The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Eventful Times Pt. 2

            Sam wiped her tears, “What are you talking about Jase?” T looked pained, “He’s right. Jane and Madeline…..the sniper...our sniper is Swiffer.” Jane looked at Theo. She’d already figured it out and had kept silent the whole time. Theo squeezed her hand. Drake snarled, “The fighter who let herself get the s**t beaten out of her?! That’s what in the memo I read.” Dylan said, “Which you are welcome for. It was colored with pizzazz too. You left out Drake, and I wanted it added for the record.” I bit my lip. My dad sighed, “It was too much hope you’d remain quiet.” Dylan smiled, “I would like a reward….it has been SO LONG since I spoke.” Drake growled, “DO NOT tell me that girl who lets herself get beaten up before winning a fight is my daughter…..” Phil sighed, “It tracks Drake. I know you don’t want to know that….but you know it does. She thought you all were dead.” Peter gritted his teeth, “My letter told her I’d requested she should be punished because she deserved it.” Drake snarled, “So she LET people beat the f**k out of her?!” Cayden answered, “Yes. She spiraled after she didn’t get her wolf. I didn’t know she was doing that, or I would’ve stopped it. So many things make sense now though.” Micah added, “She hasn’t been fighting that way for about a year now though. Her bruises lessened, and I don’t think she stopped fighting.” Cayden locked eyes with me, “You’re right. She didn’t stop fighting. That’s definitely not what happened at all Micah.” 

            We both knew what had happened. I called her and left a message. I’d told her I was worried and I wanted her to stop. T said, “So….what did happen? What’s with the look?” I sighed, “I’ve been calling and leaving the sniper messages since I got that call where she said I hated her. After we found Jane and Madeline….and we heard….the things the sniper was doing, I called. I asked her to stop. I told her I’d help her. She never reached out to me, and I didn't know if she did or not.” Sam cried, “Drake….our baby….what happened to our baby? She’s letting people hurt her.” Sam broke down in tears. Drake had tears coursing down his cheeks. Cayden offered, “The pack called her a curse, a lot. They blamed her for your death, and she blamed herself. I think she….especially after reading that letter impersonating Alpha Peter…..I think she let them hurt her to punish herself. It’s safe to say she has letters from Jason that say he wished she was dead, or she should’ve died.” Jason cried, “You don’t know that.” Cayden sighed, “No, I don’t for a fact. If I’d known who she was…..who she REALLY was this wouldn’t have happened. I obviously know you all weren’t dead. I know I didn’t spend much time with you all, but I don’t know what the hell was going on that I didn't put it together. You guys look similar.” 

            Micah frowned, “They do.” Cassie whispered, “It’s not your fault, Cayden.” Drake said, “No, it’s not. That’s my daughter. This is my family and my failure. That’s not on anyone but me.” Peter frowned, “Drake…” Drake wiped his tears, “No. There’s nothing to say. I failed my little girl. All that I have now….is to fix it. We will do what Haley suggests. We let Ladybug open up at her pace. We protect her as we should’ve done all along. We find all the sons of bitches responsible and make them pay. They WILL feel me breathing down their neck before they die. Anyone who hurt my little girl….goes down. That’s what I have to offer her. There is no apology that will fix this. I’ll give her one every day for the rest of our lives if that’s what it takes, but it’s not enough. It was my job to protect her and I failed.” No one spoke for a while. My mom finally said, “Guilt is a motherfucking asshole, Drake. You didn’t just abandon Melanie. There were compulsions and s**t….honestly I think there’s more. So much f*****g more. My kids cannot be compelled. Something else is going on here, but I’ll figure that s**t out too. You’re right in saying that what you have is moving forward. The past is just that….the past. We will find a way to move on from this with time. That’s a b***h and a half too, but I’m sure my brothers would be willing to speak to you about that. They are the most amazing group of men about giving space and time.” Drake wiped his eyes again, “I’ll give Melanie anything she needs.” 

