Page 20 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

I interrupted, “Last year on the day of our birthday.” She shrugged, “Even adults said I crossed the border. They all swore they saw me. I didn’t though, I SWEAR I didn’t! I begged my parents to let Cassie come over, or your mom, to make sure I was telling the truth. They just sent me to my room.”

I studied her noting she was telling the truth. What the hell was going on? Why were adults trying to keep her here? Did they just know their Beta didn’t want her out of the territory, so they went along with her bullies?

I warned, “I can’t do nothing about what you just told me. I’m an Alpha and I won’t let this shit stand.” She shrugged, “I know, but you actually believe me.” I nodded, “I do.” She sighed and put on music, “I’ll teach you the steps I taught Elise. Well not the exact ones… the partner’s piece... so you don’t step on her feet.” I chuckled.

She put on Elise’s favorite song and showed me the steps. She even taught me some spins and dips. My phone rang. Isaw Alexander’s name on the readout and so did she. I put my finger to my lips, and she nodded eagerly. She looked so excited. Brutus chuckled, “Her eyes lit up.” I barely managed not to laugh.

I answered, “Hello, brother.” Alexander asked, “Where are you? I’m really sorry about what happened earlier.” Melanie frowned. I told him, “I’ll be back in five minutes.” Alexander snorted, “That doesn’t tell me where you are.” I laughed, “No, it doesn’t. I’ll be back soon.” I hung up.

Melanie frowned, “Why didn’t you tell him you were with me?” I winked, “He’d tell Elise. They are practically brother and sister. I want to surprise her at the dance.” She cooed, “You and Elise are so cute!” I ruffled her hair, “Take care, little Melanie. I didn’t know you had a phone. I’ll give you my number, and you can call should Robert be a problem for you again.”

Melanie sighed, “It’s just an old phone with no service. I get to use it for the music.” That was too bad. I gave her a quick side hug, “Thank you for the help.” She smiled, “Anytime.” I snorted, “Umm not really. You’re nine and I just met you. That’s just a little sad because I practically live here part time.” She shrugged, “I’m busy… or in trouble. Mostly busy though… I’m not really a trouble maker. I guess I sound like one though.” Oh, good lord I had to stop the rant.

I asked her, “What’s your favorite thing to do?” She didn’t even hesitate, “Dancing. I feel free when I dance.” I nodded, “I hope I see you before you turn eighteen.” Melanie frowned, “I’ll see you in two weeks at my parents' party.” I teased, “I might hold my breath this time. Remember, it’s our secret so you can’t tell Elise.” She nodded, “I won’t.”

I popped back to my room. My brother growled when I appeared. I rolled my eyes, “Sorry I startled you. I’m going to grab a quick shower.” I snapped my clothes into my laundrybasket and popped into the shower. Alexander was gone when I got out.

I linked him, “What the hell? Where did you go?” He answered, “I just wanted to say sorry about earlier. That’s it.” I rubbed my temples, “Ok, but where did you go?” I could feel he was in the territory. He replied, “I’ll see you later.” Well ok then. My evasive moody brother was just going to be weird all day.

I went to get my laundry. I didn’t want Elise to smell Melanie on my stuff. To my surprise my laundry basket was empty. Nana Blanch must have grabbed it while I was showering. I shrugged and grabbed clothes from my closet.

My phone rang. I knew the ringtone meant it was Elise. I answered, “Well if it isn’t my girl.” Elise laughed, “Two more days.” I smiled knowing I was popping to bring her to my Uncle Bjourn’s coronation, then I’d pop her back to her family vacation.

Elise asked, “What did you do today?” I snorted, “Among other things I wondered what the heck is wrong with Alexander.” Elise was concerned, “Is he ok?” I rolled my eyes, “He’s got a bug up his ass about this McAlister popping rule.” Elise sighed, “Yeah, I mean it’s pretty weird.” I knew that.

I pointed out, “There’s nothing I can do about it. I’m just abiding by people’s wishes.” Elise sighed, “I guess.” I changed the subject, “I want to talk about your day.” Elise laughed, “We went hiking. The twins jumped into the lake when mom and dad weren’t looking.” I told her, “I love your laugh.” She giggled.

I added, “Even though I can’t see it I know you're blushing, and I love that too.” We talked for a few hours before my dad knocked on my door. I said, “I gotta go. Bye Elise, I love you.” She whispered, “Bye EJ, I love you too.”

