The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Black Mountain Pt. 1

            Melanie slept deeply and soundly. I felt myself wake up. The most amazing scent surrounding me. Sugar cookies. I smiled without opening my eyes. It wasn’t a dream. I was still with my Xander. After all this time we were together. Finally, and he didn’t even hate me yet. Granted he didn’t know who I really was...but still. He definitely didn’t hate me. Freya sighed, “He won’t hate you. We just need to trust him.” I linked back, “I do trust him...I’m…” Freya filled in the silence after I trailed off, “Scared. You’re scared Melanie because of a letter from Jason.” I asked her, “I want this time with him. He’s….I don’t know what will happen if he turns his back on me. I love him, Freya.” Freya said, “I know that you do. He loves you too.” Well it was far too soon for that kind of talk. He didn’t really even know I was really me. He couldn’t love me. Even IF and that was a big if he knew about the Melanie McAlister I used to be….I wasn’t her anymore. I had scars. Physical and Emotional. Freya told me, “Mate can help us heal from both.” Well that was silly. The physical scars were there. I’d tried everything to get them to go away. I could only remove some. I was ugly. I’d never cared about the scars really. People asked but….some looked at me with revulsion. They were my scarlet letter. I didn’t care what anyone else thought of them….but Xander….I didn’t want him to look at me like that. 

            I shook those thoughts off and stretched. I linked Freya, “Why am I so tired?” Freya linked back, “You’re adjusting to having me. I’m also getting stronger. It’s a process. It’s supposed to happen when you're sixteen. Your body was prepared then. I also wouldn’t have been weakened then. I was at full strength when I came to you.” I told her, “I’m sorry this has been so difficult for you.” Freya linked, “I’m sorry for what you have suffered. It was not meant to be that way.” I wondered what she meant. I looked over to study Alexander. I was surprised that he was already awake. His ocean blue eyes seared into mine. He had the bluest eyes I’d ever seen. I blushed remembering how we ended up here together. I was still half naked and he was completely naked still. He should stay like this. He looked amazing without clothes. He said he loved my blush. My filter vanished and I told him I loved him. I linked Freya panicked, “Aren’t you supposed to stop me from doing stupid crap?” Freya laughed, “Yes, but that wasn’t bad. He loves us too. Look into his eyes.” I sighed, “He doesn’t know us.” Freya giggled, “Don’t be so sure.” She could not be sure all she wanted. I knew Xander didn’t know. I was about to run and hide when Xander caught me before I even made it out of bed. 

            He kissed me as if his life depended on it. He told me he loved me too. Gosh, there was nothing more in this life I wanted to be true than those words. I wanted to curl into him and never let him go. He didn’t understand though. I was the source of pain for an entire pack. A pack Xander himself was close with. His whole family was. His sister dated my remaining and only living brother. I knew Cassie and Jason were still friends. Jason and Alexander themselves were best friends when I lived in Red Run.

             Alexander told me he did know me. He began to list off several things he knew. None of them were Melanie things. Freya snorted, “Ummm yes they are. You ranted before you left Red Run. You could fight before you left Red Run. You could dance before you left Red Run. You multitasked before you left Red Run….You knew how to play the electric guitar before you left Red Run.” She was right. Freya sounded smug, “Of course I’m right. You may be scared to let him know you are actually Melanie….that doesn’t mean he hasn’t put it together. Your dancing ability alone would tell someone as smart as our mate.” She was right and wrong. Xander never saw me dance before I left. EJ had but my Xander had not. He might have heard them talk about how I dance, but that’s not the same as seeing it yourself. 

            I didn’t want to think about this anymore. I just wanted to feel. He loved me, and I loved him. Maybe that would be enough. If not, I was going to replay these memories in my mind for the rest of my life to get me through the loneliness of my existence. I flipped us. I could see it surprised him that I could do that. I didn’t know what I was doing...I just knew what I wanted to do. Xander said we could figure it out. We did. I could see the lust in his eyes as he stared at my chest. Freya whimpered, “I want him to suck on us.” I told her, “You figure out how to make that happen without him seeing the scars on my back….and I’m game.” Freya huffed. When he told me to come I couldn’t help but obey his command. My body knew it belonged to him.

            Pain filled my heart briefly. The title of Alpha is something I was always taught should be taken seriously. Peter had been my Alpha. He’d been like a second dad to me. It had been a long time since I’d claimed an Alpha as my Alpha who I respected and followed. Peter had always been that until he turned his back on me. I’d always known if I ever did have someone I would claim as an Alpha again, it would be my Xander. 