            I linked Cayden, “You still think that’s what the letters from Jase said….don’t you?” Cayden linked back, “Don’t you?” I sighed, “Yeah...I do. I think they might say something worse.” Cayden nodded, “Probably.” Jason looked at me, “Can you ask them to come back out? I’ll side with dad. I’ll do whatever I have to do. I need to be in her life. I have to tell her how damn sorry I am. I was supposed to protect her. How could ladybug think I wouldn’t want her if everyone was gone? She has to know that’s not true.” T sighed, “We will get answers. We all agree, Alexander. Ladybug comes to us on her own terms. Unless someone else gets kidnapped. Then I have a come to Jesus meeting with my little sister about the things that I know.” My mom raised an eyebrow, “Exfuckingcuse me? What does a come to Jesus meeting mean? You don't want to kill her. That’s how those who believe in Jesus would meet him….right? Death?” I laughed, “Mom, I love you so much. He means he will sit down with her and tell her what we know.” My mom frowned then laughed. She looked at T, “I seriously doubt….if anyone goes missing….you’ll be able to find her. She’s their best. If someone is missing….who are they calling?” 

            T paled and I growled. My mom sighed, “She’s perfectly f*****g capable Alexander. With a new mindset even. She was punishing herself, now…..now she’s out to punish those that did this to her. I’m just f*****g saying…...I don’t think you’ll find her for that chat if s**t hits the ceiling.” Uncle Marcus offered, “Not the saying little sister. s**t hits the fan.” My mom groaned, “The f*****g ceiling is HIGHER than the damn fan! If the s**t hit the fan….it could still be f*****g worse because there’s some space it could continue to go.” I bit my lip. EJ linked me, “You just have to love her.” Phil linked, “Are we talking about the tattoos? And the electricity thing your mate and my Luna does?” I linked back, “Not with the larger group, no. I’ll tell EJ, my dad, and mom. They might know something. Until we know what’s going on….that’s not a larger group discussion.” Phil linked back, “Alrighty then.” Zoe stood, “I’ll go get them.” I nodded, “Thanks Zoe.” She kissed my cousin then walked out of the room. 

            It was tense waiting for them to come back. Jason, Dalton, Dakota, and I relaxed the second they stepped into view. Melanie linked me asking if everything was ok. I told her it was. T asked his question. I nearly roared at his mention of Trevor. The only thing that stopped me was my mom’s link, “Alexander Conners….I swear by all that is good and green in this world….if you so much as f*****g growl right now at the mention of that name….I’ll get you good. You and me young man….we are going to have ourselves on f*****g HELL of a chat later.” I nodded, “Yes, mom.” Melanie admitted she didn’t file because of Alpha Kyle. What stunned our group was the fact that it was also about dad. My dad rubbed his head. I linked him, “Having a good reputation isn’t a bad thing, dad.” My dad snorted, “Only when it’s used to manipulate teenagers into thinking I’ll excommunicate their only living family if I find out what happened to them.” I linked back, “I think that’s just from what she knew….and to be fair...she’s smart enough that she’s right. That’s exactly what all of us would’ve done IF the situation had happened as she thought it had.” My dad sighed, “Yup.” Melanie was clearly upset that no one outside our pack had reached out to her. She’d wanted them to know it was her. Based on all the sniper notes….that was abundantly clear now. 

            I could hear someone shifting and grabbing clothes. Dane yelled, “MaryBeth...wait!” MaryBeth squealed, “No! Melanie’s home you slow poke! AND she’s mated to Alexander! We need drinks! We need celebrations to be going on, and I need to hug my niece! So, Come on you slowpoke.” I linked Phil, “You need to stop them.” Phil sighed, “I can try but...ummm we are too late.” MaryBeth and Melinda burst through the door. They ran to Melanie who jumped away from them. Then her friends formed a literal wall. Oh goodie. They glared at MaryBeth and Melinda. Both of whom were confused. Ben McAlister had them walk over to their side of the room. Dane and Landon were not happy at the turn of their mates' moods. I shot them a warning glare. They really didn’t understand that. Ben finally asked about what Melanie thought about the rest of them. Melanie tried to play it off as if it didn’t hurt her feelings that they’d disowned her. I could see it though. Added to the fact there was the hurt in her tone and her demeanor…..all of it showed it had hurt her deeply. Melinda and MaryBeth instantly started crying. I could tell Ben was about to follow that up. He was hurt and angry. I growled to remind him she had questions too. 

