank you, Thank you, thank you. My baby….he’s just a pup. I didn’t even get to hold him.” The dad was snarling. He was putting up a hell of a fight. He should. I’d worked with him in the past. I told Alpha Edward, “You really do disgust me.” I took off for the punishing field. My friends were missing, which was bad. I hoped they were going to do anything dumb. The crane was out at the punishing fields. Booker wasn’t here either. I titled my head. I couldn't help but wonder….Where did he go?