The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Eventful Times Pt. 4

            When Phil walked in I took off my shoes and socks. Phil snorted, “Everyone prepare to be slack jawed. We are starting with a doozy. At least I won’t be alone anymore in this weirdness.” I lifted up my feet. EJ was trying not to laugh. His amusement was echoing through the bond. Cassie asked, “Why would you get a star and moon tattoo on both feet? Why white and black? To match Oden?” I stood, “Oh wait for it.” I backed away and shifted into Oden. Phil said, “They are so not ready. Where is Dylan with his popcorn when you need some?” I lifted up my paws. Everyone’s jaw dropped. I shifted back and snapped myself clothes. EJ said, “What the hell can tattoo a wolf?” Phil snorted, “Electricity and weirdness.” I sighed, “Melanie did it….or Freya did. She has the same tattoo on her feet...except hers is all white. I haven’t told her about mine. We were….doing sexy things and this electricity built around us and shot into me. Then my wolf and I had tattoos. Does anyone know what the hell that could be?” My mom said, “Have you shared your light with her?” I frowned, “Yes, it wasn’t intentional. I don’t have that power. Does anyone? You can control the weather...she was literally shooting electricity.” My dad said, “That seems more Fae than wolf. Wolves can’t do that.” Phil nodded, “That’s what I said, but…..it was definitely her.” EJ said, “You don’t want anyone outside this group to know. Why?” I sighed, “This is something we can figure out. The whole big group doesn't need to know. Melanie has enough on her plate.” We talked for a few more minutes. My mom linked me, “Talk to her about sharing your light.” I nodded, “I plan to.”

            I sighed, “Another thing….I’m pretty sure I went to a resistance building.” Phil sighed, “Alas….why I never sleep. Welcome to the no sleep club everyone.” EJ asked, “How?” I sighed, “What I said was true, I left Melanie and Sierra in Louisiana….I just left them there twice. Melanie called. She was in trouble, and she needed me. She sent me an address.” My dad sighed, “Don’t you just bet it was in Missouri.” My mom snorted, “I’m not taking that f*****g bet. It was absofuckinglutely in Missouri.” I nodded, “It was. They were driving a NICE car. The outside of the building had been spelled….I didn’t sense a charm to look run down. The inside was immaculate, and I only saw the garage. Uncle Gunner and Micah would jizz about the technology.” EJ snorted. Uncle Bjourn laughed. I told them, “Gunner found the shell corporation that owns the building. Same one that the car is registered to, and Melanie’s other place.” My dad sighed, “Great. Well, at least Gunner has it, and we will get some answers.” My mom smiled, “You are a good man, Alexander. All my boys are. Everything is going to be ok.” I smiled, “I hope so. Lots of weird things surround her. I seriously suspect the supernatural council took advantage of Melanie. I don’t know who else….besides us could pull this off.” My mom sighed, “Your dad already has things he can knock them upside the head with. He has a file...and I plan to literally hit them upside the head with it. We will dig. If they are behind the resistance….I’ve already killed one council. Why not add another?” I laughed, “I love you mom.” She smiled and popped my dad and her away. I could sense her worry. I was worried too.

            EJ handed me a whiskey. He said, “Damn good thing we don’t need sleep.” I laughed and drained mine. I told him, “I failed her.” EJ shook his head, “No, you didn’t.” I looked at him, ‘You think you did. I don’t need a bond with Cayden to know he feels that same way.” Cayden sighed, “I knew her. I….let things go I never should’ve….or would’ve. I can’t tell you what the f**k I was thinking.” EJ said, “We all did. There’s some type of magic in play. It’s more than vampire compulsions. We will figure it out.” EJ sighed, “We are officially at war.” Cassie snapped us more whiskey, but she wasn’t drinking. I asked, “Are we talking about the glowing thing yet little sister?” Cassie frowned, “No. We are having dinner here the day after the party, and that’s when we are going to announce it.” Damn. I’d forgotten about the party. I popped back to the gym and punched the heavy bag. I took a quick shower in EJ’s room not wanting to wake up the girls and popped to the office. We had Yellow Hills, Blue Moon, and Red Run coming today. It was going to be a full house. Plus, the Alpha from Virginia that was coming in with his group. 

