The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Traitor Pt. 2

            She fell to the ground. I cushioned her fall. I yelled, “WHAT THE f**k CORBIN?!” He looked at me with wide eyes, “I’ve….I’ve never….that kind of power….I just wanted her to take them off over her head not break the chain.” I desperately felt for something to heal within Melanie, but there was nothing there. I yelled, “SOMEONE DO SOMETHING! Breathe Mel….come on Lovebug take a breath for me!” Ethan bolted into the house and quickly went to Melanie’s side. He looked worriedly at me. He said, “Alpha Alexander, If she doesn't take a breath soon, we’ll have to intubate her.” I growled at him. Melanie screamed bloody murder then passed out cold. 

            Ethan went to touch her, and I grabbed her and pulled her to me. I stood and glared, “What the f**k just happened? Someone talk NOW!” Aunt Katie shook my Uncle Logan off and spoke, “Oh calm the hell down. Alexander would never hurt us. Maybe Ethan...but not seriously, but he definitely without a doubt would not hurt me.” She rolled her eyes and faced me. She said, “The power coming off those rings….was intense.” I frowned. My mom snapped the glass back onto the windows and snapped the debris clear. I asked, “Is anyone but Melanie hurt?” EJ said, “Everyone is fine. Scared but fine.” I asked Aunt Katie, “What happened to her? You didn’t notice she had some powerful magic around her before.” Corbin spoke, “You have to see these….their power is concealed.” I looked at Sierra, “How did Paige not know?” Sierra frowned, “She’s never seen them. We met Sierra when we were almost sixteen. Mel got these in her first few days at the pack. She always wears them under her clothes.” 

            I took a deep breath, “What’s wrong with her? I can’t sense anything to heal.” Aunt Katie frowned, “This is the most powerful spell I’ve ever seen. I can only tell you a few things it’s doing. I sense it’s much more than that though. We will have to look into it. Dustin and Ryan might know more.” I growled, “What was it doing?” Sierra started crying, “The illusion…..Phil said she was in an illusion the night her family died….that’s why she was reliving it every year. I thought it was some weird PTSD. I didn’t know her family wasn’t dead. Oh god!” Corbin said, “That was not one of the things we were going to say, but I’d believe that.” I asked, “That’s what was wrong with Mel in Switzerland? She was reliving the illusion?” Sierra nodded, “Every year it was like it was happening to her all over, but she could never change the outcome no matter how hard she tried.” I growled. Aunt Katie said, “It’s making her more upset than she’s going to naturally be. Given what happened, I’d say it’s sparked by her family, touch, and what happened to her being discussed.” Ben stood, “That f*****g b***h! She knows! That Stephanie b***h cackled like a damn hyena when I touched Ladybug!” I asked, “What else is it doing?” Corbin sighed, “It was helping keep her wolf from gaining strength. Being with you, Alexander, was counteracting it to a degree, but still not letting her wolf come into her full strength. I recognize the spell because it was on Edward and Jean’s things.” 

            My Aunt Katie sighed, “It’s supposed to make her physically ill about something. I don’t know what….we’ll find out though if she does or goes near whatever it is.” I frowned, “She took it off. Why would it still affect her?” Aunt Katie nodded, “Yes, but this will take some time to be totally out of her system. It’s serious magic. Someone wasn’t playing around. Plus...Her friend says she was constantly wearing them for several years…..it’s going to have echoes. Maybe a month….” I growled, “Why isn’t she awake?” Spencer spoke, “What does she not remember?” Sierra and Cayden jerked. Elise whispered, “I asked her about Trevor trying to mark her. She doesn't remember it.” Spencer said, “As long as she was having trouble breathing it’s more than that, but she remembers now.” My mom hissed, “I’m going to kill a f*****g witch b***h. I TOLD you all we should go back to burning the bad ones at the f*****g stake. I TOLD YOU something would happen that would make you all agree with me. I f*****g warned you!  Not only are the bad witch bitches suppressing wolves….they are holding memories…..harmful to someone’s mental state from them….oh but they built in a f*****g failsafe to add maximum damage when they came barreling back.” 

