The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

My Stand Pt. 3

            I sobbed. I knew what was coming. I didn’t want to be there. They had punished me. I’d done nothing. No alpha should’ve allowed that to happen and Alpha Edward knew it. His eyes held shame every time he looked at me for what he allowed to happen. When his family and Beta Jean’s came home, they lost their mates forever. 

       It flashed to the night I’d called Xander. I’d memorized his number the night I’d texted him from Tristan’s phone. I couldn’t stand it. I was on a lot of drugs and traumatized. I’d lost everything. Despite it all his pleas to help me and his voice actually helped me. He still called and left voicemails on that phone. I should let him go. I was being selfish. Part of me clings to Dax’s words. Maybe Jason had lied. Maybe Alexander would want me one day. Or he’d be pissed I was emailing him as Ashley. I really didn’t know. I just couldn’t help it. He was perfect. Talking to him and Elise…. It was my lifeline. I knew I didn’t deserve it. 

            Jason told me in his letters I didn’t deserve nice things. So did his mate, Everly. She was mad at how much Jason hated being the Beta. I couldn’t blame her really. I’d saved her for Jason though. Then found out she’d been pregnant with Kai. I’d begged to meet my nephew, but they said he’d never even be told about me. It felt like a spit in the face of our parents' memory. Of all the good times we’d had together. Peter Kyle was family to me, and he’d banished me. It wasn’t my fault. Maybe it was…..but if this situation happened to anyone else…I’d say it wasn’t their fault. That the Alpha was being an asshole. Peter Kyle WAS being an asshole. My dad and my mom trusted them to take care of me if something happened to them. Instead he handed me over into the lion’s den. To the hands of Alpha Ezra’s ally no less. An ally who was related to him. Some days I wondered if Peter had known what they did to me at his request. I wondered if Jason or Grandpa Ben knew. I didn’t think they would be ok with it. I didn’t even think Peter would be ok with it if he knew what truly happened. I knew Chelsea wouldn’t.

            I hardened my heart against them all again. They left me. They abandoned me. I was a child, and they should’ve protected me. I woke up alone. My family died that day too, and they acted like my pain was nothing. It hurt coming from them. Everyone else could act like my pain was nothing. They were supposed to be my family. They WERE my family, and they threw me away. Like I was nothing. Maybe I was nothing. I heard a whispered, “You have to wake up and keep fighting now.” Wasn’t it someone else’s turn? I’d been fighting my whole life. I’d been fighting to keep my Xander wolf. I’d been fighting to not be anyone’s but Xander’s. Men always wanted me to be theirs. I was fighting for the innocents….Odette, Valentina, Virgil, Paige, and Paisley’s faces flashed through my mind.

                 I sighed. Paisley had been Buck’s fated mate. I got her out of here. I sent her to Princess Conners and Elise. They were what Paisley needed. She’d been abused. Buck let her be raped by his men. I’d swear to you that man hated himself, but he also had no spine. He could’ve taken them, but I’d gotten her out. I’d saved Odette and the others. Where would they be if I didn’t fight? Trapped. Like so many others I had to fight for. I was their chance. I was their hope. I couldn’t abandon them. I was on the inside. It was my place to stand. Between those that hide in the shadows and those they seek to prey upon. 

            I heard a beep. I nearly threw up. It was too familiar. I opened my eyes then frowned. I had no earthly clue where I was. A man I’d never seen before was facing away from me looking at a machine. I frowned. He was a Hackura. He had the same sense about him Micah, Cayden, and Levi did. I cleared my throat. He turned around, “Nice to see you officially Ashley.” I nodded, “Sure. You too….and you are?” He laughed, “Hmmm….I’m Duke Brody Cambridge. Prince Marcus’ oldest son.” My jaw dropped, “Umm…..what in the flying pig is happening?! Was Cayden there when I got in the car accident? Car accident….I was in a car accident right? I swear I was…” Everything was a blur. This was not the first time this had happened. I knew the answers...Didn’t I? Why couldn’t I remember what happened? Prince Body smiled, “You can call me Brody. Do you remember what happened to you?” I frowned. Blair found her mate….which means I’d have fought for her….I’d have been punished. I had a fight for the undergrounds. I remember flashes of light. There was clearly a car accident. Why couldn’t I remember the rest of the day? 

