The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Be Alert Pt. 2

            EJ grimaced and linked me, “That’s true. Only us and Yellow Hills knew they were having a practice….and I didn’t tell the pack. Our family didn’t leak it so….Yellow Hills did.” I’d put that together. My mom couldn’t stop laughing. I was glaring at Emmett, but he wasn’t looking at me. When he did he was taken aback. He pointed out we needed to know. Sure, but he didn’t need to treat my Luna like a suspect. She wasn’t one. She’d helped him. Cayden pointed out when Melanie lied it was obvious. T snorted, “No joke.” I broke my stare with Emmett to gape at him. I linked EJ, “He did not just say that….after they believed all that she’s crossing the pack border s**t?” EJ winced, “To be fair…..he believed her when she said she didn’t.” Emmett admitted his wolf told him to let it go. Good. All the wolves were in on the secret and keeping it that way. He asked her what her watch did. She said it was basically a remote. EJ linked, “Yes, but a remote that does what?” I linked, “You know what I know.” Cayden wanted her to talk him through the watch. Melanie didn’t get it. Everyone was trying not to laugh. She was adorable. Ted asked how many people she could track. I’d bet the wolves in Elise’s Luna bracelet were trackers. That’s how she’d found her in Nashville. I’d just bet it was. My dad had a guess. I linked, “It’s the obvious one, plus Elise...Right?” My dad snorted, “Oh, I think it’s more than those people, son.” I frowned. Who else? Melanie was rambling about people being able to track her too.

             I linked Micah, “Figure out how to hack into hers.” Micah winced, “I can try, but she’s an incredibly good coder, Alexander…..I tried to get to Jason’s from what I got from Cayden’s…..it’s…..intense. My dad and I can work on it.” I nodded, “Do that.” I wanted to know where she was if she was missing. Caine and Judy took off together. Emmett was giving T crap for not telling him how smart Melanie was. T gaped at him. He’d told us all she was a genius. EJ and I believed him. So did my dad. Melanie had something for Emmett. Emmett couldn’t have looked more interested if he’d tried. Emma and Alexandria had shown up. They liked my mate. Emmett did too. I couldn’t take it. Emmett pointed out that wasn’t what he meant. EJ pointed out why I was on edge. Emmett linked me, “Sorry man….that’s a lot for today.” It was too much for a year. Sharon and Garrett’s daughter popped in. Rena. She was Dax’s mate. They took off together. I was now jealous of Black Path’s new leadership...BLACK PATH?! GOD what is my life coming to? They could mark their mates AND take off...I was jealous...this was just...No...no more…. I was done. I popped Mel and I to the main room. She was confused. I explained in clipped words we were having a meeting. A f*****g fast one. 

                Melanie turned red. I linked Oden, “What was that?” Oden snickered, “Freya is teasing her about sexy punishments from us.” Good. I planned to spank her. Everyone was talking around me. Asking good questions, I just didn’t care about the answers at this exact moment. T wanted to know how she could face an Alpha and not look away. I could actually care less about that. She was my Luna. She did have Beta blood. But honestly….this type of question was what was keeping me from claiming my mate? Melanie admitted Freya told her that she was getting faster as Freya got stronger. God lord...good thing Oden said we’d faster too or I’d never be able to keep up with her. We weren’t getting anywhere with that so Sam asked about her being able to shoot a bow and arrow. She shrugged that off saying she could fight with a lot of weapons. I was about to ask Cayden what other weapons when Elise said she saw through fairy charms. We all looked at Elise who shrugged. Melanie was surprised. I could tell by her expressions and the feelings I was getting from her. She was locked up and I was done. I told them she didn’t know. We’d look into it. Phil snarked quietly. Actually, I’d prefer if Uncle Aiden did it. He’d look quieter and it would make sense for a fairy to be curious about people who could see through charms. 

                Sam went back to being shot six times. Because I needed to hear that again. T had of course counted how many times she’d been shot, and asked if that was how many times she’d been shot. Great. I could tell she didn’t want to answer him. Jason wanted to know how many times. She said she didn’t know. I’d bet she could guess she didn’t want to. I didn’t know if I wanted her to answer this question tonight. Melanie repeated it was only in the vest. I was about to say something when Ben pointed out she seemed to think that was so much better. Melanie shrugged and said it was better than getting shot without a vest. I wasn’t the only one who winced. She shouldn’t know that. Melanie wanted to call this meeting to an end. I was for that. T pressed asking if getting shot was the worst thing she’d suffered. Her lack of an answer was an answer. An answer I hated with my entire being. With that out in the universe Drake clarified her statement about having knives in her back. She said it was literal. I linked EJ, “My patience for this is rapidly ending.” EJ sighed, “I can’t say I blame you.” Melanie pointed out something obvious. No matter if hunters agreed to work with werewolves, they wouldn’t like someone with werewolf blood. Melanie protected the wolf less from the hunters. They’d stabbed her in the back while she helped someone. OH…. I wished they weren’t dead. I’d have taken my time with that Dawson asshole. My dad called the meeting at an end, and I was gone. 

