The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Shocked to the Core Pt. 2

            I coached several others through techniques. I could tell who the newer warriors were versus the seasoned. When Xander stepped into the ring I could practically taste everyone’s anticipation. He almost got me a few times, but I managed to evade being pinned at the last minute. Eric eventually called the fight. One day….I’d pin him. Freya snickered, “We could pin him in bed anytime.” I blushed, “That’s not what I meant.” Freya linked, “It’s what you should mean.” Horny wolf. Xander popped us to our room. He wanted to shower together. Ummm that sounded dangerous….or cold...definitely both. He insisted it would be fine. I eventually gave in. He was right we didn’t fall, and because of the shower….no one was cold. Steam showers for the win. Once we finished, he washed me….Freya was all about reciprocating. Then she was on me, “Come on...bite his ass….it’s right there...just a little nibble.” She was just so fun...and she was right. I was immediately embarrassed afterwards, but Xander was here for it. Freya was practically gloating, “See...listen to me Melanie. I’ll never steer you wrong.” He snapped my hair dry. That was so freaking cool and handy. I ran off to the closet. Freya linked, “We could wear the cherry dress now.” I didn’t think I was mentally ready for that. I ended up grabbing some jeans and a sweater. I’d be brave about outfit choices later. 

            Xander popped us away for lunch. The second I took in my surroundings I realized that he’d popped us back to Switzerland. I couldn’t believe him. We ended up at the place we’d first eaten together. This really did feel like a dream. Xander had even rented out the place. Good gosh this man. The Conners boys really just didn’t do halfway. He ordered for us. While we waited we talked and sipped on our drinks. We talked about dating. I mean, Xander was my first everything. I didn’t have dating experience. No one wanted to date me. Have s*x with me….sure, but no one definately wanted date me. Most guys said I talked too much, and was too opinionated. Which was fine by me. I didn’t like them anyway. Xander was upset about that. We briefly talked about school dances. I really didn’t want to think about that. I was having a nice time. Xander must have sensed that because he dropped the subject. 

            We talked about shopping tomorrow. I was excited he remembered that was happening. It was nice that he did. I was excited. I just didn’t know if anything could touch the idea in my head. My mom and I had talked about it once. She told me that my dad would move heaven and earth to get me that dress I described to her when the time came. I doubt she even remembered. Nor did I think you could find it. It was just an idea in my head. I knew some of my family would be upset that they weren’t invited, but I wasn’t ready to sit in a room with them and ask for their opinion on something I was wearing. We were a long way off from that. Xander thought it was fine not to invite them. He wanted me to be comfortable with anything involving our mating ceremony. It was like he warmed my heart somehow with his words. I pointed out that I did do things for myself. Xander pointed out a lot of what I did was other people. Well, that was true, but I felt a need to help. He made note that I wasn’t ready to go to Jason’s and Addison’s mating ceremony. I mean...I did go. I just wasn’t able to watch in the way I’d intended. Then duty called. It was a whole thing. Once we finished we walked around the town. It just felt so normal and right being here with him. Eventually, we ended up back at the house his family owned. 

            He wanted to swim. Freya linked, “Be a little daring. Your back is fine now.” I laughed and showed him a swimsuit I wanted. Freya linked, “YES GIRL!” I ran upstairs to change. I giggled and spun in the mirror once I’d put it on. I felt and looked normal now. I looked at the mirror and whispered, “f**k you Trevor McCann.” I smiled and ran back to meet Xander. We jumped into the pool holding hands and started to swim laps. Freya sighed, “We have so much work to do about understanding cues from our mate. He wanted to jump you.” I linked, “We can do that...after laps.” Freya sighed, “Priorities Melanie….priorities.” I smirked. When Xander stopped swimming I went over to him. Messing around in a pool also seemed like it might be asking to drown, but we managed not to. I’m pretty sure that was against the law of physics….definitely gravity. I begrudgingly asked if we needed to go home. He said we were going to dinner. He added that his mom had something I could wear that was good. He put me in the shower and left. Freya pouted. She really was a super horny wolf….and I loved her. I quickly took a shower. When I stepped out I was instantly dry. I laughed, “That’s so handy.” 

            I walked over to the closet and found three garment bags. I grabbed the note on the first one. 

Melanie, 

I know we don’t know each other that well right now, but I connect with you on a whole other f*****g level. I picked three dresses. The last two don’t show off your back. I don’t know if you’re ready for that f*****g step yet. It’s red though ;) I have noticed you really like red. If you’re not ready...it’s here for someday. I am so f*****g proud of you. Have fun tonight!