            I sighed, “I know there was a fight...maybe two. I don’t remember them. I remember there was a car accident….or was that when I was younger? I was in a car accident with my mom once. Gosh...I need to stop getting in cars. Maybe I should just run everywhere. Some people go their whole lives without getting into car accidents. Now, I’m fairly certain I've been in two pretty serious car accidents. That’s pretty bad luck if you think about it, which makes sense.” Brody laughed, “Why do you say that?” I said, “Because the moon goddess is a b***h who turned her back on me a long ass time ago.” Brody raised an eyebrow, “Hmmm...I wondered if you were bitter about your lack of wolf.” I frowned, “I swear….I heard my wolf that night….No, that’s crazy...right?” Brody frowned, “What do you remember from that night?” I shrugged, “Not much. I remember being in pain then waking up in the Alpha’s office.” Brody sighed, “What about the people with you? It’s my understanding wolf less are not in pain on their birthdays. They just don’t get a wolf, so there is no pain.” I definitely remembered the pain. I shrugged, “I was alone.” Brody’s jaw dropped, “That’s…dangerous.” I shrugged, “The Alpha sent everyone who would’ve been there for me away. I didn’t have anyone. I was hoping….my brother would come...but he didn’t.” 

            Cayden said, “Because he’s an ass. I did not know you were alone Ashley. I would’ve come.” Right...Ashley. I turned, “Hi Cayden and Micah.” Cayden said, “You must still be out of it. We’ve been here the whole time.” Micah asked, “Why didn’t you call me? I would’ve come for your shift.” I shrugged, “I didn’t know. I went to the meadow I wanted to shift in to meet everyone. Buck told me they’d all been sent elsewhere then left. It was one minute until midnight when I was told. I collapsed in pain in the next second. I didn’t have time to call anyone.”

              Cayden studied me, “You really don’t know what happened when you got into the car accident.” I closed my eyes. I tried to remember. I knew what had to have happened but….I had nothing. Brody spoke, “It’s normal Cayden. She suffered serious trauma. She had a bleed on her brain. I’d be more surprised if she did remember.” Cayden groaned, “Great.” I asked, “Was I in a car accident? Or was that when I was little?” Robert’s face flashed in my mind. I swore he was there, but he’d been at EJ and Elise’s mating ceremony. He couldn’t have been there. 

            Cayden sighed, “So I was told. Yet you had canine marks on your hand and sides.” I gaped and checked my neck. Cayden said, “Not on your neck. If you’d let me tell my father in law you were almost marked against your will….you were whipped….and you were beaten to hell. My father in law would protect you.” He couldn’t protect me. He would have to put me in his dungeons. He was allied with Red Run. Jason, Everly, and Kai needed Black Mountain to remain their allies. No matter what. Maybe I could file a complaint as Ashley…..if I never saw Alpha Eric Conners…..he’d never piece it together. If he saw me though….it was all over. I asked, “If….I asked my friends….and that’s what happened….what would happen?” Micah said, “The council would come down here and collect evidence and deliver a judgement.” I whispered, “All of them?” Peter was on the council now. One look at me, and he’d know. Cayden said, “Yes, all of them.” I sighed, “I don’t even know what happened. They’d question me...I’d say I have no clue. Trevor would say he didn’t do anything. They’d believe him and leave. He’s a Gamma with Alpha blood….supposedly. I’m a wolf less girl. They won’t care.”

            Micah frowned, “That’s not true.” It was absolutely true. Peter Kyle would make sure they packed up and left as quickly as they could. Alpha Eric would figure out who I was. I had no doubt. Then….what if my Xander didn’t want me? Where would I go? I’d be out and unable to protect the innocent. I shook my head, “I’m fine.” Cayden snorted, “If you look up the definition of not fine it’s your friends calling me to come save you from being marked while you were unconscious.” I gaped, “They called you?” Cayden nodded, “And they lied to me.” I gulped. I’d never actually lied to Cayden. I’d never told him my name was Ashley. Other people did. I asked, “How long was I out?” Brody said, “It’s been a few weeks.” I gaped, “I have to get back! My friends need me.” Brody laughed, “We’ll see how you’re doing in a few hours.” I asked, “Where are we?” Cayden said, “South Dakota.”

             I sighed, “Thank you Cayden….I’d rather be dead than be marked by Trevor McCann.” Cayden frowned, “He’d be dead if he marked you. He’s not going to touch you again. He’s fully aware of what will happen.” My eyes went wide, “You went to see Trevor? For me? Oh my god Cayden I….” Micah laughed, “Of course we did. We both felt awful. Your friends didn’t tell us what happened, but I know who Trevor’s friends are. They will give you a wide berth now...unless they want to see us again. Two of them pissed themselves….your wannabe mate actually crapped his pants.” I snorted, “I’d never be his mate. Ever. Seriously...he could be the last man on earth and I’d just let us all die off. He makes my skin crawl..” Micah asked, “What happened between you two? I heard you have a history.” 

