The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

Waiting Impatiently Pt. 1

Alexander is Twenty-Four

            Alexander looked around his room. He had Melanie McAlister’s hoodie clutched in his hand. It had long lost its scent. Oden sighed, “Mate smells so good. We should go eat some strawberries...to remind us of her amazing smell.” I hoped he was right because Melanie smelled better than anything else I had ever smelled. Oden sighed, “I am right. I don’t understand why you doubt me. Melanie McAlister is ours. She’s OUR mate.” I sighed, “You know most days I agree. I hope you are right. I just…..other wolves are possessive of her.” The last part came out as a growl. Oden was growling in my head too. I could smell Phil coming. 

            I didn’t care if he found me holding the hoodie. He knew that I liked Melanie. Phil walked in. He sighed, “I wish that hoodie still had a smell at moments like this. I’ve GOT to get my hands on a freshly scented Melanie hoodie. It would make my life so much better.” I frowned, “Two things. One, you will forever be my favorite person if you make that happen. Two, Why do you need me to be calm?” Phil said, “Well….you know you asked me to keep an ear out for anyone….who was possibly hurt. Which by the way IS A BROAD generalization of a category of people to look out for. I’m just saying….so broad Alexander.” I nodded, “I know it was. I couldn't really narrow it down for you.” Cayden had called and possibly needed me to go heal a source of his. He was cagey and I was curious.” Phil said, “Not that I see this as likely….because….I honest to god have no idea how they would’ve met….Or why she’d be a source for your brother in law…..” I stiffened, “She? Is it Melanie? Is she hurt? Jason didn’t say anything! I’ll….I’ll call Doris! Doris will go take care of her. If Doris just so happens to bring Melanie back to the Hackura realm and I'm there….well...I mean...You and I are part of the royal family. We go there a lot. Who would find that weird? Literally no one.”

            Phil sighed, “I actually now wish that’s what I had to say. I am a SERIOUS fan of that plan.” I frowned, “Then who did you find out is hurt?” Phil winced, “My source in Nashville told me....” I growled, “Ashley?! Ashley is hurt?” Phil nodded, “yes….Ashley. The word is that she was in a VERY bad car accident.” I raised an eyebrow, “But that’s not what you believe.” Phil snorted, “That’s not what anyone believes. Your dad has Alpha Theo and his son Lux ready to go visit Ashley when she surfaces.” I frowned, “When she surfaces? Isn’t she in the hospital? The pack hospital to be specific….Black Path has one.” 

            Phil nodded, “They do. She was never in it though. She’s gone off the grid. Avery is leading all the warriors' practices in her absence. How did my guy find out, you ask? Well, the day of said accident he discovered his mate was a warrior in Black Path. Her name is Blair. He said Blair was freaked out about their mate status until Ashley told her it was fine. They spent the day together with Ashley and her friends. He was….of course none too happy. He wanted to take her away and mark her, but she wanted to wait until later that night. Anyway….Blair was all a flutter when he got her back later that night. She brought all her stuff with her. Which he said was a pittance of things. He’s buying her more clothes. He thought she’d been crying about leaving her pack until she got a call. She told him one of her friends, Ashley, was in a bad accident. So now he’s not sure if she was crying about leaving her pack. Fishing things, Alexander. Very bad smelling fishy things. By the time he got Blaire to the hospital ....Ashley was gone. Signed all the AMA forms and was just gone.”

            I frowned, “What was wrong with Ashley? If she walked out… Why don’t you think it was a car accident?” Phil said, “My guy saw the guy who’s name you don’t want to know outside the hospital. His friends were trying to get him to change. He had blood on his pants. My guy said it was unquestionably Ashley Griffen’s based on the smell.” I growled, “I’ll f*****g KILL him! I told her if he EVER marked her against her will….I’d kill him.” Phil said, “Let’s take a beat with the glowing gold eyes. The story is not over.” Oden was roaring furiously in my head. Phil said, “Blair assured my guy that Ashley was unmarked. She talked to her friends for several hours before he got to mate and mark her. Then ya know….mates and such. Well from what we’ve seen anyway. You and I are the bachelors of our time. Well, You wouldn’t be if you’d just go meet Melanie.” My head hurt. I said, “She’s living her dream man. I’m not even sure I’m her mate.” Oden growled at me, “YES you ARE! WE are her mate, and you would know that if you’d find a way to see her. Or get rid of this DAMN headache!” Phil snorted, “Fine you be weirdly unsure if Melanie McAlister is your mate. I know she is. Then one day we will figure out what your weird obsession with Ashley Griffen is.” 

