The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Toy Wolf Pt. 3

        EJ went to him. He was mad he thought Cassandra was selfish. She was. A lot of people were in pain because of her tonight. She was gone over something foolish. A portal opened and EJ’s Uncle Marcus told us to leave Alexander with their Uncle Bjourn. I didn’t want to leave him. He was basically my brother, and he was hurting. I nearly told EJ to pop and get Melanie. If Melanie was right….she could calm Alexander down. Even if she was wrong….he might laugh about meeting her because he thought she wasn't real. EJ popped me and his Uncle back up to the house. Ray was hovering near Nathan Conners. I winced when I saw the bottle of whiskey in his hands. I could feel EJ’s concern. After a while Nathan just disappeared. Ray stayed back even though he looked like he wanted to go with him. I wish he had. I was fine. We needed Nathan to be safe now. Haley told us all to go to bed. I hated to leave EJ, but I stayed with Cassie and Buttercup. We all slept in the same bed holding each other. When we woke up Nathan was still not back. I could see all their worries written on their faces. My parents came to get me. I didn’t want to go, but my mom said they needed a moment. I hugged EJ and left.

            The funeral was on the following weekend. Nathan Conners had slept on our couch a couple nights. He was just rotating through everyone’s territories. Drake went to get him a few times from a few places with my dad. I heard them leave early in the morning when they’d heard he was in our territory. He’d smell awful by the time they brought him back to our house. He spent the whole night crying. It was so sad. The day of the funeral Melanie came over to our house. She walked into my room. I smiled. She still had her Xander wolf in her arms. I frowned, “You’re not coming?” She wiped a tear away, “Mommy said I can’t miss my fiwst wecital. Will you be there for my Xander? Would my Xander wolf help him? You could take him with you.” I smiled, “I think Alexander would want you to keep the wolf with you to protect you. I’ll look out for Alexander while I’m there.” She nodded, “Ok...I taught Melinda all the dances. She’s coming too. Daddy can’t come though.” Melanie left for her recital and my mom told me to pack a bag. I couldn’t help but feel guilty. I was excited I’d probably be spending the night at EJ’s. We left as soon as I’d packed. My dad wanted to get there early. I ran to EJ and just held his hand the second I saw him. Eventually the funeral started. A bunch of people talked about how much they liked Cassandra. It all seemed fake. I hadn’t met anyone who said they liked Cassandra except Mrs. Blanch. Most people I knew tolerated her. I didn’t say anything though.

            EJ’s cousin found her mate after the ceremony. I actually really liked Aiylee. She was an interesting fairy. She was also going to be queen of Faerie one day. Whoever the fairy was that was her mate….Eric didn’t like him. EJ didn’t seem to know why. Nathan actually laughed about the situation. A real laugh. I hoped that now he would be ok. Dylan Frost took Nathan away saying he would make him laugh. EJ took us over to his dad. I saw Alexander had disappeared. I was really worried about him. I knew Melanie would want to know how he was. Thankfully EJ popped to him a minute later. I gaped at what I was seeing. Alexander was beating a warrior in a fight. A full fledged warrior in the black mountain pack. My dad was right. Alexander would be an enforcer. 

            EJ asked his Uncle Bjourn if the warrior was letting Alexander win. His uncle told him he wasn’t. I could tell how proud EJ was of Alexander. I was proud of him too. EJ told Alexander to walk with us after he won. Cassie popped in and joined us. Cassie just had to say Alexander’s name and he told us what was bothering him. It was about his mom. She felt this was her fault. Alexander thought he was a bad person because he wasn’t sad his grandma died. I mean….was anyone besides her sons and Nathan? She was kind of mean in a sneaky way. EJ told Alexander he was just being honest.  All the triplets felt the same way. They were all really worried about their grandpa. Everyone was worried about Nathan Conners. 

            We needed a subject change. I brought up Melanie. They would laugh and say she wasn’t real. EJ did laugh and said he was sure Melanie was in a timeout. I smiled and told them she was at her recital with Melinda. They ran with it. We teased each other about Melanie. Them believing she wasn’t real and me insisting she was. One day they’d all apologize to me for not thinking she was real. EJ said if he ever met her he’d admit he was wrong. I smiled. He would probably meet her first. Alexander pointed out no one had met Melanie outside our pack. I teased him saying I’d met her. Alexander wanted to see Melinda and Melanie’s picture. I’d have to bring one and show him sometime if I remembered. He said me not having a picture was proof we were messing with them. He thought Jason was a closet dancer. I so wanted to be there when he accused Jason of dancing. I pointed out he could just look at the pictures in the McAlister’s house. Melanie’s picture was plastered everywhere. 

