Page 85 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Ladybug

P.S. I’m really sorry I can't give this to you in person. I’d planned a whole speech about how you are my sister by choice, and I love you. It was long… and… probably too long. I’m forgetting it all right now because I’m upset but... I even practiced it. I love you, Elise. If your bracelet changes color, get the HELL out of dodge!

I was sobbing as I put the bracelet on. Rhea asked, “What does that mean? Get the hell out of dodge?” I told her, “I’m not sure. We can ask her.” I walked away from everyone without feeling guilty. I was done being here. No one even tried to stop me.

Possibly because Liam had walked up to guard me. I saw his fierce stare at everyone, letting them know I needed my space. I wound my way around the house to Angela’s room. I wouldn’tpull EJ out of the room, but the second he was done I needed him.

EJ stepped out and he immediately hugged me while Eric walked past us. I told him about the bracelet. I couldn't believe she was gone. Rhea cried, “She is the sweetest little thing who always makes me laugh.” I was worried she’d stay away to prove a point, despite her homesickness.

The other part was she’d see how much she’d been sheltered. Giving a teenager that view, and freedom was dangerous. It was something she’s never had. Any wolf of rank would grab onto that. I cried into EJ’s neck until Rhea linked, “Alexander deserves his present too.” She was right.

My mate led me to his office, where Alexander was sitting with their dad. I walked right up to him. He set his whiskey straight down on the desk and took the present I held out to him. His eyes lit up when he opened it.

I dropped my hand in shock. Melanie gave Alexander a ring. Rhea screamed, “Is it a wedding ring?!” It looked like it. She told me, “Thor and Brutus are in shock.” I’d bet. It wasn’t often Thor was surprised. Alexander read the note after he put the ring on his right hand.

He dropped the note and yelled in surprise himself. Eric teasingly, but a little bit seriously, asked him if he just got proposed to. I mean if he did, didn’t he accept? Because he put the ring on. Isn’t that basically a yes? Rhea squealed, “Yes, it is! Plus, mate agrees with our logic.” She was so excited.

That was all ignored to focus on how smart Melanie is. Rhea scoffed, “Are they serious? We TOLD them she is a genius. We NEED the tea! Was that a proposal?! YES OR NO DAMN IT!” I replied, “I’m guessing it wasn’t.” She huffed in my head.

I quickly realized their rings reacted to iron. Rhea linked, “Oh my god. How did she do that? Don’t think I’m sidetrackedabout the proposal. Oden said it wasn’t so I’m not on the jewelry track.” I wanted to laugh but I was too shocked.

When EJ conjured something silver, I looked down at my bracelet and it turned brown. Oh. My. God. Eric got handed the note next. I looked at EJ’s ring. It had a tint of brown to the silver. This would take so much concern out of meeting with people we weren’t allied with. She’d given me peace of mind.

Tears filled my eyes, and I linked Rhea, “Why is she gone?” Rhea assured me, “She’ll come back. Then we will get Charity or Misty Kruthers to see her idea book. The Beta bloods need to keep us up to date.” I replied, “Melanie is a Beta blood.” She agreed, “Yes, but she’s never trained to be a Beta. She’s always been in her own space.”

That was true her intellect had her on a different level than her classmates and she was often doodling in her notebooks with no one to share her ideas with. On the occasions she did people looked at her like they didn’t understand and that frustrated her.

I needed to sit down with this revelation though it was beyond impressive. Rhea linked, “You do realize she’s been giving jewelry as presents for a while now.” That was true. I’d seen her give them to Ray, her family, and mine. We all had these.

I jolted up realizing the meaning in her message! Everything was under her bed. There were more of these. Rhea urged, “We need to go. We need to get these for everyone.” She was right. EJ immediately popped us to my parents’ house.

They were clearly surprised to see us. Rhea grumbled, “Yeah the universe is against us getting laid despite my plans.” I wanted to argue but it kind of seemed that was true. We tested their jewelry’s reaction. It was the same.

The McAlister’s were proud of her. Dalton linked, “I mean we always told people she was wicked smart.” I left EJ to explain everything and ran over to the McAlister’s. I walked in andfrowned. There was a potted plant overturned. I quickly picked it up noting it was the only thing out of place.

I inhaled and realized Sam had used some serious cleaning supplies in here. Rhea made a gagging sound. The bleach smell was out of this world. I opened up a few windows trying to air out the house. I walked up the stairs and stalled.

I bent down seeing a large we spot on the carpet. I rubbed my hand on it and held it to my nose. Someone must have spilled something on the carpet. That was a lot of carpet cleaner. It didn’t smell like Sam’s usual brand. My head began to pound as I thought there was something else in the scent that eluded me. It must be the smell making my head hurt.

I continued up the stairs and made my way into Mel’s room. I found a duffle bag full of jewelry under the bed. I laid down for a second. I whispered, “Why did you leave like that, Mel?” I didn’t get an answer. I got up and started to leave then grabbed a hoodie of hers in her hamper.

I walked back over to my parents’ house. My dad linked, “She’d be so happy to know she’s helping.” But she knew she would. She’d left me the message and I’d have asked her about it. If she was here, she’d get to go to Black Mountain because they had a lab. Their scientists would demand to talk to her. This entire thing was annoying.

Rhea linked, “You do know Melanie will make millions selling this.” I did know that. Sam said Melanie was always doodling things down in her notebook. Rhea snorted, “She is protective of that damn notebook. I thought she was trying her hand at drawing, but no. She was running crazy amazing science experiments.” Drake didn’t look surprised.

Dalton linked, “He’s not surprised because he gave her that notebook for her brilliant ideas.” I asked, “How do you know what I was thinking?” He retorted, “If only I was your brother orsomething.” I subtly stuck my tongue out at him, which had all my sibling’s hiding smirks.

I knew that Melanie would have more ideas to help us out. It would all be in the name of keeping her Xander safe, which would make EJ safer. I was all for funding Melanie’s little projects. It was a brilliant idea. Rhea chimed in, “If she had the Conners money behind her Lord knows what that girl could do.”

EJ popped us home and held me as I cried myself to sleep. I woke up alone, took a quick shower, and walked downstairs. Haley popped to me, “It’s Bad Ass Girl Gang day!” I admitted, “I’m just not up for it today.” Haley tried, “It would cheer you up, I promise. You’ve had fun every time, right?” I smiled because she knew I had.

I nodded, “I do. I’d just bring everyone down today.” Haley studied me for several moments. She sighed, “Alright, but if you change your mind, please link me. I’ll pop right to you. Ok?” I nodded, “Thank you.” She popped away.

I couldn’t stop staring at my phone like it was going to hatch. I knew my mom would text the minute she knew anything. Eventually I’d hear from Mel. My phone buzzed. I clicked on the message.

Mom:She won. Try to remember this is a great opportunity for her, sweetie. She seems really excited about it.

Me:She called?

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