The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Odd Behavior Pt. 3

            My dad’s hands twitched. He growled, “You look beautiful princess.” She did. She was in a two piece dress. The crop top was white with pearls and the bottom was white with blue flowers. I linked Alexander, “Anyone but Jason looks at her and they are dead meat.” Alexander linked, “Agreed. We are going to be busy tonight. She looks amazing.” I agreed with him. I smiled, “You look beautiful Cass.” Alexander said, “You do.” My mom fanned her face, “Eric…” My dad kissed her, “They will be fine. Go on you guys. You’ll be late.” Alexander grabbed our hands and popped. I looked at him when we landed in Elise’s yard. I asked, “Since when are you so excited about this dance?” Alexander said, “Let’s just go inside.” We walked where Jason and Tristan were already waiting. Elise hadn’t come down yet. Drake smiled, “You boys look nice and Cassie….wow….you look beautiful.” Cassie asked, “Where’s Melanie? Elise said she’d be here today.” Drake sighed, “She’s at a competition with her mom.” Alexander asked, “What? I thought you said she didn’t have one tonight, Jase?” Jason sighed, “She didn’t….then one came up.” Alexander got quiet again. He’d pulled his feelings back. I studied him out the corner of my eye. Was Melanie’s crush not one sided? Did I miss the fact that my brother liked her too? Why wouldn’t he say anything?

            All those thoughts were stopped when Elise walked down the stairs. She took my breath away. The v cut on the top of her dress was hard to look away from. She was in a satin pale yellow short dress that came to her mid thigh. Charline was behind her. Jason had finally gathered the courage to walk over to Cassie. He whispered, “You look beautiful, Cass. I’m a lucky guy.” Alexander said, “Yes you are.” It came out as a near growl. Cassie and I both looked at him. He just said nothing. Elise walked up to me. I hugged her, “You look stunning.” Alexander spoke, “You look beautiful Charline.” At least he was being nice. Drake said, “Alright let’s load up. I’m your driver for the evening. Drop off and pick up.” Chelsea yelled, “Wait! Drake! We have to take pictures!” All the guys but me groaned. We posed for several pictures then loaded up. Alexander shot to the back of the car. Drake said, “Sorry about the mess back there. Melinda and Melanie left some stuff in the back. I looked and saw two hoodies. I smiled, “It’s not a mess. It’s fine.” I wrapped and arm around Elise. When we got to the school I guided her out of the car. I did a double take. I’d sworn there were two hoodies in the back. Now there was only one. I shook myself. Whatever.

            I walked Elise inside her school. We dance to a few songs. After a we’d been there for an hour I looked at my brother, “Don’t let anyone near her.” He nodded. He’d been quiet. He was normally quiet, but this was quieter than usual. I walked up to the DJ. I asked, “Can you play Just the way you are by Bruno Mars?” DJ smiled, “Sure thing kid. I’ll play it next.” I nodded, “Thank you, sir.” The DJ said, “You’re welcome.” I walked back over to Elise. Alexander was glaring daggers at someone. I turned and let loose a low growl. Robert. I needed to talk to Elise after this dance. I took her hand, “I have a surprise for you.” Elise giggled. She took my hand and I led her to the dance floor as our song began to play. I led her in the ballroom dance. She looked at me shocked. I twirled and dipped her all while keeping the rhythm to the steps Melanie had taught me. I was a fairy. Dancing came naturally to me. When I dipped her at the end several people applauded. I felt Cassie and Alexander’s pride. I winked at them. I took Elise’s hand, and I slipped out the side of the gym with her. 

