The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Dark Feelings Pt. 2

            Xander had told Sierra she was safe here. He didn’t understand what those words meant to my girls. We all hugged and everyone cried. Paige wanted to celebrate with alcohol. She also didn’t understand why Xander was keeping me back. She thought it was for s*x. Dang….now I wish it was. Xander popped us back to his office as they walked off. Elise had obviously been elected to ask me about the other girls. I linked T, “I answered you. You could’ve asked me.” T answered, “I wasn’t included in the vote. The thought Elise had the best chance of getting an unsnarky answer.” Fair enough. Logically, Elise was the best choice if they didn’t know that I was willing to answer T. Dalton wanted the warlock who was going to mark Paige. Simple enough. I wrote it down for him and gave it to him. He’d be easy for Dalton to kill, and Paige….would absolutely have s*x with him after she found out. One, she wanted to already, and two….she wanted that warlock dead. She just didn’t want to be the one who killed him. Nor did she want the resistance to it. Why….I hadn’t figure that out yet, but Dalton had no rules to abide by. Dylan said paralyzing people was my move….I mean...he might have a point. I was surprised Xander’s family didn’t know about me fighting Claire yet. T linked me, “What did you do?” I linked back, “Put a b***h in her place after she challenged me with her friends and hurt Xander.” 

            T gaped at me. Jason looked back and forth between us. Dakota asked about the other girls. Well, if they wanted a list, I’d give it to them. Far be it from to prevent names crossed off my kill list for me. Jason was upset. His list had four people. Dakota’s was longer if he wanted people who tried to r**e Avery. I’d killed half of them the first time, but that wasn’t the only time they tried before I got her trained up. She only had the basics, and they knew that. They tried to take advantage, but it didn’t work. They decided they wanted anyone who hurt their mates on the list. Ok, that made them all longer. 

            Cayden told me we should get to our meeting. If he wanted to have it then yes we should. Was my new permanent state of being nervous? It felt like that was my emotion more often than not now. Was Xander going to be mad? I didn’t have a choice about the hunters, and I did use it to help people. That had to count right? He said he accepted me as I was. What if he doesn’t let me explain and….? Freya linked, “Hey worst case scenario Melanie…..calm down. Mate wants us, and he will understand. You did a good thing. I’d be more worried about him finding out how you used to fight in the undergrounds. You know that’s going to be….HELL when they all find out. From literally everyone.” I closed my eyes. She was right. I linked back, “Maybe they don’t ever have to know.” Freya linked, “You are optimistic about the strangest things.” It was possible. I’d have to say the odds were low, but they had a chance. Plus, they didn’t need to know my name in the undergrounds. Unless I ran into someone I knew from the Undergrounds and they called me Swiffer….the odds slightly up ticked in my favor of them never finding out.

            I asked Cayden where we could go for privacy. My dad wanted to stay. Umm…..no. I barely wanted Xander to know they made me work with hunters…...even though I didn’t really work with them….I kind of did...but not really. I was absolutely not telling my dad that. It was cowardly, but I’d rather Xander tell them. He could probably do it succinctly whereas I’d be all over creation with my words. I’d probably confuse everyone into thinking I did actually work with hunters...when I didn’t. Plus….Cayden had to say I was his source….Didn’t he? That seemed like a Cayden decision thing because….I mean I guess it was my choice to be an anonymous source, but he’s….yeah let’s just go with Cayden’s choice. Freya snickered, “You are funny.” Cayden opened a portal and we stepped through to an office. Holy crap on a cracker. This was Cayden’s office! The pictures of him and Cassie everywhere gave it away. We were in the Hackura realm. I’d always wanted to come here. Xander said he could show me around. I sighed. Not really. I needed to talk to his dad and check on Si. Damn it Clay! Did someone always have to ruin everything fun for me? Xander tickled me until I was always crying because I was laughing so hard. He told me he’d bring me back. I’d like that. 

            I explained the situation about how I knew Cayden to Xander. He didn’t look surprised. Cayden cut in saying directly what I did with no rambling. How did he do that? I was smart. Why the hell couldn’t I do that when nervous….or upset…..or mad….or excited? UGH! Xander told me he believed me about not working with the hunters. It felt like a weight lifted off of me. I gave Cayden everything I had. His eyes went wide. I knew he was surprised, but he shouldn’t have been. The resistance….we could handle this. We were larger than people thought. My core group did a lot of work, but I had recruited people all over the country in the forgotten packs. I had eyes and ears out most places. I just couldn’t get everyone ready in time to do this. Cayden could. He could even hit some the hunting rings and drugs now if he wanted. It was a smarter play to give it him. Plus, I owed him that much. He and Micah were lifelines to me. I was certain Xander wasn’t going to agree to me going into Hunting rings. He wasn’t going to run my life, but that was a big thing we should agree on. I was only there initially to punish myself, and I wanted any information on Slade Carter I could get. Afterwards, I’d made a deal with Edward. He’d stop trying to sell Addison off, and I’d work more with the hunting groups. He’d made the deal not knowing….I used everything I got to help take them down. It was pretty ironic, but it helped Addison.

