The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

My Girl Pt. 1

            EJ Conners sat at his kitchen table. He sighed. Two of his siblings, Cassie and Alexander shot him a look. They knew what I wanted to be doing instead of sitting here. I wanted to go see Elise. Elise Kyle was my mate. She made everything complete. My wolf Brutus was annoyed. He desperately wanted to see Elise again. We were waiting though because Grandma Cassandra’s heat had ended. She wanted us all to be here to tell her if she was going to have another baby. Her and Grandpa Nathan had been trying for a while now. I linked Alexander, “This is a waste of time, and we all know it. She won’t let you or mom heal her.” Alexander shrugged. I knew it bothered him. It pissed me off. I didn’t like that she hurt my brother's feelings every time she refused to let him help her. She was at least nice to him when she turned him down though. She was outright rude when my mom offered to heal her.  

            Grandma Cassandra was a hard one for me. On the one hand….nope there was no one hand. I didn’t like her. She was rude to my mother. She stomped on my brother’s feelings. If Grandma Cassandra thought no one was around she made snide little comments to my mother. She seemed to be forgetting a lot lately that me and my siblings had better hearing than even she did. The things she said hurt my mom’s feelings. She was always hurting my mom's feelings. I studied my siblings. I sighed. If I was being completely honest, she hurt us all. We hid that from our mom. I was beginning to think that was a mistake. Cassie seemed especially upset by something that had happened recently. My other cousins weren’t waiting around today. They didn’t have to. Me and my siblings were the only ones who could see a glow. Daisy had stayed behind though. She typically stuck with us.

            My mom came into the kitchen. She smiled at us, “You all don’t have to stay.” I told my younger siblings, “Cassie, Alexander and I will stay. You guys go play.” My other siblings jumped up from the table. I asked my mom, “How are you feeling?” She smiled, “Little Tim and Brody are kicking up a storm this morning.” My mom was due in a few weeks with more siblings. So far I had Alexander, Cassie, Max, Wesley, Preston, William, Julian, Theodore but we called him Theo, Maverick, Parker, Cole, and Calvin. Mom and Dad had just picked out the new set of twin boys' names. Cassie was waiting for our little sister. We knew we’d have at least one more. She would have the strongest sight our people had ever seen. Alexander and I wanted more boys to protect them both and mom. Alexander and I nodded to each other. We had questions after our last visit in Faerie. Fairies were not used to our hearing. They said things. Horrible things about what happened to our mother there. I didn’t understand. Fairies couldn't lie, but….I looked at my mom. She was the nicest person I knew. Why would they hurt her? 

            My grandparents walked in. My grandmother clapped, “So?” I rolled my eyes. My mom said, “I’m sorry Cassandra. You aren’t glowing…..I could…” Grandma Cassandra put her hands up, “No, we’ve talked about this.” Grandpa Nathan kissed my grandma and whispered, “There’s always next time. I’ve got to catch up with the boys.” He left. My mom tried again, “Cassandra I wish you’d…” Grandma Cassandra huffed, “I’ve told you. I don’t want you to use magic on me. What’s meant to be will be.” Cassie’s hurt slammed into me so hard I jerked my head. Even my mom noticed. We’d always been careful about that. Daisy slammed her hands onto the table. My eyes widened. Daisy was pretty laid back. My mom and Grandma Cassandra turned to her in surprise. Daisy stood, “I’m so sick of this. Grandma….you keep saying that around children that are only alive because of magic. Should I not have happened? What about my siblings? What about the triplets? EJ, Alexander, Cassie….even Preston, William and Julian could’ve been lost to us without magic. Do you ever think before you speak? I’m grateful to Aunt Haley for all my cousins. Why can’t you be?” Daisy ran out of the room. I linked my oldest cousin Saied, “Saied….make sure Dana talks to Daisy. Grandma hurt her feelings.” Saied sighed, “Again? Alright. I’m on it.” 

