The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Eventful Times Pt. 3

            I told everyone I’d be back in a bit. My mom snorted, “Sooner than he thinks. She’s dead on her feet. Who knows when that girl last got a good f*****g night sleep before she met Alexander.” I winced. I linked Elise, “Will you stay with her while I deal with the pathetic werewolves in the dungeons after she falls asleep?” Elise answered, “You don’t even have to ask. I’ll be there.” Melanie told me I could go once we were in my room. I told her I’d be beside her until she fell asleep. I also let her know Elise was coming in after. She actually seemed excited. I could tell she wanted to ask me something. So I told her to. She wanted to know if I’d ever promised to reject her. Oden grumbled, “Someone…..gets their eyes gouged out for this...WITH MY CLAWS!” I told her that it never happened. I asked if she thought it was Peter. The pain in her eyes when she said it wasn’t him confused me. Who else would? Oh no. Not Jason. Do NOT tell me she thought I’d promised Jason. I cursed every single goddess I knew in my head when she confirmed that it was Jason. She was devastated about something I didn’t understand. Oden linked, “Hello, she stayed away over a lie. That’s why she’s devastated.” That made sense. This was just too much for one day. 

            Melanie started talking about how all she’d wanted was her family back, and now...they were and she couldn’t look at them. There was too much hurt right now, but they’d heal. I knew they would. We had centuries. It might take decades….but the McAlister’s would heal. Melanie would heal. With therapy…..so much therapy. Group therapy….this was going to get messy, but I’d be there every step of the way. I told this was all at her pace. Melanie snorted. I knew she was thinking of her family. Her brothers were bloodhounds about her….the McAlister’s all were. This time though she had me. I wouldn't let anyone push her. My mom would throw them across the damn room with her wind if they tried. Melanie wanted me to confirm I wanted her. God, that sounded like such a cheap word for when I thought of her. I wanted it all. Everything. I needed her. I’d wanted her for over a decade. I’d felt so guilty about my feelings for Ashley. Which now made complete sense. Where was Oden with that one? Oden snorted, “You didn’t even listen about Melanie…..I just knew that….Ashley was drawing us in. Now...we know it’s because she’s the same person.” Melanie told me she’d always known I was hers. I smiled. She wanted that, and it was true. Oden snickered, “No...she knew.” I linked back, “That’s not possible.” Oden just laughed. Annoying wolf.

            Melanie started crying because I couldn't mark her. She said that everything was so hard for her. It wasn’t supposed to be. This was never supposed to be her path. She had a loving family and pack. This was never her destiny. Someone stole that from her. Ripped her sense of home and normality from her. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on that person. I told her we thought she was in an illusion. It’s the only thing that made sense. She was startled when I told we’d called to bring her here. She started to blame herself saying she should’ve called me. There was a lot of blame to go around here, but I would not have her blaming herself. She was a teenager at home alone….whose home was being broken into. She had minutes to plan. She laid down and moaned. f**k. I told her it was our bed. That Oden and I weren’t happy about not marking her, but I wouldn’t put Freya at risk of never shifting. I didn’t want that for Melanie or Freya. Melanie pointed out she could still mark me. I smirked. I couldn't wait. I just always thought we’d do that together. Like literally most other couples. 

            Eventually I asked Melanie what I was going to hear about how they hurt her. Melanie said she didn’t really know what they would say. I was curious as to why. She said that I should have every detail I wanted before I asked. Oh, but I didn’t need a damn thing from them. Melanie had it on a flash drive. We snuggled and I told her to close her eyes and sleep. I’d keep her safe. It took seconds and she was out. I gave it a few minutes. I linked Elise, “You’re up.” She was instantly opening the door. EJ was sitting on the ground outside. Elise came in and started crying again. I popped out of bed, and squeezed her hand, “She’s here now. We will protect her. Nothing like this will ever happen again.” Elise nodded and got into bed beside Mel. I walked to the door and shut it. I popped with EJ down to the living room. 

            My dad nodded, “Let’s go.” I said, “Wait.” Everyone stopped. I asked them, “How did you know? You all have been saying you know exactly how Melanie’s wolf was suppressed. How? We went down because her wolf was suppressed, but you didn’t know that’s why it happened.” Dylan spoked, “He’s your spitting image Saint God Alpha Prick. He’s making me be serious. I hope you’re proud and happy. Moody Mini Alpha Prick….We know because my wonderful parents….Satan torture their souls forever please…..got obsessed with a legend. They came back into my life when they found out Lacy was pregnant. They didn’t know we were having a boy because I didn’t want them in our lives. They were crazed over the thought of us having a girl. They started searching for a way to suppress our child’s wolf until she met her mate. I did not know when you came here that you’d unlocked Melanie’s wolf, Alexander. I wouldn’t have let you leave. I am sorry. Truly. For the hurt my parents caused to you and the McAlister’s….but most of all MelAshley….my hopefully one day adopted daughter.” Drake growled. 

