The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior

            Melanie McAlister was eager with anticipation. I’d stayed inside all day so no one could say I was anywhere I shouldn’t have been. I was finally going to meet my Xander. Everyone always laughed, but I knew. I knew the moment I was old enough to understand and someone said his name. He was mine. All I had to do was meet him, and everyone would know what I did. Xander was a partial wolf/fairy/Hackura. Because of his fairy side he’d know the second he saw me. He’d take me into his handsome arms, then nothing could keep us apart. I just had to go to Elise's ceremony. It was crazy that it seemed like something that wouldn’t happen, but I’d been burned before. The warriors would say I’d crossed the border. My mom would be waffling until she ate a cookie….Then it was like she was possessed. Same with my dad. No one found it weird but me. My brothers believed me. I knew my parents actually believed me. They’d apologize when it happened when they got back. I’d be devastated. I just wanted to meet my Xander. Why wouldn’t the moon goddess let me meet him?             The one time we’d gotten past the lies was EJ and Elise’s mating ceremony. I actually got into the car with my mom. The headlights halfway there still flashed in my mind. I closed my eyes. I swore I’d seen someone's face….they looked familiar, but I couldn’t remember. I didn’t get to meet my Xander that night. I’d missed Elise’s big day. I wasn’t missing today though. This was happening. I smoothed my dress. I did a spin and twirled in the mirror. I looked perfect. I giggled. I was meeting my Xander. Everyone would finally know I wasn’t just some crazy kid. Xander really was mine. I picked up my toy Xander. I told him, “I’m going to meet the actual you tonight. You’ll still be my favorite toy though. You’re still my Xander, just the toy version.” I set him down. I heard people downstairs. I skipped down. My mom came in looking upset with my dad. Tristan and Jason both looked mad. My heart stopped when I saw the warriors behind them. No. Not today. They couldn’t lie today!              My dad sighed, “Ladybug...do you have anything you want to tell us.” Tears filled my eyes, “No! Don’t you say it! I didn’t even leave the house today!” My mom sighed, “Ladybug….they said they saw you.” I hissed, “YOU LIARS! I have been here ALL DAY! I haven’t left. T….Jase….I didn’t leave! I didn’t!” My mom ate a cookie. I screamed, “NO! DON’T EAT THAT!” She frowned, “I need a snack.” I snorted, “Now you’ll transform into the mom monster who doesn’t EVER believe me!” My mom frowned but still took a bite. I looked around wondering if anyone else noticed it was like her hand was moving when her brain didn’t tell her to. I asked, “Does no one find that weird?!” The warriors were all looking at each other. Traitors! My mom said, “Go to your room Melanie Jane. You can’t come tonight.” My dad turned to her surprised. I gaped, “You CANNOT be serious! It’s Elise’s Luna ceremony! I have to go!” My mom shrugged, “You shouldn’t have crossed the border then. You know the rules. Do you not care about us? The council sets these rules Melanie Jane. You are not to cross the border.”              She handed my dad the cookie. I frowned, “Daddy, don’t eat it! Please!” He did. Almost against his will too. I turned to the warriors, “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!” My dad said, “Mel….don’t get mad at them, it's their job.” I snorted, “They may ACT like it’s their job to lie about me….but it’s really not. Their job is to protect the pact. I state this because….I think they forgot that tiny detail!” My mom frowned, “Don’t raise your voice. You are the one who messed up here.” I yelled, “NO I DIDN'T’! Not that you’ll listen because you at the stupid mom monster cookie, but I was talking to Elise ALL DAY!” My mom nodded, “Except when you slipped out.” I groaned, “NO I DIDN’T! Why don’t you EVER just believe me?! You always do later. After said stupid evil cookie is digested! Do you  know I’ve asked the kitchen workers….NONE OF THEM MAKE THOSE! Not one. They just show up at the house and turn my normal parents into weirdos.”             