The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Out Of Space Pt. 1

EJ is Nineteen Years old

            I woke up to a ringing sound. I groaned. Elise giggled. She answered, “Hi Ladybug…” I groaned, “Too early….” I heard Melanie laugh, “It’s noon.” I bolted up and looked at the screen of Elise’s phone. Melanie had Face Timed her. I asked, “What the hell?!” Elise laughed, “I asked Alexander to handle everything today so you could sleep in. It’s a big day.” I crawled over and kissed her. I pulled back, “Yes it is Elise Conners.” Melanie said, “Awww you guys are cute! Elise, I have AN EMERGENCY!” Elise stiffened, “What? What’s wrong?” Melanie threw herself on her bed, “I don’t know what to wear to your Luna ceremony! I have narrowed it down to ten outfits.” I laughed, “That’s narrowing it down?” Melanie sat up, “Yes, it started at thirty options. Ten is narrowed down.” I sighed, “Well, I’m out. Have fun Elise.” Elise giggled. I kissed her again, “You’ll be my Luna officially today.” I’d taken over the pack with Alexander six months ago. We didn’t have the struggles with our dad that a lot of the other Alpha’s did. He’d totally backed off. He was just an advisor. The werewolf council of course snatched him up a month ago. My mom encouraged him knowing he’d love it now that he didn’t have a pack to take care of. She said he could do more good for the werewolves. 

            Elise has been basically running things from the Luna side since I took over. My mom is still around to guide Elise, but I couldn’t be prouder of how both of them were handling this. It was a smooth transition. My mom helped Elise, but she didn’t make her decisions for her. She’d let her make mistakes, but Elise learned quickly. It was a lot like how my mom raised us. She just wasn’t one to hover. She was always around and would give advice, but if you didn't take her advice she never got upset with you. She never even said I told you so. Though she’d probably say I f*****g told you so if she would ever say such a thing. She just wasn’t like that. I said, “I’ll see you later Melanie.” Melanie squealed, “I’m not leaving the house for the entire day! I’m coming! I’m so excited! I’ll see Black Mountain Pack! I’ll get to meet everyone!” She meant Alexander. To be honest...I was excited to. I was over this s**t. It was always something with Mel. Competitions. Science fairs. Broken down car. Car accident. That one still pissed me the f**k off. Mostly because they told us it wasn’t an emergency. We could’ve popped to Melanie. Alexander or my mom would have healed her, and Sam. Melanie couldn’t dance for a month because of the injury to her head. Alexander had been enraged. I didn’t even blame him for that one. I was pretty pissed off too. 

            I winked at Elise as I walked out the door. My mate. My wife. We’d had our mating ceremony a week after she’d turned eighteen. Turned out her, her mom, and mine had been planning it at Elise’s request for six months. I knocked on Alexander’s door. Maverick said, “He’s not there.” I turned, “Where is he?” Maverick said, “He went for a run at three this morning. Hasn’t been back since.” I snorted, “What were you doing up at three in the morning?” Maverick blushed, “Well…I….” I laughed, “What’s her name Mav?” Maverick groaned, “EJ….” I smiled, “I bet it’s Lucy.” Maverick sighed, “You and dad are know it all’s.” I smiled, “You’re only fourteen...one day you’ll join us in being know it all’s. Make sure you adhere to Lucy’s curfews.” Maverick put his hands, “She never left her room.” I laughed, “You and Theo….Did you suggest her parents let you stay over?” Maverick blushed, “I mean….we didn’t have s*x EJ….we just watched a movie and talked. I’m not her mate but...I like her. She likes me.” I nodded, “Alright….no using your pushing power to…” Maverick frowned, “I would never use that for sex.” I growled, “I wasn’t going to say that. I know you wouldn’t. I was going to stay sleepovers. Don’t influence parents.” Maverick grumbled, “Fine. We didn’t even kiss.” I laughed, “Then you did the sleepover wrong little brother.” I winked at him and popped to Alexander.