         She giggled, “Where are we going?” I grabbed her and pulled her behind a tree. I looked into her eyes and bent down to kiss her. Her lips were so soft. I pulled back, “I’ve been dying to do that.” She blushed. I smiled, “I love when you blush.” She smiled, “Did you look up ballroom dancing?” I smiled, “Oh no…” I looked around. No one was out here. I said, “I met your imaginary little sister. She taught me.” Elise gasped, “You met Melanie?!” I nodded, “You told me she was home. Now I have a few questions.” Elise smiled, “Sure. Just as soon as you apologize for all your teasing about her being imaginary.” I bent down and kissed her again. I pulled back, “I am very sorry I doubted the existence of Melanie McAlister. Please forgive me babe.” She blushed, “Of course.” I smiled, “Now….. she had a wolf with her.” Elise smirked, “Did she?”

        I nodded, “A wolf I seem to remember you saying she goes everywhere with. It looks strikingly familiar. Then she asked if my family was coming to her parents' anniversary party. She almost called Alexander, Xander.” Elise smiled. I continued, “Her toy looks identical to my brother's wolf, Elise.” Elise smiled, “Well what a coincidence that is.” I snorted, “Oh, I don’t think so. I think it’s very intentional. Anyway she told me something she said you could verify.” Elise raised an eyebrow, “Ok.” I asked, “Does Robert give her a hard time about the wolf because he said it’s not a real alpha wolf? That they are all black and she needs a different colored wolf.” Elise’s eyes went wide, “She told you?” I nodded, “She did. She’s very smart. She knows exactly what I would do if that was what he said. I want to know if it’s true.” Elise sighed, “It’s true.” I kissed her again. I nodded, “I know why you didn’t tell me. Melanie has had a crush on my brother since she was little. You’re a future Luna and you kept her secret. I’m proud of you babe. You’re going to be an amazing Luna and Alpha by my side.” Elise smiled, “She’s still little.” I nodded, “She is. Let’s get back inside.” I grabbed her hand and we walked back into the gym.

            Alexander nodded to me when we came back in. He smiled, “Nice moves big brother.” I smiled, “Thanks little brother.” Eventually Elise ran to the bathroom. I spotted Cassie with Jason. Brutus linked me, “Get to mate!” I took off. Alexander shot me a look. I walked into the hall. I heard voices. I found Robert on the ground. I snarled. The strap on Elise’s dress was broken. I picked Robert up, and slammed him into the wall. Ray was going to be pissed he didn’t come with us tonight. I gripped him by the throat, “You put your hands on her?!” Robert was trying to answer but my grip didn’t allow for that. Elise whispered, “Not exactly.” I slammed Robert into the wall again. Elise said, “EJ…. not here.” I let him go. I growled, “You should thank her. She just saved your life. When I hear the whole story it may not matter. I was already going to kick your ass. I hear you like to torment little girls about their toys. I hear you don’t think a wolf that’s not all black is an Alpha. I’ll tell you once. My brother is very much an Alpha. Leave Melanie McAlister alone.” Elise said, “He does now.” I snorted, “Oh no he doesn’t.” Elise gasped. Robert said, “How do you…..?” I cut him off, “Not unlike my father…. I know things. Leave Melanie alone. Are we clear?” Robert growled, “She shouldn’t have that wolf!”

            I grabbed Elise. I told her, “We are going back to your house. Robert, you’ll explain to your Alpha what you did.” If I didn’t like the answer Robert was dead. We’d reached the door when I heard a snarl I knew well. I cursed myself. Alexander probably followed me. He’s heard everything. Elise whispered, “EJ….” I turned around in time to see Alexander throw Robert into a glass trophy case. I linked Cassie, “Get out here now!” She popped to me with Jason. She gasped, “What happened?” Elise sighed, “Robert doesn’t think alpha’s that aren’t all black are real Alpha’s.” Cassie growled. Then asked, “What happened to your dress?” Elise sighed. Cassie yelled, “Oh that jerk!” She shot him with her sunlight burning his arm. All our guards came out. Alexander hissed, “I assure you Robert. I’m a f*****g Alpha.” There was no doubt about that. Alexander was kicking his ass. He spoke out space unheard chant. I cursed. Whatever he said Robert didn’t agree. i***t. Alexander slammed him down. Elise gasped, “Is he going to kill him?” I linked Alexander, “Don’t kill him.” Alexander snarled at me, but I felt his acceptance of the order. He stood. Robert started screaming. I knew what was happening. My brother was using his pushing power. Alexander’s anger doubled. He yelled at Robert. After a few rounds of pushing Robert must have agreed to whatever Alexander wanted to know. Elise asked, “What’s going on?” I said, “You know when we push things we get flashes sometimes. I’m guessing Alexander didn’t like the flashes he saw or heard.” Sometimes we could only hear what was said.

