The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Proposal Plans Pt. 1

        Alexander waited to see who Melanie was going to call before their talk about their mating ceremony. I had a pretty good idea who she was going to call. I wasn’t surprised when it ended up being Paige. I was also not surprised about Dalton’s reaction to Paige possibly being in danger. Paige was teasing him subtly, but he wasn’t picking up on it. My eyes narrowed. These girls were on a whole other level….I linked EJ, “We are unprepared for Melanie and her friends.” EJ said, “Gee, if only someone had been saying that this entire time….oh wait...it was me….I have said that repeatedly.” He was right. Melanie and I teased each other once she hung up the phone. I was very serious when I pointed out her and her friends run to danger. She, of course, did not agree. This was going to get complicated fast. They knew they were good at what they did. At least they weren’t talking out of their asses and just thinking they were good. They were actually good at what they did. It still made me anxious. EJ linked, “Mom has the warlocks. She’s ummm mad….that’s the word we will go with. She sent her tornado at them because and I quote ‘there will be no more unfuckinginvted warlock’s or witch’s welcome in this goddamn territory without mother f*****g consequences ever again. There are f*****g fairies that live here, and I’ll make sure all of them are going to put you all in ditches.” Which she then proceeded to create, and then had her tornado drop them in it before she popped to Lucas’ territory.” I bit my lip, “Poor dad….did someone pop him to her?” EJ snorted, “She told us all we’d better f*****g not because his ass can shift and run after letting Claudzilla’s f*****g garden live in this territory this whole goddamn time.” I managed not to laugh, and simply told Melanie that the warlock’s were contained. 

            I got the conversation back to our mating ceremony. It would have to have all three components, wolf, fairy, and Hackura. Something told me Melanie already knew that though. Melanie was surprised I didn’t care about any more of the details. I just wanted her to be happy. That was my goal, and to be able to call her my wife. Elise linked me, “You really need to propose.” I snorted, “I’m proposing Tuesday.” We all had busy Monday’s. Elise squealed so loud i slammed our link shut. My ears were ringing. Melanie and I discussed the timeline of our mating ceremony. I was prepared for her to need months before being ready. She stunned me by saying she wanted to have it much sooner. I did worry about everything with her family, and how she’d feel about all that. I was going to offer not to have Jason up there with me. He’d understand. Melanie didn’t want that though. She really was amazing. Her biggest hang up seemed to be her dad walking her down the aisle. I knew she would have him do it in the end though. I think she’d regret it if she didn’t. I understood what she was trying to process. She had built an entire belief system around never getting to be with me. As much as that pissed me off….she did have to deal with rejecting that concept and throwing it out because….I was here now, and I did want her. 

            I even understood why she didn’t want to go get married and have our mating ceremony later. Nothing about us had been traditional. That was true in a way. I disagreed that there was nothing about us that was normal. The way we felt about each other as mates was perfectly normal. Once that was established I moved to what happened downstairs. I pointed out she could give us the coven names of those who were bad. Mom would probably become a one woman wrecking crew all by herself. I didn’t want to dwell on the topic because I wanted to give her time to think so I changed the subject again. I wanted her to sit in on a business meeting we were all going to be a part of. She had a different way of looking at things. We found some obvious obstacles with the company, but I knew she could probably spot more. She would be blatantly honest about what she thought too. We’d run into some obstacles learning about the people in the company. Melanie seemed to have a way of getting to the truth of people. EJ and I were two steps away from having Cassie just flat out use her powers to ask what their deal was. Melanie took me out of those thoughts when she agreed, but I never doubted that she would agree. 

            The weekend flew by. I was busy making plans for Tuesday. I was fairly certain Melanie hadn’t caught on to what I was making plans for. Elise and EJ walked into the office. EJ linked me, “Here’s your warning. Elise is on a tangent about how upset she is  that she’s going to miss the presentation because Kels and Essie will be here.” I rolled my eyes. Elise was convinced they liked us. Elise sighed as she sat down. She pinned EJ with a look and said, “The only reason I’m not having you postpone the meeting a few hours is because Melanie will be there.” I asked, “Why does that matter?” Elise smirked, “Because I subtly glare at them….Melanie might just punch them in the face….or worse. I’ve wanted to punch them in the face this entire time….the possibility of them getting their comeuppance...it's worth missing the meeting.” I sighed, “No, Melanie won’t punch them.” Elise shot me a disbelieving look. I added, “She won’t. Because they don’t like us.” Elise said, “Oh, you’re right. Of course they don’t like you. That’s why they flirt with you. Because they obviously don’t like you. Or why they wear revealing outfits and make subtle gestures towards their breasts. It’s all because they don’t like you. I guess I’m just the crazy one….or I’m the girl of this group and I understand other women.” I laughed, “You think everyone likes EJ. I get it….you’ve had to fight a lot of girls who say they want him.” Elise sighed, “There are a lot of girls who aren’t as direct. I can’t believe you don’t see that Bessie flirts with you. You were single the last time she saw you. Now…...ohhh now...it’s going to be good. Because you are very much not single….and your mate….is deadly.” 

