The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Pieces of the Puzzle Pt. 2

        I asked my dad, “What did he want?” My dad said, “To ask strange, pointed questions about a specific member of Red Run.” I winced. Cayden definitely knew then. He must not know I have Spencer at Black Path. My dad spoke again, “I’m getting the feeling what you’re talking about lines up with his questions. Considering the fact that outside our family, there is one person who you would not forgive yourself for perceiving you failed. I just do not know how Cayden could possibly know that person.” I told him, “It will rock you. It will rock you to your very core when you find out.” My dad asked, “You know?” I sighed, “I know how they know each other. I do not know what the actual hell is going on.” My dad said, “Asking tends to get answers, son.” I snorted, “I’m in a bubble. I get answers when I get back. I have EJ’s calendar blocked off to discuss everything when I return.” My dad said, “Then I suppose a certain someone will be returning with you.” I told him, “Barring an emergency...I won’t come back without her. I’ll go get her after said emergency is handled if I come back for one.” My dad snorted, “Come back home without her again you mean. I heard about a cat fight over you.” I laughed, “You already knew who I was with then.” My dad said, “Yes. I did. No one else seems to know though. They aren’t talking either, which I assume is you’re doing. Dylan won’t even return my phone calls. I’ll have to have your mother pull some prank on him for that.” 

            I laughed, “As long as you enjoy yourself dad.” My dad sighed, “I knew the moment they said you’d brought a girl home and there was a fight….I knew exactly who she was.” I asked, “Does mom know?” My dad said, “She does not. That is going to bite us in the ass.” I snorted, “It’s all going to bite us in the ass dad.” My dad groaned, “Great. That’s just really f*****g great.” I told him, “You need to get some sleep.” I heard a can crack. He said, “I’m drinking an energy drink. I’ll be fine. I need less sleep these days anyway. I can get by on an hour if need be.” That was true. The longer he and mom were together...the less sleep they needed. I told him, “I need to go take care of someone.” My dad said, “She’s ok though, right?.” I told him, “Physically? Yes. Emotionally….I don’t think so dad. Not by a long shot. The theories I have….I just don’t even know.” My dad said, “Ballpark it for me.” I sighed, “I think it’s possible the supernatural council tapped a very smart impressionable young girl who left angry with her family for undercover work they had no business putting her in.” My dad groaned, “Oh good lord. Let’s hope it’s not that. My guy does say she’s busy.” I think his guy was following the wrong person. My dad said, “I’ll call Lucas. Then Gunner. Go on and handle what you need to. When you get home….I’m bringing out the good whiskey.” I snorted, “We will need it.” 

            I walked out onto the deck. Phil said, “Ok….we need to go get the dancing  Luna machine out there. It’s bad enough we already have you as a machine in the gym. We CANNOT have too.” I grabbed them and popped them down the ground. Sierra spoke to Melanie, but she still didn’t stop. Phil brought up food. Melanie shrugged. I didn’t like that at all or the implication. I linked Phil, “If they didn’t feed her….I’ll give them back tenfold what they’ve done to her.” Phil looked at Sierra and told me, “I’ll be right there with you.” The dance moves were running through my head as she visualized them. I noticed they were before she made them. She was picturing her next move. I went to join her. Sierra said, “You can’t get her to stop...we’ve tried….well...you do that whole stopping her rants by kissing her thing so you do you I guess.” I put my hands on Melanie’s waist. I danced with her. I didn't try to stop her. I just wanted her to know she had a partner now. I was here. It was somewhat cheating because I could see what she wanted to do next. I kissed her when the song ended. Phil sighed, “Why wasn’t that Plan A? Why did we go with dancing WITH her first?” I linked him, “Because she was doing what she needed to do. I just didn’t want her to do it alone.” Phil sighed, “You partial fairies with your waxing elegant speeches. You're lucky I grew up with you, and can do my own now. Or I'd REALLY dislike you.” I smiled and deepened my kiss with Melanie. 

