Page 28 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

I ran downstairs and found my parents sitting at the table. My dad smiled, “Hi, sweetie.” I didn’t bother with pleasantries. I asked him, “Did you know about Eric’s text?” My dad sighed, “Drake told me. I just don’t think it can be directed at us because EJ would’ve said something. Alexander and Jason are so close I have to think he’d have said something as well. Or both would’ve spoken to you. EJ can’t and won’t keep things from you. Alexander is the quietest one but to say nothing to you or Jason? I just don’t see it. Cassie would’ve told you too.”

I nodded, “I agree. It sounded like both T and Jase’s feelings were hurt.” My dad sighed, “We have been through it with Haley and Emmaline. Your mom and Emmaline are still good friends. Haley always included them in her in….” He trailed off.

I snorted, “I know it’s called Bad Ass Girl Gang, dad.” My dad smiled, “I just think we’d have known. I’m surprised Alpha Eric didn’t call. I know he’s busy, but this has to be about Emmaline or Haley.” My mom told us, “You’re discounting something. They could be trying to protect us all. If it’s known Haley, Emmaline or their pups pop in and out of our pack at our beck and call someone could use that information to attack us or someone else.”

That was true. Dad sighed, “Plus, with the little girl with the strongest sight on the way they are changing their security up. We’ve all been preparing for her to come along for a while now.”My mom nodded, “Add that with Jade Lyon’s ability to take people’s powers. It’s a big motivator to attack. Then we have little Aria as the strongest Soul Searcher in their history. The allies know that Jacob is the strongest Water Fairy ever, but that hasn’t gotten outside of our group yet. I think they are trying to protect us all.”

My dad conceded, “That does sound more like them than any other theory we’ve come up with.” It did. It was the best theory out of all of it. I quickly texted the idea to Tristan. He was relieved and even added that Jason was too.

My youngest brother Cooper came in and wanted to play with my dad, so they left. I asked my mom, “Did Sam tell you anything was up with Mel? T and Jase mentioned she’d been off.” My mom laughed, “I heard she’s been more like a bug than a lady this week. Sam doesn’t know why though.”

I pressed, “Do you know what led up to it?” My mom thought about it, “I guess she was around Charline and her friends, but last I knew they didn’t have a problem with each other.” I winced, “Oh no. This might be my fault.” My mom tilted her head, “I don’t see how that’s possible.”

I sat down, “Charline wants to go to the school dance. She asked me about Alexander which I mentioned it to EJ. He had me tell Alexander, so I bet he asked Charline to the dance. If Melanie heard about it, she’s probably upset about that.” My mom reassured me, “That’s not your fault. Alexander is a big boy. From what I know of him he doesn’t do things he doesn’t want. I know Ladybug has a crush, but that’s not your....”

I cut her off, “It’s not even like he likes Charline. I didn’t really think he would ask her.” My mom replied, “He’s nice to her when they see each other.” I shrugged, “Alexander is nice to the vast majority of people.” My mom laughed, “I suppose that is true. He’s the quieter one, but still doesn’t do things he doesn’t want.”

I frowned, “I just really didn’t think he’d ask her. I just promised Charline I’d pass along the message to EJ.” Mom assured me, “You didn’t do anything wrong. Besides, Melanie will be ok and get over it. If it’s as you say it’s not like Alexander is going to date Charline.” I snorted, “I seriously doubt it. I really thought he found her annoying.” My mom shrugged, “Apparently not.” I was pretty sure I was right.

I theorized, “Maybe he just wanted to come. Cassie is going with Jason and EJ is going with me.” My mom acknowledged, “That could be it too. Those three tend to be together.” I nodded, “I think that has to be it.” My mom smiled, “She would be the first girl he’s shown interest in. So, I’m sure she’s over the moon about it.”

I cringed, “Which means she’s probably bragging. Poor Mel.” My mom patted my shoulder, “She’ll be ok. Especially if Alexander is just going with Charline as friends.” I sighed, “I still feel bad. This is all my fault.” My mom nudged me, “They aren’t getting married or anything. It’s just a dance.” I nodded, “That’s true.”

I hugged myself acknowledging that I missed EJ. I hadn’t seen him since I left. I was still confused about this new mandate they had made. I was annoyed that everyone asked me not to say anything about it. I didn’t know how to broach the topic without EJ knowing how everyone on our side felt.

I knew EJ or any of his family would pop to me no questions asked because of EJ. I just hoped my mom’s theory was the right one as opposed to Jason and Tristan’s. I would hate it if EJ or any of his siblings felt taken advantage of. I got up from the table. I was unsettled and would be until I heard EJ’s voice.