            I looked at Sierra, “What else?” Sierra wiped her eyes, “She should tell you.” Drake said, “Please, that’s my baby. I won’t say anything to her. No one here will.” Sierra sighed, “Look...I will loosely explain….because like I said….this is her thing to tell….She’ll remember her time in the hole.” I growled, “The hole?” My dad sighed, “God I hate everything about that. I hate everything about Black path. I thought I did before...god I was wrong.” Phil gaped, “Wait….do you mean the hole Edward almost dropped a baby into? They put her there?” Sierra frowned, “Not infrequently and put is a….nice word. They usually threw her in it.” Sam started to cry. My mom sighed, “Witch f*****g bitches! They wouldn’t have blocked that from her. She’d have pushed the memories from her damn mind. Katie, tell me they can’t f*****g do that. Her own mind was protecting her by repressing that….they can’t f*****g pull her own memories and throw them in her damn face. Can they? Tell me that’s not a f*****g thing.” Aunt Katie frowned, “I think it is.” Dalton and Paige were popped in by Sharon. Paige ran over and grabbed the rings. She started to cry. She gasped, “Oh Mel….I’m so sorry. I never knew.” I asked her, “Do you know what these do?” Paige frowned, “Not all of it. I can tell you there are Eight spells cast on it. Each nastier than the one before it. This is my fault.” Dalton picked her up, “No it’s not. You didn’t know she had these.” Sierra said, “Duke Corbin said you had to see the rings to know, and you never saw them, Paige.” 

            Corbin eyed Sierra and Paige. He said, “Call me Corbin. You, Miss Paige, are powerful.” Paige hissed, “No s**t sherlock.” Dalton immediately put her behind him. He quickly said, “She’s just upset. She’s blaming herself.” Corbin shrugged, “I couldn’t tell how many spells were on the rings.” Paige whispered, “Four each. Four on one ring and four on the other.” Aunt Katie raised an eyebrow, “Neither can I. I will be interested if Dustin or Ryan can.” I asked Paige, “They think she will feel residual effects. Do you?” Paige nodded, “Yes. I’ll look into it. I need to know what makes her physically ill. That will be the tough one. I can help if I know what it is….without that information though….I’m dead in the water.” I could literally feel my mom about to say something when Paige added, “I can help with the anger issue. That’s obviously going to be directed at her family.” Corbin smirked, “Can you?” Paige snapped, “Yes, you doubting Mufasa. I can. As you stated….I’m powerful. I can help one of my best friends. I just need to go to the kitchen, and find a few things.” She walked away muttering, “You can help your friend? He says in mock surprise and filled with doubt. Yes, I f*****g can and I will. Insulting. It’s just insulting. No, I said I could help her, but in reality. Meh. I can't do it.” I bit my lip, “I don’t think she likes you cousin.” Corbin smiled, “I want to get a peek at that girl's spell book.” Sierra snorted, “It’s intense. She’s...good. Melanie told her your Uncle’s would be thrilled about her joining their coven. She’s not wrong. Paige is damn good.” Paige was banging around in the kitchen. I could hear her turn on the oven to boil water. 

            Dalton stood between the kitchen and the living room watching Corbin worriedly. Corbin laughed, “I’m not upset about the disrespect, Dalton. Calm down. She’s new around here, and she’s worried about her friend. She thought I was insulting her. It’s fine.” Dalton breathed a sigh of relief. After an hour, Paige came back in, and she rubbed whatever she’d made on Melanie’s hands. She leaned in and kissed Melanie’s forehead. Paige looked at me, “You might want to put her down. She’ll probably jerk around.” No sooner had she said that then Melanie started thrashing in my arms. I held her tightly. I whispered, “It’s going to be ok, Lovebug.” I just kept whispering to her. Paige hissed, “I WILL find who did this and curse the f**k out of them. This should’ve taken five minutes. Why would they hurt her this way?” My mom snorted, “I f*****g like that one. This witch can stick around.” I had a few scratches on me, but eventually Melanie stilled. Paige walked back over and held out a pot under Melanie’s hands. Beads of what looked like dark sweat poured off of Melanie’s hands. Paige was cursing the more that the pot filled up. EJ conjured her a new one. Corbin took the first pot and stared at it. He looked at his mom who shrugged. She was on the phone presumably with Dustin or Ryan. It didn’t sound like they knew either. 

