The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Fighting for What's Mine Pt. 3

            I frowned, “Why?” He shook his head, “I can’t talk about it. It hurts.” I frowned, “Alexander….what’s going on?” He just kept crying. I’d never seen him so upset before. I’d barely seen him cry. I just kept rubbing his back. EJ came out and joined us. Alexander immediately said he was happy for Max. EJ said he knew that. EJ picked him up and hugged him. Alexander cried into his neck. Moon goddess….please let him explain to us. EJ consoled him telling him he’d meet his mate. Alexander couldn’t hide his bitterness when he asked if he would. He had to. He’d promised Mel he’d meet her. Alexander stepped back. I watched the walls go back up around him. He apologized to us. He was shutting us back out. Damn it! He broke briefly whispering he wanted his mate. He wanted her. Come on….I held my breath hoping he would say Melanie’s name. He didn’t though. He just said we should go back inside. We ate quietly. Angela had lost her excitement about Max and Micah. She looked so sad. Nothing could cheer her up. She was looking at everyone but Alexander. She must have known how upset he was. 

            When we left Alexander just wordless went to the gym. Haley looked worriedly at him. She looked at Eric then sighed. I could tell she wanted to know what was going on, but she was respecting Alexander’s choices. EJ and I walked over to a hill and just sat down, and he held me. Angela popped to us. She was crying. She was upset about Alexander. She didn’t understand why his paths were blurred. She was young, and Alexander himself had just admitted to me he was confused. Maybe that’s why. He kept changing his own paths because he felt like he was crazy? Was that possible? Or was there really some cosmic ploy in play? I shook myself. That was still silly. Rhea whispered, “What if it’s not cosmic? But something is going on?” I frowned, “What?” Rhea sighed, “I don’t know but….it does seem weird.” EJ was rocking Angela back and forth. I needed to figure this out. How was I going to do that? Soon I’d be moving here. I just needed to get Melanie here too. That was all there was to it. It wasn’t some big conspiracy. I was being dramatic. Being here would make it easier.

            EJ popped us to the gym. Alexander didn’t stop eating the heavy bag until he heard Angela’s cries. He immediately picked her up. He assured her this wasn't her fault. He pointed out Angela was doing really well with her sight. She’d saved Cassie last year. Both of them had scared the s**t out of all of us. That was a whole….ordeal…. Of giant misunderstandings. Alexander and EJ still hadn’t forgiven themselves for it. They were being ridiculous; it wasn’t their fault. I focused when Angela said Alexander was upset with his friend. What? What friend? Angela told us about a fight with EJ and Alexander was coming where they both were upset. That EJ tells him he’s out of space to give him. I frowned. I knew EJ was running out of space. Alexander asked for space four years ago. What was going to happen that EJ finally snapped? Angela wanted assurance they wouldn’t stay mad at each other long. Alexander teased her that EJ couldn’t stay mad at him for very long. Longer than he could Angela or Cassie, but probably not super long. I told Angela I’d help her and Cassie if they stayed mad too long. Angela was still upset. She wanted to help. Angela said she’d figure out her blurred visions and help Alexander. Then meddle. He told her not to stress about it. She pointed out he didn’t tell her not to meddle. As if that would have mattered. She’d have done it regardless of what he said. 

            Once Angela left EJ told Alexander he was running out of space. Alexander admitted he knew that. Why did he look scared? What was he so afraid of? EJ’s dad walked in and said he wanted to talk. I asked if I needed to go home. Eric said no. He always included me in pack discussions since I was EJ’s mate. He always made me feel included. Just like Haley did. She’d had me sit in on some disputes with her. She’d even had me decide a couple. I was nervous but excited. She urged me to follow my instincts. Then told me what a great job I’d done. Eric explained he wanted to know their decision about taking over the pack. They were ready. Pride and fear hit me. This was the largest pack in the country. EJ was already a target….leading the pack...I was so proud of him. He’d worked very hard. I could tell he was surprised. Alexander was letting EJ make the choice. His face said it all. Whatever EJ decided Alexander would back him. I wasn’t surprised Cassie said she would help out as she could. My friend was quite busy herself. 

