The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Fatherly Advice Pt. 2

            My mom said, “If I haven’t said it lately….I REALLY f*****g like that girl. So much sass around here lately. It’s afuckingmazing. See Robuffoon? When you mess with bad ass bitches….you get your ass kicked. Now, you boys….have a pack member who needs you. I’ll deal with snapping the hospital back to its normal state….and deal with Robuffoon….” My dad cleared his throat. My mom sighed, “With your dad...not that I was going to kill robuffoon….I’m just going to ruin his whole f*****g day.” I closed my eyes. My mom touched my cheek, “Own  the amazing  meself raised own to actin.  The   actin plas  own  to karina.  Lim canbe distraught.  Lim needs to  outa lims alpha.  Melanie canbe.  Lim canbe , addto  point.  Own  negg act point alexander.  Point canbe negg (You are the amazing man I raised you to be. The gym will be there after you speak to Karina. She is distraught. She needs to hear from her Alpha. Melanie is fine. She is here, and those that did this will pay. You did not do this Alexander. This is not your fault.) I sighed, “Lim canbe meen.  Dat feels canis dat's  meen (She is my mate. It feels like it's absolutely my fault.)” My mom sighed, “Own addto owning   to.  Mil understands     meself act.  Sper branakes. Meself  feelings  cwizion group , tho point canbe negg  f*****g (You need to speak with your dad. He understands more of your side of things. Just know...that I understand feelings are what they are….but this is not your f*****g fault.)” 

            I nodded. I still wanted to beat the s**t out of something. EJ grabbed me and we walked towards the packhouse. EJ linked me, “I can handle this. You can go to the gym.” I shook my head, “No, I am an Alpha first. A pack member in need comes before what I need.” EJ gripped my shoulder. We walked into the packhouse. I could hear Karina’s sobs all the way down here. I winced. I walked up the steps with EJ, and found Elise in the room gently petting Karin’s hair. Karina sat up and bared her neck, “I am so sorry Alpha EJ and Alpha Alexander. I….I have no excuse. I should’ve known better. This is all my fault.” I stepped into the room and sat down, “It’s not your fault, Karina. We are your Alpha’s and we should’ve protected you. Robert manipulated you and used magic on you, for years. We should’ve stopped that, and I am truly sorry we didn’t.” Karina cried, “None of us could because I was giving you the cookies….I hurt the muffin Luna! She could’ve been here all along, but because of me…..she suffered.” I frowned, “Again, I’m going to disagree. Robert is to blame.” EJ linked me, “Something about a pot and kettle, little brother.” I glared at him. 

            EJ spoke out loud, “I know you told Elise you want to be punished, but we won’t have that. Cassie spoke to you already. You had no knowledge of what you were doing. There was no malicious intent. We do not punish people for that. Robert is and will continue to be punished. Melanie herself wanted us to help you.” Karina cried, “I know. Her friend….future Luna Paige stopped by before she went to the house. She gave me a drink. She explained what it would do. I’m so stupid….I thought my wolf was so quiet because I’m an omega…..but she’s not! They were giving me doses to keep her quiet all this time. I….I gave him everything and now my mate probably won’t want me.” I growled, “If your mate doesn’t want you then he is a fool.” I handed her the card with the therapists in the packs. I told her, “Any and all of them will meet with you….wherever you feel the safest. I think you should talk to someone, but that’s up to you. You are welcome here, but if you don’t feel safe….EJ and I will work overtime to find somewhere that you do.” Karina shook her head, “No, I want to stay here….if my family will have me. I’ve shamed them with this.” I could hear Karina’s mother downstairs begging to see her daughter. Karina whispered, “I’ve been so nasty to them about Robert.” I told her, “That wasn’t your fault, and your mom wants to see you.” 

            Karina closed her eyes, “I should probably get it over with and let her yell at me.” EJ smiled, “I don’t think that’s on the list of things she wants to do.” Karina’s mother burst into the room and ran to her, “My baby! Oh….my sweet Karina. That wretched awful boy! How could he do this to my beautiful baby?” Karina’s dad and her brothers filled the room. They looked at me and EJ. The oldest stepped forward, “If there is any punishment to be given, I will take it.” Karina gasped, “No Scott!” Scott shook his head, “You are my little sister. I am a warrior. It’s my right to take the punishment of those of my rank or beneath me.” EJ told him, “It’s not necessary. She did not know what she was doing. She was spelled just like we were. Robert will be held accountable. Not Karina.” Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Karina’s father spoke, “Thank you Alpha’s.” EJ nodded, “I’m sorry we were unable to stop this from happening to your daughter.” Karina’s mother said, “As long as the horrible boy pays.” I nodded, “You have my word.” Everyone nodded and EJ, Elise and I left the room. 