            Cousin Emmaline popped in with both of her brothers. Both men watched Paige fascinated. Finally, the black beads of sweat stopped. Paige cursed, “Ohh…..I will curse AND hex these people’s asses.” Dustin cleared his throat, “What did you do?” Paige turned, “Helped my best friend. What did you do? Nothing? I noticed.” Dustin snorted, “I’m Dustin Bishop.” Paige held out her hand, “Paige.” Dustin raised an eyebrow, “Is there a last name that goes with that? Or is it like Cher.” Paige frowned, “My name changed when I was adopted. Legally, I’m Paige Hemmington.” Dalton moved closer to her. EJ linked me, “Oh, I think Dalton knows her birth last name.” Dalton wrapped an arm protectively around her. Alpha Kyle, Drake, and even T moved closer to them. Dustin said, “Ok….do you know your actual last name? The one given at birth?” Paige nodded, “I didn’t remember. I don’t remember things about my family, but Melanie helped me find out. She helped me find pictures. She’s looking for….my brother. She thinks maybe he got out alive, but she doesn’t know. We haven’t been able to find him. I don’t even know if he remembers me. I didn't really remember him. I just knew I had one. I was told everyone died in the accident.” 

            Dalton said, “Her last name is not relevant.” Dustin laughed, “Oh I disagree. She’s one incredibly powerful witch. She’s more powerful than I am. I’ve got years of practice on her, but I couldn’t tell you how many spells were cast on those rings. I have three members in my coven who MIGHT be able to. They are all traveling right now. I texted them and they are intrigued and thinking of cutting their trip short.” Paige asked, “Who are they?” Dustin smiled, “I think I asked first.” Paige snorted, “Seriously? What are you, five? You asked first. That’s your argument? Good lord. Never argue with Mel...she’ll destroy you.” Mel shakily said, “Yes, I will. Paige, you don’t have to tell them a damn thing if you don’t want to.” I helped her stand. Paige turned, “You need food.” I snapped her pizza and sat down with her on the couch. She kissed my cheek. She slowly ate her food. Paige studied her. Dustin cleared his throat. Paige snarked, “Clear your throat all you want asshole. I’m still making sure my friend is ok.” Melanie laughed, “That Dustin Bishop.” Paige said, “I don’t care if he’s the pope. I’m making sure my friend is ok.” Melanie reached over and touched Paige’s hand. She squeezed it gently. She whispered, “Retract the claws momma Paige. I’m ok. I just feel shaky and weak. I know you did something….it feels better.” Paige sighed in relief. 

            My mom clapped, “I really f*****g like her you guys.” Dustin said, “You’ve never admitted you like me yet. After all this time, and you already like Paige.” My mom raised an eyebrow, “I still haven’t decided. Don’t f*****g rush me warlock.” I couldn’t hold back my own laugh. My mom had known Dustin and Ryan for a long ass time at this point. Dustin muttered, “She moves at glacial pace with me. That witch tosses out some insults and she loves her already.” I smiled. Sierra walked over, “Mel? Are you ok?” She nodded. Paige sighed, “I WILL find who did this Mel. They went way too f*****g deep.” Mel whispered, “Could it be Ajax?” Paige snorted, “No. His pissant ass couldn’t do this.” Melanie laughed weakly. I stood, “I’m going to curtail the conversations surrounding Paige. My mate was hurt by some type of evil magic. She needs her friends. She does NOT need stress.” Paige bumped Melanie’s shoulder and whispered, “That’s hot. He’s taking care of you. Dalton’s getting lucky later for being on my side and literally having his pack members present ready to defend me.” Dalton winked at me. Melanie blushed and hissed, “They can all hear you!” Paige laughed, “I know. I’ve been around Black Path enough to know how good their hearing is. My man was meant to hear me. I need your Xander to work on the distance between our packs. I can’t have people getting at my girl like they are. Plus….I’ve never been this far from you since we met. It’s weird. I don’t like it.” Melanie bumped her, “It’s a pop, Paige.” 

