The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Toy Wolf Pt. 2

        I cast a look at Ray. I’d known he was going to protect Haley before he was sent to protect me. I also knew he liked and respected her. He’d been getting to know her at her insistence. He thought she was one of the most impressive Luna’s he’d met. She conjured him a house there because he wasn’t comfortable in the pack house. He was on the list for a cottage, but once she’d heard about it…..she’d gotten him a cottage. She’d told him she knew that you didn’t feel at home somewhere until you were comfortable. She’d conjured his house here too. 

            EJ and I walked outside after lunch. The McAlister boys of course came over. I sighed. Tristan and EJ were good friends. Jason was closer with Alexander. I’d imagine that’s how Melanie had seen a picture of Alexander. There were dozens of him and Jason together. Jason was excited because Alexander had invited him to spend the night. I was jealous. They were going to get to spend time with my mate. I hated when EJ left. EJ of course invited Tristan to join. EJ told me he’d of course want me to spend the night if I could. 

            I couldn’t help but be sad. I looked at EJ. He told me not to give him that look. I couldn’t help it. I hated being away from him. EJ studied me for several minutes. Eventually he told me Cassie had invited me over for a sleepover. I squealed and turned to run inside. I looked up and saw Melanie peeking around her curtain. I gave her a quick wave and ran inside. I found my mom. I started talking,  “Cassie…” She held up her hand, “I heard. You can go, but you have to stay the night in Cassie’s room. No being in EJ’s room.” I nodded. I was fine with that. My mom kissed my head. I ran upstairs to pack my bag. I ran back downstairs. My dad said, “Whoa….don’t I get a kiss?” I laughed and ran over to my dad. I hugged him and kissed his cheek, “See you tomorrow dad.” He smiled, “See you later sweetie.” I ran outside with a smile on my face. I told EJ that my mom said I could come. He smiled the bright smile he always had for me. I knew he hated telling me goodbye too. I told him I wasn’t allowed in his room. He didn’t care. Tristan and Jason teased him. I raised an eyebrow. They should know better than to tease EJ about me. EJ predictably got upset with them. They immediately backed down. 

            Jason and Tristan went to go pack their stuff. EJ asked Ray if he was coming. Ray came up to us with a bag. Ray always went where I did. I saw EJ’s guard Youngers come join us. He threw me a wink. He tilted his head up and smiled at Melanie who was peeking around her curtains. I smiled. Youngers was really observant. I guess he had to be as a guard. He could help me out and admit to the triplets he’d seen Melanie. The McAlister boys ran outside. Melanie gave me a small wave then ducked back behind her curtain. I wish EJ would’ve just seen her. By the time he looked up she’d left the window. Naturally. EJ popped us to his house. His dad was waiting in the living room. He sent us upstairs but had EJ stay back. 

            We ran upstairs. Alexander, Cassie, Wesley, and Max were in the playroom they had. Alexander smiled, “Hello Elise.” I smiled, “Xander…” He frowned, “Umm... no one calls me that.” I laughed, “Oh, yes they do.” Alexander said, “Well…..let’s just go with Alexander. Feel free to spread that around. I don’t go by Xander.” I smiled. If Melanie was his mate I bet she’d get away with calling him Xander. Cassie gave me a look. I winked at her. Jason added, “I don’t know anyone who calls him that.” I barely held in my laugh. Tristan said nothing. I raised an eyebrow at him. Melanie was more likely to tell Tristan about her wolf because Jason would tell Alexander. Tristan smirked at me. He knew too. I wonder how he got it out of her. 

            Alexander said, “T this is where you say….neither do I.” Tristan laughed, “Sorry Alexander. I’ve heard people call you that before.” Alexander frowned. Cassie was looking between us. I looked at Tristan surprised. I’d just heard of the one person. Alexander asked, “How many people?” Tristan said, “A few.” I wondered who else it was.” I mouthed, “Who?” Tristan looked at Alexander who was now off playing a Gameboy with Jason. He mouthed, “Melinda and Melanie.” That was interesting. I’d have to ask Melinda why she called Alexander that. Alexander said, “Be right back.” He popped away. I frowned. Jason plopped down, “Who in our pack calls him Xander?” Tristan teased him, “Be more observant little brother. Then you’d know.” Jason laughed, “Hey...I'm just going to lead warrior status. You’re the beta.” I smiled, “The lead warrior has to be observant too.” Tristan snorted, “You’ll be a beta too Jason. If all the Kyle brothers stick together….one of them will have you as a beta.” Jason shrugged, “Yeah, but the Conners have a main beta. The others focus on training.” Tristan said, “You’d be a good lead warrior Jase.” I smiled, “You would.” Cassie said, “For what it’s worth...I agree.” 

