The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

The Beginning of Something Pt. 2

        Once we’d gotten the horses settled he popped us to Cassie and Alexander. Alexander handed me my favorite kind of ice cream. I smiled at him. EJ asked where his was. Cassie had his. They all teased each other about who was older. EJ always told them the minutes counted. Alexander and Cassie always rolled their eyes at him. I knew the second the parade started who planned it. Haley. There were balloons with Bjourn and Astrid’s faces on it. She just went all out for things. EJ’s youngest siblings popped to us. EJ immediately put Bryce on his shoulders. Cassie and Alexander did the other two. I couldn’t help but think how cute EJ would be with our pups one day. I sighed. I’d been thinking a lot lately about that. It was fairly common for mates to pop kids out right away once they found each other. I wasn’t sure I wanted to do that. I was going to be moving and Black Mountain….was a large territory. I didn’t want EJ to have to worry about me and a pup. I just wasn’t sure how he’d react to me wanting to wait on pups. I wanted to be sure before I told him. Right now I waffled. I needed to sort through my feelings about it.

            Eric walked over after a while. I saw Ray shoot me an apologetic glance. I knew what Eric was going to say before he said it. He told us it was time for me to go back to vacation. I didn’t want to. I hated it when EJ left. His dad pointed out the dance was soon. Cassie was so excited. She had no idea how excited Jason was that she’d said yes to being his date. I was really excited about the dance too. It hit me. Melanie and Alexander were going to meet. This was actually exciting. EJ popped me home. My dad asked if I had fun. I told him that we did. Ray of course said the Hackura did things differently. He told my parents pointedly that EJ took me on a horseback ride. I rolled my eyes and told Ray not to tease EJ. Ray said he wasn’t. He thought it was cute he’d considered my feelings. I saw the flash of pride in Ray’s eyes. When we joined EJ’s pack...EJ would be his Alpha. I knew he was already proud of him. EJ hugged me before he left telling me that he’d see me soon. Thank goodness. I already missed him, and he wasn’t even gone yet. 

            When he left I told my parents about it all except the kisses EJ and I shared. I’d tell mom later. I didn’t want to talk about that with my dad. I excused myself and went upstairs. After a while my mom joined me. I smiled, “Hey mom.” She smiled, “So...what did you leave out of the story with your dad there?” I blushed, “How did you know?” My mom smiled, “A mother knows.” I looked down, “We kissed a few times.” My mom sat down, “We haven’t had that talk yet.” I blushed, “Mom! It was just kissing!” My mom smiled, “One day it won’t be. I just don’t want you to feel pressured. You can wait as long as you want. Or you don’t have to. I’d like it if you were a bit older, but we know he’s your mate. It’s natural to want to be with him in that way.” I blushed, “We aren’t there yet mom.” My mom smiled, “When you are….you can talk to me.” I said, “Do you think he’d be upset if I didn’t want to have pups right away? Right after I turn eighteen?” My mom took my hands, “I think that boy loves you. You’re his whole world. He’d give you whatever you want. Everyone does things in their own time and their own way. If you want to wait for any of it, Elise. EJ will understand. Out of curiosity….why do you think you want to wait?” 

            I sighed, “We’ll be taking on such a large pack. There will be things that come up...I just want to have a handle on things before we have pups. Plus….we’re going to live for centuries. There’s no rush. I know there’s no perfectly safe time to have pups, but I just want to have a handle on the Luna duties first. I don’t want him to take over worrying about me and pup.” My mom smiled, “Alpha Eric isn’t going anywhere Elise. He’ll be there to guide EJ. Alexander and Cassie will be by his side as well. If you aren’t ready when the time comes….we can get you on birth control. You have plenty of time for pups.” I smiled, “Thanks mom.” My mom kissed my forehead, “Just make sure to check in with yourself Elise. Don’t do things because of fear or pressure. Do them because they are what you want. Your dad and I had you before we took over, and I’ve never regretted it for one second. Sharon and Garrett waited awhile, and she didn’t regret it. Neither did he. Everyone has their own paths, Sweetie. You just have to find your and EJ’s. Talk to him.” I nodded and smiled, “Thanks mom.” She smiled, “Of course.” She left, leaving me to my thoughts.

