The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Fighting for What's Mine Pt. 2

            Sam said, “Elise….let Liam get her out of here.” She put her hand on me. I sighed and straightened my clothes. I’d have to change. EJ would notice. I heard a pop. Angela snapped me clean. She stuck her tongue out at Trin. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot, “Just so you know….EJ loves Elise. He’d never hurt her. It’s always been her and him. Always will be. Trust me. I know.” She tapped her head and popped away. Liam laughed, “You just have to love her. Boys...get them out of here.” Several warriors hauled them off. Liam was well respected. He’d been challenged for the lead warrior position several times, but he never lost. EJ didn’t think anyone would until his oldest son challenged him for it. 

            Sam side hugged me, “Let’s get back inside.” I shook off her embrace, “Sure. Thanks Liam.” He smiled, “We consider you our Luna around here already. No one will treat you badly in these lands.” I smiled and started to walk back. Sam sighed, “You’re mad at us.” I frowned, “She didn’t do it.” Sam frowned, “I don’t know what’s going on anymore. Our warriors aren’t lying. Cassie proved that, but….” I snorted, “If you know there’s a but why isn’t she here?” Sam frowned, “Drake’s the Beta of our pack Elise. We can’t let everyone think the rules are different because Melanie’s our daughter.” I stopped, “Then you believe her.” Sam sighed, “I think...I mean...I don’t know what going on. Normally, I know exactly when that girl is lying to me. With all this I just know. They don’t have a reason to lie. Melanie does though.” I challenged, “But she’s not.” Sam sighed, “We still can’t let the pack think rules don’t apply. That would be bad for your dad and Drake.” She was right, and I hated that she was right. People would start to challenge their authority if they let this slide.

            I walked back inside. It was only a minute before EJ walked in. Gosh...he made my heart stop. He inclined his head to his dad’s office. I frowned. This was about Alexander. I followed them. I wanted to make sure he was ok. I wanted to make sure EJ was ok. He looked amused but pissed. EJ’s dad asked what was going on a second before his mom popped in. EJ announced that Alexander and his uncles were going to bring Charline in. I stared at him in surprise when he announced he wasn’t letting her leave alive. It was so final and authoritative. Rhea linked me, “Let’s just kick everyone out and throw him down...on that table.” I said, “Not helping.” Rhea said, “Because you were thinking it too.” I sighed, “Yes, but we need to focus.” Rhea sighed, “Alright I suppose.” Haley was confused. She knew Alexander didn’t like Charline. EJ informed us all that Charline went to a witch to try to put herself into heat. Her goal was to get Alexander to have s*x with her. Rhea snarled in my head, “I will kill her!” I linked back, “You’ll have to beat Haley to it.” Rhea linked, “For not having a wolf….I really like that woman. She’d be ferocious with a wolf.” I snorted, “She’s ferocious without one.” Rhea said, “I’m just saying. You know her wolf would be my best friend too. We’d be fierce together.” 

            I focused back on Haley. I agreed with her. Charline was essentially trying to r**e Alexander. The guys disagreed, but if we were talking about someone doing this to Cassie or Angela...they would absolutely agree. That sending them into heat would be r**e. Why can’t they admit it on the flip side? My dad asked how Alexander knew. I raised an eyebrow at EJ. How did he know? He had to have found out right before everyone got here. That’s why all their eyes blazed. There was no way Charline made it around my dad’s guards. I was proud he already knew about Charline and the witch. He was such a good alpha. Eric cut in saying it was likely Corbin. Corbin was EJ’s cousin. His mom was a witch. He did have good contracts. Alexander was in the Hackura realm. It made sense….but it didn’t feel right to me for some reason. Everyone started to leave. 

