The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Half Moon and Stars Pt. 2

            Wes sighed in relief, “You’re here.” I nodded, “What’s going on?” Wes shoved two disputes at me. I looked over them then raised my eyebrow, “The decisions you have penciled in here are perfectly fine, Wes.” He smiled, “Really?” I nodded, “Yes…..why did you need me?” Wes sighed, “Ok….I really wasn’t sure about those two because….they deal with higher ranking wolves and….you just vanished man! I was worried and…” he inhaled then threw a pen at me which I caught. He said, “YOU ASS! I’ve been worrying myself into knots over whether or not you’re ok, and you were with a girl!” He paused then gaped, “YOU WERE WITH A GIRL?! Like WITH with a girl….I can smell it! Holy s**t! Who finally caught your eye?” I sighed, “That’s complicated.” Wes frowned, “Uncomplicate it.” I sighed, “I can tell you part of it if you promise not to say anything to anyone else until I do.” Wes didn’t even hesitate, “I promise. Tell me.” I smiled, “I met my mate.” Wesley’s eyes doubled in size. He gaped, “Where is she? Who is she?” I laughed, “She’s upstairs.” Wes asked, “And her name is?” I said, “She was introduced to me as Ashley Griffen.” Wesley’s eyes went wide, “NO! You’re serious?! We get the badass wolf less female lead warrior?! Who can beat Alpha’s? Seriously? Is she actually that good?” 

            I laughed, “She beat Phil in a fight. And several others. She held her own with me. Almost had me for a minute.” Wes gaped, “BRING HER DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW!” I laughed, “I’m showing her the gym later. I actually need to leave a note for EJ. I need Toby to clear his schedule when I get back. We are going to have ourselves….a heck of a meeting.” Wesley frowned, “Wait….you said you were introduced to her as Ashley Griffen….Is that not her name?” I sighed, “It is and it isn’t.” Wes sighed, “You make no sense. Why do you need to meet with EJ? He will be thrilled you met your mate.” I sighed, “I can’t really talk about that. What I can tell you….up trainings. Keep practicing your own skills and your magic.” Wes was instantly alert, “Alexander….” I sighed, “It’s complicated. This will not go over well. It’s not gone over well with me...the things I have discovered….it will not go over well with EJ either.” Wes frowned, “Ok. I’ll up trainings. Are you ok?” I smiled, “I’m confused. I’m great though. I love her little brother.” Wes smiled, “Good. Now, I’m going to get Buttercup and her dad. We’ll meet you in the gym.” I winced, “Dylan is here?” Wes nodded. Dylan never met Melanie. This should be fine.

            Wes left. I quickly reviewed his and Max’s other decisions. I couldn’t help the pride I felt. They’d done a great job so far. I popped to my room. To my astonishment Melanie was reading a book from my fairy charmed bookshelf that was hidden. I must have left it out. I always made sure to put them up though. She told me my hidden bookshelf wasn’t so hidden. Then she walked over and put it back on the shelf. I gaped. How the hell did she do that? I linked Oden, “She shouldn’t be able to see the bookshelf.” Oden linked, “People shouldn’t be able to do lots of things they can do.” I linked, “You have become increasingly unhelpful since we met her!” Oden snickered. 

            Melanie asked if Wes and I got everything sorted out. I told her that we did and he wanted to meet her. She asked how he knew she was here. I told her that he could smell her on me. I told her that we should get to the gym. Phil linked me, “So we just walked in...and uhh.” I linked, “Be right there.” Phil linked, “Right but… umm…” I popped to the gym. Phil looked over, “Claire is here.” She would try to ruin my first time bringing Melanie here. She skipped over blatantly ignoring Melanie. My eyes blazed. She ignored that sign. She touched my arm. Before I could do anything Melanie had her arm pinned behind her back. I smirked. Phil commented how happy Melanie made him. I wanted to throw everyone out and claim her. EJ had been right…..your mate defending your bond was hot. Claire’s friends growled at Melanie. For her part, Melanie ignored them. They all stopped talking when they met my glare.