            EJ outlined his idea. He wanted his dad to stay on but start taking over responsibilities slowly that it was an abrupt handover. They worked side by side for a year. I was so proud of him. He was so smart. He didn’t care what was traditional. He was saying what would work best for him and his family. Rhea sighed, “He’s just...everyone should leave. I need to show him my appreciation for his Alphaness.” I smirked. I held his hand. Not even bothering to hide my pride. It was a weight off me too. I could move here and work with his mom. She and I could do the same thing. Transitioning slowly to me at the helm. I could tell Eric was proud of EJ’s plan too. Alexander was exuding his right along with me. We left to go find his cousins to tell them about the plan. Daisy wasn’t here though. She’d be back soon though. EJ encouraged Saied to follow her dreams. He pointed out Austin could run the pack. He also pointed out she shouldn’t have to give up her dreams of being the female lead warrior just because she was the oldest sibling. Her dreams mattered too. Her eyes filled with tears as she went to find her dad. I was happy for her. I was so damn proud of EJ. I loved this pack. They didn’t care about tradition. At the heart of the Conners family was making sure everyone was happy. No matter what that looked like.

            Daisy ran past us and found her mate. It was the little Omega that loved to cook with Mrs. Blanch. I was so happy for Daisy. She’d been crushing on Zoe since they moved here three years ago. Alexander bit out that EJ and her chat would have to wait until later. He turned and left. I went to follow him, but EJ stopped me. When Eric came in, he quickly left in search of Alexander. If anyone understood...It would be him. He’d been the oldest Alpha without a mate. Many told him to just pick a chosen mate. He refused. My dad admired him for that. As their family celebrated another mated couple EJ popped me home. 

            He kissed me and told me soon I’d be eighteen. I was humming with excitement. I told him I’d left another suitcase in his room. He simply told me it was our room. I couldn’t stop my blush. I loved it when he said things like that. He was so perfect. He told me he wanted to do my Luna Ceremony after he’d fully taken over. I told him that lined up with my plan to learn from his mom and copy his plan with his dad. For some reason taking over at nineteen seemed less like a mountain I’d struggle to climb. Probably because Haley Conners had taken over at nineteen and crushed it. She was a Luna, Princess, and went to college for her therapist degree. Seriously….she had to barely sleep. EJ whispered he wanted to have our mating ceremony sooner though. Nerves flooded me. I was certain now I wanted to wait on pups, but I didn’t want to disappoint him. EJ picked up on my tension. He told me that we could wait on that. I told him it wasn’t that. I eventually told him everything. That I wanted to wait. I didn’t even have to wait. He laughed and told me it was fine. He said it was my body and whenever I was ready….we’d have a pup. GOOD GOD! Is there a way he was not perfect? We’d fought before, but we always talked our fights out. 

            He pointed out we had a lot of time because he was a fairy. We’d talked about him sharing his light with me. My life was already going to be extended to a fairy's lifetime. Sharon had shared her light. Then I would join Black Mountain. Centuries. Rhea, “I could look at his face for centuries.” EJ again offered to let me become the Alpha here. I loved him for it. After just being offered his dad’s position he still thought of me. I kissed him with everything in me. I told him that our destiny was in his pack. Not here. EJ’s eyes jerked to the side a second before Melanie bounded onto the porch. I raised an eyebrow. She must have seen EJ from her window. She handed EJ a present and took off. I bit my lip. She’d given me Cassie and EJ’s presents to take to the party early. This had to be Alexander’s. I’d asked her but she hadn’t told me what she’d gotten him. EJ watched her climb back into her house. He asked if she was still grounded. I told him they’d asked her to admit it to get let off early, but she refused. EJ said the present was for Alexander. Duh. Sometimes….men. He laughed and said he didn’t get a present. I rolled my eyes. He did. He just hadn’t opened it yet. He didn’t understand why he had Alexander's present. Honestly...Melanie wanted to give it to Alexander herself. That’s why she still had it. She gave it to EJ the first time she saw him because…..she wanted her Xander to have it.

            EJ popped away. I walked inside. Dalton and Dakota were waiting. I sat down, “What’s up guys?” Dalton asked, “What’s up with Alexander?” I frowned, “I’m not getting into this, guys.” Dalton sighed, “Do we need to worry that without you here...Black mountain won’t want to be our allies?” I gaped and hit both of them in the shoulder, “That will never happen! You are my brothers. Alexander isn’t upset with you.” Dakota frowned, “He seems to be. He leaves whenever our group enters the room. Jason said sometimes he feels like Alexander is on the cusp of beating him up. Or getting mad at him.” I frowned, “That’s not about….” Oh my god. Angela said Alexander got mad at his friend. Was it Jason? Why would he get mad at Jason? He wasn’t grounding Mel. I shook myself, “That’s not what it looks like.” Dalton studied me, “What is it about then?” Tristan’s voice floated through the back door, “Melanie.” We all turned to him. Tristan sat down, “It’s about Mel. It has to be. He wants to meet her too. Right?” I shrugged, “I don’t actually know that. I can tell you he’s teased me about her existence for years. Maybe he thinks it’s all just some big joke we won’t let go of.”