My brothers frowned. My dad said, “Don’t talk to us like that.” I shrugged, “Why not? You NEVER remember later. You’ll be like...it’s fuzzy but we should’ve let you come. I might as well say what I want.” My mom said, “GO to your room. I’m so disappointed in you.” I snorted, “For not leaving the house? You know what’s ironic? I’ve NEVER crossed the border. Not once. I should. I can outrun ALL of you. I should go cross the border. I keep getting accused of it….might as well.” My dad growled, “MELANIE JANE! Do NOT joke about that! Crossing the border is dangerous! We don’t want you to get hurt.” I sighed, “Or I'll finally have a life. I’m the ONLY one who hasn’t met all of the Conners...or the Lyons! Or LITERALLY ANYONE OUTSIDE THIS PACK! Yet I keep crossing the border...to do what? Cross for fun? That doesn’t make ANY sense. It doesn’t even sound like me. The only times I’ve left our borders are for dance competitions. Because you and your WEIRD COOKIES are determined to keep me here.” My mom rolled her eyes, “Ok fine. Blame the cookies. Don’t accept responsibility for your actions.” I growled, “Everyone in this room knows it’s weird you’re not letting me go. Elise is like my big sister. It’s her LUNA CEREMONY. You could ground me tomorrow. You could tell me I can’t leave your sight, but you’re keeping me here. AGAIN! What are you two and your weird cookies so afraid of if I leave?!”              My dad said, “Melanie Jane….don’t talk to your mom like that.” I rolled my eyes. My mom said, “Don’t roll your eyes at your dad.” I looked at my brothers. I appealed to them, “I didn’t do this.” T said, “Dad…” My dad said, “She broke the rules.” I interjected, “I didn’t.” Jase tried not to smile. My dad sighed, “And she’s lying.” I said, “I’m not.” My mom yelled, “MELANIE JANE!” I said, “MOM!” My dad said, “MELANIE! Don’t talk to your mom like that!” I frowned, “Why? She did it.” My mom said, “Go to your room. You’re not leaving with us. I’ll tell Elise you are the reason you’re not at her ceremony. You couldn’t just stay out of trouble for her.” Tears filled my eyes. It was really happening again. I turned to the warriors, “I HATE YOU! YOU ARE A BUNCH OF LIARS AND I HATE YOU!” All flinched. They should. They sucked. My dad said, “Melanie!” I turned, “What? I DO HATE THEM! They lie about me and you believe them! You NEVER believe me and I’m your daughter! I’ve NEVER even crossed the stupid border without permission ever! You know what? I’m GOING to New York! I’m going and I’m not coming back! I’m going to find people who actually believe in me.” I ran up to my room and slammed the door shut.              I held onto my Xander wolf and cried, “I didn’t leave. I just want to meet my Xander.” After ten minutes someone knocked on my door. I yelled, “Go away!” T spoke, “It’s me.” I said, “Fine. You can come in.” I clutched my wolf to my chest. He sighed, “Aww Ladybug.” I cried, “I didn’t want to do it! They eat those cookies and they never believe me.” T sighed, “I’ll figure out where the cookies come from Ladybug. If there’s anything off with them….people will suffer.” I cried, “I’ll never get to meet him, and I’m missing Elise’s big night.” T frowned, “You’ll meet Alexander. It’s only a matter of time. I AM really sorry about you missing tonight. Mom and Dad won’t listen.” I snorted, “Of course they won’t. They ate the cookies. I didn’t leave T. I didn’t. I stayed here all day. I was on the phone with Elise. I picked out the perfect dress and I….” I burst into tears. T held me, “Don’t cry Ladybug.” I sobbed, “Why can’t I ever just meet him? I miss him.” T rubbed his face, “You’ll meet him when you’re supposed to.” I snorted, “At this point, the moon goddess hates me and is just blocking my path to him. Everyone has met him. It’s weird that I haven’t.” T frowned, “You might have a point.” I snorted, “I do have a point.” I got up and got the presents I’d bought then crafted with my special security devices. I sighed and put Alexander in Elise’s before I walked back out of my closet.              