The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Dark Feelings Pt. 1

            Melanie woke up and looked around. I smiled. I was home. It had been a long time since I felt I was somewhere I could call home. I had places I lived, but I hadn’t called Black Path home ever. Even my own place wasn't really home. It was where I could breath and protect people. It wasn’t home. Elise was still sleeping. I looked at the clock; it was three thirty in the morning. I quickly got up and grabbed Alexander’s hoodie. I watched Elise making sure she was really asleep before I undressed in the bathroom without closing the door. I turned around in the mirror and looked at the scars that Trevor had put on my back. Tears filled my eyes when I landed on the words he’d carved. I wiped the tears from my eyes and put on Alexander’s hoodie. It was my fault the scars were there. I could’ve given Trevor what he wanted. I just didn’t, and I didn’t want to. I couldn’t. I shook myself off from the memories. That was over. It was past. Freya linked, “Mate could fix them if you wanted, Mel.” I frowned, “How? I was healed by his mom, and they didn’t go away.” Freya linked, “She healed what was physically wrong with you. A scar is not physically hurting you; it’s emotionally hurting you because of how they happened. Just tell him.” I shook my head, “No. He can’t know about them. Then they would all know. It was embarrassing, and…..Jason. I know that Jason didn’t know this was done to me. Even before I knew he didn’t know where I truly was….. Hell, I’d even known Alpha Kyle didn’t know. Their punishments weren’t like Black Path’s. That's not what they would have meant if they asked that I was punished. As mad at them as I was, I knew that they never would’ve wanted what happened to me.” Freya linked, “That doesn’t mean you should have to live with them if you don’t want to. At some point Melanie….you deserve to protect yourself. To have mate protect you. You don’t always have to protect everyone. You live with the physical reminders that you don’t have to now.” 

            If it came out now…..my scars….it would hurt them all. We had enough hurt to navigate past. I knew they all felt guilty enough as it was. My past wasn’t something I needed to burden them with. Especially not the darkest depths of it. I knew I’d blocked some moments during that time from myself. Freya could probably see it in my memories. I remember what Trevor did to me….but the time in the hole….the terror I felt. I’d blocked that all from myself. I walked into the kitchen and quietly found what I needed to cook. My eyes burned with tears. I should’ve told Cayden when it happened. I knew that. It would’ve changed everything though. Now that I know it would’ve changed everything for the best it hurt more. Freya said, “You do the best with the knowledge you have, Melanie. You didn’t know, and you did what you did according to that to protect people. It’s what makes you, you.” I smiled. It was nice she understood.

             I needed a pick me up. I was going to make my chocolate muffins. Xander liked them. I wiped my eyes and started baking. I pulled my phone out and plugged in my headphones and listened to music. I heard a throat clear behind me after I pulled the first batch of muffins out. I startled and whirled around. My eyes went wide, “I’m sorry….am I not supposed to cook? I just….I usually cook to feel better and I found all the stuff and…. now I realize that was very presumptuous to think I could just use it all….” The older woman laughed, “No my dear. You are welcome to anything in this house. I’m not used to being beaten into the kitchen. I am Mrs. Blanch.” I said, “I’m….” I trailed off. It had been a long time since I introduced myself. Mrs. Blanch just waited. I spoke shakily, “Melanie McAlister.” I forced myself not to think about the last time I’d said that. Gamma Booker had beaten me badly for it. Mrs. Blanch smiled, “Oh my dear, I must admit….I did know who you were. I know many things around here. You are Alexander’s mate.” I smiled, “Yes, I am.” She nodded, “I know your dad quite well. Your mom too. She grew up in Blue Moon. Chelsea’s mother loved cooking. We swapped recipes and stories often. Sam and Chelsea were always running around.” I nodded. 

