The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Odd Behavior Pt. 1

EJ is fourteen years old

            EJ was training hard. I was pushing myself in a fight with my brother, Alexander. We were training with swords today. Alexander was angry about something, but he wasn't telling me what it was. It wasn’t as if I was completely clueless. My dad had sat us down and told us the McAlister family didn’t want us just popping in on them. He wanted us to promise we had to be told it was an emergency to pop to their house or to any of them. We had all promised. I knew it hurt Alexander’s feelings. It wasn’t just us though. Beta Drake had texted all the packs with fairies this rule. I knew my dad was surprised by it. It wasn’t as if any of us had ever popped into their house. I’d popped to Elise’s house countless times. To my knowledge none of my siblings had ever popped to the McAlister’s house. I heard my dad say he was surprised Beta Drake didn’t just tell him to his face. It was odd. Beta Drake never said anything to me about it when I popped in and out. Alexander wasn’t calming down though. His eyes were blazing. I linked him, “Alexander? What’s wrong?” He didn’t answer. Finally my Uncle Bjourn said, “Enough. Alexander, you can fight me.” I snorted “Mom might have to heal you then. You’re being crowned King in a few days. He’s super pissed.” 

            Alexander snarled at me. I frowned, “What the hell little brother? I know Jason is one of your best friends, but….it’s not like you popped to their house anyway!” My Uncle frowned, “What’s this about?” I sighed, “We had to promise not to pop to the McAlister’s house or the McAlister’s themselves unless they said it was an emergency.” Understanding lit in my Uncle’s eyes for a brief second. He sighed, “Go on up the house EJ. I’ll take care of Alexander’s anger.” I frowned, “I don’t know why he’s so damn angry in the first place!” Alexander said nothing. I rolled my eyes and popped outside the gym. Now I was pissed off. Alexander was keeping something from me. I knew Alexander was more sensitive than I was, but he couldn’t be this upset over something so silly. He could still pop to Red Run if he wanted. Just not the McAlister house. He could pop to the Kyle’s house and walk to the McAlister’s house. He was being ridiculous. He was keeping something from me. Cassie, Alexander, and I didn’t often keep secrets from one another. At least not ones we were this upset about.

           I smelled my dad before I saw him. I turned, “Dad.” My dad said, “Son….Alexander seems particularly angry. I had to stop your mother from coming down here. He’s not bothering to control his side of the bond.” I snorted, “I noticed. I didn’t realize he had a crush on Jason.” My dad laughed, “You know he doesn’t.” I sighed, “True, that would be Max.” My brother Max liked both boys and girls. Cassie said she had a feeling that Max’s mate would be a guy. I’d learned to trust my sister’s intuition. My dad said, “I’ll got talk to your brother.” I snorted, “While you’re at it tell him I know he’s hiding something. I’ll figure it out eventually.” My dad smiled, “I’d imagine you will.” I raised an eyebrow, “You know.” It wasn’t a question. My dad said, “I do.” I asked, “If he told you, why won’t he tell me?” My dad laughed, “He didn’t tell me. I figured it out.” I sighed, “Whatever. I’m going to Red Run.” My dad raised an eyebrow, “Elise isn’t there.” I knew she wasn’t there. She was on vacation with her family. It was torture.

            I said, “I know that. I’m not looking for her. I’m looking for the imaginary Melanie McAlister.” My dad laughed, “I don’t think she’s imaginary.” I snorted, “Yet you haven’t seen her either.” My dad said, “I didn’t see Susie Daniels for the first five years of her life, but I knew she existed. Melanie McAlister exists.” I snored, “She’s nine and no one has seen her. She’s always got something going on. Dance, guitar lessons, Math club, science club. How can a nine-year-old do all that stuff?” My dad laughed, “From what I know….she’s somewhat of a genius.” I snorted, “Well, I need her help….so I’m going to find out if she’s real or not. Don’t worry. I won’t pop to her or their house or directly to her.” My dad smiled, “I wasn’t worried. You all promised. How do you plan to find Melanie then?” I said, “Elise talks about Melanie all the time. I have places to check. Not that she’s EVER in those places when I’m around, but Elise told me that today Melanie has nothing going on. Apparently, she’s bored. Melanie stole Tristan’s phone and called her to tell her she was oh so bored. I guess Melinda is at some piano camp thing. I didn’t even know you could go to piano camp. It doesn’t matter that I'm using the inside information I have to find her. If she’s not there….I’m officially going with Melanie is their imaginary pack member.” My dad laughed, “There’s a camp for practically anything these days. Why are you going to track down Melanie?” I said, “I need her help.”

