Cory groaned, “But it’s their fault we didn’t know.” I laughed, “Somehow I doubt they feel that way.” Maverick chimed in, “Yeah, I’m guessing they don’t see it as their fault. When youthink about it the circle as a ring is kind of obvious since that’s who we are fighting.”
Cory grumbled, “Then it should’ve been gold or something. Who wears a blue ring?” EJ shrugged, “It’s true.” Oden huffed in my head. Cassie popped in with Gia and Tory. Genevieve, Toby, Phil and Gage joined us.
Phil whistled, “A rogue attack, they are so rare these days.” He turned, “And what are you pups doing so close the border?” I was surprised they hadn’t slunk away yet. Not that it would help since I saw them. Oden agreed, “They probably knew we’d remember their faces.” Cory offered, “I’ll pop the pups home.”
I linked the pack, “The rogues are handled, resume normal duties.” My parents popped in. Cory went over to the pups and popped them away. Elise joined us and admitted, “These always shock me now. I’m so used to never having them.”
Ray called from just behind her, “Because we didn’t have one in Red Run for fourteen years.” That was true. Elise shrugged, “And most avoid this territory.” Our attacks were few and far between, more so in the last three years.
I walked back to the pack house. Phil nudged me, “You need to talk?” I snorted, “I had a weird experience in the game H had me try for the Dragon theme park. It’s super cool but…” I trailed off and linked him, “Melanie was in there fighting with me. She had a white Dragon, but Bradley said there was nothing in the histories he’s read about a white Dragon.”
He replied, “It’s just a game.” I agreed, “Yeah, but they asked Bradley about the Dragons, and you know how accurate my mom is.” I shrugged adding, “But it must just be my imagination or something that worked with the charm.” He asked, “Wait, what?”
Before I could say anything, Nana Blanch shoved a plate of muffins in front of us. She demanded, “Eat them.” Leo grabbedher from behind before she could fall down. He sighed, “Alyssa, I told you all those batches previous were amazing.”
She narrowed her eyes, “Those two girls said they weren’t the best yet.” I asked, “Have you been cooking all day?” She answered, “Yes.” Leo grumbled, “And drinking. She only paused for the lockdown. I thought I had my escape from the kitchen.”
Nana Blanch asked, “Are you not out of the kitchen?” He stared at the sky. I laughed and grabbed a muffin. I moaned, “This is delicious. Honestly, these are your best muffin ever and that is not a low bar.” She grabbed the plate back from Phil who was devouring them.
She shrieked, “Kaia and Hannah, you two get over here!” Leo followed along behind her catching the muffins before they fell. Hannah was hiding but Kaia had been in plain sight and froze. Hannah caught my gaze and put her hands up in prayer form.
She linked, “Please Alpha Alexander, don’t tell her I’m over here. I’ve tasted so many muffins today.” I snorted, “And they aren’t as good as the Nashville muffin?” She replied, “Not even close.” That surprised me.
Kaia told Nana Blanch, “I couldn’t possibly eat anther muffin today.” Phil snorted, “Poor Kaia. Nana Blanch is a shark scenting blood in the water.” Nana Blanch disagreed, “Of course you can. You left the gym thirty minutes ago.” She shoved the muffin under nose. Kaia sighed and took a bite.
She moaned, “This is really good. Wow. Definitely the best batch today.” She gave her a thumbs up and turned to leave. Nana Blanch asked, “Better than the Nashville muffin made by the drunk girl?” Hannah leaned forward from her hiding spot.
Kaia answered, “For sure.” She was lying. Nana Blanch gasped, “LIAR! Leo, back to the kitchens!” He said, “Ok, I’m calling a kitchen hiatus. People have to eat other things besides muffins. Let’s get you…” He trailed off when my mom poppedin. She snapped the mated women and the one’s with boyfriends into sexy outfits.
All the men who loved to get dressed up were in sexy outfits too. Mom winked at me yelling, “SCATTER!” She popped away with Nana Blanch. Leo growled, “Are you fucking kidding me right now?” Nana Blanch gasped, “LANGUAGE!” Her voice carried from the mountain.
Dad and Leo shifted and took off running. I laughed and popped inside. I watched from the window while everyone was enjoying themselves. Oden whimpered, “We could play these games with mate.” I snorted, “Sure. If we made sure Red Run was sedated.” He grumbled, “We could do that.”
We could. More than likely if I’d been with Melanie this whole time, they’d be used it. I assured Oden, “Our time is coming. She’ll be home soon enough and then we can play these games with her.” Soon, we wouldn’t be on the outside of the fun we’d be right there with them. I couldn’t wait until that day. I’d been patient and soon it was going to pay off.
On My Own
Melanie is Eighteen Years Old
Melanie was walking around the pack. I had hoped Jason would send me a card or letter for my birthday, but he didn’t. No one did. I heard Trevor growl, “Mine!” Oh gosh. His poor mate. He ran and stood in front of me.
I moved the side, but he mirrored me. I saw Buck’s jaw drop and his eyes widen in horror. I told Trevor, “By all means, go get your mate. I have a meeting with Buck so… move… and I’ll just be thinking positive thoughts for you mate.” I’d probably have to get her out of here.
Trevor grabbed my arm, and I put him on his back in a second. I asked, “What do you think you’re doing?” He snarled, “You are my mate! We are going to my room, mating, marking, then I’ll burn that stuffed wolf of yours.” I threw my head back and laughed.
A crowd had gathered. Dax pushed through. He asked, “What’s going on here?” I answered, “Trevor is lying for some reason. I’m not really sure why… but he lives in a fantasy land of things that are NEVER happening.”
He growled, “You’re just mad you had delusions of grandeur. Alpha Alexander isn’t yours, you’re mine!” I blinked at him. I asked, “Do you think I like the smell of wet dog? I don’t.” He growled at me, “That doesn’t matter! You are mine.”
I argued, “It does in fact matter…I am not yours… also I don’t feel tingles when I touch you… nor am I drawn to you. I’m pretty sure you’re lying because everyone knows if you decided you wanted me as your chosen, you can’t forcibly mark me… because I’d kick your butt. Maybe even kill you. It’s all a strange turn of events with whatever stunt you’re pulling today.”
Dax put himself between me and Trevor. Trevor snarled, “Move. She’s mine.” I scoffed, “Please… literally no one believes that.” Booker said, “You will do what fated mates do, Melanie.” I sighed, “Of course Booker believes you because he has no brain.” He snarled at me.
Aunt Stephanie shouted, “You go mate with that boy right now.” I agreed, “He is a boy. Oh my gosh, we agree on something…I honestly never thought a day would come where we did…but you’re right. He’s not a man… that’s for certain.” Buck hung and shook his head.
Edward called, “Buck, you’ll have to make do without Melanie. We clearly need to talk this through.” I called, “I’ll be ten minutes late tops, Buck. Because this is easily solved. It’s not true and literally everyone but you three…” I paused.
I admitted, “Actually probably even you three, know it. Trevor, come on… dispense with this drama. You hate me. Everyone here knows you hate me. Wanna know how? You tell everyone… a lot… like all the time….at least three times a day…and that’s an average.”
