Page 110 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Tristan and Everly’s little boy was a delight. Everyone loved him. Elise continued, “I swear to god if one more natural disaster keeps Mel from seeing him, I’ll just start cursing ALL the gods and goddesses. They will ALL be on my shit list. I know Mel is sad she hasn't gotten home to see Kai.” I had nothing nice to say about this situation anymore so I said nothing.

Brutus grumbled, “They could just let us pop or portal to Melanie. That would solve ALL the damn problems, but nooooo. It’s like they forgot their own Gamma family CAN POP!” Yeah, it was annoying and weird.

Elise’s phone dinged and she frowned. Her annoyance flooded into me as she threw her phone. She yelled, “That’s such bullshit! How could someone claim to be someone’s mate? The fact that she doesn’t have a wolf has nothing to do with it. She would feel the sparks when he touched her.” I nodded, “I know.”

Her eyes filled with tears as she whispered, “We need to get her out of there. Everyone has a bad day, and he could take advantage of her. What if he marks her against her will?” I hugged her, “She’s strong. One day, hopefully soon, she willsee her strength. She’s actually doing them a lot of good. Their Warriors are the best they’ve ever been. The she wolves are actually involved in their pack. If he hurts her, he’s dead. I promise you that.” She nodded.

After a few moments he asked me, “For her, couldn’t we see about being allies?” I smiled and kissed her forehead. I assured her, “When the new leadership takes over the pack, I have no problem with that. I won’t approach the current Alpha Davis. He’s shady and up to something.”

Elise groaned, “Why can’t we just….?” I interrupted, “We aren’t their neighbors. We need proof they are doing something they shouldn’t be. I am more than willing to take over if we have that.” Elise begrudgingly admitted, “Ashley won’t talk about stuff like that.” I kissed her slowly planning to distract her in a fun way.

A knock at my door pulled us apart. I groaned. Elise laughed asking, “Later?” I slapped her playfully on the butt, “You bet your perfect ass later.” She told me, “I’m going on a walk.” I nodded and glared at Toby as he came in.

He pulled up short, “What’s with the…?” He inhaled then said, “Oh. Well, blame your brother. He’s at it again in the gym.” I linked the pack, “Clear the gym. Now.” Alexander would know, like everyone else, that didn’t mean him.

Angela popped in. She giggled asking me, “Can I start planning my birthday party?” I smiled pointing out, “Your mean your birthday party that’s after mine, Cassie, and Alexander’s birthday?” Angela nodded, “Yes, that one.” I laughed, “If you want.” She clapped.

I raised an eyebrow, “Why?” Angela squealed, “It’s going to be a big birthday! I want it to be perfect!” I ruffled her hair saying, “True. It’s not every day that a little girl turns ten. Don’t forget it’s TJ’s birthday too. Make sure you include him.”

Angela clapped, “IT’S GOING TO BE THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!” Her enthusiasm brought a huge smile to my face. I kissed her forehead, “I’m sure it will be.” She warned, “Don’t be a sour puss!” I frowned, “How was I being a sour puss?”

Angela shook her head, “Not today, at the party.” I snorted, “I won’t be a sour puss on your birthday.” Angela studied me then got a faraway look in her eye. She sighed, “That is not determined.” I laughed, “Oh come on!” Angela smiled, “It could go either way. Just remember I said no being a sour pus and you said you wouldn’t be.” I assured her, “I will do my absolute best. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go see Alexander.”

She sighed, “If only his path was clear, I could help. I’m working on it.” I kissed her forehead again, “You don’t need to work on it, Angela. Alexander will be ok.” Angela ignored me, “I’ll get it figured out and handled. Because now it feels like the blurry paths are just mocking me. I hate being mocked.”

I snorted, “You aren’t being mocked.” Angela raised an eyebrow, “I am, but I WILL rise to the challenge.” The bond told me she’d been working on it. I asked her, “What have you been doing?” Angela answered, “Testing theories. I haven’t gotten the right one yet, but I will. I will figure it out.” I couldn’t help but laugh again.

I smiled and tapped her nose, “See that you don’t get into trouble, ok?” Angela sighed, “Staying out of trouble is boring.” TJ popped in. I teased him, “Are you helping keep her out of trouble?” TJ gaped at me, “I am only nine years old. What do you want me to do? She’s like a wrecking ball.” Their happiness filled the bond as they goaded each other.

