“It’s about what you need, but you do not have to face that alone. We are all here for you. In this family when one goes into battle we are there. It’s an adjustment to not feeling alone again, but you’re not.” I nodded, “I’ll try.” Haley squeezed my shoulder, “That is all anyone can ask.”
I put my hand on hers and washed my face. She snapped my hair and makeup done. She commented “Elise picked a different dress. I hear you like red lipstick, and I am a fucking fan of that. You look fierce.” I smiled, “Thanks.”
She looked into my eyes and said, “You don’t just look it though, you are truly fucking fierce. Don’t you ever forget that.” I whispered, “I’ll try. Can I ask you an unrelated question?” Haley nodded, “Of course.”
I asked, “Since you can take people’s wolves... can you give them to someone else?” I’d speculated that she could, but I’d never heard if she’d tried. I added, “I know a bunch of wolf less people worthy of wolves. I also know a bunch of wolves stuck with crappy humans. I just wondered if you could give them wolves.”
Haley's jaw dropped. She eventually said, “I don’t know. I’ll have to talk to Aiden. That’s a really fucking good idea. I’d have to make sure the wolf wasn’t shitty too, but that definitely has interesting possibilities.” She popped out.
I walked over and unlocked the door. Elise instantly apologized when I emerged, “I’m sorry, Mel.” I shook my head, “You have nothing to be sorry for. I love that dress, I just…” Elise hugged me, “I understand.” She showed me a black dress.
Sierra linked, “I might have vetoed things that show off your back. I don’t think she caught on though.” The dress had a scarf to go with it and a brown belt to go across my hips. I smiled saying, “I love it.” I took it back into the bathroom to get changed.
I took off Xander’s hoodie and looked at my back before closing my eyes. Freya linked, “It’s not forever.” I don’t know why she thought that. My scars weren’t going to go away. I knew she believed Haley and Xander could heal it, but there was magic on it. The scars were no longer red and angry looking though. Just… there.
I touched the middle of my back with my hand then stopped. The words were always there no matter how much I looked at them or traced the grooves. I put on the dress and stepped out. Elise smiled complimenting me, “You look great.” She had on her own dress.
I was a little bitter because she looked adorable in a sweetheart neckline strapless dress. I was happy she could wear things like that though, even if I couldn’t. Sierra linked, “You used to wear stuff like that in our pack. One day…”
I interrupted, “One day the scars will still be there, and people here will care about that.” Sierra linked, “But they are a part of you. They are nothing for you to be ashamed of. You wore bikinis at home. We’ve seen them and it doesn’t make me change the way I think of you. It makes me want to pulverize Trevor.”
I sighed, “You all looked at me with pity until you got used to them. I’m this pack’s Luna. They can’t look at me that way.” Sierra argued, “You’re wrong. Those scars show how strong you are.” I explained, “It would upset my family and Xander. I think we’ve all got enough of that going on right now.” Sierra shrugged, “Fair enough.”
The three of us walked out together. As soon as we got outside, I saw Xander. Freya linked me, “For that look alone the outfit is a winner.” I snorted, “Yeah… that’s true.” Xander started growling at people for some reason. Elise snickered, looking like she knew why.
I was about to ask Sierra when I noticed she’d zeroed in on Phil. Xander walked over and literally tucked me against him. I had no complaints about that. I wasn’t surprised when people I’d saved started running up to hug me.
I stole a few glances at my family and nearly broke down over the pride they were exuding. I’d wanted them to be proud of me. Particularly Jason, since I knew he was alive. He was beaming brighter with every person that approached me.
I tried to subtly glance at Alpha Kyle. He was also not hiding his pride, and I swallowed down a sob. He linked me, “I am so incredibly proud of you for saving all these people, Melanie Jane.” Ok… so he wanted me to cry at this party. Freya snorted, “He does not.” I think he did…clearly.
My anger at the McCann’s tripled at that moment. I wasn’t normal because of them. I couldn’t walk over and hug my brothers, or my family, because of them. The chasm of hurt between us was too vast right now that we’d gotten that first hug out of the way.
I could literally feel something inside me wanting to lash out at them and Alpha Kyle for looking proud. Which didn’t make sense…that was all I had wanted. I asked my wolf, “Why do I feel like this?” Freya answered, “I don’t know. It’s like you don’t but you do.” Great.
Eventually, I left Xander to go get a drink. Haley popped next to me and smiled. Before she could say anything, I heard several growls. Haley stiffened. I asked, “Are you ok?” She nodded but her eyes were hard. I could see a hint of gold in them.
I turned to see one of Eric’s business partners with him. My eyes narrowed because I’d seen people like her all the time in Black Path. I didn’t realize she was like that. Or I’d have killed her to spare Haley her presence.
It pissed me off Amy thought Eric was like the likes of Edward and Jean. The number of men who cheated on their mates in Black Path was a high number. Both parties to cheating made me sick in our world. Humans could lie about it. Supernatural’s had marks. Anyone could see them. To cheat on your mate, and to want someone who had a mate… pissed me off.
Amy started talking about her car. She mentioned it six times, and Eric couldn’t have looked less interested. Sierra linked, “How ya doing?” I replied, “I haven’t punched her yet… so good.” She snorted, “Oh lord.” I was trying to make a good impression on the pack…so flying over there and PUNCHING that ladder climber was probably the wrong move.
Tristan linked, “What is with the look on your face?” I replied, “I really, deeply HATE people like her… and the fact she is here makes me want to punch her.” He snorted, “Try talking first. If a fight breaks out, I’ll have your back though.” My heart faltered and I put that feeling away for later, focusing on the conversation in front of me.
I studied Amy’s car. You had to be kidding me…that was a rental car. The Resistance used to rent under a shell company. I knew that device was for tolls. She didn’t buy that car, she rented it. Eric kept shooting loving looks at Haley.
Amy would react by touching him to bring his attention back to her. Eric even clarified he didn’t invite Amy here. Typical. She was twisting his words to fit her narrative. Why couldn’t people stick to unmated people?
I’d seen men flirt with Luna Elena too. She never did anything, but no one would’ve blamed her. Edward cheated on her all the time. I just did not understand these people trying to come between soul mates. To cause devastation to the families, packs, and the mates themselves was utterly selfish.
I looked over at Xander. He looked annoyed, angry, and a little hurt. Nope. No. Melanie was absolutely not letting that happen. Freya linked, “You’re going third person, That does not bode well for this Amy woman.” It did not.
Sierra linked, “I knew you’d look at him and it would be on.” It was. Amy was dead, whether she left here alive or not. No one hurt Xander. It would be a race to get to her, but I would win. Knowing I was racing the Hackura would have me using a different plan. They would not guess they were racingme… which worked in my favor.
Freya agreed, “I like this plan you have.” Yeah, well I was done standing here watching this. No one hurts my mate or my future mother in law. I linked Haley, “Is this working?” She glanced at me startled replying, “Umm yes.”
I replied urgently, “Promise me that before you act, you’ll let me talk to Amy.” Haley chuckled, “As I am very intrigued by what you would say to her, I promise to stay here until you’re done.” I winked saying, “Thanks.” I charged across and introduced myself to Amy.
