Page 17 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

I ended up with the triplets after the fight. They were all really worried about their grandpa. I didn’t tell them everyone was worried about Nathan. I’d heard my dad on a call with the Alpha’s talking about it. Ray was offering advice but it came down to Nathan himself. Maybe Melanie was right, I should talk to him.

We needed a subject change, so I brought up Melanie. It made them all laugh. The conversation took a turn when I realized why they never spent the night outside the pack. People wanted my mate and future family. They were powerful. I looked at EJ not wanting him to get hurt. I was lost in my own thoughts the rest of the time.

When we went back to the house Cassie asked where their grandpa was. They thought he’d left. I knew who would know. I went and found Ray when everyone else went to sleep. He frowned, “Aren’t you supposed to be sleeping?” I asked, “Where’s Nathan?” Ray sighed, “He’s in his wing of the house drinking. I’m sure he’ll be heading out soon.”

I asked, “Why did Eric think he was gone?” Ray said, “Because Nathan wanted his sons to think he was gone. They are sad too. Alpha Eric missed something for once. Or he lied because he didn’t want his pups to see their grandpa shit faced in pain.” I nodded then went and waited by the front door. Ray raised an eyebrow at me, but I knew needed to talk to Nathan.

I didn’t have to wait long. Nathan came down the stairs a few minutes later, but I blocked the door. He sighed, “Elise, I’m heading out.” I said, “I know that. I know I’m just a pup, but this is my mate's heart on the line. If I didn’t try to talk to you then I’d never forgive myself.”

Nathan frowned, “What’s wrong with EJ?” I answered honestly, “He’s worried about you. Cassie wanted to play with you when we got back today, but you weren’t here.” Nathan grimaced. I said, “I won’t lie to you and say I liked Cassandra, but I do know she loved watching you play with your grandpups. It’s one of the few times I ever saw her smile.” He ducked his head.

I continued, “Your grandpups all love you. I know your sons are worried about you. I just don’t think Cassandra would want this for you. You’re shutting yourself off. You’re not talking to any of your grandpups. They miss you.” The thing about Cassandra was probably a lie. She wanted people to be miserable. She’d love this, but maybe he wouldn’t think so badly of her like I did.

Nathan started sobbing. I rubbed his back and whispered, “I can’t imagine your pain, but Ray can. I know he’ll talk toyou. You guys could even have a drink together. Just…” Nathan interrupted, “No, you’re right. I’m not honoring her memory. It just hurts.” I whispered, “I’m so sorry.”

He acknowledged, “I know she was not everyone’s cup of tea, but I miss her. She’s gone and I’m just lost in a dark night where the sun doesn’t rise anymore. She’s been by my side through some rough days. We were forged in fire, but we were thrust back into the flames. Damned if these last twenty plus years she wouldn’t walk by my side. We weren’t us by the end and it kills me.”

Ray spoke softly, “The sun will rise again. You’ll see her in the faces of your pups and grandpups. You’ll always have that, Nathan. You have a family that loves you. No relationship stays the same. It’s not your fault it wasn’t. You tried more than most would.” Nathan shook himself, “I do miss my grandpups.” He turned and walked slowly down the hallway.

Ray smiled, “You are going to be one hell of a Luna, Elise Kyle.” I smiled, “Thanks.” I turned and walked up the stairs. I gasped when I felt arms around me. I wasn’t scared because I knew it was EJ. He smelled like charcoal. I could see his relief about his grandpa and that made it all worth it.

The next morning the Fairies were working to cheer everyone up. EJ snapped me into a bikini and I blushed as his eyes trailed my body briefly. I smiled when Nathan joined us in the lazy river. After watching EJ’s parents I looked at EJ and his eyes held a promise. A promise that he’d love me like that, always.

He took us to the roof. It was strange that one day this would be our territory. I knew my brothers were meant to run Red Run. This was my home, right here with him. This was our destiny, I felt it. He held me tight until it was time for me to go home, then he begrudgingly popped me home.

Five minutes after he left, Melanie ran into our house. I called, “Hi, Melanie.” My dad smiled, “Hi, Ladybug.” She wavedat him then grabbed my hand. She dragged me outside clutching her Xander wolf. I laughed when she finally stopped dragging me around.

She looked around then whispered, “How’s my Xander?” I smiled assuring her, “He’s actually better today. How was your dance recital?” She smiled, “Good. Mommy said I was the bestest one.” I laughed, “I’m sure you were.” I hugged her.