        Melanie took a deep breath before asking her question. My heart broke for her when she asked Drake if he was her biological father. Several people in the room teared up. Her voice sounded so small, fragile but hopeful. I was surprised Micah called her Mel. I linked him, “I thought that transition would take you a while.” Micah linked, “Honestly, it probably will. I’ve been practicing. She…..I should’ve done more for her.” I linked back, “You did everything you could for her.” Micah looked away from me and answered, “If only that were true.” So much guilt was in this room you could practically swim in it. Drake was beyond pissed off. Sam looked devastated. T and Jase looked ready to destroy something. Melanie interjected in a more broken voice that shattered everything in me. She looked and sounded so small. She desperately wanted the confirmation that Drake was her biological dad. EJ linked me, “They die. Horrific deaths for this, Alexander. They do not get to slither into the shadows. They die.” I linked, “You’re preaching to the choir big brother.” Drake assured her it was never in question that she was his daughter. Melanie couldn’t hold it together anymore when my mom told her Drake was telling the truth. She went down so hard I wasn’t prepared. She sank to the ground and hugged herself sobbing. 

            Her family started to move, but her friends stood in their way. Paige whispered, “Hell to the f**k no. You have NO idea what that did to her. None. Stay in your spots. Give her a goddamn minute. Let her Xander pick her up.” I picked her up. I was going to pop us out. This was done. My mom stood and announced the conversation was over. My mom linked me, “Not just because I know you were about to pop out. Because I did. I’m you’re f*****g mom. It’s because she needs a break.” The McAlister’s argued, but my mom shut them down in her typical way. Sam admitted my mom was right. I looked at Jason. One of my oldest friends. The apology was in my eyes, but I couldn’t let this go farther. I knew he needed answers. I knew he wanted to be near her, but I needed to do what was best for Melanie. She was my mate, and I had to protect her. Sam and Drake weren’t leaving, but the rest of them had to go. Melanie clearly told her friends to go. Jason, Dalton, and Dakota stared at her in astonishment. No one really understood her at this moment but I did. Melanie was never a selfish person. She knew they were hurting and they needed her mates. She wasn’t going to hold them back. Everything she’d been doing….she was mad at Red Run, but she loved everyone there. Especially the Kyle’s and the McAlister’s. She was just hurt. 

            Julian walked over and popped them out. I popped her away from the group to collect herself. My dad linked me, “Good god. I should’ve seen that coming from a mile away. Make sure she’s ok son…..to be thought of as a hunter’s child…. in a pack…..” I linked back, “There were definitely those who knew she wasn’t. Anyone worth a damn….would’ve. She has no hunter blood in her.” I told Melanie where we were and she just lost it. I held her as she cried. A few tears of sympathy leaked out of my own. EJ linked me, “We need to talk, little brother.” I linked back, “I have nothing to say.” EJ linked, “I do.” I linked back, “Good for you.” EJ sighed, “Please little brother. Let me explain.” I linked him, “I’m taking care of Melanie right now.” EJ replied, “Elise really wants to see her.” I told him, “I’ll tell Melanie you want to come out here when she calms down. It’s her choice.” EJ sighed, “Eventually, you’ll have to talk to me.” I linked back, “Eventually, I’ll be calmer.” EJ’s sadness came through when he said, “You’ve never blocked me out like that before.” I linked back, “If I told you that you couldn’t get to Elise...you’d do the same. I’m so f*****g tired of being kept away from Melanie. I’m done with that EJ. Forever.” EJ linked, “I didn’t...just...let me explain.” I linked back, “I’ll talk to Mel. She’s still not calm.” I rubbed her back. Oden was just as distraught as I was. They’d hurt my Lovebug mentally and physically. They tried to break her, but she stood. She was everything, and I’d never let them touch her again. They’d have to go through me. The thought made me smile. They had no idea the hell that was in their way now. Come what may….I’d protect her. From anything.

            When Melanie calmed down, I explained about EJ. She surprised me and said that it was fine. I tried to explain I didn’t really want to see him. Melanie told me to hear him out because there were enough sibling issues going around. I wanted to wince. In retrospect….it wasn’t that big of a deal. Micah linked me, “Corbin insists I tell you he needs to speak to you…..before you and Melanie have s*x tonight.” I linked back, “How big of an asshole do you think I am? She’s on emotional overload. She’s been physically and emotionally hurt. I’m going to f*****g hold her. Plus, I’ve still got an Alpha and Beta to beat the ever loving s**t out of.” Micah snorted, “Corbin’s being weird. It’s got me being weird.” I sighed. Great. I told Mel I needed her by my side to talk to my cousin. Someone would be staying with her after she fell asleep. Someone I trusted. I preferred Buttercup or Elise. I’d have to see how this all went. I couldn’t get Melanie’s scream of pain out of my head. It was on a loop, and someone needed to pay for that. Besides my mental state. I linked EJ, “Mel said it was fine if you guys popped here. She wants me to hear you out.” EJ sighed, “Sounds like her type of advice tonight.” He popped in the next second with Elise. Both EJ and I were tense watching Elise and Mel. Melanie made a weak joke. Elise broke down sobbing trying to take the blame. Melanie pointed out that Elise had her own life and pack at that point. She was a Luna. She had other responsibilities.