            I’d talk to EJ about it when I was sure what I wanted. I fell asleep happy with where everything was. I woke up to my phone ringing. I grabbed it. EJ was calling. I was barely awake, but I knew something was wrong. He immediately apologized for waking me up. I could care less. I could hear the hurt and fear in his tone. I asked him what was wrong. He told me his mom had given birth. They’d name his new siblings TJ and Angela. That was great. I knew he was excited for another brother and a little sister. I asked him why he was upset. He told me his mom’s birth mother was causing problems. Oh god. Somehow she’d told them Angela would never be safe. That b***h! That wouldn’t happen. We would protect Angela. Nothing would happen to her. EJ was scared he was going to fail her. I told him WE would not fail her. Those who dared could come. We would take them down. EJ teased me when I said we. Of course it was us. That was my little sister too. He was mine and I was his. No one would take that from us. No one would hurt him in that way. I wouldn’t let them. I told him not to hang up. That we’d spend the night on the phone together. 

            My dad was waiting in my room when I woke up. He had my phone. He said, “Did you fall asleep talking to EJ on the phone?” I sighed, “No, well... yes but we were just sleeping. He was so upset.” My dad sighed, “Drake called me about the memo he got from Jim Kruthers. The threats have started.” I nodded. My dad kissed my forehead, “We’ve been preparing since the triplets….the first set of them were little. Our allies are ready and so are we. You’re going to have a more intense training schedule. You and Melanie will be working with your grandpa and Ben.” I nodded, “Ok dad.” I put it out of my mind and enjoyed our last day on vacation. I was the first one packed and ready to get back home the next day. My dad laughed. My brother grumbled, but I didn’t care. We finally were on our way back. The second our car parked; Melanie ran out of the McAlister’s house. She slammed into me, “You’re back!” I laughed, “I am. I have a surprise for you.” I reached into my backpack and handed her the book I’d gotten her. She squealed, “I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!” My dad laughed, “Decibel Ladybug…..Decibel.” She said, “But it’s my favorite book series!” My dad smiled, “Yes, I know.” I followed his eyes. Melanie had her Xander wolf tucked into her arm. 

        She grabbed me and started leading me inside, “I want to see your dress.” I laughed, “You’ll see it tonight.” She led me up to my room then sat down on my bed, “I have a competition.” My jaw dropped, “But...you...since when?” She looked away, “Earlier this week.” I frowned, “But Alexander is coming.” She whispered, “I know….he’s going with her.” She spat out the last word. She started crying, “My Xander likes Charline.” I said, “Oh….ladybug….he doesn’t.” She shook her head, “Charline said he does. Jason said he must like her because he’s never given any girl the time of day. It hurts Elise. He’s mine but he wants her.” I took her in my arms, “Hey….it’s ok. I think he just wanted to go to the dance. He’s always found Charline annoying. I promise.” She wiped her eyes, “You promise?” She had so much hope in her eyes I nodded. One it was true. Two, I just couldn't stand her tears. She said, “Charline said she just knew he’d declare her as his tonight….I almost ripped her face off.” I snorted. Melanie could’ve. Charline couldn’t fight for crap. I said, “You know….if you’d stayed he might just have declared you as his.” Her face fell, “I didn’t think of that. I just didn’t want to be here seeing him with her. It hurts Elise. He wants to go to the dance with her, and I’d mess it up by ripping her face off.” 

            I snorted, “I’m surprised you didn’t.” She sighed, “I had to run away. The only thing that kept me from punching her in her stupid face was that my Xander wanted her. I want him to be happy.” I hugged her, “I’ll let you know if anything changes, but I’m positive he doesn’t like her.” She sighed, “Then I should’ve punched her in her stupid face! She doesn’t even like him because of him. She likes him because he’s a Conners boy.” I asked, “Why do you like him?” Melanie smiled, “Because he’s sensitive and kind. He’s a good fighter like me. I just know he’d be proud of my skills. He stands up for people that can’t stand up for themselves. Jase said he can be quiet, and I talk a lot… like a lot….Jase says it’s annoying, but that’s cause he talks a lot too. My Xander is very handsome and he’s mine.” I smiled, “Well then….” She hissed, “Charline doesn’t know anything about him. She thinks he’s arrogant because he’s a good fighter, but he’s NOT!” Now I was getting mad. Alexander was the farthest thing from arrogant. I said, “You’re right he’s not. He’s a bit more sensitive than his siblings.” Melanie frowned, “If she hurts his feelings….I’m punching her and breaking her stupid nose.” It was really hard not to laugh. 