            I sighed, “She reminds me of Mel. Everything I’ve heard about both of them. Their personalities, and how strong of a fighter she is….she reminds me of her.” Phil held up his hands, “I maintain Ashley Griffen is meant to be my bestie. One of these she’ll get worn down by one of you emailing Conners because you are relentless and we love you for it. Then my future bestie will come to Black Mountain and a beautiful friendship will begin.” I sighed, “Ashley couldn’t be a source for Cayden. What would she inform him about?” Phil shrugged, “I don't know….How shitty Black Path is?” I laughed, “Cayden knows that already.” Phil said, “Well, one of our cousins up and went missing after speaking to Cassie on the same day of Ashley’s accident.” I raised an eyebrow, “I’m guessing this would be a cousin that is a doctor.” Phil nodded, “That it is. The winner of this game of who went missing is…..Brody. Who in fact is a doctor.” I shrugged, “Alright. Where is Ashley now?” Phil said, “No one knows. Who could do that I wonder? Ohhhh...I think Brody and Cayden could.” I frowned, “I just don’t get why Ashley would be a source for them. We still email back and forth. I know she’s friends with Elise. Why would she turn to the Hackura instead of a werewolf? Why not the werewolf council? Cayden said whoever his source is…..the source is good. Cayden wouldn’t give a s**t about how crappy Black Path is.” Phil shrugged, “I’m just telling you that’s what my ear to the ground says. Now, because I DESPERATELY don’t want you to blow a gasket at this party we need to chat.”

            I snorted, “Why on earth would I blow a gasket at my kid siblings birthday?” Phil said, “See I have this theory. That little cousin Angela is OH so excited for this party because her mate is coming.” I glared at him, “Hell to the f**k no.” Phil winced, “And this is why we went with a forewarning.” I growled, “She’s too little.” Phil said, “Elise was MUCH younger when EJ realized she was his.” I frowned, “That was….not different in any way shape or form. f**k! He’d better treat her like a queen….or I’ll kill him.” Phil smiled, “That’s the spirit.” I told Phil, “My dad’s about to knock on the door.” Phil winked and opened it a second before he knocked. He said, “See you later cousin Eric.” My dad laughed, “See you later Phil.” 

            My dad walked in. He asked, “How are you doing Alexander?” I shrugged, “Fine.” My dad studied me, “You were quite angry not too long ago.” I debated then said, “What do you think happened to Ashley Griffen?” My dad frowned, “It was reported that it was a car accident. The Beta and Alpha’s daughters were involved as well. I find it highly odd that Ashley was egregiously injured whereas the other two are perfectly fine. I am insulted that the explanation is that those two girls have wolves. Even with wolves….with the damage Ashley sustained if the other two were in the car….They should’ve had more than some cuts.” I frowned, “How bad is it?” My dad shrugged, “The records before Ashley signed out against medical advice were not great. She was hurt pretty badly. It’s moderately...no, it’s just impressive that she was able to get out of the hospital in the first place.” I asked, “Why are you having Alpha Theo and Lux.” I growled his name out, “Go see her?” My dad shrugged, “Apparently, not unlike you….I don’t buy this was a car accident. I need Alpha Theo and Lux to see if she’ll tell them what really happened. Right now I have no proof that’s not what happened. I saw pictures of the car. Which is why it’s insulting to say those other two girls were in said car when that happened. The car is totaled.” I asked, “Who hit them? Supposedly?” 

            My dad snorted, “it was a hit and run. They buried the police report through members of their pack that are police officers.” I frowned, “Then they suspect supernatural’s.” My dad rolled his eyes, “No, I suspect they know exactly who it is. I think it’s who I suspect it is.” I growled, “That wannabe claiming to be her mate.” My dad nodded, “I do believe so.” My mom popped into the room. She said, “Angela wants both of you downstairs. Right now.” I kissed the top of her head, “I’ll be right there.” I popped away leaving them in my room. They popped in a second after I did. I looked around. EJ and TJ were talking. Elise was missing. Shocker. I bet slugger was out there defending her and EJ’s relationship. Her and Melanie were going to be feared Luna’s when Mel got here. I stopped myself short. If she gets here. If she’s mine.” Oden growled, “OBNOXIOUS f*****g human! She’s ours. Stop doubting me, it's insulting.” I sighed, “They keep her from us.” Oden growled. I sighed, “I’m just trying not to get my hopes up. They are already pretty damn high about it. You know I want her. I just know others have.” Oden growled, “They can’t have her because she’s ours and I will RIP their heads off….not unlike he who will NOT be named and Ashley. If he is the one who hurt her and we can prove it….we are GOING stealthy Hackura on his ass. I WILL HEAR HIS SCREAMS before he dies.” I smiled, “I like the way you think Oden.” Oden snorted, “Thank you.” 