She whispered, “I wish I was with my Xander.” I laughed, “I bet you did. I watched over him for you.” She blushed, “Do you think he’d watch me dance sometime?” I smiled knowing even if he wasn’t hers, he would. He was a really nice guy. I said, “You know, he probably would love to watch you dance.”

She proudly told me, “I made up a dance for him.” I encouraged, “Show me.” I didn’t really know what to expect since Melanie had never danced around me. My jaw dropped when she started moving. She was so graceful and poised. The dance was truly incredible. She really was a prodigy. It wasn’t an exaggeration.

When she finished, she looked at me, “Do you think he’d like it?” I nodded, “I know he would. You really are good. I had to keep reminding myself you are only three.” Before she could answer I heard a growl.

Melanie spun around and I put her behind me. I saw one of our Warriors' sons. He was five. He yelled, “Put that wolf down!” Melanie clutched her wolf to her chest. I questioned, “What is with you guys and this wolf? Let it go.” He growled again.

I raised an eyebrow and growled back. He was just a young pup and I had Alpha blood. My growl was far more impressive than his. Robert came running around the corner. I sighed, “Oh great, you’re here.” Robert yelled, “Just get rid of the stupid wolf! No one likes it, Melanie!”

Melanie yelled, “I do! You’re mean!” My dad came outside. He growled, “ENOUGH! This is ridiculous! Melanie, go insideplease. You too, Elise.” Melanie ran to him with tears in her eyes. She begged, “Please, Daddy Peter I wanna keep my wolf.” She always called him that. My dad’s eyes softened, “Of course you can keep it. It’s your toy. You don’t have to get rid of your wolf, Melanie.” She nodded and ran inside my house.

I saw Drake come running up on the side of our house. He looked really mad. I started for my house and heard Drake ask my dad, “Do we have a pack meeting saying people need to leave my damn daughter the FUCK alone about her stuffed animal? This is just ridiculous, Peter.” My dad sighed, “Maybe we do.” I walked inside.

My mom dropped to her knees and hugged Melanie. Melanie cried, “It’s my wolf.” My mom consoled her, “Of course it is. No one will take your wolf. What’s his or her name?” Melanie didn’t say anything. She just kicked at the ground with her feet. My mom shot me a look and I smiled.

My mom said, “Melanie, I’m the Luna of this pack. If you tell me something you don’t want people to know I’ll keep it a secret for you. Even from your mom as long as you are not in danger.” Melanie whispered, “Xander.” My mom clarified, “The wolf’s name is Xander?” Melanie nodded. My mom smiled, “That’s a nice name.” Melanie sat down on the couch and played with her wolf.

After ten minutes Drake came in and got her. Dad said, “I’m going to walk with them to their house.” My mom nodded. As soon as they left my mom asked me, “Did you tell Melanie what Alexander Conners’ wolf looked like? Is that why she HAD to have a wolf with white paws and chest?” I nodded, “She calls him her Xander.” My mom touched her chest, “That is the cutest thing!”

I quickly asked, “Could they be mates?” My mom considered it and said, “Of course they could. It’s likely just a crush. Hopefully.” I frowned “Why hopefully? I’d love it if they weremates.” My mom snorted, “Your brothers will be short several warriors at this rate if it’s not just a crush.”

She waved, “I meant because Alexander would lose his mind over this if Melanie was his mate. She’s three and boys more than twice her size and age have been trying to take that wolf from her. A wolf that she wanted because it looks like him. They hurt her over it.” That was true.

My mom rubbed her temples, “Drake is barely managing not to kill people over this. Your dad has been having to calm him down which is quite the role reversal for them. I’ve been having to calm your dad down. He views Melanie and her brothers as family. Your dad and Drake grew up together.” I knew that.

“The LAST thing we need is another male of rank being upset about this. We’d run out of people to keep them calm about it. Drake has even made training particularly tough lately. Alexander is an Alpha wolf plus he’s only eight. No one would say anything if he beat up another eight year old. That’s something your dad and Drake can’t do.”

I laughed, “Alexander would too. He might even if he just heard about the situation. He’s very protective of people. He doesn’t believe Melanie is real, but Jase is one of his best friends.” I thought about it for a while then added, “They should be worried. I saw Alexander beat a Warrior in their pack in a fight after his grandma’s funeral.”

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