Chapter First of Many #6
I found Emmett and Chase quickly. Dad came over to us too sensing my urgency in the bond. I asked, “Did Keaton eat those peanut butter cookies we did?” Emmett asked, “The ones we all know to be evil? Sure. Why?”
I replied, “Maybe that’s what’s going on with him. Those cookies made me doubt my instincts, but I had Oden with the whole time. Maybe for Keaton, they weren’t directed at Melanie. He was just a pup when those started popping up and all before he even had Channing.”
“Maybe those cookies made him doubt all his instincts, along with his shitty ex. Now, he’s basically cut off from them because we banished them. What if they were like a drug and he’s in detox? He could be confused with a lot of new Alpha feelings he’s not used to.”
Chase replied, “I’ll be damned. That’s an excellent point. I’ll go talk to the Witches and Warlocks here. Maybe they can provide some insight.” I nodded to him. My dad nudged me, “Good catch.” I winked, “Thanks.”
Maximus shimmered next to me and wrapped me up in a hug. I told him, “Thanks, Cousin.” Maximus chuckled, “Congratulations on being with the woman of your dreams.” I said, “Thanks.” Jason came over, “Yeah, don’t hurt my sister.” Tristan agreed, “Ditto.”
I snorted, “You are both fully aware I will not do that.” Jason nodded, “I am. You’re probably the only shot we have of her being normal with us ever again.” I assured him, “It will get there.” Tristan agreed, “I think it’s moving in that direction.”
I asked, “Then what are you two so pissed off about? Because I can tell you are.” Oden began to growl, which meant their wolves told him. Jason admitted, “Our grandparents aren’t here.” I pointed to Ben and Esther, “They are right there.” Then it me.
I said, “You mean your mom’s parents. What the actual fuck?” Oden snarled, “They want us to RIP them to pieces. That’s the clear answer.” I’d like to say he was wrong, but I was actually thinking he could be right.
Tristan sighed, “All of us are pissed. Mom read them the riot act about coming, and we all figured that they would.” Gage whispered, “Melanie had special invitations delivered to them personally. This is no Beuno.” I growled, “Why the FUCK aren’t they here? DYLAN!”
Dylan literally ran over to me. The man gasped, “MMSGAP, you’re not supposed to be upset at your reception. What happened?” I growled, “Where are mate’s grandparents that live in your pack? Because I don’t see them.”
Dylan huffed, “Well, they aren’t in their house because I had plans to get them here.
It involved Fairies and an excavator.” Gage asked, “What?” Dylan hummed, “Yup. I was going to have them driven here while in the bucket of said excavator, to think about their life choices before they were dumped here.”
“Travis had Warriors that were going to escort them to the chapel, because if you can’t use the fact that your brother is the Male Lead Warrior then all is lost. Alas, they are not home.
Don’t worry, I’ll find some fun way to get back at them for that not happening.
It was a well thought out plan on my part. ”
I growled, “Has my mate noticed they aren’t here?” Dylan snorted, “MelAshley is a Beta blood.” Phil groaned. I said, “So, the answer is yes.” Gage replied, “Yeah, it is. Ben danced with her, so she definitely noticed.”
Dylan whispered, “MelAshley asked Everly where they were, and that’s when the McAlister’s realized she wasn’t here.” Gage sighed, “Awesome.” Dylan nudged him, “Sarcasm noted. Mr. I’m confused and having an identity crisis with my first and last name former Beta Bond got kudos for coming.”
I replied, “I’m not sure what bearing that has on this conversation.
” Dylan replied, “Your mate commented on their presence here.” I dove into my bond with Melanie and found her feelings that felt like she’d locked them away in her own mentality, not like my mom could but still, about her grandparents being here.
I told Dylan, “You warn those motherfuckers if they think the McAlister’s are upset, they haven’t begun to consider how I will feel about this. They had no right to make Melanie upset at our Mating Ceremony. They were invited and their asses should be here. She’s their grandpup.”
Gage said, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll find them and explain how thoroughly screwed they are.” I replied, “They are. Because I won’t allow people in Melanie’s life to hurt her. They are officially unwelcome in this territory.” Phil sighed, “Updating the Beta group and Gamma’s about that.”
Dylan saluted me, “Don’t worry MMSGAP, I’ll tell Travis to tell our Warriors they are not allowed within your borders without permission.” Gage asked, “Are you telling Melanie that?” I replied, “I’m sure she’ll know even if I forget.”
Dylan cooed, “Aren’t you such fun now that you are mated? Yes, you are.” I reasoned, “They have the ability to call her, which at this point is all they deserve. Melanie can decide whether to answer or not. They’ve had access to her, and they haven’t used it. Now, it’s gone.” They all nodded.