                I let my need for her consume me. We lost ourselves in each other. She tried talking, but I was done with that for the night. I couldn't stop for hours. Oden and I were taking turns. Freya came out a few times which drove Oden even more wild. I practically commanded and begged her not to fight without me. She was trying to argue it wasn’t her fault. I was beyond caring. We fought together. She said she understood that. I ripped through so many pillows in an attempt not to mark her. This s**t had to stop. My family needed to get me an answer. I couldn’t take it. She was over eighteen and I wanted my mark on her neck. I knew she was hurt by the fact that I couldn’t too. I could tell, and I hated it. Eventually, I needed to give her a break. She was falling asleep. I had calmed down about the comment those assholes had made about me not marking her yet; however, I’d still seen her get hurt and been able to do nothing. I told her I’d be back. I walked outside and called, “Egres, Hutchins, Gordon.” My guard stepped out so I could see them. I told them, “Make sure she’s safe.” They nodded, “Of course Alexander.” I nodded, “Tomorrow when she’s in Yellow Hills…So are you.” They nodded as I popped away.

            I found several people waiting for me in the dungeons. I raised an eyebrow, “What happened to the fake Melanie’s face?” Elise snarled, “She’s been doing this since Melanie was a child! b***h!” The girl was whimpering. EJ asked, “Any more questions on what happened little brother?” I shook my head, “No I got it. Where are the coven members?” EJ titled her dead where Dalton was waiting. I looked around. I said, “Cass, find out which one is their leader.” Cassie smiled, “With pleasure.” She popped to one of the ones on the table. She asked, “Who is in charge? Obviously the person in charge after the warlock Melanie shot repeatedly for trying to kill Paige.” The warlock cried, “Jaxon was our leader. His brother is the one left alive. Maddox is on the table next to me.” Cassie smiled, “Easy enough big brother.” I nodded and ripped the heart of the guy and popped to Maddox. I asked, “Did you help suppress my mate’s wolf?” Maddox winced, “Look, we didn’t want to. That’s not the type of magic we were comfortable with.” I snorted, “But.” Maddox sighed, “It was a lot of money, and a chance to work with one of THE best dark magic castors.” I was annoyed he was giving me so much with me having to try. I asked, “And who would that be?” Maddox answered, “Vadoma.” I glared, “Could you be less helpful? It would make me happier.” Maddox frowned, “Huh?” A witch spoke to snorted, “He wants to torture you for information.” 

            Maddox frowned, “Sorry to disappoint.” I laughed, “Uh huh. You have fun with Dalton. I have a promise to fulfill.” I turned and found my target. I smirked, “Robert, Robert….do you remember what I said would happen if you touched Melanie ever again? I’ll give you a second to remember. It was over a decade ago.” Robert paled, “I didn’t touch her.” I laughed, “I told you not to hurt her. I told you if you saw her to walk away. Instead you ran her off the road and hurt her. You kept her from me. You watched her suffer FOR FIVE HOURS fighting that damn spell.” I popped into his cell and grabbed him and popped away. I put him in my Uncle Bjourn’s torture room. My uncle portaled in. He nodded, “Thought I might find you here. I remembered when you told me about what you threatened him with.” Robert started crying, “Alexander, man….come on. We’ve known each other for a long time.” I laughed, “I’ve disliked you for a long time. You wanted what was mine and my brother’s. You hurt a member of my pack. Do you know who Karina’s mate is?” Robert snorted, “No, why would I care?” I believe him. I grabbed a knife. 

