The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

What Is Happening? Pt. 1

            Xander couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow when he saw Melanie’s hair through the windshield of the car that came speeding around the corner. The girls were in a sports car. I sighed. Did they steal it? I subtly took a picture of the license plate. I’d have Micah run it down. Then I could get it back or figure out how the HELL they got this car. The garage to the place went up and followed them inside. To say I was astonished would be an understatement. The inside of the place was nice. There were three other cars in this garage. There was a keypad to get into the door. Holy f**k balls. Was I inside the garage of a resistance building? Is that how they got that car? The resistance is recruiting and offering access to cars and places like this? Given the state of their pack it’s no wonder Sierra and her friends would jump at this. I was ready to tear the council apart. I took pictures behind my back and pointed out the place looked like a wreck from the outside but not the inside. Sierra told me it was intentional. I’d already guessed that. I grabbed Melanie and Sierra and popped them back to their hotel room. I inhaled deeply hoping to calm down from Melanie’s smell….but she smelled like nothing. Oden spoke, “Flashing neon sign. We can never track the resistance because they have no smell….We know Melanie should smell like us and herself.” He was right. Oden snorted, “Hallelujah. My human half has seen the light. I think I’ll throw a party.” I rolled my eyes, “Man, a guy doesn’t listen to your wolf about one thing; One thing you had reasons to be fickle about and he holds it over your head….forever.” 

            Oden sighed, “I know why you doubted I was right about her. I do get that. I still wasn’t wrong.” I linked back, “And I’m abundantly glad you were not.” Sierra’s phone rang and Melanie pushed me into the bathroom and shut the door. She quickly took her pants off. I ran my eyes up her legs. She grabbed a robe and pulled it tightly around her then put her hair in a towel. I raised my eyebrows. Sierra yelled and I nearly fell over. Sierra called her Mel not Ashley. Melanie didn’t seem to realize what I’d just heard. I couldn’t help but smile. I couldn’t wait for her name to cross my lips. She ripped the Beta of Black Path apart for wanting to talk to her. I nearly growled when she asked if he hid in his office if they got attacked. The conversation came back to me in EJ and I’s office. When we’d gotten word from Phil’s warrior friend that Black Path was attacked. Ashley Griffen, who was Melanie f*****g McAlister, my mate, stood to guard the damn pack alone. I was going to kill EVERYONE in their leadership. Slowly….and painfully. They left my mate to defend THEIR pack….with her warriors while they hid. They did not have an IDEA the suffering I would bring down on them. They should enjoy the comfort they have because their time enjoying anything was coming to an end the second I had answers.

            Melanie shut the bathroom door. I told her that was an odd way to talk to her beta. It was actually very disrespectful, but it was hot. She told me he wasn’t her beta and he didn’t deserve the title. Of course Jean wasn’t her Beta. Tristan was at the moment. Soon it would be Toby and Phil. One thing I knew beyond a shadow of doubt….Jean had called to make sure Melanie wasn’t where she’d actually been. Missouri. Without me...she might have been caught. That didn’t make sense though. The resistance had ways of getting around. Did they leave Melanie and Sierra out high and dry? Fury lit through me at the resistance. That could’ve gotten her in a lot of trouble. I could only thank every star in the universe that she’d trusted me enough to call. Melanie told me she couldn't answer my questions. I asked when she could. She told me she didn’t know. We had a long road ahead of us. I needed some answers, but I could give her time. She needed to know she was safe. That I would be by her side, and that was time I had. We had centuries together. Time was actually on our side here. Plus, I had enough pieces to put it together myself. I needed her. I needed to taste her to feel her. It had been a few hours since I left her, and I needed her. I was screwed. 

            I knew this had to be quick. She probably had to get back to Nashville. Once we’d finished she asked if she messed up my mission. I wouldn’t have cared if she had. Her safety was more important. My Uncle and I could send someone else if she had messed anything up. He’d understand. I told her she should probably get some sleep. I’d kept her up too much. She needed more sleep, and I could run on less sleep. Eventually, she would too. We’d have our Hackura ceremony, and eventually….she’d only need a few hours of sleep. I honestly couldn’t wait for that. She was expressive, but I wanted to know the emotion behind those eyes. I could take her pain away from her. I wanted to protect her with all I had. I honestly didn’t know if I could leave her again. My instincts were screaming at me not to. My brain was telling me I had a mission to complete. Oden was silent. I knew he was just as conflicted as I was. Sierra knocked on the door and said they needed to get moving. I snapped Melanie and myself into clothes. 