            Xander pulled me from those thoughts as he flipped me onto all fours. He spanked me. It stung, but in a nice way. I couldn’t believe I was into spanking. He began to play with the hem of my shirt. I surprised myself by not panicking. Freya whispered, “Because you trust him. You know he could tear that shirt off you if he wanted. He doesn’t because he respects you.” He spanked me again, and I couldn’t help but call him my Alpha. Freya snickered, “Now you’ve done it.” I linked, “Done what? It was a respect thi...OH MY GOD!” I lost myself in the pleasure of it all. We went for so long my arms were going numb. I didn’t let myself fall until after Xander had come with a roar. My ears were ringing from the sound and pleasure he’d just given me. How was I going to get through without him if he didn’t want me? I didn’t have an answer for that. 

            I teased Xander that he should warn people in his videos that the cardio he has them doing won’t help for sexy time. He pointed out he wouldn't have known that. I couldn’t help but kiss him. He waited for me, and I waited for him. Not many make that choice anymore. I wouldn’t have been upset with him if he hadn’t, but I kind of loved that he did. I was contemplating another round or sleep when my stomach growled. Treacherous organ! You were not on the agenda. Alexander said it was time to eat. I told him I was tired, and he said that he’d go to the kitchen and conjure us something to eat. 

            The second he popped out. I ran to my bag and grabbed my Shampoo and body wash. I quickly jumped in the shower dealing with the first several moments of cold before it got warm. I shook myself. I’d gotten used to short cold showers. When I lived with my Aunt Stephanie she said she refused to waste the warmth or the water bill on me. I still didn’t use much hot water. One month Ajax accused me of using hot water when I hadn’t. My next shower they dumped scalding hot water on me. I had third degree burns, but they’d healed properly. The Luna found out and made sure I got proper care. She also tore out a chunk of Aunt Stephanie’s hair. Now, I just stick to lukewarm showers. 

            I jumped out of the shower. I looked at the massive mirror and turned around. I traced the scar on my back. The proof of those horrible nights. The proof of how Trevor couldn’t and would never be my mate. Those nights that turned into weeks where everything changed. Nothing was the same after that. They were also proof that I was a fighter. I didn't give into the demands to make things easier. I stayed true to myself. They couldn’t break me. I was a survivor and they were my trial by fire. I quickly threw on Xander’s hoodie from the ground. His smell enveloped me. It calmed me. I was a survivor. I was an Alpha’s mate. Not just any Alpha...an Alpha Enforcer who just happened to be in the Conners family. The cowards of Black Path couldn’t touch me. I brushed out my hair. When Xander entered he asked if I used Strawberry products. I blushed. I did. I just loved the smell. I might have to switch to a sugar cookie body wash. To remind me of his scent. His eyes flicked to black when he realized I was in his hoodie. I linked Freya, “Is he mad?” Freya snickered, “No...quite the opposite. He likes seeing you in his clothes.” Xander slammed his lips on mine. He mirrored Freya’s words. 

            Xander jumped in the shower. He stripped where I could see him. It was so unfair. He was built like a god. I desperately wanted to join him, but...maybe after a swim day we could shower together, and I could just keep my swim shirt on. That could work. I had to distract myself so I took our food off the tray he’d brought up and put it on the table. When he came out it was all ready. He snapped us both drinks. I liked this. This bubble. Him and me. Eating a meal together. I loved it. He said we could do this at home. My heart strings pulled tighter. I wanted to go to his home. I wanted somewhere that would be home. I lived in Black Path...but it was decidedly not my home. I missed my home. Even though they hated me. I missed the paths to walk on or dance around the pack...I missed my old room...I missed the pack….I missed my family. I longed for a place to call home again. A place where people were safe, and cared for. A place where they were protected from within and from threats on the outside. A real pack. Black Path wasn’t a real pack right now. When Caine and Dax took over, they would be though. The current Alpha didn’t look out for anyone but himself. That wasn't a pack. No one understood that, but I did. Because I came from somewhere that had a real Alpha. Even though that stung because he turned his back on me. 