            Melanie threatened to rip off Claire’s arm. Phil linked me, “Could she? For me? It’s a minor favor….I believe that I am owed at this point for not messing up and calling her by her actual birth name.” Claire turned around and she was going to be my chosen Luna. Phil whistled, “Oh shit.” Sierra hissed, “WHAT?” She glared at me accusingly. I roared that Claire would not be my chosen Luna. Everyone in the gym stopped. Several warriors linked me, “Alpha?” Liam linked me, “Alpha….We can get her out of here.” I ignored him too. I saw my cousin was him. He raised his eyebrows at me. I let Oden take over. I wanted Melanie to know this was not true. I’d never considered anyone but her mine. Wes linked me, “Dude...I can hear you yelling from here? The warriors are practically hiding. What’s going on?” I couldn’t answer him. My anger was all consuming with a need to rip Claire’s head off her body. If she made Melanie run from me….I would. 

            Hands touched my back. I whirled around and held Melanie close. She said it was ok. I inhaled her scent. Wesley asked what was going on. Dylan snickered, “Wesley, Wesley…..clear as day what’s going on. I’ve been trying to unteach you your Alpha tendencies….Alas….I appear to have failed.” Dylan trailed off when Melanie peaked out from under my arm. Dylan sucked in a breath and narrowed his eyes. I shot him a warning glare which made his eyebrows go through the roof. I put Melanie behind me and asked why Claire was even here. Her friend was mated and they came to visit. Then they found out I was here. I linked Liam, “I want to know who told her that.” Liam linked, “Of course Alpha Alexander.” I linked back, “Still just Alexander to you Liam.” Liam snorted, “When you’re this upset….I’ll go with Alpha. Is that your mate?” I didn’t link him back. 

            Claire wanted to know Melanie’s name. Melanie snarked back at her. Dylan threw his popcorn. Then dropped his bucket when Melanie slid in that Claire said she’d be my chosen Luna. Dylan nudged Buttercup, “The moody triplet is going to kill her. Odds are at fifty to one for.” Buttercup smirked, “You’re losing the ability to know the right horse to bet on old man….look at the girl with him.” Dylan snorted, “I have...and I have so many questions about that… hmmm I do see my young grasshopper what you refer to….fifty fifty one of them kills the wannabe.” Wes linked me, “I’m so sorry Alexander. I never would’ve let her in the territory. I don’t know how she knew you were here.” I linked, “Liam is going to find out.” Wes winced. 

            Claire was prattling on. Melanie growled at her to call me Alpha. Dylan whispered, “I like her!” Buttercup laughed, “I do too.” Melanie told Claire she’d lay her out. Dylan whispered, “For me Claire…..call him by his name again. I’m so here for this smackdown.” Claire told Melanie that she couldn’t hurt her. Melanie pointed out she already had. Dylan was upset he missed the start of it. Claire told Melanie she wasn’t ready for an attack. Melanie smugly replied with a direct quote about preparedness from one of my videos. Phil linked, “Snap! She snapped!” Dylan snorted, “I do believe….the moody triplet has said those exact words….has he not? I think he did.” Wes said, “He did.” Dylan laughed, “Of course he did. She was quoting a video. Adorable.” Claire said it was a stupid saying. I raised an eyebrow. She turned beat red when Phil told her I said it. I smirked at her. 

            Then she challenged Melanie. I snarled at her. Oden linked, “I’ll kill her Alexander.” I linked, “You’d have to beat me to it.” Several warriors inched forward. Melanie just laughed and accepted. Dylan threw popcorn in his mouth looking between them. He nudged Buttercup, “If you’d told me I’d see a thrown down….over Alexander our very own moody triplet….and that he’d CARE about who won….I’d have laughed at you. Well...slap my ass and call me Shirley because the mood triplet…..is in love.” Claire then said her friends would take on Melanie. Phil linked, “Before you burst a blood vessel. Sierra said Melanie has this. No problem.” I linked, “I have a goddamn problem with it.” Phil linked, “She’s not even worried.” I studied Melanie. He was right. 

            Melanie taunted Claire. Dylan was beyond entertained by her. That wasn’t good. I was going to have to talk to him. Sierra announced that Melanie was Ashley Griffen. I began to understand why Melanie never introduced herself. She was a terrible liar. I wondered if she could even say it believably. Dylan threw his popcorn and his gaze narrowed on Melanie who looked a little frightened. I growled at him. He raised an eyebrow at me. He picked up his popcorn and sighed. Buttercup said, “Dad?” He sighed, “It’s so hard being me. I’ve still got it. I know things...so many things…..now I have more questions.” Buttercup frowned. He then shrieked and asked me what was happening. He wondered if we were in the ribbon. He knew we weren’t. 