            Melanie was looking at me with lust and admiration in her eyes. We’d never leave if she kept doing that. We begrudgingly made it out of the bathroom. Sierra was surprised I was doing so well at not asking questions. That’s probably because she was a Beta and wouldn’t be able to stand it. I knew that I could get someone to start putting the pieces together for me while I was on my mission. I’d probably have to call Gunner. Micah would have questions I couldn’t answer at the moment. Besides, what Sierra didn’t know was that I had PLENTY of questions. I just wasn’t asking them. I did tell them their lack of smell was interesting. I wanted to know how they did it. I could conceal my scent, but that was my fairy side. Melanie must have figured out a way for everyone to do it. I couldn’t help but be proud of her. My mate was very smart and beautiful. I couldn’t wait to hear all of the things she’d come up with. I hated that she’d done all this alone. I would’ve funded anything she wanted to do. I couldn’t believe we’d been kept apart all this time. Sierra told me I should be more careful about what I agree to. I couldn’t help but laugh. I’d do anything for Melanie and she knew it. Melanie could call and I would drop whatever I was doing. That’s what mates did. Something told me Sierra never had a good example of that. Melanie did though. 

            My phone started to ring. I sighed. It was my Uncle Bjourn. I needed to talk to him. He was probably monitoring my feelings. The question was why would he do that. I told the girls to stay out of trouble. Melanie teased me that they weren’t in trouble, just an inconvenience. Oh good. She actually didn’t consider this trouble. I did. I considered anything that could bring her harm trouble. I told them to call myself or Phil if they needed anything. She barely whispered that she knew I’d come if she called. I would. Always. I squeezed her hand and forced myself to pop away.

             I popped back into my place in Florida. Gunner was sitting there. I raised an eyebrow. He did the same. I answered my phone, “Uncle Bjourn.” He told me, “Gunner said you weren’t in your place. Did you get an earlier meeting?” I laughed, “You know that I didn’t.” Uncle Bjourn was quiet, “You couldn’t stay away from her then?” I smiled, “I wouldn’t, no. She called me though. She needed my help.” Uncle Bjourn said, “Doing what?” I told him, “That’s unclear. I have a few things for Gunner to look into when he has time.” Uncle Bjourn said, “Is there anything I should know? I’m getting the sense there is.” I told him, “There’s a lot of things we all need to know. I’ve got pieces, but I certainly don’t have a full picture. She trusts me, and I’m not going to jeopardize that. She was in trouble, and she called me. What I discovered while there is fair game.” Uncle Bjourn sighed, “I may not be your mother….but I’m getting a bad feeling.” I looked towards Gunner and told him, “Yeah. So am I.” Uncle Bjourn said, “Call me later.” I told him, “I will.” 

            I looked at Gunner, “What are you doing here?” Gunner snorted, “I’m here to give you some gadgets. You are normally always here when I arrive to give you things. I was…..unsettled when I discovered you weren’t here.” I shrugged, “I was perfectly fine.” Gunner laughed, “So I smell.” I smirked. Gunner asked, “What do you need me to look into?” I texted him the address I’d just been to. I told him, “I want to know who owns that building. I also want to know what you can get on this building.” I texted him Melanie’s address. Gunner nodded, “Why?” I smiled “Because I think I want to chat with the owner. I think you do too….my dad definitely will….Uncle Bjourn….the list is really endless.” Gunner smiled, “Interesting….” He typed into his computer and frowned, “Well, both are owned by a shell corporation, the same one. I’m getting some resistance on that. I’ll look more into it. Sounds fun.” A shell corporation. It must have a different name because obviously the resistance would be too obvious. These people even set Melanie up with her own place? Who the HELL were these people? 

            Gunner gave me a watch that would call them if I needed them in a hurry. I frowned. It was an excuse. They’d sent Gunner with an excuse to see me. Why? Eventually Gunner said, “That’s an interesting….smell about you Alexander.” I snorted. Melanie might not have had a smell this time, but there was no way I didn’t smell like her. I studied him, “There’s no way Uncle Bjourn didn’t tell you who I was with.” Gunner nodded, “Oh he did. Cayden is being very weird. So is Cassie.” I frowned. I hadn’t been monitoring my siblings much. I reached for my connection with Cassie. She was happy but worried. I told him, “Her feelings seem fine.” Gunner frowned, “She’s been...fairly emotional.” I shrugged, “She just came off her concupiscence, that's normal.” Gunner nodded, “She’s worried about you. I just don’t know why.” I frowned, “Why? She knew I was ok.” Gunner gazed at me, “Not unlike your mother….Cassie is a bit of a worrier at times. Your mother is good at hiding it. She’s been worried about you for years. She’s wanted you to tell her what’s going on, and has respected that you haven’t.” Guilt hit me. I should’ve told my mom.