            EJ linked me, “Change the subject. Please. For me.” I tilted my head back, “We could keep talking about that….or I could show you the engagement ring I have for Melanie.” EJ smiled at me. I winked at him. Elise squealed, “Oh my god! Yes! Show me!” EJ laughed, “I’m curious too.” I told them, “I got it out of my safe earlier this morning.” I pulled it out of my pocket and opened the box. It was a pink gold band in a Daisy oval shape. The main stone was a red garnet stone in a halo style with smaller diamonds surrounding it. Elise gasped, “It’s perfect.” I smiled and asked, “You think so?” Elise nodded, “She will love it. Actually, she probably won’t even look at it for a while.” I laughed, “What?” Elise snorted, “Ladybug had been insistent since she was three years old about the fact that you were her mate. You proposing will be like all her dreams coming true. I’m sure she’ll say yes without looking at it.” I laughed, “I hope she looks at it. I spent a lot of hours….” Phil walked in, “Years...he spent years.” I laughed, “I was getting to that part Phil...I was going to say...I spent a lot of hours throughout the years narrowing it down to this ring. I had four rings to pick between.” Elise smiled, “She’ll look eventually, and she’ll love it.” 

            EJ wrapped his arms around Elise. He asked her, “Do you remember when I asked you to marry me?” Elise giggled, “Yes, you Conners boys go all out….Speaking of….what are your plans for proposing, Alexander?” I smiled, “It’s a surprise.” Phil sighed, “It is. Even from me.” Elise frowned, “Doesn’t that bother you?” Phil smiled and winked at her. He said, “Knowing things is in the past my dear Elise; however, I do actually know what he’s doing. Not because he told me….but because the itch in my brain could not get more insistent….so I soused out his plans….and helped relieve part of the itch on my brain.” I rolled my eyes, “Of course you did.” Phil smirked, “You gave me no choice. I already don’t know so many things I want the answers to….I don’t have room to add more. I have made no progress on your tattoo….or your electric mate.” I shrugged, “We’ll figure it out.” Phil added, “Quietly.” I nodded, “Naturally.” Phil sighed, “At least my new bestie and mate are here. So is my brother…..he’s not so quietly looking into things in Nashville for me.” EJ asked, “What is Jeffery doing in Nashville?” Phil smiled, “He’s finding people who tried to take my mate. Melanie will get me a list…..but Jeffery’s way of finding out is more fun. It brings me joy….and him. Who am I to deny my brother his fun? If that just so happens to coincide with him bringing me more assholes who need to be wiped off the face of the earth….I mean….It’s practically a noble quest. Standing in his way would deny him and the world of such a noble quest of ridding the world of vermin. I couldn't possibly do that to the world...or my brother.” I laughed, “Sure, cousin.” Phil smirked and left. 

            EJ sighed, “We need to know who will come after Melanie. I’m worried about the other girls, but something tells me….If we asked the other girls….I’d bet they say hers is the longest list.” I growled. Elise wiped away a few tears. My mom popped into the room and frowned. She asked, “What’s wrong? You boys feel angry and really f*****g worried. Melanie is just finishing up a run….so explain what’s pissing you the f**k off because we are having a surprisingly dramatic f*****g free weekend.” Elise answered, “EJ pointed out the list of people who tried to hurt and or mark Melanie is probably longer than her friends that we know about.” My mom tilted her head as my dad walked into the room. He hugged my mom from behind. My mom said, “I’d imagine the list of who hurt her is longer….yes….Mark her….maybe a few Alpha’s that she beat in a fight because of their damn pride….but I seriously f*****g doubt anyone but that horrible kid tried to mark her. That was their f*****g plan. They wouldn’t have wanted anyone to f**k with that.” I closed my eyes. That logic had merit. Unfortunately, mom would know how they think best. I nodded, “That’s probably right.” I hugged her and left the room. 

