Page 121 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Once I pulled back from my mom, I flung myself into my dad’s arms. Tears coursed down my cheeks because they were ok. Cooper linked, “I would’ve been there waiting to see you if something bad happened.” I replied, “Something bad did happen. Are you ok?” He sighed, “Yeah, I think so. They took our safe place from us.” Yeah, they had, and that stung.

I didn’t know how long it took for me to calm down, but my mom led me outside to our backyard. I closed the door. We sat down on the porch swing in silence until I asked, “Who is it, mom?” My mom frowned, “The sniper? I honestly have no clue. Your father is a fair man and a good leader.”

I whispered, “I don’t understand.” My mom admitted, “None of us do. Whatever it is that she’s upset about she still saved us.” I hugged her, “I need you guys. You can’t die.” My mom hugged me, “We are still here with you pups.”

I wiped my tears, “What if she decides that she doesn't like dad enough to save him again? How did the Hunters even find the cabin? It’s a secret.” My mom cringed saying, “There’s only one way, someone told them. Which means we have a traitor.” I growled, “I will RIP THEM APART!”

My mom levelly said, “Not if I get to them first. I would rip people to pieces for you pups and your dad. Someone tried to make me watch him die, and that won’t go unchecked.” I hugged her promising, “I’ll destroy them for this mom. Dante is going down.” My mom squeezed me, “Yes, he is.”

We walked back inside. Tristan had joined the group. I hugged my dad and then both my brothers. Drake and Sam stormed into the house. Where had they been? I was annoyed when I found out. Rhea huffed, “Is anyone going to tell us things? They went to celebrate Melanie getting into Julliard. Where was our text? Hey, Ladybug got into Julliard. I mean it’s not surprising but still.”

I linked Dalton, “There was a massive attack when they decided to go see Mel? Our parents almost died because the McAlister’s wanted to surprise her?” He said, “I mean it’s a coincidence because that makes no sense.” He was right, but the whole thing seemed off.

When EJ popped out, I had no doubt I knew where he was going. My dad asked, “Did he go to the cabin?” I nodded, “I’m sure he will make it so no one but us can get in. Then he will fix everything that got ruined. I’m assuming he at least needs to replace the windows.” He was giving my family back our place of peace and I found my love for my mate knew no depths.

Drake asked, “So from the links I got I hear the sniper is mad at you, Peter.” My dad sighed, “I guess.” Drake pressed, “But why? Why let you know they are angry without admitting why?” My dad rubbed his temples, “I’ve been thinking really hard about it and I just can’t think of anyone who would be so upset with me.”

Jason growled, “Whoever they are, they can’t disrespect you like that.” My dad dismissed that notion, “We will get this figured out. I always admit when I’m wrong. If I’ve hurt someone, then it’s up to me to fix it. We just need to talk to the sniper once we get a hold of her. We’ll figure this out on that day.” Tristan snorted.

I grumbled, “We won’t get ahold of her if she doesn't want us to.” Drake frowned. Dalton said, “I want to get ahold of her. She’s nice to the Black Mountain Alpha’s when she helps you guys. We get chastised. Now it’s both the current and former Alpha’s. What the hell did we do?!” No one said anything. My dad finally said, “I just don’t know, and I hurt for this woman. If she sees me as someone who should know her, I don’t. I’m sure that upsets her even more.”

I linked my brother, “Did T and Jase go through the files? They may see something we might not.” He scoffed, “Every single one of our allies have been through our files. We’ve brought in Omega’s adept at psychology all the way to Alpha’s. Even Haley went through them and we got nothing.” I frowned.

He continued, “Haley’s amendment to this note tells us about who the sniper is. She thinks the sniper will be more upset that we don’t know who they are. She thinks the sniper will believe our pack is pretending not to understand.” That could turn bad fast. A sense of impending doom descended on me because Haley was rarely wrong. EJ popped back to us, and then popped us home.

When I woke up the next day, I went to lead a training session. Haley and Molly had started this tradition, and I’d decided to keep it going. Both women still attended. Shana and Jessica did when they had time, but Haley and Molly always made sure to be there.

Haley asked, “How are you doing, Elise?” I shrugged, “I’m fine.” Haley nodded but I could tell she knew it was a lie. I lost myself in training. Afterwards, I decided to run several laps on the track. Then I made my way up to our bedroom. I quickly showered then headed down into the office. I sat at my desk and before I got into my work, I replied to Ashley’s email.

Ashley,

I find myself baffled that you’d stay in a pack where you don’t consider the Alpha yours. I think that should tell you that you don’t belong there. Who is the Alpha you’d consider your Alpha? I think that’s the pack where you belong. I’d love it to be here, but you need to be somewhere you are treasured and cared for.

It’s not just your job to protect people. It’s the job of both your Alpha and Luna to protect you. That should not all fall onto you. You deserve to be protected too because that’s what a pack is supposed to mean.

In all our email exchanges, you have never been one to take crap from anyone. Why are you letting people make you feel you deserve their treatment? You don’t. You are extraordinary. I may not have met them, but I know your parents wouldn’t want you to suffer like this. Neither would your older brother. I say this as the oldest sibling myself. I would not want for even ONE second, for guilt to stop my siblings from living their best lives. Just think about that please.

On a lighter note, you were right about pups. I think when I turn twenty-five, EJ and I should try. Our allies, my home pack Red Run, Beta has a little boy. His name is Kai. He’s just so much fun. I love babysitting him. It’s strange to think I could have a little combination of EJ and I running around soon. I know I am ready for that step thanks to you and your advice.

Not to say I don’t have fears, I do. I worry about the undergrounds and the Ring. I know they are lying in wait for EJ and me to have pups. They want my husband’s family. The undergrounds wouldn’t want the attention kidnapping my pups would bring, but the Ring wouldn’t care. I just can’t be scared anymore. You know? I’m taking my own advice. I can’t let fear keep me from living my life the way I want, and neither can you.

Anyway. I hope that you have had a good few days. I myself went through my heat, then my old pack was attacked. My parents were almost killed. I’ve told you before we have people who help us. They won’t tell us who they are, but they are mad at my dad. They still saved him though. I guess that’s what counts.

I just can’t help but wonder what he did. Or what someone thinks he did. He’s such a kind man. My heart breaks that someone is hurting. Our allies, my home pack, and trained psychologists have been through the pack files, and we can’t figure out who it is. These people think my dad did something to them, but I know he would never intentionally hurt someone. He’s distraught and devastated.

I hope things went smoothly taking over that other pack for you. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask us. We will be there no matter what. I will come for you personally if youever ask. Maybe even if you don’t. You are my friend, and that’s what friends do.

Elise

I sighed and shut my laptop. I started on the disputes I handled for the pack. I didn’t have that many today. I was able to knock them all out fairly quickly. I was rather proud of how it had become second nature to me now.

I glanced up surprised when a knock sounded. I yelled, “Come in.” I raised an eyebrow when a Warrior, Fowler, walked into the office. He didn’t look particularly happy. Fowler handed me a note. I asked, “What’s this?” Fowler shrugged, “Someone wearing a hood left this on our border. He or she was gone before we got over there. We went through protocols. Nothing in this will hurt you, or you’d never see it.” I nodded. I didn’t doubt that for one second. I opened the note.

Elise,

I know it’s not your birthday yet, but I wanted you to have this. I hope you have an amazing birthday. You deserve it.

Ashley

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