            Phil met me at the door. I smiled, “Nice mark. Forgot to say that last night.” Phil smiled, “And you are forgiven. It was a close call but then I remembered…..You had yourself a day yesterday.” I snorted, “Thanks man.” Red Run got there first. I wasn’t surprised. Addison kissed Jason’s cheek tentatively then walked away. I told her, “My room is up the second flight of stairs on the….” Paige laughed, “You think Melanie is still asleep?” I frowned. Paige smiled, “Oh, you do. That’s so cute. We’ll find her.” Drake frowned, “It’s six in the morning. Where else would she be?” Paige, Avery, and Addison just laughed and left. EJ linked me, “They are right. Elise freaked out. Melanie’s not in bed. Elise is coming for the meeting though.” I told him, “Melanie wouldn’t have left.” Oden linked, “Mate is near.” Elise walked in. She said, “She’s like some quiet ninja! I had no idea she’d gotten up.” I snorted, “I think I said the same thing on vacation.” Phil sighed, “He did. Times were somehow similar back then. And they were pretty damn complicated.” Yellow Hills and Blue Moon popped in. All wore looks of curiosity. My parents joined. We all worked until eight when the meeting rolled around. 

            EJ linked me, “This is easily the earliest we’ve gathered for a random meeting.” I sighed, “We did have a….eventful day yesterday.” Phil and Toby got up and later came back in with the Virginia group. They stood off the side of the door. Thirty minutes into their pitch for us to be allies I heard Melanie coming. I bit my lip at the warrior telling her to just go on in. EJ raised an eyebrow. I linked him, “Who is going to tell my mate not to come to me? That’s….probably asking for more trainings….and cardio. So much cardio.” EJ smiled. Someone opened the door. I knew it wasn’t Melanie because she was carrying a massive platter of her chocolate muffins. She smiled at someone, “Thank you.” She turned and immediately started talking, “Xander, I was wondering if you could find Cayden and Micah...I need to talk to them...and you...I didn’t mean for that to sound like I didn’t want you to be there...of course I do….and then I need to find your dad...gosh, I have a list. I made some muffins...ok, a lot of muffins. I had a lot of nervous energy that turned into batches of muffins. I dropped some off at the pack house….They nearly ripped the tray out of my hands….” Phil ran and took the tray from her. Melanie frowned, “Exactly like that.” Phil started hoarding the muffins. I cleared my throat and he threw me one. I linked EJ, “Get one. They are amazing.” Melanie stopped talking. 

            She was staring at Cayden. Embarrassment took over as she looked at the rest of the table. Her eyes went wide, “You’re in a meeting?! No one said you were in a meeting. Oh my god, I’m so sorry I’ll just go…yup..gonna just...go. How could all of them just let me walk in here….” Cayden laughed, “Ash...calm down. DAMN that’s going to be hard.” I laughed. I stood to kiss her. Melanie spun around then her eyes went to the corner. Everything froze. The Virginia group was pale. I couldn't see Melanie’s face. Phil spoke with his mouth full, “Umm...what’s happening?” Several things happened. One of the Virginia members dropped what looked like a rock. Dylan said, “I almost didn’t come. How sad for me that would’ve been.” The dome that had appeared around Claire and Melanie appeared. I snarled and reached for Melanie. She was inside. Wes tackled me. EJ stood, “What the f**k?!” Wes said, “That thing hurt him last time!” My mom tried to pop. I yelled, “NO!” I popped and healed my mom when she was thrown back. Jason and T ran at the bubble. They were burned. I healed them. I snarled, “WHAT IS THE f*****g MEANING OF THIS?!” 

