The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

A Legend Pt. 1

            Alexander’s heart was so full. My mate, my Lovebug, My Melanie had agreed to marry me. After all these years of imagining us together….imaging this ring on her finger…it finally was. I couldn’t believe she was genuinely surprised I’d asked. Of course I would ask. I wanted her...I wanted our life together. I popped us back to the house. We couldn’t keep our hands off each other. We made our way into the bedroom and I cursed myself not just popping us straight into the bedroom. I just couldn’t get enough of her. I’d ruined countless amount of pillows trying not to mark her. This was just so damn hard. What got me was when Melanie did it. A lot of feelings crashed down around me, and I couldn’t help but wonder if that’s how she’d felt every time I’d had to do the same. It was bullshit. I wanted to mark her, she wanted to mark me. When we’d finally fallen apart I popped us back to our room in Black Mountain. I told her to sleep. Her eyes almost immediately fluttered shut. I kissed her forehead and popped to the gym. 

                I started with a heavy bag. I heard someone groan. It sounded like Toby. EJ popped next to me in the next second. He put a hand on my shoulder, “Alexander? I don’t understand...from the happiness I felt from you….Aren’t you engaged? There’s no way Ladybug would say no.” I punched the bag off the holder and turned, “I am. I’m just so sick of not being able to mark my mate. Tonight, she bit a pillow so she wouldn’t mark me. I’ve done it countless times….but she hasn’t. It feels awful, EJ.” EJ frowned, “She can mark you.” I gritted my teeth, “Her wolf thinks we should wait and do it together. Which I get...that’s how I imagined it would go….but it felt shitty EJ. It felt horrible, and she’s probably felt that way every time I’ve had to do that. A piece of you feels like your mate doesn’t want to mark you even though it’s not true. Given that she thought I didn’t want her for the last four years….this has to feel awful for her...I’m so f*****g over it.” EJ squeezed my shoulder, “I get it. Not completely if I’m being honest. I do know that it was hard not to mark Elise after she got her wolf. I know that’s not the same because I could mark her when she turned eighteen. I don’t want to think about her not being able to mark me or vice versa.” I sighed, “It’s f*****g awful EJ. She’s mine and people keep pointing out she’s not marked. If it was up to me….she’d have been marked the damn day I saw her. Then I’d feel like an ass because maybe she would never get her wolf. Or this could all be for nothing. She could shift if I had marked her and it would be perfectly fine.” 

            EJ snorted, “The unknown is such a jerk.” I laughed, “That’s putting it nicely.” EJ nodded, “At least the scars on her back are gone.” My eyes blazed. Toby yelled, “YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO CALM HIM DOWN EJ!” EJ rolled his eyes and yelled, “That’s Phil’s job.” EJ turned to me and continued, “Anyway. Mom is f*****g pissed off about whatever it was. It’s breaking Elise. She’s gone to bad imagination places about the whole thing.” I snorted, “Whatever she thinks it is….it was worse. So let her live in her imagination EJ.” EJ cringed, “Good god.” I told him, “When we get our hands on our Trevor McCann…..He will not die for a long ass long.” EJ nodded, “I assume he’ll be going to the Hackura realm then.” I snorted, “Oh yeah. He should be used as practice for any member of our family….or anyone who is super angry and needs to get some out. He’ll be there. He tried to take Freya from her. He tried to take her from me. He tried to blackmail her into sleeping with him. He whipped her. He beat her. He carved VILE things into her back.” EJ sighed, “He tried to forcibly mark her. Alpha Theo sent over the paperwork from her to the council. She told him she remembered everything now.” I growled. EJ said, “He didn’t though, little brother. She’s a stubborn, fierce girl…who has always only wanted you.” I snarled, “Oden seems to believe the only mark that would stay on her is ours.” EJ raised an eyebrow, “Uhh why?” I shrugged, “I don’t know. He won’t say.” 