            Jason blushed. He had a crush on Cassie. Cassie liked him too. Wesley sighed, “I didn’t get to invite Buttercup for a sleepover.” Cassie laughed, “I would have to invite her over, and you didn’t ask me.” Wesley stuck his tongue out at Cassie. She stuck her tongue out back and said, “EJ asked me to invite Elise. You know I’ll always ask for you Wes if you want.” He popped over and kissed her cheek then popped away. Wesley and Max popped out leaving our group. EJ and Alexander popped in. Alexander was quiet. Too quiet even for him. Something had happened. I frowned and looked at EJ. I knew he didn’t want to talk about it, so I didn’t push him. Alexander and Jason went to his room to play his new video game after a while. Cassie and I yawned. EJ insisted on walking us to her room. Cassie rolled her eyes. Her room was two doors down. We walked down and he called me his girl again. I told him goodnight. He turned and told me that it was just me. I smiled. I wasn’t dumb. I knew there were already girls who wanted him even though it was well known I was his mate. He was already mouthwateringly handsome. I was going to have to fight girls for what was mine. I already knew it. What they didn’t know is I was already ready. I was an Alpha too.

            Cassie took off into her room. I teased EJ about her finding her mate. He told me she was only eight. I pointed out she was older than me. He grumbled that her mate had better treat her well. I smiled and said he wanted someone to treat her how he treats me. I kissed his cheek and ran into Cassie’s room shutting the door. I took a deep breath. I’d never kissed him. Cassie giggled, “Did you kiss him or something?” I blushed, “On the cheek.” Cassie smiled, “You guys are so cute. So….who calls my brother Xander?” I laughed, “A few girls.” Cassie frowned, “Oh….why?” I shrugged, “It might be hard for them to say Xander. I only knew about one of them.” Cassie smirked, “Hard to say? Hmmm….would this be the imaginary Melanie McAlister then?” I sighed, “She’s not imaginary.” Cassie smiled, “Whatever you say.” I said, “What does Jason call you?” Cassie’s cheeks flamed, “He calls me Cass.” I snorted, “Did you kiss him?” She threw a pillow at me, “No!” I smiled, “Do you want to?” She shrugged, “Maybe one day.” I laughed, “You're going to have to beat guys off with a stick. You’re so pretty Cass.” She blushed, “Thanks Elise.” We talked for a little bit longer then went to bed. 

            The next day EJ popped our group home. The McAlister boys ran home. I asked EJ if he would shift for me. He was the most beautiful wolf I’d ever seen. He quickly ran behind a tree and Brutus came out. I sighed. He was perfect. We played together not nearly long enough when my mom came out saying it was time for EJ to go home. I hated this part. EJ ran behind a tree and shifted back. I couldn’t stop my tears. EJ begged me not to cry. I couldn’t help it. I just wished he lived here, or we lived in his pack. I missed him when he was gone. He told me he missed me too. He told me to save up all my imaginary Melanie stories. I had to laugh. He knew I would laugh. That's why he said it. He left and I went inside. School was back in session, so I had distractions during the day. I had lots of Melanie stories saved up for EJ. She was just so funny. She’d been begging her mom to put her in dance lessons. She’d seen a flyer for it when they’d gone to the toy store. My dad told Drake they could have warriors outside her dance class, so he finally agreed. She was so excited. 

