The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

My Girl Pt. 2

        Melinda crossed her arms, “Oh yeah? What would you have done, Jason? Just let that go? NO! You have Beta blood. So does Mel. It’s not fair!” She stomped her foot and ran off.” I smirked, “She has a point.” Elise came running back outside with a bag, “Mom said it was fine!” I smiled. Elise was coming home with me. I picked her up and spun her around. She giggled, “I’m not allowed in your room though.” I shrugged, “Who cares?” Tristan said, “Pick me! I know! EJ doesn’t care. Plus...who needs a room to do stuff?” I growled, “Don’t talk about her like that!” We hadn’t even kissed. We were only eight. I wasn’t rushing. Tristan put his hands up, “I was just kidding bro. You know I love her like a sister.” I said, “Go get your stuff. I’ll pop us all home.” They left. I called over my shoulder, “Ray...you coming too?” Ray came up with a go bag. He smiled, “Where Elise goes….I go.” Elise smiled, “Are you excited to go home?” Ray smiled, “I have a house here and there….home though….Home is where you make it little Elise.” She was my home. Jason and Tristan came back out with bags. Sam McAlister yelled from their porch, “You two be on your best behavior!” Beta Drake called, “She means it boys!” They both said, “Yes, sir!” Everyone grabbed hands. I looked up and caught another flicker of the curtains. Maybe Melanie McAlister did exist. If not for Elise….I’d say she didn’t. 

        I popped us back into the living room. My dad was waiting. He smiled, “Alexander and Cassie are upstairs with Wesley and Max.” We all turned. My dad said, “EJ, stay a moment.” I nearly cursed. I nodded. Elise shot me a worried look then went upstairs with Tristan and Jason. I walked over and sat on the couch. My dad studied me, “Why did you tell your grandma to leave you and your siblings alone?” I sighed, “Because she should.” My dad sat back, “You don’t like her.” I frowned, “No, I don’t. I love her because she’s my grandma, but no. I don’t like her in the slightest. She’s not a good person.” My dad winced, “What did she do?” I frowned, “Mom didn’t tell you?” My dad sighed, “I haven’t asked her yet. I wanted her to calm down for the twin’s sake.” I sighed, “You should talk to Cassie, dad.” My dad’s jaw clenched, “I knew it. I knew this had something to do with Cassie. Go spend time with your friend's son.” I turned, “I wouldn’t have let mom fight grandma. None of us would’ve.” My dad smiled, “I know you wouldn’t. Your job EJ is to protect your family, your mate, and your pack. I would’ve used my Alpha Command on your grandmother. I don’t care what is going on. No challenge issued by a pregnant woman is to be accepted. Especially not your mothers.” 

            I turned to leave then turned around. I linked Alexander, “Come down here for a minute.” Alexander replied, “Coming.” He popped next to me. My dad raised an eyebrow and nodded, “Son.” Alexander smiled, “Dad.” I said, “We heard things….” My dad frowned, “About?” Alexander said, “Mom. When we were in Faerie. They don’t quite grasp how good our hearing is.” I could feel my dad’s fury in our bond. Tears filled my eyes, “It’s true then….they….they hurt mom! They tortured her?” My dad closed his eyes, “What exactly did you hear?” Alexander said, “We heard that she was beaten up a lot. That someone Fabi...Forbie….something like that experimented on her with iron. They said that’s why mommy is short. She’s the shortest out of all the ribbon mommies we’ve seen. Is it because they hurt her?” My dad sighed, “Your mom’s story is one you will hear. Not until you’re a little older though. Your mom plans to tell you all about it. She’s not hiding it from you. What you heard is true. Your mom did not have a good childhood there. Before you guys were born the Sky and Earth fairies looked down on partial fairies. They didn’t like that your mom lived in Faerie. They thought she should be in the human realm.”