            EJ said, “I’ve got our meetings, little brother. Go to the gym.” I nodded and popped away. No one came within fifty feet of me in the gym as I pounded heavy bags into the ground. Eventually my dad touched my shoulder. I turned and nodded to him. We sparred for probably an hour. I closed my eyes and let myself feel my despair. My dad touched my shoulder, “Let’s go for a run, son.” I nodded. We went outside and shifted into our wolves. My dad led me to the top of the mountain. I couldn’t help but think back to when Melanie was here with me. I shifted back and snapped us both clothes. We sat down in the chairs my mom had snapped up here overlooking the territory. My dad broke the silence, “It doesn’t help to hear it’s not your fault, so that’s not what I’ll tell you.” I nodded. My continued, “There is war within you when you find out your mate suffered. You feel like you should’ve done something. If little things had been different….well then….everything would be different. I’ve seen it in the ribbon. The thing I can tell you is we do the best we can with the information we have at the time. It’s a kick in the balls, but the rings had a massive jump on us. For ten years after Dylan’s parents discovered suppressing a wolf was possible…..I had people in this area guarded when they shifted. We still kept a close watch, but that doesn’t help someone who doesn’t live here….like Melanie. She would have been safe in Red Run, but he wasn’t there either.” 

            I frowned, “You couldn’t have done anything.” My dad smirked, “And neither could you. All the same….I feel like s**t about it. We discovered a while back there was a girl named Leah…..she was gone from her family until we had a ribbon visit. She was their test run. I should’ve connected her and Melanie’s situation, but I didn’t. Melanie’s situation was on such a larger scale. They plotted, planned and schemed. To epically fail in truth, but that doesn’t soften the blow that I did not help her. That she suffered, and that you were without her.” I frowned, “What do you mean they especially failed?” My dad snorted, “They clearly wanted Melanie to become a hunter. They think she killed innocents, when in truth...she didn’t. They wasted a colossal amount of energy, effort, money, and time on a plan that will have serious repercussions for them. Hell, it’s been having repercussions since they took her. I don’t know what their ultimate goal was with this move. I could guess, but I do know….whatever their goal….they did not achieve it. Your mate is strong. She reminds me a great deal of your mother. She’s very mature, but there is mistrust and hurt beneath the surface. She’s trying to be fair to everyone. She never thinks of herself….that’s a serious observation from seeing her in person and the interviews coming out of Black Path. That’s where you can help her, Alexander. You have to help her see herself. That she matters. That her feelings matter too. It took me far too long to see that with those I should’ve with your mother.” 

            I sighed, “You mean with Grandma Cassandra.” My dad nodded, “Yes. That affected your mother and you kids. It shouldn’t have happened. I should’ve protected you all. It’s harder when it’s family. I’m not saying the McAlister’s are in any way like your grandmother. I don’t think they are. I’m just saying…..keep a close eye on that son. They can move at whatever pace they want. Whatever Melanie is comfortable with. Just make sure you’re checking in with her. That she’s processing her own feelings and not just theirs. That she’s not feeling pressure, and just shoving her feelings aside to have peace. The McAlister’s were hurt, but so was she. She was abused….obviously physically and mentally. She never stopped fighting though. I’m damn proud of her, and would be even if she wasn’t yours. I’m always here for you to talk to. I wish I didn’t, but I will likely understand the emotions you go through the more we learn about her time in Black Path. Your Uncle’s feel the same way I do. I know you talk to Bjourn the most, but all of them have told me they are available if you need to talk. We understand. We wish like hell you didn’t know this type of turmoil, but we are all here for you.” 

            I looked away, “We should’ve been like Elise and EJ. I should’ve known her, her entire life. Why the f**k didn’t anyone know her?!” My dad was quiet. Eventually he responded, “Your mother believes this started the moment Drake and Sam found out they were having a girl. The ring uses and manipulates women more often than men. That Melanie was a giant daddy’s girl…..probably made them delighted. They took a girl that has had huge ripple effects across multiple alliances. Chase feels guilty because of the McCann’s involvement. We feel guilty because Melanie is yours. I feel guilty because I pride myself on being ahead of people. Protecting to the innocent….especially of our allies. Your mother is the one who doesn’t feel guilt. She is angry at herself for not seeing it and internalizing that. She is angry on your behalf, Melanie’s and her own. You feel guilty because she is your mate. All your siblings feel guilt. The Hackura feel guilty. Red Run is a f*****g mess over this. Dalton and Dakota informed Robert’s mother of what he’d done. She’s locked herself away and sobbed ever since. His siblings…..don’t much care for Robert and never have. Their dad is distraught. Something doesn’t sit right about that though.”