I gave it to T. I asked, “Can you give this to Elise for me?” T closed his eyes, “Of course I can.” I cried, “Can I just ride with you? I won’t leave the car…..I just want to watch.” T hugged me, “I would if I could Ladybug. I’ll figure the whole thing out. There must be a pup in a different pack that looks like you.” I nodded, “Ok. I love you T.” T smiled, “I love you Ladybug. You’ll meet Alexander one day. I promise.” I wiped my eyes, “Ok.” T sighed, “I hate leaving you this upset.” I shrugged, “It’s fine. Go be there for Elise. She’s family.” T hugged me again and begrudgingly left. I cried holding my Xander wolf and my pillow. Eventually I got up and packed everything for my trip in my purple backpack. It was time for Plan Z. I’d win...I’d win the competition and then...I’d call Alexander with an emergency. He’d pop to me, and then we could come home together. I loved dancing. It was my passion, but I wanted to be with my family and my Xander more. I was meant to be here. For something. I just knew it. I threw in Alexander’s hoodie with my dancing outfit. I hugged my wolf and packed it too. I threw in a few other things.              I realized I needed to call Elise. I tried to gather myself. I picked up the phone and started crying when it went to voicemail. I tried to explain. The warriors were jerks and I’d stayed home all day for her. Now I was missing her big night. Again. I told her that her present was with T. I asked her to deliver my Xander’s present too. All the jewelry I’d been working on. I had them all under my bed. I was going to surprise them. I’d tried to perfect the multiple element piece, but it was tricky. My parents would be proud of me. I just wanted to show my Xander. I wanted him to know I was protecting both our families. Xander had promised we would meet when I texted him about Charline. His mom called her Charlooney. It was the best nickname ever. My Xander believed in me at least. I knew his promise meant that we would meet one day, but I wanted it to be today. I wanted to be there for Elise. Why couldn’t I have that? I couldn’t stop my tears. Suddenly, I heard something being knocked over downstairs. Oh god….I wasn’t supposed to be here the last time people broke in. I looked at my phone. Elise and EJ would be on their run. I hung up my phone. I slowly opened my door. My eyes widened. Two warriors were down. I saw the man leading the group. I frowned. He was working with witches. They were chanting over the warriors and dragging them out of the house. Why would they do that? The man was tall with dark hair. He had a scar on his face. He rolled up his sleeves. I almost gagged. He was a hunter.             The warriors had clearly fought them. The living room was a mess. I went into my closet and brought a bat out. I turned off the lights and hid in the corner. I’d catch them as they came through the door. I’d use that to my advantage. I knocked the first one out easily. The second we had more of a fight. The man called out, “SLADE! HELP!” So the man was Slade. I slammed the bat into his face. I had to make it to the stairs. I ran out of my room and pushed the man over the banister. He wasn’t dead though. He was groaning. I ran down the stairs and a mist surrounded me. The next time I looked around...Slade had a gun pointed at me. How did he get off the floor? T yelled, “MELANIE! NO!” The gun went off. I hit my knees as the pain seared through me. What was T doing home already? I curled onto the landing and whispered, “Xander…..save me Xander.” I coughed up blood. Another shot rang out. T dropped to the floor beside me. I screamed, “T NO! HELP SOMEONE HELP ME!”              T was gasping for air. I took my shirt off and put pressure on his wound. I cried, “T don’t leave me please!” T gasped, “Love you Ladybug.” I cried, “What are you even doing here?” He gurgled and his chest stopped moving. I screamed, “NO! HELP! SOMEONE HELP!” I heard my mom scream, “TRISTAN! MELANIE! OH MY GOD! MY BABIES!” I turned to see her get shot in the head. I shrieked so loud they should’ve heard it all the way in Black Mountain. I ran over to her. I cried, “Mommy! NO! I’m so sorry mommy! I didn’t mean it! I’ll stay here. Please come back. Please!” My dad howled and attacked several people in the room. Where did they come from? He reached me and was shot in the chest. It was getting hard to breathe. I crawled between my parents. I cried as I hugged my dad. I said, “Daddy…..” He whispered, “I love you Ladybug.” They all weren’t breathing. My last conscious thought was, “Thank god Jase isn’t here to die with us.”              