            Melanie hadn’t moved. The Alpha studied her, “Ashley. What are you doing here?” Melanie snorted, “I think that’s my line. I live in this state. I do believe I told you never to show your face here again. I think I was actually explicit about what would happen if you did.” One snorted, “You’re outnumbered.” Melanie smiled, “Give it your best shot.” The Alpha and Beta rushed her. She ducked and threw the beta into the shield. He screamed as he literally burned to death. I was growling so loud several warriors rushed in. One of the Virginia wolf’s seemed to be waiting in the back. Melanie was taking down the Alpha when someone screamed. One wolf ran at the bubble. Melanie snapped the Alpha’s neck and grabbed the guy running. She yelled, “GET HER OUT OF HERE! NOW ADS!” I frowned, “Who screamed?” Phil snarled, “Sierra. WHAT IS GOING ON?!” The guy Melanie had was clawing at the carpet, but Melanie incapacitated him. She turned and took out the remaining five guys. T said, “Is it me….or is she….better than the last time we saw her.” Jason spoke in wonder, “Umm she just down an Alpha in minutes. Better than the last time we saw her….is a word...one could say….and underwhelming word….but a word.” Melanie walked over to the rock and rubbed it. The dome disappeared and I ran to her. I put her behind me snarling at everyone. 

            Melanie walked around me and grabbed the one guy who’d been trying to get to the door and dragged him to Phil. I told my warriors, “Get all the pieces of s**t who aren’t dead down to the dungeons for attacking MY MATE!” They started crying, “We didn’t know she was your mate.” EJ snarled, “Did you know you attacked someone IN OUR OFFICE?! I think that would be hard to miss.” Melanie dropped the guy at Phil’s feet. She said, “Clay, meet Beta Phil Kruthers. Phil, meet Clay.” Phil raised an eyebrow with golden eyes, “Why am I meeting Clay?” Melanie smiled, “So glad you asked. See Clay here came to Black Path in the dead of night with his shitty Alpha, who happens to be his dad. He had an affair with a she wolf in heat. Not uncommon apparently. I used to think it was...it would shock you how many men are pieces of actual human waste. Any who….Clay came in the dead of night and dragged a pack member from her bed. She fought back, but she was only fifteen at the time. He dragged her to the middle of the pack and beat her until I showed up. I kicked all their pathetic asses, and told them never to come back or they’d die.” Elise frowned. Phil growled, “Who was the pack member?” 

            Melanie bent down and twisted Clay’s arm, “Tell him. Tell him who you were taking to forcibly mark. Tell him who you were stealing from her home and life.” We all growled. Clay cried, “I was just doing what I was told. You should try it.” I popped and drop kicked him. He groaned, “Sierra….Sierra Kiern. She is mine.” Phil snarled. Melanie told him, “I told you Clay…. I’d find a way to make sure you suffered SO much pain for what you did. My work here is done.” Phil grabbed him by the neck and threw him. He picked him back up and slammed him into the wall. He snarled, “SIERRA IS MINE!” Clay’s eyes went wide. He started crying. EJ said, “I think there’s a stark difference in Alpha blood elsewhere, little brother.” Jim came running in the room with Miley. Miley frowned, “Phil?” He snarled, “I need a portal mom. Also welcome back. It’s f****d up here now.” Miley’s jaw dropped but she opened a portal. They all stepped through. I linked Phil, “Do what you need to do. I’ve got this.” Phil linked, “Thank you.” Melanie went to leave. I grabbed her. EJ sighed, “So much paperwork.” Dylan laughed, “My revenge for the alliance dissolution continues onto the next generation. MUH HA HA HA!” I rolled my eyes. My mom snapped. The room was back to normal and the paperwork was in front of EJ. He smiled, “Thank you mom.” She nodded. Dylan sighed, “But alas, Saint God Alpha Prick….is SGAP and his prickishness knows no bounds. Why cruel universe? WHHHYYYYYY?”