            Phil cleared his throat and linked me, “She does need to eat. Really though. She should be able to collapse. I’m worried if she does collapse….I’ll have to deal with an angry you. Which I would. I’ve dealt with angry you a few times since we met her. Let me avoid this one time.” I growled but pulled back. I asked Melanie what pizza she liked and snapped it for her. She wanted to go shower, but I stopped her. I wanted her with me. She didn’t smell bad anyway. Plus, Phil was right. We didn’t need her passing out in the shower. Phil pointed out we had a pool. Sierra squealed as if it was the first time she’d heard it. Phil sighed, “Ahhh back to the names of Ashley and Samantha. You’re lucky you brought me on this trip. One of your brothers would’ve slipped by now.” He was probably right. Melanie ate almost an entire pizza. Sierra teased her about missing breakfast and lunch. I guess as a group we’d had brunch….so now we were having a late lunch. Melanie got a far off look when Sierra talked about cooking. I got a flash of Melanie in the face of Alpha Edward wagging her finger as she pointed at an Omega who was shaking and crying. It vanished from my head. 

            I asked Oden, “What was that?” Oden linked, “A memory. She was remembering something and she projected it to us.” I asked, “We didn’t hear what she was saying.” Oden said, “No, but I’m damn proud of mate for getting in an Alpha’s face to protect pack people.” He was right. I was proud too. That took a lot of courage. Coming from Melanie McAlister who was raised to respect her Alpha….it took a serious level of disdain on her part. She had no loyalty to Black Path. She’d said it, but that proved it. She’d have yelled at the Alpha in private if she respected him. She ripped him to pieces in front of pack members from the flash I got. Phil teased them that everyone would love their cooking. He wasn’t wrong. Sierra’s French toast was light and fluffy. Something told me Mason and Hanson’s diner would be popular. They were the ones who taught them how to cook. Phil subtly let Melanie know that we knew she’d been offered a spot in the Hackura army. 

            Melanie panicked. I growled at Phil. he linked me, “Patience Alpha grasshopper. We are still fishing.” Melanie began to rant about the pool day, and finding their swimsuit. Phil linked me, “Abort...I’ve broken the future Luna...fix her.” I gave him a scathing look then leaned over to kiss her. Sierra then told her we already knew the answer. Melanie gaped at her; they clearly linked each other. I linked Phil, “Could Black Path know that she never joined? She can link me without doing anything other than mating with me. Maybe she can link anyone?” Phil gaped, “Sure. Your superpower Pokémon Luna can do all things. She’s special. If we are down that rabbit hole….Sierra is positive Melanie is a member of their pack. Her friends are who she would link. She’s probably never links the Alpha, Beta, or Gamma. They are the only ones who would know she’s not truly a part of their pack.” He was right. I shoved that aside and took Melanie in my arms. I told her I was only annoyed that Cayden met her before me. I was more than annoyed that I could've met her after her car accident. I should’ve just popped to Cayden. That’s what I should’ve done. 

            Melanie was scared. Her thoughts were coming through in bits and pieces. “Talk...Cayden….figure...out...everything over….” I frowned. I didn’t know what talking to Cayden would do in her mind. She didn’t know I already knew who she was. If I was right...Cayden did too, but she didn’t know that he did. When the girls left. I held up a finger to Phil. I snapped us into our swim trunks and jumped into the pool. I let the water run down my face. Phil said, “Ok they have to be far enough away now.” I nodded, “They are in your room.” Phil said, “What the hell was that about talking to Cayden and figuring everything out.” I gaped, “You got that too?” Phil nodded, “YES! I nearly jumped out of my skin. How the HELL can she accidentally link me? GOD! Was she some lab rat for someone? They just had radioactive spiders bit her, and gave her a special soldier serum while hiding her wolf? Is that what's happening? Are we in a Marvel movie??” I frowned, “I don’t know. I thought maybe it was because we mated, but if you can hear her...then I don’t know how that’s possible. It got back to my thought that she can link anyone. We know she’s still a member of Red Run. Drake would’ve been up in arms if she left the pack without a word.” Phil snorted, “You're right. He would’ve.  T would’ve been right there with him. So would your buddy Jase. She’s either a Marvel Superhero or she’s one of Charles Xavier’s mutants. Or….my original line of thinking...she’s an actual Pokémon.” 