            Everything went fine the rest of the weekend. Monday morning I met my brothers for our run. When we shifted back we snapped ourselves clothes. I asked, “Where’s dad?” EJ answered, “They started their run a half hour early today. Angela told dad last night today was going to be fun. Their wolves were antsy.” I frowned, “What’s wrong with fun?” My dad and Uncles were just coming in. They shifted and we snapped them clothes. My dad snorted, “That face that fairies version of fun usually means lots of paperwork for the wolves.” I laughed, “You don’t have to do said paperwork anymore.” My Uncle Jackson said, “But he worries about you boys.” I shrugged, “Fair enough. I’m sure it will be fine dad.” My dad laughed, “Oh your mom has theories. She has the McAlister’s coming to the Luna disputes. I already know Dylan will be there. He’s like a moth to a flame with your mate. He finds her incredibly fascinating. I assume Chason and Fowler will be there watching and guarding. I’ve noticed they’ve been around her a lot. No member of this pack would do that if you didn’t tell them to.” I nodded, “They should be. They are her shadows, and I did assign them to be.” EJ snorted, “A tough assignment.” I nodded, “Particularly when she disappears through a portal just outside our border. Which apparently….there is one.” EJ raised an eyebrow. We walked into our own meeting. EJ linked, “We can check the camera’s to see how Luna disputes are going after this meeting you had Phil setup. What is this about?” I smiled, “We are getting answers.” 

            We sat down and Liam and Cory walked in. I spoke first, “I’d like you guys to report on what happened in our territory the day of Jason and Addison’s mating ceremony.” Cory spoke first, “Did you know your mate can link the pack? Because I wasn’t invited to her pack joining ceremony. She yelled out loud at us to get to her, but it went through the pack link too.” I sighed, “Keep that in the pack. She has some ability to link members of a pack...any pack.” Liam snorted, “We already took care of that.” I smiled, “Thank you. We don’t know how she’s doing it.” Liam laughed, “Fairy weirdness I’m sure.” Cory frowned, “She’s a wolf dad, not a fairy.” Liam nodded, “But she is mated to a power partial fairy.” Cory shrugged. He didn’t believe it was me anymore than I did. Cory continued, “Once she divided us, she ordered her demon friend not to let anything happen to her mom or you. When they shimmered out. She asked for our best trackers. She gave them this spray…..They said it made the holoport visible.” EJ interrupted, “I’m sorry. What? Visible how?” Cory threw the spray to us. Cayden portaled in then stopped short when he saw we were in a meeting. He simply nodded and took a seat. Cory continued, “Melanie told them to spray that to find holoports. They didn’t honestly expect it to work. They scouted the area she told them, and sprayed where they felt were good spots. When someone found one...they said once a drop hit the right spot it just spread out. It began to pulse a green color and didn’t stop until the whole holoport was glowing. Once they found one. It was easier to find the other two. I assume the muffin Luna worked with the Witch Luna of Red Run since the witch Luna of Red Run is the one who made it stop glowing.” 

            Cayden snorted, “That does sound like something Ash would come up with ...I mean Melanie...Goddammit!” I bit my lip. EJ said, “It will just take a few more times of messing it up, Cayden. You’ve been saying her name for what? Five years now?” Cayden sighed, “Yes.” I got us back on track and told Cory, “Continue.” Cory nodded, “She assigned warriors to guard the trackers. She told them not to let anyone through any holoports they found. She told the rest of us to spread out and kill any rogues we found, but to be quiet. That the fight would come in waves. She told me to split out a group to go in with her. Fowler and Chason wanted in that group to guard her. I assigned myself as well. She’s just so damn fast. Hell of a shot with a gun too. The second we were shimmered in….which was an experience….She ordered Lux to get down, took out a sniper, and ordered the non fighters of Alpha Theo’s pack to get to safety. She saved Alpha Theo’s Luna and child. I’m sure Luna Anne didn’t shift because she was carrying Mae. Shifting and then getting Mae on her back would’ve cost them seconds they didn’t have. The Muffin Luna was across the field at the freaking speed of light to save them. Luna Anne ordered Mae to run. A rogue chased Mae as Harrison picked up Anne and ran. The rogue was going for Mae’s throat when Melanie got her arm in the way. That’s how she got hurt. She ordered the packs like a pro. No one….even the Alpha’s around...questioned it or got upset. Dylan Frost isn’t wrong….the muffin Luna is interesting. Dad and I even talked later….we should’ve taken charge in the yard, but we didn’t. It wasn’t even a question….or a thought at the time.” 