            I nodded, “I don’t think he’s Robert’s dad. Based on what Melanie said. I think Melanie knows exactly who Robert’s biological father is. I wanted to ask Cassie to question Robert….but I’m going to give Melanie a week to come to me herself.” My dad nodded, “We can give her a week. I wouldn’t tell her there is a deadline. That’s a lot of pressure.” I snorted, “I don’t plan to tell her. I won’t push her, but if we are right….we do need to know who his biological dad is.” My dad agreed, “Yes, we do. It’s likely who recruited him into the ring.” I frowned, “What I don’t understand is why Robert’s dad doesn’t seem to suspect he’s not his biological son.” My dad sighed, “I’m really not liking the answers I’ve come up with. I’d imagine your mate knows the answer.” I sighed, “She’s the key. She has so many answers locked inside that head.” My dad nodded, “She does. She’s telling you pieces of it though. We will eventually get to them all. She’s dealing with quite a lot at the moment. How do you feel about not being able to mark her?” I growled, “f*****g horrible. She cries about it, and I f*****g hate it. She’s mine and bastards keep saying it’s not official until she has a mark on her neck. I want to fly into a murderous rage remembering that asshole's words.” My dad shrugged, “I’m impressed you didn't. I’d have killed him. You boys often prove you have that patience of your mother’s in you. EJ most often, but you do as well. I am proud of you, Alexander. I am proud of the man and mate you are being.” 

            I asked him, “How do I live with this? How do I live with ignoring my instincts which led to her continued suffering?” My dad friend, “You accept there were factors out of your control. You fought against the spell as much as you could. You reached out to Melanie as Ashley. I know you felt things for Ashley. We move forward more prepared for this situation should it ever come up. We make sure Melanie has the life she deserves. We keep her safe. We help her with her causes because Christ almighty does she have a lot. I’ve got a lab coat waiting for her at the scientific experiment center your mother had conjured after we discovered Laxenread. I hope she wants to go there one day.” I snorted, “I’m surprised she’s stayed away.” My dad shrugged, “She’s got a lot going on. Just….again...my advice…..watch her about this whole Addison and Jason mating ceremony. That’s….a lot of emotions. If she can’t go….you let her know that’s ok. If she tries and then can’t go….that’s ok too. If she does go and makes it through…..God...my advice would be to get her out of there as soon as you can. That’s colored with my past with your mom….I just think too much too fast….could break her. Or push her mental psyche into a place we don’t want. I could be wrong and totally off base….just keep an eye on her.” I nodded, “That I can do.” My dad asked, “Have you read the letters she has?” I shook my head, “No, they are still in her backpack in my room.” My dad nodded, “The s**t that has to be in those things. I can’t honestly imagine. I can’t imagine the devastation a teenager would feel from losing their family, only to be shunned by the family they had left. Real or not…..that’s a horrible thing to do to a child. Which makes what the rings did worse. They kept her isolated...I’d just bet my fortune...they did something to Drake so he kept her isolated in Red Run...so only they knew her face….they built Red Run and her family at her core….she had no one else….then Elise moves here because she’s mated to EJ….then she loses everything she considered home and family in one night where she herself is injured. That’s just a whole other layer of evil.” 

            I didn’t disagree. My dad sighed, “Sometimes, I think I’ve seen the worst of the ring. Then they go and add psychological warfare on children. It shouldn't surprise me they have these depths. The things they did to your mother were barbaric. I should be immune to their depravity, but they reach out and get me sometimes. I am very sorry you are going through this Alexander. I truly didn’t want that for you.” I nodded, “I know. You had a guy on Melanie.” My dad sighed, “Yes, well fat lot of good it did.” I told him, “It matters to me. I’m sure it matters to Melanie. You tried dad. Your guy tried.” My dad nodded, “I wish it had different results.” I snorted, “Me too.” My dad said, “Snap us whiskey.” I did as he said. He drained his and stared off into the distance.