            I cut across his leg. He screamed. I asked, “How long did you listen to Melanie scream on the night of her first shift? Did you laugh?” Robert hissed, “She’s a b***h. Of course I laughed.” I broke his ankle, “She’s not a b***h. She just never took your shit.” I stabbed him deeply in the ribs where Melanie had a scar. My Uncle spoke, “You punctured his lung.” I told him, “I know. I want him to feel how she did. You watched Melanie struggle to breathe. You watched as they cast spells on your warriors to forget. You watched as they made her think her family was dying. You watched and laughed as she thought she lost her whole world. A teenage girl….hell she was BARELY a teenage girl who had done nothing to deserve it. She was innocent. She just loved to dance. She loved to invent things. She was an innocent kid and you ripped that away from her.” Robert snorted, “She deserved it.” I stabbed him in the thigh and twisted the knife, “Why Robert? Why did she deserve it?” Robert snorted, “She thought she was better than me. She never accepted her place. She refused to get rid of that damn wolf! IT’S THE WRONG COLOR!” I ripped him off the table and punched him, “IT’S NOT! IT LOOKS LIKE MY WOLF AND SHE’S MINE! Her place was always above you. She’s a beta’s daughter and she’s my mate.”  Robert laughed as I hit him. He tried to swing back. He was struggling now to breathe. He told me, “You’ll never keep her, Alexander. I told them it was a mistake not to put her in the shadows. Noooo, they thought she’d be the perfect hunter. I knew her though, they were wrong. They WILL get her back, and then….she’s gone. I may be around to see it happen again, but I’ll be here to laugh in your face. It won’t take them the decade you want me here for  before they have her back. She makes them a lot of money.” I snorted, “How?” Robert smirked, “Fighting.” 

            I lost all sense and beat the f**k out of him. I didn’t stop until I felt a hand on my shoulder, “Son.” I turned to see my dad. He tilted his head, “Let the doctors tend to Robert so you can keep him around. You take a walk with me.” My hands were shaking. I nodded and walked out. We walked for about a mile before my dad said, “Your mate is not your mom.” I turned, “I know that.” My dad sighed, “But when people say they are going to take her….you flash to knowing your mom was taken from me.” I cringed. He was right. My dad sighed, “Your mom had trust issues not unlike your mate. The difference is who she would turn her back on. I don’t think there’s a single person who has Melanie’s trust that would betray her. Hell, I don't even know if she’d turn her back on someone she trusted. She seems fairly hyper aware of what is going on around her at all times. Your mother beneath all her layers of mistrust…..she holds a deep trust for those she loves. Melanie is not your mother. They have some of the same ghosts, and I’m damn sorry about that; however, I won’t watch you go through what I did son. I won’t. Your mother is on a warpath about that. I think she’ll ask your Uncle for a guard for Melanie by the end of the week. We won’t let that happen, son. You two have been kept apart long enough. History is not going to repeat with that scenario. I don’t care how badly Robert claims the ring wants Melanie. At this point, they don’t want her more than they want your mother, Cassie, or Angela. Their plans with Melanie didn’t work out. That’s just a fact.” 

            I sighed, “I can’t dad….It feels like every time I turn around something else surfaces, and I know it’s not the worst of it.” My dad nodded, “I sense that as well. Whatever it is….you’ll get through it, and she will too. I realize that she’s gone through it, but that doesn’t mean she’s dealt with it. Our family and the McAlister’s will do what you need here.” I cringed, “She’s been shot a lot.” My dad sighed, “People opposed to them…. shoot at the resistance Alexander….you know that.” I nodded, “You’re right.” I grabbed him and popped back to the dungeons. Sam McAlister was walking out of Stephanie McCann’s cell. Stephanie sneered at her, “I should’ve killed your little brat when I had the chance. I almost did, you know? Mason and Hendrick interfered or she’d be gone!” Sam whirled around. I looked around. I asked, “Mom?” My mom sighed, “Just because this b***h thinks it’s true….doesn’t mean it is. I’m sure Fabian would tell people he almost killed me, but I’d disafuckingree. People like this Stepsycho have an inflated sense of ego. She wouldn’t have fought Melanie because….she’d f*****g lose. She can’t fight for s**t. So whatever she did….I seriously doubt it would’ve killed Melanie.” Sam ran out of the dungeons crying. Drake snarled at Stephanie. Jason punched her in the face. 