            EJ was quiet then added, “Dad thinks other than the electricity thing which he equates to fairy stuff…..that the moon goddess is trying to get Melanie to forgive her.” I snorted, “Fat chance of that happening.” EJ nodded, “Oh, I agree. It’s not happening but it’s the best theory we have.” I nodded, “Yeah, I guess it is.” Oden snorted, “It's wrong, but not a bad theory.” I rolled my eyes, “All Oden has to say is...it’s wrong but basically…good try.” EJ laughed, “Why is he being so tight lipped?” I sighed, “He’s not going to get over me not believing him about one thing….until the end of time. I even told him I would believe him and never doubt him again. I regret not listening to him in the first place.” EJ laughed, “I’m sure after Melanie shifts he will get over it.” I linked, “How about it, Oden?” Oden snickered, “I’ll stop being cagey….but over it? Oh no….that’s going to get brought out every so often.” I sighed, “He’s agreed to stop being cagey once Melanie shifts….he intends to bring up the fact that I didn’t believe him about her sporadically.” EJ snorted, “He has to understand…..you had some sort of reason. You’re not a possessive asshole, but you did have a reason to give you pause.” I shrugged, “He doesn’t seem to care about that. He’s not wrong, I should've trusted him. I wish I had.” 

            EJ sighed, “We can’t all live in we wish this or that land. She’s here now.” I snorted, “You say that as if I can’t feel your guilt about this situation, big brother.” EJ shrugged, “Maybe one of us can take my advice.” I smiled, “Let’s go with you. You take your advice. What if this was Elise? Would you not feel horrible?” EJ laughed, “So neither of us will be taking my advice.” Toby snorted, “Great.” EJ clapped me on the back, “Let’s go to bed, little brother. Focus on that fact that...Melanie is here AND she’s your fiancée. Congratulations on that by the way.” I smiled, “Yes, she is.” EJ smiled, “I’m really happy for your guys.” We both popped back to the house. I quickly jumped into the shower and then got into bed. I pulled Melanie to me and fell asleep. I woke up when Melanie kissed me on the cheek. I waited for her to go outside. I watched her run across the lawn. I followed and couldn’t help but be entranced by her dancing. I saw Fowler and Chason watching from the opposite side as me. I nodded to them and headed to the gym. I decided to go ahead and run a few laps before I put in some work with the heavy bag. I could smell Melanie’s muffins from here. Oden snickered, “Mate is happy.” I turned as warriors walked into the gym with said muffins. I raised an eyebrow. They stuffed their faces and mumbled, “It would be rude not to eat muffins Luna’s…..muffins.” I laughed and popped to the front yard to wait for everyone. 

            Once my brother’s started filing out. They all congratulated me on being engaged. Calvin added, “And we all thank you for the muffins we will be eating post run. Continue making her muffin making happy for the family please and thank you.” I rolled my eyes, “I’ll get right on that Calvin.” He smiled, “It’s a small thing that benefits the group as a whole.” I laughed. We shifted and took off running. Once we made it back I shifted. I quickly snapped my clothes on and walked into the house. Melanie had some batter on her face. She looked adorable. I saw her engagement ring on her finger and a strong sense of possessiveness went through me.      I kissed her with everything I had. EJ linked me, “Damn, get a room.” I snorted, “Uh huh. It’s a kiss.” EJ snorted, “Keep telling yourself that.” Melanie was blushing hard. I’d seen some of my brothers having s*x in the Hackura realm. They couldn’t say anything. They were just giving me crap. This didn’t faze our family at all. Melanie put a plate of food together for me. I was happy when she put a plate together for herself and sat down next to me. This was good. This was progress. No one had to ask her to sit down and join us. She just joined. Once she finished she told me she needed to get ready. I could feel her nerves shooting up from my foot. 

            EJ frowned, “Did she change the time or….?” I answered, “She’s just nervous.” My mom nodded, “Her mom is coming today. I’m sure she is nervous. She wants it to go well. Plus she has her new friend group merging with her childhood friend group. That’s a lot to f*****g process, and worry about everyone getting along.” I hadn’t considered that. I shrugged, “Elise will get along with her friends.” My mom smiled, “I know that, but merging your two worlds is always a little f*****g scary Alexander when they have been separate the whole time. In Melanie’s case….there were lies told. Those girls had strong feelings about us and her family because of those lies. I think they’ve all done a remarkable job of coming around to the truth.” My mom was worried though. I frowned. Was she worried about all the girls? Or just Melanie? Everyone started to go about their days, but my dad made no move to leave. I knew he wanted to talk to me so I kept eating slowly. 