        I went into my closet and grabbed my dress. Melanie’s face lit up, “It’s so pretty! You’ll look just like his princess.” I laughed, “I’ll be a duchess. Which is weird enough.” Melanie smiled, “You’ll be the prettiest duchess.” I laughed, “I’ll be tied for the prettiest if you're a duchess too.” She shrugged, “I don’t need to be a duchess. I just want my Xander.” I bit my lip. It was too adorable. Tristan was right though. If Melanie and Alexander weren’t mates….she’d be crushed. A knock came on my door. Sam walked through with my mom. Sam said, “We’ve got to go Ladybug.” She hugged me, “Have fun at the dance tonight!” I smiled, “I will. Go win your competition.” She smiled, “I usually do.” That was true. She did. Sam laughed, “You get your butt over and say bye to your dad and your brothers.” She left. Sam looked at me, “Any idea why Melanie just HAD to have a competition this weekend out of the blue?” I smiled, “Yes.” Sam sighed, “But you won’t tell me.” I shook my head. She smiled, “I’m glad she has you, Elise Kyle.” Sam left. I watched from my window as Melanie loaded up into her mom’s SUV. I sighed. I wish she was staying. 

            My mom cleared her throat. I sighed, “It’s exactly the reason you think it is, mom.” My mom put her hand to her chest, “Oh….I worry for her. She’s going to be so crushed if Alexander isn’t her mate.” I snorted, “Apparently Charline is lucky she didn’t get punched in her stupid face.” My mom started laughing, “Given the pack Melanie’s punch has….I’ll agree she is quite lucky.” I sighed, “She’s possessive about him. I don’t mom….I really think he is her mate. I know wolves don’t have powers or intuition but….she definitely has one with him. Maybe because he’s a hybrid she can tell?” My mom looked thoughtful, “That’s something to consider. We’ve always known that with you and EJ since before you were born. As a child….did you feel that way about him? Possessive like she does?” I nodded. My mom shrugged, “It’s possible. You need to jump in the shower so we can start getting you ready. The other girls are coming over here to get ready.” I frowned, “Is Charline?” My mom nodded. I groaned. My mom laughed, “Thirty minutes with Melanie and you don’t like Charline anymore.” I said, “Apparently Charline likes Alexander because he’s a Conners’ boy and thinks he’s arrogant.” My mom snorted, “I’m stunned Melanie didn’t punch her then.” I smiled, “She didn’t think her Xander would like that.” My mom snorted, “Shower. By the way, your dad agreed. Ray has the night off.” I clapped. A night without a chaperone we could sense. 

            The girls came over. Charline was gloating about her date. After five minutes I was ready to deck her. I couldn't believe Melanie hadn’t. Charline was going on and on about how Alexander chose her out of everyone. She had the audacity to say he may take her as a chosen mate if they weren’t mates. I cleared my throat. She blushed. I told her, “Alexander is only fourteen. I think we’re a long way from picking chosen mates. He asked you to the dance. Let’s all just have fun.” Charline looked mad but nodded. The other girls shot me grateful looks. Everyone else left and went down to meet their dates. EJ wasn’t here yet thought which meant Alexander wasn’t here. Which meant Charline stayed upstairs. I crossed my arms, “Charline….Alexander is a great guy. A great guy who would be hurt by all the crap you’ve been saying. Just get to know him to see if you like him.” Charline sighed, “I know….it’s just I do like him. He’s never agreed to date anyone. I have a friend in Black Mountain she says he spends time with his cousin and you. I just….really want him to like me. It has to mean something that he asked me.” I said, “It does. It means that you told me to tell him you wanted to go with him. I did and he asked. Let’s just start there. Ok?” She blushed and nodded. 