            I frowned, “First of all, not your fault. I was cagey….I wouldn’t have been if I’d known that was a thing. Why the hell weren’t EJ and I read into this when we became Alpha’s?” EJ spoke, “That’s a damn good question.” My dad answered, “We thought….that if we kept it with us….it would die there. The Bishop siblings had looked into it quietly. Nothing had ever happened with it. No one had used it.” Aunt Katie added, “Nothing we found said wolves would go down all over the world. I mean there’s no way Melanie should’ve been able to fight the spell that long. You all didn’t go down until five in the morning.” Sam sobbed, “She fought so long and hard….” Drake added, “Our little girl has a strength I’ve never seen, Sam. She gave it her all. I should’ve been there.” I told him, “I knew something was wrong Drake. I knew it was her. I should’ve insisted you let me go to her.” Drake frowned, “I’m her dad.” I respond, “I’m her mate, and my wolf has insisted that was the case for over a decade.” My mom said, “You have got to f*****g kidding me. A GODDAMN DECADE? OVER A DECADE?! OHHH. GOD DAMMIT THE DANCE! I KNEW…..OH I f*****g KNEW.” I turned, “I have no answer for you mom. At this moment, I have no idea why I didn't tell you. I literally can’t think of one.” My mom studied me then sighed, “Something is going on. I don’t think it was just vampire compulsions. Your Uncles, Aunts, your dad, and I are looking into this. Your dad ignored his goddamn instincts. So did you. So did EJ. All my children did, and that’s f*****g off. I’ll figure it out, Alexander.” She popped and kissed my cheek then added, “We are still having a f*****g chat later.” I smiled, “Whatever you say mom.” Drake asked, “The dance?” I sighed, “You drove us. Melanie’s hoodie was in the back. Her scent….Oden said she was ours. Given how everyone was about Melanie….I wanted to meet her to be sure.” Drake closed his eyes and nodded.

            I saw my mom's eyes soften. EJ said, “We need to give this information, quietly, to our allies. We have to be on the lookout during shifts. Shifting alone has just become far more dangerous than it was before. Even with someone….we will have to have a warrior stationed with them who is not focused on the shift. They’d have to be listening for chanting. f**k us all.” My dad nodded, “I think you’re right.” Drake asked, “Can we go see these motherfucking assholes now?” I nodded, “Let’s.” I popped down. EJ was right beside me. I looked in the first cell. A girl I didn’t recognize was there. I frowned, “Who the hell is she?” EJ snorted, “Without her necklace….that’s fake Melanie.” I snarled at her. She cried, “It was an acting job!” I rolled my eyes, “I don’t have time for you right now, but your time will come.” 

            Stephanie McCann was in the next cell crying. Micah popped down with the McAlister’s. Julian popped in with Chelsea and Tristan. Chelsea flew at Peter. Drake raised an eyebrow, “T?” T snorted, “Jason is explaining things to Addison. It’s actually going well….they have things to iron out, but thanks to Mel….” He trailed off and wiped his eyes, “All the girls are listening. They have it under control. I want some f*****g answers.” Sam charged into Stephanie's cell. She threw her against the wall, “EXPLAIN YOURSELF, YOU b***h!” Stephanie laughed, “Your allies killed my mate.” Sam glared, “So you took that out on my daughter?! My pack had NOTHING to do with Gamma McCann’s death. NOTHING!” Stephanie shrugged, “She was as close as I’d get to Yellow Hills.” Sam lost it. 

            Drake let her go until Stephanie was unconscious. He pulled her out of the cell. She hissed, “I WILL KILL YOU b***h! YOU’RE NOT MY f*****g SISTER! YOU HURT MY BABY! I’LL GET YOU, YOU WITCH!” My mom snorted, “That’s the f*****g spirit.” My dad spoke to Alpha Edward, “Anything you’d like to tell me?” I snorted, “Who cares? What did you do to my mate?” Edward and Jean’s head whipped towards me. Edward gaped, “YOURS? f**k ME! She’s actually yours? Damn...I thought she had delusions of grandeur.” I punched him, “She’s mine.” My dad said, “We should probably ask other questions first. About the mate stuff” I shrugged, “Why? Melanie has the information you need. I want the information she’s not going to give me on a flash drive. I want you to tell me why she damn near had a panic attack over not washing the pots, pans, and plates after making the most delicious breakfast I’ve ever had. I insisted she eat with us, and then she was hyperventilating about the dirty dishes.” Drake snorted, “What?” My eyes never left Edward. My dad sighed, “I can always ask tomorrow. That’s a thing I could do.” My mom snorted, “Act like he’s not just like you. You’d do the same damn thing, Eric.”  I counted to ten in my head. I smiled, “And Melanie said you’d just spill everything. I’m glad you didn’t.” 