            Elise frowned, “I’ll ask Ladybug tomorrow. You’d better get on your damn knees and pray she disagrees with you, Stepsycho.” I frowned, “When are you going to ask her? I’d imagine the band is going to rehearse tomorrow.” Elise shrugged, “I know there’s a pond near your treehouse that she’ll like. I bet she’ll be dancing. I’m going to find her, and talk to her.” Elise spun on her heel and ran out. EJ sighed. I nodded to him as he popped away. I beat up several of the coven members before Dalton and I killed them. Paige was waiting up top for us. I snapped Dalton and I clear of blood. Dalton frowned, “I thought you were sleeping.” Paige sighed, “You asked me to think about the witch who could’ve started the wolf suppression being a possible thing….well, Corbin did. I think it has to be Valdoma. She’s evil to the core. She’d be the only person to come up with it. She seems to believe I’m related to her.” I raised an eyebrow. Paige sighed, “Melanie looked. If I am...she changed her name and buried it. Which she could do. She’s evil and rotten. I would bet she did this to Mel.” Dalton nodded, “We got her name from the guys down there.” Paige sighed, “I really didn’t want to cross her again, but….I guess we don’t get what we wish for.” Dalton snorted, “I’ll give you everything you wish for that’s in my power to give you.” Paige laughed, “You mean that, don’t you?” Dalton nodded. Paige laughed, “Who would’ve known? Not me...that’s for sure….Me and Dalton Kyle. Damn.” 

            Paige turned to me, “Don’t hurt Mel.” I told her, “I have zero intention of hurting her.” Paige frowned, “She almost made it to you once…..We were trying to get her to come to you when she turned eighteen. We were drinking. She decided to do it. She said she was just going to go to the edge of the territory….but I knew….you’d sense her and come to her. I just wanted to be the man you are. I didn’t know, but of course one hears rumors. I just wanted you to protect her. I had spells ready to curse you if you rejected her though. Don’t think I didn’t.” I laughed, “Sounds about right. I wish she’d made it. Why didn’t she?” Paige hissed, “Trevor. We should’ve gone with her. I almost did. I’d have cursed their asses. They drugged her drinks. I found her outside my house. I went to practice spells. Mostly, I lived with Mel, but she wanted me to have a space just for me. I get caught up in my smells and practicing them sometimes. I went to look for her when Trevor’s beaten to hell friends showed up dragging his unconscious ass behind them. I should’ve just taken her to you.” I wish she had. I told her, “She’s here now, and she’s not going anywhere.” Paige nodded, “She’d always find her way home to you….You’ve always been her Xander. She’s called you that since I met her. She may be younger than me, but sometimes I wonder if age means a damn thing. Everyone….including the people around here and in Red Run….believe that Mel had a crush that worked out, but I don’t. I’ve always sensed this serious power around Mel. I don’t know how….but I know that she knew you were her Xander. People listen to her….people follow her. It’s innate. They want to. She sees the people who oppose her, but I see the people who wish they were her. Those who are jealous she took a stand when no one else did. I see those who secretly applaud her actions. They were just scared to agree with her publicly. More people like her than she thinks. More people follow her than you could possibly think.”

            Dalton raised an eyebrow. I asked, “How many?” Paige smirked, “You’ll be stunned when you find out. It will come out eventually. She’ll tell you everything. She’d do anything for you. Most things she does are for you. That’s another reason I always believed her. She always spoke with such conviction about you. She never wavered. She acted how a fated mate acts with you. When I met her she just wanted to prove herself so her brother and you would be proud enough of her to accept her when she was eighteen. She knew you’d know before she turned eighteen, but she thought if she could make Jason proud…...You’d be proud too.” I frowned, “I am damn proud of her.” Paige smiled, “You don’t know the half of it. When more comes out…..just give her a little grace...ok?” I growled, “Grace?” Paige nodded, “No one is infallible. Not everything she did was roses. Pain does strange things to the mind. So does guilt. That’s something the rings were perpetuating. Her guilt. Her need to pay for what happened. It wasn’t just her own thoughts or the letters. Her thoughts were fed upon by the spell. They plunged them to darker places. It wasn’t all her fault. Just remember that.” Only one word came to mind. Swiffer. Paige was talking about Melanie being Swiffer. I sighed, “Alright.” Paige smiled, “Have a good night Melanie’s Xander.” I snorted, “Have a good night, Dalton’s witch.” Paige laughed, “I tell you….I never thought that would be me….but I sure as s**t am his witch.” Dalton tickled her. 

            I popped back to the treehouse. Melanie was asleep. I called Jason. He answered, “Alexander? Is Melanie ok?” I sighed, “Yes. I just got some interesting information. Are you around your family?” Jason sighed, “T is here. So are my grandparents. I can conference my parents into the call.” I walked back out and sat down still keeping an eye on Melanie’s chest. Drake and Sam came on the line. I said, “Paige just told me one of the spells on the rings was feeding Melanie’s feelings about punishing herself for your deaths. I thought that might ease some of your minds about….certain things we know.” Jason sighed, “Swiffer.” I closed my eyes, “It makes a difference. Part of her couldn’t help it.” T asked, “Part of her?” I sighed, “She stopped when I asked her to. To a degree….she might have been able to fight that; however…..we all know spells feed off our feelings. They plunged her to a dark place, and I thought you should know.” Drake spoke, “Thank you Alexander.” I answered, “You’re welcome. Let’s all try to get some sleep.” I hung up the phone and climbed into bed with Melanie. I whispered, “I’ll always protect you Melanie. I’m so sorry they hurt you. I won’t let them get away with it Lovebug….they won’t ever take you from me. You are mine and I am yours.