I yelled, “Come in.” My dad entered. He asked, “So, how’d it go?” I answered, “Good. I found her. Did you hear the story about Melanie’s stuffed wolf?” My dad nodded, “Yes. It seemsseveral male members of their pack feel possessive of her. They don’t like seeing her with a wolf that wouldn’t be the color of their wolf.”

I countered, “So you don’t know that the reason she was so upset was because she was told white and black wolves aren’t real Alpha’s and she should get a different one because of that. Additionally, they didn’t like it’s coloring.” My dad growled, “What? No one mentioned that.”

I admitted, “I don’t think anyone except Elise, Melanie, and Robert know.” My dad questioned, “Why did she tell you then?” I snorted, “You know why she told me.” My dad reasoned, “She is very smart. Are you sure she’s telling the truth?”

I nodded, “I believe her and I’m going to ask Elise about it after the dance. Is it possible people are so paranoid about Beta Drake’s caution about Alpha Ezra that they’d lie about Melanie?” My dad frowned, “Lie about what?” I shrugged, “She said Robert, his friends, and even some adults, lied about crossing the border on our birthday last year.”

My dad laughed, “She could be lying. Unlike you and your Fairy cousins, she can.” I shrugged, “Apparently, Melanie begged them to bring mom or Cassie to her to prove she wasn’t lying. I think she REALLY wants to meet everyone. She’s too smart to get caught even if she was crossing.” My dad thought about it, “It could be the case, yes. Melanie is loved over there.”

I frowned, “She’s still being bullied about her toy wolf.” My dad raised an eyebrow, “If she is, not a single whisper has left their territory about it.” I confessed, “She doesn’t think anyone will believe her except Elise.” My dad frowned, “I’ll talk to Alpha Peter. He loves Melanie as if she was his own. Your mom can talk to her at the McAlister’s anniversary party. She is coming right?”

I nodded, “She’s really excited about it.” My dad said, “Well your mom and I will meet her then.” I said, “All of you will. For once I beat you to something, I met Melanie McAlister first.” Mydad laughed, “I’m sure you, your brother, and a few of our other pack members going to this dance will meet her that night.”

I sat back, “Oh my god. This is an odd feeling. I know something you don’t.” My dad smiled, “What’s that?” I answered, “Melanie won’t be there. She signed up for a dance competition.” My dad frowned, “Oh, she didn’t have one the last time I spoke to Drake.” I grinned.

His eyes narrowed, “When did she sign up for a dance competition?” I smiled, “I had the same question. She signed up Wednesday.” My dad’s lips twitched, “I see. Well, have a good night son.” I nodded knowing something was definitely up.

The next two days passed at an agonizing pace. Finally, the minute it was time to pop to Elise I was there. Peter laughed, “Did I not tell you he’d pop in the literal second he could, Sugar baby momma?” I didn’t pay any attention. All I saw was my girl.

I ran to her and picked her up and spun her around. I put my forehead on hers just inhaling her scent. I stepped back and looked at her. She was in a burgundy dress. I had to force my eyes away from her chest. It had a sweetheart neckline that had my pulse racing. The dress went down to her knees. She looked stunning. Brutus purred, “Mate is beautiful.”

I snapped myself into a black button down shirt and slacks with a matching burgundy tie. Peter sighed, “If only I could do that.” I whispered in her ear, “My girl looks stunningly beautiful.” She blushed, “Thanks.” I said, “I’ve missed you.” She giggled, “I missed you too.”

We stared into each other’s eyes until Elise’s mom cleared her throat. “You guys should get a move on.” I held out my arm for Elise, “Let’s go.” She looped her arm in mine. Ray warned, “Oh no you don’t, little Alpha. You’re popping with me too.” I smirked and grabbed his hand too and popped us to the Hackura realm. I wasn't letting her leave my side.

I saw Alexander first. I asked, “Hey, how’s everything going?” Alexander answered, “Aunt Astrid put off her coronation.” My Aunt and Uncle had gotten married when we’d turned ten. They were going to wait until Uncle Bjourn was King, but Uncle Bjourn thought Aunt Astrid had been hurt on a mission.

The second she got back he told her to plan their wedding because it was happening. She had laughed. He mistook her being upset over one of her people getting hurt as her own pain. He did not handle it well.

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