The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Cruel Universe Pt. 2

        I helped Kai out of the back. He studied me, but didn’t say anything. I walked him back to my car. He smiled when he saw the gun in the passenger seat. I quickly put it in the glove box. He smiled, “I knew I heard a shot. They thought they ran over something...I knew someone was coming to save me. How did you find me?” I started the car and turned back towards Blue Moon. I told him, “You wear the wolf necklace I bought you.” Kai grinned and pulled it out from under his shirt. He said proudly, “I never take it off. I never told anyone where I got it either.” I smiled, “Whenever you need me as long as you have that necklace….I’ll always find you.” Kai was quiet then said, “You seem sad.” I looked at Kai. He looked so much like T. I told him, “You look just like your Uncle. I miss him. Quite a lot actually.” Kai shrugged, “Everyone says I look like daddy.” Everyone in Red Run had mentally checked their brains. Kai was a mini Tristan not Jason. Kai said, “You should come home if you miss it.” I looked away, “I wish I could.” 

            Kai frowned, “Oh come on Aunt Ladybug! Daddy misses you. He cries sometimes at night. I saw him looking at the pictures of you dancing in a photo album. That’s a secret though. You can’t tell.” I had to pull over as sobs racked my body. Jason missed me? Maybe…..Maybe we could work this all out so I could be with Xander. We could be cordial to each other…. Kai frowned, “Do you not like being called Aunt Ladybug? Daddy always calls you that when talks about you.” I cried harder, “He does?” Kai nodded “Yup.” I wiped my tears, “I’m surprised he told you about me.” Kai snorted, “I hear lots of Aunt Ladybug stories. Daddy really does miss you. Do you have fun dancing though? Everyone says that’s your dream.” I wiped my tears and started driving again, “Once upon a time….it was up there in my dreams.” Kai frowned, “You should come home if you aren’t happy dancing anymore.” Jason had clearly told Kai I was off dancing somewhere. I reached out and ruffled his hair. I told him,  “Coming home isn't in the cards for me.” Kai pouted, “But you're so close! We could just go back together. I’d be the hero.” My heart ached. I whispered, “I know we are close. You’re already a brave hero. Ok?” Freya linked me, “I like this one. He is adorable.” 

            Kai asked, “Did your wolf get hurt?” I frowned, “Why do you ask?” Kai shrugged, “I can usually tell when adults are wolves. Yours isn’t as strong a sense, but….I can tell you have one.” I sighed, “In a way….my wolf was hurt. I’m not exactly sure how to explain it. I don’t even understand it really.” Kai frowned, “Daddy won’t like that you got hurt.” I snorted, “I get hurt a lot, kid.” Kai frowned, “You never fall when you dance.” I told him, “No, I don’t.” Kai crossed his arms, “I don’t understand. If you don’t get hurt dancing….how did you get hurt? How did you get to me so fast?” I told him, “One day...I’m sure you will understand. One day….I’ll answer those questions as to how I got here so fast.” Kai sighed, “I think you should just come home. Daddy would be happy to see you. Everyone would be.” Poor kid. No one would be happy to see me. I parked at the border of Blue moon closer to Red Run. I turned to Kai, “This has to be another one of our secrets. Me saving you. Ok?” I handed him a card. There was no way they told him about the resistance. I said, “Give them that when they asked who saved you.” Kai nodded, “But maybe you’ll come to my birthday party this year?” I wanted to cry again. I told him, “I’ll get you a present for sure. I’ll leave it in our special place if I can’t make it.” Kai nodded, “Ok.” I pointed at Al’s Diner. I told him, “Walk in there and tell them who you are.” Kai snorted, “Oh...Al knows me.” I nodded. I was sure Jason brought Kai here. Dad loved this place. They’d brought me take out, but I’d never been in person. 