Angela said, “You forgot part of that. I am a wrecking ball of fun and mischief.” I smiled knowing that was fairly accurate. I ruffled TJ’s hair, “Alexander and I had to do that with Cassie.” TJ frowned, “There were two of you and only one of me. Also,Cassie isn’t as mischievous as Angela.” I laughed, “No, but she is sneakier.” TJ shrugged as if that didn’t make it difficult.

I told him, “We all have our struggles, and we all help you.” TJ shrugged, “I just join the madness she creates, big brother. That way when she gets in trouble, I’m right there beside her.” I winked, “Then have fun planning your birthday party with her.”

TJ groaned, “Already? I love planning but can’t we wait?” Angela clapped, “EJ said we could start now.” TJ looked at me, “Dear god EJ, why?” I laughed, “What could it hurt?” TJ looked at me as if I’d lost my mind.

He pointed to himself, “Ummm HELLO. Me! It hurts me. Our birthday is way too far away. She’ll change the plans seventy thousand times now.” I shrugged, “It’s not that far away and that seemed sarcastic.” Then I felt the bond and knew he was actually serious. I sent him an apology in the bond.

TJ sighed, “Alright Angela, what are we doing for our birthday?” Angela clapped, “I’m so glad you asked. It HAS to be perfect.” TJ groaned, “Aesir above, why?” Angela retorted, “Because it does.” TJ crossed his arms, and I started to walk out.

I heard TJ say, “Try again. I’m your twin. You want me to plan then tell me what the heck our party has to be perfect for.” He would learn one day that the women in this family all like to plan the most perfect parties of all time. Plus, he’d do whatever she wanted even if she didn’t tell him, and everyone knew that including Angela.

It was true that mom threw epic parties. No one could deny that. I was ten before I found out that not everyone had a parade at their party. Mom just went all out for birthdays. I’m sure Angela had adopted her philosophy.

I walked out to the gym and found Alexander hitting a heavy bag repeatedly. He didn’t even acknowledge I was here. Eventually I asked, “Are you going to stop that any time soon?”Alexander turned, “I was fighting the Warriors, but you ordered them to leave.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Which is probably why Toby came to see me. What’s your deal, little brother?” Alexander punched the heavy bag again for good measure. He turned and sat down cross legged in a heap. He sighed, “I don’t know.”

I sat down next to him. I nudged him, “Can I tell you what I think?” Alexander snorted, “Since it can’t be worse than what I’m thinking, sure.” I rolled my eyes, “I think Ashely reminds you of Melanie and you’re not alone there. Minus the whole family bullshit, they are nearly the same person. Ashley’s strong and we know Melanie could be a Female Lead Warrior if she wanted. You like hearing about Ashley because at this point, we hear about her more often than Melanie.”

Alexander sighed, “That could be it. I just feel like shit because I feel drawn to both of them. If it turns out I’m just an asshole who’s another in a long line obsessed with Melanie, then I’ve put us all through this shit for no reason. Part of me wants to go to Nashville to meet Ashley.” Before I could answer he told me.

“Because If I’m wrong about Melanie then I think my mate could be Ashley.” I asked him, “What does your heart tell you? What do your instincts say?” Alexander thought about it. Eventually admitted, “That Melanie is my mate.” I nodded, “Ok. Then I think Ashley just reminds you of her.”

Alexander snorted, “It pisses me off to no end there’s some fucking prick saying he’s her mate when he’s not.” I laughed, “He has a name.” Alexander shrugged, “Don’t tell me or I’ll find a way to kill him.” I asked, “Did you not hear Theo say his name?” Brutus said, “Oden doesn’t know it, so I doubt he does.”

Alexander sheepishly admitted, “I was arguing with Oden on what to do because we were both pissed about it.” Suddenly, Elise’s lust slammed into me so hard I snarled. Alexander lookedat me oddly then stiffened. He told me, “I just got the link that Elise just went into heat! Let’s go!” We popped out.

I threw my shield at Elise. That was something I’d been working on. Uncle Aiden thought I should try, and it came to fruition when my mate needed it. She was surrounded by my protection and the unmated males were pushed ten feet away from her.

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