            I loosely explained how that works for Black Path. I took a deep breath and told Xander I was Red One. He’d know who that was. People in his pack would’ve told him that name. Or told Elise, who would’ve told them. His eyes widened, but he wasn’t surprised about my admission. I frowned. How did I know that? Freya linked, “You’re smart.” But he had to be surprised that I was Red One. He couldn’t know that it was me. Maybe Cayden told him….they had to know I was Ashley and Melanie before they came for me. It’s why they came. That must be it. Cayden explained our interactions. Maybe they pieced together I was Red One because Cayden certainly didn’t know. Although, he didn’t look surprised either. It was hard to surprise Cayden though. The only time I’d seen him show surprise was when I knew who he was the first time we met before he said his name. Maybe they guessed…...Freya laughed in my head, “You’re so much fun.” I sighed. I wasn’t going to think about that. Xander shrugged it off saying he’d have to tell EJ. That was it? He has to tell EJ….gosh that was easier than expected. Maybe the whole being The Swiffer deal will go over smoother than I thought. Freya linked, “It won’t. It’s different and you know it.” I linked back, “I stopped fighting that way when he asked.” Freya linked, “That might help you with mate….everyone else...meh.” I was still going with them not finding out. That was a much better scenario in my head.

            I told Cayden and Micah to stop blaming themselves for not knowing who I was. It was clear they did. I didn’t tell them my real name. I knew they’d probably do something about what was going on in our pack, but we were a good team. Xander wasn't safe yet, and I was scared to lose the connection with them. They felt like brothers to me. Probably because they are meant to be my brother in laws….so that connection finally made sense. Cayden was annoyed he didn’t keep me safe. He had. Trevor had given me a wide berth after Cayden did whatever he did. All Trevor’s friends did too. Most of the pack left me alone once they found I talked to Micah and Cayden. That left Stephanie and Booker to torment me. They weren’t pacified. You couldn’t help someone who didn’t want help. I knew that. I've tried many times. People in Black Path didn’t want to help themselves. Until they did….I couldn’t do anything. Most came around, except the men. That was from fear though. Their Alpha was right there. Several had told me they fought me for their daughters to be with their mates because the Alpha would punish them for not fighting. It was just messed up. Micah and Cayden weren’t going to agree. I sighed. They would eventually. 

        I told Xander we should go to his dad next. He immediately popped us to his parents. His mom smiled at me warmly. I smiled back. From what I knew, she probably understood me better than anyone else around here. His dad asked about our meeting. I could tell Xander wanted to tell him about me being Red One. So I linked him that it was ok to tell them. What startled me was neither gave anything away. They weren’t surprised though. I could tell that. Still didn’t know how, but I did. I studied Haley. Her not showing her thoughts was odd. Fairies were expressive. I’d learned a lot about them. The one supernatural race that was the most expressive out of all of us was a Fairy. Why wasn’t she? Eric said I was impressive. Wow. Former Alpha Eric Conners thought being Red One was impressive? I bit my lip so I wouldn’t say anything else other than Thank you. I quickly handed him the flash drive with everything he needed to eventually kill Edward Davis and Jean….whenever I found Booker...him too. Eric told me he’d take care of that. I’d always known he would. I’d planned to leak him the information I had once we were ready to move. I knew he would do something. Hell, I’d know the entire council would, but I’d planned to send the information to Eric. We agreed if he had any questions he could ask.

            Xander popped me to my friends. Who were still in the hot tub. Paige teased me still thinking I’d been having s*x. Avery told her I hadn’t. Paige teased me about needing to talk. Xander kissed me then popped away. Paige said, “Mel, you’ve been waiting for that man since I met you and you’re not sleeping with him yet? What on earth are you waiting for girl?” I blushed. Sierra snorted, “Oh they’ve had s*x….they are LOUD.” My eyes went wide, “SIERRA!” Sierra laughed, “You are.” Paige clapped, “OH! My little Melanie is growing up. This is so great.” I rolled my eyes, “Enough about me.” I got into the hot tub and asked, “How are you guys? Si?” Sierra smiled, “I’m ok. You were right. Phil will handle it. I actually feel so settled. Your Xander came with you to see me...the Alpha was saying I was safe here. Warriors immediately followed us as we ran away. Not to hurt us, but to protect us. They spoke out loud telling us they were there to protect us. Avery was ready to attack until they said that. It was just like being surrounded by your warriors. It’s the whole pack here. An Alpha told us we were safe. An Alpha.” She started crying. I hugged her, “I know.” 