            Alexander pointed out that they don’t spend the night in other territories. I thought about that. It was true. They didn’t. I asked them why. When they said it was because of who they were my heart sank. They didn’t want anyone to be in danger. I wanted to cringe. I should’ve known that. People wanted my mate and my friends. They were powerful. I looked at EJ. I didn't want him to get hurt. He assured me that he would be just fine. EJ told me not to worry. He’d even called me his girl, but I was worried. I was lost in my own thoughts the rest of the time. When we went back to the house Cassie asked where their grandpa was. They thought he’d left. I knew who would know. I went and found Ray when everyone else went to sleep. He frowned, “Aren’t you supposed to be sleeping?” I asked, “Where’s Nathan?” Ray sighed, “He’s in the wing of the house here. He’s drinking. I’m sure he’ll be heading out soon.” I asked, “Why did Eric think he was gone?” Ray said, “Because Nathan wanted his sons to think he was gone. They are sad too. Alpha Eric missed something for once.” I nodded. I went and waited by the front door. Ray raised an eyebrow at me. I needed to talk to Nathan.

            I didn’t have to wait long. Nathan came down the stairs a few minutes later. I blocked the door. He frowned, “Elise...I’m heading out.” I said, “I know.  I know I’m just a kid, but this is my mate's heart on the line. If I didn’t try to talk to you….I’d never forgive myself.” Nathan frowned, “What’s wrong with EJ?” I sighed, “He’s worried about you. Cassie wanted to play with you when we got back today, but you weren’t here.” Nathan grimaced. I said, “I won’t lie to you and say I liked Cassandra, but I do know she loved watching you play with your grandkids. Your grandkids all love you. I know your sons are worried about you. I just don’t think Cassandra would want this for you. You’re shutting yourself off. You’re not talking to any of your grandkids. They miss you.” Nathan started sobbing. I rubbed his back. I whispered, “I can’t imagine your pain, but Ray can. I know he’d talk to you. You guys could even have a...drink together. Just…” Nathan said, “No...you’re right. I’m not honoring her memory. I….it just hurts.” I whispered, “I’m so sorry.” He whispered, “I know she was not everyone’s cup of tea, but I miss her. She’s gone and I’m just lost in a dark night where the sun doesn’t rise anymore. She’s been by my side through some rough days. We were forged in fire.” Ray spoke softly, “The sun will rise again. You’ll see her in the faces of your children. In the face of your grandkids. You have that Nathan. You have a family that loves you.” Nathan shook himself, “You’re right. I miss my grandbabies.” He turned and walked down the hallway. Ray smiled, “You are going to be one hell of a Luna Elise Kyle.” I smiled, “Thanks Ray.” 

            I turned and walked up the stairs. I gasped when I felt arms around me. I wasn’t scared. I knew it was EJ. He smelled like charcoal. He asked how I got his grandpa not to go out and drink. I told him that I just talked to him. Everything I said to Nathan was true. His family was worried. He said this was the first night Nathan had stayed in the house. I could see his relief. It made it all worth it. He hugged me and said no one would take me from him. I told him I was his and he was mine.  He took me back to Cassie’s room. I woke up first. I went into the bathroom and brushed my teeth. I had just finished when I heard a pop. I ran out and threw myself into EJ’s arms. He said his cousin conjured a lazy river. I smiled. Fairies were such fun. He snapped me into a gold bikini. His eyes trailed my body briefly. I blushed and he popped us outside. 

            I smiled when Nathan joined us in the lazy river. He jumped in and started a water fight. Me, Cassie, and her cousins joined his side. Eric and EJ’s uncles jumped in and joined their side. Eventually Haley joined. She kissed Eric deeply. I looked at EJ and his eyes held a promise.  A promise that he’d love me like that always. He got us towels and took me to the roof. He told me that one day this would be ours. He offered to move to Red Run with me if I wanted to be an Alpha. I would always be an Alpha, but I knew my brothers were meant to run Red Run. This was my home. Right here with him. This was our destiny. I felt it. It meant so much that he was willing to hand everything over to Cassie and Alexander to lead by my side. We would lead this pack here together. This was our path.  He held me tight until it was time for me to go home. He begrudgingly popped me home.

 Five minutes after he left. Melanie ran into our house. I smiled, “Hi Melanie.” My dad smiled,  “Hi Ladybug.” She waved at him then grabbed my hand. She dragged me outside clutching her Xander wolf. I laughed when she finally stopped dragging me around. She looked around. She whispered, “How’s my Xander?” I smiled, “He’s actually better. How was your dance recital?” She smiled, “Good. Mommy said I was the bestest one.” I laughed, “I’m sure you were.” I hugged her. She whispered, “I would’ve wather been with my Xander.” I laughed, “I bet you would’ve. I watched over him for you.” She blushed, “Do you think he’d watch me dance sometime?” I smiled. Even if he wasn’t hers I’d bet he would. He was a really nice guy. I said, “You know...he probably would love to watch you dance.”