            After we finished eating, I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I yawned and drifted off to sleep. I felt like I was floating on a river. I heard yips. I got up and opened my eyes. I was actually in a creek, but I wasn’t wet. I saw Oden run by me. I laughed, “Oden, wait!” I took off after him. He was leading me further and further into the forest then he vanished. I yelled, “Oden, where are you?” I didn’t hear anything. I frowned, “Xander? Are you here?” I felt something behind me and whirled around. I laughed at what I saw, “The legend of the white wolf. I’ve heard stories about you around campfires the pack had. One of the girl’s T age told us all about you.” I reached out and petted the all white wolf. I muttered, “My imagination is better than hers because you’re much prettier than she described.” The white wolf’s fur was practically shimmering. I smiled, “I myself finally got a wolf. Well, I guess I had her the whole time. She was hidden from me though. We are getting stronger. Getting used to each other. I really like her. I wish I’d had her the whole time. She’ll probably be brown. I hope I get to see her. Your eyes are pretty. Not like other wolves.” The white wolf's eyes were pale green. Like mine. I smiled, “We match.” I pointed at our eyes. The wolf nodded to me. 

            I smiled, “There ends our similarities though. I have DARK black hair….you have very beautiful white hair. One day my hair might turn white, but I hope that’s a long LONG time from now.” The wolf snorted. I sat down and the wolf put its head in my lap. I began to pet the wolf. I looked around, “My mate's wolf was here.” The White wolf purred. I laughed, “Yes, he’s a beautiful wolf, but he’s mine.” The wolf looked at me as if I was missing something. I continued to pet the white wolf’s fur. I looked around, “This is a pretty place. In the legend the white wolf has some goddess-like powers. Can you show me any?” The wolf stood. Out of nowhere electricity built around the wolf. As if the white wolf was glowing, then the force shot out at a rock. The rock was propelled up into the air. I laughed, “You are electric? You can shoot volts of electricity? My brothers would call you Pikachu. They were into Pokémon for several years. Former Beta Dylan insisted all the Beta families play so they knew what fairies were which Pokémon.” The wolf snorted. I asked, “Can you do other things?” The wolf nodded. I asked, “Can you show me?” The wolf shook her head yes and no. I frowned, “You can show me but not now?” The wolf nuzzled my face. I smiled, “You’re very beautiful. I’ll be sure to spread that around in the legend. I don’t know if I can really tell people I’m dreaming about a white wolf. I’ve got a lot going on. I’m freaky enough. Silver and Wolfsbane don’t hurt me. People find it odd.” The wolf smiled at me again and disappeared right from before my eyes. 

            I yelled, “If that’s another power…..that’s ridiculously cool and your legend does NOT do you any justice.” I heard a snickering sound. I tried to find it, but I couldn’t. I laid down on the grass. Oden came bounding back by. I snorted, “Where did you go?” He took off. I frowned, “Oden! Wait up!” I followed him back to where I started. He ran across the creek. I tried to follow him but the water felt so nice. I found myself laying back down. I woke up with a start. My eyes darted around. Alexander was next to me. He was mumbling in his sleep. I smiled. That was adorable. I quickly got up and grabbed his sweatshirt. I was almost to the door when he muttered, “Trevor McCann is a dead motherfucker.” I turned and gaped. Then smacked myself in the head. Of course he knew his name. He’d never said it in our emails….but of course he knew about Trevor. I felt a strong sense of satisfaction from his statement. I’d always hoped Xander would not let what Trevor had done stand. He didn’t even know the half of it and he wanted to kill him. 

            I tiptoed downstairs. Warmth filled me. I went outside and danced for thirty minutes. I sat down by the water. I spoke aloud, “I’m really happy. I’m really happy here with my Xander. So you traitorous moon goddess….if you could back the whole way off, and not mess this up for me….I’d be grateful. It’s the LEAST you could do for me. I like the white wolf better than you anyway. I’m happy here so just leave us be.” I walked back inside. I smelled Alexander’s hoodie. I couldn’t keep a smile off my face. I found all the ingredients to make my dessert breakfast. I didn’t do this much. I’d done them the night before my sixteenth birthday for everyone, and our first ring resistance successful missions. We needed a celebration afterwards. After I mixed everything together and put them in the oven. I decided to do a triple batch knowing Sierra would want a whole pan to herself. I got everything back out and made more. Then I decided….to do an egg muffin. Scrambled eggs, with little bits of bacon and sausage in a muffin form. I quickly put those in the second oven. Then I decided….I hadn’t made crepes in forever. Xander probably liked crepes. I hummed to myself as I made everything. I was startled when I realized I hadn’t had any coffee yet. I quickly put on a pot, and drank a cup. I got some ready to go for Phil and Sierra. 

