Page 72 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

I looked back and saw Elise and Peter. She took my breath away. I knew my mom had snapped her dress. My mom said Elise could do whatever she wanted with the Luna dress. It was tradition to use the same dress, but my mom thought Elise should decide. She said if Elise wanted a different style she’d conjure a garter with the old dress’s material. Brutus purred, “Mate is beautiful.”

Elise had chosen that option since she wanted something totally different. It was well worth it because she looked stunning. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Alexander linked me, “What’s Peter upset about?” I looked over at my father in law. I was a little surprised to see his eyes did hold a little anger. There was still pride and love in them, but definitely a little anger.

Elise linked me, “Do you know what’s going on? Mom and Dad are being quiet about it.” I answered, “I don’t know, but we can figure that out later. This is about you and all your hard work today.” Elise cooed, “I hear some mates have already met today.” I winked replying, “So they did. At least one more is coming since Everly Bond is here today.”

Elise asked me, “Who’s her mate?” I smirked answering, “It’s T.” Elise chuckled, “Then hopefully two more mates today.” Her eyes slid to Alexander. I sighed, “Hopefully.” I noticed that Alexander was wearing his necklace from Melanie.

My dad cleared his throat and started the ceremony. I was so proud of Elise. It wasn’t a small thing to take on this pack. I heard a pop and looked back feeling who was now closer in the bond. I smiled at Cassie who side hugged our mom.

Angela caught my eye before I turned back because her arms were still crossed and she looked near tears. Brutus growled, “What happened?” I reasoned, “You know what I do.” I linked my sister, “Little one?” She didn’t answer.

I snapped back to focus when my dad asked Elise if she accepted being the Luna of this pack. She accepted. Brutus howled happily in my head and pride filled me. We all stripped out of our clothes so we could shift and run.

My mom popped onto my dad’s wolf, Thor’s, back. Rhea and Brutus led the pack in a run. They ran proudly beside each other. I linked her, “This is our pack now.” She replied, “I know. Officially and everything.” People began to split off. I led her around to the other side of the lake.

I shifted back and she followed suit. I kissed her hard and she moaned into my mouth. I growled, “I missed you today.” She whimpered, “EJ.” I sucked on her neck, loving as her moans grew louder. I trailed kisses down her body taking her nipple into my mouth. She tugged on my hair lightly. I looked up at her and grinned. She wanted it fast, but I wanted to taste her.

I sank to my knees and attacked her clit, and she screamed her orgasm minutes later. I pulled her down on top of me as I laid on my back. I told her, “Ride me, babe.” I gripped her hips as she set a hard and fast pace bringing us both to orgasm. She fell down onto my chest, and I held her there tightly.

Anger barreled into me so hard my eyes blazed and I growled. Elise pushed up to look at me, “EJ?” I searched my bonds knowing where to start. My suspicions were correct, it was Alexander’s anger. My mate lifted herself off me. I snapped us dressed and grabbed her hand popping to the main yard.

Tristan and Everly had found each other. He was running into the house with her, ignoring whatever was going on. Brutus linked, “He’s too happy to notice.” Probably. I looked around feeling my brother nearby but I didn’t see him.

Elise’s confusion brought my attention back to her. She questioned, “Where’s Melanie?” Excuse me? Jason rubbed his face answering. He answered, “She’s not coming, she got grounded.” I heard a roar. My eyes blazed with Alexander’s anger. Jason turned his profile to look towards where Alexander must have run.

I raised an eyebrow asking, “Where did you get the black eye?” Brutus told me, “You know the answer.” I did. Jason frowned, “Alexander is pissed about something, and I must have got in his way. He took off before I could ask what the hell his problem was. I think I lost a few seconds. He packs a punch, man.” Alright, that’s it. I was done. There was no more space to give my brother. Brutus sighed, “Finally. You had too much space to give.” Maybe.

I saw Angela out of the corner of my eye huddled over on the steps hugging herself. I would have to deal with that in a minute. I took off after Alexander knowing Elise was behind me. I linked Cassie and TJ, “Angela is upset, and I have to deal with Alexander’s anger. Please check on her.” They both replied, “Ok.” So, at least someone was on that.