I linked Jayden, “The Haskins are not allowed in this territory.” Jayden replied, “That sounds fair. I’m stunned they didn’t show.
Finn had a backup plan for his dad’s plan.
I’ve heard about him not getting to do it ALL night long.
It’s the running monologue through our link.
The Haskin are damn lucky Keaton is present and single. ”
I snorted, “So, Emma didn’t like Lisa.” Jayden replied, “FINN didn’t like Lisa.
Emma loathed her with every fiber of her being.
” I replied, “Finn likes everyone.” Jayden snorted, “Not Lisa. So, the Haskins are lucky I don’t have to hear about Keaton not showing up because his girlfriend wouldn’t come.
Lisa’s history now and that’s the Haskins only saving grace from me. ” Well, then.
Oden growled, “Freya said Melanie is hurt they aren’t here, but she’s not thinking about it. Mate is focusing on the happy things.” I replied, “She never should’ve been hurting for one single second today.” Oden agreed, “No, she shouldn’t. We handled it though.” True.
I went back and grabbed Melanie, ready to get out of here. Of course I heard the growl signaling someone found their mate. I was stunned that it was Bradford and Karina. I knew Karina had been visiting her grandparents.
Aunt Katie was sending reports on her progress and what the spell was doing. Honestly, I was glad Patricia wasn’t here to ruin this moment for Bradford and Karina. Because I knew she’d have thrown a fit about it.
I knew Bradford had always wanted his mate. Before the most recent events in our pack, he might have believed he was above doing the work of an Omega. Lately, I’d heard him tell his friends he didn’t care what rank his mate was. He just wanted her.
Melanie and I congratulated them both. I popped my wife away to enjoy our wedding night, letting my mate know we’d be going somewhere the week after next. I had a lot of places I wanted to take her that I wanted her to see. I hadn’t picked where we’d go just yet.
Melanie started ranting about birth control and pups. I knew she needed time, and I was in no rush. If she wanted to, I was in. The truth was I didn’t mind keeping her to myself just for a while. I couldn’t deny I was looking forward to her heat, though.
We didn’t leave our bedroom the entire next day. EJ linked me, “So, certain people have been watching everyone come down the stairs like hawks. There are a lot of people who want to pounce on you guys. I just felt the need to warn you of that.”
I informed him, “They will have to wait because we aren’t leaving this room. I waited for her long enough. So, I’m going to enjoy the day after our Mating Ceremony.” I did just that, and I made sure Melanie enjoyed it too.
When I woke up for my morning run, I wasn't surprised Melanie was already gone. I knew the wolf less were running early. I snapped myself some shorts and popped outside. Wesley snorted, “That’s a powerful smell, big brother.” I shrugged, “I just got married so I hoped you expected this scent. I figured I’d give you guys a head start today. ” Preston laughed.
They were about to leave when Melanie linked asking where I was. I yelled, “WAIT!” Everyone turned on a dime. I knew whatever was coming was bad, and I might need them. My dad asked, “What’s going on?”
My mom popped outside announcing “Eric, I have a bad feeling.” My dad sighed, “Of course you do. Alexander?” I explained, “Melanie asked where I was. Hold on. I’ll get details.” Oden snarled, “Someone is coming for mate!” Probably.
Sierra ran outside with Phil, Gage, and Abigial. Phil linked me, “My mate’s special watch turned red, and she’s freaking out. She’s convinced an attack is somehow coming.” Gage linked, “My mate also agrees since she saw the alert.”
Melanie confirmed it. What was more surprising was I felt my mate’s utter shock that she didn’t recognize the smell on the north border. I told EJ, “An attack is coming. Melanie said whatever they are, she doesn’t recognize their scent.” Sierra gasped, “Are you serious?” I nodded.
Dylan skipped over saying, “An unknown supernatural? GOD! I pick the best nights to spend the night here, and no one can doubt my amazingness. Don’t worry, I linked Lacy who linked Lucas. Lacy is READY to fight, and my mate obviously spent the night with me here.”
My dad rolled his eyes. EJ ordered, “Wes and Max take the East and West borders. I’ll take the South, and Alexander will take north to his mate.
The rest of you split up between us.” My other brothers nodded.
Dylan grabbed my dad as mom popped away, guessing as I did exactly where she’d go. To my mate.
I popped in with Phil, Sierra, Gage and Sierra. I left them behind me as I went to stand by Melanie. I nodded to my Guard, and they nodded back. I knew they were excited, because the Hackura loved a good fight. I also knew they would never let anyone touch me or Melanie.