            Mrs. Blanch walked over, “May I hug you?” I was startled, “Umm...sure.” She gave me a hug. She whispered, “I am very sorry for whatever you went through. I know that no one wanted that.” She pulled back, “Now….can I try a muffin?” I laughed, “Oh, of course.” She grabbed one as I poured the batter in for the next batch into the muffin tin. I added the fudge in. Mrs. Blanch moaned, “Oh my land sakes alive child! I am taking a group of these. I will study them….and figure out how you made this muffin.” I laughed, “I could tell you.” Mrs. Blanch waved her hands, “Nonsense. I have been around fairies for quite some time now. Telling me would be no fun. No...this is a mystery and I will solve it. It is so much more satisfying that way.” I laughed, “I have a feeling I will make them more than I used to. Xander loves them.” I blushed remembering his reaction to them. Mrs. Blanch smiled, “You call him Xander? Oh that’s adorable. I love that.” I smiled, “I’ve called him that since I was three.” Mrs. Blanch touched her heart, “That’s just the sweetest thing. Now, if you ever need anything you come talk to Mrs. Blanch. You hear?” Tears filled my eyes. She reminded me of my own grandma’s. I nodded, “Thank you.” She kissed the top of my forehead, “Any time. I am early riser myself. The Alpha’s like to think they are the early risers with their six am run they do. It’s those of us in the kitchens though. We are the true early risers. We just let them think they are the ones up early catching that worm.”

             I laughed, “They run at six?” Mrs. Blanch nodded, “Oh yes. They probably won’t today. They are drinking whiskey at the moment.” I snorted, “Getting an early start, I see.” Mrs. Blanch smiled, “They’ve already had quite the day.” I smiled, “Does anything go on around here that you don’t know about?” Mrs. Blanch smiled, “Very little. Some things get by, but I keep a close watch on my boys and girls.” I smiled, “I’m glad they have you.” Mrs. Blanch smiled, “You’re one of my girls now too.” I smiled at her. She grabbed a plate and said, “Now, I’m off to figure out this muffin mystery. I’m even taking an extra one for my husband who I will have to hit with a rolling pin if he tries to take any more of them from me than his allotted one.” I laughed, “I’m making a pretty big batch.” Mrs. Blanch said, “Do you know about the party tomorrow?” I gaped, “Party? What party?” Mrs. Blanch snorted, “My boys….they forget the details sometimes. It does not mean the same to them as it does to us women. It’s just a pack gathering, but I’d figured you want to know. It’s your first one.” I nodded, “Ok….I’ll think about that later.” I had to push it aside for now. I had a lot to think about as I baked. 

            I had to give everything I had on the hunters to Cayden. If the larger group didn’t already know I was Melanie...they soon would and they could change things. I hadn’t heard from Nate, so word must not have spread yet. Then….my hair might be different, but the people I’d sent here and saved would recognize me. You don’t forget the face of the person that saved you. I knew that. So….I’d have to tell them I was Red One. They’d probably guessed I was working with the resistance, but maybe with that information they would let it simmer for a while. Freya linked, “It would be enough to give them Red One and let that all settle. You’ll have to tell Xander and Oden eventually.” I sighed, “I know. I can’t give up every piece of myself to them right now Freya. I’m not the only one who needs to adjust. I can’t just waltz up to Xander and say….oh by the way….I’m the sniper in the resistance who’s been saving all you. Also...I’m Red One, I’m in the undergrounds….the real ones...thank GOD they don’t know the names of the fighters so….we could skirt that….I’m a source for Cayden because I pretend to work with hunters, Oh and I’m not just in the resistance….I run. It’s mine. I started it….oh and here’s all the things I’ve come up with to protect you and our families. How in the heck is he supposed to respond to all that?” Freya said, “With shock and a whole lotta love.” I snorted, “You are very optimistic.” Freya linked, “You used to be too.” 

            She was right. I told her, “Yes, well….that’s changed.” Freya linked, “I’m really sorry I wasn’t there for you….” I closed my eyes. I wished I could remember what happened the night we were supposed to shift. Freya linked, “I remember Melanie. I can tell you.” I asked her, “Did you tell me to fight?” Freya whispered, “Yes. I should’ve…..we fought for so long….I should’ve reached out for help sooner, but I wasn’t thinking clearly because of the pain. If I’d had more time….” I frowned, “Reach out to who?” Freya linked, “Oden. I reached out to Oden before Gamma Booker hit us in the head. Once you were unconscious…..I couldn’t fight the spell alone. I was blocked, and I didn’t get enough of a message to Oden. I simply told him we needed help. I had planned to say more, but that was all that went through.” I frowned, “It wasn’t your fault. We tried.” Freya whispered, “I was so proud of you. You fought so hard, and I knew you were the perfect choice for me. I knew that before of course, but that night….you proved it.” I frowned, “Perfect choice for you?” Freya giggled, “I told you. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.” I asked, “Are you going to tell me more about that?” Freya answered, “In due time, yes. As you pointed out….it’s information overload at the moment, and we are getting to know each other. We have our mate, and our family back. That’s enough for a girl to navigate without adding more to it.” 