            EJ let out a sigh of relief. I linked him, “And you were worried.” EJ glared at me, “After the lovely welcome most of the Kyle’s got…..yes. Elise has been an absolute wreck. You were worried too.” I linked him, “None of this is going how I thought it would brother.” EJ looked at Melanie and Elise cuddled together on the couch and linked back, “Me either.” Both our mates were broken by forces we didn’t see. We locked eyes. No matter what he said here and now….we’d be united on making everyone pay. EJ started to explain out loud. I nearly fell over when Elise’s biting voice cut in and told him what for. She even called him Eric Junior. I bit my lip, “Now you’ve done it brother.” EJ was trying not to laugh because Elise was not happy. She did surprise me when she said Angela was the reason EJ told me not to go for Mel. Angela popped in and explained her vision. Seriously? EJ could’ve said that. Elise interjected again about how he didn’t trust that other pack about Angela. Fair enough. Melanie disagreed; she said Blair would tell her if they were going to do something shady. All of us raised an eyebrow. Elise gently tried to point out her mate was in the pack. Melanie literally shrugged it off, and reiterated Blair would tell her. 

            EJ linked me, “I find that confidence INCREDIBLY interesting, and somewhat of a bad omen.” I asked why then Micah linked me, “Ok….Corbin is going to s**t his pants if you don’t come back. Seriously. He looks so nervous. It’s odd. It’s unsettling. We took a vote and everything.” Max linked, “Seriously Alexander….Corbin is….a wreck. He’s wringing his hands and muttering about being a bad guy and a prick. Come back please.” I linked, “Are the McAlister’s still in the living room?” Wes sighed, “Sobbing their damn eyes out. This situation is f****d every way. I don’t know who I feel worse for yet. I have a bad feeling it will be Melanie.” So did I. I did feel bad for all of them. This was an impossible situation, but Melanie was my priority. I asked Mel if she wanted her parents to leave. She didn’t see the point. They’d be in the house anyway. Well, at least that was one awkward conversation I didn’t have to tell someone to have. I linked Max, “You tell them Melanie is done for the night. I might punch anyone if they say anything else about this situation.” Max linked back, “On that.” 

            We popped back in. Corbin smiled nervously at Melanie. I raised an eyebrow. To everyone’s astonishment, Melanie knew Corbin. She said he’d been at something T had and she’d seen the picture. She had a damn good memory. Her parents didn’t look surprised. I think she was going to end up knowing every member of my family. She had to. She’d been protecting them. Corbin started talking about her wolf being suppressed. I shot him a look and he immediately said we didn’t have to talk about it. He just said this sucked then couldn’t form a sentence. I had never seen him at such a loss for words. I linked EJ, “What is his deal?” EJ linked back, “I have no clue. I was with you. Before that, I was in my own treehouse with my own sobbing mate.” Aunt Katie said I couldn’t mark Melanie. I couldn’t stop my roar of anger. EJ grabbed my shoulders. Oden was fighting for control. The only thing that stopped us both was Melanie's hysterical laughter. It was actually terrifying. It sounded hollow. She started saying that someone told her I’d promised to reject her. I couldn’t stop my growl. How DARE someone do this. That’s why she stayed away from me. A promise. Because coming from me it was binding. EJ linked me, “We will find out who lied about that, brother.” Yes, we would. 

            Drake looked like he was being tortured. Like his soul was being ripped from his body as he watched Melanie. Sam was barely standing upright. The only reason she was because Drake had his arms around her. Corbin said they’d find the witch that started this. Melanie offered that they should Paige. Dalton’s Paige? Her friend? I mean she had to mean that Paige. Corbin clarified, and Melanie seemed certain Paige would know. What was Paige’s story? Melanie started to explain she’d saved Paige from a coven. Phil linked, “Ok, I’ll ask. Don’t worry. I am here for you cousin Alpha.” He asked Melanie out loud what she meant. Melanie just told us Nashville wasn’t like it was here. That was about to change. I was shocked when Melanie told us Paige had been sold. My eyes went wide. WHAT? She was going to be forcibly marked by a warlock. I winced. We’d have to tell Dalton. They’d have to bind Paige’s power to do that. A witch would fight back. It would be painful. EJ linked, “She took on a coven…..for Paige? That’s…..dangerous.” I don’t think Melanie cared. She just started ranting how different it was fighting for the people in the pack. THE PACK?! I stiffened. Micah and Cayden’s jaws dropped. My mom whispered knowing we could hear her, “She’s in shock still.” My dad cut Melanie off asking if she was saying she fought for people in black path to not be forcibly marked. That was an Alpha’s job. Not the female lead warriors. 