            Once she calmed down. She turned to the other girls, “Where are you at with your mates?” I held up my hands, “Keep in mind….I don’t want sexy details. One of them is my brother and the other two….are quasi family. No sexy details.” Paige snorted, “None of us have had s*x yet. Dalton and I kept it PG. Ave went PG-13….so did Ads. I have to say...I’m so proud of my girls because normally, I’m the one bringing the higher rating.” Avery blushed, “It’s…..there are two sides to me. Me and my wolf. Plus….everything just feels so good with Dakota. I swear Mel they have their own side to the story. I swear…” I put my hands up again, “I told you guys. No matter what happens with them, nothing changes between us. They are your mates. What you do with them is up to you. I support you. Plus, I know all of you. I know if you didn’t find their side acceptable you’d have punched them hard enough I’d have seen black eyes…IN THE MEETING YOU JUST LET ME WALK INTO!” Paige snickered, “But it was a little funny….until it went to hell.” I snorted, “I’m trying to make these people like me guys!” Addison touched my arm, “They love you already. Jase told me a lot about you and the pack last night….this is different from Black Path. Once word spread who we were around Red Run….the amount of people that asked about you was umm high.” Paige snorted, “Literally everyone I met asked about you once they found out we knew you. Most were in shock about your situation. The whole Ashley Griffen is Melanie McAlister emergency pack meeting…..” Avery added, “Me too. I mean people asking about you.” 

            I shrugged and looked away. It hurt. Addison said, “They want to see you.” I shook my head, “I can’t go there right now.” I couldn't go back to Red Run. Paige simply said, “You don’t have to. We did go to some of the places you talked about. It is stunning. Your dancing field...Wow.” My eyes filled with tears, “Yeah, it’s really beautiful.” I’d choreographed my dance for Xander there. Addison said, “Do you think you’ll come to our mating ceremonies?” I snorted, “I’ll be there. Somehow, someway…..I’ll be there.” They all smiled. Addison whispered, “Jase and I will probably be first. We were thinking about having it after Allison Daniels' birthday party.” I nodded, “When is her birthday?” Addison’s guilt came through when she said, “Thursday.” I told her, “So next weekend? Your mating ceremony is next weekend.” Her eyes filled with tears, “Only if it’s ok with you.” I really didn’t want to go to Red Run. I told her, “Addison, you do what you feel is right. It’s not about me. Your mating ceremony is about you. I know you don’t have a dress, but I’m sure Xander can tell us about a*****e around here. We’ll go shopping.” Addison had been playing in her mom's mating dress. She’d dreamed of wearing it, but Edward found out. He threw the dress in the fire. He was such a jerk. Addison’s eyes filled with tears, “Yeah? You think we can find a dress?” I snorted, “Of course we can. If we can’t…..we know a lot of partial fairies who can snap one for us.” Addison hugged me, “I love you Mel. So much.” I smiled, “Monday is apparently going to be eventful. We can go Tuesday.” Paige yelled, “Hell yes! Wedding dress shopping….because it’s a wedding you weirdos.” 

            We all laughed. It sounded normal to us. That’s what we called it. Paige added, “Oh….and someone better back me up with Dalton….kids….or babies….we call them kids or babies. What is with the pup thing?” I laughed, “It’s what we call them.” Paige raised an eyebrow, “Nope, I am not calling my kids pups guys….or yours. It’s not happening. I’ll start a new trend.” I laughed, “Already talking pups, Paige?” Paige snorted, “I had to know what I was getting myself into. He could’ve wanted  litter!” I snorted, “Dalton wanted four kids back in the day.” Paige nodded, “He still does. I happily accept that. I thought he was going to say eight or something unattainable.” I snorted, “A litter of wolves...the actual animal is usually four to six Paige.” Paige rolled her eyes, “Is ANYONE surprised she knows that?” Avery laughed, “No. That’s what she does. She knows things like that.” I sighed, “Lots of people know that.” Sierra laughed, “No, they don’t.” Paige laughed, “Whatever my definition of a litter is eight, and it was NOT happening.” I smiled, “Well, then it all worked out. What about you two? Mating Ceremonies back to back?” Avery blushed, “Ads is going first…” Paige said, “Uhh I’m planning a wedding, people. I need at least four months, and that’s rushing it.” I laughed. Dalton would climb the walls. Paige smirked at us, “I’m aiming for six.” Avery bit her lip, “Mine will be sooner. More like a week or two after Ads.” I nodded, “More shopping.” Avery smiled, “You’re one of a kind Mel. Really.” I rolled my eyes. 