            I sighed, “Well, let’s venture out of the main house...I made a lot of muffins.” Freya snorted, “You did.” I walked outside. I saw a few people start whispering. They wondered if I was Xander’s mate. The rumors were his mate was here, and I was new. I walked into the pack house and someone dropped a plate. I looked up and saw a girl that I’d saved. I smiled at her. I walked further inside and a warrior snagged a muffin. He asked, “These are for us, right?” I nodded, “Yes they…” He groaned, “Oh my god. That’s the best damn muffin I’ve ever had.” He snatched them from me as his friends gathered around. Everyone started grabbing muffins. The first guy turned, “Who are you? Other than the amazing new muffin baker.” I gulped, “I’m Melanie McAlister…..Xander is my mate.” The tray was dropped, but that did not stop people from taking the muffins and eating the ones that fell on the floor. The warriors stared at me. One finally asked, “Beta T’s little sister? Xander? Do you mean Alpha Alexander? You’re his mate?” I nodded and pulled at the sleeve of my hoodie. The warriors howled. The first one yelled, “HOT DAMN! Amazing muffins are always a possibility folks! The Luna made them.” I smiled. 

            I turned and saw Talia. She was from Alpha Ezra’s pack. I’d gotten her out before she was killed, but I knew she wanted news about a certain someone. I motioned her outside. She followed. Her eyes were large, “Do you know if he’s ok? I miss him so much Melanie.” I smiled, “He’s ok. I’ll text him later and let him know I’m here. This changes a lot of the timetable. You’ll be back with him sooner than we planned.” She smiled and tears entered her eyes, “Really?” I nodded, “Really. He asks about you a lot. He misses you too.” She smiled, “Thank you. For everything you’ve done for him. For us….for me. I’m so glad you’re here.” I squeezed her hands, “Me too. We’ll get this resolved and get you back with him. Then you’ll never have to leave him again.” She laughed, “I can’t wait.” I hightailed it back up to the house. I took out my phone and texted my contact in Alpha Ezra’s pack. Letting him know where I was and that someone was asking about him. I added a winking face so he’d know who it was. 

            I walked back into the kitchen and found a nice platter for the rest of the muffins. My friends came around the corner, “Hi Mel. We’ve been waiting for you. We ate some muffins.” I snorted, “Fine by me.” I looked around and lowered my voice, “I’m going to tell Cayden, Micah and Xander about some things.” I tapped my lips. They were red so they’d know what I meant. Paige smiled, “Good call. You’ll want to find your Xander, give him a muffin I suppose. Then you’ll want to find Cayden.” I nodded, “Yup.” Paige smirked, “You’re in luck. We know where your Xander is. He’s in his office.” I smiled, “Thanks guys!” Avery and Addison were trying not to laugh. I asked, “Are you guys ok?” Addison smiled, “We are. You go do your stuff then we will have us a girl chat.” I nodded, “Ok.” 

            They started laughing as soon as I walked around the corner. What was their deal?  I saw a warrior in the hall. I asked, “Do you know where Xander’s office is?” The warrior paused, “You’re the Muffin Luna.” I gaped, “Huh?” The warrior laughed, “The pack link is going insane about these muffins. Not to mention the fact that Alpha Alexander found his mate….who makes said muffins in your hands….therefore your name is the Muffin Luna.” I laughed, “Ok.” He told me, “Alpha Alexander’s office is around the corner.” I nodded. I set the muffins down and took out my phone. I sent my resistance group a text that I was going to clue the bigger group into the fact that I was Red One. All quickly agreed it was the right move.

            I picked the tray back up and walked. The warrior was walking with me. He smiled, answering my unspoken question, “Someone has to open the door. I can’t have the Alpha being upset with me, now can we?” I smiled, “No. I’m Melanie by the way.” He nodded, “Luna Muffin Melanie. I am Chason.” I smiled, “Nice to meet you. Do you want a muffin?” He nodded, “Do I ever.” He grabbed one and opened the door, “Go right on in.” I smiled and thanked him. I walked in. I was getting more nervous. I had the flash drives to give Cayden everything. Telling Xander about it though….I hoped he’d know I didn’t ever hurt a werewolf that wasn’t bad. I never hurt innocent people. That wasn’t my thing. I instantly started talking, telling Xander I needed him to find Cayden. God, that sounded demanding. Why couldn’t I ever sound how I did in my head? Why was I like this when I was nervous? Oh god….I was still talking. I switched to the muffins and Phil snatched them from me like the warrior had in the pack house. I broke off when I saw T sitting there. Cayden was sitting next to him looking very amused. Oh my god. They were in a meeting?! The girls knew and they didn’t say anything? I linked Addison, “You tell Paige you guys….ARE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE! The only innocent one is Si who I haven’t seen yet. I can’t believe you guys...I walked in here and started ranting about meetings and they are in one. Oh my god! I’m trying to make a good impression here, and not embarrass myself.” Addison laughed, “You Xander will find it cute, and he will think it’s funny. We all love your ranting.” Out loud I said I was going to go. I saw my family biting their lips trying not to laugh. They’d better not. 