            He voice broke the silence after several moments, “I think you will be in the ribbon like your mother and I are.” I spit out my drink, “What?” My dad nodded, “Not that the fairy goddess is worth s**t….hell at this point maybe Selene’s not. Allowing a wolf to be suppressed. That’s an epic failure….I just think….you and Melanie have things you can fix. I just want you to be prepared should you find yourself in a different reality. Out of all your mom and I’s mated children…..it makes the most since that you would go in.” I sighed, “EJ and Elise could fix things for Melanie if they went in.” My dad nodded, “Any of them could, but they did not suffer. You two did. I just want you to be prepared. I don’t know where you’ll go, and that terrifies me on a level I wish it didn’t. I hate that your mother goes into bad places. I don’t know with you being the one that is pulled if you’ll go to yourself or to Melanie.” 

            I frowned, “Why would that scare you? I can handle the Ribbon dad.” My dad sighed, “I have wreaked havoc in some ribbons I’ve been to. There are times I’m taken to myself, and others where I’m taken to your mom. I slaughtered my fair share of Faerie in a few realities. It’s tougher to see it firsthand. Knowing what was done to your mother and seeing it….are vastly different things. I know you can handle yourself….just remember to bring that version of our family with you.” I nodded, “If I can...you know I will. They will feel me there. I can pull them to me….probably EJ and Cassie the strongest. Maybe even myself.” My dad laughed, “Now that would be some s**t. Pulling yourself to you.” I smiled. 

            Fowler linked me after we had a few more glasses of whiskey, “The muffin Luna and her friends are on their way home. The muffin Luna is the savior of the trip. She found THE dress. Future Luna Avery clued us in on the conundrum that was finding THE dress. It’s sadly not your normal bride finding her mating dress story, Alpha. Edward, I refuse to call him Alpha, burned Addison’s mother’s dress because he found her playing with it dreaming of her mating ceremony to her mate.” I snorted, “I don’t call him Alpha either so.... Fair enough.” Fowler linked, “Yup. Team Muffin Luna, that guy doesn’t deserve the title.” I linked back, “Agreed.” I told my dad, “The girls are coming back.” My dad nodded, “Your mom is going to join me out here. Go to your Melanie.” I smiled and we both stood. I hugged my dad, “Thanks dad.” He hugged me tightly, “Anytime, son. I love you.” I told him, “I love you too, dad.” I popped away so I was waiting outside when the girls got back. 

            Melanie looked so happy. They all did. I linked Dalton, “Why are you inside?” Dalton snorted, “Jason has been banned from leaving the house until Addison’s dress is back safely into our territory. My mate has banned me too because I’m on team groom.” I laughed, “You’re joking.” Dalton linked, “Not even a little bit. Apparently….we have teams and team groom is the enemy because we could blabber about the dress. Paige is so f*****g adorable….she says s**t like blabber.” I snorted, “The dress is in a garment bag. To be fair….the garment bag is clear...it’s a pretty dress.” Dalton linked, “Say no more words about said dress. I don’t want to know.” I linked, “I have no other words about it. It’s a pretty dress. I’m sure if Cassie popped out here she could describe it in detail.” Dalton laughed, “Fair enough.” I popped behind Melanie and we teased each other. I inhaled her scent. God, I’d missed her.

             Once the Red Run group left, I went to find EJ. He was in the office. I frowned, “When is our dinner about Cass? I thought it was tonight.” EJ sighed, “it’s Wednesday now. I swear….this dinner will not end up happening and Cass will just blurt it out at a certain point.” I snorted, “Why is it delayed now?” EJ raised an eyebrow, “Officially?” I laughed, “No. The real reason….Oh my god. She thinks dad will be upset that she’s pregnant.” EJ smirked, “That’s what I think, yes.” I laughed, “He’ll be thrilled. He’s going to be a grandpa.” EJ nodded, “I agree.” I sighed, “Alright. Wednesday it is.” I smirked thinking of that particular day. EJ snorted, “You’re going to be outside listening to the Rebels rehearse aren’t you?” I laughed, “You just pretend that’s not exactly what all of us with superior hearing will be doing.” EJ smirked, “I have to admit...I’m curious. Angela said they are good. She listened to them before she called you to come get Melanie. The timing HAD to be perfect according to her, and she’s the expert so I believe her. She did have Klaus and her guard with her by the way.” I winced, “I did mean to ask about that.” EJ smiled, “She knows. You were busy. It’s been….a whirlwind since you found Melanie.” I snorted, “That’s a word for it. Let’s run with it. Yes, it has.” I turned to leave. EJ grabbed my arm. 