            I groaned, “She’s just my Melanie.” Phil snorted, “She’s your Melanie/Ashley/Red One/probably resistance member/champion of forgotten packs/and I know you will flip a gasket but….she’s likely Swiffer too.” I growled, “NO!” Phil groaned, “Alexander…..she’s likely the sniper in the resistance. We thought it was Ashley. If Ashley is Melanie…..you need to prepare that she's Swiffer too.” I growled, “Why the f**k would she let people beat her? She’s good.” Phil sighed, “Theo’s mate and Madeline told you...for the money.” I hissed, “BULLSHIT Phil! She could get money by winning. Why would she LET someone beat her up to then win?” Phil frowned, “I don’t know...I’m just preparing you for things.” I growled, “Then in that vein of thinking….. When we go to the Hackura realm. We have to avoid Cayden like the plague.” Phil frowned, “Why?” I told him, “Because Uncle Bjourn came to check on me because of my emotions. Which means...he did it for Cassie. He saw you with me. Cayden called my dad to inquire about Melanie McAlister. I’m guessing...he asked Uncle Bjourn what she looked like. He’s matched that description to Ashley.” Phil groaned, “He could answer some questions for us.” I nodded, “Questions Melanie wants to explain to me herself.” Phil sighed, “Great. So I just have to avoid the Commander of our armies. RIP ME. You get to go on a mission. Me….I don’t have one….I’ll just be casually doing my job back at the back trying NOT to lose my mind about my mate not being there….having NO CLUE what’s she’s doing or if she’s ok….Let’s add hiding from the Hackura Commander and anyone he could send to talk to me.”

            I winced, “I am sorry cousin.” Phil snorted, “It’s not as if we aren’t sneaky by nature….noooo...it’s not as if we can’t just be in the background...UGH hello paranoia….we are about to become best friends. I’m so confused, Alexander. I do know that….I cannot explode people’s heads but when I find out who has caused me to have no answers….while my mate was suffering in a pack that should've been checked a long damn time ago…..I’m going to let my Hackura side go completely.” I nodded, “You and me both.” Phil smiled, “As long as we are on the same page then.” I laughed, “We are.” Phil raised an eyebrow, “I guess your mate is an exception to every girl we have ever met our age. Goodie. That means….wonderful things for me.” I frowned then turned around. Melanie looked beautiful. She was in a long sleeve red swim top. Sierra was in a bikini. Phil linked me, “Try not to lose it.” I linked, “They hurt her. She doesn’t want me to see where she got shot. SHE WAS SHOT!” Phil linked, “It’s looking that way. There are other options here though. She could just like long sleeves….and being covered. That could be a thing. She didn't have a wolf until last week...maybe she got cold. Maybe she covers up because she DOESN’T have a scar and Ashley Griffen is supposed to. That’s an option and please DEAR MOON GODDESS AND AESIR LET THAT BE THE RIGHT ONE.” I pushed that aside. Mostly because he wasn't wrong. That was a valid theory.

            I popped to her and popped into the water. We were back in the bubble. Sierra and Phil jumped in. Phil linked, “So..Sierra definitely saw your tattoo. I’d link her but you know….she’s not a mutant/superhero/Pokémon so I can’t.” I rolled my eyes. Phil suggested we play chicken. Sierra declined because Melanie was too good. The thought of her with her legs wrapped around another man set me off. I really needed to mark her so I could calm down. Oden snorted, “You calm down….I have NO CHILL! That Trevor kid wants what is ours.” I linked him, “Trevor would be stupid to touch her, and he WILL die at our hands. Cayden would’ve beaten him within an inch of his life. No matter what he was told about what happened. He had to have some clues. They would’ve had to tell him why they wanted her protected.” Oden grumbled, “Fine. Plus only we can mark mate permanently anyway. No one else’s mark would stick.” I sighed, “I still don’t get that.” Oden linked back, “ELEVEN YEARS ALEXANDER! Don’t worry...I won’t make you wait that long.” With that he shut our link. He was being very moody and secretive lately.

