Page 26 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Ray jogged up, “I did say I should come.” Elise rolled her eyes, “It was a dance in our territory. I should’ve been fine.” Ray said, “Next time, I’m coming.” Elise groaned. I kissed her forehead and watched her go inside.

I popped to my room. My dad and Alexander were waiting. I asked, “Where’s Cassie?” My dad answered, “With your mom. Now that you’re both here I have things to address. Alexander,you and some of your siblings not having all black wolves it doesn’t mean you’re not an Alpha.”

Alexander snorted, “I know that. I can take any Alpha, current AND future. Except you, dad. I can beat all my uncles already. I know I’m an Alpha.” My dad raised an eyebrow, “You were angrier than I’ve felt you before, son.” We both waited for his response.

Alexander just shrugged, “He wants Elise.” That was true but it was evasive. Why wasn’t he telling us he was upset about Melanie? It hit me. Is that what had been going on? That’s why he was so upset about the promise we had to make? Because of her? He hadn’t even met her.

Brutus linked, “I’m getting the sense it is about her. Oden is grumbling and growling but I did catch the word bug.” I pressed, “Ladybug?” He mused, “I don’t think it was Lady preceding bug, but I believe that would confirm it’s about Melanie.” That didn’t make sense.

My dad studied Alexander, “Alright. I repeat you are an Alpha, Alexander. You just have other pieces of you that come through in your wolf’s fur. You’re an amazing fighter in wolf and human form. You and your brothers and your sisters all have Alpha blood. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel bad for who you are. You’re unique. All of you.” Alexander nodded and my dad left.

I asked, “Are you going to talk to me?” Alexander asked, “About what?” I sighed, “About whatever is bothering you.” Alexander said, “Just let it be for now. Ok?” I pursed my lips, “Ok, but if there’s a time where I tell you to come out with it, you’d better.” Alexander looked at me, “I just need you to give me some space. I’ll be ok.”

I frowned because he’d never asked me for space. I agreed, “I’ll give you space, but I’m here if you need to talk.” Alexandernodded and popped out of my room. Brutus huffed, “That was weird, and I did not care for it.” Neither did I.

Plus, I didn’t understand why he didn’t want to tell me about Melanie. I understood why he was upset. He thought he’d meet her tonight. There were plenty of times we’d thought we’d meet her. I shook myself, knowing this would be resolved at Drake and Sam’s surprise anniversary party.

The next few weeks passed by quickly. Charline asked about Alexander every time I saw her. She was beginning to annoy me. Alexander would talk to her if he wanted to. Finally, I asked Elise, “Why are you friends with her? I swear if she asks me about Alexander one more time, I’ll lose it. He’s not interested. I’m two steps away from saying that quite harshly.” Ray snorted.

Elise blushed admitting, “We aren’t friends exactly. She just told me she really wanted to go to the dance. No one had asked her yet, so she asked about Alexander. I shouldn’t have said anything.” I smirked, “Because Melanie is pouting?” Elise snorted, “She’s not been happy, but she’s also pretty busy. She’s really excited about the surprise party.” So was I.

Maybe we could get Melanie and Alexander to stop being moody. Though if they weren’t mate’s they’d both probably be even moodier. UGH. Alexander had thrown himself into training, which wasn’t really a problem. Him being upset was what I didn’t care for.

After I left Elise, I found him in the gym for the fifth day in a row. I said, “Brother, you’ve been here for hours.” Alexander turned and looked at the clock. He shrugged, “I didn’t realize that. I’ve got to shower!” He popped away.

My little brother Max popped over to me. He observed, “He’s nervous. Why is he nervous?” Because he was hoping to meet his mate. I said, “You should ask him.” Max snorted and sarcastically said, “Oh thanks, EJ. I hadn’t thought of that. I did ask him. He just kept punching the heavy bag and didn’tanswer.” I chuckled, “Hopefully, you’ll see shortly.” I popped Max up to the main house.

We were running late. Cassie ran upstairs to get Alexander. He was very quiet when they returned. My mom quietly asked, “Alexander, are you ok?” We all tried to look away. It would’ve been quiet in a house full of normal werewolves. Our hearing was better than theirs. My mom always tried to keep that in mind even though she didn’t have enhanced hearing. It was sweet of her.