            Grandma Cassandra sighed, “I didn’t mean it that way. She has to know that.” Cassie muttered, “Yes, you did.” My mom was the only one who couldn’t hear her. I was surprised Cassie even said anything. My mom said, “What was that sweetie?” Grandma Cassandra frowned at her, “Just the usual bite your children have with me. I thought we were past this.” My mom frowned, “Cassie, sweetie….what hurt your feelings?” Cassie stood up, “She did! She always does! She doesn’t like me because I look like you.” My mom stepped back as if she’d been slapped. Alexander jumped up along with me. I growled, “What?!” Cassie looked down. My mom’s eyes were blazing. She looked at Grandma Cassandra. She crossed her arms, “Cassandra, What the f**k is she talking about?” Grandma Cassandra looked surprised, “I….I don’t know. Cassie...baby….that’s not true. I love you.” Cassie’s eyes filled with tears, “I heard you! I heard you say that sometimes it was hard for you to like me because I looked like my mom. That sometimes you looked at me and remembered daddy throwing you out for her. You remember being embarrassed because Aunt Lexi got mad at you for being mean to mommy. You said you loved me, but I was her mirror image. You said sometimes you just didn’t know what to do with me. You’re mean to mommy! We all hear you. You forget our hearing is better than you. You put her down all the time when you think no one can hear you! Daddy wouldn’t like it. You don’t like our fairy side…..you’re mean to Uncle Aiden! You’re just mean!” 

            Alexander’s eyes were blazing right along with mine. I asked, “Cass….why didn’t you say anything?” She shrugged, “Mom doesn’t. She only says things about what Grandma Cassandra says when it’s about others. So that’s what I did. Grandma Cassandra keeps hurting Daisy’s feelings too! That’s why I said something. She hurts Austin’s feelings too! She’s mean!” Tears filled my mom's eyes. She hissed at Grandma Cassandra, “Outside. NOW!” Grandma Cassandra followed her without a word. I pulled Cassie into a hug. I looked at her, “Hey….we don’t hide those things from each other. We both know it hurts Alexander’s feelings that Grandma Cassandra won’t let him heal her. He told us. Talk to us Cass.” Cassie nodded, “It’s just me she doesn’t like. I like that I look like mommy. I don’t care that she doesn’t. Daddy says I’m beautiful.” I smiled, “You should. You and mommy are the most beautiful girls in the world along with Elise.” Cassie laughed.

         We all whipped our heads when our dad walked in. He frowned, “Where’s you mom? What’s going on? Princess….are you ok?” Cassie shrugged. Alexander said, “Mom’s outside.” Dad growled, “Oh f**k!” He ran outside. I grabbed Alexander’s hand. He had Cassie’s. Wesley ran up to us when we popped outside. He linked me, “What happened? Mom challenged grandma to a fight.” I gaped, “Grandma can’t accept a challenge from mom! Mom’s pregnant!” Wesley growled, “She did.” I looked to see Max and Theo snarling at my grandma standing in front of our mom. Alexander and I smiled at each other. Cassie caught our eyes too. We were all proud of our little brothers. Grandpa Nathan walked outside. He ran to Grandma Cassandra. 

            Dad ran by us right behind me. He grabbed mom and put her behind him. Max and Theo stood at his side. Dad snarled, “This is not happening. She's pregnant, mom!” Grandma Cassandra hissed, “She challenged me.” Aunt Lexi flashed by me, “b***h I will f*****g cut you! Are you insane?” Phil ran up to us with Charity and Misty. Their mom and our cousin Miley was right behind them frowning. She looked at us then back at Cassandra. She rolled her eyes. My Uncle Marcus ran outside. Blade materialized by my mom. He looked murderous. He said, “Blade….will kill. Princess. Pregnant. Bitchy wolf die.” Miley said, “Not necessary Blade.” She cut her hand with a knife she pulled then mom’s hand. She grabbed her hand and said, “By my blood I’m taking Haley’s place in this fight.” Uncle Marcus turned to us. He spoke quickly, “Quod autem non ut faciam vobis? Non solum potest tibi ista res mom pro vobis guys. (What did she do to you? Your mom would only be this upset about you guys.)” We didn’t answer him. Cassie linked me, “The truth would hurt daddy’s feelings. We can’t do that.” I sighed and answered, “Nos postea narrabo vobis. Iustum avunculus Marcus (We will tell you later. Just you Uncle Marcus).” A voice came from behind us, “et te (and me.” I smiled and popped to my Uncle Bjourn. I hugged him, “You’re back!” Uncle Bjourn laughed, “I am back. A moment too late it seems.” He walked over to the fight.