            Haley had to leave to go see TJ. He was such a cutie too. Him and Angela...troublemakers. The both of them. Once she left, Eric immediately asked how Alexander knew about Charline. EJ didn’t even hesitate. He told his dad it was Ladybug. I couldn't stop my smile. She must have overheard Charline before Tristan left. She’d stolen his phone. That girl made me damn proud. Even broken hearted she managed to help her Xander. Dang it, they were just too cute! Eric’s dad told us to get out to the party. EJ wanted to be involved in Charline’s questioning. I did too. I was sick of that girl trying to hurt the people I loved. We walked out of the office. I couldn’t stop my smile. Landon and Melinda were flirting. They always did. She had a serious crush on Landon. Julianna popped over. She was too cute. She wanted to find her mate the fun way. She was more into her fairy side. She was always pulling pranks. EJ’s uncle Aiden walked over. Alexander joined us. I studied him. He looked pissed off but also happy. That was an odd combination. Another fairy popped in. I didn’t recognize him, but the look on Julianna’s face told me he was her mate. Alexander clearly knew him. They were already being cute. Alpha Lucas practically flew across the room. He was pissed. Aiden was deeply amused and excited.

             I fell back and walked over to my dad. I linked, “What’s Lucas’ deal with that guy?” My dad snorted, “From the colorful commentary memo Drake got several years back. Fegle cheered up Emmaline when they were in a fight.” I raised an eyebrow, “So?” My dad tilted his head, “If a female fairy cheered up EJ….would you like them?” Rhea and I growled, “NO!” My dad smirked, “That’s the problem.” Angela tugged on my hand. I smiled and followed her outside. She grabbed my hand and popped me further away. I looked around, “Is this your treehouse?” Angela nodded, “Yes, only me and Alexander can find it...well TJ can too. I need your help.” I laughed, “Oh? With what?” She sighed, “Well...there are these two girls that are going to cause a scene…..Alexander gets VERY angry. EJ gets angry too. You get mad….mom is furious...which means dad is furious which means….they all get mad. It’s a whole chain reaction.” I raised an eyebrow, “What can I do?” Angela smiled, “I’ll pop you to them now. You can stop them like you did the other girl.” Rhea snickered, “I like this little girl.” I smiled and told Angela out loud, “You and Melanie would get along really well.” Angela sighed, “If we ever meet her.” I smiled, “It’s going to happen.” 

            I held my hand out for hers. She smirked and grabbed my hands. She pointed. We’d popped close enough to hear their conversation. I saw a few of my pack members looking around nervously. They looked mad too. One girl bragged, “I made out with Alexander last year.” Angela frowned. I was stunned. EJ didn’t tell me that nor did Alexander. Another girl laughed, “Claire….he’d know if you were his mate.” Claire shrugged, “I don’t have to be his mate. I could just be his first. I heard from the girls around here that he's waiting for his mate. I just need him to get drunk again.” The girl in their group sighed. Another said, “You go for Alexander, I'll go for EJ.” Several people growled. The girl rolled her eyes, “Oh calm down. He’s not mated yet. The goody two shoes wouldn’t get hurt from the mate band.” Oh that was it. I stepped out. Several people’s eyes widened. I asked, “And you are?” She crossed her arms, “Morgan. Who’s asking?” I snorted, “The goody two shoes, I prefer Elise Kyle. I’ll tell you one time. Both you and that girl….get out of here.” Claire sneered, “Or what? Alexander wants me here.” I laughed, “I’d know about you if he did. I’d imagine he was embarrassed seeing as I literally heard nothing about it. Now you and Morgan….Leave. Or I will make you leave.” 

            Morgan snorted, “You aren’t the Luna here yet.” I shrugged, “And?” Claire said, “You can’t make us leave.” I laughed, “Oh yes….I can.” I shifted into Rhea and growled at them. They backed up. Claire smirked, “I’m a warrior's daughter.” Rhea snorted, “Are they high? They can clearly see we are an Alpha’s daughter.” We circled each other and I lunged. I took her down easily.” Her wolf submitted to Rhea. I shifted back and Angela snapped clothes on us both. I turned. I could hear her clomping up behind me. I whirled and dodged her punch and decked her square in the face, “You may be a warrior's daughter, but I’m an Alpha’s.” Morgan tried to sneak up behind me. Her words about bedding EJ rang in my ears. I flipped her over my back and rammed my knee into her chest. She was having trouble breathing. I said, “Ok...now that we’ve established I can wipe the floor with your ass...honestly...I know a thirteen-year-old who gives more of a challenge than you two.” Not really a fairy comparison but practicing with Melanie was an edge. She made me work harder. I growled, “Stay the hell away from what’s mine. EJ IS MINE! Are we clear Morgan?” Morgan whimpered but nodded. I turned to Claire, “Do yourself a favor and stay away from Alexander. One crazy girl per night is the rule. There’s already one here sentenced to death for trying to r**e her. Wanna make that two?” She screamed and they both ran away. Angela snapped me clean. She nodded, “The party paths are much calmer now. Thanks Elise.” I laughed, “Anytime.”