            I told him, “I honestly don’t know why I didn’t tell her. It’s like I have some block about it.” Gunner nodded, “So it was about Melanie. This whole time….it’s because you wanted her.” I nodded, “Not just that….I thought...It’s silly.” Gunner frowned, “Nothing you feel is silly Alexander. It could be wrong...but your feelings are your feelings.” I sighed, “People, boys and men have been possessive of Melanie in the past. I was worried….they realized I liked her and knew I was different. They could protect her from those guys, but I would be protected by two realms if I wanted her.” Gunner’s jaw ticked, “They better not think that about you. Your mother won’t even be the biggest of their problems. They will contend with us.” I snorted, “Uncle Bjourn said the same.” Gunner sighed, “I’ll let you get some sleep.” I nodded, “See you later Uncle Gunner.” He smiled, “Later kid. I’ll see what I can get on this shell corporation.” I asked, “Do you have the name of the corporation?” Gunner nodded, “I’ll get you details. You focus on this then we'll talk about this.” I nodded, “Sounds good. Be careful. I think...these people are far smarter than we thought. Possibly very...well we know they are well connected. Just...I think it could be more than we originally thought.” Gunner frowned, “I’m always careful, but I will take extra precautions.” I smiled, “Thanks.” He nodded to me and opened a portal. 

            I barely made it to the bed before I passed out. I woke up in a meadow. I sighed. I heard a soft voice, “Hello my child.” I turned and bowed my head, “Selene.” She smiled, “You look so much like your dad.” I smiled, “I know.” Azoney popped into the meadow and added, “With the heart of his mother.” My jaw flexed, “I would appreciate it if you did not speak of my mother, Azoney.” Azoney sighed, “You all are so upset with me.” I nodded, “Yes.” I wasn’t going to evade for her sake. She should’ve helped my mother. That’s really all there was to it. Azoney sighed and sat down in a dramatic huff. She told Selene, “I have to appear for our next visit first. She will not be upset with me.” I heard a chuckle, “Not only are you wrong….you’re comically wrong.” I smiled, “Aesir.” He opened his arms and I ran in for a hug. Selene laughed, “Do I get a hug?” I frowned, “I’m not sure. Why didn’t Melanie have a wolf? Why did we all go down on her birthday?” Aesir sighed, “I do love saying I told you so, and I think this will be the first of many today.” Selene frowned, “It should not have happened. Anger clouds hurt for those that…..there’s just so much anger.” I raised an eyebrow. Azoney snorted, “He’s the picture of his father right now.” I told her, “Thank you.” 

            Selene frowned. I asked, “Why didn’t you stop it?” Selene frowned, “I could not.” I laughed, “Yes, you could’ve. Who is keeping her from me? Who did this to her?” Selene frowned, “It’s….more than one person.” Aesir snorted, “The correct question Alexander is when did it start.” I frowned, “Almost seven years ago.” Aesir tilted his head, “Is that so?” I frowned. I whirled, “Are you saying this has been in play since Melanie and I were children?” Selene sighed, “Aesir…” Aesir snorted, “I did not know my child was targeted directly after a time. I would not have allowed that. You let him hurt.” I frowned, “It...wait...this wasn’t the McAlister’s being overprotective? Is that what you’re saying?” No one spoke. I thought through everything. Fury laced in my veins. My eyes blazed, “The accident….the accident Melanie and Sam were in the night of Elise and EJ’s mating ceremony…..It was a hit and run….that was people keeping us apart? Is that what you are saying?” 

            Selene said nothing. Aesir said, “Yes. It was.” Selene hissed, “Aesir.” Aesir snorted, “You may keep your secrets from your children Selene because they make you look bad and incompetent. I do not have such problems. This was not my fault.” I frowned, “You let her get hurt Selene? As a child. Then let her wolf be taken from her? Why? Would you let her suffer this way? Why has she been alone?” Selene finally smiled, “Oh, but she is not alone. Many already follow her. More than you can imagine.” I frowned, “She was away from everyone she’s ever known.” Selene sighed, “Not exactly. She was around.” Aesir snorted, “Since they will speak in riddles, my son. Let me speak plainly.” Azoney gasped. Selene hissed, “Don’t you dare!” Aesir’s voice boomed, “DO NO DARE TELL ME WHAT I DARE TO DO WOMAN!” Selene shrank at his tone. He turned to me, “Many horrible things have happened that were never meant to. You have theories that are both right and wrong. Your mate is quite special. She will need you. Things that you did not imagine will happen now that you have found her and you will bring her home. Unexpecting things will be hard. Remember how you were raised. Your mate is what’s important Alexander. She will need you so much.” I frowned, “She has me.” Aesir smiled, “I know that.” 