            He had sweat dripping off his body. Toby, my beta walked over with Phil. My cousins and Alexander’s beta. I smiled, “Hey guys.” Phil snorted, “Toby seems to think we have a problem.” Toby said, “Do you see him? He was here before ANYONE got here. He won’t quit hitting that bag...the ENTIRE pack is high strung because he is insane. Let’s just say it. He’s lost it.” Phil snorted, “My Alpha hasn’t lost it.” Toby snorted, “Do you see him? The border patrol saw him running at three fifteen this morning. It is NOON! It’s after noon. What the heck crawled up his ass? And will someone FOR THE LOVE OF GOD GET IT OUT!” I snorted, “Get a clue Toby.” Toby gaped, “Excuse me?” Phil laughed, “Yeah cuz….you’re slacking.” Toby glared at us both, “Whatever...fix the machine Alpha before the pack goes over the edge.” I laughed, “I got it. Go continue to be unobservant Toby.” Toby gaped, “UNOBSERVANT?!” Phil laughed, “Yeah…” Toby snorted, “He’s your Alpha, Phil.” Phil smiled, “And I know what’s going on. Because….I’m observant.” Toby said, “Then solve the problem!” He stormed off. I chuckled.

            Phil said, “You know Alexander’s my best friend….One of them but I’m not going near him like this. That’s all you man.” I laughed, “He’s just nervous for reasons we pretend we don’t know about.” I left Phil and walked over to my brother. I smiled, “Alexander.” He grunted, “Thought you’d still be sleeping. You had a late night.” I smirked, “Melanie and Elise are on the phone discussing outfits. I fled my room to avoid seeing ten different outfit choices.” He faltered. His punch to the bag landed sloppily. He turned, “Oh?” I nodded, “Yup. Melanie has narrowed down her outfits. Keep in mind….they are not narrowed. You’re putting the pack on edge.” Alexander narrowed his eyes, “Maybe they should be on edge. I haven’t seen that many people working hard today.” The intensity of the fights picked up around us. I laughed, “Oh boy brother.” Alexander winked at me and grabbed a towel. We walked outside. I saw Lexi Daniels with her family plus a few additions. Finn Frost walked over arm in arm with Emma Daniels. 

            I groaned. Finn said, “Don’t pretend you aren’t happy to see my beautiful face.” I rolled my eyes. He was just like his dad. The funny guy. Unlike my dad...I had to admit Finn was funny.  Emmett Daniels laughed with his arm possessively wrapped around Alexandria. She was Alpha Sophia and her mate Teke’s daughter and his mate. Lexi smiled, “EJ...Alexander….you reek. I don't have wolf senses of smell but…. That’s a stench Alexander.” Keaton Daniels laughed, “Have you been in the gym all morning?” Keith Daniels, his twin elbowed him. Keaton said, “What? He smells! Mom’s right.” Alexander laughed, “Gotta get my workout in.” Keaton muttered, “Sure.” Lexi laughed, “This is Nora. Nadine’s sister.” I smiled, “I’ve heard about you. I’m sorry about your mate.” Nora smiled sadly, “It’s been seven years now. I’m doing ok now. I will always miss him, but he would want me to get out. I plan to be here with Nadine more. Lexi has welcomed me, and Alexandria said I’d be welcome too.” Alexandria flushed. She would be Emmett’s Luna soon. 

            Alexander laughed, “Oh I think you might be around here more often than there.” I frowned and looked at him. He was looking over my shoulder. I saw Ray running for all he was worth towards us. My jaw dropped. Nora followed his eyes and gasped. Ray growled, “MINE!” Lexi clapped, “No way! Nadine will DIE! OHHH We love Ray, Nora. He’s a good one.” Nora ran to Ray. She buried her head in his neck and cried. I nodded to him, “Go on Ray.” He dragged her off. Lexi laughed, “I swear….it’s always like this around here. Mates are always coming together on days like this.” Alexander laughed, “From your lips to the goddesses and god's ears.” Lexi smiled, “Yours is out there Alexander. I feel it.” Emmett said, “Yeah man, it’s you next. It’s gotta be.” Peter walked outside. He smiled, “We just got here. Chelsea wanted to help Elise get ready.” He paused then added, “Damn...Alexander...that’s….a powerful smell.” I snorted, “Go shower little brother.” Alexander rolled his eyes, “You all your sensitive noses. I smell like hard work.” He popped away. 