            Claire taunted Melanie about her lack of wolf. I linked Phil, “Can they not sense Freya?” Phil sighed, “I can sense her….if I try. It’s not standard to try.” He was right. Melanie brushed her off. She didn’t even show that Claire’s words bothered her, but I was certain they did. Claire threw in the moon goddess. Sierra snorted. Melanie turned around and told exactly how she felt about the moon goddess. Dylan gaped, “Holy crap! Stand people….lightning will strike….any second….” nothing happened. Dylan frowned, “Can I at least get a crackle of lightning outside? I see MULTIPLE partial fairies in here…. Help your biggest fan out.” Nothing happened. Dylan sighed, “it’s because of the moody triplet isn’t it? Alpha moody triplet is harshing the fun vibe.” I tensed. Claire’s friends were coming at Melanie from behind. 

            Wes came up beside me, “I’m really sorry big brother.” I shrugged, “Not your fault.” Dylan walked up, “Interesting smell wafting from you Alpha Moody Triplet….very interesting….I have things to say…” I raised an eyebrow, “You usually do.” Dylan rolled his eyes, “You are just….So VERY much like your father.” I said, “Thanks.” Melanie easily took several of Claire's friends out. Dylan cheered, “YES! She’s good! Not surprising though.” Buttercup said, “She’s a female lead warrior dad. Of course she’s good.” Dylan tapped her nose, “Right you are my princess. That’s not what I'm referring to though.” Wes frowned, “What are you talking about then?” Dylan snorted, “Moody triplet…care to bring everyone up to speed on why it does not surprise former Beta Dylan...who's still got that Beta pizazz to know things….but I’m not surprised about her skills….because…..” My jaw ticked, “No, I don’t care to enlighten anyone..” Dylan sighed, “Of course you don’t. Do you have a reason….that I shouldn’t get on my phone and text a certain friend of mine?” I told him, “Yes. Don’t. Or I’ll crush your phone.” Dylan gaped, “Ok then. I’ll continue to eat popcorn and know things. When this is over though….you and me moody triplet. You can pop me to a beautiful quiet spot for a joyous conversation. Filled with answers….or a SERIOUSLY awesome present. There will be no topping your mother with her popcorn company. I’d need you to get on that level for no calls to be made.” I nodded, “Fine.” 

            One girl removed her challenge and pointed out...she hadn’t made it in the first place. Dylan clapped, “Smart girl. Know when you’re fighting a losing challenge. It was hardly fair...there were only sixteen of you and one of her. What were you supposed to do? The odds weren’t in your favor or anything. It’s not even moderately sad none of you have managed to touch her. Good for you!” The girl flushed. Dylan smiled, “Run along now….before the moody triplet explodes your head.” She took off. I snarled at Claire when she said I deserved better than Melanie. Buttercup said, “uhh….Alexander? Is she….your….” Dylan snorted, “There is it. Good job my little princess.” Buttercup looked at Wesley, “Really?” I linked her, “Really. She’s mine.” Buttercup clapped. Melanie commented that the fight was boring. Dylan laughed, “I’m getting flashbacks. I think your mother has said something….exactly like that in a fight. That might be a direct quote.” I didn't answer him. I watched Melanie. The desire to run to her and take her in my arms and put all these bitches on the ground was intense. 

            Dylan said, “Glowing eyed moody triplet…..let’s chat.” I growled, “Not now.” Dylan sighed, “Sure….watch the fight where nothing happens. “Ashley” He put her name in quotes, “Is right….this is a boring fight.” Buttercup frowned, “Why did you put her name in quotes.” Dylan smiled, “Yeah mood triplet...why did I do that?” He quickly turned his gaze to Melanie when she called Claire out on missing training and being desperate to get with me. Dylan clapped, “I LIVE! SHE JUST CALLED HER A THIRSTY NAME CHASING b***h! YOU ROCK ON ASHLEY WHO IS NOT REALLY ASHLEY!” Melanie clearly didn’t hear him. I hissed, “Cut it out Dylan!” Wes frowned, “Why? He’s not right….Is he?” I said nothing. Wesley linked me, “What’s her actual name then?” I linked back, “I’ll tell you later.” Melanie easily beat the rest of them. Dylan sighed, “I’m have empathic dad pride right now. I want to hug her….I’m bursting with serious pride.” Buttercup said, “Are you going to tell us what is going on?” Dylan smiled, “I learned from the fairies….that would be no fun princess.” Buttercup laughed, “That’s true.” 