I used my pushing power on him. He screamed in pain. I saw the scene. 

**Flashback Alexander sees**

            Edward is watching the kitchen doors. I see Melanie serve everyone. It took me a second to recognize her. She was literally wearing a sack. She was moving slowly, touching her side every so often. She moved slowly. Once she’d finished serving everyone she sat down and almost took a bite. An omega whispered, “What are you doing?” Melanie frowned, “I’m eating really quick. I’ve been up since three this morning getting everything ready.” The omega explained, “Slaves don’t eat with everyone. No one who cooks does. You have to clean the kitchen.” Tears welled in Melanie’s eyes, “Oh, ok...thanks.” The omega whispered, “Hurry.” Stephanie McCann smiled, “Time to teach the b***h a lesson.” Luna Elena snarled, “You didn’t tell her the rules! Edward you can’t!” He stood, “Rules are rules.” Luna Elena hissed, “I don’t even recognize you. Come on, Addison.” Addison cried, “Momma please! She didn’t know! She’s still hurting! She was shot. I heard the nurses saying she shouldn’t be up and around yet. She’s in pain.” Addison glared at her father, “I hate you! She’s my new friend, and she didn’t even know. You’re evil and you like hurting people!” She ran off. Sierra, Dax, and Caine ran after her. 

            Mason stood, “I’ll teach the pup the rules, Alpha. I’ll help her clean up, and make sure she knows how things are around here.” Stephanie snorted, “I’m her guardian. She needs to learn.” Hendrick stood, “She didn’t know, Stephanie.” She hissed, “Gamma Female Stephanie.” Hendrick raised an eyebrow, “That would be Gamma Booker’s mate’s title not yours anymore.” Edward didn’t say anything and walked towards the kitchen. Stephanie pushed past him. They reached the kitchen in time to see Stephanie burning Melanie’s hand on the stove. She screamed in pain. She hit Stephanie hard with a pot in the face. The Alpha grabbed Melanie by the hair. She frowned, “Alpha?” He hit her hard. She gasped in surprise. Her teeth rattled around. He said, “You don’t eat with the pack, slave. You do the cooking and dishes.” She looked down, “I...I’m sorry Alpha...I didn’t know.” Booker walked in, “That’s no excuse.” He threw her down and kicked her. Trevor came in and joined him. Melanie’s confusion was all over her face. The Alpha should not be allowing this. She knew that. Booker grabbed her shoulder and ripped it out of joint. Melanie screamed in pain. Then he dragged her by that arm and locked her in a cupboard. He smiled, “I think leaving her in there for five days ought to teach her a lesson.” Trevor snickered. Edward nodded and walked to his office. 

            **End of pushing flashback**

            EJ was in front of my face. He yelled, “LET THEM GO BROTHER!” I snarled as I let them go. I pushed EJ away. I glared at Edward, “YOU DIDN’T LET HER HEAL FROM BEING SHOT! YOU IGNORED MEDICAL ADVICE ABOUT A PUP?! YOU LET THAT b***h BURN HER! YOU BEAT HER AND LET THEM RIP HER ARM OUT OF SOCKET FOR EATING AND NOT DOING THE DISHES WHEN YOU DIDN’T TELL HER SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO?! YOU MADE HER WEAR A SACK AND CALLED HER A SLAVE! YOU LOCKED HER IN A CLOSET FOR FIVE DAYS! I’LL f*****g KILL YOU, YOU BASTARD!” I gripped his shoulder. I’d meant to pop it out of socket, but in my anger….I’d ripped it off. He screamed. I punched him in the jaw. Several people restrained me. Uncle Aiden popped and used his fire to cauterize Edward’s arms. I felt EJ’s arms around me. I knew my dad, Uncle Bjourn, Uncle Marcus, Uncle Evin, and even grandpa were struggling to restrain me. EJ said, “Alexander, he will pay. Just take a breath.” Cassie popped in front of me. She took my face into her hands. She put her forehead on mine. She whispered, “I’m sorry Alexander. I’m sorry for what you saw. I’m sorry they did that to her. You can kill him. Of course you can. He should suffer though, brother. He does not get a quick death. Not for even one of the things you saw.” She touched me and I felt myself calming down. I was breathing hard. 