        From behind me I heard a voice, “Hello, Lex.” I turned. Oh no. Raphael was back. He apparated in every so often. The Daniels boys and their dad HATED Raphael. Keaton, Keith, and Emmett growled. Raphael laughed, “Hello boys.” Lexi sighed, “Boys. Enough. He’s an old friend.” Emmett said, “Old friend my ass. Stay the f**k over there Angel boy. Don’t you come near my mother.” Raphael smiled, “I was told to be here….so here I am.” I groaned, “No….just no. Who told you to be here? Because I swear….i don’t care if it was a goddess. This is Elise’s day, and I’ll kill you myself before you ruin that for her. I don’t care if you’re a damn angel or not. NO ONE will ruin this for Elise.” A freshly showered Alexander popped back. He frowned, “What the hell happened in five minutes? I was gone for five minutes, and your anger has Preston popping into my bathroom to tell me to go check on you….Oh…” His eyes looked past me to Raphael. He rolled his eyes, “Come on man. Not today. Mess with the Daniels another day. Not today. Today is about Elise. She’s worked really hard. She’s done a great job. If you think you’ll f**k Black Mountain Pack’s Luna day….You’ve got another thing coming.” The threat was clear in his tone. 

            Normally….I’d stop him, but not today. He was right. Raphael smiled, “I do not know why I am here. I go where I am told. I was simply told to be here today. I have no intention of messing with the Daniels as you say.” Peter snorted, “And I’m a goat.” Ted flashed in, “Incoming Lex….angry Alpha, Beta, and a Gamma….coming in hot. Spread those wings and fly angel boy.” I heard a growl, “Too late.” Alexander was annoyed. Angela popped in. She crossed his arms, “Stop being mean! It’s fine. Just chill for like ten minutes.” I laughed, “Why’s that?” Angela pointed, “I guarantee you’ll ALL be happy. Each and every one of you….in ten minutes or less.” Alexander sighed, “Angela….did you call Raphael?” Raphael smirked. Oh god. I groaned, “How did you even get his number?” Angela said, “Uhhh I said Micah...pleasee…...pretty pretty please!” Raphael laughed, “See? I was invited. I do not mean to upset the Daniels. Or ruin your Luna’s day.” Angela grabbed my hands, “He won’t! I swear! You know I love Elise!” Alexander’s amusement was flooding our bond. I shot him a look. I leaned down and kissed her forehead, “For you. Ten minutes.” She clapped, “YAY!” 

        TJ popped out to us. He laughed, “Angela….” She shrugged, “Raphael was early. What was I supposed to do? It was not heading to a good place.” TJ laughed. I raised an eyebrow, “You knew about this?” TJ smiled, “I have to monitor her, or she runs rampant. She is my twin after all.” Calm flooded the whole group. Peter sighed, “It’s weird. I know he’s calming me down. That I am not actually calm, but...here I am….calm.” I smiled. TJ was an empath. He was pretty good already. He didn’t abuse his power. He usually used it to let Angela get her way. My dad walked outside. He smiled and picked Angela and spun her around. He asked, “What mischief have you gotten into today Princess?” Angela giggled, “I’m helping.” My dad kissed her cheek, “Of course you are. With a little bit of fun sprinkled on top.” Angela held out her hand and said, “In five, four, three, two and…” Raphael gasped. Angela giggled, “one!” Raphael began to run. Towards the house. 

        Cousin Emmaline came around the corner with my cousin Jayden and a part werewolf part witch, Charlie Rose. Charlie Rose stopped walking. Her gaze snapped to Raphael. Her jaw dropped. Emmaline smiled and pulled Jayden away from Charlie. Alpha Chase said, “Oh you are shitting me. Thank god. Thank f*****g god!” Lexi laughed and kissed him, “You know I love only you, and he’s just been messing with you.” Alpha Chase kissed her passionately, “Oh no my love. He wanted what was mine. All our children see it. You are the one who didn’t. Now though. He has his wing. He will finally go the f**k away.” Angela clapped, “See? Look at how happy everyone is.” I laughed, “Good one Ang.” She suddenly frowned. Her confusion flooded us all. My dad asked, “Princess?” Angela frowned, “Cassie is going to be late again.” I sighed, “That’s ok. She’ll be here.” Angela nodded. Now she seemed distracted. Lexi asked, “Angela…..did you send Nora a plane ticket to come see Nadine?” I laughed, “I already know the answer.” Angela smiled, “You said I could borrow three hundred dollars EJ.” My dad’s eyes shot to mine. I smiled, “Yes, and I knew what you used it for. It was on my credit card bill, little one.” Lexi laughed, “I should’ve known. Nadine and Nora couldn’t figure it out.” 