            Tristan, Jason, and Everly arrived. I frowned and walked over, “Jase? Hey man...do you need some….coffee? A room to sleep in….maybe.” Jason frowned, “Coffee would be good.” I snapped him some. I looked at Tristan. Jason looked terrible. I asked, “What’s going on man?” Jason sighed, “Nightmares. I can’t sleep. I honestly don't even want to sleep anymore. Every damn time I close my eyes...I see horrible things happening to Ladybug.” I tensed, “What?” I tried to sound calm, but it came out as a growl. Tristan said, “You remember when he was taken and beaten by hunters before we got him back.” I nodded, “Yes, I do recall that.” I didn’t want to. My mom and I had brought Jason back from near death. We actually didn’t know how he wasn’t dead. It was like something was pumping an antidote into his system for the wolfsbane that was in his veins. Jason had thought Melanie saved him. My lovebug didn’t save him though. She was dancing her heart out. I’d had Micah install a back door onto Jason’s computer. He wasn’t overly happy about it, but I assured him….we were allies. I wasn’t stealing, and this really wasn’t anything that bad. I just needed to see my Lovebug. They called her Ladybug, but in my head….She was my Lovebug.

            Tristan sighed, “Well, he dreams bad things happen to Ladybug and he can’t help her.” I frowned, “But she’s fine. You talk to her.” Jason frowned, “Look me in the eyes my friend and tell me if you thought you saw your sister beaten, whipped, and shocked with some high powered cattle prod….You’d be fine even after you saw them.” I shivered, “No. Probably not.” Jason sighed, “It’s haunting me. I went to drive up there today. My car broke down and Tristan had to come get me.” I told him, “I could pop you to see her, Jase.” Jason sounded extremely bitter when he said, “It’s not an emergency.” Oden growled in my head, “He has NO RIGHT to be bitter! It’s their stupid rule. We OFFERED to let him go see her. Ass.” I gritted my teeth and walked away to stand in the corner. I wasn’t going to cause a scene on Angela and TJ’s birthday. 

            EJ was going after Elise and asked if I had the party. I gaped at him. Do I have our siblings birthday party? It was a party not a battle. I could handle this. They were ten. What could possibly happen? Besides my little sister's mate showing up. TJ wasn’t even about the party because his mate, Allison, was already asleep. She'd come by earlier with Lexi, and they’d played. TJ was only here for Angela. EJ told me something was going on. I told him I was actively trying not to think about that. EJ was surprised I knew. I told him Phil had a theory. EJ wasn’t happy but we could all hope Phil was wrong. EJ pushed asking if I really didn’t want to talk. You keep a secret from a guy for five years and he gets all are you sure you don’t want to talk every five seconds. I saw Robert at the back of the party. That guy. Oden snarled. I focused and told EJ to go find his Luna who happened to be slugger. He pointed out far too happily that Claire had just walked in. Claire. 

            Oden growled. I shouldn’t have been so drunk that night. I’d wanted to save my first kiss for my mate. I wouldn’t have been so slow to react if I’d just not drank as much. I’d been so upset that Melanie wasn’t there. Claire had just kissed me. I’d worked ALL the alcohol out of my system in the gym. Claire needed to leave this party. I had zero faith Melanie would show up, but I didn’t want Claire in this house. I didn’t want a single rumor to fly around when Melanie came home about Claire and me. Because there WAS no Claire and me. Oden snorted, “Glad you’re jumping on my bandwagon for the time being. Melanie is ours.” I rolled my eyes, “Whatever. I won’t have Melanie hear that s**t. Claire kissed us. There was definitely nothing great about it. She banged into my teeth, and there was no chemistry.” Oden replied, “Preaching to the choir Alexander. I felt nothing except annoyance.” I smiled. 