            He glared at Grandma Cassandra. He told her, “You will not fight a member of my family. If you insist….on doing so….you will be fighting me. I’ll take the challenge from Miley. Back down. Now.” Grandma Cassandra sighed, “I take back my acceptance of the challenge.” Uncle Bjourn nodded, “Good. Get out of my sight Cassandra.” He turned to my mom, “Little one….what exactly were you thinking? You’re pregnant.” Mom wiped tears out of her eyes. She crossed her arms and looked at Grandma Cassandra. Daddy frowned, “No linking each other….what’s going on?” Mom said, “I was thinking I’ve had efuckingnough. I’m pregnant. I don’t have a broken leg. Stay the f**k away from my children Cassandra. ALL of them.” Everyone stared at her in shock. Grandma Cassandra cried, “They are my grandbabies.” My mom hissed, “I’m aware. I cannot believe you. Hurting me is one thing. Hurting my children? No. f**k this. f**k you. I won’t have it! Not them. You’ve crossed the damn line!” Dad looked over at us. His gaze rested on Cassie. She looked away. Dad’s jaw locked. Grandpa Nathan looked over at Cassie too. His eyes were astonished. I felt bad. We loved Grandpa Nathan. We knew exactly what had happened between mom and Grandma Cassandra. Last year Cassie made Aunt Jessica tell us the truth with her power. Then Alexander and I took her memories. It all made so much sense afterwards. They almost hurt dad and our uncles. I agreed with mom. It was unacceptable. 

            I looked at my watch. We needed a distraction. I called, “Mom, you promised I could go see Elise.” My mom turned to me, “Of course you can. Youngers.” One of my guards came forward, “Can you go with EJ to Red Run please?” Youngers nodded, “Of course princess. Let’s go little Duke.” He glared at Grandma Cassandra. She sighed, “I just don’t know if that’s a good idea. I’ve told you; we won’t be sure until they are eighteen. It’s bad enough Austin and Arlina think they are mates. We are setting these children up for heartbreak.” I growled. Austin did too. I hadn’t even seen him in the crowd. He said, “I don’t THINK Arlina is my mate. SHE IS MY MATE! She’s mine!” My uncle Jackson put his hands around Austin, “We know she is. Arlina said so, and so did your cousin Emmaline. Arlina is yours.” He turned around and growled,  “Honest to god mom! What are you doing?” Grandma Cassandra frowned, “I’m just saying we won’t know for sure until they are eighteen. Their fairy side could be wrong.” Arlina started crying. Austin put his arms around her and whispered to her. He told her she was his. Always. My mom hissed, “Are you happy now Cassandra? Honestly! Fairies can’t lie. Arlina isn’t lying! EJ isn’t lying. They are mates. Emmaline even confirmed it. You know what she can do. You know she would never lie. Because she f*****g can’t!” Grandma Cassandra sighed, “I’m just saying. What if Elise gets her wolf, and then we find out they were wrong? They will be heartbroken.” I growled angrily, “ELISE IS MINE!” Alexander put his hand on my shoulder along with Cassie. 

            Youngers said, “Little duke….let’s pop to your mate.” I growled, “I won’t leave my family behind to deal with this bullshit! Arlina is so kind. She would never lie. She can’t lie. She loves Austin and he loves her. Don’t make them feel bad about that Grandma Cassandra. You will NEVER make me feel bad about Elise. She’s mine. I’m not lying. My mom would NEVER let you keep us apart. Stay away from my siblings. Stay away from my fairy cousins. I won’t let you hurt them. You’ve done enough!” Grandma Cassandra wiped tears away, “That’s not your call young man. That’s no way to speak to adults.” My mom said, “Kids….go inside. Or go see Grandpa Titus.” Max growled. Dad said, “Guys….go.” Pops sounds all over.  Cassie popped to Arlina, “Let’s take Austin to Uncle Aiden’s place. He’d love to see us, and your mom’s there right now. She’ll know just what to say. No one thinks you’re lying. Austin is yours.” Arlina wiped her tears, “I don’t understand….I….I swear Cassie….he’s mine.” Austin took her hand, “I’m yours Lina….only yours.” It was his nickname for her. She would only let him call her that. She smiled and they popped away. I linked Alexander, “Where are you going to go, brother?” Alexander shrugged, “I’ll go see Grandpa Titus.” He popped away. 

