The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Odd Behavior Pt. 4

      Ben asked, “Where’s Ladybug?” Drake said, “Umm….” Esther sighed, “Oh Drake….you didn’t let her come?” Drake winced, “I….I didn’t know this….was a party.” Jason and Tristan jumped in. Tristan said, “It’s your party guys. Let’s enjoy it. Ladybug was disappointed, but she wants you to have fun. She had so much fun coordinating everything with grandma.” Alexander walked out. I looked around. I asked, “Where’s Melinda?” Elise was frowning. She said, “Oh, she had a piano thing. She was never coming.” I nodded, “What was wrong with Cousin Emmaline?” Elise tapped my wrist.

         I knew she wanted me to do my space unheard chant. I quickly did. Elise smiled, “Emmaline popped to get this picture. I can’t believe I forgot it. I told her it was an emergency.” I smiled, “So she’s met Melanie now?” Elise nodded, “I can’t believe she’s never met her. I swear it’s all just a series of weird coincidences.” I snorted, “Sure.” I saw Chelsea get a call and step out. I was on alert when she didn’t come back. The party wound down. I asked my dad, “Can I stay with Elise and then pop home?” My dad nodded, “Sure, your guard will stay so pop them back with you.” I nodded. I helped Elise start packing some stuff up as my family left. I could’ve snapped it done, but then I’d have to leave her sooner. 

        Eventually I asked, “Where’s your mom? She never came back?” Peter walked over. He said, “Drake…” Drake turned smiling, “Hey man. Thanks for the….what’s wrong?” Peter sighed, “There was an accident. Melanie dislocated her shoulder. She’s fine. The pack doctor already reset it. Chelsea is with her. She didn’t want to ruin the party for you and Sam.” Drake snarled, “What kind of accident? She was supposed to be at home.” Peter sighed, “I haven’t gotten clear information… I sent all our warriors home Drake. She’s ok.” I offered, “My mom or Alexander could heal her.” Drake sighed, “It’s not an emergency.” That stung. 

            Peter smiled, “Thank you for the offer EJ. She’s already healed. Her arm is just a little sore.” Sam said, “We need to get home right now Drake! My poor baby!” They left with Tristan and Jason on their heels. I snapped everything packed. Peter said, “EJ, why don’t you pop on home? Elise can call you later.” I wanted to check on Melanie. I didn’t know if she was my brother’s mate, but I did know he cared about her. I knew that Elise did too. Peter’s gaze softened, “Drake’s not going to let anyone near Melanie. He’s very protective of her.” I sighed, “I’d never hurt her. I know she’s important to Elise.” Peter nodded, “I promise she’s ok. Chelsea is with her. Elise can call you later.” I sighed, “Alright.” I kissed Elise and popped home. 

            My dad was startled. He was in the living room with a glass of whiskey. He said, “I thought you were staying longer.” I shrugged, “Something happened with Melanie. She dislocated her arm.” My dad frowned, “That’s why Luna Chelsea left and didn’t come back?” I nodded, “Melanie didn’t want to ruin her parents' party.” Eric frowned, “I’ll call and let them know your mom would heal her.” I told him, “I offered. They said she’d already healed. Her arm was just a little sore.” My dad shrugged, “I’ll offer anyway.” I nodded and walked upstairs. My brother Theo was waiting for me in my room. He asked, “I heard you say imaginary Melanie got hurt. Is she ok?” I nodded, “Seems she’s fine. She just has a sore arm.” He jumped off my bed and ran away. I raised an eyebrow. I left my door open a crack and watched my little brother knock on Alexander’s bedroom. He was inside for a few minutes then came back out with twenty dollars. Oh you’ve got to be kidding me! Alexander paid Theo to ask me about Melanie. Why wasn’t Alexander telling me about this? I sighed. 

            My phone lit up. Elise was calling. I answered, “If it isn’t my girl…” Elise was crying. I asked, “Elise? Babe? What’s wrong?” She said, “Someone broke into the McAlister’s house and a few of the other houses in the pack. That’s how Melanie got hurt. Most everyone was at the party. By the time we got back...they’d escaped somehow. She fought off eight adults. At least one was a witch.” I bolted up, “But she’s ok.” Elise said, “Her shoulder was already reset. She’s complaining that the pack doctor wants her arm in a sling for a few days. I’m scared, EJ. What if Drake’s not paranoid? What if Alpha Ezra really is coming for the McAlister’s?” I frowned, “It was probably just luck Elise. No one was supposed to be home. They weren’t looking for Melanie.” Elise took a deep breath, “You’re right. Maybe they just wanted to break some stuff and let us know they got in.” I nodded, “I’m sure that’s it.” We hung up the phone. I linked my dad, “Your office.” He didn’t answer for a minute. He sounded out of breath, “I’ll be there.” I didn't want to think about what he’d been doing.

            My dad walked into his office. I asked, “You’re watching Alpha Ezra right?” My dad nodded, “Of course. Why?” I said, “Melanie got hurt in a break in. There was at least one witch involved. They were long gone by the time Chelsea and some warriors got there.” My dad frowned, “That….alright. Poor kid. Her dads going to put her on a stricter lock down.” I said, “What if it was a test run?” My dad frowned, “I will look into it.” I nodded and went back to bed. Preston’s words were running through my mind. Alexander’s mate needed us to protect her. I’d keep a closer eye on Melanie. I didn’t know what she was to Alexander, but she was important. He cared. He was a little aloof with others, but our family knew Alexander cared deeply about things. He just didn’t show it. I had to protect my brother and my girl’s hearts. I could do that. I closed my eyes thinking over plans.