            Drake said, “Uhh Ladybug…..what just happened?” Melanie answered, “I was attacked, and I defended myself.” Sam tilted her head, “Ladybug….you just took down an Alpha.” Melanie shrugged, “Well….it’s not the first time. I seriously doubt it will be the last.” Jason said, “Can I just say….WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?!” Dylan said, “You could say it quieter. We all have super hearing...not the mini’s of SGAP super hearing….but still super hearing. Also….who is here for the fight between MelAshley and Moody Mini prick over there. We could sell tickets. WE WOULD BE RICH!” Buttercup laughed. EJ sighed, “We are rich.” Dylan sighed, “So like your father.” Melanie sighed, “I need to go find Sierra.” I told her, “I can pop you to her. How did her mother not stop that?” Melanie snorted, “Jean sent her out of town with Dax, Caine, Addison, and the Luna. It was Sierra’s turn to cook that week. She couldn’t go with them.” My dad asked, “They were having she wolves without their wolves…...being marked…..forcibly? Please dear god...someone tell me I’m asleep.” Dylan smiled, “If you are...then you dream of me. LET HIM BE DREAMING!” EJ answered, “You’re not dreaming dad.” Dylan groaned, “UGH! Mini Alpha Prick….you have to have more fun in your life. You’ll die young if you don’t. You’ll probably only make it to three hundred or something. Youngster.” 

            T said, “Can we go back to part of the story where my sister beat an Alpha and several people with Alpha blood….at age fifteen?” Melanie laughed, “I beat my first Alpha at fourteen Tristan.” T flinched. I don’t think she’d ever called him Tristan. She was speaking to them though…..so progress? Melanie linked me, “I need to let Sierra know he’s gone.” I told the room, “We will be back.” Cayden smiled, “Apparently, to talk to me.” Micah added, “And me.” My dad snorted, “I was on the list too.” Dylan said, “ME FOUR! I want on the list. We have to chat about adoptions and whatnot MelAshley.” Drake growled. Melanie laughed. I popped us out to Sierra. She was sobbing in the forest. Several warriors made up a perimeter. They nodded to me. Melanie ran to Sierra. She grabbed her, “He’s gone, Si. He cannot hurt you.” She cried, “I’m weak. I saw him and I just flashed to trying to keep him from marking me on the lawn. Being beaten while daddy just watched and told me to stop fighting.” EXFUCKINGCUSE ME! She grabbed Melanie and clung to her. Sierra sobbed, “If you hadn’t got your hand in there…..he would’ve marked me.” I snarled, “HE BIT YOU?!” Melanie shrugged, “If you could call it that. He pulled back. Barely broke the skin.” I gaped, “I do call that a bite….it’s a bite.” Melanie shrugged. I linked EJ, “That fucker tried to mark Sierra in the yard of her pack. He BIT MY MATE!” EJ sighed, “Of course he did. Is there no level Black Path didn’t sink to? Peter, Dad, Drake, and Chase are losing their shit.” 

            I sighed. Melanie rocked Sierra. She whispered, “He’s gone. Phil has him. He will never be a shadow for you again.” How many goddamn shadows did these girls have? EJ linked, “Dalton took the news about Paige being saved by Melanie….Poorly….Dakota is...everyone is angry wondering how many guys tried to mark their mates.” I sat down, “Sierra….you can take the girls to your room. Or to a hot tub...we have several. You girls can relax. I need Mel for a bit. Phil...is still angry enough I feel it, but he’ll come to you.” Sierra nodded, “Phil has a hot tub on his deck….” I snapped bathing suits to their hands. She smiled, “Thank you Alexander.” I nodded, “Of course. You are safe here, I promise.” She laughed quietly. Her eyes shone with tears, “I really am, aren’t I?” I nodded, “You all are safe now.” The girls cried and held onto each other. The bond between these girls was unbreakable. I couldn’t help but be glad they’d had each other in their hell. I’d just wished with everything in me….they hadn’t gone through it. Sierra stood and shook herself. Paige smiled, “Someone is going to find me another cart of alcohol because the d**k is dead or will be shortly. We are celebrating girls! I’ll have Mel’s drinks...since she’s…” Paige winked at Melanie, “Busy.” Melanie flushed. The girls teased her and then they walked off. I linked the warriors, “Make sure they get to the house.” They nodded and walked with them from a distance. 