                We walked down the stairs. I saw EJ studying Alexander. Alexander looked upset. I frowned. Did he hear us upstairs? I saw my dad suck in a breath when he saw me. My mom hit his thigh and shot him a warning look. His jaw clenched. I did know he wouldn’t like this dress. Jason walked over and told Cassie she looked nice. I was stunned when Alexander practically growled at him. EJ was confused. Alexander told Charline she looked beautiful. She did. He was being honest but there was no flicker of desire in his eyes. There was nothing to suggest he wanted her at all, and I watched him closely. Drake wanted to get moving. My mom stopped him saying we needed pictures. EJ was the only one who didn’t complain. My dad muttered, “Smart kid.” Eventually when my mom was satisfied she’d taken enough pictures we loaded into the car. Alexander shot to the back of the car as Drake apologizes about the stuff Melanie and Melinda had left. I saw their stuff in the back. EJ put his arm around me the whole time. I snuck a glance at Alexander. He didn’t look as annoyed anymore. In fact he seemed a bit calmer, if not confused. I shrugged it off. 

            EJ walked us in the gym. All the Conners were good dancers. EJ kept rhythm with me easily. He told    Alexander to watch over me then walked over the DJ. I laughed, “What is he doing?” Alexander shrugged, “I’d imagine he’s requesting a song.” His tone had a hard edge to it. I frowned and looked at him, but he wasn’t looking at me. I looked past him and saw Robert staring at me. I rolled my eyes and shot him a warning glare. I turned back, “It’s fine Alexander.” Alexander said, “It most definitely isn’t. You are not his. If he thinks he can try to take you from my brother….he’s got another thing coming.” Charline said, “That’s so hot.” Alexander rolled his eyes, “Sure.” Charline said, “No...it is. You’re willing to fight for your brother and his mate.” Alexander was now offended , “Of course I am. He’s my brother. She’s his mate. Elise is basically my sister. I would fight for either of them any day.” Charline was quiet, “I didn’t mean to offend you.” Alexander shrugged and led us over to a table. EJ walked back over and saw where Alexander was staring. EJ let out his own growl. That did things to me. I started to think about unsexy things before the whole gym smelled my arousal. That would be embarrassing. 

            EJ told me he had a surprise for me. He took my hand as my favorite song came on. EJ surprised me by learning ballroom. I wondered if he googled it. Then he spun and dipped me. Melanie…..he’d met Melanie. He had to. She walked me through this exact dance when she’d taught me. I was so excited I nearly shouted the question at him when we were done. He quickly led me out of the gym after the song. Alexander winked at me as we left. He didn’t look like he was having any fun. He looked sad. EJ was leading me outside. I asked where we were going. He pulled me into the tree line and pushed my back against a tree. He leaned down and kissed me far too quickly. I blushed. I asked him if he looked up ballroom dancing. He said no and looked around making sure we were alone. That was weird. Who did he care about hearing he’d met Mel? He told me he'd met her. I couldn't help my gasp. This was so exciting. For nine years he’d teased me about her existence. EJ said that I’d told her she’d been home, so he went to find her. I smirked. That’s why Melanie was excited when I’d talk to Tristan the second time. She’d met EJ. She’d pouted about how it was unfair that she was the only one who hadn’t met him. She wanted to meet the Conners and Lyons forever. She thought they were so cool.

            EJ said he had questions. Oh no. He was not rushing past this. I wanted an apology. He’d teased me mercilessly about the existence of Melanie. He leaned in and kissed me sweetly. He pulled back and apologized. Honestly….I forgot for a minute what he was even apologizing for. I shook myself and said I’d forgive him. He told me she had a stuffed wolf with her. Of course she did. She didn’t go anywhere without it. EJ simply pointed out he’d remembered this wolf caused problems and that he thought it looked familiar. I’m sure it did. Then he mentioned she’d almost called his brother Xander. I couldn’t help but smile. If EJ figured it out on his own we could finally talk about this. He then outright stated her wolf looked like Alexander. I smiled saying it was a coincidence. EJ was having none of that. He stated it wasn’t a coincidence. He said Melanie told him something I could verify. Alright. I asked what it was. I was stunned when he revealed Melanie had told him why she was so upset with Robert about her toy. Melanie just lit a fuse that was going to ignite. I told him it was true. I’d confronted Robert. I believed Melanie but I asked him outright when we were alone if he’d said that. He had. EJ kissed me again and told me he was proud of me. He said I’d be a great Luna. My heart warmed when he said Alpha. I would always be an Alpha too. EJ never discounted that fact.