            My alarm beeped before I could get more answers. I woke up and frowned. I looked at the time and jumped in the shower. I checked my phone, Melanie hadn’t texted. No one else had either. I went out to meet a demon for drinks. I spotted him right away. I couldn’t stop myself from checking my phone. Something was nagging me. I just needed to hear from Melanie. Eventually the guy I was meeting laughed, “What’s her name?” I snorted, “That depends on who you ask.” The demon smiled, “A mysterious girl. Those are the ones that get under your skin.” I nodded, “Do you have your own?” The demon nodded, “I do. My mate is a wonderful woman.” I smiled, “I’m glad for you.” We talked a little more about the women in our life. Eventually he invited me to the group meeting tomorrow. When we parted ways I was completely anxious. I didn’t understand what was wrong with me. 

            My Uncle Marcus called, “Alexander, how did everything go?” I told him, “It was fine.” Marcus asked, “Then why do you feel so anxious?” I sighed, “I haven’t heard from someone….and I’m worried.” Marcus snorted, “Got it. You could call said someone.” I sighed, “I’m probably being paranoid.” We talked a little longer than hung up. I couldn’t sleep. I paced the floors. I called Phil. He answered, “You have reached Phil…..or have you? He’s on the down low….jumping at every shadow and staying faded into the background.” I snorted, “Have you heard from Sierra?” Phil sighed, “Yes, I have. Something is up. Do I know what? No. Knowing things is a thing of the past. If only my brain got the memo. It itches Alexander. How does one scratch an itch on the brain? Google did not have my answer. I’ll have to tell your mom that. She will be devastated. Back to the subject. This is where you ask, did Sierra tell me something was up? No. Something’s off in her voice. I can tell she is worried. About what...I could only guess.” I sighed, “Melanie hasn’t texted since I went to get them.” Phil said, “I’m sorry….you went to get them? I must have missed that detail in our phone call. I do not recall a SINGLE thing being said about you getting anyone.” I answered, “Yes. They texted me an address and I popped them back to Louisiana.” Phil snorted, “If you say you went to Missouri....I will scream.” I didn’t say anything. I just stared at the phone. Phil groaned, “Oh my f*****g god. You went to Missouri!” 

            I said, “Why did you ask if it was Missouri?” Phil snorted, “Melanie’s brother, one of your bone headed brothers, Jayden, and Finn went to Missouri. They were targeted immediately. The took their eyes off others because they’d clocked who they’d thought were the snipers. They almost got taken by surprise. Someone yelled out for Jason.” I growled, “Which brother?” Phil answered, “Theo. He was saved as well. Tackled to the ground. He said it was a hard, good tackle too.” I growled, “What was he thinking?” Phil sighed, “They were baiting the ring.” I hissed, “We don’t do that. Not without serious back up!” Phil sighed, “Yes, so Toby and I told him….at a loud volume. Jayden said they were backed up.” I growled, “We would’ve had people in the….wherever the hell they were.” Phil offered, “The mall. They were in the mall. Oh, and Kai was kidnapped.” My eyes went wide, “WHAT? Why didn’t you lead with that? I’ll come home and…” Phil said, “Hold your horses. He was dropped off at Al’s diner with a resistance card.” My chest tightened, “Ok then.” Phil snorted, “Yeah…..your mates brother and nephew were saved in one day….the day your mate just happens to come back from vacation. Isn’t that just an entire series of odd coincidences? Especially when…..you were in the same state as Jason….as their getaway fairy. So odd.” I rubbed my face, “I’m going to try to sleep.” Phil snorted, “Yeah right. You and me Alpha cousin….we aren’t sleeping until our mates are safely back with us.” I didn’t say anything because I seriously thought he was right. 