            Liam and his son Thaddeus walked up. Thaddeus smiled, “Hey Slugger. Nice one.” I smiled, “Thanks Thad.” He smirked. Liam sighed, “Angela….you could’ve told me.” Angela frowned, “That wasn’t as fun a path. This solved the problem and….it was fun.” Everyone around us started laughing. Liam was trying not to. Thaddeus lost it. Liam rolled his eyes, “Fairies.” Angela smirked, “As so much fun. You’d be bored without us.” Thaddeus said, “Dad….I’m part fairy.” Liam smirked, “I am aware. I have fun with the fairy’s son. Especially your mother.” Thaddeus sighed, “Yeah….we all know dad. Unfortunately. As much as I try to not know that….I know.” Liam rolled his eyes, “Little Luna...you’d better go find the young Alpha before he realizes you're missing. I’ll make sure those girls get back to their territory.” I asked, “Whose territory would that be?” Liam sighed, “Alpha Theo’s.” Great because we needed another thing going against us with them. At least Alpha Theo couldn’t say I was wrong here. He also didn’t really have a problem with Black Mountain….It was Blue Moon. Alpha Lyons had defended his pack. He had every right, but the Alpha he’d killed was Alpha Theo’s brother. I sighed and went back in search of EJ.

            I found him easily. In the center of everything. Rhea purred, “He is just….mmmm girl….we need to climb all over that.” I snorted, “We did earlier.” Rhea snickered, “We need to all the time. Twenty-four seven. Let’s just lock ourselves away in a room.” EJ kissed me and asked where I’d been. I told him that I’d been around. He told me I was evasive. Yeah, well I’d been taking lessons from his family my whole life. Tristan of course had heard from our warriors that were around that I’d punched someone. EJ was surprised. I told him I’d defend what was mine. He pulled me flush against him. He used a gravely tone to tell me that it was hot. Did he HAVE to be so distracting and sexy? Rhea said, “Yes. Yes he does.” My dad and Alexander walked up ready to get this whole thing with Charline done and over with. Our group headed off. I looked at my dad when the door opened. Someone was already down there with Charline. I knew that scream. I looked around. I’d just bet it was Haley Conners. EJ popped away and so did Alexander. Eric sighed, “I’m going out on a limb and saying my Angel….beat us here.” Beta Jim Kruthers snorted, “A limb? It’s not a limb, Eric.” Bjourn laughed, “It’s really not. She’s down there.” Eric shrugged. I could tell he was proud. He should be.

            When we got down there I had to laugh. I wanted to be Haley Conner when I grew up. I had to laugh when Charline thought there were snakes on her. I linked my mom, “You helped Haley Conners torture Charline?” My mom snorted, “I gave her information. I’d have helped her torture her if she’d asked though. I didn’t know that’s where she was going. I should’ve guessed though.” Haley had done a number on Charline. She was bleeding from shallow cuts all over….if I wasn’t mistaken...Charline had been waxed too. With wax that was….entirely too hot. Aiden popped in and shot me a wink before he set Charline’s hair on fire. The smell of burned hair and skin was not one I care for, but I was going to be EJ’s Luna. I could handle this stuff. Alexander was going to talk to her last. I knew that look. He was going to kill her. I could see it in his face. EJ stepped up to ask his questions. Haley decided her name was Charlooney. I linked my mom laughing. She linked back, “You and your dad are laughing. Sam said Drake is too. What’s so funny?” I replied, “Haley has a new name for Charline.” My mom snorted, “What is it?” I laughed, “Charlooney.” My mom started laughing too. Haley Conners was a national treasure. No one could convince me otherwise.