            Kai leaned over and hugged me tightly. He whispered, “You do smell a lot like Alexander. He must like you.” I whispered, “At the moment.” Kai smiled, “Then you are his mate.” I winked at him, “You are a smart kid.” Kai snorted, “Daddy always says he’s waiting for his mate, that why he never has a girlfriend.” I laughed, “Your dad shouldn’t talk about that around you.” Kai winked, “I’m sneaky.” I laughed, “I like you.” Kai smiled, “I like you too, Aunt Ladybug.” I nodded, “Go on. I’m sure your parents are beside themselves.” Kai got out. I moved the car and got out and climbed a tree with some binoculars. Kai walked into the diner and everyone was in complete mayhem. The man I assumed was Al was one the phone while a woman picked Kai up and put him at a booth. Food was instantly brought out for him. An SUV squealed to a stop moments later outside the diner. Former Alpha Lyons and Beta Dylan jumped out. They ran inside. Kai handed them the card. I got down and got into my car. Seeing my brother once was enough today. Maybe I could come back tomorrow and track him down privately to talk. I couldn’t lie and say crying over old pictures of me didn’t touch my heart and give me hope. 

            I contemplated the whole drive home. I cringed when the thought of challenging Sierra’s dad for her to be with Phil. I was going to get hell for saving Kai. That should buy us a day. I’d hoped to get her out of there. I called Dax. He picked up, “Mel? Are you coming home?” I looked down. The drive was passing by far too fast. I told him, “Yes. Make sure Sierra is sprayed with our concealing scent spray, and keep her away from your dad.” Dax sighed, “Yeah….I already had that plan. She’s staying at Hendrick and Mason’s with you tonight.” I told him, “No, take her to my place to stay. If Micah is still around….go discreetly.” Dax asked, “Why?” I told him, “Si will tell you.” Dax said, “Alright. Be careful. They are angry.” I snorted, “When are they not angry?” Dax laughed, “That’s a valid point. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my dad happy.” I closed the phone. Freya linked, “They shouldn’t be that mad that you saved our nephew.” I snorted, “They probably had something to do with him being kidnapped.” Freya growled, “HOW DARE THEY!” Somehow her anger seemed to rattle the windows. I shook myself. That wasn’t possible. I took off my hoodie and threw it into the back. 

            I pulled into the pack. Buck was waiting. I snorted, “Miss me that much Buck?” I quickly sprayed myself and stepped out. Buck frowned, “What was that?” I tapped his nose, “Perfume. What? Don't you like it?” Buck stared at me, “You don’t smell like anything.” I rolled my eyes, “Men. You just don’t get it.” Buck grabbed my arm. I looked down at my arm and back at him. I was surprised to see the worry in his eyes. He whispered, “I don’t know why they are so upset, but they are….scarily upset. For once in your life….just don’t say anything.” I raised an eyebrow, “Is that actual worry I see Buck? Are you worried I’ll get demoted? No one can challenge me and win.” Buck smiled, “There’s the Melanie we all love to hate.” I pulled my hair out of a ponytail and flicked it, “That's me. I certainly thought they’d be here.” He winced, “They are in the punishment field.” I nodded, “I should’ve figured that. Don’t worry. I won’t make you look bad and not go. I’ll go talk to them. Go home Buck.” He frowned, “I should go with you.” I snorted, “For what? You couldn’t make me go if I didn’t want to. Everyone knows that.” Buck whispered, “Avery isn’t here, is she?” I rolled my eyes, “Your fake concern for Avery irks me Buck. She’s safe. I’ll always make sure she’s safe.” He nodded tersely and walked away. That man was a walking contradiction. He refused to accept that he could change things. 

            He turned and asked, “How’s Paisley?” I told him, “I don’t know why you would think I know the answer to that question.” Buck laughed hollowly, “We both know why you would know that. You are how she got out.” I shrugged, “That’s your opinion and you can’t prove it.” Buck frowned, “She never would’ve rejected me and got away without help.” It was my turn to laugh, “Sure Buck….it’s every little girls dream for their mate not to mark them, and let their men beat her up. I can’t imagine why she wouldn’t take her chances away from here.” Buck frowned, “It’s just…” I cut him off, “How things are. Yes, I’ve heard the excuse. Eventually Buck….you will have to put up or shut up. Being complacent makes you culpable. Honestly, since Paisley left you’ve done more than your usual stand back routine. Who knew the push you needed was being rejected? Keep questioning things Buck. things are done here that don’t make sense and you know it.” Buck frowned and walked away. 