 Haley

I smiled and opened the first bag. I gaped. I was so surprised I spoke out loud, “It’s stunning.” It was the most beautiful dress….I’d ever had the chance to wear. I’d seen mom wear beautiful dresses like this. She always told me when school dances came around I could too. I ran my hands over it. I smiled and asked my wolf, “What do you say, Freya?” Freya answered, “This is all your decision, but we’d look hot in it.” I laughed, “I’d imagine we would look hot in any dress Haley picked….but I really like it.” Before I could over think my decision; I took the dress off the hook and put it on. 

            When Xander came over I asked if it looked alright. I’d never worn anything like this around him. Freya linked, “Oden is going crazy for this dress. We killed it.” More like Haley did. Xander did in fact like the dress. He popped us away. This time to a helicopter pad. Was this man serious? He could pop us anywhere, and we were going for a helicopter ride. I wondered if Jason told him I’d always wanted to ride in a helicopter. Once we got in he pointed out everything to me as we flew. We ended up at a cabin, then took a gondola. He was just going for a record of things I’d never done. Our last stop appeared to be at a restaurant at the top of the mountain. It was again rented out so it was just us. I briefly pinched myself to make sure I was awake. We ate our meal and talked about being together. It really was strange….this is just the opposite of what I pictured us ever having. Xander assured me he was real and that he wasn’t leaving. Even if it was in my head….I didn't want to wake up if this wasn’t real. Freya sighed, “It’s real...but I understand the notion.” Xander apologized again for us not meeting sooner. It really wasn't his fault. I shifted topics to being able to run as Freya. Oden was excited for it as was Freya. 

            We both wanted to mark each other. This whole anticipation and waiting thing was not for me. I wanted everyone to know I was his and he was mine. After dinner he wanted to go on a walk. We hadn’t walked very far when he pointed to the other side of the mountain. I stared at him in surprise. Of course I could see the other mountain...I turned to look where he was pointing...All rational thoughts left my head. Holy crap on a cracker! My eyes landed on the words Will you Marry me Lovebug? He was PROPOSING?! Freya snickered, “I mean...we are going dress shopping tomorrow for our mating ceremony dress. He did have to propose.” No...no he did not. I turned back around and Xander was on one knee. I wasn’t fully processing. His words were heartfelt and sweet. I barely let him ask the question before I said yes. He slid the ring onto my finger. I was in a daze. I was really engaged to my Xander. Our mating ceremony felt more real somehow. I held onto Xander as he spun me around. He was laughing. He pulled back and kissed me. His hand gently cupped my chin. He pulled back and whispered, “You make me so damn happy Melanie McAlister.” I looked at him, “You’ve been a dream of mine for so many years. I can’t believe you just asked me to marry you, Xander.” 

            Xander popped us back to the house in Switzerland. He unzipped my dress as we walked up the stairs. I pulled his shirt off over his head. He chuckled and captured my lips again. I was fumbling with his belt buckled. I sighed it was hard to kiss, walk up the stairs, and try to undress someone. I was basically naked from him taking off my dress. Why did he have so many more layers than me? When we made it to the room I finally got his belt buckle off. I quickly unbuttoned his pants and slid his zipper down. When he sprang free I put him in my mouth. He groaned, “Mel…” I put my hand around the base of him and started to swirl my tongue. He hissed, “f**k….” I wasn’t on my knees long before Xander picked me up and gently tossed me onto the bed. He snapped my underwear off. With his hands. He inhaled, “God, you smell so damn good.” His tongue was instantly on my c**t. His arms were gripping me, holding onto my legs. Sparks were literally flying all over my body intensifying everything I felt. I felt my core tighten. I screamed his name as I came. He slid up my body and looked into my eyes and he lined us up. 

            He lowered his lips onto mine as he gently slid inside me. I pulled back and bit his marking spot lightly. He growled, “You are mine Melanie McAlister.” I nipped him a little harder than I previously hard on his marking spot. He ground into me. I moved my lips and kissed his neck, “I am and you’re mine.” He increased his pace. I whimpered. The intensity of this moment was so crazy. Everything felt like a live wire inside my body. This felt so amazing. I cried out when he hit that spot deep inside me, “XANDER!” He growled, “Do you like that Lovebug?” He thrust his hips hitting the same spot. I was panting. He nipped my earlobe. He whispered, “Answer me.” I breathlessly answered, “Yes, my Alpha.” He growled and started going harder. I wrapped my legs around him moving my hips in rhythm with his. I screamed as I came. He didn’t give me a minute. He flipped me onto my stomach and kept going. He’d ripped through three pillows before I pinned him. I rode him, locking my legs behind his. The urge to mark him gripped me so tightly. I had to bite a pillow myself. We were a sweaty mess when we fell apart. 