       Peter and Drake ran inside. Drake said, “Oh shit.” Jason said, “So I guess Robert doesn’t think Alpha’s that aren’t all black are real Alpha’s. On top of that...he assaulted Elise.” Peter snarled, “HE WHAT?!” By this point most of the school was in the hallway. I popped to my brother. I put his hand on shoulder. He spoke the chant so I could hear him. I linked him, “What did you see when you pushed things at him?” Alexander replied, “Nothing. I heard him.” He didn’t seem like he was going to add more. Drake spoke, “Let’s get back home.” Alexander glared at Robert. I could feel my brother desperately wanted to kill Robert. I linked dad, “Little problem.” My dad linked, “I heard. Your guards called. Did you stop Alexander from killing Robert?” I answered, “Until I know the reason Elise’s dress was ripped I did…..If I don’t like the answer...I’m going to kill him.” My dad sighed, “Let me know.” We got into the car. Alexander was still angry. He helped Charline into the car though. She looked like a hungry tiger eyeing her meat. Alexander couldn’t have been less interested in her though. 

            When we got back to the house Chelsea was waiting. I asked, “Did Melanie win her competition?” Jason answered, “It’s a two day competition.” We got out of the car, and I grabbed Alexander’s arm. Everyone else went inside except me, Cassie, Alexander, and Elise. I told Alexander, “Do something to calm down. If that means you pop to Uncle Bjourn...fight a warrior….I don’t care but you are on edge.” Alexander growled, “Of course I am! He’s VILE! He’s possessive over your mate and a nine-year-old! Has been since she was three!” I jerked back, “What do you mean he’s possessive of Elise?” Alexander snorted, “Just that. He wants her.” I snarled. Cassie said, “EJ….wanting doesn’t produce results.” Elise said, “I’m yours EJ. Always. Alexander…..what do you mean he’s possessive about Melanie? That’s what you meant right?” Alexander snarled, “He’s told her she’s his. His to toy with, his to play with. He ridiculed her over her toy. He wants to rip it to pieces in front of her.” I asked, “That’s what you heard when you pushed things to him?” Alexander’s jaw ticked, “He made her cry.” I frowned, “Go beat something up. Then come back. Just calm down.” Alexander popped away.  

            Cassie studied me, “You’re simmering.” I looked at her, “Yes, I am. I’m the calmer one of us all. This is a little girl and my mate though. So we’re sticking with simmering. I’ll listen to his story. If I was older and the Alpha….I’d kill him.” We stalked inside. I inclined my head, “Cassie, ask him how he feels about my mate.” Robert growled. Cassie snapped her fingers, “How do you feel about Elise Kyle?” Robert tried to fight it. His dad crossed his arms staring at his son. Robert said, “I love her. She shouldn’t be EJ Conners. She should be mine.” I snarled and charged forward. Elise wrapped her arms around me. She whispered, “I’m yours.” Brutus was raging in my head, “We should kill him.” We just might get to at this rate. Robert was an i***t. I turned around, “Elise...What happened to your dress?” Robert had better pray there was a good enough answer. Elise sighed, “He approached me….creepily. I knocked him down. He was just trying to grab something. He didn’t mean to rip my strap off.” I was not alone in my growl. I turned back to Robert, “She’s saved your life twice now tonight. Cassie….” It was all I needed to say. Cassie said, “What have you been doing to Melanie McAlister and why?” Everyone stiffened. 