            I really didn’t know if Buck would ever fully grasp change. He’d almost let his own little sister, who’d worshipped the ground he’d walked on, get r***d by his men. Who knew Paisley rejecting him and running away would cause him to question things? His sins weren’t as bad as others. He’d never r***d anyone here. He’d never even hit someone who didn’t deserve it. He didn’t treat women badly; he'd just walk away and let it happen. He had a chance. It might be small, but….for Avery’s sake...I’d hope he could take it and change. They would never have their relationship back. Whoever Avery’s mate was….I’d make sure they knew to watch out for Buck. What happened with Buck himself was Avery’s choice though. I could admit...I didn’t like the man but he’d changed.

            I made my way to the punishing ground. I laughed when I entered the area. Not unlike the pack area...it was spelled by my creepy “uncle” Ajax. He was here. So was Aunt Stephanie. She charged me and I laid her out. I spit on her, “You’re an idiot.” She jumped up and tried to hit me. I broke her wrist and headbutted her in the face. I asked, “Will you ever learn?” Alpha Edward snarled, “You disobeyed a direct order.” I nodded, “Given that it was a stupid order that could’ve brought you into war….I’d think you’d be happy I ignored it.” Everyone paused. I laughed, “Oh come on. You had information that a Beta’s son was getting kidnapped. Instead of warning them….you tried to lock me down. A horrible and very dumb decision. You tipped your hand to me. Red Run and their allies would’ve looked into the kidnapping….hard if Kai was still missing. WHEN they discovered you knew….all your dreams of staying off their radar would crumble to dust. They would decimate this pack in a heartbeat for allowing that to happen, and no one….not one pack would say a damn thing about them doing just that.” Alpha Edward’s anger dissipated. Beta Jean cleared his throat, “You still can’t disobey a direct order.” He was right and wrong. I shouldn’t be able to disobey an Alpha’s command. Alpha Edwards orders never had an effect on me though. Freya snorted, “He’s no Alpha. What a pathetic human. His wolf is very apologetic. The wolf deserves better.” I linked her, “You got that right.” 

            I told Beta Jean, “In case you haven’t noticed….I ignore his stupid orders all the time….because they are dumb and if I’d listened to him….you’d all be dead. Not that I care about you all, but there are good people here.” Gamma Booker snarled, “Take off your shirt. You injured Stephanie!” I took off my shirt and tossed it. I told him, “Not that you care, but she charged me first. As the female lead warrior…I could’ve killed her or thrown her in the dungeons. Ya know what? I should do that because it would be fun. Throwing her in the dungeons. Has a nice ring to it.” Booker snarled, “Don’t you dare! I’ll have her out in minutes.” I laughed, “Do you think people are more afraid of upsetting you or me around here? Here’s a spoiler alert...it’s me.” Booker’s face turned purple, “My son needs to tame you.” Freya snarled in my head. I told Booker, “Your pathetic excuse of a son will keep his person far away from you unless you want the council down here. I’ll file the paperwork that he’s claiming to be my mate when he’s not. In fact, I have it all filled out and ready to go. Should he EVER mark me….additional papers of being forcibly marked will be sent to the council automatically. I have to stop it from being sent with a special code every so often. If I don’t enter it….away it gets sent.” They all gaped at me. 

            Booker growled, “He is your mate!” I smiled, “Then why is your face red and splotchy? Because you know he’s not and if the council came down here he’d be sentenced to die for lying. The worst part is you’re his father, and you know that. Yet instead of correcting your son, you’re leading him down the road to his death. I know that you know that I know that you know….He’s not my mate.” Booker took off behind me then I felt the whip on my back. I snorted, “Typical. You can’t ever face anyone Booker….or tell them to get on their knees. You have to be shady and a coward in all things.” 