            The day of her first lesson I went over to wish her good luck. I found her crying in her room. I frowned, “Mel?” She didn’t look up. I noticed her tights were ruined. There was dried blood on her knees. They had holes in them, and they were muddy. I said, “Ladybug?” She turned over, “He’s so mean!” I frowned, “Who?” She said, “Wobert….he and his friends pushed me down and my tights wipped. Mommy will be so mad. I won’t get to dance! She’ll gwound me.” I frowned, “Why did they push you? You know what it’s fine. I’ll be right back.” I ran outside and found Ray. I told him, “I need your cell.” He nodded. He handed it to me. I called the Conners house. Mrs. Blanch answered, “Hello, Conners residence. Mrs. Blanch Speaking.” I said, “Hi Mrs. Blanch. It’s Elise. I need to talk to Cassie.” She laughed, “One moment.” I heard a pop. Cassie said, “Hi Elise. I’m surprised you don’t want to talk to EJ.” I sighed, “This is a girl thing. I need you to snap me dancing tights….they are black. They go under a tutu.” Cassie laughed, “Well, I’ll conjure them to you. Snapping would only get to me. I didn’t know you were going to start dancing.” I said, “It’s for Melanie.” Cassie laughed again, “Sure….Right. They are for imaginary Melanie. Hold out your hands.” She'd conjured tights to me. Fairies were amazing. I sighed, “You’re a lifesaver Cassie.” She said, “That’s me.” I said, “I owe ya one. Talk later.” 

            I handed Ray his phone back. He frowned, “What happened to Melanie’s tights?” I said, “We are going to find out.” Ray nodded. I ran back inside. I handed them to Melanie. She hugged me, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” I laughed, “You should thank your Xander’s sister. Cassie conjured them to me.” She blushed and picked up her wolf. She took him everywhere. I was shocked people hadn't heard what she’d named him yet. I asked, “What happened with Robert?” She frowned, “He twied to take my Xander. His fwiends jumped out when I knocked him to the ground….. but I didn’t let them take my Xander.” I was going to kick his butt. I asked, “How many friends?” She held up five fingers. FIVE ON ONE?! FOR A THREE-YEAR-OLD?! Melanie changed into her new tights. Sam came in a moment later. She smiled, “Hi Elise.” I smiled, “Hi Sam.” Sam smiled, “Come on Ladybug. The warriors are waiting.” Melanie hugged me and ran outside squealing. Drake was waiting outside for her. He was giving the warriors instructions. He hugged Melanie and told her to have fun. Sam got in the car, and they left. I waited until Drake went back into my house. Tristan appeared. He frowned, “What’s wrong Elise?” I said, “We are going to find Robert.” Tristan groaned, “Why?” I hissed, “Because he needs his ass kicked.” 

            Ray raised an eyebrow, “Robert is who ruined Melanie’s tights?” I didn’t answer him. I knew where Robert would be. Tristan was right behind me. I found Robert and his friends by the creek. He smiled, “Hey Elise…” I punched him right in the face. I yelled, “FIVE ON ONE?! Five older kids fighting A THREE-YEAR-OLD?! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!” Tristan growled, “WHAT?! You attacked my little sister?!” Robert frowned, “No...she was walking around...” I snorted, “OH how DARE the little girl walk around her territory. The NERVE of her. I’m sorry. You’re right obviously you should’ve fought A THREE-YEAR-OLD!” Robert said, “It’s that stupid wolf!”  I looked at his friends, “You ruined her clothes because you wanted to take her stuffed animal from her.” One friend said, “It’s weird. She’s obsessed with it!” Tristan grabbed him by the throat, “So the f**k what? She’s three! You hurt her!” My dad’s voice came from behind us, “I’m sorry. What?” We all turned around. Drake was beside my dad and beside him was Garrett. I looked at Ray. I knew he’d told them. My dad said, “Sweetie, don’t look at Ray. This is clearly a problem. What did they do to Melanie?” I said, “All I know is they tried to take her wolf from her and ruined her tights. She had mud and holes in them. If she didn’t have fast healing because of our werewolf blood...I’m sure she’d have had scraped knees. There was dried blood on her legs.”