            Charline’s plan was completely deluded. My dad asked her if she thought she could outsmart him. I rolled my eyes when she said yes. That was just sad. Charline mistakenly believed Alexander wouldn’t let her die. I was not the only person unsurprised that he planned to kill her himself. Charline gave up her appeal to Alexander and picked my dad. I knew this upset him. He hated being betrayed. He hated that someone my age was going to die. He had no sympathy for her though. He’d tried. He asked who else knew. She gave up her friends without a hand being raised to her. Gosh she was pathetic. My dad and Eric agreed he could decide what to do with her friends. Charline actually looked disappointed they weren’t immediately sentenced to death. Gosh...she was horrible. EJ asked if Charline dared Melanie to cross the border. Alexander inched forward. Charline said she did, but Melanie wouldn’t do it. Drake frowned. Charline believed Melanie had crossed later though. Then she took a jab at Melanie about being smart. Alexander was done. I was done. Melanie was literally a genius. That wasn’t even an exaggeration. She was. I quickly left knowing I didn’t want to know what he was going to do. 

            The second we got up to the top and shut the door. Haley and EJ’s eyes blazed. My dad linked me, “That’s not their anger is it?” I linked back, “No. It’s Alexander’s.” Haley was confused. Bless that woman. She was so observant and not at the same time. Her respect for others was off the chart though. You had to admire that. Bjourn told Haley to go put Angela and TJ down. She wanted to be certain Charlooney….I was telling Melanie that nickname. Charlooney was dying tonight. I didn’t think there was a single way Charlooney would be breathing by the time Alexander got up here. If he heard a quarter of what she’d said to Melanie….she was done for. 

            My dad and Drake started to leave. My dad told EJ to have me home by one. I sighed. I wanted to spend the night. My throat closed when my dad pointed out that I had a finite amount of time left at my home. I was ready but moving was still big. I’d been there my whole life. EJ put his arm around me. I linked Tristan, “You guys head inside. We will be in once Alexander calms down.” Tristan snorted, “See you in the next life then Elise.” I bit back my laugh, “Who knew you had jokes T?” Tristan winked at me, and he and Jason walked inside. Alexander popped to us. I took a step back. I could honestly say….this was the angriest I’d ever seen him. Bjourn was ready to take him away and bring him home tomorrow. Eric simply told Alexander to stay until after Sunday dinner. I knew EJ wanted to discuss Alania with his family this Sunday. He’d shared their suspicions. I’d pointed out the family didn’t want his mom to know. He needed to find out why before he told his mom their theory. He agreed and had come up with a plan….well…Cassie came up with a plan to make sure their mom was busy for the conversation.

            EJ and Alexander hugged then he left. EJ and I went upstairs. It was almost time for me to go home. EJ was surprised it was so late. I pointed out if Alexander used his pushing power….if he heard what was said he’d be pissed….if he saw it….He’d be angry for a week. Tristan walked up teasing us about how we were cutting it close. EJ popped me home. We were making out on my porch until Ray cleared his throat. Amusement danced in my eyes when he said he wouldn't take a night off if I turned into slugger. EJ said I needed to tell him about it. There was nothing to tell really. Those girls would stay away from what was mine if they knew what was good for them. I called EJ my boyfriend. Ray managed not to laugh. EJ didn’t like it when I called him boyfriend. Rhea snorted, “because he’s so much more.” I smirked, “I know.” Rhea purred, “Last time though….the s*x we had after you called him boyfriend….let’s change his name to boyfriend in our phone...someone will tell him and GOD.” She flashed images in my mind. I quickly shut them down. EJ kissed me again and I went inside before Rhea had me ripping his clothes off on the front lawn. 

            The next day I went to see Melanie. Sam said I could go up to her room. I found her easily. She was reading her Thoroughbred book series. I laughed, “How many times have you read through those?” Melanie smiled and shut her book, “A few times. Ashleigh Griffen is my favorite character….I’d say Melanie but that seems vain.” I laughed, “It’s a character, it's not vain.” She smiled. I asked, “How long are you grounded?” Melanie shrugged, “They said if I admitted it….I’d be out of being grounded, but I’m not admitting to something I didn’t do.” I wouldn’t either. I nodded, “Fair enough.” She asked, “Is my Xander ok?” I smiled, “He’s fine. Charline has a new name. It’s Charlooney and she’s...also never coming back. I hear you talked to him.” She blushed, “Charlooney is a great name! Yeah….I texted him. He believed me, Elise….right off the bat no questions. He even made me a promise. He promised we’d meet someday and that he’d be ok.” I smiled, “Well, he can’t break a promise.” Melanie sighed, “He wouldn’t be specific though. Fairies live for a very long time.” I laughed, “But you know you’ll meet him.” Melanie nodded, “I know. He’s mine.” I laughed, “I hope so.” Melanie muttered, “He is. I know it.” We hung out for an hour before Sam told me I had to go.