        Angela flipped her hair then frowned again. She sighed, “I’ll be back.” She popped away. TJ frowned. I told him, “Go see what’s wrong.” He nodded and popped away. I looked at my watch. Alexander was practically wafting his nerves. We checked on everything for the ceremony. Then I said, “Oh good god. Let’s go work for an hour then we will come out here and have Elise’s ceremony. Will you find some chill?” Alexander frowned, “Probably not, no.” I snorted, “At least that was honest.” Alexander snored, “I can’t not be honest big brother.” I snorted. Evasive. He could be evasive. 

         We buried ourselves in work for an hour until my dad knocked on the door. He smiled, “It’s time boys. Let’s go.” I smiled and grabbed my stuff. Alexander wasn’t going to ask so I did. I asked, “Are the McAlister’s here?” My dad frowned, “No, it seems they are running late.” I snorted, “Well, Melanie did have ten outfits to decide between. Women.” My dad laughed, “Not everyone can snap themselves dressed, son.” I snapped us all into jeans. My dad said, “Case and point.” We walked outside. My dad walked up on stage with me. The whole pack and most of our allies were here. Chelsea looked worried and confused about something. I started to walk towards her when my dad linked, “You’re Luna is coming. We can figure that out later.” 

        I looked back and saw Elise and Peter. She took my breath away. I knew my mom had snapped her dress. My mom thought Elise could do whatever she wanted with the Luna dress. It was tradition to use the same dress, but my mom thought Elise should decide. Elise wanted something totally different. She looked stunning. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Alexander linked me, “What’s Peter upset about?” I looked up surprised to see Peter’s eyes did hold a little anger. There was still pride and love in them. Elise linked me, “Do you know what’s going on? Mom and Dad are being quiet about it.” I linked back, “I don’t know, but this is about you today.” Elise smiled, “I hear some mates have already met today.” I laughed, “So they did. At least one more is coming. Everly Bond is here today.” Elise smiled, “Who’s her mate?” I smirked, “Tristan McAlister.” Elise winked, “Then hopefully two more mates today.” Her eyes slid to Alexander. I sighed, “Hopefully.” Alexander was wearing his necklace from Melanie. 

            My dad cleared his throat and started the ceremony. I was so proud of Elise. It wasn’t a small thing to take on this pack. I heard a pop and looked back. I winked at Cassie who side hugged our mom. Angela caught my eye. Her arms were crossed. She looked near tears. I linked her, “Little one?” She didn’t answer. My dad asked Elise if she accepted being the Luna of this pack. She accepted. Pride filled me. We all stripped. My mom popped onto my dad’s wolf’s back. Elise and I lead the pack into a run. Her wolf ran proudly beside mine. People began to split off. I led her around to the other side of the lake. I shifted back and she followed suit. I kissed her hard. She moaned into my mouth. I growled, “I missed you today.” She whimpered, “EJ….” I sucked on her neck. She screamed. I trailed kisses down her body taking her n****e into my mouth. She tugged on my hair lightly. I looked up at her and grinned. She wanted fast, but I wanted to taste her.

        I sank to my knees and attacked her c**t. She screamed her orgasm. I pulled her down on top of me as I laid on my back. I told her, “Ride me babe.” I gripped her hips as she set a hard and fast pace bringing us both to orgasm. She fell down onto my chest. Anger barreled into me so hard my eyes blazed, and I growled. Elise pushed up to look at me, “EJ?” I sighed. It was Alexander. She lifted her hips lifting herself off me. I snapped us dressed and grabbed her hand. I popped to the main yard. Tristan and Everly had found each other. He was running in the house with her. I looked around. I felt my brother nearby but didn’t see him. Elise frowned, “Where’s Melanie?” Jason rubbed his face, “She got grounded. She’s not coming.” I heard a roar. My eyes blazed with Alexander’s anger. Jason turned his profile to look towards where Alexander must have run. I raised an eyebrow, “Where did you get the black eye?” Jason frowned, “Alexander is pissed about something. I must have got in his way. He took off before I could ask what the hell his problem was. I think I lost a few seconds. He packs a punch, man.” That was it. I was done. There was no more space. I saw Angela out of the corner of my eye. She was huddled over on the steps hugging herself. I would have to deal with that in a minute. I took off after Alexander. I knew Elise was behind me. 