I went upstairs and grabbed my phone, knowing I could call him and feel better. I was right. Hearing his voice settled everything inside me. I was ready for his uncle’s coronation. Mydad told me I couldn't forget anything. No one outside of the Hackura had ever been at their coronations that talked about it.

I did find out that the situation was him following what was said, which meant it wasn’t any of his siblings. That would make the McAlister’s feel better. I talked to EJ until someone knock on his door. After we hung up and I immediately called Tristan.

He answered, “Hey Elise, what’s up?” I told him, “I didn’t tell EJ anything about what you said, but we briefly talked about it. Alexander is upset about the new rule. EJ even said he’s abiding people’s wishes. It’s none of the Conners pup’s requests.” Tristan let out a sigh of relief.

He said, “At least that’s something, Jase has been beside himself going over everything he’s ever asked Alexander to do.” I continued, “According to EJ, he’s pissed about it. So at least we know it’s not their call.” Tristan blew out a breath, “Yeah, they are our friends. It’s good to know they don’t feel that way. It sucks though. We gave our word to dad that we would only use it in emergencies.”

I changed the subject, “Is Mel in a better mood?” Tristan said, “A little. She was super jazzed after she came back from dancing all morning. She ran past us all to shower. I have no idea why but she was pretty excited.” I reasoned, “It must have been an inspiring dance.”

Tristan agreed, “Yup, you know how she is when she choreographs a dance she loves.” I smiled, “I do.” She was adorable. Tristan told me, “She did my science project.” I gasped, “What? That’s high school level.”

Tristan laughed, “I know. She’s too damn smart for her own good. She did it without me even saying anything. She just told me all about the math and the experiment. It’s pretty good. Jared told me she’s been helping with his homework since she was three. They have some deal worked out. She’s going to runthe world someday.” I laughed, “I’ll bet she will. She’ll just dance her way to the top.”

Tristan sighed, “My mom wants dad to think about letting Mel go to Juilliard. Or at least having her apply.” I replied, “Your dad would never let that happen.” Tristan was silent for a minute. Then said, “It might be safer to have her all the way in New York so he’s considering it. Just so she’s out of here then we can figure out if Alpha Ezra would make a move.” That was big.

He continued, “Mom met a couple that’s from New York. Their daughter, Tiffany, is in competitions with Melanie all the time. They said they’d be willing to host her in their pack. Her dad’s the Male Lead Warrior and he said he’d talk to his Alpha about it. There’s no way an Alpha would have a problem with it though.”

I questioned, “Does Melanie even want to go?” Tristan laughed, “She waffles. You know she gets homesick on two day competitions.” I admitted, “I do know that.” He acknowledged, “I think she does want to go, it’s just a long way away from…” I finished, “Her Xander.” Tristan said, “Bingo.” I sighed, “Well it is Juilliard. Alexander wouldn’t ever keep her from her dreams, plus he can pop wherever he wants. If he is in fact her Xander.”

Tristan grumbled, “She kicked me in the shin for saying if he was hers. I don’t know what to do at this point. Her entire heart is wrapped up in Alexander being her mate. They haven’t even met. Alexander left a hoodie in our car, and she has it. She even wears it to sleep. I don’t know if we should encourage this anymore. It’s going to break her heart if he’s not hers.”

I pointed out, “He could very well be hers.” Tristan teased, “Because your future pack needs to be more stacked? Alexander and Melanie fighting together would just be a sight to see. I mean she’s nine and I’m a little scared of her when she fights. With Alexander I’d never want to face him after seeing him fight.”

I agreed, “He’s good.” Tristan mused, “He might meet his match in Mel. Dad FINALLY took Ladybug to a training session. She kicked three Warriors’ asses before he told her the session was over. He’s already texting your dad trying to see who they should have train her. Right now, it’s him and my grandpa. Your dad suggested that your grandpa and my grandpa train her.”

I asked, “My grandpa would train Mel?” Former Alpha’s trained their pups and grandpups, but they usually kept it in the family. Tristan said, “He agreed that if that’s what they thought was best. He watched her train today. She’s just too damn good at whatever she wants to do.”

I laughed, “I got her a present. She’s still into theThoroughbredseries, right?” Tristan snorted, “Yes, very much so. She wants mom to take her to the books store so she can get the next one.” I warned, “Tell your mom to delay that trip because I already got it for her.” Tristan said, “On it.” I laughed, “Thanks, T.”

Tristan replied, “You know any McAlister would do anything for our big sister. You’re family to us. Ladybug adores you and wants to be just like you.” I blushed, “You’re so sweet.” We talked a little longer before we hung up.

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