          Alexander frowned, “Why not the Hackura realm?” Dad ran a hand through his hair, “They didn’t know your Grandpa Titus was your mom’s dad. They thought he was human.” I frowned. I knew mom’s birth mom was the former Queen in Faerie. Alania. Mom didn’t like her. I knew that gifts showed up randomly for mom from other fairies. Alania was one of them. Mom always pulled back in the bond when they came. Alexander and I locked eyes. Alexander linked, “We need to learn more about Alania….and this Fabi person.” I linked, “Fabian. They said his name was Fabian.” Alexander shrugged. My dad said, “I know that look. Please….give your mom and I time here.” I frowned, “How much time?” My dad said, “Your mom wants to explain it when you are sixteen.” Alexander groaned, “That’s so old!” My dad laughed, “It’s not. You two must think I’m ancient.” I smiled, “Yeah….you’re an old man.” My dad smiled, “One day you’ll be just as old as me.” I scoffed, “In like forever.” My dad rolled his eyes, “Go see your friends and your mate.” Alexander and I popped back upstairs. 

        Jason and Alexander split off after an hour. Cassie and Elise got tired. I walked Elise to Cassie’s room. I kissed her forehead, “Sweet dreams, Elise. You’re my girl. You know that, right?” Elise blushed, “Good night EJ.” She turned. I grabbed her hand. I looked into her eyes. I said, “There will never be anyone for me but you.” She giggled. Cassie said, “I’m just….yup...going.” I smirked. Elise smiled, “How are you and the rest of the boys going to handle Cassie finding her mate?” I growled, “She’s eight.” Elise laughed, “She’s older than I am.” I frowned, “That’s different…..she’s my little sister. You’re my girl. That guy will treat my sister like a queen if he knows what’s good for him.” Elise smiled, “Just like you treat me.” She kissed my cheek and ran into Cassie's room. I touched my cheek. She’d never done that before. I smiled and made my way back to my room. Tristan and I played video games for a while. The next day I popped everyone home and spent some more time with Elise. 

            We were in a field when she said, “Can you shift into Brutus again?” My wolf linked me, “Please! She asked!” I smiled, “He’d love to.” I ran behind a tree and quickly took my clothes off and shifted. My wolf loved playing with Elise. I shifted and Brutus ran out and lightly nipped at the bottom of Elise’s shirt. She giggled and started to chase me. After we played for an hour her mom came outside, “Elise, it’s time for EJ to go home.” She sighed, “But we just got back.” Her mom smiled, “You got back a few hours ago Elise.” I sighed and ran back to the tree. I threw my clothes on and walked back out. I hugged Elise, “I’ll see you soon. Ok?” She nodded. I pulled back. She quickly wiped tears away. It was like a dagger to the heart, “Don’t….Don’t cry.” She sighed, “I just...miss you when you’re gone.” I frowned, “I miss you more than you could ever know when I’m not with you. You save up all your imaginary Melanie stories for me. Ok?” She laughed and pushed me, “She’s not imaginary.” I smiled, “So you say.” I still wasn’t sure. I popped home.

            The next few weeks passed in that pattern. My grandma had apologized to us all. I honestly didn’t want her apology. I wanted her to apologize to my mom and mean it. I didn't think she ever would at this point. School was boring without Elise. I kept asking dad if I could transfer to their school , but he said no. Alexander and I pulled pranks to make things interesting. Cassie would join in on our fun every so often. Uncle Bjourn started us training with swords. Cassie was good. Really good. A natural. Alexander and I were so proud of her. Uncle Bjourn said she favored mom in that skill. Alexander and I preferred a broadsword, whereas Cassie used samurai swords. Wesley ran into the gym, “Mommies in labor! Tim and Brody are on the way!” We all dropped what we were doing and ran to the hospital. Uncle Bjourn was right behind us. The rest of my siblings were waiting. My grandparents were there and my aunts and uncles. A portal opened and my Uncle Harper stepped through with my grandpa Titus and Grammy Veronica.” Cassie squealed, “Grammy!” She popped into Grammy’s arms and then Grandpa Titus.” He kissed her head, “Hello sweet girl. How grandpa’s favorite granddaughter?” She giggled, “I’m your only granddaughter, grandpa.” Grandpa smiled, “How silly of me. You’re still my favorite granddaughter.” She laughed. 

            Dad came out and smiled, “Do you guys want to meet your brothers?” We all yelled at the same time, “YES!” I grabbed Parker up off the floor and carried him inside. He smiled at me. He could walk. He was two. I turned to see Cassie had Cole and Alexander had Calvin in his arms. We walked in to see our mom holding both of our brothers. My dad walked over and picked up one of them. He smiled, “This is Brody. Your mom has Tim.” I set Parker down. He toddled over to our mom and popped up into the bed and studied Tim. Cassie walked over to our mom and gave her a hug. Uncle Aiden popped in. He threw confetti, “More Conners boys! Ahhh more stubborn Alpha fairies for me tease my brother-in-law about. Congratulations little sister.” She smiled, “Thank you Aiden.” He blessed the twins and hugged us all. He studied Alexander and me. Alexander linked, “He must know what we heard about mom.” I nodded. Aiden looked back at my mom and dad. He tilted his head to us. We walked outside. He spoke his space unheard chant. 