            Drake growled, “WHAT?!” He charged forward and my dad stopped him. My dad ordered, “All you boys get to my office. This is NOT how I will have our pups behaving. You all are eight, nine and ten years old. For god’s sake…. Picking on a three-year-old girl for having a stuffed animal. Jesus christ. Garrett, get their parents to my office.” Drake growled at them. The boys cowered in fear. Drake said, “Drop him Tristan.” Tristan immediately did. I looked at Robert, “You disgust me. All of you do. She’s just a kid! Why won’t you leave her alone?” Robert frowned, “I don’t know….just something about her…” Tristan growled, “What does that mean?!” Robert shrugged. Tristan yelled, “If you have a crush on my three-year-old sister….the adults being here won’t save you from me.” Robert backed up, “What? No! NO! Man...that’s gross! She's a cute kid but she’s three. I just... something about that stuffed animal… I don't like seeing her with it.” Drake growled, “PETER!” My dad said, “OFFICE NOW! All of you!” I asked, “With five of you….how could you not get her wolf from her? I saw it in her room. She still had it.” Robert looked away. My dad said, “Answer her.” One of the other boys said, “She’s….fast.” One snorted, “And she fights pretty well.” My dad laughed, “Melanie McAlister bested all five of you?” Garrett snorted, “Seriously? Little Ladybug? You guys know she’s like three feet tall...right?” My dad said, “You boys will be in training when you’re not at school along with whatever punishment we decide. There will be no bullying in this pack. Five guys not only went after a three-year-old...they lost. I have no words.” One of the boys grumbled, “She’s fast too.” 

            The boy’s dads all showed up. All were mad. All five boys deflated and followed their dads back. To my house. Ray said, “I had to tell your dad Elise. That’s a big deal.” I shook my head, “It’s fine. I was going to tell my dad….I just wanted to punch him first.” Ray laughed, “Of course you did. You’re going to be a Luna one day. You’re also an Alpha. Protecting your pack members is in your DNA.” Tristan punched a tree, “What the HELL?! She’s my little sister! She’s the current Beta’s daughter. What is their damn problem with her stuffed wolf?” I frowned, “I really don’t know.” Ray sighed, “You won’t like the answer.” We turned, “What are you talking about?” Ray sighed, “They are showing a bit of possessiveness towards her.” I frowned, “Robert is NOT Melanie’s mate.” Ray shrugged, “We don’t know that. I’d doubt it. They would not match well. That’s what’s happening though. Black wolves are Alpha’s. They are being aggressive because they don’t like seeing Mel with a wolf that wouldn’t like their own. It’s probably not even something they are aware of.” Tristan growled, “He said he didn’t like her!” Ray said, “I think we both know who Robert likes, Tristan.” Tristan looked at me, “Yeah, we do.” I rolled my eyes, “I’m going to throw up if people keep saying that.” Tristan looked at Ray, “Why would multiple guys be upset about her wolf?” Ray frowned, “I’ve seen it a few times. She’s a cute kid. They are being overly aggressive because of the black wolf. They should know better though. I’d known my late wife our whole lives. She had a wolf that wasn’t the color of mine. I hated the damn toy, but I’d never take it from her. Or hurt her. I kept my dislike to myself. They need to get themselves in check.”

            I frowned, “Maybe you should follow Melanie around.” Ray smiled, “I’ll do what I can. I’m with you though Elise.” I sighed and we walked back to the house. My mom was waiting, “You decked Robert in the face?” I nodded, “Yes.” She smiled, “Good girl. Next time, you tell your dad what’s going on.” I told her honestly, “I was going to. After I punched him in the face for what he did. She’s three.” My mom frowned, “I know. Poor thing. Right before her dance lesson too.” We waited for Melanie and Sam to come back on our porch. I growled at Robert and the rest of his group walked by. They all looked ashamed. They scurried away quickly. Sam and Melanie pulled up right as my dad and Drake walked onto the porch. Melanie jumped out of the car as soon as it stopped. She ran to Drake. He picked her up, “How was dancing ladybug.” She smiled, “I’m a pwodgy.” Drake said, “Of course you are.” Sam cleared her throat, “No Drake….she is.” Drake looked over at Sam. Sam said, “I watched her….she’s….wow. The teacher wants her in a higher level class. They want to put her in private lessons. She’s...really good Drake. Like….insanely good. I had to keep reminding myself she’s only three.” Drake smiled, “Of course she is. My ladybug can do anything she sets her mind to.” 

            Melanie blushed. Drake said, “Now, we are going to go inside and have a family meeting about what we do when people are mean to us.” Sam frowned, “What?” Melanie deflated. Drake said, “Ladybug….you tell mommy and daddy when people hurt you, ok? You know you can come to Peter or Chelsea too.” She whispered, “I wanted to go to my dance lesson.” Drake hugged her, “Let’s go inside Sam. I’ll explain.” Jason and Tristan were already waiting on their front porch. My mom laughed, “How about that Peter? We have Melinda who’s adept at the piano and now Melanie is a little dancer.” My dad nodded. He turned to me, “Elise, let’s go inside.” I sighed. 