            My dad smiled, “With?” I sighed, “Elise wants to go to the dance at her school.” My dad raised an eyebrow, “I know that, but you can dance.” I nodded, “Yes, but Elise learned how to ballroom dance from Melanie. I want to surprise her by learning how to ballroom dance.” My dad smiled, “I see. You’ve already asked Elise right?” I nodded, “The dance is this weekend dad. We have Uncle Bjourn’s coronation then Elise has one more day of vacation left then it’s the dance.” My dad said, “Did you know your brother is going to the dance as well?” I shrugged, “Yeah…Elise told him that one of the warrior's daughters in their pack, Charline, wanted to go with him. He asked her. She said yes.” My dad smiled knowingly, “I’m sure...it will be quite the night. Let me know if you find Melanie McAlister. I can’t deny I’m curious about her. Rumor is they believe she’ll be their female lead warrior.” I snorted, “I’m going to find her. It’s not a rumor. She can put guys twice her age and size down. Just...keep this between us. Someone could slip up and tell Elise.” My dad smiled, “I wasn’t planning to tell anyone.” 

            I took off as he walked into the gym. My mom yelled, “Hi EJ!” I turned around and smiled at my very pregnant mom. It was twins again. This would be twenty of us. Mom was pregnant with a girl and a boy this time. We were all preparing harder knowing our sister with the strongest sight ever was about to be born. I spoke quickly, “In a rush mom.” She smiled, “Is your dad with Alexander?” I nodded. She said, “Well, go on. I can feel your impatience. Be safe.” I kissed her cheek and popped away.

             I popped the edge of Red Run’s territory with Alpha Raven’s. Elise told me that Melanie liked to come out here to dance in a quiet field. I could hear music. I knew I’d popped to the right place. I followed the sound. When I saw her I stopped dead in my tracks. Elise had talked about the way Melanie danced, but it was something else to see it in person. I was captivated. She really was good and apparently not imaginary. She stopped dancing and spun around. I raised an eyebrow. Her sense of smell was really good. I was downwind. She tilted her head, “EJ?” I popped closer to her intrigued. I asked, “I know how I know who you are even though most people aren’t convinced you exist….but….how could possibly know which Conners brother I am?” She frowned, “I’ve seen you plenty of times.” I laughed, “I’ve never seen you. I could’ve been Alexander.” She shook her head, “Nope.” I laughed, “Why not? Most people can’t tell us apart.” She shrugged, “I can.” I asked, “And have you seen my brother?” Melanie nodded, “In pictures.” She ran over to her phone and stopped playing music. I raised an eyebrow when I saw what was next to the phone. A toy wolf. A toy wolf that looked just like my brother's wolf. I might not have found that odd if she wasn’t so certain I wasn’t Alexander. 

            She turned around, “It’s nice to officially meet you EJ.” I laughed, “You as well. I have teased my mate endlessly about you being imaginary. You get in trouble a lot and miss all the get togethers.” She frowned, “I have recitals, competitions, and other stuff going on too.” I smiled, “But you missed our birthday party last year because you got grounded.” She frowned, “Robert is a liar! I don’t know why he and friends hate me so much! I don’t know why anyone listens to them. They even get adults to lie! It’s not fair! Elise is the only one who believes me! I’m not lying they are!” I frowned, “What are you talking about?” Melanie said, “It’s just….nothing. It’s nothing.” I’d have to ask Elise about this.