            He sighed, “I heard that there was…..something you weren’t meant to overhear… just yet.” I frowned, “Did dad tell you?” Uncle Aiden laughed, “He knows? What am I saying? Of course he does. He’s your father after all. He and I are quite alike in knowing things. He would not like that comparison I fear. Nonetheless, no. I heard about it from another source. I just want you both to come talk to me when you have questions. You will hear the whole story, and you will have questions. I just ask that you come find me for them.” I frowned, “Of course Uncle Aiden. I promise.” Alexander nodded, “Me too. I promise.” Uncle Aiden laughed, “All of you are so like your mother in some ways. Other ways your father shines through. Your looks certainly are your fathers, but those hearts you boys have….so like your mothers. Don’t lose that.” I smiled, “I don’t plan to.” Aiden smiled, “You both are welcome in Faerie anytime. You know that, right?” Alexander nodded, “We know. It’s bad isn’t it? Everything that happened to mom.” Uncle Aiden looked away, “It is bad. Things are different now though. That would never happen. It shouldn’t have happened.” His sorrow called out to us.

            I put my hand on his shoulder, “It’s alright Uncle Aiden.” Uncle Aiden said, “I just hope one day you boys don’t hate me.” Alexander stiffened, “We could never hate you, Uncle Aiden.” Uncle Aiden said, “I truly hope you do not. Some days….I hate myself.” I frowned, “That’s not very Fae like of you.” Uncle Aiden laughed, “That is very true. You keep an eye on your mother for me, will you? I expect a call from one of you if your….grandmother…” His dislike for Grandma Cassandra was obvious. Then again...it always had been. “Is rude to you kids. I’m just stunned by her behavior….it’s about Cassie isn’t it?” I frowned, “Why would you say that?” Aiden laughed, “You cannot evade me, nephew. That answers my question. It was about Cassie.” Alexander nodded, “She hurt her feelings.” Uncle Aiden frowned, “Well….I might just have to charm her brush so that all her hair falls out.” Alexander and I laughed. That would actually be funny. 

                After Uncle Aiden left Alexander looked at me, “That can’t happen again. We can’t let Cass get hurt like that. I asked her….it’s been going for a few years.” I frowned, “Years?” Alexander nodded. My hand made a fist. I shook my head, “It won’t happen. We will protect Cassie. Even if it’s from family.” Alexander nodded, “Daisy and Austin are pretty upset. Seems Austin agrees with Daisy that grandma was saying they shouldn’t have been born.” I sighed, “I don’t understand why she does this. It’s not what she means in her heart of hearts, but it’s what she’s saying.” Alexander shrugged, “She doesn’t think she does anything.” I frowned, “She hurt your feelings too.” Alexander shrugged, “I know she loves us. I just don’t love her.” I jerked my head to him. Alexander met my gaze. I asked, “You don’t love grandma?” Alexander said, “No. She wishes mom wasn’t a fairy. That’s in us. I think if she was honest….she’d tell us she didn’t like that. She’s always so careful around dad and us. She doesn’t like Uncle Aiden. She thinks Cassie looks too much like mom. Any time I’ve offered to heal her….she’s jerked away from me as if I was going to burn her. I have this memory….I think….of...never mind.” I grabbed him, “No...what memory?” Alexander sighed, “We were little. Mom was pregnant with Preston William and Julian….there was a pink rabbit. Grandma Cassandra was going to give it to Cassie, but mom stopped her. It hurt mom. Daddy was mad...I just remember Oden and my light telling me to save our siblings. Oden was Alexander’s wolf. I frowned, “That’s all you remember?” Alexander said, “Do you remember that?” I thought about it, “Not right now. I’ll think about it. We would’ve been three.” Alexander nodded, “I just….moms said that I saved the triplets before…..” I said, “Dad wouldn't have let Grandma Cassandra near any of us if she tried to kill them.”