            I woke up to a cold bed. I sighed. I saw the note I’d written to Melanie from what felt like forever ago. The things in here were from Elise’s idea of what Melanie would like. I might have asked her when Melanie turned eighteen. It kept Oden happy, and I wanted my mate to be Mel. EJ popped to me. I raised an eyebrow, “So I take it Elise found Melanie.” EJ nodded, “Melanie disagrees that Stephanie almost killed her. I called Mason King….He also said their pack doctor….the one here the other day disagrees as well. She said Melanie could’ve survived a lot longer than she should’ve been able to. She was severely dehydrated, but she wasn’t on the verge of death.” I growled, “She starved and dehydrated her?” EJ nodded, “It appears she locked her in the cellar.” EJ added, “Alpha Theo is coming with Claire today.” I sighed, “Ok.” EJ snorted, “Apparently our Luna’s just left the dungeons.” I laughed, “Well….I’m guessing Mel didn’t like that Stephanie said that to us or her family.” EJ shook his head, “I’m guessing she didn’t.” EJ stilled, “Um...don’t freak out.” I growled, “I don’t like anything that starts that way. I don’t think anyone does.” EJ rolled his eyes, “Lux is here too.” I shrugged, “Ok.” It’s not like he was hanging out with Melanie. He was here for pack purposes. EJ sighed in relief. 

            We popped to our office. Several warriors looked visibly nervous. I raised an eyebrow, “What’s with you guys?” One eventually answered, “Lux and Alpha Theo are in the waiting room.” EJ stood, “I’ll go get them.” I snorted, “I have no idea why that would make them nervous.” EJ shrugged. The warriors literally scurried out of the room. I looked at Phil, “What the fu….” I trailed off because I heard EJ ask what was going on. Then to my astonishment I heard Melanie’s voice. I linked my warriors, “YOU LEFT YOUR UNMARKED LUNA ALONE WITH A FUTURE ALPHA THAT LIKES HER?! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!” I popped behind EJ. In fact I’d been right, Melanie, Lux, and Alpha Theo were there. I ran into the room and put distance between Melanie and Lux. I glared at him. Lux immediately claimed he didn’t flirt with her. Melanie agreed with him. Oden was furious. I didn’t want him near her. I’d known he’d flirted in the past. I knew he wanted her. When Melanie said he was the closest to flirting she got Alpha Theo bit his lip. My eyes were blazing. Drake took Melanie out of the room. It was soundproofed, so she wouldn’t hear us once she left. EJ slammed the door shut. I growled, “She’s f*****g mine, Lux.” 

            Lux smirked, “I’m actually quite happy about that. I thought I couldn’t get a girl who loved some guy from Missouri. MISSOURI! I could run circles around those guys. To know it was you she was in love with all along….does soften the blow.” I growled, “You wanted her and she’s mine.” Lux raised an eyebrow, “She’s hot. In case you hadn’t noticed. I never pressured her. Honestly, yes she’s hot and I’d have had s*x with her; however…” I roared. EJ popped in front of me. He said, “Talk faster Lux.” My dad stepped into the room. Lux laughed, “However, I do feel very protective of her as does my wolf. I wanted her out of Black Path. My wolf wanted her out. I would’ve treated her with respect and kindness. I never even held her hand. I did flirt with her, but she didn’t flirt back. I’m perfectly content losing out to you. You’re a good man, and you’ll treat her well. I do genuinely like her, so make sure that you do...treat her well.” I snarled, “She’s mine! Of course I’ll treat her well.” Lux nodded, “Good. I am truly sorry you’re having to wait to mark her. That must be hell. I can’t say I’m looking for my mate, but I can say my wolf is restless about your situation for her. He can’t imagine it, and I honestly can’t either. I am sorry man.” EJ linked me, “She doesn’t want him. She never did. You know if she did they’d have slept together.” I closed my eyes and tried to gain some calm. EJ was right they didn’t have s*x. Even if they had….we hadn’t met yet. GOD not marking her was hard.