            Paige smiled, “Do you ALWAYS have to be smart? Always ready with a comeback this one….watch out for that, Melanie’s Xander. You always have to be on your toes with her.” I smiled, “I’ve noticed.” Dustin sighed, “Ok, we will continue this conversation later. I do want an answer.” Melanie said, “But it won’t matter if you get one. You want her in your coven. You’ll take her with or without her birth last name. You would take her in even if she wasn’t Alpha Dalton’s mate.” Dalton winced when she called him that. Dustin studied Melanie, “Your friend is right. I’ll have to be on my toes around you Melanie McAlister. You’re right. I want her to tell me, but I’d welcome her into the coven regardless. Emmaline shared her light with us siblings. We will be around for a long time. I have time to win Paige’s trust. Her wolf did.” Melanie laughed, “I hope you’re not going to rely on the mate bond. They are soul mates. She knows her secrets are safe with him. She knows he’s a good man. So….that’s not really a valid argument.” Dustin laughed, “Damn….you boys are trouble with those girls. I already see the literal circle of protection they formed around each other. I have no doubt if the other two I’ve heard of were here, they’d literally be surrounding her. You guys….are definitely going to keep things interesting.” Paige smiled, “That’s us….keeping things interesting for four years and counting.”

            Sharon popped them out. Corbin smiled, “See you around Paige.” Paige nodded, “I’m only partially sorry I snapped at you.” Melanie choked on her pizza. I patted her back. Corbin smiled. Paige continued, “You did doubt me.” Corbin nodded, “Only a little. I was more intrigued by what you planned to do. I’ll see you at coven meetings Miss Paige.” Dalton growled, “It will be Mrs.” Paige sighed, “I need time to plan the wedding, but yes it will be Mrs. Paige Kyle one day and hell if that isn’t f*****g weird.” Melanie bit her lip. Corbin opened a portal and stepped through. Aunt Katie walked over, “I’d like to take one of the rings to work on the spell.” Paige handed her both of them, “You can take both. I can look into it without them.” Aunt Katie’s eyes widened, “Huh. Ok then.” They left. My family slowly trickled out of the room. Sharon came back for Dalton and Paige, who begrudgingly left. Sierra and Mel were linking, but eventually she left with Phil. Now it was just the two us, the McAlister’s, Peter and Chelsea. Melanie looked at her feet and whispered, “I’m so sorry.” No one had to ask who she was talking to. T said, “It’s ok Ladybug.” She shook her head, “It’s not. Though there is a lot I do not understand….I do know you love me. Even as mad at Jason as I was…..I knew deep down he loved me. He was hurt and angry, and so was I. I knew Jason didn’t know about me being drugged. Or anything else. I did know that. I knew he didn’t know that Black Path’s punishments were different from our pack.” Tears slid down her face. 

            She whispered, “It just hurt he didn’t care to find out. I knew that no one would have agreed with what they did to me. Even Alpha Kyle.” Peter closed his eyes, “Will you at least call me Alpha Peter if you won’t call me just Peter.” Melanie frowned, “I don’t know if….I’ll try.” I whispered, “You don’t know if what?” Melanie rubbed her face, “I called him. I called him and Jason...I didn’t use their titles during the phone call….the end result was not...it….it was bad. I tried to expect the Alpha and Beta position for a while. I didn't understand….I was always helping people, but I didn’t speak against them publicly until after I won the female lead warrior tournament. When I beat them….I knew they couldn’t do anything if I did. I said plenty behind their back, but until then it wasn’t to their face. I just….I’m hurt. I am angry…..but I do not doubt that any of you love me. I doubted if grandpa ben….and Dad’s family did after my sixteenth birthday….I just…” Ben spoke, “There is nothing in this world that would make me not love you Ladybug.” Melanie started crying. 