            Robert fought harder to not tell us anything. It didn’t matter though. He couldn’t lie if Cassie didn’t want him to. Robert sighed, “I bully her.” Drake growled, “WHAT?! STILL?” Robert said, “Yes, still. She’s still got that wolf and she shouldn’t have it! She should have a different colored wolf!” Peter rolled his eyes, “My god…..that toy again. I have had fairies AND Witches examine it. IT’S JUST A f*****g TOY FOR GODS SAKE! There’s nothing magical about it. Get over the damn toy!” Robert growled, “She’s nine! She's too old to have a stuffed animal!” Peter snarled and Robert whimpered. Peter said, “You forget your place pup. I am the Alpha of this pack. You’re telling me you’re still trying to take her toy? She’s said nothing about it.” Robert didn’t say anything. I linked Cassie, “Ask him if he really saw Melanie cross the border before our birthday.” Cassie immediately asked, “Robert, did you actually see Melanie cross the border before our birthday last year?” Robert looked directly into her eyes, “No, but other people said that did. I told Beta Female Sam about it. Everyone knows the Beta’s are crazy about her security. They kept her home and she stopped telling them when I bugged her.” Drake had to be held back. I stopped Tristan but we were missing Alexander for Jason. Cassie was not inclined to stop him. He hit Robert, “LEAVE MY SISTER ALONE! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!” 

            Drake spoke, “But she did cross the border…” Robert shrugged, “I guess. I just didn’t see it. But plenty of other people did.” Did they? I wasn’t so sure. Drake nodded mostly to himself. Alexander popped back in. He had obviously taken a shower his hair was still wet.  Cassie linked me, “Since when does showering calm him down?” I linked him, “You seem calmer.” He just nodded. Peter spoke, “We will deal with this. Cassie, Alexander, and EJ...you guys can go home.” Elise took my hand and led me outside. She squeezed my hand. I hugged her, “I’m so sorry that the night turned out this way Elise. I knew you were looking forward to it.” I actually felt some guilt from Alexander. He said, “I’m sorry Elise.” Elise said, “Hey…..you had every right to kick his butt. Don’t worry about it Alexander. He started it.” He sighed. He was going to worry about it. Cassie hugged Jason, “Thanks Jase. I had fun.” Jason blushed, “Me too. We should do it again sometime.” Cassie smiled, “That would be fun.” Charline said, “I had fun Alexander.” Alexander said, “I’m glad you did. Sorry about the ending.” Charline said, “We should do it again sometime.” Alexander shrugged, “Ummm.” Charline skipped away as if he agreed. Oh good. I linked my siblings, “Give us a minute.” They popped away. Jason sighed and went back inside. 

            I hugged Elise, “I did have fun until the end.” She smiled, “Me too. I should’ve taken Cassie with me to the bathroom. What was I thinking?” I snorted, “You handled him just fine on your own. My girl is a badass.” She blushed. I kissed her. I licked her bottom lip. She opened her mouth slightly and our tongues met for a brief moment. I pulled back, “That’s how I meant for this night to end.” Elise smiled, “I like your plan.” I looked back at the house, “If he looks in your direction….lay him out and ask questions later.” Ray jogged up, “I did say I should come.” Elise rolled her eyes, “It was a dance in our territory. I should’ve been fine.” Ray said, “Next time….I’m coming.” Elise groaned. I kissed her forehead and watched her go inside.

             I popped to my room. My dad and Alexander were waiting. I asked, “Where’s Cassie?” My dad said, “With your mom. Now that you’re both here….Alexander….you and some of your siblings don’t have all black wolves it doesn’t mean you’re not an Alpha.” Alexander snorted, “I know that. I can take any Alpha future and Current. Except you, dad. I can beat all my uncles already. I know I’m an Alpha.” My dad raised an eyebrow, “You were angrier than I’ve felt you before son.” We both waited. Alexander just shrugged, “He wants Elise.” That was true but it was evasive. Why wasn’t he telling us he was upset about Melanie? It hit me. Is that what had been going on? That’s why he was so upset about the promise we had to make? Because of her? He hadn’t even met her.