             I smiled, “Well….you’re coming to your parents surprise anniversary party right?” She nodded excitedly, “Yes….it’s in two weeks. I told all my dance teachers I couldn’t have anything going on that weekend six months ago. Mom and Dad are curious why I don’t have anything going on, but they just think I want a break. Jase, T, and I have been planning the surprise party with Grandpa Ben and Grandma Esther. Xan….You guys are coming right? It’s at Alpha Lyons’ hotel. We don’t want mom and dad to get word of it in our territory.” Oh Elise and I were having a chat. Melanie was about to call my brother Xander. No one called him Xander, but Elise had teased him about knowing people who did. I nodded, “We are coming.” She smiled, “I’ll finally get to meet everyone!” I laughed, “Why is it no one outside of Red Run has met you?” She shrugged, “Like you said….I’m always busy or grounded. Daddy doesn’t like me to leave our territory.” I knew that. My dad had just told us why. It had to with the Alpha of the Ducant’s death. Beta Drake was worried his brother would find out who actually killed him. It seemed like a serious overreaction. 

            Melanie added, “Plus...now I’ve met you. You don’t live here.” I laughed, “Only because I knew you were actually here. I have the inside track.” Melanie asked, “Why did you come to meet me? I mean...that has to be why you’re here. You came to a place that only I come to. I’m guessing it’s about dancing. The school dance is coming up. I taught Elise how to dance...you want to learn ballroom dancing.” I laughed, “I was told you were quite smart. You’re right. I do want to learn how to dance. Will you be here to see us off that night?” She shook her head. She looked angry, “I have a dance competition.” I frowned, “I thought Elise said you didn’t have one this weekend.” She shrugged, “I signed up for one earlier this week.” Oh my god. Alexander had asked Charline to the dance earlier this week. I asked, “Oh? What day? Elise didn’t mention it.” She whispered, “I signed up Wednesday. I haven’t told her yet.” It was too good. That was the exact day my brother had asked Charline to the dance. She added, “I can still see Elise in her dress before we have to leave.” I nodded completely amused. Melanie McAlister had a serious crush on my brother. That was adorable. 

            A long standing crush too. I remembered this wolf she had out here. This was the wolf male members of this pack still hated she had. This was the wolf she’d been so upset about when I was eight. I wondered if Ray knew the reason Melanie had been so upset about it now. He’d been curious that day. I’d have to ask Tristan why he’d been keeping this secret. I asked, “Before we start….can I ask you a question?” She shrugged, “You just did so...yeah?” I laughed. I could see why Elise liked her. I said, “Elise told me the story about when you first got that wolf.” Melanie blushed scarlet red. I asked, “Why did Robert throw him in the mud? Mind you….I have been meaning to do this for quite some time.” I stepped back and bowed to her. I added, “And for every other fight you’ve taken him down in. I asked my dad if we could get you over to our pack to train our she wolfs. You’re….awesome.” Melanie laughed, “Robert’s just pathetic. He moons over Elise you know?” I growled, “I do.” I shook myself, “Anyway back to my question.” She sighed, “He said he doesn’t like me having my wolf. Still doesn’t. All the guys hate it.” I frowned. I’d have to ask my dad. That sounded weird. I didn’t sense any magic on the toy. I pushed, “Was that it? That’s….a serious grudge to have over a stuffed animal.”

            Melanie sighed, “He said it wasn’t a real Alpha. He said that real Alpha’s are all black and I should get a different wolf in a different color. He still says that.” EXFUCKINGCUSE ME?! Melanie looked me directly in the eyes. I could see it. She’d known exactly what she’d just done. She was smart. I looked at her, “Is that true, or do you want me to kick his ass?” Melanie snored, “I can kick his ass just fine. I don’t need your help for that. You can ask Elise. She knows it’s true.” Robert was going to get his ass kicked. Most of my brother's wolves were all black but there were other colors mixed in. He was saying Alexander wasn’t an Alpha. He was saying Cassie wasn’t either. Everyone knew Alexander’s wolf looked. His wolf looked like the wolf Melanie had. I nodded.