        I grabbed Youngers and popped to Elise. She squealed when she saw me. I couldn't stop my smile as she ran across the field to me. I opened my arms up and buried my head in her neck. I growled, “Mine!” She whispered, “Yours.” After several moments she pulled back, “What’s wrong?” I sighed, “My grandma again. She hurt Cassie’s feelings, and I didn’t know about it.” Elise frowned, “When did she do that?” I shrugged, “I don’t know yet. I won’t miss something like that again.” Elise snorted, “Your sister is just as capable as you are at kicking butt.” I smiled. That was true. I grabbed her hand, “Yes, she is. I don’t want to talk about it just yet. I want to hear about my girl’s day.” 

            Elise blushed, “Oh….well I played with my brothers this morning.” I laughed, “What trouble did the twins get into today?” Elise laughed, “Dakota found the flour and Dalton could not be out done. He found the powdered sugar. It was a mess. One of the partial fairies snapped it up for them after mom found them.” I laughed, “Which one? Elise smiled, “Dakota and Dalton’s future Gamma Jared.” I laughed, “What about the rest of Red Run?” Elise bit her lip, “Oh….you know my favorite little troublemaker threw a boy twice her size into the mud.” I laughed, “I assume you mean the little troublemaker you call your little sister.” Elise smiled, “The one and only. I wish Melanie McAlister was my little sister. Tristan and Jason are lucky. She’s so adorable and fun.” I smiled, “What did the possibly imaginary three-year-old throw a boy into the mud?” Elise frowned “She’s not imaginary!” I laughed, “No one outside of Red Run has met her.” Ray snorted, “I’ve met her. She’s a spitfire. She’s got sass….and fire….I’ve been waiting for you to get here so I could hear the story.” 

            I laughed, “What did she do?” Elise sighed, “Robert took her new stuffed animal and threw it in the mud.” I growled, “I hate that guy.” Elise rolled her eyes, “Because you think he likes me.” I gave her a look, ‘I don’t think he does. I know he wants my girl.” She giggled, “I’m only yours.” Ray laughed, “And that’s adorable….now….tell him what Melanie did.” I smiled, “Can we just go ask her ourselves? I want to meet her?” Elise smirked, “She’s in timeout.” I rolled my eyes, “Naturally. So the imaginary Melanie did threw the kid who may or may not want me to kill him into the mud because?” Elise rolled her eyes, “He threw her new stuffed wolf into the mud and got it all dirty. She kicked him…” Ray said, “In the shins and the balls.” Elise smiled, “And threw him in the mud. I went to talk to her after she got sent to her room.” Ray said, “And she’s being very secretive about why Melanie got so upset about the whole ordeal.” I smiled, “Why is she so upset?” Elise blushed, “I can’t say.” Ray said, “Oh come on! I’ve been waiting for EJ to get here so I could hear the story and now you won’t say. Some days Elise…..it’s like you don’t like me.” 

        I smiled. My dad had sent Ray to guard Elise. When she was four she was almost kidnapped, but Ray was here to stop it. He was going to stay with her until she was back in our pack. Then they would both come home. Ray sighed, “Come on Elise….this is how I have fun. There hasn’t been a rogue attack here in YEARS! Just tell me why Melanie was so mad. It was a stuffed animal she got earlier today. It’s not like she had some deep attachment to it.” Elise smiled, “Oh….she has an attachment to it.” I smirked, “What attachment would that be?” She nudged my shoulder, “I can’t tell you. Just know….it’s really cute.” I shrugged, “I’ll buy her a basket of stuffed animals for knocking Robert down into the mud. Are Jason and Tristan already teaching her self defense?” Elise laughed, “No, she watches them train though. Obviously...she’s picked up a few things. Ray over there says she was meant to be a redhead.” Ray snorted, “She was supposed to be a redhead. Don’t ask me how she ended up with black hair.” Elise sighed, “I love her hair. It’s so thick and beautiful.” I kissed her hand, “Your hair is beautiful.” She blushed, “Thanks.” 

            Luna Chelsea Kyle walked outside. She smiled, “Thought I heard a pop. Would you like to come in for lunch?” I grabbed Elise and popped to the house. Ray growled, “Kid….I swear you do that to annoy me!” I laughed. Alpha Peter came into the room. He kissed Elise’s head. He smiled at me, “Hello EJ.” I nodded, “Sir.” Alpha Peter rolled his eyes, “Pete is fine EJ.” I nodded to him. We sat down and Dakota and Dalton walked in slowly. Luna Chelsea said, “You two sit at the table and don’t you dare… get in the cabinets again.” I smirked. Ben McAlister walked in smiling. He looked at Peter, “Where’s your dad? Esther just got back with MaryBeth and Melinda. They demand Uncle Nick’s presence to tell him all about their trip.” Peter laughed, “He’s out back with Dane.” Dane was Peter’s youngest brother. Ben snorted, “That’s good because MaryBeth demands his presence as well.” I smiled. Dane and MaryBeth were mates. The two families couldn’t have been happier about it. My cousin Emmaline was very popular among younger wolves. Everyone wanted to know if she knew their mate. I squeezed Elise’s hand.