            I hugged her. Eventually she said, “It broke me. I’d sworn my wolf told me to fight on my birthday, but then I couldn't contact her. They said I didn’t have one and that you weren’t my dad and I….” Melanie lost it and started sobbing incoherently. Drake got up and walked over to us. He took her in his arms. She stiffened as he rocked her. He told her, “You are my baby. You are my little girl. You have a wolf, and I’ll spend every dime I have to make sure research is done on how you can shift. I’m so sorry Melanie Jane. Daddy is so sorry. I’m sorry they did this to you. I’m so sorry I didn't come save you. We will avenge it, but I wish to god I could take it all from you.” Melanie began to relax in his arms. He continued, “I’m glad Xander is the only man you’ve been with since that was what you wanted. I wouldn’t be upset if there was another boy you liked, but I am glad no one ever forced you baby.” I growled. Melanie flushed, “OH MY GOD! I SAID THAT OUT LOUD!” I smirked, “To be fair….I knew that already.” Melanie looked over at me, “But no one else needed to know that! Definitely not my dad.” Drake sighed, “No, I didn’t need to know. I can’t say I’m upset that I do. I’d have been plagued by thoughts of someone…” he broke off and started to cry. 

            Melanie’s own eyes filled with tears, “I’m fine daddy.” He shook his head, “This shouldn’t have happened. People drugging my little girl, and trying to r**e her. God….I’m so f*****g sorry. I’ll never be able to thank Cayden and Micah enough. You’re my little girl. They….” He couldn’t continue as sobs overtook him. Melanie hugged him burying her face in his neck. She was crying too, but they were clearly linking. Sam came over and put a hand on Drake. Everyone had tears in their eyes. I linked my dad, “The McAlister’s are going to need a drink. Are Everly and Kai still here?” My dad answered, “Kai is back at their pack with his grandma. Everly is here.” I linked him, “T needs her.” Everly entered the room a few moments later. T lost it in her embrace. I linked my dad, “I’m really f*****g angry.” My dad linked back, “We all know that. You’re holding it together impressively well. Mates do that to you. Her needs always trump yours.” He was right. Whatever she needed trumped my need to beat the ever loving s**t out of everything in sight. 

            Eventually Melanie pulled away from Drake. She looked like she felt awkward and confused after she sat down beside him. He kissed the top of her head, “We’ll talk more later, ok. I’m not going to push you. I’m really worried about you. Especially after the whole black sweat leaking out of your pores thing.” Melanie frowned, “I feel fine now.” Drake squeezed her thigh, “All the same….I want you to get some rest.” He looked at me. I told him, “I’ve got her.” The McAlister’s slowly left. I told her, “You know if T wasn’t here….Jason would be. One of them just needs to be at Red Run.” Melanie nodded, “I’m sure they are taking turns.” She stood, “Let’s go.” I grabbed her hand and headed towards the stairs to our bedroom when my hand tugged. She was moving to the back door. I frowned, “Where are you going?” Melanie frowned, “Uhh the gym. Where are you going?” I raised an eyebrow, “You need rest.” Melanie shook her head, “I need to hit something, and so do you. So snap us into workout outfits. Your eyes are so golden they almost hurt to look at. I don’t even know who I’m most upset with at this moment, but I know I REALLY want to hit something.” I studied her, “You’re serious.” She nodded. I snapped her into red yoga pants with a tight black workout top with a black and white striped design on the sleeves. She smiled, “This is perfect.” My dad linked, “I mean….I kind of like this idea.”