            I turned back around. He looked serious. I frowned. EJ sighed, “I know I don’t have experience…..with what you’re going through, but I am here for you brother. I’ve always liked Melanie. Elise loves her. Both Elise and I love you. I will be an ear if you need it. I’ll be by your side if you need to go rogue hunting…..or ya know….kill a bunch of ring people. Whatever you need brother, I am here for you.” I smiled, “Thanks big brother.” I let myself cry for a moment. EJ just hugged me. I stepped back, “We should’ve been just like you and Elise.” EJ whispered, “I know. I’m so sorry. All I can tell you is we will make them all pay. For every moment of suffering you and she went through…..I’ll get them little brother….WE will get them.” I nodded, “I love you man.” EJ smirked, “I love you too squirt.” I rolled my eyes, “Squirt?” EJ shrugged, “I have heard humans refer to their siblings that way.” I laughed, “Stick with little brother.” EJ called after me as I left, “I’m liking squirt!” I laughed the rest of the way to my room.

            I hugged Melanie when I got there. I told her I was excited to hear her band play. She teased me about my hearing. I needed her so badly. We stayed connected for hours. I woke up feeling anxiety. I opened my eyes. Melanie was in the shower. I frowned. Oden sighed, “Freya says they don’t want us to join.” I answered him, “She feels anxious because she’s worried I’ll wake up and join her in the shower?” Oden answered, “No. Freya says they are just on edge.” Oh good. That’s great. I pretended to be asleep as Melanie snuck out. I watched from our window as she ran to the gym. Interesting. I popped outside. I watched her through one of the windows until it was time for my morning run. I popped to my family. Phil linked me, “So….after your run….get to the gym. Melanie...aka...my bestie and the muffin luna….is kicking everyone’s ass. Many are grumbling she’s just like you. I called them sore losers...they growled...I growled back...it’s been a whole thing. She’s upset about something though.” I linked, “On my way.” I broke off from the group. I linked EJ, “Going to the gym. Something is up with Mel.” EJ answered, “So Toby told me. He’s out of sorts about it.” I rolled my eyes. Toby was a worrier. I shifted and snapped clothes on. I popped into the gym to see Melanie going at a heavy bag. Phil linked me, “Couples that fight together are so cute….if she was taller...with shorter hair….and a less obvious looking female figure to her….I’d have thought it was you. Her ass is better than yours though.” I growled at him. He shrugged, “Blast those glutes cousin Alpha. I’ll rate you fairly if you surpass hers.” I glared at him and spoke to Melanie. 

                She honestly didn’t seem to know why she was on edge. We sparred for a while. I heard several mutterings of approval going around. Neither of us was trying to hurt the other or win. Just keep the fight going. I eventually called it and kissed her. EJ linked me, “We are taking the newly shifted wolves on a run of the territory.” He was right. I told him, “Be right there.” I conjured Melanie clothes to the showers. I popped to EJ and we led them on the run. I kept an ear out. The Rebels were good….and they were just doing sound checks. Addison could sing. We’d just finished and made it to the front yard when a horde of Yellow Hill members flashed in. Then the wolves showed up. Lexi grabbed my mom. She crushed her into a hug, “Oh thank god you’re ok! Where is the attack?” My mom pulled back, “What attack?” Lexi frowned, “Emmett got word...there was a huge attack….you and Eric….they said you were hurt badly. That Eric had lost it along with the kids.” A dome appeared around Yellow Hills territory. I popped and ran as hard as I could at it. I was thrown back to the middle of the yard. My mom quickly healed me. I snarled and I was not alone. Emmett growled, “How do they KEEP using texts FROM people’s phones we KNOW to trick us out of our own motherfucking territory?!” 

            I heard Melanie scream for people to get down….quickly followed by a shot. Fear gripped me hard. EJ grabbed me. He whispered, “She will be fine.” I growled, “They are here for her! They have to be.” EJ didn’t disagree with me. No one did. The McAlister’s were snarling. Our allies were popped in. I yelled, “Warriors on me now!” Dalton spoke, “Paige is going to bring whatever this is down. She called it a dome. She said it will just take her some time.” Emmett snorted when we heard Melanie order his pack to stand down. His brother, Keaton Daniels shrugged, “I’d listen to her...that’s an authoritative tone she’s got.” Kincade was pacing at the edge of the dome with me. I frowned, “What’s wrong?” Keaton turned, “Three of my kids are in there. One is out here with us, and the other two are off with their friends thank god.” Fair enough.