            Dalton snorted. Tristan said, “He’s protective of Ladybug. I think he’s annoyed he hasn’t met her.” Dakota raised an eyebrow. Tristan eventually left. Dakota grabbed my arm, “T’s wrong isn’t he? He’s not connecting the dots because he thinks it’s crazy that Alexander would like Melanie. It’s not though. Alexander doesn’t have a mate. He’s a strong fighter….so is she….She’s a beta’s daughter….does Alexander suspect she’s his mate? Is that why he’s so damn pissed when he sees she’s not with our group?” I shrugged, “He hasn’t told me that.” Dalton laughed, “Evasive big sister. I see you. I see the writing on the wall. I don’t see why he’d be annoyed with Jason though.” I sighed, “I don’t know the answer to that either.” They both nodded and we all went to sleep. 

            EJ had been really busy taking over pack work. Even slowly the amount was staggering. Haley was copying me on all her stuff for me to review at my own pace. She said once I moved I could let her know when I was settled. She said I could jump in or give myself time to get my bearings. It was all up to me. I really liked her. Melanie came into the house. Her eyes were puffy. I sighed, “Mel….” She cried, “It’s going to be so different without you here.” I held her, “You can come see me anytime.” She snorted, “Yeah right.” I frowned, “I can come see you.” She wiped her tears, “That’s more likely. You’re going to be busy though. You’re going to be the Luna.” I laughed, “We’ll figure it out. Ok?” She nodded. My week passed like that. It was heart wrenching. Melanie signed up for a competition. She threw herself into choreographing a new routine. She dragged me out to her meadow so I could watch. I’d sobbed my eyes out because of her song choice. She’s picked I’ll Always Remember You by Miley Cyrus. It was beautiful. She’d win. I hugged her, “I’ll never walk away. This isn’t goodbye. It’s I’ll see you later.” She nodded and whispered, “Ok.” Drake walked up, “Come on Ladybug….you and your mom need to get moving. Tristan wants you to say happy birthday before he leaves too.” He winked at me. 

            I wiped my tears and splashed water in my face. By the time I got back downstairs EJ was already there. I flung myself at him. I wanted him to take it all away. He said Hi to me. Just like that. Everything was ok again. The second the clock struck midnight the moment I’d been waiting for happened. His scent hit me, and Rhea and I growled, “MINE!” Right along with Brutus and EJ. EJ took my hand, and we ran outside. He popped us to the treehouse he’d conjured two years ago. I’d brought Mel here. Now she could use this place. It would be her escape. As soon as we were there EJ snapped us naked. He was going to take his time. I couldn’t wait anymore. I was ready to explode. I wanted his mark on my neck. Rhea linked, “You tell him girlfriend! Get us marked by his sexy fine ass.” I ended up having to take control, but EJ quickly flipped us and kept pounding into me. Rhea said, “Marking time….I’m coming forward.” I saw Brutus had already taken over. I came and EJ sank his teeth into me. I had to bite him quickly before I lost myself. As soon as I bit him, marking him I let myself feel. There were stars. My ears were ringing. I couldn’t feel anything with pleasure. I saw EJ’s hand light up. He put it on my chest. I don’t know where I went….but I knew I’d left my body in pleasure. Rhea was purring in my head. When I came back to myself EJ was trying to talk. 

            Men. I’d just been marked by an Alpha...Sleep….I needed sleep. I told him to take me home. He got it wrong. I told him I wanted to go to our home. He was it for me now. It was sad to leave my family here, but He and I were ready. I didn’t want to be apart from him. This was it. He was my forever. It was official. I was claimed. I was going to be the Luna of Black Mountain Pack. I’d make them all proud. My parents, EJ, Haley, Eric, Mel, and most importantly myself. I could do this. It was my destiny. I could do anything with EJ by my side.