Alexander looked up, “Huh? What? Oh, yeah. I’m ok.” Mom frowned. She had Angela in her arms and my dad had TJ. We filled up five cars with our whole group including guards. My aunts and uncles were coming too. Our group made it with ten minutes to spare.

The second we got inside I went over to Elise. She was talking to my cousin Emmaline. Emmaline had a picture in her hands. Elise kissed my cheek, “Be right back.” She went and put the picture of Drake, Sam, Jason, and Tristan in the center of the room. I frowned and looked around. There wasn’t a single picture of Melanie. Cousin Emmaline was frowning.

Elise came back declaring, “Now it’s perfect.” I raised an eyebrow. Cassie linked me, “I’m completely convinced Melanie isn’t real. How can she not be in a single picture?” I answered, “I don’t know.” I knew she was real though.

Elise looked at her phone then whispered, “Places, everyone! They are coming!” I smiled, “Who’s your inside man? T or Jase?” Elise smiled, “T.” Lucas turned out the lights. I noticed Drake was on alert when they walked in. We all jumped out yelling, “SURPRISE!”

I felt Alexander’s disappointment. For a brief moment I thought I was wrong and Melanie wasn’t his. Then a quick scan of their group told me that wasn’t the problem my brother had.He was upset because Melanie wasn’t with them. Drake and Sam were surprised by our appearance.

Drake looked over, “Dad?” Ben McAlister laughed, “We’ve been planning with our grandpups for a few months now.” Sam and Drake looked guilty. Ben asked, “Where’s Ladybug?” Drake said, “Umm.” Esther sighed, “Oh Drake, you really didn’t let her come?” Drake winced, “I didn’t know this was a party.” I felt my mom’s annoyance they wouldn’t let this joke go. She really thought Melanie was a prank to get one over on her, specifically.

Jason and Tristan jumped in. Tristan said, “It’s your party guys. Let’s enjoy it. Ladybug was disappointed, but she wants you to have fun. She had so much fun coordinating everything with grandma.” Alexander walked out of the room.

I looked around and asked, “Where’s Melinda?” Elise was frowning. She answered, “She had a piano thing. She was never coming.” I nodded, “What was wrong with Cousin Emmaline?” Elise tapped my wrist.

I knew she wanted me to do my space unheard chant. I quickly did. Elise smiled, “Emmaline popped to get this picture. I can’t believe I forgot it. I told her it was an emergency.” I smiled, “So she’s met Melanie now?” Elise nodded, “I can’t believe she’s never met her. I swear it’s all just a series of weird coincidences.” I snorted, “Sure.”

Several people asked about the photos but everyone from Red Run acted like we were crazy and insisted the whole family was in the photo. I heard my mom say, “Am I fucking high? She’s not in a single picture.”

Valerie Bishop, Sam’s friend, said, “If you are so am I. Normally, she’s a moving blur in pictures but I can’t believe they didn’t bring one with her in it.” I think Red Run was pulling a prank on my mom this time. It was just with the lack of Melanie in a picture.

I saw Chelsea get a call and step out. I was on alert when she didn’t come back. The party wound down. I asked my dad, “Can I stay with Elise and then pop home?” My dad nodded, “Sure, your guard will stay so pop them back with you.” I agreed.

I helped Elise start packing some stuff up as my family left. I could’ve snapped it done, but then I’d have to leave her sooner. Eventually I asked, “Where’s your mom? She never came back?” Peter walked over and the look on his face told me something bad happened.

Peter took a breath saying, “Drake.” Drake turned smiling, “Hey man. Thanks for the…” He trailed off then asked, “What’s wrong?” Peter answered, “There was an accident. Melanie dislocated her shoulder but she’s fine. The pack doctor already reset it and Chelsea is with her. Ladybug didn’t want to ruin the party for you and Sam.”

Drake snarled, “What kind of accident? She was supposed to be at home.” Peter sighed, “I haven’t gotten clear information on that. I sent all our Warriors home though. She’s ok.” I offered, “My mom or Alexander could heal her.” Drake sighed, “It’s not an emergency.” That stung.

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