            Xander walked into the kitchen first. I couldn’t stop my smile. He smiled right back at me. I just wanted it to stay this way. I was telling him what everything was when Sierra walked in and screamed about the muffins. My friends claimed they were the most amazing muffins. They’d begged me to make them again, but you just had to be in the right mood to make these. Sierra took them all. I’d anticipated that though. I pulled out two more pans. Sierra’s eyes widened and told Xander she was building him a shrine. Freya was laughing in my head. I linked her, “Good morning sleepy head.” Freya just kept snickering. Sierra then noticed I’d made crepes. She was shrieking. Then she asked him if their entire pack was good in bed. My eyes widened and I slapped her arm. She was nonplussed and talked about how he must be that good in bed. I mean he was...but I made the muffins because he made me happy. Not because….I’d had countless orgasms at this point. Xander cut off my rant with a kiss. When I pulled back I realized he’d snapped everything clean. That made me want to throw him down right here. WHOA! Down self….down. It’s breakfast time. 

            Xander announced we’d eat and hit the slopes. I couldn’t stop my grin. I’d always wanted to learn how to snowboard. I couldn’t believe I’d be learning with Xander. Phil and Xander praised my muffins….my cooking in general. Phil said that he wouldn't let Alexander mess things up because he wanted my muffins. He said he’d told the pack about them. I looked at Sierra. She shrugged, “Told you….they are that good. The pack will love you.” I linked back, “Unless they have friends in Red Run.” Sierra rolled his eyes, “That wasn’t your fault, and anyone who DARES say so….gets put on the ground.” Her and Addison did that in Black Path too. People don’t talk like that about me in front of them. Much to the annoyance of both their fathers. Xander said I was the Luna, not the cook. My eyes widened. Sierra snorted and linked me, “Oh please. You’re already an Alpha AND a Luna to the pack and your warriors. DO NOT for the love of god panic about something you knew. You’ve ALWAYS known you were his mate which means….you always knew you were a Luna.” That was technically true. Phil said since he’d told the pack Xander wouldn't disappoint them because he was the Alpha. 

            Sierra gaped and linked me, “What? Is he serious? That’s what it’s like where you came from?” I told her, “Yes.” Sierra spoke out loud about how different their background was from hers. Yeah well...Xander and Phil had NO idea…..just how damn different it really was. Sierra changed the subject and I explained how I cook. I just go off feelings, and taste test as I go. I couldn’t help but smile when Phil called me Shley. He felt like a brother to me. He had that teasing quality I missed from my brothers...I nearly faltered...brother. T was gone. Phil apparently decided a long time ago he and I would be friends. I was glad. Sierra argued with him over taking me as her best friend. I linked her, “Never. You, me, Adds, Paige, Avery, and Valentina always. We are forged in fire, Si. Nothing will break the bond we share.” Sierra smiled at me. Then she made Xander jealous by saying Phil had competition in the best guy friend department. Not really. Caine and Dax were like brothers more than friends. Hendrick and Mason were like my Uncles. Phil could be my best guy friend. He came with the added bonus of not wanting to get in my pants. He hadn’t even so much as leered at me once. It might be a record for a straight guy. 

            After we finished eating, I ran upstairs to change. I quickly grabbed the red snow outfit Sierra had had me get. It was mostly red with black accents. I ran and grabbed black beanie and threw on some eyeshadow with my red lipstick. I ran back downstairs. Freya snickered, “Mate’s adjusting his snow pants.” I blushed, “Freya!” Freya linked, “We are hot. Mate knows it. I like his reaction. So do you.” I linked back, “I don’t need to talk about it.” Freya just kept snickering. Xander popped us to the slopes. He went to get the equipment and took us to a bunny slope. I sighed. Sierra linked me, “Oh just go down the bunny slope so I don’t look as bad. I’m sure you could go up to a black slope right now and be fine. Take pity on your friend who does not pick up everything as easily as you do.” I linked back, “I don’t pick up everything easily. Making friends isn’t exactly my strong suit.” Sierra snorted, “Nor is common sense on occasion. It’s the problem with you smarty pants types. You’re so insanely smart….but not so much on the whole catching onto simple things.” I linked back, “What does that mean?” Sierra snorted, “Exactly.” I frowned. I linked Freya, “What is she talking about?” Freya linked me, “I’ve already told you. You don’t believe me.” Crazy people. I had no idea what they were talking about. 