        I found Alexander punching a big oak tree. His hands were raw. Elise gasped. I growled, “ENOUGH!” Alexander stopped but he didn’t turn around. I walked over to him. I was so f*****g pissed. I pushed him, “Heal your damn hands right f*****g now!” I couldn’t even look at him. Elise linked me, “EJ, he’s broken about something. I’m sure it’s because Ladybug isn’t here.” I was tired of not officially knowing what his problem was. I was done. I watched my brother's hands. As soon as he healed them, I snapped him clean of blood. The sight of his blood did things to me I did not care for. I growled, “I’m out of space Alexander. There is no more goddamn space. EXPLAIN! NOW!” Alexander whispered, “I can’t.” I grabbed him by his shoulders and pushed him into a tree, “OH YES! YES YOU CAN! Tell me what you’ve been keeping from me for five years. Tell me what puts you into this ridiculous mood all the damn time!” He pushed me, “She’s leaving, and I won’t meet her! She’s going to win! She ALWAYS WINS! They are keeping her from me and I…” I frowned, “What? What are you talking about? I mean obviously she is Melanie but….” Elise gasped, “She’s going? But….” Alexander wiped his eyes, “She yelled at them tonight that she’d go to New York and find people who actually believed in her. That she’d win and stay the hell away from Red Run.” 

            I looked between the two of them. I said, “Ok, Alexander….back up and explain. Who do you think is keeping Melanie from you? And why do you think that?” Alexander pushed away from me. He whispered, “Don’t make me say it brother. I can’t see it on your face. Not yours.” I looked at Elise. She looked just as confused as I was. I touched Alexander’s shoulder, “What are you talking about? What do you think you would see on my face?” Alexander said nothing for a long time, “Disgust. Revulsion. Disappointment.” I backed away from him in shock. Then strode forward. I picked him up. I let him feel my anger. I told him, “I don’t know why you think I would ever feel those things about you. Explain. Right now.” Alexander looked down, “I think I love her.” I rolled my eyes, “Say her damn name.” Alexander whispered, “Melanie.” I sighed, “I think I just heard the hallelujah chorus. We’ve finally admitted it. Now what the hell are you worried about? Who is keeping her from you? What are you even talking about?” 

            Alexander said, “They know I like her. They have to. It’s why she’s always grounded. We all know her crossing the border is bullshit.” I nodded, “We do. We looked to see if there was a pup that looked like her….there’s one with black hair. She’s taller...and not…. their body type isn’t the same. It’s possible though they think she’s Melanie from the back.” Alexander whispered, “Males are possessive of her. They have to know I want her. I stole….I stole her hoodie. It smells so good, EJ.” I frowned, “When?” Then it hit me, “THE DANCE?! Five years ago?! Oh my god. There were two hoodies in the back of the damn SUV!” Alexander sighed, “Her scent calms me down. She smells like strawberries.” I sighed, “I am aware.” Alexander growled, “They are keeping her away from me because they are afraid I’d be possessive of her like those other assholes! I probably made it worse when we took over two peaks. f**k! I was just so mad! They were talking about taking her and they can’t have her! I wouldn’t want her near me either, but I love her. I wouldn’t take her EJ…..not unless she was my mate. I want her to be happy.” I frowned, “What are you talking about taking her?” Alexander sank down and I felt his despair.

            He shrugged, “It’s the only explanation that makes sense. They know I’m powerful enough to take her if I wanted to. If I was possessive like those other guys are….the difference is….who I am. I’m an Alpha. She’s a good fighter, but I doubt she could beat me. I think they are afraid that I’m possessive of her without meeting her that….” He winced, “That I could hurt her, but I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t hurt her!” I frowned, “Alexander….they can’t believe that.” Alexander pushed me away, “Then why is she always in trouble for s**t she didn’t do! Why can’t I meet her? They wouldn’t even let me heal her when she got hurt! She couldn’t dance for a month! They would rather she be in pain.” Elise sighed, “She wasn’t dying.” Alexander snapped, “I don’t care! I offered to heal her! She was hurt and they STILL wouldn't let me come to her. I even begged dad to have mom go. She offered. I HEARD her! They even hurt her feelings by refusing. I wouldn’t hurt her EJ. You have to know that. I’m not like that.” He sank down in despair. He cried, “I’m not. I know I’m strong. I know I’m an Alpha.” He broke, “What if I’m just like the others obsessed with her? What if she’s not mine?” I growled, “You are NOT like them, Alexander. I know you wouldn’t hurt her. I’ve always known that.”