            Melanie said she did all the time. My dad’s anger barreled into us. He told my mom to explode something. She immediately blew up a pillow my grandmother had picked out for the couches. I was trying not to laugh. EJ linked me, “Dad should’ve seen that coming a mile away.” He was right. Sierra told Mel she should go to bed. Melanie just shrugged saying we’d find that out when we talked to Edward. She pointed out my dad would’ve asked her anyway. Even in shock she was plotting out logical points of things people would figure out. EJ linked, “She’s too damn smart.” She was. She told my dad she had evidence for him. He looked at me and put everything together. That she was how I had the evidence I’d called him about. God it felt like months ago at this point, but it wasn’t. Melanie snapped at Peter when he said he had a headache and told him to take something for it. He winced at her tone. I linked my dad, “Why didn’t he leave with everyone else?” My dad linked, “Chelsea will be here soon too. She’s being popped in. Peter didn’t want to leave Drake like this. Nick went home so he stayed.” I nodded. I got that. I wouldn’t leave if Phil was this upset. My dad drew Melanie’s attention back to him asking if there was anything else he needed to know. I was actually curious at this point how she’d answer. 

            She stuck to the prisoners we had. She exchanged a look with Sierra. Phil linked me, “GOD f*****g DAMMIT! WHAT DID THEY DO TO MY MATE?!” Nothing good. Elise drew Melanie back on point. Melanie said she’d fought Jean for the right for Sierra to leave and be with Phil. Phil roared in anger and Sierra started whispering in his ear that he could mark her tonight. Bastard, he could and I couldn't. I linked him, “No one will take her from you Phil.” Phil linked, “No they f*****g won’t.” My dad asked why they wouldn’t just leave. Melanie evaded. My dad linked me, “Oh good…..another evading person in this house. There weren’t enough of those.” I linked, “We gotta keep you on your toes.” My dad linked, “Wolf….she’s a full blooded werewolf.” I linked, “She’s not great at lying.” My dad linked, “At least we have that going for us.” Sierra sighed and said when that happened the girls were killed along with their mates and their heads were displayed for all to see. My dad was trying so hard to not get upset. I’m guessing my mom told him to be calm and not yell. Peter jumped in asking why no one reported that. Sierra sighed and told him until Melanie showed up….they never knew they could file with the werewolf council. They were scared no one would care and then their life would hell. That they would be demoted in their pack. Anyone who spoke out was demoted. My eyes slammed shut. That wouldn’t  have worked on Mel. She wouldn’t have cared. EJ filled in the blanks and Sierra confirmed it never worked on Melanie. Drake was gripping onto Peter’s shoulder for support. We all knew what that meant. If they whipped my mate with silver…..god help them.

            My dad was ready to eviscerate Edward. Melanie told everyone Edward had no guts. Wesley snorted. Max nudged Micah and whispered, “I see why you like her. She’s fun.” Melanie then asked if the pup she’s saved got back to its mother. Sam told her my mom fixed that clusterfuck. My dad wanted to know if there was anything else. Melanie was ready to give him the flash drive. He said tomorrow was fine. He was ready to talk to Edward. Everyone in this room was. Melanie told him he should wait for everyone he wanted in the room because Edward wouldn’t hold out. How annoying. I needed him to give me at least an hour of not being cooperative. Melanie told him how to get to Edward. My dad knew most of what she was saying. I linked EJ, “That rat bastard spelled his own damn mate?” EJ linked, “Uh yeah….it was WHEW she had a lot to say unspelled. A LOT Alexander.” Melanie added they made the males take chosen mates. By killing their family and the girl if they refused. She said she stopped that though. Oh good. Was the weight of the whole world thrust at my mate when she was just fourteen year old? I didn’t need the answer. I knew it was. Melanie kept ranting so I kissed her to stop it.