            I looked away. That went back to when my punishment for the deaths of my family was supposed to be over. Trevor had other plans. I said, “He’s a coward and a user. I hate him and that will never change.” Cayden sighed, “We have to go. Brody….let us know how she is.” Brody nodded, “Of course.” I asked, “Do you by chance have my phone?” Cayden shook his head, “Nope. Sorry.” I shrugged, “That’s fine.” They both left.

            Brody looked at me, “So….I hear you idolize my cousin.” I flushed, “What? Idolize….I mean….I don’t know….that’s….he’s...I’m….he fights so well...his cardio is so intense….I bet I could keep up with him now and I…” Brody laughed, “I like that you knew exactly who I was talking about. Alexander would like you.” I nearly started crying. I shrugged, “Why would he like me? I’m nobody and he’s...an Alpha Enforcer.” Brody snorted, “Oh my cousin very much wants to meet you. He’s impressed by you...what he hears of you anyway. I’ll have to keep it a secret if he doesn’t already know that I’ve met you.” I blushed, “How would he know? I mean...did he know you were here?” Brody smiled, “He could’ve figured it out. I’m missing. Have been for weeks now. I’m a doctor. Cayden had Alexander on call. If you were dying he was bringing him to you. My mouth was suddenly dry. That was so not how I wanted Xander and I to meet. Of all the ways I’d planned it….I was conscious. Brody shrugged, “My cousin is very smart.” I bit my lip hiding my smile. 

            I knew that. I’d always known that my Xander was smart. Brody and I passed the time by talking about other things. Eventually he agreed I could go home. He opened a portal and I was at the diner. I waved to him. He smiled, “Something tells me I’ll see you again Ashley Griffen. Stay safe….should you not be….let whoever tries to hurt you know that they will meet the wrath of a Duke of the Hackura. I find I quite like you.” I gaped, “Really?” Brody smiled, “Yup. You remind me of my cousin's mates. I’d never let anyone hurt them, and anyone who hurts you….will get away unscathed.” That was his parting line as the portal closed. Holy crap on a cracker. 

            I walked into the diner. Mason looked up then yelled. He ran out from the kitchen with Hendrick on his six. They both collided into me. I whispered, “I’m ok.” Paige shrieked, “ASHLEY!” She ran over to me and sobbed. She said, “I thought I was being paranoid putting a holoport in that area...You just happened to go through and keep Trevor from marking you.” I frowned, “Where did I end up?” Mason answered, “Paige’s house.” I smiled, “My witchy godmother.” Paige cried, “I was so worried.” I sighed, “I’m fine. What’s been going on?” Mason sighed, “You’re not going to like it.” We walked into the back. Paige had done a spell so it was soundproofed. I asked, “What is it?” Mason sighed, “Two girls were abducted from the McDermont pack. One of whom…..Is Theodore Conners mate.” I gaped, “You’re kidding me! Where are they? Tell me we know their location.” Paige sighed, “The undergrounds. Jane is fighting tonight. She won’t make it, Mel.” I sighed, “I’ll take her fight. I’ll convince them….I’ll go see them. Who’s been talking to them?” Paige sighed, “Addison and Sierra when they can get in.” I nodded, “Alright. I’ll talk to them. When is the fight?” Paige frowned, “When are all the fights when someone could die is.” I nodded, “The last fight. Alright. I’ll check my email….go see the girls then meet at our headquarters.”

            Mason sat down in the office with me. He said, “Trevor got beat to hell.” I laughed, “I heard that.” Mason smiled, “The whole pack was walking on air. Except the Gamma. He was angry. Demanding to know who did it since….everyone knew you were hurt. Badly and recovering and laying low from his crazy ass.” I sighed, “I mean...we all do what we can. It pays to have Hackura friends.” Mason laughed, “Does it ever.” I checked my email. I had some from Elise and...My heart skipped a beat. Alexander had emailed me. Mason sighed, “I wish you’d go see that boy. I think he’d surprise you. I don’t think he’d ever promise to reject his mate. His parents' story and love is legendary. He’d never turn his back on that.” I hoped they were right, but I’d stopped hoping long ago. I answered Elise then answered Alexander. I messed up and told him he was hot. God….why did I do that? I got up and went to the undergrounds facility. 