I found Alexander punching a big oak tree. I scented his blood and noticed his hands were raw. Elise gasped. I growled, “ENOUGH!” Alexander stopped but he didn’t turn around. I stalked over to him, throwing my arms up. I was so fucking pissed.

I pushed him, “Heal your damn hands right fucking now!” I couldn’t even look at him. Elise linked me, “EJ, he’s broken about something. I’m sure it’s because Ladybug isn’t here.” I wastired of not officially knowing what his problem was. I was done. I watched my brother's hands.

As soon as he healed them, I snapped him clean of blood. The sight of his blood did things to me I did not care for. I growled, “There is no more goddamn space for me to give you. EXPLAIN! NOW!” Alexander whispered, “I can’t.”

I grabbed him by his shoulders and pushed him into a tree, “OH YES YOU CAN! Tell me what you’ve been keeping from me for five years. Tell me what puts you into this ridiculous mood all the damn time!” He pushed me back, “She’s leaving, and I won’t get to meet her! She’s going to win because she ALWAYS WINS! They are keeping her from me and I…” He trailed off.

I frowned, “And you what? What are you talking about? I mean obviously she is Melanie but….” Elise gasped interrupting, “She’s going? But she said she didn’t want to go.” Alexander wiped his eyes cutting her off, “She yelled at them tonight that she’d go to New York and find people who actually believed in her. That she’d win and stay the hell away from Red Run.”

I looked between the two of them. I said, “Alexander, I need you to back up and explain. Who do you think is keeping Melanie from you? And why?” Alexander pushed away from me again and sat down on the grass. He whispered, “Don’t make me say it. I can’t see it on your face. Not yours.” I looked at Elise, but she looked just as confused as I was.

I touched Alexander’s shoulder, “What are you talking about? What do you think you would see on my face?” Alexander said nothing for a long time, “Disgust, revulsion, and disappointment.” I backed away from him in shock. Brutus growled, “What?!”

I strode forward, picked him up, and let him feel my anger. I told him, “I don’t know why you think I would ever feel those things about you. So, I need you to explain. Right now.” Alexander looked down, “I think I love her.”

I rolled my eyes, “Say her damn name.” Alexander whispered, “Melanie.” I sighed, “I think I just heard the hallelujah chorus. We’ve finally admitted it, and good lord I’m talking in the royal ‘we’ now. Moving on, what the hell are you worried about? Who is keeping her from you? What are you even talking about?”

I told Brutus, “Talk to Oden.” He retorted, “I am. I like the answers you are getting just as much as the ones I am.” Great. Perfect. Awesome. Brutus snickered, “Such sarcasm.” I reasoned, “That’s what I’ve got.”

Alexander explained, “They know I like her, they have to. It’s why she’s always grounded. We all know her crossing the border is bullshit.” I nodded, “We do. We looked to see if there was a pup that looked like her. We found a pup with black hair. She’s taller and their body type isn’t the same, but it’s possible they think she’s Melanie from the back.”

Alexander whispered, “Males are possessive of her and always have been. They have to know I want her. I stole her hoodie because it smells so good.” I questioned, “When?” Then it hit me, “THE DANCE?! Five years ago?! Oh my god. There were two hoodies in the back of the damn SUV! Which one did you take?”

Alexander sighed, “Melanie’s. It’s a dance competition hoodie. Plus, her scent calms me down. She smells like strawberries.” I replied evenly, “I am aware.” Alexander growled, “They are keeping her away from me because they are afraid I’d be possessive of her like those other assholes! I probably made it worse when we took over Two Peaks. Fuck!”

He pulled at his hair with his hands, “I was just so mad! They were talking about taking her like she was theirs and they can’t have her!” He blew out his breath. He whispered, “I wouldn’t want her near me either, but I love her. I wouldn’t take her. Not unless she was my mate. I truly want her to be happy.” I frowned asking, “What are you talking about right now? What do youmean take her?” Alexander sank down into himself and I felt his despair.

He shrugged, “It’s the only explanation that makes sense. They know I’m powerful enough to take her if I wanted to. If I was possessive like those other guys are, it would be different because of who I am. I’m an Alpha.” Brutus snarked, “Oh gee, that escaped our attention.” Now was not the time for him to make me laugh by being snarky.

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