            Xander simply popped us home. My eyes were fluttering closed. He kissed me, “Sleep my little fiancée.” I laughed, “We have so many titles now.” Xander chuckled, “Sleep Lovebug.” I couldn't resist. I woke up and stretched. I kissed Xander’s cheek lightly since he was sleeping, and grabbed my leggings and a hoodie. I ran outside and started to dance. When I finished I ran back inside and started making muffins. I was Xander’s fiancée. I really couldn’t believe it. I took the first several batches of muffins, and dropped them off at the pack house. I came out and yelled, “Think fast.” I threw two baggies of muffins to Chason and Fowler. I winked at them. They just shook their heads. Fowler had a mouthful when he mumbled, “Thank you muffin Luna.” I laughed, “You’re welcome.” I ran back into the house and made breakfast for the crew coming plus the Conners. The guys came in first. Xander kissed me hard. I blushed when people started making catcalls. I buried my face in his chest when he pulled back. He kissed the top of my head. He linked me, “They can’t say s**t. You’re mine. I’ve seen most of them doing worse than kissing a girl.” I laughed and grabbed him a plate. He smiled, “Thank you, Lovebug.” I helped make a few more people plates. Haley popped in and grabbed a muffin. She moaned, “God, these muffins are f*****g delicious.” I laughed, “I’m glad you like them.” Brady laughed, “That’s underselling how the family as a whole feels about them.” I grabbed myself a plate and sat by Xander as we ate. 

            I kissed his cheek, “I need to go get ready.” I started to get a little nervous. I quickly ran to our room and showered. I walked into our closet and picked out a fitted hoodie and leggings. I walked back downstairs. No one was around. I looked at my phone. I was early. Really early. I went back upstairs, and grabbed my computer. I pulled my remote desktop to bring up my resistance information. The ring had been quiet. I was thinking something was in the works. We had dealt some serious blows to them and their organization. Something was coming through. I sighed. I quickly set up protections on all the Kyle businesses as well as T’s. My dad’s...and I found my mom actually owned a few things. I was about to put it down when I noticed an email alert from my protective layer of coding. I winced. Dalton and Dakota knew I’d protected their businesses. They’d had a security company check it out. Well, just great. I looked at the time and decided to take a quick nap. I woke up to my alarm. I quickly went downstairs. Mrs. Blanch winked at me and handed me a sandwich. I quickly ate it. She handed me a drink. I nearly choked on it. I gaped, “Is there vodka in this?” She laughed, “Just a dash. I thought….you might need a little something.” I hugged her, “I really like you.” She smiled, “I’m close to cracking the muffin recipe.” I smiled, “I can’t wait to try them.” Mrs. Blanch kissed my forehead. I linked Xander, “We are about to leave.” He popped to me and kissed me. He pulled back, “Have fun. The girls are all waiting outside.” I leaned back in for another kiss and then left. He smacked my butt playfully as I walked away. I blushed and blew him a kiss. 

            I walked outside and Paige started honking the horn on my car and yelling, “LET’S SEE THE RING MEL!” I laughed, “How did you know?” Elise ran up and grabbed my hand, “I knew he was proposing, and I have not been calm about it. Ohhh it looks so good.” I looked down astonished. Elise laughed, “I KNEW IT! You hadn’t even looked yet.” I blushed, “It’s beautiful.” My friends all oohed and awed over it. My mom gave me a light hug. She whispered, “It’s beautiful and very you. Are you happy?” I smiled brightly, “I am really happy, mom.” Haley smiled, “Wolves are surprisingly really f*****g good at picking out jewelry. Of course my son's excel in that area too.” I laughed, “He did really well. The whole proposal was over the top and beautiful.” Paige pushed me to my car. She said, “We have the directions, and I want to hear the WHOLE story.” I laughed. Once in the car she plugged in the address. Then she called Elise in the other car to hear the whole proposal story. Paige yelled, “DAMN! He just set the bar for Dalton so high!” I laughed, “Are you ready for him to propose?” Paige smiled, “I mean...I wouldn't say no.” That meant yes coming from Paige. I asked Avery, “Your mating ceremony is Sunday right?” Avery nodded, “Yup!” I smiled, “Perfect! I should be able to be there. Paige said the brew should be ready Saturday.” Avery beamed, “I’m so excited!” I asked, “Do you have your dress?” She’d always wanted to wear her mate’s mother’s mating ceremony dress. She smiled, “Luna Chelsea was thrilled I wanted to wear her dress. So I’m all settled.” 