            I walked inside and easily found the girls. They’d get transferred when I took the fight, but we could figure out where they were going. It was likely to be Kentucky. This was supposed to be my fighting group. The Conners were going to have to get them out. I walked down and found Jane. Paige was right. She wasn’t going to make it. I pulled a mask over my face. I put a card in her pocket. I whispered, “I’ll get you out of here.” She frowned, “Who are you?” I smiled, “Around here they call me the Swiffer.” She gaped, “You’ve been missing.” I nodded, “I’m back.” She whispered, “You let people hurt you then beat them. Everyone talks about you.” I frowned, “Well, I’m getting you out.” She frowned, “You’re paid. You’re not like us.” I nodded, “True. I use the money to fight against this. I get people out. I’m taking your fight. You’ll get transferred, and people will come for you.” She cried, “I’m going to die.” I frowned, “You won’t.” I left and found her friend.

            She wasn’t as bad off, but she wasn’t good. She frowned, “Who are you?” I rolled my eyes, “I know you heard me talking to your friend.” She told me, “If you lied to her…..” I held up my hands, “I’m not lying. You’ll be home tonight.” Madeline cried, “I hope you aren’t lying.” I told her, “I promise you….you’ll be out of here.” Madeline asked, “What about you?” I shrugged, “This is my fight. This is my stand.” Madeline frowned, “A dangerous stand to take alone.” I smiled, “I’m not alone.” 

            I walked out and found the ringleader. He smiled, “You’re back!” I said, “And I’m fighting tonight. You’ve over worked those girls, and you owe me.” The ringleader smiled, “A great trade. The Swiffer’s first fight in weeks. Glad you’re all better.” I snorted, “I’ll just bet you are.” I walked out the back and went to the holo port that would take me around the corner from our headquarters. I stepped through.

            I put in the code and walked in. Everyone gave me a hug. Addison said, “I’ve got everything cued up.” I called the Conners house. My heart was racing, but Addison had typed a script for me so I didn’t ramble. I got off point when Jason got pissy. What was his deal? He sounded angry. He couldn’t know I was in the resistance. If he did he could at least acknowledge that I helped them. He would be dead if not for me. Chelsea, Nick, Ben, and Peter would be dead if not for me. They should at least be nice to me. They owed me their lives. Couldn’t they be nice for one freaking second? Xander’s voice pulled me back on task. I knew Theo’s voice the second he spoke. My heart went out to him. In another life….he’d be my brother in law. Plus, he was missing his mate. Anyone would be grumpy in his shoes. I got in a snide comment about Jason and Red Run always being behind me. I’m sure it did annoy them, but they’d better get used to it. I’d never be behind them. It was a personal challenge in my eyes. 

            Addison said, “You didn’t tell them how to get into the facility in Kentucky.” I cursed and sent an email to Xander. I set it up to send automatically in thirty minutes. Addison sighed, “Alright….you nap...now.” I laughed, “What?” She sighed, “You’re fighting tonight….so go nap. It will make me feel better. Don’t think I’m not pissed you threw me out of the car.” I frowned, “You’d have been more hurt in the car. I couldn't do that.” Addison hugged me, “I’m so glad Cayden came….he put a serious beating on Trevor. He just got out of the pack hospital yesterday. His friends….are still there.” I laughed, “Well...you upset a Hackura commander….I mean….you get what you get.” Addison shoved me towards the bed. I was oddly tired for someone who’d been unconscious the better part of the last few weeks. Addison woke me up an hour before the fight. I got dressed and walked back through the holo port. 

            Crush was on the door. He grabbed me and pulled me back into the forest. He sighed, “You’re ok.” I nodded, “All good.” Crush frowned and pulled me into a hug, “I should’ve driven you home myself.” I smiled, “I’m ok.” Crush said, “I know you’re in that circle group. I want in. I’ve seen what you’ve all done.” I studied him, “Why are you here, Crush?” Crush snorted, “I’m sure you know what I am.” I nodded, “You are a partial demon.” Crush nodded, “I was worth more here…..My mate….he was sold. He didn’t even realize we were mates. I was sold here. I’ve been looking for him but…” I sighed, “What’s his name?” Crush wiped a tear away, “I heard them list off his name as they drove away with him. It’s Virgil.” I gaped, “You have GOT to be kidding me.” 

            I took out my phone, “Virgil….I need you to come to me...right now.” He shimmered in, “Here I am…..” his voice faded out. Crush grabbed him, “She found you!” Virgil hugged him tightly. He pulled back, “I’m...you know me?” Crush sighed, “I saw you before they slammed the door shut….I couldn’t get to you...they put that shock collar on me.” I sighed, “Alright. Crush, you’re in. Virgil will go watch the fight tonight.” Virgil gaped, “I get to watch you fight? You never let us watch you fight.” I nodded, “Tonight’s not a normal night. Tonight….I am PISSED.” 