            I reasoned with myself when I hung up. The resistance saved Kai….Her pack won’t have known Melanie was with them. They didn’t suspect she’d been with Jason because she’d called me at least. My phone rang. It was Jason. I snorted, “Jase.” He sighed, “I suppose you heard.” I hissed, “That you, my brother, and cousin want an ass kicking. I did hear that.” Jason sighed. I asked, “Why are you still up?” Jason was quiet then said, “I could ask you the same thing.” I snorted, “I need less sleep than you.” Jason said, “We have been friends for a long time, Alexander.” I agreed, “Yes, we have.” Jason told me, “I know an evasion when I hear one Alexander.” I laughed, “So do I. You are deliberately not answering my questions. What’s wrong, Jase?” Jason sighed, “I just….I can’t shake the feeling….everyone thinks I’m crazy…” I frowned, “About what?” Jason sighed, “I just…” I heard a knock on Jason’s door. He told me, “Gotta go.” I told him, “Call back if you need to.” Jason sighed, “I’ll be fine.” He hung up.

            I managed to get a few hours of sleep. Oden finally said, “I’m worried, Alexander.” I snorted, “You’ve been oddly quiet.” Oden sighed, “I’ve been trying to reach Freya. I feel like I got close, so I kept trying.” I told him, “Let me know if you get a hold of her.” Oden said, “I will, right away. If they need us….we have to go.” I told him, “I agree.” Oden seemed determined to try and reach her. EJ’s nervousness and worry hit me on the way to my meeting. I frowned. He wasn’t pulling me to him. I closed my eyes and kept going. I made it to the meeting in time. I couldn’t focus though. I was monitoring EJ. He was angry and worried. His anger was growing. That was odd for him. I thought about it. He’d be home now…..Max and Wesley did a great job of running the pack. Did something come up today, and EJ was upset at someone in the pack? Oden linked, “He could be upset with Theo and Jayden.” That was true. He just seemed to be way too upset for that. Cassie’s worry hit me like a freight train. I was going to have to leave if this got worse. I needed to know what was wrong with my siblings. 

            I heard someone outside the door. I watched then raised an eyebrow when Cayden walked in. My heart sank. Something was really terribly wrong. Cayden threatened the room and they scattered. I asked Cayden what was going on. He said we had to go. EJ’s panic, worry, anger, and near hysteria hit me. I told Cayden to get me to EJ. Once I got a hold of myself I popped us to him myself. The second we popped in my eyes went to Cassie. I stopped short. She was glowing. She told me it wasn't the moment. Screw the moment. I was going to be an uncle. I walked over and hugged her and congratulated her. I was stunned to silence when Drake hit the floor screaming that Melanie was living her dream. Uncle Arthur was beside him and released him from compulsions. What? I was shocked when Drake stopped screaming. Holy mother of god. How deep did this conspiracy go? Breanna tried to release us, but nothing happened. 

            Cayden and Micah slipped off. I was about to join them when I remembered my brother needed me. I put my hand on his back. I felt his shoulders relax. His worry did not abate though. I linked him, “EJ, we will get her back.” He nodded. TJ announced Angela was deep into books trying to figure this out. I winced; she was just a kid. This wasn’t on her. Toby ran in saying we had some witches we could question. At this moment, I had never understood my brother more. He was acting how I would because Elise had been taken. He was reacting. It wasn’t like him, but I understood. I put a hand on EJ as Cassie did. The second we popped into the coven I had Cassie behind me. EJ lost it, but I was more than happy to let him. We needed answers, and he needed Elise back. Cassie announced that someone was on the phone back home with Elise. Cassie told me we needed to talk. I had a good idea what she wanted to talk about. This wasn’t about me right now. EJ took priority and so did getting Elise home. We could figure out what happened to Melanie once she was back. 

            When we popped back in, EJ was threatening those on the phone to give Elise back to him. He’d scared them shitless. I linked Wesley, “He’s taking my lines. Normally, he’s the calmer one.” Wesley snorted, “If that was Buttercup, I’d be right there with him.” I took out my phone and texted Melanie to call me. I needed her here with us. Elise was drugged. She began to fight back. I was tense. There were too many of them, and she didn’t have her hands. Shots rang out. Elise’s hands were freed with the second shot. The resistance shimmered in. The shots stopped. Then my whole world titled. A girl entered the screen in a white shirt. The back was covered in blood. She began shooting. It couldn’t be. Phil linked me, “Alexander…” I linked back, “NO! That CANNOT be her. She’s hurt!” Phil cringed. EJ asked if I knew who the shooter was. I told him I didn’t...well I might….I didn’t know anymore honestly. My heart felt like it was in my feet. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. I took out my phone and texted Melanie again without looking away from the screen. I looked at the computer for any sign she had a phone. Nothing.