            We pulled up to the store. They were actually waiting outside. I saw Fowler and Chason pull into the parking lot. I waved them over. They got out of their car. I said, “If you want….you can come inside.” They both laughed. Haley said, “But you can’t tell Alexander what dress she picks.” I sighed. I really doubted my dress was here. We were ushered inside and the whole group got champagne. I’d filled out an online questionnaire about what I liked. The girl working smiled, “Hello Muffin Luna, we have already pulled some dresses for you.” She walked me back into the dressing room. I got undressed and she helped me put on the first dress. It was pretty. Just not what I wanted. I came out in it. Paige smiled, “You look stunning.” I smiled, “Thanks.” Avery smirked, “But…” I smiled, “It’s just not the dress.” That went on for several dresses. I wasn’t disappointed really. I didn’t expect to find my dress. My mom came back into the dressing room. She smiled at me, “I hope you don’t mind….but I have a dress….I’d like you to try on.” I smiled, “Of course mom.” She was nervous. She smiled, “The girls here have actually worked on it.” Oh no. My mom had a dress custom made for me. My mom squeezed my hand, “It’s ok if you don’t like it.” The girls brought in the dress in a garment bag.

            The girl who had been helping me unzipped it. I gasped and tears filled my eyes. I touched the skirt of the dress. I whispered, “You remembered.” My mom hugged me from behind, “I’ve had them working on it since you turned seventeen. You know Sharon's sketches….Well, I described it to her and it was like your vision came to life.” I couldn’t stop the tears if I tried. I whispered, “You really remembered.” My mom squeezed me gently, “Of course I did. I’ll just step out.” I grabbed her, “Wait...can you help me put it on?” She smiled, “Of course Ladybug.” The girl who’d been helping me took it off the hanger. She smiled, “This is actually my first solo design from a sketch. I loved making it.” I smiled, “You did an amazing job. This is literally the dress of my dreams.” It was a two piece dress that showed the barest hint of my stomach. The top was red lace with a white underlay. The shirt had a red belt that started at my waist and flowed out. It was white with small flowers starting out around the top of my thigh and multiplying as they went down. The bottom was just covered with a flower design. 

            My mom zipped the top on. I cried, “Mom, it’s perfect. I love it.” I turned around and hugged her. She wiped her own eyes then mine. She said, “Let’s go show them.” I smiled and walked back out. Everyone gasped. Paige spoke first, “Umm is it me...or is that THE dress she described that she wanted.” Avery whispered, “It is….” I smiled, “My mom had them design it for me.” Elise wiped her eyes, “You look amazing Mel.” I turned around and looked in the mirror. I said, “I love it. It’s the dress.” The girl helping me smiled, “It’s beautiful! Are you wearing a reception dress?” I shrugged, “I don’t know. I want to stay in this all night.” The girl smiled, “If you change your mind...we will get you a dress.” I smiled, “Thank you.” I went back to the changing room and begrudgingly took off my dress. When I came back out everyone was given champagne and they toasted me finding my dress. Elise sighed, “Gosh this is a busy weekend.” I titled my head, “Don’t we just have Avery’s mating ceremony?” Elise laughed, “Uh no. Good Lord...Xander hasn’t told you about the celebration in Blue Moon, has he?” I shook my head, “Not yet.” Elise laughed, “Well...keep in mind there is one. Let’s see how long it takes for him to realize you don’t know.” I frowned, “But I do know now.” Elise laughed, “But not when.” I pursued my lips, “You’ll have to help me pick what to wear.” Elise smiled, “I’ll have something set out.” 

