Mates: Melanie's Warrior

Chapter 2

~Unknown~

I’m so bored, and I don’t know why. Let me clarify…..it’s not that there’s nothing to do. Being an Alpha is busy work, definitely. It’s just that I’ve gotten used to more….I don’t know….action. Being in survival mode meant I had to always be aware of my surroundings and ready to fight if needed. Sitting in an office and behind a desk doesn’t have the same energy.

I lean back in my chair and sigh. I can’t really complain; I mean, I was always meant to be an Alpha. There was a time when I didn’t think things would work out in my favor, but then things changed. I have everything I was working toward, so I shouldn’t feel so down…..right?

A knock on my door breaks me out of my thoughts. “Come.” The door opens, and my Beta Hugo walks into my office. I sit up and lean on my desk. “What’s up? Any issues that need dealing with?” Hugo takes a seat across from me and shakes his head.

“No, everything is fine. I just wanted to let you know that we got a letter. There’s a Warrior’s Battle coming up, and we’ve been invited.” I remember hearing about Warrior’s Battles when I was growing up. I don’t think I’ve ever been to one, and I know we weren’t invited that often. Most of that was due to the way the pack was run, but we’re past that now. “Do you think we will have someone to enter?”

“Are you interested?” Hugo leans back and chuckles.

“No, I’m good, actually. I’m not sure we have any warriors that will fit the mold.” That may be true. The last Alpha ran this pack like crap, and it’s been a journey to get people to learn a new way. I lean back in my chair and close my eyes.

I slowly sit up, and a smile starts to grow on my face. This may be exactly what I need. I wanted this; I wanted to be Alpha. I want to change how things have been going here and make it all better. As much as I want this, I still need to transition better. I’m struggling and need something fresh and new to shake things up. I open my eyes and look into Hugo’s questioning gaze. “I’ll go. I will fight for the pack.”

~Melanie~

“Come give me a big hug, my love.” I watch Brooklyn out of the corner of my eye and watch as she latches on to Jayden. She was a bit hesitant when we first told her about the trip. She hasn’t been anywhere since she was rescued all those years ago. She’s been without her parents slightly more than that. This will be the first in a long time for her.

I continue through the foyer and make it to the front door. I turn to Kehlani, who’s holding Kamila while watching Jayden and Brooklyn. “She really doesn’t have to go, you know. She can stay here if that is more comfortable for her.” Kehlani walks closer to me.

“I think this will be good for both of you. Brooklyn will be fine without us for a few days. She’ll be with you, Jax, Shanice, and the other warriors. I KNOW you will protect her because that’s what you do. You can’t keep letting the past stop you from moving forward. Brooklyn needs this because she’s been holding on to the past as well.” I sigh. I know she’s right, but this is a lot to take in right now. Jayden and Brooklyn walk toward us, and Brooklyn kisses her sister goodbye.

“Is everyone ready to go?” Jax and Shanice come walking up behind us. He takes a look around, and his face falls immediately. “No, Melanie! Absolutely not. Nope, no, not gonna happen.” I turn to Jax, confused.

“What are you talking about?” Jax shakes his head and points at me.

“Not that. I refuse to deal with that.” I look down at myself, but I’m not sure what he means. I’m wearing a pair of black fitted jeans with black boots. I decided to go with a white tank top underneath my black leather jacket. My hair is in a bob, but I’ve changed the color like always. Right now, I’m rocking my natural black hair with bright red ends. I want to look every bit the badass that I feel.

I look up to catch my Alphas smirking at us. Kamila is reaching for Jax, who’s still looking at me in distress. I check my sides, and then it hits me. I look at Jax with a smile on my face. “Now, now Jaxy. I’m about to go dish out some serious damage, and you expect me to leave Lucy at home? Not gonna happen, sweety. Lucy goes where I go.”

“Uh, probably a stupid question, but who’s Lucy?” Shanice is looking at all of us with pure confusion. I smirk and look at Kehlani, who has started to laugh. Jayden clears his throat and looks at Shanice.

“So Melanie has a love for swords. She collects them, trains with them, and she names them. Your mate has an issue with swords in general.”

“The…..the sword is Lucy?” We all nod, and Kehlani is still laughing. “What’s the problem with swords?”

“WE’RE WOLVES, FOR GODDESS SAKES!” Kehlani doubles over at this, and Kamila covers her ears, giving Jax an angry look.

“Tew lowd, Ukl Dax!” His expression goes from irritated to remorseful in a matter of seconds. He rubs Kamila’s back and kisses her face.

“Uncle J is sorry, Pickles. I didn’t mean to yell. Forgive me?” Kamila puts her hands down and wraps her arms around his neck, nuzzling into his face. I love to watch them together.

“Jax, babe?” Jax looks at Shanice. “Let it go, please.” Jax looks defeated and leans over to kiss Shanice.

“Okay.”

“That’s it? It’s that easy? Do you know how much crap Jaxy has given me over the years over my swords? His mate tells him to let it go and it’s over just like that.” I shake my head. “That’s wild.” Shanice giggles as she rubs Kamila’s arm.

“The perks of the mate bond, I’d imagine.”

“Mate bond or not, I’d do anything for you.” Shanice starts to coo, and that’s my cue to leave. I don’t want to toss my cookies in front of everyone.

“I’m going to the car. Don’t worry, Alphas, I swear that I’ll make you proud.” I turn and walk outside, ready to prove myself at this event.