             Melanie added, “Plus….I gave you what you want. You want a reason to kick Robert’s ass because he thinks he loves Elise. She hates him, you know. Because he’s mean to me.” I frowned, “Why don’t tell you people?” She sighed, “No one believes that I didn’t fight someone or that I didn't cross the border. Why would they believe he’s still mean to me?” I would not have this at all. I leaned down, “Does Elise know this is still happening?” She flushed, “Don’t tell her please! She’ll feel bad. I stopped telling her when….” I said, “Last year at our birthday.” She shrugged, “Adults even said I crossed the border. They all swore they saw me. I didn’t though….I didn’t! I begged my parents to let Cassie come over or your mom. To make me tell the truth. They just sent me to my room.” 

            I studied her. She was telling the truth. What the hell was going on? Why were adults trying to keep her here? Did they just know their Beta didn’t want her out of the territory, so they went along with her bullies? I said, “I can’t do nothing about what you just told me. I’m an Alpha. I won’t let this s**t stand.” She shrugged, “I know but you actually believe me.” I nodded, “I do.” She sighed and put on music, “I’ll teach you the steps for ballroom.” She put on Elise’s favorite song and showed me the steps. She even taught me some spins and dips. My phone rang. I saw Alexander’s name on the readout. I put my finger to my lips. She looked so excited when she saw who was calling me. Her eyes lit up. I barely managed not to laugh. 

            I answered, “Hello brother.” Alexander said, “Where are you? I’m really sorry about what happened earlier.” I said, “I’ll be back in five minutes.” Alexander snorted, “That doesn’t tell me where you are.” I laughed, “No, it doesn’t. I’ll be back soon.” I hung up. She frowned, “Why didn’t you tell him you were with me?” I smiled, “He’d tell Elise. They are practically brother and sister. I want to surprise her at the dance.” She smiled, “You and Elise are so cute!” I smiled, “Take care little Melanie. I didn’t know you had a phone. I’ll give you my number you can call should Robert be a problem for you again.” Melanie sighed, “It doesn't have service. It’s an old phone. It just had music on it so I can dance.” That was too bad. I gave her a quick side hug, “Thank you for the help.” She smiled, “Anytime.” I snorted, “Umm not really. You’re nine and I just met you. That’s just a little sad because I practically live here part time.” She shrugged, “I’m busy.” 

            I asked her, “What’s your favorite thing to do?” She didn’t even hesitate, “Dancing. I feel free when I dance.” I nodded, “I hope I see you before you turn eighteen.” Melanie frowned, “I’ll see you in two weeks at my parents' party.” I smiled, “I might hold my breath this time. Remember, it’s our secret. Don’t tell Elise.” She nodded, “I won’t.” I popped back to my room. My brother growled at my appearance. I rolled my eyes, “Sorry I startled you. I’m going to grab a quick shower.” I snapped my clothes into my laundry basket and popped into the shower. Alexander was gone when I got out. I linked him, “What the hell? Where did you go?” He linked back, “I just wanted to say sorry about earlier. That’s it.” I frowned, “Ok but...where did you go?” I could feel he was in the territory. He said, “I’ll see you later.” Well ok then. He was just going to be weird all day. I went to get my laundry. I didn’t want Elise to smell Melanie on my stuff. To my surprise my laundry basket was empty. Mrs. Blanch must have grabbed it. I shrugged and grabbed my clothes from my closet. 

            My phone rang. It was Elise. I picked it up, “Well if it isn’t my girl.” Elise laughed, “Two more days.” I smiled. It was two days because I was popping to bring her to my Uncle Bjourn coronation. Then popped her back. I said, “Two more days.” Elise asked, “What did you do today?” I snorted, “Among other things...wondered what the heck is wrong with Alexander.” Elise was concerned, “Is he ok?” I rolled my eyes, “He’s got a bug up his ass about this McAlister popping rule.” Elise sighed, “Yeah….I mean…..it’s weird EJ.” I knew that. I said, “There’s nothing I can do about it. Just abiding people’s wishes.” Elise sighed, “I guess.” I said, “I want to talk about your day?” Elise laughed, “We went hiking. The twins jumped into the lake when mom and dad weren’t looking.” I smiled, “I love your laugh.” She giggled. I added, “Even though I can’t see it….I know you're blushing. I love that too.” We talked for a few hours before my dad knocked on my door. I said, “I gotta go. Bye Elise. I love you.” She whispered, “Bye EJ. I love you too.” 