            I hugged her. I drove us back to the house. Everyone left after eating the snack Mrs. Blanch had set out. Xander was still busy so I wandered over to the hospital. I easily found the physiatrist wing. The receptionist smiled at me, “Hello Muffin Luna. Can I help you?” I nodded, “Yes, I wanted to make an appointment.” She nodded, “Well, do you know who you want your appointment with?” I nodded, “Haley.” She smiled, “She has some free time next Monday.” I smiled, “That would be great.” She nodded, “I’ll get you all set up. If you could fill this out and bring it back to me that would be great.” I nodded and quickly filled out the questionnaire they had. I gave it back to her and left the office. I wandered around. I grabbed my phone and called Dalton he answered, “This is Alpha Dalton.” I sighed, “I know...I called you.” Dalton sounded surprised, “Ladybug?” I said, “Umm yes. Look, I was calling to let you know….your mate wants you to propose. Xander set the bar really high.” Dalton recovered quickly, “She does?” I sighed, “Yes. So...do something about that, and make my friend happy, please.” Dalton laughed, “I’m on it, Ladybug….thank you.” I said, “Sure.” I hung up the phone.

When I rounded the corner I gaped when I came to a giant lab building. I wanted to go inside and check it out. No...that’s a bad idea...I should just go. Freya linked, “That’s no fun. You’re good at this type of stuff.” She was right. I debated for a few moments, and then walked inside. I kept waiting for someone to stop me, but no one did. I stopped short when I found a literal team of scientists trying to figure out what was in Laxenread. I guess it made sense that they wanted to know how to make their own. They still had to have a stash of it around here still. I could fix their formula easily. Was I ready for that? They’d absolutely report to EJ, Xander, or Eric that I fixed it. It was cowardly, but I slipped away. My brain was going a million miles a minute with my other experiment ideas. 

            I sat down and mapped out a few more. I was startled when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I blinked when I looked up, relieved to see my future brother in law. I asked, “EJ?” He smiled, “Yes...I’ve been saying your name for a few minutes as I walked up. What are you lost in?” I blushed, “Umm nothing much...just….ideas...of things….and stuff...I just jot down ideas….when I get them...” EJ looked over my shoulder. He asked, “If you can figure out even one of those...it would be impressive.” I frowned, “I can do them all...I just need the equipment and time.” EJ smiled, “You are sitting outside our lab. The tools are all in there. As a Luna in this pack...you can use any of it any time you’d like.” I smiled, “Oh...umm well...thanks EJ.” EJ laughed, “Sure. Quick question...Do we all get these watches you have? And what all do they do? Because I seem to recall….Jason saying his shorted when he was held by hunters...but it didn’t, did it?” I frowned, “It wouldn’t short, no. I do have watches for all you guys...I just need to go get them.” EJ smirked, “And they are where exactly?” I sighed, “In Nashville. I could have Dax or Caine bring them up…” EJ asked, “Why are they in Nashville?” I frowned, “Umm because I used to live there?” EJ grinned, “Yes, but my brother conjured all your things….back here.” I blushed. Well, my stuff….he had, but definitely not my resistance things. I picked at my sleeve, “I mean….not everything...I have other things...and stuff...I did leave some stuff in Addison’s’ room...Oh god...Did she even get the chance to pack? I mean...not that Black Path Females usually have a lot but…” 

            Xander popped next to EJ. He leaned down and kissed me. He pulled back, “Big brother….you’re making my mate ramble.” EJ smirked, “But it is so fun to do….teasing is what big brothers are for. Plus she gets all flustered and that tells me….I asked good questions that she has the answers to...but isn’t given just yet.” My face was scarlet red. EJ laughed, “You really are a bad liar, Ladybug.” I frowned, “I didn’t lie about anything.” EJ smiled, “Yes, but you are a little evasive. Keep your secrets for now Ladybug. You are welcome to anything inside that facility for your experiments.” I smiled, “Thanks EJ.” He nodded, “I’m really happy for both you and my brother. We should all go on a double date sometime. I would enjoy it, and I know Elise would.” I grinned. I’d dreamed of the four of us going out together. Xander said, “Of course.” EJ smiled and popped away. I sat in on a few more Luna disputes. I handled two per Elise. Nothing as insane as the wrong colored flower. The week passed by quickly. Xander was pretty busy with meetings. Next week he said we’d be in the gym a lot. I could live with that. 

            Friday I started out in the gym. Elise told me the girls were going out tonight in Yellow Hills territory. My attendance was non-negotiable. I made sure the girls meant my friends too. Elise confirmed they were coming. I sighed in relief and told her I’d be there. I ended up going to the field to dance. I felt really inspired. Xander linked me, “So, I suck.” I frowned, “No you don’t...I’m fairly certain….I’m the one who sucks…” Freya howled with laughter in my head. EJ linked me, “Whatever you said to Alexander….I must know.” I linked, “I..was...I….” Xander’s link cut me off, “Oh my god...you’re right...but I meant...I forgot to tell you something...that why I suck...not because of what we do in bed.”