I heard a river running. I slowly opened my eyes. I frowned, “You’re not the moon goddess. Where’s my family?” The man smiled at me, “I can’t keep you long. All I can tell you is….not everything is as it seems. Please….just think about that.” He faded. Who the ever loving crap was that?! I heard a beeping sound. That didn’t seem like something that should be in the afterlife. It was very annoying. I opened my eyes. I was in a hospital. What the hell? I looked around. A lady put her phone down. She sighed, “You’re finally awake.” As if someone breaking into my home and my getting shot personally annoyed her. I frowned, “Where’s my family?” The woman rolled her eyes, “You saw them die. They didn’t make it.” I flinched then cried, “No, they can’t be dead! Where’s Jase? Where’s Grandpa and Grandma McAlister?” The woman sighed, “Look, here’s the deal. Jason met his mate. Everly. He’s focused on her now. He’s going to have to be the Beta which he wasn’t expecting. He’s basically training now. He can’t take care of you. Your grandparents are distraught over the loss of their son and oldest grandchild.” I frowned, “What about the Kyle’s? They are my guardians if anything happens to my parents.” My dad had told all us kids that.              The woman sighed, “They are upset. They lost their friends.” I tried to sit up and gasped in pain. I asked, “Who are you? Where are my other grandparents? My mom’s parents?” She sighed, “I was getting there. I'm your mother’s sister. Your other grandparents called me. They can’t bear to look at you as a constant reminder of the precious daughter they loved so much. I have no kids so I’m stuck with you.” I frowned, “Jase won’t let you keep me.” She snorted, “Keep up. He already agreed. He even sent you a letter. Look, you're already here. This is where I live. Nashville.” I cried, “NO! I want JASE! I want Grandpa Ben! I want Chelsea! I don’t even know you!” The woman stood and grabbed my arm tightly, “Look here little girl. I’m Stephanie McCann. I’m your aunt.” I frowned, “My mom doesn’t have a sister.” She released my arm, “That b***h would tell you kids that. My mate was not popular before he died. It was NOT approved of that I went with him, even though he was my mate.” I frowned, “Was?” Stephanie nodded, “He died. I have a new husband. You’ll meet him when we go to the pack. He’s a warlock.” I asked, “Can’t I call Jase?” Stephanie sighed, “I’m trying to help you kid. He doesn't want to talk to you.” I cried, “Why not?”              Stephanie rolled her eyes, “They came back for you. Sam, Drake, and Tristan.” I growled, “Beta Female Sam and Beta Drake.” Stephanie said, “You don’t get titles when you are dead.” I flinched again. Hot tears rolled down my eyes. I didn’t want it to be true, but I’d seen it. Stephanie continued, “They left Elise’s Luna Ceremony early because you were upset. They shouldn’t have been there, but they came back for you.” I cried, “T was supposed to spend the night! He shouldn’t have been there!” Stephanie growled, “They said you were smart. He WAS there. You saw him.” She threw a letter at me. I opened it. There were two notes inside.   Melanie,    I have to look out for the pack right now. You know how loved your parents and Tristan were around here. Everyone is devastated. We can talk about you returning after you’ve shifted.    Alpha Peter Kyle   I gaped. He called me Melanie and signed with his Alpha title? He was like a second dad to me. He should be holding me. Chelsea and Peter should be here. Why aren’t they here? I’m a pack member too! Why isn’t he protecting me? Wait? After I shift? I can’t come home for two years? Jase isn’t going to be there for my shift? Elise isn’t coming? Chelsea isn’t coming? My heart broke. I reached for the second letter.               