            Crush smiled, “Good.” Virgil was let inside and I got changed quickly. I ran out to the ring. Everyone roared with applause. I was fighting a new guy. I felt a little bad for him. He was not in for a fun night. He came at me. I dropped low and punched him in the stomach. I messed with him. I got in shot after shot. The audience seemed just as excited. Eventually I knocked him out. I got out the ring. The ringleader frowned, “Not your usual style.” I snorted, “You think I didn’t see Trevor over there? You think after that s**t you pulled trying to have me forcibly marked after I fought. I had no respect for you in the first place. I’m your biggest earner and you threw me to a horrible wolf who abused me and enjoyed it. I know you don’t care about that…...you should care about the fact that your crowd didn’t even back you up. They thought it was pathetic. Forcibly marking someone is frowned upon by all. Even those who are willing to watch people fight for their lives. That should tell you something. You are lower than scum.” 

            I walked outside. Virgil and Crush were waiting in a car. I got in the back and Crush took off. He used many evasion tactics. They dropped me off at Mason and Hendrick’s house. I walked in and went to my room. I quickly moved my nightstand and tapped on the floor. My safe was under that. I typed in the code. I pulled out the phone my Xander called. He’d left another voicemail. I listened and was unable to stop my tears. He was sad. I couldn’t have that. He wanted to fund us. I’d have to talk to the group. One thing I knew….he begged me not to keep fighting like I had been. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t ignore that part of his plea. I could hear his heart breaking. I couldn’t do it. I heard people coming. I quickly put the phone away.

                 I walked and opened the front door. I gaped, “Alpha Theo…..Lux….what are you doing here?” Alpha Theo frowned, “We have been waiting for you to get here. I want to hear about your car accident.” I frowned, “I mean...I’d tell you but I don’t remember….I do remember a fight….maybe a couple…..I remember the flashes of light….I KNOW there was a crash cash….the rest...I got Nada.” Lux laughed, “Aww come on pretty lady. Let me whisk you away from this horrid place. They don’t deserve you. I’ll treat you like a queen.” I laughed, “You have a mate out there, Lux.” Lux smiled, “Nothing wrong with a little fun before she comes along. You’d be treated like a queen. There would be no attempts to forcibly mark you. I’d bite you but….you’d like it.” He winked. I rolled my eyes “Still not interested. I really don't remember anything.” Alpha Theo frowned, “How odd.” I thought about it. He was right. That was twice. Maybe I’d have Paige look into it. I sighed, “Tell you what….if I remember….I’ll actually call you.” Alpha Theo looked surprised, “You’ll call me….and tell me what you remember?” I nodded, “Yup. it’s one thing to lie and claim I’m his mate….it’s entirely another to try to mark me...if that’s what happened. If I remember and can honestly tell you that’s what happened…..well then I’ll call.” 

                Lux said, “Hey….there had to be other witnesses. We can protect you.” I smiled, “I can protect myself. I have no proof.” Alpha Theo snorted, “I’d believe that what’s happened based on the pictures in your hospital chart. I doubt anyone on the council would disagree.” He was wrong. I smiled, “Take it or leave it Alpha Theo...I promise on my honor, if I remember the events of that night….I’ll call you and tell you.” Alpha Theo smiled, “Oh, I will take that. I think we are making progress. I think you like us.” I frowned, “Liking you is not the problem.” Lux sighed, “Aww...come on tell Lux the problem. I’ll fix it all up and then pamper you as you deserve.” I smiled, “What fun would that be? You love a challenge, Lux.” Lux smiled, “Oh I do. I like you Ashley Griffen….I promise you’d like me to writhing underneath me screaming in pleasure.” I shook my head, “Sorry. My heart has belonged to one man since I was three.” Lux faked a dagger to his heart. He said, “One day….you’ll give up on him and I’ll be there.” I smiled, “You’re a pathological flirt. Are all your siblings that way?” Lux laughed, “No. My brothers flirt, but obviously...I’m the best. My little sister…..I don’t know. I haven’t seen her in quite some time.” I frowned, “I didn’t know you had a sister.” Lux shrugged, “Half. I’m looking for her.” I told him, “I’d help if you needed it.” Lux smiled, “Now we’ve come full circle.”

            We talked for a few more hours before they ended up leaving. When they left I went back into my room. I took my Xander wolf out of my safe and my Xander hoodie. I held onto him and cried, “I miss you Xander. I wish you didn’t hate me. Maybe my friends are right. Maybe you would love me too. Or at least give us a chance. All I need is a chance. We could be happy. No matter what, I'll always be yours Xander. Always.” I closed my eyes and cried myself to sleep.