            Cayden called me Ash. I figured it would take some time to adjust to him calling me my real name. I saw Eric and Haley sitting there. The blood drained from my face. Oh my god! His parents were in here too?! This was mortifying. I turned to leave and movement caught my eyes. I took a step and turned my head to see who was in the corner. Might as well complete my humiliation. It was probably the Hackura King. My eyes locked on the wolves standing there, and then the whole world stopped. Clay stood their smirking at me. His father looked astonished. The rest of their group looked terrified. They should. I’d kicked their asses five years ago….now it would be child’s play. I was a much better fighter than I was five years ago. I raised an eyebrow. My gaze never left Clay. That jerk. He licked his lips as if he was about to get revenge. Not a chance. Freya growled in my head. Clay had tried to take Sierra in the dead of night. He beat her up because she fought back. Clay dropped a dome. Oh that jerk! Carrying something into my mate’s territory that could hurt him. I heard Xander snarl. I spoke, “Bad call boys.” They raised an eyebrow. Eventually the Alpha asked what I was doing here. ME?! I LIVE in this state. Why were THEY here? In MY mate’s territory? Those were better questions. I told them never to come back. I’d told them they would die if they ever came back here. Clay was going to die anyway. I just had to time that perfectly. Now, he’d come to me which made it so much better. 

            They charged me. I easily fought them off. I heard Sierra scream and looked up. From my angle I could see her face. She was on the other side of the door. Clay charged for her. Oh HELL no. I killed the Alpha and yelled to Addison to get Sierra the hell out of here. I punched Clay in the back of the spine and paralyzed him. I wasn’t even slightly sorry. I took out the other two who were trying to hang back, but I didn’t kill them. They could tell EJ everything Black Mountain wanted to know. I picked up the rock Clay had dropped and rubbed it. The ring may have these, but I have Paige. She’s better than them. It’s part of why they wanted her to be forcibly marked. She was a powerful witch. They’d buried the information about her parents, but I’d found it for her. Her mother was practically witch royalty. They didn’t technically speaking have royalty but Paige’s mother was as close as you could get. Her dad was powerful in his own right. I had my doubts about her brother being dead. Ironically, I didn’t have those doubts for myself; however, I couldn’t find Paige’s brother if he wasn’t dead. Maybe he’d show up at some point. He might think Paige was dead. Or he was really dead. I honestly wasn’t in a place to say anything about that anymore. I’d been so off about my own family, but that was different….I saw them die. Paige just knows they were all in the car. That’s all she remembers. 

            Xander instantly put me behind him, but he didn’t understand. I’d promised Clay that I’d make him suffer in unimaginable ways. I’d planned to give his name to Cayden in exchange for some information he wanted. If he’d torture Clay for me….I’d answer one question. I knew Cayden would do it too. I even knew which question he’d ask. Was I in the resistance? Easy enough. Yes. It was the wrong question though, and that was a good trade off. Clay would be taken out of this world painfully and Cayden would’ve gotten an answer he wanted. I dragged Clay over to Phil. Phil could think of torture ideas I’d never even dreamed about. Or he knew people that could. EJ and Xander were yelling, but I was looking at Phil. I could tell he knew exactly why I was bringing Clay to him, but he wanted to hear it. So, I introduced them and explained excluding Sierra’s name. It was probably a little mean on my part because I knew that Phil would be angrier hearing Sierra’s name off Clay’s lips. Clay was dumb enough to still think Sierra was his. After Xander kicked him in the side he admitted it was Sierra and unsurprisingly claimed that she was his. Out loud. i***t. Phil’s mark was literally in his face. One would think that would give him pause. Just the slightest fraction of a second, but no. I wanted Clay to remember I’d told him he’d suffer. Phil linked me, “He’s dead. Have no fear.” I linked him back, “He could’ve been dead a long time ago. I want him to suffer, and you know, like awful things to do to people that I don’t.” Phil answered, “Yes, I do.” Good that was the goal.