Melanie,    I know you’re confused. It’s best this way. All of us are too hurt right now. After you shift everything could be different. Mom and Dad may never forgive me in the afterlife, but I’m doing what’s best for me. You know my dreams were to be the lead warrior. That went up in smoke tonight, along with our family. I sent your bag with you. I just can’t be there for you right now. I met my mate, and she’s my priority along with the pack. I can’t raise you Melanie. I can’t. I can’t deal with the fact that mom, dad, and Tristan are dead and see your face every day. I’ll write and keep in touch. Aunt Stephanie will look after you. Do as she says. I don’t want to hear about you misbehaving and crossing the border. We will talk soon.    Jason   I sobbed. Not one ladybug? He always called me Mel or Ladybug. I wouldn’t get in his way at home. I’d be good. I cried, “Please….let me call Jase….I’ll tell him...I won’t get in his or Everly’s way….I just want to go home.” Stephanie slapped me across the face. I stared at her in shock. She went to slap me again. I grabbed her hand and twisted it behind her back. I told her, “You’ll never touch me like that again. I AM a Beta’s daughter, and I can and will defend myself.” She whimpered in pain. I let her go. She rubbed her arm. I crossed my arms and glared at her. She frowned, “You’re not going home. This is your home now.” I snored, “This will NEVER be my home.” Stephanie grinned evilly, “We will see about that. Let’s go.” I frowned, “I didn’t get discharged.” Stephanie retorted, “I’m your guardian. I’m signing you out. You’ll have to earn your keep once you heal.” I frowned, “What does that mean?” Stephanie said, “You’ll be doing chores.” I shrugged, “Ok...I did chores at home.” Stephine said, “It’s more like a day job.”             I looked at her, “Ummm I’m fourteen. I have to go to school.” Stephanie shrugged, “I say you don’t, and what I say goes.” My jaw dropped, “That’s….not legal.” Stephanie snorted, “We are supernatural’s sweetie. We get away with murder. I don’t think anyone will make a stink about you missing high school.” I stared at her, “Fine. I’ll get a GED.” Stephanie waved her hands, “Problem solved. On the car ride home pick a new name.” I frowned, “What?” Stephanie was annoyed. She answered, “Your pack doesn’t want to hear news about you around their allies. So...I doubt they will hear anything, but it was INSISTED upon that you pick a new name. So you’ll pick one. My pack will obviously know who you are, but in public….they will call you by your chosen name. Be happy. I hate my name. My pack is even going to get you documentation for said name.” I asked, “What pack?” She answered, “Black Path.” Jase and Peter sent me to BLACK PATH?! They hated it here! They talked about how crappy it was ALL the time. Dad and mom abhorred this pack!             Stephanie signed me out. I held my tears back. The nurses and doctors were not ok with her signing me out. She rushed off before they could call CPS which one nurse was doing as we left. My side burned. We got into the car. Stephanie said, “As I said during the day….you’ll do chores for the pack.” She hadn’t said it was for the pack. She continued, “Once you are recovered….your brother said you are a good fighter.” At least Jase said something nice. I nodded, “I’m good.” Stephanie smirked, “We will see. You’ll be fighting with a special group called the Undergrounds.” I snorted, “Sounds illegal. They should’ve come up with a less obvious name.” Stephanie laughed hollowly, “Welcome to Nashville little girl.” We might be related….but I could see why my mom hated her. I studied her profile. The only common trait her and my mom had was their hair color. Why would Jase send me here with strangers? When we got out of the car I heard people whispering. Stephanie said, “Don’t be shy. People know who Melanie the family killer is.” My eyes filled with tears, but I refused to give her the satisfaction of actually crying. A woman walked over, “Stephanie! That was a horrible thing to say! Sweetie, I’m Luna Elena Davis. This is my daughter, Addison and my son Caine. I’m so sorry...We would’ve baked you cookies, but the pack doctor didn’t think you would be released until later this week.”              