            I yelled, “Come in.” My dad entered. He asked, “So….how’d it go?” I said, “Good. I found her. Did you hear the story about Melanie’s stuffed wolf?” My dad sighed, “Yes. It seems several male members of their pack feel possessive of her. They don’t like seeing her with a wolf that wouldn’t be the color of their wolf.” I said, “So you don’t know that the reason she was so upset was because she was told white and black wolves aren’t real Alpha’s. That she should get a different one.” My dad growled, “What? No one said that.” I said, “I don’t think anyone except Elise, Melanie, and Robert know.” My dad said, “Why did she tell you?” I snorted, “You know why she told me.” My dad said, “She is very smart. Are you sure she’s telling the truth?” I nodded, “I believe her dad. I’m going to ask Elise about it after the dance. Is it possible people are so paranoid about Beta Drake’s caution about Alpha Ezra that they’d lie about Melanie?” My dad frowned, “Lie about what?” I shrugged, “She said Robert and his friends….even some adults lied about crossing the border on our birthday last year.” My dad laughed, “She could be lying, son. Unlike you and your fairy cousins….she can lie.” I shrugged, “Apparently, Melanie begged them to bring mom or Cassie to her to prove she wasn’t lying. I think she REALLY wants to meet everyone. She’s too smart to get caught.” My dad thought about it, “It could be the case, yes. Melanie is loved over there.” 

            I frowned, “She’s still being bullied about her toy wolf.” My dad raised an eyebrow, “If she is, not a single whisper has left their territory about it.” I said, “She doesn’t think anyone will believe her except Elise.” My dad frowned, “I’ll talk to Alpha Kyle. He loves Melanie as if she was his own. Your mom can talk to her at the McAlister’s anniversary party. She is coming right?” I nodded, “She’s really excited about it.” My dad said, “We’ll your mom and I will meet her then.” I said, “All of you will. For once I beat you to something dad. I met Melanie McAlister first.” My dad laughed, “I’m sure you, your brother, and a few of our other pack members going to this dance will meet her that night.” I sat back, “Odd….This is an odd feeling. I know something you don’t.” My dad smiled, “What’s that?” I said, “Melanie won’t be there. She signed up for a dance competition.” My dad frowned, “Oh, she didn’t have one the last time I spoke to Drake.” His eyes narrowed, “When did she sign up for a dance competition?” I smiled, “I had the same question. Wednesday.” My dad’s lips twitched, “I see. Well have a good night son.” I nodded. Something was definitely up. 

            The next two days passed at an agonizing pace. Finally the minute it was time to pop to Elise. I was there. Peter laughed, “Did I not tell you he’d pop in the literal second he could, Sugar baby momma?” I didn’t pay any attention. All I saw was my girl. I ran to her and picked her and spun her around. I put my forehead on hers just inhaling. I stepped back and looked at her dress. She was in a burgundy dress. I had to force my eyes away from her chest. It just had a sweetheart neckline that had my pulse racing. The dress went down to her knees. She looked stunning. I snapped myself into a black button down shirt and slacks with a matching burgundy tie. Peter sighed, “If only I could do that.” I said, “My girl looks stunningly beautiful.” She blushed, “Thanks.” I said, “I’ve missed you.” She giggled, “I missed you too.” We just stared into each other’s eyes. Elise’s mom cleared her throat, “You guys should get a move on.” I smiled, “Let’s go.” I grabbed Elise’s hand and popped. Ray said, “Oh no you don’t little Alpha. You’re popping with me too.” I smirked and grabbed his hand too and popped us to the Hackura realm. I wasn't letting her leave my side.