            Angela popped over to Claire and told her to leave. I made myself look passive, but I sent Angela my pride. She was a firecracker. Her and Cassie both were. Cass…..I looked around. She wasn’t here yet. I hoped everything was ok. It was easy to lose track of time in the Hackura realm. I sent her a quick text asking if she was ok and that our siblings' birthday party had started. TJ was telling Claire she’d better leave and throwing in our mother as a threat. Phil linked me, “GOD I hope your mom finds out. It’s always the best.” I rolled my eyes, “It will be fine. She’ll leave.” Claire said she wasn’t crazy. She wasn’t Charlooney crazy, but she kept coming at me like I was honey and she was a bee. I repeatedly told her I wasn’t interested, but she just kept coming. Angela told her that someone was coming and if she didn’t alter her path…She’d get her ass kicked. Oden laughed, “Mate is going to eviscerate this chick.” I frowned, “Claire is a good warrior. We’ve never seen Melanie fight. We’ve seen her dance, which is amazing, but we’ve never seen her fight.” Oden shrugged that off, “Elise has. EJ has. Both said she was good and that was YEARS ago. TOO MANY GODDAMN YEARS AGO! I want mate.” I sighed. So did I. Claire looked at me. The appeal was clear in her eyes. I just stared back at her. I didn't want her here. I didn’t invite her. I’d never led her on. I’d never even hinted I wanted her.

            Phil caught her before the door and handed her a small container. He smiled, “For that severe burn you just got from my Alpha. Run along crazy c named she wolf. No need to ever darken our door again. I’d eat glass before letting you become Alexander’s girlfriend let alone his Luna. We have our sights on a much higher quality of a person. She’s fabulous.” Claire snorted and they walked out the door. I could hear them still talking. Claire said, “Alexander hasn’t met his mate. Eventually, he’ll get tired of waiting. I’ll make sure you aren’t the beta around here after that. I’m the only girl he’s shown interest in.” I started towards the door. Preston linked me, “I got this.” 

            I heard a pop. Preston hissed, “I KNOW you didn’t just threaten a Duke of the Hackura or one of the Beta’s of this pack, Claire….Did it sound like a threat to you Phil?” Phil hummed, “You know...I can’t decide. Even if it was….we both know she’s wrong.” Claire tried to turn on the charm, “William….you know I’m the only girl Alexander has ever kissed. If he goes with a chosen mate it would be me.” Preston said, “William is not here. I’m Preston….Am I supposed to be impressed you got the right group of siblings born together? I’m not. My siblings’ mates can all tell us apart. Elise has never once gotten confused. Nor has Buttercup….not even little Allison hasn’t messed up once. Micah never does...I could continue but you get my drift. Let’s not forget Cayden though...that would be remiss of me. To forget the commander of the armies of the Hackura.” 

            Phil laughed, “She’s turning a strange color, cousin.” Preston said, “Hmmm I wonder why that would be? Is it because I casually slid in Cassie’s mate who could and would kill her over the course of several years if I asked him to? Hell, we could take the FAR more entertaining route and tell Cassie that you tried to ruin Angela and TJ’s birthday party. Angela said so herself….if you stayed you’d have ruined it. She cannot lie. Cassie would be spitting mad. She’d shoot you with her sunlight and then she’d tell Cayden how upset she was. How do you think that would go Phil?” Phil laughed, “Astonishingly well….for me. Not for Claire though. On second thought….run back inside Claire.” Claire said, “You are awful!” Phil snorted, “Now my feelings are hurt. Some random she wolf….not from my pack….who is STALKING my Alpha….doesn’t like me. Woe to Phil.” I snorted.

                 Preston said, “Run along Claire, or die today.” She must have left because Preston shouted, “Oh, and I saw that supposed kiss. Let’s be clear about something. YOU kissed Alexander. He didn’t move his lips. He didn’t kiss you back, and he pushed you off him then spent the rest of the night angrily tearing stuff up in the gym. I hate to break it to you, but you’re clearly not a good kisser. When one gets kissed and it’s good….or they are into it. They don’t spend all night angrily punching a heavy bag. Just a general FYI for you. My brother is not into you. He’s not playing hard to get. He just doesn’t want you.” 

            Claire snorted, “He didn’t hurt me though.” Preston said, “Good lord, is that your threshold? Alexander would never hurt someone who was not a threat. I’d watch it because you’re moving into that territory. Also...aim higher in your standards. That’s sad.” I linked Preston, “Tell Phil she needs some more aloe vera.” I heard Phil laugh. He sighed, “Alas, Claire…..You’ll have to run along. I was only prepared with a small amount of Aloe Vera to coat your burns. My cousin Preston over here is just piling on though. You do know Alexander can hear us, and he’s not coming out here to defend you….or anything else.” Claire snarled, “He didn’t come out here for you either.” Preston snidely said, “He didn’t come out because I told him to stay put. I know the look on his face. For what you said to Phil he might have accidentally exploded your brain.” I linked him, “I have control over my powers, Preston.” Preston said, “I know that...and you know that. She doesn’t need to. She needs a healthy dose of fear.” I rolled my eyes. Angela popped outside. I walked to the door. Angela said, “You have thirty seconds….if Alexander comes out here….you will not like what follows.” 