            Alexander shrugged, “I don’t think it was her. I think it was one of those fairy gifts that showed up that year. I just don’t like how Grandma Cassandra acts like she’s better than mom. Mom...isn’t as expressive as other fairies. She’s got a lock on her face, but I feel her so strongly…..Grandma Cassandra hurts her feelings a lot. When Cassie said that mom ignored how Grandma Cassandra made her feel...mom felt so ashamed. She’s stopped doing it too. She calls Grandma Cassandra on all her snide comments now.” I had noticed that. I nodded, “We will find out the whole story one day.” Alexander shrugged, “I don’t know that it matters. You hurt my mom like this and….” I nodded. I knew exactly how he felt. We went back inside. Cassie invited Elise over for a sleepover for me. Cassie popped in with Elise. I ran to her and hugged her. She smiled, “Congratulations on your little brothers.” I smiled, “Thanks Elise.” I smiled, “What’s been going on in your world?” She laughed, “Melanie’s some dance prodigy apparently.” I laughed, “What?” Alexander walked in and sat with me, Cassie, and Elise. 

            Elise nodded, “Yup. She begged Sam to put her in dance classes. Sam finally did….the teacher talked to her afterwards and everything. They want to move her up to a higher level. Private lessons. They are pretty serious about it.” I smiled, “Good for imaginary Melanie. Did you hear that guys? She’s an imaginary dance prodigy.” Elise rolled her eyes. Alexander and Cassie laughed. I smiled, “It’s already coming with this one guys. The excuses have expanded. Next time we won’t see her because she’ll be at a dance lesson.” Elise smiled, “Oh come on!” I kissed her hair, “I’ve already said if not for you….I’d be convinced that she was imaginary, and you all were pulling our leg in Red Run.” Elise rolled her eyes again, “I assure you. Melanie McAlister is real.” Alexander laughed, “That’s what Jason says. Says she calls him Jase. I gotta say….I’m with EJ. Not convinced she’s real. Or Melinda. Never seen either one of them.” I laughed, “I’ve seen Melinda.” Alexander shrugged, “I haven’t.”

            We all heard a howl of agony. I bolt up. I ordered, “Ray, stay with Elise!” Alexander, Cassie, and I popped to the noise. I frowned, “Grandpa? Grandpa Nathan!” I linked my dad, “Dad where are you?” My dad linked back, “Your mom and I just left. What’s wrong?” I linked, “Come back! Something’s wrong with Grandpa Nathan!” My Uncle Jackson ran around the corner. He grabbed my grandpa. He checked him over for injuries. Grandpa was just whimpering. Uncle Jackson frowned, “Dad? Dad! What’s wrong? Were you attacked?” He whispered, “She’s gone….she’s just gone.” We all looked at each other. A pop sounded. Mom screamed, “Nathan! Are you ok?” He cried, “She’s gone….” My mom jerked back. My dad asked, “Who?” Blade ran out and grabbed my mom as she popped away with him. Dad growled. Jackson frowned, “What’s going on?” My Aunt Molly knelt down, “Haley just popped to her.” My dad stiffened and locked eyes with my uncle. They were talking about Grandma. My dad said, “Kids...go to the house.” Cassie wrapped her arms around Grandpa Nathan. She could make people be calm without granting it. She just had that ability. He immediately cried, “She can’t save her this time boys….” My dad growled, “What are you talking about?” My dad said, “She’s gone….I felt her die.” 

            I could feel my dad's sorrow. I could feel my mom’s shock. Grandpa Nathan was right. Grandma Cassandra was dead. My dad closed his eyes. Alexander took his hand, “I’m sorry daddy.” Uncle Darrin and Uncle Harold came running. Uncle Darrin said, “No….Eric...” My dad sighed, “Haley said there was nothing she could do. She tried but….” Uncle Harold asked, “But what?” Grandpa Nathan said, “We need to know, son. What did Haley say?” My dad sighed, “It was a car accident.” Uncle Harold growled, “Was it really an accident?” Eric said, “Haley says it was. She questioned those who saw it. Mom swerved to avoid a deer….she overcorrected, and her car went over the hill. Her car rolled where that new construction is. She was impaled by some rebar.” I winced. Cassie had a few tears streaming down her face. I felt arms around me. I turned, “I told you to stay inside.” Elise had tears in her eyes, “You needed me. I could feel it. Ray came with me.” I nodded to Ray and held onto Elise. 