I said, “She signed me out.” The Luna looked at Stephanie. She sighed, “Honestly Stephanie….Why don’t you let her stay with us? You don't’ know anything about kids, and they annoy you. She’s not ready to be out of the hospital. To the pack hospital you go, little miss.” Stephanie hissed, “The Alpha was fine with it.” The Luna said, “And I am NOT. She’s going to the pack doctor. She has been traumatized. She lost her family. She’s in a new place. Then you show up with your abrasiveness….When she did wake up?” Stephanie didn’t answer. The Luna said, “ANSWER ME STEPHANIE!” Stephanie sighed, “About an hour and a half ago.” The Luna said, “Get out of my sight before I slap you. Taking a pup out of the hospital against medical advice.” The Alpha walked up with the Beta. I didn’t need an introduction to know who they were. The Alpha said, “Elena, she's not our charge.” The Luna looked at him, “Did I ask you? No, I did not. She is a child. She needs care.” I gaped at them. I’d never heard Chelsea speak to Peter that way. Luna Elena clearly didn’t like her husband. The Beta and Alpha turned away without saying anything.              The Luna held out her hand, “Come with me dear. Caine, get her things please.” Caine had my purple backpack out of Stephanie’s car. My Xander wolf was in there at least. We walked into the pack hospital. The doctor was visibly nervous at our arrival. The nurse shoved him out of the way. She was annoyed, “You need more fluid. You were shot in the lung. You can’t do anything too jarring. Your healing rate is fast, so you won’t be out of commission too long.” The Luna sighed, “I’m sorry for the way things are around here, Melanie.” The Alpha stormed in, “What name did you pick?” The Luna said, “Honestly Edward….she’s just gotten here.” The Alpha said, “I’m not starting a fight with Red Run. That would bring Blue Moon and Black Mountain against us. I’m not doing that for their cast away.” My eyes filled with tears and the Luna slapped him on the arm. She hissed, “Edward, be the man I first met for five seconds. She’s our daughter's age. If god forbid something happened to us, would you want her treated this way? By that horrible Stephanie woman then by a bullying Alpha? Please. Just have some compassion.” The Alpha’s jaw ticked. He looked at me, “Your new name is?” I thought quickly. I wanted Jase to know any news he heard….would be me. If I was staying here…..I’d become their female lead warrior the second I shifted. Then he’d be proud of me and let me come home. I was getting a GED anyway. I picked my favorite book character. Jase would know it was me. I said, “Ashley Griffen.” The Alpha nodded, “Good. You report to the kitchen tomorrow.” The Luna said, “Absolutely not Edward! I said have compassion not be a bullying abrasive abusive Alpha!” The Alpha frowned, “Two days. She can have two days.”  The Luna sighed as he left. She told me, “He didn’t used to be this way. My son will NOT be like his father as a leader. Edward had such dreams. He was going to be a better Alpha than his father. Now he’s worse. I’m so sorry. You don’t need to hear about my problems. My daughter, Addison and the Beta’s daughter, Sierra will come keep you company tomorrow. I’m sure you all will be fast friends. I’m sure Stephanie didn’t say so, but I am so very sorry about your family Melanie. It was a tragic event, but despite what Stephanie or anyone says….It was not your fault. Ok sweetie?” I nodded. She left and grabbed my bag. I pulled out my Xander hoodie and my Xander wolf. I cried, “I wish you could make my Xander come to me. I need him. What are we going to do Xander? Jase doesn’t want us home. Why doesn’t he want me? I was just mad earlier. I didn’t mean it. I didn’t. I love them. I don’t care if they eat the stupid weird cookies for the rest of time. I just want them back.” I feel asleep crying against my wolf. I was resolved. I had to make Jase proud enough of me that he'd want me back. I was going to get my GED. Then I was going to train. I’d be the first female lead warrior at sixteen. I’d make them all proud. They’d let me come home. I missed my mom, dad, and my brothers. I just wanted to go home.