            Melanie said Caine was her partner. ANOTHER ALPHA?! f**k HIM! SHE WAS MINE! HE was unmated AND they fought together! They trained together. She spent a lot of time with Caine. I slammed my lips on hers claiming them. She was mine. When we pulled apart she said she liked my eyes. Phil teased they’d look like this a lot. I linked him, “So if Sierra was wrapped around Caine’s shoulders….you’d be cool with it.” Phil growled. I nodded, “Exactly.” Melanie told us Caine was like a brother to her. That didn’t mean Caine felt the same way. Sierra jumped in and offered that is how Caine felt. That had better be true, or Caine was in for a rude awakening. Phil told me to snap a net for us to play on. I did as he asked, still holding onto Melanie. I could stand in the water, but she couldn’t. I inhaled deeply, calming down as her scent surrounded me. Sierra commented that Melanie was really good at everything. Melanie got flustered saying she could play but she wasn’t super good. I kissed her again. I told her we’d be fine even if she was bad. 

            She was not bad. She could have easily been on the high school team in Red Run if she’d wanted to be. We killed Phil and Sierra. Phil linked, “Ok….next time… I’ll listen to my mate. Melanie is freakishly good at stuff. It’s the mutant/superhero/Pokémon gene. I’m convinced.” I hoisted Melanie onto my shoulders. We were going to kill my brothers at games together. That would give them fits. Phil wanted to get in the hot tub. I popped Melanie and I there and teased them walking was for losers. Not to be outdone, Phil portaled them into the hot tub. Sierra said next time she wanted to be on Melanie’s team. Nope. She was my mate; therefore she was my teammate, always. Sierra said Melanie never lost. Phil asked if she ever did. I knew what he was getting at. Swiffer never lost. That’s what we’d heard. Sierra said she didn’t. f**k me. Going in the box. That was going into the damn box of s**t we were NOT talking about. 

            That seemed to make Melanie sad for a second. She seemed locked up. I wasn’t getting flashes of words or pictures though. I was completely blind. Oden linked, “Freya is talking to her. It will be ok.” I sighed, “What will be?” Oden linked, “I don’t know. I just know Freya is talking to her.” I pulled her over to me and wrapped my arms around her. I snapped us all drinks. I heard Melanie in my head talking to Freya. I frowned. She still called Tristan, T but she wasn’t saying Jase. She was calling him by his given name, Jason. Jason said she only did that when she was mad at him. She didn’t seem mad though, but why would she give up on one nickname and not the other? I really hoped she would shift. Oden linked, “She will. Eventually. She’s just got to get stronger.” I linked, “Any idea on how long that will be? A month? A year?” Oden linked, “I don’t know honestly. Neither does Freya. We just know...she will shift.” Great. More unknowns. I was beginning to hate them more than Phil did. 

            When we got out I snapped us into dry clothes. We all went upstairs and started watching a movie. It was really funny. I commented that my mom would like this group of women. I liked them too. They were really funny. I carried Melanie upstairs to our room afterwards. I couldn't stop myself from answering Melanie out loud when she said she was starting to believe that I was hers. She freaked out wondering if she said that out loud. I told her she’d been linking me. Then I proved I could link her too. I still thought maybe we could because we’d mated. I had no reasons for her being able to link Phil, but that wasn’t about us. She was worried about what I’d heard. Nothing bad. I wished I’d gotten more insight on the things I had questions about. Sadly….I got nothing like that. I wanted to be done talking about it because I didn’t have answers. 

            It wasn’t hard to convince her not to talk anymore. I hoped it would be just as easy to convince her to talk after my mission. We slid into each other. God, she was addicting to me. I gave her a hickey on her marking spot. I definitely wanted to do more, but I left it at that. When we both came I smelled blood. I looked at her lips and couldn't help but smile. I quickly healed her and told her that her canines elongated. Something inside me settled. She did truly want to mark me. Also that meant Freya was getting stronger. She was really emotional about her teeth elongating. I would imagine that after thinking she didn’t have a wolf...it really was emotional. Hopefully, I could make her shift painless with my healing light. Oden snorted at me. I wasn’t even going to bother asking what his deal was. He wouldn’t tell me. Oden linked, “Correct you are.” 