            We stood there for a while. Aunt Lexi flashed over with Chase. Cousin Emmaline popped in with Lucas. Dylan brought Buttercup to comfort Wesley. Mostly I think he came to make dad laugh. An hour later cops showed up at the door with mom. She ran to dad and threw her arms around her. She whispered, “I’m so sorry Eric. I tried.” He held her tightly, “It’s not your fault.” The cops said, “Eric Conners. We need to speak with Nathan Conners. Your wife said he would be here.” My Grandpa stood, “I knew something bad had happened. Just say what you have to say.” The cop sighed, “We regret to inform you that there was an accident tonight. Your wife, Cassandra Conners, was declared dead on the scene.” My dad stiffened and looked at my mom. The officer continued, “Your stubborn strong willed daughter in law….received several cuts trying to get to your wife.” My mom sighed, “I’m fine.” The cops sighed, “Next time, wait for the professionals. Those seven stitches in your elbow could’ve been avoided.” All of us were repressing our growls. These were not werewolf police officers. 

            Mom sighed, “I needed to get in the car.” The other cop said, “Then she crawled through the class. She made a positive identification of your wife, Mr. Nathan Conners. I would suggest that you remember her the way you last saw her.” Dad looked wide eyed at mom. I studied her. She was in clothes that weren’t hers. They’d taken her clothes. That meant they were bloody. Grandpa asked, “When can I….” The cop said, “Your daughter in law took care of everything. Signed all the necessary things….she’s a...something. The body has already been released. Never seen anything like it in all my time on the force. I’d hate to be standing in her way when she wants something. Anyway….we are truly sorry for your loss.” They left. Elise stayed with me. Mom snapped into new clothes and healed herself. She walked over Grandpa Nathan. Her eyes filled with tears, “Nathan...I am so sorry...I was too late.” Grandpa Nathan shook his head, “She was dead on impact. I felt it. You couldn’t have done anything. There’s no blame for you here. Please don’t take that.” Haley frowned, “Where was she going?” Grandpa Nathan sighed, “She was buying gardening supplies.” Uh oh. My dad snarled. My mom looked away with tears in her eyes. 

            She died for that damn garden? The damn garden she couldn’t keep alive to save her life? Alexander popped away. I grabbed Elise and popped to him with Cassie. He was already punching a heavy bag. Elise had tears in her eyes. I stepped behind him, “Brother.” Alexander whirled, “She’s SUCH A b***h! Even in death! GOD! She’s so selfish! She doesn’t like fairies, but she is more selfish than any fairy I’ve EVER met! Dad is wrecked. So are our Uncle’s! Gardening supplies! She could’ve added it to the gardeners list! She could’ve asked ANY of us to help her if she didn’t want to ask mom. She died for no good reason. She’s so selfish….Grandpa Nathan doesn’t deserve this! She’s UGH!” He hit the heavy bag so hard it fell off. I raised an eyebrow. A portal opened. Uncle Marcus and Bjourn stepped out. Uncle Marcus said, “Come on….let’s leave Alexander and Uncle Bjourn for a minute. Let’s get back up to the house.” 

            I popped us back. I kept thinking over my brother's words. He was right. Grandma Cassandra was really selfish to do this to us. Aunt Shana and Jessica had tears rolling down their faces. People came and went. Grandpa Nathan started drinking and disappeared for several hours. Mom had us go to bed. When we woke up Grandpa Nathan still wasn’t back. Mom was worried. She offered to go pop to him. Dad had tracked him down. He was in a different territory. Eventually at lunch time dad told mom to go get him. He came back freshly showered. He did that every day leading up the funeral. I’d never felt so helpless. The day of the funeral Elise and her family arrived early. She sat by me. I just held her hand. Buttercup ran over to Wesley the second they were popped in. We sat through the funeral everyone came. Alexander linked me, “Feels so fake. Grandma Cassandra would’ve loved it.” I cracked a smile and tried not to laugh. Uncle Aiden, Aunt Lucinda walked up. Aiylee popped in when they made it to us. I smiled. Aiylee was forever running late. She hugged us all. Another pop sounded, “Your majesty.” Dad growled at the fairy. Aiylee made a strangled sound. I turned to her, “You ok Aiylee?” She was staring at the fairy who’d popped in.