            I changed quickly before EJ showed up to go to the Hackura realm. Ray of course came with us. Now he was just never going to let me go anywhere alone even though….I handled myself just fine. EJ’s family was here. Minus Cassie. I didn’t expect her though. EJ was surprised Max was here. Apparently he wasn’t supposed to be. I shot a look at Angela. She just smiled her megawatt smile at me. I’d noticed Micah was never around if Max was. Angela was setting them up to meet. I stiffened. Were they mates? I raised an eyebrow at Angela who just kept grinning. 

            EJ deployed Cassie’s plan to get their mom out of the house. It was of course about a party being planned. The Hackura weren’t exactly known for throwing parties. Not the way Haley Conners did. She couldn’t resist popping away to fix it. Eric of course noticed EJ had gotten rid of their mom. We all took a seat and EJ and Alexander asked about what they’d learned. EJ and Alexander had explained it to their siblings, so they weren’t shocked. They were just interested. Especially Angela. Poor thing. She knew there was something about Alania and her. I had the answer to that. Alania was jealous of her. Jealous that Angela was more powerful. Of her own grandchild. I wished I could kick Alania’s ass. I watched Eric closely. He knew. Whatever truly happened to Alania….he knew. EJ told his grandma he thought she killed her. Cassie and I didn’t. I think Veronica was going to take her time, but Alania crossed a line. I think his grandpa killed her. I smiled when Titus admitted he killed Alania. I knew it. Titus seemed to be reliving the moment the last gift from Alania came when the triplets and I were three. Haley had almost lost Preston, William, and Julian. I wiped a tear away at the thought. I loved all three of them. They had big destinies. I could feel it.

            Preston shot me a wink. I rolled my eyes. Those boys. The world was definitely better off for having them in it. Titus was upset with himself that he’d stopped the gifts from coming to Haley, but he didn’t think Alania would have a loophole for Angela. Of course she did. She would think anything she set up for Angela wouldn’t hurt Haley. Angela had a stubborn look on her face. I knew that look. She was already trying to outsmart Alania. She probably could. We just needed to be vigilant. Eric admitted he’d even tortured Alania after he figured out she wasn’t dead. EJ put together that his mom’s last letter from her mother was truly from Veronica. I was surrounded by women I admired. That was such a selfless thing to do. To give Haley the words she deserved to hear from her birth mom. The Hackura women truly did amaze me sometimes. They asked why their mom didn’t know. Marcus quickly told them they were worried she’d blame herself. I sighed. I waffled. I think at this point...Haley could handle it. This was a woman who nearly caused her to lose her children. On the other hand….Alania had done enough damage. We should all just let this lie.

            All the Conners siblings agreed to let this go. EJ added he was going to Cassie. EJ and his siblings hugged their family members. Haley popped back announcing she’d fixed the party they were planning. I wasn’t alone in my laugh. Gunner was laughing right there with me. Max went stiff beside me. I raised an eyebrow at Angela who was already clapping and cheering. Micah walked around the corner. Several people’s jaws dropped. Max vaulted over the table with ease and ran to Micah declaring him his. Only because I turned to Angela did I see the flash. I turned. Alexander was leaving the room. I pushed back my chair quietly. Bjourn nodded to me as I slipped out. Seriously these people just never missed anything. I slipped out and ran following Alexander’s scent. He was on the beach. Sitting in the sand crying. I put my hand on his back. I didn’t say anything. He cried, “I'm a bad brother.” I snorted, “I know nineteen people who would disagree with you. Vehemently.” He wiped his eyes, “I’m happy for him. I really am. I know he’ll be so happy with Micah. I’m proud of him.” I whispered, “I know. You just want your mate too.” Alexander looked up, “It’s one thing around wolves….they have to wait until their eighteen, but...I’m a fairy. I have so many conflicting feelings. I just….I feel like I’m losing my mind Elise.”