            Avery asked, “What about you guys? When’s your mating ceremony?” My eyes filled with tears, “He can’t mark me until I shift.” I broke down in tears. Avery gasped, “What?” Paige frowned, “So? They can still get married.” Avery sighed, “They have to be marked to have a Luna and Mating Ceremony.” Paige gaped, “What bullshit!” I actually laughed, “It’s tradition. Especially since he’s an Alpha.” Paige rolled her eyes, “It’s bullshit. If you want to get married...a mark on your neck shouldn’t matter. You’re his Luna. Ceremony or not.” I smiled, “I love you Paige. I don’t even know when….we haven’t talked about any of that.” Avery frowned, “It’s about your family isn’t it too?” I sighed, “I don’t….I just don’t know how all that works out. I didn’t think I’d have a mating ceremony. I thought Xander didn’t want me. I had dreams as a kid...of my dad walking me down the aisle, and my mom helping me get ready. Jason will be in the mating ceremony as a groomsman I’d bet. He’s been friends with Xander forever. I just….I gave up that dream. It was left in the punishing hole with every other dream I had. I don’t know how to adjust to all of it being an option again. I don’t know how to not be hurt. Their lives continued on. My whole world stopped. Nothing was the same. Everything except my presence stayed the same for them.” Addison took my hand, “That’s true but it’s not. They missed you Mel. So much.” I believed her. I sighed, “Anyway…..you know what? I’ll ask Elise about dress shops. She’d have a better idea than Xander.” 

                Paige laughed, “So there are no dress shops in Red Run?” I frowned, “Well there are, but this is the bigger territory. The Conners own several malls here. Most of the girls go to Blue Moon or here for dresses for dances and stuff.” Avery smirked, “Our mates don’t own a mall? I think that has to change.” I laughed, “They’d build you a mall if you wanted one. They own businesses and restaurants. So….is Jason the Lead Male Warrior? That was always his dream.” Addison smiled, “He is.” I nodded, “That makes more sense. They didn’t send their Beta to infiltrate the hunters. They sent their lead warrior. I should’ve known that….” Avery sighed, “Mel….how could you know that?” I frowned, “I’m supposed to be smart. No pack would send their Beta in to do that.” Addison said, “To be fair….you said those exact words.” But I’d watched T die. Jason was the only option for their Beta. I frowned, “Jason was listed as the Beta in your dad’s stuff too.” Addison rolled her eyes, “He’s such an ass. I can’t believe they did that to your wolf. And umm….Xander got a vision...I’m not quite clear on how…” I interrupted, “His pushing power. What did he see?” Paige frowned. Avery answered, “They saw your first time cooking.” I nodded, “Is Edward dead?” Paige sighed, “Sadly, no. It took a horde of people to hold your Xander back. Tristan told Dalton that Cassie had to get in your Xander’s face to calm him down.” I shrugged, “He hasn’t said anything.” 

            Addison said, “So….Red One is out.” I nodded, “Yes. Cayden, Micah, Xander, Eric, Max, Cassie, and Haley know. I’d imagine your mates do too at this point.” Addison sighed, “Jase is going to flip.” I smiled, “That sounds like his mates problem.” Addison snorted and splashed me with water. I stuck my tongue out at her. Freya told me, “The guys are coming.” I smiled, “All our mates are on the way.” Paige snorted, “And can we just say…..how fabulous it is we all found mates at the same time. In the same area. It’s a little f****d up because….of stuff….and things….but still cool.” I nodded, “It is. I’m beyond thrilled to see you three so happy.” Addison whispered, “You’re really not going to be upset if Jason and I are marked after the party? Even with having my mating ceremony so fast? Jase and I agreed….only if you were comfortable.” I told her, “If you are happy, I’m happy. If I could be marked….I’d be marked.” Freya huffed, “I’m still sure we could be. Pretty sure…..almost positive.” I linked back, “If that upgrades to you being positive then you let me know.” Freya snorted, “Sure, I’ll just consult the dictionary of things that have never happened before.” I smiled. I really did like my wolf. 