            My mom was crying in the corner. I frowned, “Mom, I’m sorry. Please don’t cry.” She shook her head, “No, I just…..I never wanted to have so much in f*****g common with your mates. I never wanted this pain for you all. The pain your father deals with….your uncles….I did not want that for my kids. Ever. You have every right to kill him, Alexander. Or rip every goddamn one of his appendages off. I don’t f*****g care about that. My heart breaks for you and her.” A scream startled us. Drake was using a cattle prod on the Beta. He asked him, “Is that true? Did you call MY DAUGHTER A SLAVE?! YOU HURT MY BABY GIRL!” Jean cried, “I….I didn’t really ever hurt her.” Drake shocked him again, “So you watched.” Jean nodded, “Yes. Booker was the one who hurt her. Or Trevor.” Drake shocked him again, “You suppressed her wolf, and told her I wasn't her father.” Jean shook his head, “No. We were told to make sure she shifted alone. That was it. Obviously….after it went wrong we were brought in...Ajax was supposed to do it alone….a whole ass coven ended up having to come. Melanie wasn’t giving up. She was fighting the pain. We found out then. Booker knocked her out so they could get it done. She just wouldn’t stop fighting. It was always Booker’s plan. We just….” Drake snarled, “DID NOTHING AS ANOTHER BETA’S DAUGHTER WAS TORTURED! DID NOTHING WHILE WE ALL WENT DOWN! YOU COWARD ASS MOTHER FUCKER ALLOWED WITCHES TO PROWL SIXTEEN YEAR OLD’S SHIFTS TO SUPPRESS WOLVES! Then you let that fucker’s son come at my little girl claiming to be her mate to get rid of her wolf FOREVER! YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW WHY! What kind of f*****g Beta are you?!” 

            Drake shocked him again. He threw the cattle prod and began to beat Jean. Peter grabbed him. My dad spoke, “Edward, tell us about the situation with Trevor and Melanie.” I snarled. Cayden added, “What is their past? They have one.” Edward frowned, “I don’t exactly know what happened.” Peter snarled, “You punished her because of the fake letter from me, did you not?” Edward said, “I did.” Peter grabbed him, “Did you know it wasn’t from me?” Edward laughed, “Of course I did. Ajax wrote them. They knew that Melanie thought Alpha Alexander Conners was her mate. I don’t know how. They just did. They couldn't have her going to you. I told them I couldn’t have Black Mountain descend on us. So they forged the letters for her sixteenth birthday.” I snarled, “ABOUT ME PROMISING TO REJECT HER!” EJ’s grip tightened on me with my uncles. Edward sighed, “Yes. We couldn’t have you down there. Even if you weren’t her mate...which I did not believe….you would’ve told the McAlister’s. You would’ve stood with them.” Drake asked, “Punished her, how? How did you punish my daughter for a goddamn lie that you KNEW was a lie?” Edward frowned, “We took her to the punishing field. Booker threw her in the hole. She broke her wrist. I sent Trevor to get her after three days.” He stopped talking. 

            I snarled, “Then what?” Edward frowned, “I don't’ exactly know.” Peter gaped, “You don’t know? You don’t know what he did?” Edward sighed, “I know that was the last straw for my family. Melanie was in the hospital for a week. Maybe a week and a half. I didn’t go see her. My wife refused to let me near her. Jean’s mate wouldn’t let us near her either. We don’t know what Trevor did. He was just supposed to let her up, but I guess his mate had died that day. I didn’t know. Booker said afterwards that Trevor found her dying and couldn’t save her. He was in a state. Caine found Melanie and Trevor. He knows. My family had been back for a day, and everyone was worried about where Melanie was. I honestly thought she was at the King’s house...recovering. I don’t know what happened between them. That’s the god’s honest truth.” My mom snorted, “Sadly it f*****g is. What a pathetic s**t stain. Eric….I f*****g can’t with this prick ass. He’s a f*****g Alpha. You let a wolf be taken from another wolf. I’m going to take your goddamn wolf from you. Know that. You are not worthy of the f*****g title Alpha. You sell your pack off for a profit. You made them live in fear and f*****g squalor. You punished those that fought back. A CHILD! You punished a child for the death of her family when one, even if that’s what happened….it wouldn’t have been her f*****g fault. Two, you knew they weren’t dead. You TORTURED that little girl. You don’t f*****g know what happened between them. IT’S YOUR GODDAMN JOB TO KNOW YOU PRICK COWARD MOTHERFUCKING ASSHOLE! UGH!” My mom screamed and blew off two of his fingers. She shrugged, “Oops.” I snorted. The grips around me released. My mom popped out. 