            He lost it. He ripped my back apart. I pushed Freya down so she wouldn’t feel it. I was stunned when he hit me in the head with the butt of the whip. Alpha Edward yelled, “BOOKER!” Right before he pushed me down into the hole. I screamed. I couldn’t be down here. Not again. I couldn’t breathe. Freya pushed forward, “Melanie…..listen to my voice….follow the light.” I told her, “Following the light is how you die.” Freya whispered, “Just follow the light Melanie, trust me. You know I want to be with our Xander and Oden. We aren’t dying. I just don’t want you to have a panic attack. You don’t deserve it. Mate will DESTROY Booker for that.” I winced. There was no way my back would heal before Xander got back. Even with my fast healing. It would take four days. This was a bad one.

            I closed my eyes. I trusted Freya. I followed the light. I frowned when I realized I was in a different meadow. I called out, “Freya! Where are you?” I heard a chuckled, “She’s not here. I intercepted you.” I whirled and groaned, “Oh good...another goddess. Did the last one not give you all a clue? I don’t like you all in general. As a whole, you suck.” The fairy goddess smiled, “I am Azoney. My child is your mate.” I snorted, “He’s not just your child. Thank god.” Azoney shrugged, “He is one of my children.” I nodded, “Well, lucky him. He was born into a family that can protect him. Not all the partial fairies can say the same, can they? You abandon them. Don’t you dare show your face to me and expect a warm welcome. You’re complacent, conceited, and arrogant. You stand there with a smile on your face waiting to speak to me. Announcing that Xander is your child. When he finds out what you’ve allowed….what you’ve done….he will turn his back on you. They all will. You’re a disgrace.” Azoney’s jaw dropped.

             I heard a sigh, “Oh my beautiful child. You are so angry.” I whirled and spat, “Selene. f**k you. You just made quite possibly the biggest mistake of your life coming to me right now. You’re worse than Azoney. She gets the excuse of being a flighty fairy. It’s crap, but she’s got that going for her. People are like oh fairies are selfish. Let’s expect less of OUR GODDESS! Seriously?! You’re a goddess Azoney. Get your life together. You don’t get to be selfish because you have children who need you. Shape up and get it together. If no one is going to expect more from you….demand of yourself. Because YOU ARE A FREAKING GODDESS YOU NITWIT!” Azoney burst into tears. I rolled my eyes, “You cry from words that are the truth when you allow your own people to be r***d, abused, and sold. You’re no better than your wayward children. Actually….you’re worse because you’re meant to stop that, but with your goddess complex and people not expecting you to do your damn job you sit on your ass and do nothing.” 

            Selene frowned, “There’s no reason to be so nasty.” I whirled, “You haven’t seen nasty you b***h!” I charged her. I took her by surprise and tackled her to the ground. I punched her in the face. Azoney screamed, “OH  MY GOD HELP!” Help? Was she serious? SHE WAS A GODDESS?! I punched Selene again. I screamed, “YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME! YOU TURNED YOUR BACK TO MY SUFFERING! NOW YOU ARE HERE CLAIMING YOU DON’T KNOW WHY I’M ANGRY! I’M NOT EVEN ALONE IN MY ANGER! YOU HAVE ALLOWED THE SUFFERING OF PACKS ACROSS THE COUNTRY! YOU HAVE ALLOWED YOUR SICK CHILDREN TO OFFER UP THOSE THEY CONSIDER WEAKER AS SACRIFICES!” Arms encircled me. A man said, “She is special indeed. Selene…..way to show off your goddess-like powers. I’m sure your special child…..is oh so impressed.” Azoney ran over to Selene who was still down. If she knew what was good for her...she’d stay down. I turned and frowned, “I know you.” The man smiled, “You do. I am Aesir.” I nodded, “Alright then.” He smiled, “No beat down for me?” I told him, “I’ve never had to rescue your children from the rings. You police your own. You have the balance of giving them chances, but realizing your lost causes. You don’t interfere with things to keep your children in the dark.” Aesir nodded, “No, I don’t.” 