            Xander explained everything to me then went down the bunny slope. I studied his moves. Easy enough. Just like that, I had it. Xander was staring at me. Sierra was telling them I learned things when I was bored. Oh gosh. I needed to stop her. I motioned to Xander to join me. Sierra linked, “I’m sure I’ll see you going down a black here and worry for your life in the next several moments.” I linked her, “You could go down blue ones too. You picked this up just fine.” Sierra snorted, “One of those common sense things, Mel….I’m going to let my mate keep “teaching me” Giving him little grinds against the hips here and there. Get him really going for later.” I sighed. I asked Xander if we could go on other slopes. We did a few greens, and blues. I FINALLY convinced him to go down a black one. I watched him from behind. He was maneuvering around as if he’d done this his whole life. He probably had. I sped past him. I decided maybe Sierra was right so I gave him a good view of my butt. Plenty of guys talked about my butt. Sierra linked me, “You give me heart palpitations. Thank GOD you’re almost to the bottom of this ridiculous mountain.” It was exhilarating feeling the wind in my face. 

            I jumped on Xander and kissed him. I couldn’t stop myself from exclaiming how much fun this was. We spent the rest of the day on the mountains. We broke for lunch. When we were done Elias and some men found us. Xander thought something was wrong. I studied them. Nothing seemed wrong. It seemed like he had news to share. Freya laughed in my head. I asked her, “What’s wrong?” Freya laughed, “Nothing is wrong. People are just trying to put the pieces together.” I frowned, “What people? Elias? Or Xander?” Freya linked, “Yes, Xander.” He’d figure out what Elias wanted soon enough. Freya snickered again and this time I could tell it was directed at me. I just didn’t know why. Elias wanted Xander to pop us home. He needed Xander and Phil to see someone. Xander asked if we’d be ok. Of course we would. Sierra sounded nervous. I shrugged that off. Xander kissed me before he left and told me he’d be back soon. 

            Once they popped out. I asked, “What’s wrong, Si?” Sierra frowned, “Umm well...you know what? Nothing.” I snorted, “Wanna watch a movie? You can make the drinks. I’ll get the snacks.” Sierra nodded, “Done.” She came into the living room with a drink cart. I snorted, “Fancy.” We picked a movie called Hot Fuzz. Sierra was watching me more than the movie. I thought the movie was pretty interesting. I heard a clock chime out at midnight. Freya whimpered in my head and a pain hit me like lightning. I screamed. Everything faded from view as I saw the scene from when I was fourteen years old. I saw T die again. I screamed at myself to call someone one my phone. I’d memorized Xander’s number. I’d cried out for him, but I could’ve called him. Maybe he could’ve saved T. None of this would’ve happened if I’d had my stupid phone. I sobbed watching my mom die. Every year when this happened I tried to change things, but I just couldn’t. I even dove in front of the bullet that killed T, my mom, and dad. It would never hit me. It always made an awful thunk sound as it hit them. 

            The vision cleared. Sierra was holding me. She whispered, “I’m so sorry Mel. I thought….with Xander here….maybe the flashback wouldn’t happen this year.” I linked, “Freya?” She whispered, “ I’m still here. I just need a nap. I won’t leave you Melanie.” I cried. She sounded so weak. I downed the drink Sierra made me. I ran to the drink cart. I flicked the cap off the vodka and chugged it. Sierra screeched, “MELANIE!” I didn’t care. I welcome the burn in my throat. I kept hearing the sound of the shots hitting T, my mom, and my dad. Over and over like some sick replay loop. My side ached. I rubbed my ribs where I’d taken a shot myself all those years ago. I found another bottle of vodka. Sierra took it from me. She said, “I’ll mix you a drink, ok? You already downed an entire bottle….let’s just….mix this one.” I shrugged. It didn’t matter. She handed me my drink. I whispered, “I should’ve called someone.” Sierra frowned, “You were fourteen years old. You were scared and alone. You reacted. You still fought. Your family fought. The McAlister’s are fighters. All three of them would be ashamed over what Jason and Red Run had done to you. You HAVE a wolf. They turned their backs on you for nothing. You ARE Former Beta Drake McAlister’s biological daughter. You were his chosen daughter before he even knew if you were his or not. They spit on his grave with their actions.”