                I linked dad, “This brings up s**t for her, doesn’t it?” My dad linked, “I’ll take care of your mom, son.” Out loud my dad said, “I think we are done for the night. These two aren’t going anywhere for such a long ass time it’s crazy.” I said, “Drake, I will make sure every warrior knows that your family or the Kyle’s are welcome in the dungeons with these prisoners anytime you’d like.” T smiled, “Thank you Alexander.” I nodded. He shook my hand. The pain in his eyes was undeniable. His voice broke as he said, “You take care of her right now while we can’t, she needs it.” I told him, “I will. It will take time….but these wounds will heal, T.” T nodded and I popped him out. EJ was right behind me in my treehouse. T went to his knees, “Oh god…..my little sister. How could that happen to Ladybug? Jase felt so strongly….about when he was tortured. I should’ve looked into it. I’m their big brother.” He cried for a long time. I put my hand on his back. He looked at me, “You saw all that when you pushed? They hurt her? She wore a sack? They called her a slave?” I nodded, “They didn’t let her heal after being shot. She was moving pretty slow. She looked confused that the Alpha was allowing all of it to happen to her.” T cried harder. I told him, “Let me take you to Everly.” He nodded. I popped him home and found the rest of the McAlister’s. Everly ran to T. The only one missing was Kai, and it was well past his bedtime. Addison was holding onto Jason. She wasn’t marked, but they seemed ok. 

            Jason looked at me, “Is it true? You saw all that? Just from dirty dishes being left in the sink?” I nodded, “Yes. Just from dirty dishes.” Addison cried, “I’m sorry….we couldn’t stop him.” I told Jason, “Your girl yelled at her dad in front of the whole pack that he was evil and she hated him. She told him that he should leave Melanie alone.” Addison cried, “It wasn’t enough. We tried….we tried to pick the lock and get her out, but we couldn’t do it.” Jason titled her face to his, “That’s not your fault. You were a teenager. You tried and that’s what matters.” I asked, “Everything good with you two?” Addison smiled sadly, “Yes. We have more to talk about but…..I get it. He’s been tortured in other ways...some the same as Mel with his time with the hunters.” She growled that part. She added, “It’s not fair….there’s so much hurt but...Mel…” I nodded, “I know.” MaryBeth asked, “But Mel what?” I sighed, “Melanie still loves all of you, but she’s hurt and unfortunately, that doesn’t go away overnight.” Melinda cried, “But….but it wasn’t true! We love her too, Alexander.” I held up my hands, “I know that. She knows that deep down. It’s just going to take time. We have that to give her.” Ben stood, “Take me to your pack. I have things to say to the pieces of s**t who told my granddaughter I disowned her, and then treated her like a slave.” I nodded, “I can do that.” 

            Dalton walked in, “Everyone get a few hours of sleep in. We have a meeting with that pack from out of town tomorrow with the allies.” Everyone nodded. Paige was tucked into Dalton’s side. I linked him, “You two look cozy.” He nodded, “She’s very angry….just not at me anymore.” I linked, “I’m happy for you man. What about Dakota?” He nodded, “Same situation. They are all confused, but no longer mad at us. They are all actually really sad about the whole thing.” I nodded, “Understandable.” I popped Ben back to our pack. I told him, “The dungeons are open to you.” He nodded, “Where are you going?” I told him, “To the gym to beat something to shit.” Ben snorted, “Not a bad idea.” I walked into the gym and started to hit heavy bag after heavy bag. A throat cleared behind me. I turned and spotted Cayden. It reminded me we needed to talk about some stuff. I groaned, “f**k!” Cayden laughed, “What’s up?” I linked my dad and EJ, “Are you still up?” My dad said, “Yes. What’s up?” I told him, “We need to talk about something.” I linked Phil, “You up?” Phil linked, “Consider me always up from now on. I gotta be on the alert for assholes trying to SELL MY MATE!” I linked, “Marked though, right?” Phil linked, “Damn straight.” EJ linked back, “Office.” I told Phil, “Get to the office.” I looked at Cayden, “Uncle Bjourn is still here right?” He nodded. Uncle Bjourn walked in the gym. I grabbed him, “Come on.” I popped the three of us to the office. Cassie popped in a second later. My parents and EJ were already there.