            When the guys came in we got out of the hot tub. Phil instantly had his arms around Sierra as Xander snapped us dry. Jason wanted to talk to me. We needed to at least be civil for now. For Addison and Xander’s sake. There was a lot of hurt between us, but I’d told my friends to hear my family out. I suppose I needed to take my own damn advice. God, that sucked. I wanted to tell him to go to hell while simultaneously….i wanted to talk to him and hang on his every word. It wasn’t fair, but I hoped there would be something he could say that would be like a soothing balm to the ache in my soul. Addison thanked me. She knew she was a strong factor in why I agreed. Without her being mates with Jason….I’d have talked to him...just not privately and not right away. I would’ve if Xander asked me to, but gosh….this was so messed up. Xander popped us to his room and asked if I wanted to talk. No, I didn’t because I literally felt something inside me about to snap at myself for agreeing to talk to Jason. I didn’t want to deal with that. I wanted to mark my mate. When Xander was close I linked Freya, “Let’s mark him.” Freya linked back, “I think we should wait until he marks us and do it together.” I teared up instantly. Nothing could ever be fair for us. 

            I couldn’t hold it together after we’d finished. I explained that Freya said we needed to wait to mark him. He said it would be ok. I linked Freya, “Why?” Freya sighed, “I don’t know if he would have a wolf on him since we haven’t shifted.” I frowned, “You don’t want me to know what you look like?” Freya linked, “Wouldn’t it hurt your feelings if he had no wolf in his mark because we haven’t shifted?” I sighed. That was evasive. Freya would probably be a brown wolf. Most Beta’s were brown. Xander said he had marked me in a way. Freya coughed, “So have we.” I asked her, “What?” I felt her pull back into herself. She didn’t answer me. We hadn’t marked him. I knew that much. Xander explained he’d already shared his light with me. I’d missed that? Seriously? What else have I missed? I need to seriously reevaluate everything I thought I knew. I studied Xander. He looked tired. He said he hadn’t slept well without me. I couldn’t help but smile. Xander mentioned the party happening tomorrow. Hopefully, Elise could help me out with what to wear. Just like she used to. Xander snapped me more clothes. That man. I didn’t need that stuff. I could find something in my clothes. Maybe….I had A LOT of hoodies. 

            Xander changed the subject to watching me fight. He might want to get used to that. Plus, he DEFINITELY needed to change his policy about visitors being searched. They had something that could hurt him, and I found that unacceptable. He joked about searching for rocks. I frowned. I could show the warriors what to look for. I had pictures. I was asleep as soon as we’d stopped talking. I woke up in a cold sweat. I slowly got myself out of Xander’s arms and took deep breaths. I hated my nightmares. My family saying mean things to me. My parents being dead saying it was my fault they’d died. I shook myself and grabbed Xander’s hoodie and some Yoga pants. I quietly went outside. I didn’t play music because I didn't go very far. I just danced by the lake. After thirty minutes I went inside. I was starting to get really nervous. I was not liked in Black Path from the moment I set foot in their territory. What if Black Mountain didn’t like me? I was not a typical Luna. Elise was, even Buttercup had that typical Luna spirit about her. They were bad asses who hadn’t seen the hard side of life I had. They wore cute outfits, and I wore hoodies and leggings. They didn’t have ugly scars to hide. I protected people from a distance or the shadows, and they protected people fighting side by side. I could’ve been like them….once. I just couldn’t now. 

                I started cooking. I was making way too much food, but I couldn’t stop myself. It helped make me feel better. I heard a throat clear behind me. I whirled around and linked, “Freya! Why didn’t you warn me?” Freya linked, “Freya is still sleeping. Like normal people do.” I picked at my hoodie, “I’m sorry Haley...I know I’m using….a lot of supplies.” Haley laughed, “I don’t f*****g care. I can snap it all back. Eric and I apparently have a lot of money together in this realm. I really don’t f*****g know. I trust him to manage it all. I’ve never had to manage money my entire life. I guess something did go my f*****g way.” She winked at me. I frowned, “Did I wake you up?” Haley shook her head, “No, a nightmare did. Then my husband said he smelled food cooking. I figured it was probably you since this has never happened throughout the entirety of our relationship. I told him I’d come talk to you.” I flipped my pancakes. I whispered, “Why would you want to talk to me?” Haley laughed, “I enjoy speaking with all my children’s mates. You….well, I recognize a kindred f*****g soul when I meet one, Melanie McAlister.” I frowned, “It's a kindred spirit.” Haley snorted, “Yeah...we have souls not spirits because we aren’t dead….this realm’s f*****g saying are ridiculous.” I smiled, “They kind of are.” Haley asked, “Can I try some of the bacon? It smells afuckingmazing.” I nodded, “Of course. There’s definitely enough.”