EJ sighed, “It’s Wednesday now. I swear this dinner will not end up happening and Cass will just blurt it out at a certain point.” I snorted, “Why is it delayed now?” EJ raised an eyebrow, “Officially?” I laughed, “No. The real reason.”
I paused when it clicked. I said, “Oh my god. She thinks dad will be upset that she’s pregnant.” EJ smirked, “That’s what I think, yes.” I laughed, “Dad will be thrilled because he’s going to be a grandpa.” EJ nodded, “I agree.” I sighed, “Alright. Wednesday it is.”
I smiled thinking of that particular day. EJ snorted, “You’re going to be outside listening to the Rebels rehearse, aren’t you?” I teased, “You just pretend that’s not exactly what all of us with superior hearing will be doing.”
EJ replied, “I have to admit, I’m curious. Angela said they are good. She listened to them before she called you to come get Melanie. The timing HAD to be perfect according to her, and she’s the expert so I believe her. She did have Klaus and her Guard with her, by the way.”
I winced, “I did mean to ask about that.” EJ winked saying, “She knows that. Besides, you were busy. It’s been a whirlwind since you found Melanie.” I snorted, “That’s a word for it. You know what? Let’s run with it. Yes, it has.” I turned to leave, but EJ grabbed my arm.
I turned back around noting he looked serious. EJ sighed, “I know I don’t have experience with what you’re going through, but I am here for you little brother. I’ve always liked Melanie and Elise loves her. Both Elise and I love you. I will be an ear if you need it. I’ll be by your side if you need to go rogue hunting, or ya know kill a bunch of Ring people. Whatever you need, I am here for you.”
I replied, “Thanks, big brother.” I let myself cry for a moment while EJ just hugged me. I stepped back whispering, “We should’ve been just like you and Elise.” EJ quietly said, “I know. I’m so sorry. All I can tell you is we will make them all pay. For every moment of suffering you and she went through I’ll get them. No, WE will get them.”
I nodded, “I love you man.” EJ smirked, “I love you too, squirt.” I rolled my eyes retorting, “Squirt?” EJ shrugged, “I have heard humans refer to their siblings that way.” I laughed, “Stick with little brother.” EJ called after me as I left, “I’m liking squirt!” I laughed the rest of the way to my room.
I hugged Melanie when I got there. I needed her so badly that we stayed connected for hours. I woke up feeling anxiety and opened my eyes. I could hear Melanie in the shower. Oden sighed, “Freya says they don’t want us to join.”
I questioned, “She feels anxious because she’s worried I’ll wake up and join her in the shower?” Oden answered, “No. Freya says they are just on edge.” Oh good. That’s great. I pretended to be asleep as Melanie snuck out. I watched from our window as she ran to the gym. Interesting.
I popped outside and watched her through one of the windows until it was time for my morning run. I popped to my family. Phil linked me, “So, after your run get to the gym. Melanie, a.k.a. my bestie and the Muffin Luna, is kicking everyone’s ass. Many are grumbling she’s just like you.”
“I called them sore losers. They growled and I growled back. Gage is mediating the situation while growling. It’s been a whole thing. I warned them you’d up training. The point is that Melanie is upset about something though.” I replied, “On my way.”
I broke off from the group. I linked EJ, “I’m going to the gym. Something is up with Mel.” EJ replied, “So Toby told me. He’s out of sorts about it.” I rolled my eyes. Toby is a worrier. I shifted and snapped clothes on.
I popped into the gym to see Melanie going at a heavy bag. Phil linked me, “Couples that fight together are so cute. If she was taller with shorter hair and a less obvious looking female figure to her, I’d have thought it was you. Her ass is better than yours though.” I growled at him.
Phil shrugged, “Blast those glutes cousin Alpha of mine. I’ll rate you fairly if you surpass hers.” I glared at him and spoke to Melanie. Gage linked, “Oh good. She honestly doesn’t seem to know why she’s on edge. That can only mean good things.” I agreed with him.
I sparred with her for a while. I heard several mutterings of approval going around. Neither of us was trying to hurt the other or even win. We were just keeping the fight going. I eventually called it and kissed her. EJ linked me, “We are taking the newly shifted wolves on a run of the territory.” He was right. I told him, “I’ll be right there.”
I conjured Melanie clothes to the showers. I popped to EJ, and we led them on the run. I kept an ear out for my mate’s band practicing. The Rebels were good, and they were just doing sound checks. Addison could really sing.
We’d just finished and made it to the front yard when a horde of Yellow Hill members flashed in. Then the wolves showed up. Lexi grabbed my mom and crushed her into a hug. Lexi said, “Oh thank god you’re ok! Where is the attack?”
My mom pulled back asking, “What fucking attack?” Lexi frowned explaining, “Emmett got a call that there was a huge attack here. He was told you and Eric were badly hurt. That Eric had lost it along with the pups over your injuries.” I would’ve healed my mom if she was badly hurt.
A dome appeared around Yellow Hills territory. I popped and ran as hard as I could at it. I was thrown back to the middle of the yard. My mom quickly healed me. I snarled and I was not alone. Emmett growled, “How do they KEEP using texts FROM people’s phones we KNOW to trick us out of our own motherfucking territory?!”
I heard Melanie scream for people to get down quickly followed by a shot. Fear gripped me so hard EJ grabbed me. He whispered, “She will be fine.” I growled, “They are here for her! They have to be.” EJ didn’t disagree with me. In fact, no one did.
The McAlister’s were snarling. I linked Gage, “Is Abigail with them?” He answered tersely, “Yes.” Great. Our allies were popped in. I yelled, “Warriors on me now!” Dalton told us, “Paige is going to bring whatever this is down. She called it a dome and said it will just take her some time.”
Emmett snorted when we heard Melanie order his pack to stand down. His brother, Keaton Daniels shrugged, “I’d listen to her. That’s an authoritative tone she’s got.” I was stunned he’d come over here to help. That was serious progress for him.
Kincade was pacing at the edge of the dome with me. I frowned asking, “What’s wrong? Other than the obvious.” Kincade answered, “Three of my pups are in there. One is out here with us, and the other two are off with their friends thank god.” Fair enough.
His wife Carry shifted and ran to him crying. He hugged Carry assuring, “They will protect each other.” I told him, “Melanie will protect them. I can promise you that.” I linked TJ, “Are you with Allison?” TJ popped beside me.
He answered, “No, why…” TJ trailed off then shouted, “WHAT IS THIS THING?! ALLISON!!!” I grabbed my brother explaining, “Melanie is in there too.” He was snarling loudly. The Hunters were talking to my mate.
I cringed when they confirmed this was about her. There was yet another man in there who wanted to have sex with my mate. I snarled as several people held me back from rushing the barrier. It actually budged all on its own, shrinking a few inches.
My Aunt Katie sighed, “This has to be done from the inside. I would guess Paige is already on it.” I turned to see Corbin and my aunt. I answered, “She is.” Corbin smiled, “I so can’t wait to see her at Coven meetings.”
Dalton snarled at him. Corbin replied, “It’s not romantic. She’s just good at witchcraft. I respect that.” Dalton growled, “Keep it that way.” Corbin agreed, “You bet.” I raised an eyebrow because he was serious. As far as I knew Corbin was unattached. He wasn’t acting like it though. I evaluated him and he turned his attention to me. I shrugged knowing he’d tell me if he needed to.
Carry cried, “They shot at Addie, Kincade. Melanie McAlister saved her. They are shooting at our pup!” Kincade snarled and pulled her into him. He was without a doubt ordering Warriors inside the dome to get to his daughter.