            Melanie and I locked eyes. I let her see my lust and my pride. Claire said I was hers. Melanie screamed at her to stop saying that. Dylan snorted, “She’s not going to….she’s a few eggs short of a dozen.” Claire screamed that I’d kissed her. Melanie announced I kissed her willingly and had s*x with her. Dylan hit me in the arm, “YOU DOG! So like your father. Now I have empathetic father pride for you. NO! THIS CONNECTION HAS TO END! I CANNOT BE CONNECTED LIKE THIS TO SAINT GOD ALPHA PRICK! THIS IS WRONG! I HAVE BEEN VIOLATED! Being a father is a trap everyone. A TRAP TO BIND YOU TO SGAP! SAVE YOURSELVES!” I snorted. 

            My warriors all looked at me. I rolled my eyes, “You can all smell that we have done that. You didn’t need her to say it. Now that she has….the next one of you that looks at her with lust in your eyes goes down to me.” I popped in front of one and punched him in the face and popped back to my spot. Dylan patted my arm, “Nothing screams mine more than a punch to the face for a little looksie. An exploding head would be better but….you know...you do you.” I told him, “They are my men.” Dylan sighed, “I suppose you have a point. Boring...but a point.” Claire had dropped something and said I’d watch Melanie die. I snarled. I was moving. She blew something in Melanie’s face. It did nothing. I ran full force at the bubble. I was thrown back and burned. I grunted in pain and began to heal myself. Dylan was now angry. Wesley’s eyes blazed, “I’ll f*****g KILL CLAIRE! HOW DARE SHE!” Dylan said, “I think you’ll get beat to it my dear Wesley.” Sierra screamed “ASHLEY! ASHLEY STOP!” Dylan looked at her, “Try her real name….because obviously….the fake one it’s not working….just a thought.” Sierra looked at him and ground out, “I AM saying her name.” Dylan smiled, “It’s not working. You try it, Moody triplet. I think she’ll blow a gasket if YOU yell at Ashley to stop.” He was right. I couldn’t call her Ashley. That would upset her. I yelled, “LOVEBUG I’M FINE!” 

            Dylan shrieked, “LOVEBUG! YOU CALL HER LOVEBUG?!” He hit my arm, “SPACE UNHEARD! SPACE UNHEARD!” I quickly chanted it. Dylan asked me, “That was a FLASHING neon sign moody triplet. As a child....she was called ladybug...so you call her lovebug. Can I just say.... that is adorable. Why is Melanie McAlister going by Ashley Griffen. She can’t be wolf less and she can’t be Ashley Griffen. I sense her wolf...barely….I had to TRY. What the HELL is going on?” I sighed, “I can’t get into this.” Dylan laughed, “That’s adorable, moody triplet. Get into it….or I’ll call her dad. My fingers are LITERALLY twitching to do so. She’s your mate. You’ve always thought she was. I knew from the MOMENT I walked in here exactly who she was. She smells like strawberries. Then I saw her. She’s got a very unique description...and I sat on MANY meetings with Former Beta Drake bragging about her. What the HELL is going on? What’s wrong with her wolf? Did she get hurt? How did you find her? Why isn’t she in New York? Or Paris? Isn’t there some dancing thing in Pairs...that she’s supposed to be at? ” I cringed, “I can’t answer you right now.” I was watching Melanie beat the crap out of Claire. Dylan sighed, “I need something. A sliver…..an offering if you would. I am a father too. He misses her.” I told him, “I have her. She’s safe with me. I’m going on my mission then everything will be resolved. I don’t know the whole story. She wants to be in a bubble with me, and I want to give that to her.” Dylan snorted, “Of course you do. That doesn't explain why I would do that. GOD this whole responsible parent crap is Lacy’s wheelhouse. Let me get off the boat Moody triplet. I’m the fun parent. Let me have my hat back.” I sighed, “I just need time. She’s a little skittish. Please. Dylan.” 