            My dad studied Alexander, “Alright. You are an Alpha Alexander. You just have other pieces of you that come through in your wolf’s fur. You’re an amazing fighter in wolf and human form. You and your brothers and your sister all have Alpha blood. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel bad for who you are. You’re unique. All of you.” Alexander nodded. My dad left. I asked, “Are you going to talk to me?” Alexander asked, “About what?” I sighed, “About whatever is bothering you?” Alexander said, “Just….let it be for now. Ok?” I pursed my lips, “Ok, but if there’s a time where I tell you to come out with it….you’d better.” Alexander looked at me, “Just….give me some space. I’ll be ok.” I frowned, “I’ll give you space brother, but I’m here if you need to talk.” Alexander nodded and popped out of my room. I frowned. I didn’t understand why he didn’t want to tell me about Melanie. I understood why he was upset. He thought he’d meet her tonight. There were plenty of times we’d thought we’d meet her. I shook myself this would be resolved at Drake and Sam’s surprise anniversary party. 

            The next few weeks passed by quickly. Charline asked about Alexander every time I saw her. She was beginning to annoy me. Alexander would talk to her if he wanted to. Finally I asked Elise, “Why are you friends with her? I swear if she asks me about Alexander one more time….I’ll lose it. He’s not interested. I’m two steps away from saying that...harshly.” Ray snorted. Elise said, “We aren’t friends exactly. She just told me she really wanted to go to the dance. No one had asked her, so she asked about Alexander. I shouldn’t have said anything.” I smirked, “Because Melanie is pouting?” Elise snorted, “She’s….not been happy. She’s been pretty busy though. She’s really excited about the surprise party.” So was I. Maybe we could get Melanie and Alexander to stop being moody. Though….if they weren’t mates they’d both probably be even moodier. UGH. Alexander had thrown himself into training. 

            After I left Elise I found him in the gym….again. For the fifth day in a row. I said, “Brother….you’ve been here for hours.” Alexander turned. He looked at the clock, “I didn’t realize. I’ve got to shower!” He popped away. My little brother Max popped over to me. Max said, “He’s nervous. Why is he nervous?” Because he was hoping to meet his mate. I said, “You should ask him.” Max snorted and sarcastically said, “Oh thanks EJ. I hadn’t thought of that. He just kept punching the heavy bag. He didn’t answer.” I popped Max up to the main house. We were running late. Cassie ran upstairs to get Alexander. He came down. He was really quiet. My mom said, “Alexander? Are you ok?” He looked up, “Huh… what? Oh, I’m ok.” Mom frowned. She had Angela and dad had TJ. 

            We got into three cars. Our guards were driving the other two. My aunts and uncles were coming too. Our group made it with ten minutes to spare. The second we got inside I went over to Elise. She was talking to my cousin Emmaline. Emmaline had a picture in her hands. Elise kissed my cheek, “Be right back.” She went and put the picture of Drake, Sam, Jason, and Tristan in the center of the room. I frowned and looked around. There wasn’t a single picture of Melanie. Cousin Emmaline was frowning. Elise came back, “Now it’s perfect.” I raised an eyebrow. Cassie linked me, “I’m completely convinced Melanie isn’t real. How can she not be in a single picture?” I frowned, “I don’t know.” I knew she was real though. Elise looked at her phone, “Ok...they are coming!” I smiled, “Who’s your inside man? Tristan or Jason?” Elise smiled, “Tristan.” Alpha Lyons turned out the lights. Drake was on alert when they walked in. We all jumped out, “SURPRISE!” I felt Alexander’s disappointment. Melanie wasn’t with them. Drake and Sam were surprised by our appearance. Drake looked over, “Dad?” Ben McAlister laughed, “We’ve been planning with the kids for a few months.” Sam and Drake looked guilty.