            He was right. Melanie was my mate, but they were the experienced warriors and leaders here. Cayden added, “She’s done that though for years. Even before she was the lead female warrior in Black Path. In times of crisis….since she was kidnapped from Red Run….people listen to her. Even the hunters honestly. Dante should’ve ordered her to be quiet...I mean he did, but she didn’t listen. That’s as far as it went as she saved Micah from having to kill them all.” My dad said, “It is interesting. Especially since most of Black Path didn’t know her wolf was suppressed.” Cayden snorted, “She’s never needed one from what I’ve seen. She can take down anyone...even ranked wolves. It’s impressive.” It was. I asked Cayden, “Did you help improve her skills?” Cayden considered, “We taught her moves she didn’t know, and how to use some weapons; however, she already had a lot of her moves and was impressive before we showed her anything.” I nodded, “Thank you Cory and Liam. I appreciate the report.” They left the office together.

            EJ sighed and rubbed his head. He asked, “Ladybug has a spray that makes holoport visible?” I shrugged, “Apparently, she does.” My Uncle Jackson laughed and said, “Get the girl a lab coat, and let her see the lab facility you built, Eric. She’d probably geek out and excitedly start experimenting on new things.” My dad smiled, “I’m sure it will come up at some point. I want to see how she did this. I particularly want to know about Laxenread and the wolf counteragent she has. I’ll be she has one for the hood and a mintor scratch.” After several moments of gaping at my dad. I asked EJ, “Can we check on the Luna disputes now?” My dad smiled, “Your mate will be fine, Alexander. She is just listening in today, and your mother is there.” I snorted, “Angela said things will be fun today.” My dad smirked, “Fair point.” 

            EJ pulled up the camera’s. I focused on Melanie’s face. Uncle Harold snorted, “They have a dispute about the wrong colored flower? You have GOT to be kidding me.” EJ snorted, “Elise feels as you do uncle, and Melanie’s face says she does too.” The pack member in question, Bradford, insisted Melanie decide his case even though she told him that was a bad idea. My dad smiled, “I see why Angela thought this was fun. This is going to be good.” Melanie began her speech, and Bradford’s face immediately fell. EJ laughed, “He couldn't possibly think based on her demeanor this was going his way.” Cayden snorted, “I’m sure he felt since she is a warrior, he’d get preferential treatment from her because she is one too. Everyone knows now that Melanie was known as Ashley Griffen for the past several years. Which means as a former female lead warrior….she could lean towards him in the decision.” My dad laughed, “If he’d looked at her face he would’ve known that wasn’t true.” EJ sighed, “Angela was right….this is fun. This is the most direct, you’re an i***t dispute decision that has ever been said. Practically directly too.” Melanie asked a few clarifying questions, but they didn’t matter. This was an absurd dispute. I couldn’t have been prouder of Mel when she began to educate Bradford on a Luna’s job, and how things should work. We all stiffened when she pointed out his attitude is how you get to where Black Path was with their ways. 

            You’d have to get an Alpha like that, but we did need to stop that mentality. I would not be associated with Black Path’s former ways in any way shape or form. I growled, “If any warrior let an Omega get attacked here, they would no longer be a warrior.” EJ agreed, “No, they would not.” We listened to her further. I growled, “If Bradford challenges her….I’ll take him down after she does.” Cayden snorted, “If he can get up. Which I would have serious doubts about him being able to without a visit to the hospital. She’s had to prove a lot of points to warriors without a wolf. She’s not exactly nice about them.” EJ sighed, “I mean she couldn't be. She needed to be respected as their female lead warrior. Whether they liked her or not. Since she didn’t have a wolf there would’ve been so many challenges to her authority and position than normal. She made history for the age at which she took over on top of being wolf less. Does that actually count though? She wasn’t wolf less….technically speaking.” My dad shrugged, “I don’t think that qualification matters much. She did not know she had a wolf at the time, nor could she feel her wolf.” True. My dad howled with laughter when Melanie assigned Bradford to re-plant the garden my mom had destroyed. I looked out the window, “It does need some work. It looks like a mess.” EJ was laughing but managed to say, “It’s just too good.” 