             We went back inside. After a while I needed to go to the restroom. After I washed my hands and fixed my hair I stepped into the hallway. The hairs on my neck were standing up. I whirled around. Robert smiled, “Hello Elise. You look stunning.” I crossed my arms, “Thanks.” I turned. Robert said, “Wait….I….I want you to understand….I don’t like Melanie McAlister.” I snorted, “You’ve made that perfectly clear. You bullied her.” Robert frowned, “I mean...I like you.” I snorted, “I’m not listening to this.” He reached for me. I raised an eyebrow. I nailed him in the balls. He didn’t mean to, but he reached to grab something and ripped the strap on my dress. My eyes widened as did his. EJ appeared. Uh oh.

             EJ had his against the wall in seconds. It was so sexy. GOSH! FOCUS ELISE! It was hard. He was so distracting. I finally managed to tell EJ that Robert didn’t exactly put his hands on me. He was going to, but I stopped him. The strap was….an accident. I told EJ we shouldn’t do this here. It was embarrassing. I was stunned he hadn’t noticed my arousal level had jumped through the roof. It meant I had time to get it under control, but he needed to stop doing the growling aggressive defending my honor thing he was doing. EJ dropped Robert and told him he knew what he’d done to Melanie and what he’s said about Alexander. I told EJ that Robert had left Melanie alone for a while now. Robert turned red. EJ said that wasn’t true.

            What? But….Mel didn’t say anything. Robert was still mad about her stuffed wolf. This was just pathetic. EJ told me we were going home. He led me away. I was lost in my own thoughts. How did I not see what was going on with Mel? I heard an angry snarl. Oh no. I whispered EJ’s name. Only he had a chance of calming Alexander down right now. Cassie popped out to us after Alexander threw Robert into the trophy case. I explained what happened to Cassie briefly. Of course she asked what happened to my dress. I sighed. Cassie shot Robert with her sunlight. Hitting his arm. All the guards for the Hackura came out. I could see they all respected Alexander for his actions. I texted my dad we needed him. I asked EJ if Alexander was going to kill Robert. EJ squeezed my hand. He must have linked Alexander because Alexander started using his power instead of his fists. Alexander had done their space unheard chant. We had no idea what was being said. Whatever it was….Alexander didn’t like it. I asked EJ what was going on. EJ pointed out sometimes when they push at people they get flashes or conversations. He thought Alexander was getting that from Robert. I wanted to wince. Robert was just a jerk. There’s no way Alexander would like anything he had to say. I spotted Charline in the crowd. I didn’t like how she was looking at Alexander. 

            My dad and Drake ran in. Jason explained what was going on and added that he assaulted me. I mean….COME ON JASON! I had it handled. Assaulted was a strong word. He didn’t even touch me.  I glared at him. My dad was pissed. EJ popped to Alexander trying to calm him down. After Alexander had calmed down Drake said we needed to go home. This was so not how I thought the night was going to go. Ray and Dad were never going to agree to him never being around ever again. We got into the car. Alexander helped Charline into the car. I sighed. Melanie was going to hurt Charline. I didn't know how we’d avoid it at this point. Alexander though…..he showed absolutely no interest in her. My mom was waiting at the house. I wanted to settle the tension, so I asked if Melanie won her competition. Jason answered that it was a two day competition. I sighed. Damn. I was hoping she might make it back in time to meet Alexander. EJ grabbed Alexander. I hung back with the triplets. EJ told Alexander to calm down. Alexander lost it. He shouted that Robert was possessive about me and Melanie. I heard growls outside and inside. I cringed. The whole pack probably heard that. I told EJ I was his to calm him down. I asked Alexander about Melanie. That was more concerning than Robert thinking he liked me in my mind.