            Claire sighed, “Why would he come out here?” Preston laughed, “Do you know anything about us? The answer is obvious.” Angela answered, “Because I came out here. Stop trying to ruin my party!” Claire sighed, “I’m going.” Angela said, “Word to the wise….STAY OUT! The path is suring up and let me tell you it’s a DOOZY for you.” Preston laughed, “Who kicks her ass?” Angela sighed, “It’s blurry…..but becoming more and more certain. The girl has black hair though.” I smiled. Melanie. I had to shove my anger down. Claire was going to upset Melanie. I should just kill her. Oden said, “I’m on board.” I walked over to my Hackura uncles to stop myself from running Claire down. We were allies with Alpha Theo, and that was the pack Claire was from.

            My Uncle Bjourn smiled, “Alexander. Seems the crazy girl is back. You know….if she does something and your mother finds out we didn’t tell her about said crazy girl...we are all in trouble.” I smiled, “Being in trouble can be fun. You just have to smile at her and she gets less mad.” Uncle Marcus said, “At you. You’re her son.” I asked, “Do you know where Cass is?” Uncle Bjourn said, “Cayden was going to see a source. Cass was trying to wait for him. She did a pretty intense workout today though. She used a lot of energy then she trained on her powers. She might have fallen asleep waiting for him.” I nodded, “Is she ok?” Uncle Bjourn nodded, “She’s annoyed at the situation Cayden is going through.” I could understand that whole heartedly. 

            My dad walked over and I went back to my corner. Right when I’d gotten there EJ popped in with Elise. They reeked of each and s*x. He told me when my mate got into a fight and defined our bond I’d understand. Then he pointed out I’d have to worry Melanie would kill someone. I couldn’t help the pride I felt when EJ said she’s always been possessive of me. At least that makes two of us. I really hoped she was my mate. Oden sighed, “Not to be the broken record in your head, but MELANIE IS OURS! Stop doubting me.” I sighed, “Oden, you know why.” Oden grumbled, “Let’s go question the scum that is the bullying wolf over there. Ask him how mate smelled to him. WHEN he says she didn’t smell overly good….THEN will you accept that I am right.” It wasn't a bad plan. EJ was trying to talk me out of my doubt. He switched topics to Elise telling him what she thought was going on. 

            Angela asked our mom where Farrin and Trixie were. I was tense. Ever since I’d heard what happened to my mother in Faerie…..I hadn’t wanted ANY of us kids with fairies. Particularly Cassie and Angela. They looked like our mom. If there were some sick f***s who got past my family who’d hidden...they’d want them. Hell to the f**k no. Angela’s mate could NOT be a fairy. EJ was being logical and rational about it all. Pointing out that fairies were different now. If I didn’t feel how unhappy he was about this. I might just throttle him. Angela and Cassie were too pure for this world, and it was our job to protect them. I wanted Angela to be happy. Just like Cass was happy with her mate. I did NOT want Angela in Faerie. EJ and I were going back and forth when the group in question popped in. 

                I didn’t need to ask who Angela's mate was. The second to youngest boy locked eyes with Angela. I’d seen that look on countless faces. They were mates. I looked at the ceiling and silently chastised two goddess and a god, “Really Azoney, Selene, and Aesir?! You want me to be ok with Angela having a fairy mate….? Who granted, was raised to be a good person...FUCK IT I’ve met the kid. He’s a polite nice kid….He’s also rather powerful with the fire powers….but you want me to handle this WITHOUT Melanie beside me? You do know I’m an enforcer right?! That did not escape all your attention? I’m going to need Melanie to walk through that damn door in the next fifteen seconds.” Unsurprisingly, that did not happen. I knew it wouldn’t. I just hoped one of the three would throw me a damn bone. It was hard seeing my siblings find their mates. Especially when most days I was certain I knew mine. Oden growled but didn’t say anything. I was happy for them. I just wished Melanie was here to share that with me. She SHOULD be here to share that with me. She was ninefuckingteen years old. She should be moved in here. Goddamn it. Now I was grouchy. Not about me. This is NOT about me. Angela. Focus on Angela.