            Eventually, it was just the two of us left. I asked, “What’s going on dad?” My dad smiled, “How are you son?” I smiled, “For the most part, I am good…really good dad. I’m engaged to the girl I have loved for a while now…she’s finally here with me. Knowing she suffered guts me. Knowing what that fucker did to her….while I sat around on my hands waiting for her to come home….she was suffering. She needed me, and I did nothing.” My dad frowned, “Come with me Alexander.” I followed him to his office. He shut the door and motioned to his couch. We both sat down. My dad sighed, “Your mother told me what Melanie’s back said. She had a flashback…” I frowned, “Someone carved something into mom’s back?” My dad shook his head, “No, and your mother knows I’m telling you this. Hexxus shaved your mother’s head. He carved the word abomination in iron after he was done shaving her head. It’s faintly still there.” I frowned, “What the f**k?! Mom could heal that!” My dad sighed, “She wasn’t at one with her light at the time. She’s been healing it over time…I think…and your uncle Aiden agrees….since there is an iron component and her own trauma associated…it’s taking her longer to heal it. It’s very faint now. I won’t tell a soul about what was done to Melanie. Your mom didn’t even mean to tell me. She was talking in her sleep. She feels really bad about it.” I shrugged, “I don’t think Melanie will care, but I’ll talk to her.” My dad said, “Your mom intends to talk to her. She just wants her to relax and have a fun day today.” 

            I nodded. My dad squeezed my shoulder, “I worry for Melanie….I also worry for you. I know the pain in your gut….that sickness you feel….that need for revenge you feel right now. Even the blame.” I frowned and deflected. I asked, “Why would you have blamed yourself for mom’s life?” My dad sat back, “I’ve always been intrigued by your mother. Ever since she was born….I paid….for information on her. All we got were rumors. I had more information than most…but it was hard to get more about her. I’d planned for a long time to marry her. Your grandmother…had plenty of candidates for a chosen mate for me, but I wanted your mom. My wolf and I both thought of her as ours long before we met. From the start of the war with the fairies it was part of my terms. Your Uncle Jackson called me on it, and I shared what I knew about her. She was who I was choosing. I pride myself on knowing things. Your uncles and grandfather struggle with this….to a very large degree. We all don’t understand how we didn’t know. Now, with your theory of divine intervention….I can’t say any of us are happy. It makes sense. In our situation it was a bit different….she was in a different realm. So that did make things easier, but I spent quite a lot of money to get information on your mom. Grandpa Titus and his side of the family spent….God….they spent millions….to get information about her. You can’t let that guilt you feel affect your relationship with Melanie though. I know your mom has recommended Melanie talk to someone….I think you should too.”

            I frowned, “I am fine.” My dad laughed, “I felt the same way. I thought I could kill the fairies that crossed the line…the vampires….go rogue crazy….and deal with my feelings that way. It wasn’t until you, EJ, and Cassie were three did I admit….I had too much anger about what happened to your mom. I was so f*****g angry that I couldn’t stop her past from re-traumatizing her….I don’t want that for you Alexander. I walked around with too much anger inside me. I never took it out on your mother or you kids, just myself. I held a lot inside thinking it was what was best for your mom. She was worried about me though. She held onto her guilt for how it was making me feel. Your uncles and grandfather…even their mates all spoke to someone about their feelings eventually. There’s no shame in learning the tools to process that. Nor is there shame in needing to talk to someone about those things. I truly hope Melanie does talk to someone. She seems to just be shoving it all in some corner of her mind, and eventually that’s going to spill out. That’s her call though. She has to be ready. So do you. I’m just telling you…for what it’s worth…I took too long to admit I needed help to process those feelings of inadequacy. Starting from her childhood, to when she was taken from me, to Claudia, to my own mother, and dealing with the threats against our family. I did talk through all those things with your mom. I just want you to know….I talked to someone. I think you should consider your feelings about all of this.” 