            Azoney cried, “You’re not supposed to be like this!” I turned, “Tough luck for you. What did you think? I’d get the welcome mat out for you all? Nothing in the last six plus years in my life should’ve happened. My brother shouldn’t hate me! I have a wolf! YOU LET THEM TAKE MY WOLF FROM ME SELENE! I WAS BANISHED FOR NOTHING! I WENT THROUGH AN IDENTITY CRISIS ABOUT MY DAD BECAUSE OF YOU! What do you want me to say? Oh gracious goddess how great thou art! I am NOT a good liar! I have been doing YOUR JOB because you’ve been hiding these assholes from the Conners and their allies. YOU are allowing them to remain in the shadows! Wanna ask how I know that?” I didn’t wait for them to reply. I continued, “Because it’s not possible for them not to get an inkling any other way. It’s you all interfering because you have this insane notion that those in charge can be saved. They can’t. They aren’t safe. I know about them, and I have plans. So MANY plans. They WON’T get away with what they’ve done. Not one of them. I’m their retribution. I’m all of you freaking goddesses who refuse to do your jobs. They won’t escape me. I’ve got a list of names and a plan to take them down at the right moment. I’ve made friends with the Hackura. Your children will be tortured for their crimes. You have accomplished nothing except delaying the inevitable. As well as turning your own children against you.” 

            Selene sat up and cried, “You are special, my child.” I started towards her again. Aesir held me back. I told her, “Call me your child one more time you vapid excuse of space! I am the daughter of Sam and Drake McAlister. My parents were MURDERED because of your inadequacy. Your complete and utter lack of ability to do your job. I’m not your child. I'm a goddess-less child as far as I’m concerned. Once I found out I did have a wolf that you ALLOWED to be hidden from me...what the hell is wrong with you?! How could you punish my wolf like that?! How could you let me suffer that way?” Selene cried, “I couldn’t do anything.” I snorted, “Are you not a goddess?” Selene nodded. I shrugged, “Then you ABSOLUTELY could’ve done something. I don’t know how they kept my wolf from me, but I’ll find out. It’s irrelevant in this conversation because YOU as the MOON GODDESS NEVER should’ve allowed a wolf to be hidden from a human half. I suffered; Freya suffered. Where the HELL were you? Nowhere. That’s where. You turned your back on me as Red Run did.” Selene cried, “Aesir told you things weren’t as they seemed.” I snorted, “I was supposed to know he was a god how? YOU should’ve come to me. I still don’t know what he was talking about. You are inept at your job. You should’ve stayed away from me. I’m the voice of the forgotten werewolves, Selene. I am their vengeance. It should be you that’s their champion not me You are allowing the atrocities to go unchecked. Without me...Alpha Theo Conners mate would’ve died. I’m sure you had his second chance all lined up. You forgot something though, he’s a part fairy and Hackura. Not just an Alpha wolf. Did you consider how he would take his mate dying when he was trying to find her? How inadequate he would feel as an Alpha? As a protector of the realm? It’s ok. Don’t feel the need to answer. I know what it is. You didn’t because you can’t get your head out of your ASS long enough to consider someone else’s feelings!” 