            I asked her where we were meeting to have our conversation. She seemed to think about it for a minute then got up and wrote down an address. She said it was her actual place. Not her place in the pack, but a separate place. I’d have to have Micah look into the building when I got back. If they were friends...he might already have the details I wanted. I memorized it. It was in Nashville but barely. She told me to text her when I completed my mission and she’d meet me there. I knew this was her trusting me. It felt like a warm blanket I wrapped myself up in. She told me she was trusting me with a lot. Including her heart. I’d never hurt her heart. I’d keep her safe, and I would avenge everything that happened to her. Those who’d hurt her would know a pain they couldn’t possibly comprehend. 

            Phil linked me, “Sierra did in fact see your tattoo. She saw Melanie’s too.” I linked back, “Then Melanie saw it.” Phil inked, “Melanie showed it to her. There’s more to this conversation but Sierra is being tight lipped about it. She said she’s not sure what happened, but Melanie had some crazy dream.” I snorted, “Did you tell her in our family we listen to the dreams?” Phil sighed, “Alas. That has gotten me nowhere. She is deep in thought over these things. I’m off to convince her to think about sexy things.” 

            The rest of our time together was going by too fast. I’d never dreaded a mission more than this one. I’d wished I’d never taken it. I took us out on a yacht for the day. We’d worn swimsuits for most of the day, but I’d told Sierra to pack a nice dress for dinner for Melanie. They came down the stairs and she came onto the deck wearing a long sleeved red dress that covered her back, but had a deep v slit. It was the closest I’d come to see her boobs. I could barely take my eyes off them. Melanie smiled at me, “Hi Xander.” I kissed her cheek, “You look beautiful.” We sat down and ate together. I really did want to freeze the moment. I could do stuff like this though for us. I would do stuff like this. Melanie’s eyes were bright and excited. I’d had dinner plans for us the last few nights here, but we didn’t make it. We couldn’t tear ourselves apart. My heart literally ached at the thought of leaving her. 

            I could practically feel her sadness on our last night before I was leaving. I told her it would only be three days. Three long ass days. I’d make it shorter if I could. She started to cry. Everything in me wanted to make it better. I told her we’d be together after that and she cried harder, clutching me to her. I couldn’t do this. I couldn’t leave her like this. I’d just tell my Uncle I couldn't do this mission. Cayden could find someone else to do this. She told me not to do that. She said we’d had a perfect two weeks. The first two of many. We couldn’t always be on vacation, but I’d watched my dad date my mom my entire life. I could set up things for Melanie. I could pop her anywhere for a night. She was mine, and she would be by my side. She asked me to make love to her until we had to go. I couldn't deny her, and I didn’t even want to. 

            Eventually Phil knocked on the door. He linked me, “I’m sorry man. I don’t want to go either….but we are pushing it. We need to get them to their hotel.” Melanie started crying again. I told her it would be ok. She said I didn’t know that. What I knew was that we would be fine. Everyone else….they might not be ok when I got a hold of them, but from the moment my mission was done….Melanie and I would be fine. No one would hurt her ever again. I told her that I would text her from my burner when I had it. She said she might call a lot. I really hoped she did. I needed to hear her voice. I gave her a clean hoodie of mine. She showered quickly. I heard her thoughts briefly. She was thinking of getting a hold of Jason. I hoped she did. Then she’d be home sooner. He’d get her home and keep her safe. I snapped her things packed and jumped into the shower. Phil linked me, “I have never liked being me less. I normally love being me. I have a weeping mate. She’s worried about something, but she won’t tell me what.” I linked him, “Same.” Phil snorted, “Oh good. It’s so great to be us right now.” 

            When I got out Melanie told me to conjure her stuff to Black Mountain. There was something behind that, but I was happy she wanted her stuff there. She started to tear up again. I was being destroyed by the tears of my mate. I wished I’d never agreed to the mission. I’d never planned on being busy when she was supposed to come home, but we weren’t supposed to meet now. Angela had interfered, thank the gods and goddesses. Melanie needed me. She was still upset that everything could change. I told her that wouldn’t happen. I didn't care what she had to say. I knew it was her name, but I couldn't care less what else followed. I’d go to war for her. To avenge what had been going on with her all these years….to stand by her side...whatever. We were together, and there were no forces of evil that could stand in my way. Heaven help them if they tried. She was mine. I told her I loved her and she replied with the same.