            I popped her to the gym. My Uncle Bjourn raised an eyebrow at Melanie's appearance. I smiled, “Uncle Bjourn this is Melanie. Melanie, this is my Uncle Bjourn.” She smiled, “King Bjourn, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Uncle Bjourn laughed, “None of that. Call me Bjourn.” She flushed, “Ok.” She spotted Micah and smiled, “Come on Micah! You and me.” Micah smirked. “Let’s go.” Max raised an eyebrow, “You’re going to spar….with Micah….” Melanie shrugged, “Sure. We have before.” Max tilted his head, “Is that so?” Uncle Gunner smirked, “Who wins?” Micah laughed, “It’s either her or a draw.” Max gaped, “Come again?” Uncle Bjourn even raised an eyebrow. Micah laughed, “You should see her and Cayden spar….it’s fascinating.” Melanie stuck her tongue out at him. They stepped into the ring and to my astonishment he tossed her a bamboo stick. My dad popped in with my mom. My mom snorted, “I really f*****g like her, Alexander.” I smiled, “I love her.” She squeezed my arm, “Go on. Fight out your anger.” I watched Melanie and Micah for a second. Damn. She was good. I saw Drake enter the gym with T. Both watched Melanie astonished. I fought my dad, Max, and Uncle Bjourn. It didn’t take as long for me to calm down. My dad laughed, “Never underestimate what the smell of your mate can do for you.” Uncle Bjourn snorted, “I should’ve gone to get Melanie a long ass time ago.” My dad snorted, “You and me both.” 

            Drake walked over. I asked, “Where’s T?” Drake tilted his head, “He wants to get in the ring with Melanie, but she’s fighting Micah and Prince Gunner now….I guess Levi joined. I’m not sure when my daughter became a ninja….but apparently she is one.” I looked over tensing. Melanie was smiling, holding her own. She’d taken a few hits, but she was still standing. My brothers were all gaping at her. EJ said, “I told you she was good as a kid, but I didn’t know she’d be this good.” I asked Uncle Bjourn, “How much has she trained with Cayden?” Uncle Bjourn said, “I don’t know, but I will find out. I know he offered her a place with us. A damn shame she didn’t accept.” I snorted, “No joke.” Uncle Bjourn yelled, “Good fight!” They all stopped. Melanie turned, “You getting in here T?” T frowned, “Aren’t you tired?” Melanie tossed Micah her bamboo stick who was smirking. Melanie shrugged, “I’m fine. Unless you're scared to get your butt kicked by your sister.” Drake choked on his drink. T laughed, “You’re on Ladybug.” EJ said, “Uhh….Is this a good idea?” My mom popped over, “It will be f*****g fine. I’m betting on Melanie though.” I heard cheers. I looked up. Warriors from the pack had begun to trickle in. Chanting, “Muffin Luna! Muffin Luna!” Which drew more people inside. 

            My dad laughed, “I think your nicknames are catching on, Angel.” Mom smiled, “Mine are different.” That’s true. T and Melanie were trading jabs. She was blocking his. Drake snorted, “You’d think she’d been training with him for years.” Alpha Kyle spoke from behind us, “She used to sneak in to watch him train.” After thirty minutes Melanie pinned T. Drake gaped. T laughed, “You’ve got moves, Ladybug.” Melanie helped him up and the gym roared with cheers for their Muffin Luna. The pack link was buzzing with news my mate was a fighter like me. My dad snorted, “My god….you two together… just wow. We’ll have to catch her up in wolf form. I was thinking that could take time….but I’m obviously wrong.” T and Melanie came over laughing. Melanie winked at me, “Race you back to the house Tristan.” He smiled, “You’re on.” She patted his shoulder, “Hopefully your mate can ease the sting of losing to your little sister twice in one night.” T laughed, “You wish.” I laughed, “She’s….uhhh….really fast.” EJ snorted, “She is.” Fowler hollered, “Smoke his ass Muffin Luna! Show him no mercy! I’ll know if you do!” Melanie laughed. Uncle Bjourn smirked, “Ready, set, go!” Melanie took off. T gaped before he took off after her.