I replied, “It’s not your fault, and it appears you are friends with my mate.” Trenton flushed, “Umm, yeah.” Dylan clapped, “Let’s expand on that. Are you more than friends?” Trenton gasped, “What? No! Of course not.”
Dylan gleefully said, “I’m picking up what you’re throwing down. Someone in your group wanted to be. Who was it?” Trenton cleared his throat, “Anyway, I’ll be going.” Dylan warned, “You can scurry away future Alpha Trenton, but I’m getting on the ground floor.” Trenton asked, “Huh?” Dylan explained, “There are too many Alpha Sail’s, be a trendsetter. Go by Alpha Trenton.” Several people laughed.
Dylan continued, “I’ll figure out who wanted to be more, because MelAshley has no filter or poker face. We love this about her. Imma coming for the drama you’re going to bring to my show. It’s going to be great!” Trenton walked to the other side of the room.
Oden was furious. My wolf linked me, “Everyone always wants mate and I’m tired of it!” Dad linked me, “It wasn’t Trenton at least.” I snorted, “Trenton thinks she’s pretty and good at fighting.” Dad reasoned, “She is.” I glared at him.
Dad argued, “Accepting these things helps. I accept that your mother is beautiful and a good fighter.” I retorted, “I’ve seen you punch people for saying it.” Dad disagreed, “Not for saying it. If they flirt with your mother, I do. If they say it, I look for ways and reasons to be able to punch them in the face.” I could do that.
Gage linked, “We’ll find out who it was.” Phil sighed, “I think I already know.” Good. Alpha Sail finally came at Melanie, but she dodged him with a punch to his kidney. I watched his movements because he wasn’t a bad fighter.
Tristan McAlister was edging towards the mat, looking furious. Alpha Sail landed a hit on Melanie she allowed so she could pin him. The fight was over in less than seven minutes. My mate might not think I was serious about punishing her for getting hit, but I was deadly serious.
Oden was feeling very predatory and dominant at the moment. Alpha Sail left with what could only be described as his tail between his legs. Mom popped to Melanie then said, “I fucking love you. It really was ok though. People say shit like that a lot.”
Melanie raised her voice looking around at the crowd, “It’s not ok, and anyone who says anything derogatory about any of my in law’s… well, you will deal with me. The spiteful whispering and cutting comment will stop because I can hear you. In case this didn’t make it clear…. let me be blunt. I can also kick your butt…. Every… single…one of you.”
“I don’t want to hear one bad word said about our group. Be normal people and complain to your mates in your room… or talk crap with your friends in their rooms. I find it odd you don’t, considering social situations aren’t my forte…. and even I know that’s the common thing to do.”
“Your blatant disrespect to the mates of the Conners family, and your little reign of terror, is coming to an abrupt halt… and now you’re on notice. Because I’m here…. and I don’t deal with that crap. So, if I were you… I’d cut it out.”
“Do yourselves a favor and go with my advice since it’s not bragging to say I easily have the highest I.Q. out of this group. I will get you in ways… you will never see coming. Grow up and be adults. No one has to like everyone to be respectful.”
“Even pups are told if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing. Pups. It’s just pathetic you all are so bitter and jealous. Powerful families to protect our larger group… is a good thing. The fact that someone has to tell you that… is a bit pathetic. A pack survives because of the pack… so… be two percent smarter… should you want to survive.” Lexi Daniels started clapping then several others joined.
Dylan was munching on popcorn. He spoke with his mouth full, “The Alpha meetings will be the best meetings ever.” Elise quickly said, “Melanie can stay with us.” I laughed, “It might be best if we take the winner of the fighting with us.” Oden purred, “Mate is a winner.”
Cayden laughed, “Then I’m coming with you guys.” Micah chimed in, “Me too.” Elise sighed, “Can I come?” EJ kissed her then answered, “Of course.” All our mates ended up at our next meeting. We were trying to reach a deal that would benefit both packs.
The Alpha before us had a business he wanted to start in our area. His pack members working with him passed out their business plan and proposal. I was reviewing it until I noticed that Cayden was studying Melanie.
Melanie linked me, “Can you snap me back into my dress and conjure my laptop?” I replied, “Of course.” I snapped her back into her original outfit and conjured her laptop to her. I watched as my wife grabbed it out of the bag and started typing away while the Alpha presented.
Oden snickered, “You’re not prepared.” I asked my wolf, “Why does Melanie feel confused and annoyed?” Oden admitted, “I was only told by Freya that it’s about to get interesting.” My mate sat back and crossed her arms with a stubborn look on her face.
Cayden linked me, “That does not bode well for this Alpha. Who is he again?” I answered, “Alpha Roguer.” Cayden warned,“Well, Melanie isn’t going to have something nice to say here either.” EJ linked me, “Why is Ladybug mad? Elise said she’s about to be more bug than lady. This isn’t the best deal, but it’s not a bad one. I plan to make amendments.” I replied, “I’m guessing we will find out.”
Once the Alpha finished his presentation Melanie asked him, “Did you come up with this plan and figures?” Alpha Roguer answered, “I helped.” Melanie prodded, “How much?” Alpha Roguer frowned, “It’s my business.”
Melanie bobbed her head replying, “Then you are aware these numbers are…. grossly overestimated. You also failed to include that you’ve made this same deal with Alphas in three other states…. who not only lost their capital in their investment… but lost their reputation at the banks that provided the loans.” My eyes widened as I stared at my mate.
Alpha Roguer sputtered, “Those were different situations.” Melanie countered, “How? How is this any different? Because it’s the same presentation and scheme. Why didn’t you disclose those failures to EJ if it’s different?” Alpha Roguer answered her, “Because…”
Melanie cut him off, “The only reason I can think of…. is that your swindling Alphas who aren’t allies or allied together who’d discuss your disreputable ways. Don’t worry though… I texted my brother… who is the Beta of Red Run, and my husband’s Beta the details. I’m sure they will send a memo around our allies. So don’t bother with this sham of a business proposal to anyone else in our area. Bye now.”
I bit my lip to avoid laughing. Alpha Roguer shot back, “You can’t dismiss me!” Melanie argued, “I think I can…. because I did. EJ isn’t going to agree to this now. You lied to him… and anyone with Fairy blood pretty much detests being lied to… because it’s not fair.” That was true.
EJ agreed, “My sister in law is not wrong.” Alpha Roguer sputtered, “There are protocols to follow in these meetings.” Melanie admitted, “I’m glad you said that. Because I’ve actually wanted to come to a Summit for… well…. many years.”
“By that I mean… that… I studied all the procedures and rules. The first rule is to respect all other pack’s represented. You broke that rule by lying and therefore are not entitled to the respect of anyone here. It’s a bylaw and everything.”
“You should brush up on how the Summit’s work…. if you want to throw procedures in people’s faces. It’s just a thought… since you clearly don’t abide by the rules. You can’t throw out talking about rules… if you don’t know them.” Alpha Roguer left red faced.
Dylan squealed, “Ok, I know that many of you wanted to be next in line for a statue, but you’ll have to wait your turn. Because I am going to prepare an EPIC statue for MelAshley. The manufacturers and I will have to work on this perfection together.”
“I will put together a think tank. Don’t be sad if you aren’t chosen. It will only be because you are no fun and lack the vision I require for the next epic statue in my god and goddess line of my new statue business.”
Dad growled, “Business?” Dylan asked, “Did I not mention that I have an online website for my statues to be purchased? It must have slipped my mind.” Melanie’s amusement filled our bond. Dad snarled at him.