                I was shaking, I was so mad. I continued, “He would’ve needed therapy. He would’ve been super possessive and probably unable to let his second chance out of his sight. I shouldn’t be surprised though. You did FAR worse to his father. You two are inept at your jobs. You ALLOWED Princess Luna Haley to suffer after she found her mate.” Fury lit through me, “PREGNANT WITH MY MATE! WITH ELISE AND CAYDEN’S MATES! To be snacked on and almost killed. By sheer LUCK of her promising Alpha Eric to have a long life together to raise their children….did she not die. You made Alpha Eric wait thirty two years to taunt him with a mate...find out she’s pregnant and oops...we couldn’t stop this path. I have to admit you are the masters of BULLSHIT! I can’t believe anyone bought that for five seconds. I’ve only heard the stories. So I’m sure I’m missing a few details….but if you all could find a proctologist to help remove your heads from your ass….everyone would be grateful. Gracious sakes alive. YOU ARE GODDESSES! You COULD’VE STOPPED Alpha Eric and Princess Luna Haley’s suffering! She didn’t deserve it! Had she not suffered enough for your sick twisted pleasure?! Azoney you should be ASHAMED about what the princess of Faerie was allowed to endure. ASHAMED! The fact that you show your face to ANYONE is beyond me. I wouldn’t trust you as far as I could throw you when you allowed such suffering on the princess of your race. I’d have NO faith in you whatsoever. You STILL allow her to suffer from what I know. She will devastated about the partial fairies in rings. You’re horrible and you know it.” 

            Selene cried, “You don’t understand.” I laughed, “You should know better than to start a sentence with I don’t understand. My I.Q. is RIDICULOUSLY high. I DO understand. I understand you want people to be astonished and worshipful in your presence. You expect them to bow at your feet all hail the goddess or my life will be miserable. My life is already miserable. Aesir won’t let you touch Xander. Without me….all your children that you’ve turned your back on would die. You can’t kill me for that fact alone. If you couldn’t handle the truth, which is just peak irony from the fairy goddess, you should’ve let Freya take me wherever she was going to. You just HAD to see if I’d kiss your ass after I handed Charmaine hers. Newsflash, she’s better than you two. Her sins don’t even touch yours. There is blood on your hands. There are innocent lives forever altered on your hands. The innocents DESERVED your love and you let your evil sadistic children run rampant. CHILDREN! YOU ALLOW THE SUFFERING OF CHILDREN! Selene what decade are you stuck in that you allow women in packs to be browbeat into thinking all they are good for is cooking and s*x? That’s it. That’s what they are taught. Not their creativity. Not their strategy ideas. Not their leadership skills. Not their fighting skills. Not their tracking skills. NOTHING! You allow them to think I’m only good at seducing men and cooking. You make me sick! GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!” 

            Selene cried, “But you are so special to me!” I broke free from Aesir and punched her again. Aesir pulled me off her and I yelled, “I’m so special you LET my wolf be taken from me?! YOU RIPPED MY FAMILY FROM ME! MY PACK! MY LIFE! MY XANDER!” I sank to my knees, “He may hate me forever in a few days. BECAUSE YOU SUCK!” Selene cried, “No! No he won’t!” I snorted, “Your word means nothing to me! DO YOU HEAR ME?! NOTHING!” Selene sobbed. Aesir sighed, “I did warn you, Selene. I have been warning you for twenty-five years.” My head snapped to him then back to Selene, “Since Xander was born. You f*****g b***h! I LOATHE YOU WITH MY ENTIRE BEING! YOU ARE THE WORST EXCUSE OF A GODDESS! YOU DON’T DESERVE THE TITLE AND I’LL PROVE THAT TO ALL WEREWOLVES!” I would. No one would call her a goddess by the time I was through. She was just Selene. I’d rip that title from her. She sobbed into her hands, “I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” I snorted, “You’re sorry about what? That someone finally called you out? You’re sorry you allowed someone who isn’t nobility to suffer?” All three looked at me shocked. I snorted, “Yeah, I’m sure Princess Luna Haley was cordial to you all. Even if she got upset with you. She didn’t tell you everything I did, or in the way I did. Did she? Because she was raised to be proper with the decorum of a princess. Bad news bears for you guys. I’m not a princess, and I don’t give a s**t how high on the totem pole you are. You suck. Plain and simple. I have seen things I will NEVER unsee. You kept a piece of myself locked and hidden away. YOU HURT FREYA! She is weak because of your inadequacies as a goddess. I will tell you one more time….GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!”