            Dylan cringed, “Why would Melanie McAlister be skittish? Why would she be Ashley Griffen? Is she actually THE Ashley Griffen from Nashville. Or is she pretending to be.” I sighed, “Yes. She’s the actual one from Nashville.” Dylan groaned, “How is that possible? She has a wolf.” I got an idea, “Freya. Her wolf’s name is Freya. I don’t have the details like I said...I have theories…..all of which lead to…” Dylan snorted, “War….yeah. I know. Want to know how? BECAUSE ALL of mine do too. That is with the pittance of information I have.” He frowned, “Fang says we need to let this go. Why, you ask? He’s not saying. Great. UGH! This WILL blow up in our faces...and I need you to be there when it does. Don’t be off in the Hackura realm….or a mission…..because….I like being funny. Serious Dylan has now left the building. This is why Lacy needs to be here for this stuff.” I told him, “I need you to give me your word.” Dylan sighed, “I give you my word because….even though you are a moody little thing….you are a good man. Also because my wolf INSISTS it’s the right thing to do. Fang usually knows what he’s talking about.” I asked, “Do you know what that bubble they were surrounded by is?” Dylan motioned his hand. I did my space unheard chant so the group could hear us again.” 

            Dylan said, “We need to have a chat with little miss seriously crazy claiming to be your future Luna….because the only people with the ability to block out you obnoxiously and annoyingly powerful Saint God Alpha Prick’s children….is the ring. Also.. I CANNOT wait to hear what my goddess will call this one.” I snarled. Dylan shrugged, “Now let’s all hope Alexander's mate doesn’t kill the crazy c named she wolf. Because even the dead heard her declare him hers just now. So even though we all knew...well...I knew...others suspected because they just aren't on my level of awesome...now we all know...because she SHOUTED it at the top of her little lungs. Again with this empathic father pride.” He fanned his face with his hand. 

            I linked everyone here, “No one leaves...and no one says anything. To anyone. Over link or in person.” I made it an Alpha command. Sierra yelled, “ASHLEY! DO NOT KILL HER!” Dylan yelled, “YEAH NOT ASHLEY! WE NEED TO TALK TO HER! Pretty please don’t kill her, not Ashley whose real name we aren’t saying for reasons unknown.” Wes frowned, “What’s her actual name? Yelling that might work.” Dylan sighed, “Sadly….I am bound by my word. Which means I’ll just stew in my brain as more and more questions compile. Questions with no answers. I’ll go mad I tell you. Children will run. RUN FROM NO ANSWERS DYLAN! This territory turns everyone into Saint God Alpha Prick. They warned me….if I stayed here too much….that would happen. Buttercup….you must be funny for me. Finn...you must tell your brother to carry on my legacy of hilarity and perfect timing. SGAP got me. But he doesn't have to get you and your brothers. SAVE YOURSELVES!” He grabbed her playfully by the shoulders and shook her.

            Wes said, “So...Ashley...or not Ashley… is mad because Claire hurt you. She was perfectly in control until then.” I snorted, “I noticed.” Claire told Melanie I’d never be with her. Melanie broke her back. Dylan twinged and put a hand on his back. He cried out, “OH...it hurts….sympathy pains….such sympathy pains.” After Melanie’s speech about whether she ended up with me or not Claire wouldn’t. Everyone was confused. Wes linked me, “Why would she think she wouldn’t be yours? Isn’t she marked?” I sighed, “Not yet.” Wes frowned, “Let me guess… it’s complicated? Would this have to do with her double name situation?” I nodded. Wes sighed. Melanie walked over to the object and rubbed it. Dylan sighed, “OH THE QUESTIONS! THEY EXPAND AND SPARK INTO SO MANY OTHER QUESTIONS! Someone tell me how she knew to do that? Someone….anyone? No...GREAT! This is the place answers go to die. My brain hurts. It actually does. Someone google how to scratch an itch on your brain.” I linked Phil, “Show Sierra where my office is.” 