            Phil’s parents ran in and they left as a family. Without his sisters. I was sure with how he must feel his siblings would be beside him soon enough. I needed to go check on Sierra, but Xander pulled me back. EJ muttered something about paperwork. I winced. That was true, but this really wasn’t my fault. They attacked me first. I’d even waited. Haley snapped the paperwork done and Dylan pouted. My dad asked what just happened. I think that was fairly self-explanatory. My mom pointed out I took down an Alpha. So? I did that….not infrequently. Freya laughed, “You have to know, that’s rare for a Beta. To be able to beat an Alpha, but it’s easy for you.” I linked back, “I told you….I’m the werewolf freak. I do weird things, and our weaknesses don’t affect me.” Freya sighed, “You are not a freak. We are special.” Dylan wanted Xander and I to fight. Someone should tell him we had. I really wanted to find Sierra, but Xander had questions. I explained how no one in Sierra’s family stopped what happened to Sierra. They weren’t there. It was really a simple explanation. Jean is a grade A jerk, and incredibly cold hearted. 

            Eric asked if I was saying underage wolves were being marked. They used to be. Dylan and Eric were bantering. T wanted to know how I could beat an Alpha at fifteen. Technically, I beat my first Alpha at fourteen. In the undergrounds. It was my first fight. The crowd had been stunned as had the Alpha. Especially because I barely offered him a fight until I saw a vision of T tell me to get up and fight. Said Alpha…. was not a fan of mine. Which was fine, I didn’t like him either. He still wanted to sleep with me….which was creepy in my opinion. The man can’t stand me….but he’s down to get down. I linked Xander. I really needed to check on Sierra. He agreed.

            Before we could leave everyone argued about being on my list of people to talk to. Oh gosh, why did they have to hear all that? Why didn’t anyone mention Xander was in a meeting? Xander popped us out. Sierra was crying her eyes out. I ran to her and hugged her. I told her that Clay was gone. She thought she was weak because she froze. No, she was normal. Hell, I froze when I saw them for several seconds. I winced when Sierra mentioned I’d stopped her from being marked with my hand. Xander lost it about Clay biting me. Bite was a strong word. Nipped was a better one. It didn’t hurt that badly. Sierra was still inconsolable. I rocked her like my mom used to do to me. I whispered soft encouragements to her about how he mate was taking care of this. I linked her, “Just like you always wanted. You can stand by his side and fight, and he can avenge the things that happened to you. Your mate is fighting for you, Si. He will take care of it.” Sierra linked, “I’m so weak.” I sighed, “You’re not. You had a perfectly rational response to seeing a man who hurt you. A man who tried to steal your life and your mate from you. I even froze for several moments when I saw them.”

            It made her laugh. Xander told Sierra to go relax with the girls. Sierra linked me, “Why not you?” I sighed, “Because our wonderful friends didn’t tell me Xander was in a meeting. Their mates were in there with them and they knew it was a meeting. I guarantee their mates now want to know if anyone tried to mark their mates. I KNOW Jason will want to know.” T linked me, “I don’t know if this is going to work, but you haven’t joined Black Mountain yet so it should. Not to mention you are my sister….I know you are hurt and upset…..but Jase is freaking the f**k out. Is someone going to show up and put Addison into a state like this?” I thought about it, “I don’t know what her reaction would be. She wasn’t hurt as badly as Sierra. She took an unexpected punch, and she I fought them together. They didn’t know I was with her.” T linked, “You answered me.” I sighed, “Did you not want me to?” T rushed, “NO! No...I did...I just didn’t know if you’d answer.” I sighed, “I wasn’t the one with communication problem, Tristan. Not being as smart as thought….sure. That was definitely a problem I had.” T instantly replied, “Ladybug…..you are smart. That’s not really debatable. We did talk to you….kind of….no we thought we were, it just wasn’t you.” Yeah, I’d talked to Jason too, but apparently it wasn’t him either. I never saw him though. I linked, “You saw the person pretending to be me and didn't know it was me. Did she even talk like me?” T sighed, “No, she didn’t rant like you do. It was just the…” I sighed, “Compulsion. Yeah….got it.” T linked back, “Ladybug...we are so sorry.” I knew that. It just didn’t make it hurt less.