            When he closed the door he pointed to the couch. He sat down, “Sweetie….I need you to tell me things like this. I need to know what’s going on in the pack.” I sighed, “I was going to tell you. He’s just been so mean to her lately.” My dad nodded, “It’s unacceptable no matter what their reason is. We do not allow that here.” I rolled my eyes, “Ray said it was about the color of the wolf.” My dad nodded, “It’s likely that, yes.” I snorted, “So she has a black wolf? They shouldn’t care.” My dad agreed, “No, they should not. There is no excuse for any member of this pack putting an unwelcome hand on another member of this pack unless it’s in self defense or training.” I nodded, “I’m sorry. I was just so mad!” My dad nodded, “Just come get me or your mom. Drake or Sam are fine too. Even Garrett or Sharon. Things like this will be your job one day.” I nodded. I went upstairs. 

            The next day flew by. My mom told me, “EJ’s twin brothers were born. Cassie invited you over for the night.” I squealed. I packed my bag and Cassie popped to bring me there. She smiled and popped us back to her house. EJ ran to me and gave me a hug. I congratulated him on his brothers. He asked me what was going on. I laughed and told him all about Melanie being a dance prodigy. I swear Alexander just appeared out of nowhere, but then again...they all do that. EJ teased me about her being imaginary. I sighed. They started to tease me about the excuses coming about her being at a dance lesson or recital. I mean she probably would have a  lot of those. It sounded like they planned to keep her busy. They were impossible. They all thought she wasn’t real. I could tell the only reason they didn’t just straight up say she was, they somewhat believed me. I knew EJ believed me, he just liked to tease me. We were laughing and having a good time until a howl of agony ripped through the air. 

            EJ and Alexander were up in a flash right along with Cassie. EJ told me to stay behind as they popped away. I frowned. Ray told me, “It’s not an attack.” He looked pale. I frowned, “Ray?” Ray said, “I know that howl.” I frowned, “What is it?” Ray whispered, “Someone’s mate just died.” I gasped, “Oh no.” I squeezed his hand, “I’m sorry Ray.” Ray looked away. He said, “I should’ve gotten them out. Our Alpha wasn’t worth a s**t. I was protecting our pack and….somehow they were just gone.” I whispered, “I’m so sorry Ray.” He closed his eyes. I could practically see the ghosts of his past trying to get to him. I strained to hear what was being said. My entire body was demanding I run to EJ. He needed me. I just knew he did. I frowned, “Are they talking to Nathan Conners? EJ’s grandpa?” Ray nodded, “Cassandra’s gone.” Tears filled my eyes. I knew they weren’t close but….Ray handed me his phone. I called my dad. He answered immediately, “Ray? What’s wrong?” I whispered, “Dad….I don’t know what to do. Cassandra’s dead.” My dad sounded panicked, “Are you under attack? We can have Sharon pop us in to fight.” I said, “No, she wasn’t here. I don’t know what to do.” Ray said, “It sounds like it was a car accident, Alpha Peter.” My dad said, “Go to EJ. Be there for him. That’s all you can do sweetie.” I said, “He told me to stay here.” My mom took the phone, “Go Elise. He needs you. The big bad Alpha’s always think they can go it alone. Your place is by his side sweetie. You're his mate. You’re an Alpha too.” I gave the phone back to Ray and took off. 

            I ran outside and put my arms around EJ. He might not have noticed but he visibly relaxed. He told me that he’d said to stay inside. I came out back because he needed me. I felt that he did even before I called my parents. People started showing up. I noticed that Haley was missing. We all ended up back inside. Nathan Conners looked devastated. I stayed tucked into EJ’s side. His mom showed up with cops. I was pretty sure I was the only one who noticed she had cuts on bruises. I took a deep inhale. She was with humans. That’s why she didn’t heal herself. Haley had made all the necessary arrangements. I didn’t know what else to do besides stick by EJ. When Nathan said Cassandra was going to buy gardening supplies I had the urge to go track her body down and kick her. I looked up at EJ. He had the power to do anything in her garden she wanted. Heck….he could conjure anything she needed. She just needed to ask. I heard pops all over. EJ popped us to Alexander. He was already beating up a heavy bag. The Warriors were giving him plenty of space. He was so angry.