             I popped to Melanie and told her I’d healed myself. I told her that Samantha would take her to the office. Dylan shirked, “SAMANTHA?! Are we for real right now? Are we just blatantly ignoring parental given birth names?! I think we are. Do NOT get any ideas Buttercup and Wesley. Those are your names. ALWAYS. No one can take my genius move to make sure you were mated from me!” No one said anything. Dylan threw his hands in the air, “All you yes men….with your lack of question….you ALL annoy my beta blood…..Beta Phil…..you know things, don’t you? You’d have to...or you’d be right here with me.” Phil sighed, “I’ve got my own questions, but I do...have more answers than you.” Dylan growled, “This one….he has been trying to get the scoop on me since...OH MY GOD!” I made a motion with my hands. I pulled Melanie into me and told her to calm down. She was ok, and so was I. I was trying to push my need to claim her off. Dylan hissed, “Oh no...I know that look. I’ve seen it on your dad's face…. NO SIR! BAD moody triplet….there are questions we CAN get answers to….and you have to get them before you spend….DAYS locked in a room with her. Don’t you do it….if you do….there’s LITERALLY nothing I can do about so….JOY TO US ALL! Find that DNA of your mothers in there…..do it for the team!” Once Sierra closed the door to my office with Melanie inside I turned around and focused. 

            Dylan hissed, “EVER since Ashley Griffen came around you Mr. Phil….were getting the scoop on me. ALL roads lead to SUCH bad places with this. I don’t like it. Wesley….why did you bring us to the gym?! RIP my sanity. It is gone….All gone. So many questions.” I heard a pop. Angela smirked at me. She looked at Claire, “Told you so you psycho. I warned you that you were heading for an ass kicking.” She kicked her in the ribs and hugged me. Then she popped away. Dylan squealed, “OH MY SWEET BABY JESUS CLAIRE! YOU MADE ANGELA MAD?! Angela….the sweetest little thing...that all Conners men bow down before….along with the Cambridge men...and LORD has that number multiplied….the creepy ninja assassins are lucky their grandpa is the former kind or all sixty some odd of them….would have no presents for Christmas. It would be sad. GOD….I can’t wait to hear the nickname my goddess comes up with you Ms. Claire. I really can’t. That’s what is getting me through this right now. My goddess will have such EPIC speeches about this whole scenario. You’re ALL in for it. I’ll be there too. With literal bells on and popcorn….maybe whiskey…..a whole barrel….and I’m not sharing.” I winced. He was not wrong.

             I looked at Claire and asked, “What was that? Why couldn’t I get in?” Claire cried, “This witch gave it to me. She told me that it would come in handy if I needed to be safe from you for a time.” I frowned, “What witch?” Claire shrugged, “I don’t know she came up to me in the market.” Damn it! I needed Cassie, but I couldn’t call her. I asked Claire, “Why do you want to be my Luna?” Claire was crying, “Please heal me. Everything hurts. I can’t move.” I laughed, “Not a chance. Someone will take you back to Alpha Theo. Where you will wait for your trial. You harmed me. In my home. You could’ve hurt any of my siblings with that. You were working with ring witches.” Claire gaped, “No...I….” I raised an eyebrow, “They are the only ones who ever use things that my siblings or I can’t get into.” Dylan said, “I gave him that tidbit. Me. That was my thought. Just saying. All Dylan right there. I am still listened to….partially….not really. Just that one thing.” I rolled my eyes. I turned, “Can someone pop Dylan to explain to Alpha Theo the situation we have here?” 

            Dylan squealed, “ME?! I take it all back...I love you moody triplet….You have found your mother’s DNA in you. What are my parameters?” I sighed, “Alpha Theo knows Ashley. You can tell him it was her that did this.” Dylan sighed, “Oh the clues and trail I SHALL give my good buddy Beta James and his Alpha Theo.” I told him, “Ask Alpha Theo...if he could keep this quiet….and keep contained….when I get back we will bring her on trial.” Dylan smiled, “And when he asks why said trail is not now?” I shrugged, “I’m sure you’ll come up with something.” Dylan’s eyes sparkled, “Will I EVER! Come on son in law of mine. Pop us all away. I have webs and tales to weave. Today has turned around. I am still VERY worried, but now fun is afoot! That is a tomorrow problem. Such a LARGE tomorrow problem, but...off in the tomorrow box it goes! Now...popping to Alpha Theo we go! NO wait….”