Page 24 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

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 stopped when Elise walked down the stairs and took my breath away.

The V cut on the top of her dress was hard to look away from. She was in a pale yellow short satin dress that came to her mid-thigh. Charline was behind her. Brutus snorted, “Who cares?” I answered, “Not me.”

Jason had finally gathered the courage to walk over to Cassie. He whispered, “You look beautiful, Cass. I’m a lucky guy.” Alexander agreed, “Yes you are.” It came out as a near growl. Cassie and I both looked at him, but he said nothing more.

Elise walked up to me. I hugged her, “You look stunning.” Alexander spoke, “You look lovely, 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, you can’t got yet. We have to take pictures!” All the guys but me groaned. We posed for several pictures then loaded up. Alexander shot to the back ofthe car. Drake said, “Sorry about the mess. Melinda and Melanie left some stuff in the back.”

I looked and saw two hoodies. I assured him, “It’s not a mess at all. It’s fine.” I wrapped my arm around Elise. When we got to the school, I guided her out of the car. I did a double take when I saw the back seat. I could’ve sworn there were two hoodies in the back, but now there was only one. I shook myself. Whatever.

I walked Elise inside her school, and we quickly made our way to the dance floor. After a we’d been there for an hour, I took her to a table. I looked at my brother, “Don’t let anyone near her.” He nodded.

I observed him. He’d been quiet, which wasn’t abnormal. He was normally quiet, but this was quieter than usual. Brutus told me, “Oden’s upset and not talking either.” Aesir above.

I walked up to the DJ. I asked, “Can you play Just the way you are by Bruno Mars?” The DJ smiled, “Sure thing, kid. I’ll play it next.” I nodded, “Thank you, sir.” He replied, “You’re welcome.” I walked back over to Elise.

Alexander was glaring daggers at someone. I turned and let loose a soft growl at Robert. I needed to talk to Elise after this dance. I took her hand, “I have a surprise for you.” Elise giggled as she took my hand, and I led her to the dance floor. She beamed at me when our song began to play.

I led her in the dance Melanie taught us both. At first she looked at me in shock, but then she loosened up to enjoy the dance. I twirled and dipped her all while keeping the rhythm to the steps Melanie had taught me.

Since I had Fairy blood 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 before taking Elise’s hand. 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 kissher. Her lips were so soft. I pulled back, “I’ve been dying to do that.” She blushed. I admitted, “I love when you blush.” Now it was her time to smile.

She teased, “Did you look up ballroom dancing?” I smiled, “No.” I looked around. No one was out here. Brutus confirmed, “All clear.” I told Elise, “I met your imaginary little sister and she taught me.” Elise gasped, “You met Melanie?! No way. She didn’t say anything!”

I nodded, “You told me she was home, and I swore her to secrecy so I could surprise you. 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 Oden.” Elise coyly replied, “Well, what a coincidence that is.” I snorted, “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 widened and she gasped, “She told you that?” I nodded, “She did. She’s very smart and 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 and 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 complimented, “Nice moves, big brother.” I chuckled, “Thanks, little brother.” Eventually Elise ran to the bathroom. I spotted Cassie with Jason. Brutus linked me, “Get to mate!” I didn’t question him, I just took off.

Alexander shot me a look, but I didn’t address it. I walked into the hall where I heard voices. I found Robert on the ground then snarled when I saw 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?! ARE YOU INSANE? SHE IS MINE!” Brutus had mixed his voice with mine. 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 urged, “EJ, not here.” I let him go. I growled, “You should thank her because she just saved your life. When I hear the whole story, it may not matter. I was already going to kick your ass because I heard you like to torment little girls about their toys.” He paled.

I added, “I also heard you don’t think a wolf that’s not all black is an Alpha. I’ll tell you once. My brothers and sisters are very much Alpha bloods. Leave Melanie McAlister alone.” Elise rubbed my back, “He does now.” I snorted, “No he doesn’t.” Elise gasped.

Robert questioned, “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!” Brutustook over, “You will SHUT UP!” I asked, “Buddy?” He told me, “I feel very protective of Melanie.” Ok then.

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 knowing Alexander had probably followed me and overheard the conversation.

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.

She faced Elise then asked, “What happened to your dress?” Elise sighed while Brutus growled. Cassie yelled, “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 fucking Alpha.” There was no doubt about that.

Alexander was kicking Robert’s ass, and the rat bastard had yet to land a hit. He spoke our space unheard chant. I cursed, “Fuck.” Whatever he said Robert didn’t agree. Idiot. Alexander slammed him down. Elise gasped, “Is he going to kill him?” My dad linked, “Your brother isn’t answering me. What’s wrong?” I replied, “People are stupid.” He snorted.

I linked Alexander, “Don’t kill him.” Alexander snarled at me, but I felt his acceptance of the order. He stood and I saw Robert clutch his head. I knew what was happening. My brother was using his pushing power. Alexander’s anger doubled and he was obviously yelling at Robert now. I asked Brutus, “Is Oden saying anything?” He answered, “He’s snarling and roaring.” So, no.

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