            She smiled, “I made up a dance for him.” I smiled, “Show me.” I didn’t really know what to expect. Melanie had never danced around me. She began to move around. I gaped. She was so graceful and poised. The dance was incredible. She really was a prodigy. It wasn’t an exaggeration. When she finished she looked at me, “Do you think he’d like it?” I nodded, “I know he would. Melanie….you really are good. I had to keep reminding myself you are only three.” I heard a growl. Melanie spun around and I put her behind me. I saw one of our warriors' sons. He was five. He yelled, “Put that wolf down!” Melanie clutched her wolf to her chest. I said, “What is with the guys and this wolf? Let it go.” He growled again. I raised an eyebrow and growled back. He was just a kid and I had alpha blood. My growl was far more impressive than his.

             Robert came running around the corner. I sighed, “Oh great. You’re here.” Robert said, “Just get rid of the wolf! No one likes it Melanie!” Melanie yelled, “I do! You’re mean!” My dad came outside. He growled, “ENOUGH! This is ridiculous! Melanie, go inside please. You too Elise.” Melanie ran to him. She had tears in her eyes, “Please….I wanna keep my wolf.” My dad’s eyes softened, “You don’t have to get rid of your wolf, Melanie. Of course you can keep it. It’s your toy.” She nodded and ran inside the house. I saw Drake come running up on the side of our house. He looked really mad. I started for my house. I heard Drake ask my dad, “Do we have a pack meeting saying people need to leave my damn daughter the f**k alone about her stuffed animal? This is just ridiculous Peter.” My dad sighed, “Maybe….we do.” I walked inside. 

            My mom dropped to her knees and hugged Melanie. Melanie cried, “It’s my wolf.” My mom said, “Of course it is. No one will take your wolf. What’s your wolf’s name?” Melanie didn’t say anything. She just kicked at the ground with her feet. My mom shot me a look. I smiled. My mom said, “Melanie, I’m the Luna of this pack. If you tell me something you don’t want people to know….I’ll keep it a secret for you. Even from your mom as long as you are not in danger.” Melanie whispered, “Xander.” My mom said, “The wolf’s name is Xander?” Melanie nodded. My mom smiled, “That’s a nice name.” Melanie sat down on the couch and played with her wolf. 

            After ten minutes Drake came in and got her. Dad said, “I’m going to walk with them to their house.” My mom nodded. As soon as they left. My mom asked me, “Did you tell Melanie what Alexander Conners wolf looked like? Is that why she HAD to have a wolf with white paws and chest?” I nodded, “She calls him her Xander.” My mom touched her chest, “That is the cutest thing!” I smiled, “Could they be mates?” My mom considered it and said, “Of course they could. It’s likely just a crush. Hopefully.” I frowned “Why hopefully? I’d love it if they were mates.” My mom snorted, “Your brothers will be short several warriors at this rate if it’s not just a crush. Alexander would lose his mind over this if Melanie was his mate. She’s three and boys twice her size and age have been trying to take that wolf from her. A wolf that she wanted because it looks like him. They hurt her. Drake is barely managing not to kill people over this. Your dad has been having to calm him down. I’ve been having to calm your dad down. He views Melanie and her brothers as family. Your dad and Drake grew up together. The LAST thing we need is another male of rank being upset about this. We’d run out of people to keep them calm about it. Drake has even made training particularly tough lately. Alexander is an Alpha and he’s only eight. No one would say anything if he beat up an eight-year-old. That’s something your dad and Drake can’t do.” I laughed, “Alexander would too. He might even if he just heard about the situation. He’s very protective of people. He doesn’t believe Melanie is real, but Jason is one of his best friends.” 

            I thought about it for a while then added, “They should be worried. I saw Alexander beat a warrior in their pack in a fight at his grandma’s funeral.” My mom gaped, “What?” My dad came back in. I nodded, “Yeah, Bjourn said that Alexander was one of the most talented fighters he’s ever seen.” My dad said, “Really? Prince Bjourn said that?” I nodded, “Yup.” My dad whistled, “Dang. That’s impressive. When he gets older….he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with.” My mom laughed, “Sounds like he already is.” My dad asked, “Why are you guys talking about Alexander?” I smiled. My mom shrugged, “It just came up.” My dad raised an eyebrow, “Sugar baby momma…..” She rolled her eyes, “You would keep that nickname even though I’m your wife. It’s just girl stuff.” My dad laughed, “There it is. That one I’ll buy.” My mom laughed, “You’d just get a headache.” My dad shook his head, “I don’t need another one of those. This situation over a stuffed animal is getting out of hand. Now….let’s watch a movie with my favorite girls.” He raised his voice, “And my best guys!” My mom laughed, “They are playing outside Peter.” My dad kissed her. He said, “You pick a movie. I’ll go get them.” I smiled. My mom let me pick a movie. When my dad got back with my brothers we started it and had family time. I looked around. This moment was perfect.