            Luna Chelsea said, “So….I heard a rumor that your mom almost fought someone today.” Peter choked on his water. He gaped, “The heavily pregnant Luna almost fought someone? Oh god. Did Alpha Eric lose his shi...stuff? Did someone get kicked out?” I smiled. I knew the word s**t. Luna Chelsea smiled, “What would you do if I was trying to fight someone right now?” Peter growled. Luna Chelsea was one month pregnant. Elise had been hoping for a sister, but it was another brother. She was still excited. I knew that was because she had Marybeth, Melinda, and Melanie. Elise said, “Is that what happened earlier? That’s why you were upset when you got here, but you said….oh no.” Peter frowned, “What sweetie?” Elise said, “You said your grandma hurt Cassie’s feelings.” Luna Chelsea stiffened, “No way.” I sighed, “My mom challenged my grandma Cassandra.” Peter said, “And she did not accept….right? One does accept a challenge from a pregnant lady.” I shook my head, “She did.” Peter’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. Nick and Ben had walked back inside with Dane. All three paused. Dane said, “Dada….Beth….I wanna go see Beth!” Nick said, “Alright. Let’s go.” They both walked out casting looks over their shoulders. Lots of people had those looks about my mom and grandma. 

                Elise asked me softly, “What happened EJ?” I sighed, “My cousin Miley took mom’s place. Uncle Bjourn showed up and told Grandma Cassandra to take her acceptance back or she’d been fighting him.” Luna Chelsea paled. I said, “She did.” We ate the meal in silence. Ray was mad. I knew he really liked my mom. He was going to guard her until something happened and my dad assigned him to Elise. He was still very protective of my mom though. Afterwards, I walked outside with Elise. We usually took a walk around the territory. I waved to Melinda and Marybeth. Tristan ran out of his house. He smiled, “Hi EJ!” I smiled, “Hey T.” Tristan and I were good friends. Alexander and Jason were pretty good friends too. Jason ran out behind him, “Alexander invited me over for a sleepover! When you leave can you pop me back?” I nodded, “Sure. Are you coming T?” Tristan nodded, “Yeah! Cool!” Elise sighed. I hugged her, “If we were allowed….I’d bring you too.” She pouted. I frowned, “Don’t give me that look…..It makes me want to do everything for you.” She kept looking up at me with pouting eyes. I sighed. I linked Cassie, “Can you ask mom if Elise can have a sleepover with you?” Cassie giggled, “Sure.” I waited for several minutes. Cassie linked, “Mom said it’s fine if Luna Chelsea says it's ok.” 

                I smiled, “Cassie invited you over for your own sleepover.” Elise clapped and ran inside to talk to her mom. Tristan said, “You are so whipped.” I rolled my eyes, “You will be one day too. I can’t stand to see her sad. She gave me the pouty eyed look.” I looked back over to their house. I caught a flash of the curtains moving in the room facing us. I tilted my head, “Your guy's house is haunted.” They both turned. Jason laughed, “That’s Mel’s room.” Tristan said, “Yeah...that’s ladybug’s room.” I laughed, “I’ve never heard anyone call her ladybug.” Tristan smirked, “Well she can either be a lady or she buzzes around like a bug.” I laughed, “Supposedly.” Tristan tilted his head, “Supposedly?” I snorted, “You do know no one has met her. She’s always in trouble. Or your dad didn’t want her to leave the territory. I’m here regularly and I’ve never seen her. Or a picture.” Jason snorted, “It’s not our fault you're unobservant. There are pictures of her everywhere.” No there really weren’t. Melinda came skippy up to us. She smiled, “Hey T. Can I go play with Mel?” Jason said, “Mel’s in trouble.” Melinda sighed, “That’s what daddy said. I don’t see why. Robert was mean to her. He threw her toy in the mud.” Jason smirked, “She shouldn’t have hit him.”