Page 137 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

I pushed all those strange thoughts aside and went upstairs. I managed to get some sleep, thinking about how Melanie was living her dream and we were protecting her by keeping her in the dark. We were right to do so because it all came back to her dream. Everything was fine and people change.

The weeks passed by in a haze of sadness. Ashley didn’t answer my email, and I was starting to get worried about her. I was working on disputes. Because I couldn’t focus on reality where Ashley wasn’t answering, and we ran into wall after wall on finding Jane and Madeline.

We were always a few days behind them at potential locations. We knew whatever was happening they were bleeding a lot. EJ suspected they’d been taking into the real undergrounds. Everything was a colossal mess right now.

Rhea reasoned, “But we are finally on the undergrounds tails.” I agreed, “You’re right. They were running for their lives because we are right behind them. My email dinged and when I saw who it was relief flooded me. Ashley finally responded.

Elise,

Sorry… about a lot… but that I haven’t answered. I mean there’s so much to be sorry about but... I just mean that things were hectic lately. I am in The Rebels. The band… I mean... I’m not sure if I’d be classified as a rebel in general... I mean maybe... it’s possible…well depending on who said it’s a certainty for some…probably not you…maybe you…Moving on.

Anyway, I play the guitar. I thought you knew honestly… because well.. we are pretty popular. Gosh that sounded braggy. I’m not bragging... just a lot of people know the band… but you don’t… so that’s fine… it’s not that popular… I mean… it is but… not?

I do have several emails from Lexi Daniels, so I believe you about her wanting to get in touch. She’s… determined. That’s a word. Let’s go with that word. I told her it wouldn’t work out. The band could go without me of course, but I don’t know if they would.

I gave her Addison’s email in case, because it’s not like I refuse for everyone… that would be rude. The band always has that option, they just don’t do it. I mean I wouldn’t hold them back... they just… feelings and stuff... yeah….

I do have a lot going on all time. I like to stay busy. Not having things to do BORES me to no end. I always like having something to do. So, that’s why I’ve got a lot going on. I don’t like being bored. It’s terrible.

I am very sorry to hear about the attack. That was the main sorry in the beginning of the email... I am glad you are safe. I’m sure you figured out what to do for Alpha Theo Conners….someone could mention to your in laws that naming pups after another Alpha…. Alpha Theo Bartlett… could confuse the masses… not that I didn’t enjoy that when he got older… you should’ve seen Edward Davis’s face when he thought Alpha Theo Conners was here… because they just called him Alpha Theo. I think I almost peed I laughed so hard…

That was not a necessary tangent… ugh! FOCUS!!! I’m sure you figured out what to do with your brother in law, because you are smart that way. You embody the perfect Luna and simply help by being yourself.

I am also sorry for the loss you must feel from losing an ally Luna. One who is kind… because sadly, those aren’t everywhere. Our Luna, if not for her pups would be broken. She is a good woman despite her mate being complete trash.

It breaks her heart that he turned into such a bad person. I somehow hate the gutless bastard in charge here more for that than I had previously. Seriously, I loathe that man… he’s truly awful. WHEW! Gotta stop or I’ll rant for HOURS about that rat faced cesspool.

I’m sure you will find the women who were kidnapped soon. Nothing can stand in your way. You are Luna Duchess Elise Conners after all.

Ashley

I read the line she didn’t like being bored fifteen times. Rhea was growling at the headache that was coming on. I sat there for ten minutes thinking because I knew someone else EXACTLY like that. EJ told me to get to the office. So, I closed my computer and took off.

I ran in hearing the sniper was on the line. Relief nearly knocked me over. Ashley emailed me and the sniper was back. Life was taking an upturn. Rhea linked, “Umm, Elise.” I cut her off, “Don’t go there.” Rhea sighed, “We are already going there.”

I shot back, “IF, and I say IF, the sniper and Ashley were the same person then the sniper clearly doesn't have a problem with being in this area. Ashley does. The sniper has been around here often.” Rhea sighed, “Not too close though. The sniper is on the outskirts of several territories around here.” She had a point that I didn’t want to think about.

Ashley was already busy enough. How could she possibly add this? Rhea linked, “She hates being bored. Her and Melanie really would rule the world if they met.” I had been thinking earlier that Melanie couldn't stand to sit still for five seconds. She ALWAYS had to be doing something. Now Ashley did too? What were the odds? I mean, high obviously. Because Melanie was living her dream. Right?

I focused again when the sniper said she found Jane and Madeline. Relief coursed through me. I linked Dalton, “I’m having weird thoughts.” He snorted, “I’d love to hear all about them in just a minute.” For the first time I’d wished he hadn’t taken over as Alpha. I needed to talk through this now. I’d probably forget later or let it all go.

Rhea reasoned, “At least we can still link him, our other brothers and parents when we want to talk through something.” I did love that. It was weird not being able to link Tristan or Jason after I joined Black Mountain. The family connection would never fade so I could always link a blood relative. I enjoyed that a lot.

The sniper had been getting people out of the undergrounds. I linked my wolf, “My god. How many of the male and female Werewolves or partials sent to us escaped from those?” Shemuttered, “It could be a large number. No wonder they don’t talk. They are scared of going back.” Christ.

The Sniper faltered when Alexander asked her a question. She started to ramble, then almost like someone got her back on task, she focused. I was rubbing my temples. I looked up and saw Haley frowning with her eyes on me.

I looked away from her to the wall. Our allies were on the screen. Jason looked worse than the last time I saw him. He snarked with the sniper. To my surprise, she snarked back. Like siblings. I sat down in a chair because my head hurt so bad.

Eric linked me, “Elise?” I answered, “It’s just a headache.” Eric frowned. Eventually he said, “What are you thinking about Jason?” I gritted my teeth at the pain. I still answered, “Their fight seems like siblings who are pissed at each other.” Eric snorted, “True.” He then frowned and rubbed his head.

Haley looked between us both. She took out her phone and started texting. Someone was obviously arguing with her because she was typing angrily. She put her phone away looking extremely frustrated, which was odd for her. She was normally a vault.

Alexander got the sniper back on track. First, he flustered her, then she focused because he wanted her to. Dalton linked, “That’s weird, right? God my head. She likes him.” I reasoned, “We knew that. Laxenread tell us that.” He said, “Yeah, but…” He trailed off and I had the same feeling he did.

I had to shove those thoughts aside because my head was killing me. I focused on Haley. Her eyes narrowed when the sniper said we’d get six of the seven fighters tonight. My heart sank. I linked her, “Do you think the sniper is the seventh fighter?” Haley answered, “Yes, I do. I think she’s going to fight to cover our rescue.”

I reasoned, “We could find her then.” Haley argued, “The fight won’t be where we are going. I think she’s been fightingin the Underground for a long time. When the sniper rescued Julianna and Everly they said she had a salve on her back. I thought maybe she’d been whipped. But maybe she’d been in a fight with a wolf who half shifted and clawed her back.” I winced.

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