            Bradford stormed out. He and I would be having a chat. The dispute wasn’t settled yet. He had to stay and listen even if he didn’t like it. My dad groaned, “Oh god. If Patricia ends up in there….your mother will NEVER let me hear the end of it.” I looked at EJ. We could link warriors not to let her in….but this was interesting. Melanie took it a step further and ordered Mitch to work with Bradford to understand how to work with pack members. I couldn’t help but growl at the implication that Charlene would’ve let someone hurt her. She wasn’t wrong, but that pissed me off. My dad said, “That was impressive, and she’s not wrong. Having them work together wouldn’t have been something we considered, but it’s a good idea. They don’t have to hang out or discuss anything outside of the gardening work. They will realize they can work together though. I sense some hard times for them at first, but they’ll figure it out. It’s very smart.” I beamed with pride. Fowler linked, “Patricia is about to interrupt a dispute hearing.” I replied, “So I see.” I stood, “I’m not staying here to watch this. Patricia is going to say something really f*****g rude. I see it on her face, and she’ll face the consequences from me for that.” EJ sighed, “Just don’t kill her, little brother.” I shrugged, “I don’t intend to kill her. I intend to throw her in the dungeons for an undetermined period of time at this moment..” EJ and I popped outside the room. We listened for a minute. EJ gripped my arm when Patricia commented on Melanie’s lack of mark. I strode into the room barely containing my roar. 

            My mom linked me, “Just hang back, son. Your mate has this s**t f*****g handled. I am so damn proud right now.” So was I. Oden and I were furious about Patricia’s out of line comments though. Melanie was beyond worthy of me. I might not be worthy of her, but she was still mine. I’d try to be my best self for her for the rest of our lives. Melanie tackled Patricia to the ground in a second. Fowler was chanting in the pack link, “Muffin Luna! Muffin Luna!” Several voices answered back, “I hope she kicks her ass! Patricia is so nasty!” It seemed to be a general consensus that Patricia was not liked. Melanie ordered her to the kitchens and extra warrior training. She wasn’t wrong in either decision she made. They were warriors, and they had potential but they both did the bare minimum. Bradford really did need to push himself, and I was about to be his strongest push. I glared at him and he shrank back. Good. I wasn’t surprised she ordered both of them to re-learn the pack histories. I was stunned Melanie thought Patricia wanted Mitch whipped for a simple mistake. That wasn’t how things were done around here. Traitors were whipped….that wasn’t a suitable punishment for anyone else. Surely Melanie was just projecting her Black Path experiences. Patricia certainly wanted a different outcome….but a whipping? It would never happen. 

            I didn’t like the look on Patricia’s face when she boasted that the Luna’s around here believed people could change. Melanie didn’t care though. She said she was a realist. She had her eyes on Patricia. She was ready for a treasonous act. EJ linked, “Seems….a bit like an overreaction….but there’s no harm in Melanie keeping an eye on her.” I replied, “Do you think we could stop her if we didn’t want her to? Because I have absolutely no doubt...even if we told her it wasn’t necessary….she’d still watch Patricia.” EJ smirked, “No. Probably not.” She ordered them to leave. They didn’t until Freya came forward and ordered them to do so. Damn. Freya had a powerful aura and tone. EJ linked, “I’m half tempted to leave. What is up with her wolf? Are they just both so enraged they were kept apart that they are insanely fast and strong now?” I answered, “Melanie has always been fast and strong ever since she was little. I don’t know about their aura together brother. We will figure it out.” EJ nodded.

            I crossed the room and claimed Melanie’s lips for all to see. I was possessive and she was mine. They had no right to doubt that. When I pushed myself away from her, and addressed everyone. I let them know why their Luna wasn’t marked. Honestly, they should already be fully aware of why. There was no doubt she was mine. They knew we were twice light bound. Melanie McAlister was mine marked or not. That was not up for debate or doubt. I gave them a warning so the next time someone said some stupid s**t about not belonging here or being worthy I could seriously injure, kill, or banish them. I linked Fowler and Chason, “Get Patricia and throw her ass in the dungeons. I’ve got my mate for now.” I needed her. Badly. I dragged her from the room once my point was made clear. I wound down several halls, until I found a room I’d always come to clear my head and think. I couldn’t think about anything but needing her. She’d done so well taking charge. It was so hot watching her in charge. I didn’t know how I was going to focus when we fought together side by side. EJ linked me, “The meeting is in fifteen minutes.” I could work with that. I was inside Melanie before I knew anything else. We both came, and had time to get to the meeting. I wanted to take her upstairs and spend more time with her.