            I popped Melanie back into the office. Elise spoke, “Melanie…..I’m just curious….are there others we need to be worried about for...your friends…people showing up who have tried to mark them. I don’t want them to be uncomfortable here.” Dalton snarled, “Who is the f*****g warlock who was going to mark my mate?!” Melanie grabbed a piece of paper, wrote on it, and slid it to Dalton. He looked up with wide eyes. He growled, “He lives an hour from here.” Melanie nodded, “He does. He’ll be easy for you to get a hold of. He’s paralyzed.” Dylan laughed, “So that’s your move then? You’re the paralyzer. I see you MelAshley...I see you.” My mom asked, “Huh?” Dylan smiled, “Ohh moody triplet. You are quickly moving up the board of my favorite Conners siblings with all your fun secrets.” I sighed. I hadn’t gotten to the Claire situation yet. I told Dylan, “EJ and I have a meeting about that Monday.” Dylan laughed, “Buttercup, my love, my darling girl….I will be here Monday.” Buttercup laughed, “Of course you will dad.” EJ linked me, “It’s about the chick fight over you...isn’t it?” I sighed, “Yup.” EJ snorted, “Goodie. You’re dead.” I smiled, “Probably not quite….serious tongue lashing.” My mom frowned. She said, “Monday….I get to know what the f**k this is about Monday. No later….correct?” I nodded, “Yes.” She sighed, “Fine.” My dad was trying not to laugh. Dakota said, “What about the rest of us?” Melanie sighed, “I’ll get you a list.” Jason growled, “THERE IS A LIST?!” Melanie nodded, “Yes. Yours has four names. Depending on the range you want on this list….Dakota’s is the longest.” I winced. Dakota snarled, “WHAT?!” Melanie said, “Well, if it’s just an attempt to forcibly be marked list….you don’t have a list.” Jason gaped, “For the love of god, what else could be on the list?!” Melanie said, “Well, warriors...not mine mind you, mine were good f*****g people…..were told they could r**e anyone they wanted by Edward. If you want that added to the list then…” Dakota snarled, “I want it on the list….anyone who hurt Avery...anyone who raised a hand to her...I want them on the list.” Melanie sighed, “Ok, but remember you asked, and I killed some of them...so….there’s that.” 

            Cayden cut in, “Let’s have that meeting.” Melanie looked nervous, “Umm yeah...well...sure….where does one go...for a smaller meeting here? With less people...” Drake asked, “We can’t stay?” Melanie frowned, “Umm...I mean that’s...complicated...and….yeah...actually complicated...works and….other people and things….about...well..stuff...” Cayden laughed, “Come on.” He opened a portal and we stepped through into his office. Melanie jumped, “Are we in the Hackura realm? Is that what’s happening?” I laughed, “Yes, I can show you around later.” Melanie sighed, “I need to talk to your dad and check on Si…..” She looked so sad. I tickled her. She squealed and started laughing. I told her, “We can come back. Don’t look sad.” She smiled, “Ok.” Cayden, Micah, Cassie, Max, and I sat down. Melanie turned to me, “Umm so...I’m kind...of….well….a source...for Cayden...and...I don’t really...but I kind of….well...I don’t….” Cayden snorted, “She gives us information from hunters and the drug ring.” I stiffened. I knew but hearing about her with hunters was chilling me to my core. Melanie rushed, “I didn’t work WITH them...I mean I was supposed to but I didn’t….I swear...and…” I kissed her. I pulled back, “I believe you.” She sighed, “Ok….so obviously...it’s going to get around the hunting groups who I am...that I’m really Melanie and not Ashley….they probably knew honestly….” She handed Cayden two flash drives. She told him, “The black ones are the members that are good guys...they help gather information and save the omega’s being given to hunters. The other is everything I have on the drugs, and the hunting groups.” 