            I shrugged, “She endured it, not me.” My dad nodded, “I said that often too. I felt I had no room to be broken up about it….I was a bystander whereas your mother suffered. Just because you did not suffer the trauma…doesn't mean it doesn’t affect you and you don’t have feelings about it. It’s not making it about you to ask for the tools to deal with those feelings from a professional. Sometimes….it helps to just talk through it with someone who is an uninvolved third party. They see things you do not. They also have experience dealing with these issues, and it’s confidential. I’m not saying you have to do it. I just wanted you to hear my thoughts on it, and come up with your own thoughts about it. I resisted thinking I was the Alpha, and I couldn’t be weak. Getting help didn’t make me weak. It strengthened me. I just want you to know that.” I nodded. I honestly hadn’t considered talking to anyone. Everything my dad said was accurate about how I felt about all of it…It wasn’t my trauma and I didn’t want to make it about me. Getting tools though….to help Melanie through it wasn’t a bad idea. Maybe even getting them for myself. Beating the crap out of things in the gym has helped me in the past. There was a lot going on with me and Melanie though. I would think about it. I told my dad, “I see your point. I will think about it.” My dad stood and gave me a hug. 

            We walked out. My mom was gathering the girls. I showed them outside. Fowler and Chason were already waiting. I told my mom, “They can drive some of you if you want.” My mom smiled, “Ohh, I am perfectly f*****g capable of driving us.” I laughed, “Alright mom.” Elise said, “I can’t take it anymore! How did the proposal go? Tell us everything!” Paige shrieked, “PROPOSED?! YOU PROPOSED?! Wait…no…. Did anyone get a screaming excited Melanie phone call?” Everyone shook their heads. Paige turned to me, “Did you actually propose? Because as much as I heard about her Xander….I find it INCREDIBLY hard to believe I didn’t get a phone call where she burst my eardrum from screaming.” I laughed, “I did propose.” Sierra snorted, “Phil seems to believe….he sexed her to sleep, and she wouldn’t have had a moment to call.” Sam said, “Ok…mom of the girl in question here. We all knew that was the case. It doesn’t need to be stated.” Sierra laughed, “Paige hasn’t been around wolves….like this. She’s been around wolves, but not ones who are…..nice to their mates or generous lovers. It’s a little new to us. It does seem to be quite commonplace here though.” Haley answered, “It really f*****g is.” I snorted, “Thanks for that mom.” My mom shrugged, “It is.” Melanie linked me that she was getting ready to leave. I figured Mrs. Blanch was waiting inside with a snack for Melanie. I popped to Mrs. Blanch. Luckily, I was right. I kissed Melanie, and told where everyone else was. 

            Once she walked outside I joined EJ in the office. We were working on paperwork when EJ laughed. I asked, “Care to share?” EJ smirked, “Elise would like you to know she was right. Melanie JUST looked at the ring when the girls asked her to see it.” I rolled my eyes, “We were busy.” EJ laughed. My Uncle Jackson said, “We know.” I raised an eyebrow, “You did not hear us all the way from Switzerland.” Uncle Jackson snorted, “No, but your excitement came through to your family bonds. We DID hear some of them.” I laughed, “Well, then you’re all welcome.” My Uncle Jackson laughed, “It didn’t help me.” I laughed, “As if you need a bond with me to use said lust to get busy with Aunt Molly.” He smirked at me. We got back to work. 

            Eventually, I felt extreme surprise and happiness from Melanie. I smiled, “I’m guessing Melanie found her dress. I’m not sure why she feels so surprised.” Caleb, my dad’s former beta, laughed and said, “Drake told me that Melanie described the dress she wanted for her mating ceremony to Sam at a dance competition when she was twelve. Sam had been searching for the dress ever since. Sam hadn’t found it so when Melanie turned seventeen, Sam described the dress to Sharon who sketched it. Then Sam had the designers at the store make the dress from the sketch. Drake of course told them to spare no expense.” I smiled, “Well, I’m very happy for her. She’s really excited about it. So she must still want that dress.” I hoped that would be a nice moment for Sam and Melanie.

            EJ said, “We’ve finalized the celebration for the anniversary of our alliance with Blue Moon and Red Run.” I smiled, “Melanie finally gets to come.” EJ smiled, “I’m sure she’ll have fun. I doubt she’s been to Blue Moon.” I shook my head, “She hasn’t or Dylan would’ve tried to keep her.” My dad snorted. The alliance between Blue Moon and Red Run had been made by my grandpa Nathan. It was the start of the big alliance we had now. We always celebrated it. I sent an email to Gunner to ask about his progress on the buildings I’d asked him to look into. He replied that he had a company name, but he was hitting walls on the name behind it. He suspected Melanie had helped them hide it. He was trying to nail down her signature, but it wasn’t a high priority. He had it running in the background. I told him it was not a big deal, and set up a meeting next week to go over what he had so far. 

