The green part of Melanie’s eyes got smaller. They were both still present, but it was clear Freya was driving instead of when I’d first seen them. Other times they were both present and making decisions. It was fascinating, honestly.
Eventually I told Oden, “Ok, time to claim our mate.” Oden purred, “It’s so fun to play with mate. She’s like a new wolf.” Ipointed out, “Because she is a new wolf.” I hated that I was right and so did Oden.
I popped us back to our room and quickly explained the reason before claiming Melanie. When we stopped, I looked at the clock. I knew there was no point in getting any sleep. I linked Phil, “I will be needing coffee.”
Phil snorted, “I swear it’s like you think because I have to look into things now, that I don’t know things I should. I’ll have your coffee, obnoxious Alpha cousin of mine.” I bit my lip before replying, “I know you know things. I just figured you might be busy as well.”
Phil replied, “I’ve already had my first cup of coffee. Gage is being judgy about it.” Of course he had. I linked Gage, “Why are you judging Phil’s coffee consumption?” Gage replied, “Because if I don’t, he will drink the whole pot, and his fingers will dance on his thigh the entire meeting.” I nearly laughed out loud.
I got up and showered, and kissed Melanie before I left. I reminded her she should get some sleep. The look on her face told me she had no plans to do so. This stubborn woman that I loved dearly. I was about to leave when Melanie asked about my Guard.
If she was anyone else, I would’ve asked them if they were sloppy about following her. Oden snorted, “She sensed them.” My mate wanted them to be guarding me. No one was after me at this time., and I was more worried about her.
That’s why my guard was here to be with her. We’d figure the whole situation out about the Guards. Melanie didn’t agree not to lose them though. I sighed, even though I never thought she would. I went downstairs, and we popped to Red Run.
We were the last ones there. Phil handed me my coffee. Dalton cleared his throat, “We had a different agenda, but given the circumstances the topic is shifting. We should talk about how to protect Melanie McAlister.”
“As well as other pack members in the future. Ladybug was taken from us and a whole façade about her life was presented. We need to figure out how to protect our families from that happening again. We all know that texts are being faked to each other.” Which was annoying.
Dalton continued, “So, I’m implementing a policy here that if I find something odd; Dakota and I will be approaching the Alpha of the pack in person to ensure that nothing odd is taking place. There were spells in our way but had one person mentioned the confusion between the promise of Fairies popping to this pack, or a specific family, we would’ve all known much sooner.”
I nodded in agreement adding, “At the very least, EJ and I should have reviewed the policy with you and Dakota when we became Alphas.” Everyone nodded in agreement. We had that new policy implemented with all our allies now.
Cayden nodded to me. What surprised me was that Hastein and Gabe were here. Micah was beside Max. My Uncle Bjourn and Uncle Logan were even here. We got into other issues. The issues about the Supernatural Council knowing more about any of our packs than we’d wanted.
It was less than ideal, but we also started spit balling ideas of what to plant for the Ring to fall for our trap. Corbin was here to talk about defenses against their Covens having intel on us. He was working with his family and Paige on how to fight back.
Corbin’s phone started to ring but he quickly silenced it. He must not have the number saved. Emmett suggested, “We should all silence our phones. We will be linked for anything important.” I had already silenced my phone, so I didn’t bother looking.
Tristan stiffened and left the room briefly. My eyes followed him because my thoughts went to Melanie. EJ linked me, “Ourpack would let us know about Melanie before he knew.” I relaxed slightly, but not completely.
Dalton suddenly said, “Let’s take a break.” I took out my phone and noticed several people doing the same. Tristan came back in with a look on his face I couldn’t interpret. I’d missed a few calls from Melanie. I was about to call her back when Dalton’s voice stopped me.
My friend announced, “We have a call from someone who knows we are here. Specifically, they know that Cayden is here.” Cayden had been looking at his phone, but his eyes shot up. I was on my feet. I asked, “Where is Cassie? WHERE IS MY SISTER?” I grabbed at our bond and felt her confusion for that action, but she felt fine.
Gage assured me, “Cass is fine. Or someone would link us.” They better. EJ was on the phone. He told me, “Cassie is at our house, brother. She is fine.” Cayden frowned, “Then why would someone care that I’m here?”
Tristan said, “They claim that they have someone you love and that soon they will have another and…” I interrupted asking, “And what?” I linked my men, “I want eyes and men on my sisters RIGHT NOW! Get to Cassie and Angela.” Everyone replied, “Yes, Alpha.” I texted Egres asking where Melanie was.
Me:Where is my mate?
Egres:In your room with her friends.
Me:GO IN NOW!
Time slowed to a stop for me until my phone buzzed.
Egres:Your room is empty. They left.
Great. Oden snarled in my head. Gage groaned, “Ugh, fuck my life.” Tristan said, “I’m not sure what that’s about. These people also claim they have someone else that your cousinCorbin would be upset about.” Corbin crushed his phone and his eyes blazed gold. I frowned.
Hastein asked, “Cousin, what’s wrong?” Corbin demanded, “You put that video up, NOW!” I frowned. Tristan pulled up the chat and Corbin punched a wall while my eyes widened. Oden said, “I am confused.” As was I.
I linked Gage, “What’s going on with my cousin?” Gage replied, “No one tells a Gamma things. I don’t fucking know, and Phil doesn’t know either.” I groaned and Gage tilted his head. I linked EJ as Cayden yelled in anger because these people had his sister.
I asked my brother, “How did they get Tenley?” EJ replied, “I don’t know. Who is the other girl?” I snorted, “I have a guess.” That woman was why Corbin wasn’t interested in Paige or flirting with her. It was because Paige was mated and this woman. I looked at my cousin.
I told EJ, “It’s going to be Corbin’s mate.” EJ looked at me in surprise. I called Melanie back, but she didn’t answer. I looked at Cayden asking, “Who called you?” Cayden ground out, “Our sniper’s number. I know that because I memorized the number you call.”