            Cayden’s head snapped up, “You’ve never given me anything this big.” Melanie sighed, “I’m going to be blown. It’s a matter of time. You have the ability to come up with a plan and act on this probably by next week. I don’t. You can save people. I can’t get you more information now. Xander isn’t going to agree….and I was only there because…” She looked away. Micah eventually said, “Because why? You’ve never told us why you were there in the first place.” Melanie sighed, “They made me. They make teenagers without wolves go in and work with hunters. Wolf less are forced in longer. It’s part of the payment for the hunters leaving the pack alone.” Melanie took a deep breath. She looked into my eyes. She whispered, “I’m Red One.” My eyes widened. I was stunned she was telling us. My mom was right. People would recognize her in the pack. I nodded, “I’ll have to tell EJ that.” Melanie shrugged, “Who you all tell, is up to you. They would find out anyway. I sent a lot of people to you guys. They saw me. I owed this to Cayden though, to tell him first. I know you two feel bad. I want you both to stop that. I just…” Her eyes filled with tears, “I was so scared you’d go away, and I wouldn’t be able to help Xander if you knew who I really was. I needed to help him and Jase. I had to keep them safe, and I really liked you guys....not in like a romantic way...just you felt like brothers...like home...like T and Jase used to be.” She put her head into her hands and cried. I rubbed her back. Cayden sighed, “I should’ve kept you safe.” Melanie smiled, “You did.” Micah raised an eyebrow, “How?” Melanie smiled, “I know you kicked Trevor’s ass.” I snarled. She squeezed my thigh and said, “Your presence kept people on their toes. They thought twice about talking to me or coming at me. Most of the pack left me alone after you guys came around.” Cayden frowned, “It’s not enough.”

            Melanie sat back, “You can’t help someone who doesn’t want your help, Cayden. I didn’t want your help. I was scared of what that would mean. You guys gave me more than you know. Please don’t feel bad. You never knew me from before.” Cayden frowned, “I’ll feel bad for quite some time.” Melanie frowned, “I don’t want that. It was my fault. I didn’t tell you the truth.” Cayden snorted, “It took me far too long to realize….you never told anyone your name. I should’ve picked that up.” Melanie frowned, “That’s…” Micah smiled, “You aren’t going to get us to agree that it’s not our fault.” Melanie frowned, “Eventually, I will. I’ll wear you down.” Cassie linked me, “Red One…..She gave that up fast.” I linked, “Mom was right and so is Mel….people will run up to her.” Cassie nodded. Max linked me, “Your mate….is like some super genius on the side of good. She needs a superhero name. We need Dylan to get on that.” Oh god...Dylan. He would have so much to say. So very much.

            Melanie took a deep breath, “I guess your dad is up next.” I kissed her forehead and popped to my dad. He was sitting on the deck of his room with my mom. He smiled, “Did you have a productive meeting?” I nodded. Melanie linked me, “You can tell him. It’s ok.” I smiled, “With my mates permission….that I do have mom….She gave Cayden information on the hunters and the list of people working against them. Along with the drugs they are pushing. Oh and she’s Red One.” My dad gaped, “Very productive meeting then, and very impressive Melanie.” She blushed, “Thank you, Sir.” My dad snorted, “Eric, please.” She nodded and handed him a flash drive. She told him, “That’s everything. His books….his contacts….His dealings in drugs. Who he gave to people to be forcibly marked. I tracked some of them down….some of them are here.” She looked away and whispered, “Some were already dead.” My dad said, “That’s not your fault. You were a kid. This is my job, not yours.” She shrugged, “I was everyone down there. If I wasn’t….people got hurt.” My dad sighed, “That never should’ve happened or been your job.” She shrugged, “Nothing down there is how it should be.” My dad told her, “We will take care of it. I promise you that.” She nodded, “I know.” My dad added, “If I have questions….I’ll come to you.” She nodded, “Ok.”