            I got back into paperwork. EJ suddenly laughed. He stood and announced, “I’m off to chat with Melanie.” I asked, “Why?” EJ winked, “She found the lab. The lead scientist said she studied the board with Laxenread on it, and looked like she was trying to decide something before she left. Now she’s sitting outside with a notebook. That intrigues him.” I snorted, “I’ll finish this up, and pop to you brother.” My dad smiled, “At least she’s seen the building now. I’m sure she’s got lots of ideas.” Uncle Jackson laughed, “She could fix Laxenread too….I bet the lead scientist figured that out based on her expression. She is one where her thoughts are written on her face…thank god.” Caleb chimed in, “He’s got Beta blood in him. Not much but a little. I’m sure he did figure it out. He’s a very smart man.” I smiled. Melanie started to feel frazzled and nervous. EJ linked me, “I’ve made her ramble….it’s telling. Also she was writing ideas….she says she can do all of them….I’ll be damn impressed if she can complete even one. The ideas themselves are really good. Also, she has watches for us…in Nashville.” I snorted and popped to him. I kissed her and pulled back. I teased EJ would openly teased Melanie back. When he suggested we should all go on a double date her excitement almost knocked me over. 

            The rest of the week was crazy. I let Melanie know we’d be heavily in the gym the following week. EJ and I spoke a few times about my mate. We believed the watches for our family were in a resistance building in Nashville. They clearly had a few. I figured it was close to where Melanie’s place was. I added that task to Gunner’s plate to see if he could find any more buildings owned by that company in Nashville. He’d laughed and said that he already was looking for them across the country. He’d come up with quite a few apparently. The celebration between packs snuck up on me. EJ said, “Let’s get going. The girls are already there.” I smiled and popped with him. I frowned at Elise, “Where’s Mel?” She tilted her head, “Dancing I’m sure….You did mention the party to her…right? She’s never been before, Alexander. It’s not second nature to her. She was competing a lot during these events. I did leave an outfit out for her on your bed since we were leaving and she was nowhere to be found.” My eyes went wide. EJ laughed, “Ohhh…now you’re in trouble little brother. You forgot to tell her about it.” I closed my eyes, “I just….No you’re both right. I should’ve told her.” I linked Melanie and took a drink of the water I’d brought with me. When Melanie misunderstood me I spit out my drink and choked. EJ laughed, “She’s that upset brother?” I waved my hand, “No, she just….misunderstood…never mind.” EJ smirked. I eventually got Melanie on track….which now I was off of because I was thinking about her mouth on me. She was excited to come to the party. A waiter walked by and handed our group drinks. 

            Elise laughed, “Fancy. Normally we have to go over to the cooler.” The waiter smiled, “No cooler this year, Luna.” The waiter walked away. I took a drink and smiled, “It’s pretty good.” They both tried theirs. My mom started to feel off. I linked her, “What’s up mom?” She sighed, “I….I briefly had a bad feeling….but now…I don’t know.” I frowned. I linked Chason, “Is Melanie ok?” Nothing. I waited several minutes then tried to ask Fowler, “Hey…is Chason ok? Is Melanie ok?” He didn’t answer either. Nothing. I started to panic. I linked, “Mel?” Nothing. Panic was starting to claw at me. I linked, “Lovebug? I need you to answer me.” EJ walked over to me and put his hand on my shoulder. He asked, “Brother?” T walked up, “Hey. Where’s Mel?” I frowned, “She….should be here…EJ, I can’t reach Mel, Chason or Fowler.” EJ frowned, “I’ll link the warriors.” Phil walked over, “I don’t like that look, Alexander. I’m sure Mel’s fine. If there was something wrong the pack would link.” Sierra put her arms around him, “Or….Melanie would handle it.” I was more worried that the resistance called her to go fix something. EJ stiffened, “No one is answering. I’ll just pop home really quick.” He just kept standing here. I registered his shock. He linked me, “I can’t pop.” I turned my head, “WHAT?” I tried and couldn’t either. Phil said, “Was this… a you’ll pop in a few minutes comment? Because I got the sense it was urgent for my Alpha cousin not to flip the f**k out.”