Micah chuckled to himself before adding, “That’s only initially. If your wife finds out someone’s reputation is bullshit, or she doesn't like them she’ll say it. Quite directly. Melanie’s life in Black Path taught her that just because you are in charge doesn’t mean you deserve the title or the respect.”
Micah waved his arm to say, “I say all that to say that Mel has a different code she lives by than a lot of wolves. I actually think it’s a pet peeve of hers when people are respected because they hold a certain title that she doesn’t agree with. She’s pivoted to the Hackura’s view of disrespect being handled and turned it onto people with undeserved respect or titles.”
I thought about it before I answered. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It is different, but there are certainly people with titles who don’t deserve them. If my mate doesn’t respect them because they are bad people, I really don’t have a problem with that.”
Micah laughed, “I’d imagine there will be people who do. I know her brothers are itching to talk to her about her tone with their Alpha’s.” I scoffed, “They should let it go. Prior to herfinding out the pack didn't really do everything she thought, if they’d done it, they wouldn’t deserve her respect.”
Micah shrugged, “It’s just an observation. Don’t worry, I gave your Beta and Gamma the full download. Gage is all over the research being done, but he’s a bit bogged down.” I laughed, “I’ll be sure to keep that noted.” Micah smiled as if he had a secret.
I turned to leave then asked, “Do you know of a meeting coming up where this will be a problem?” Micah admitted, “No, but I don’t know everyone Melanie does. That has become abundantly clear. I just don’t know that she will share prior to a meeting.”
I pointed out, “I’d feel her annoyance or irritation with someone.” Micah smiled wryly saying, “You might just growl at them yourself. Your mate is very opinionated; especially about right and wrong. Things are fairly clear to her when they aren’t black and white for others.”
“Melanie demands respect for people who deserve it. An example would be Mason and Hendrick. She DEMANDED people respect them when she became the Female Lead Warrior. They were the first two people she put through Warrior classes and declared Warriors under her.”
“Edward was pissed and refused to call them Warrior Hendrick or Warrior Mason. Mel fought for their pay and beat the crap out of anyone who didn’t address them properly. She’s fiercely loyal and protective.”
I acknowledged, “I know she is. My wife has taken to seeing Mason and Hendrick as family.” Micah said, “Even before she did, she wouldn’t let people say crap about them in front of her. I once saw your mate throw coffee at a guy who was making fun of them for being gay. You know she loves her coffee.” I snorted, “I do. We’ll just see what happens.” Micah smiled, “That we will.”
I left and went back to my room. I linked Gage, “I hear Micah warned you about my meetings if we have someoneMelanie doesn’t like here.” Gage scoffed, “It’s a hard directive to try and research because I clearly don’t have the back channel information your mate does. I have flagged some questionable characters. Hopefully, we get a head’s up that way.”
I replied, “I appreciate you keeping up with things. You do a lot of work, Gage. You and Phil both do. It’s not underappreciated or unnoticed.” Gage chuckled, “Awww, shucks. I love you too, man.” I laughed, “I do love you, you’re family to me.”
I reflected back on the conversation with Micah and Max. It was certainly unexpected, but it made me think that I might have to talk to my other siblings. They might have more feelings about this whole situation that I had not been considering.
I knew they all loved me, and my siblings knew I was upset at parties more often than not. However, I didn’t realize it had bothered them this much. I actually felt bad about that. I should’ve done a better job at hiding my emotions from them. I was supposed to protect them. Oden scoffed, “We have a bond so we can’t hide it from them.” That was a good point.
I linked my Beta Female, “Hello, Sierra.” She answered, “Umm hi?” I snorted, “Is that a question?” Sierra sighed, “Maybe. Is Mel ok?” I answered, “Yes. it just occurred to me that I asked the wrong person for a list of people who hurt Melanie. I asked her when I should’ve asked you.”
Sierra snorted, “Paige has a running list with curses she’s got ready to go. I categorized it by worst offenders for her and it’s a shared document between a few of us.” I asked, “Does Kingsley have it?” Paige cackled, “God, no. They’d all be dead if she did. Her other half is very much death to anyone who upsets Melanie.”
I snorted, “I see.” Oden grumbled, “They should’ve given Kingsley the list then.” I agreed with that except now it meant I could kill them. Oden agreed, “Good point.” Sierra told me, “I’lladd you to the document.” I replied, “Thank you.” That was quite simple.
I laid down and went to sleep. I woke up feeling determined and in full planning mode. I almost linked Phil and Gage to ask what we were planning before I realized those emotions were not my own. Oden snorted, “That would’ve been amusing. Gun and Rocket would’ve been so confused by that question.”
I jolted because I really felt like Melanie was planning something for the Resistance. I couldn’t pinpoint why, but it’s what I thought. I got up, went outside, and shifted into Oden to run. Eventually, I caught up with my brothers when they were out for our regular morning run. Their wolves shot Oden looks.
When we shifted back at the house EJ asked, “What were you already doing up, Alexander?” I explained, “My mate is planning something so hard I actually thought I was making plans. It took me a minute to realize I wasn’t.”
EJ questioned, “What is Ladybug planning?” I shrugged, “I don’t know but my instincts tell me it’s Resistance related.” Which burned my ass. I really wanted her boss's name. I had things to say, and answers I wanted from them.
I was distracting myself by handling paperwork, but I could barely contain my curiosity. I knew if Melanie was tapped into the bond, she’d know that too. Gage linked, “What the hell is up with you?” I explained, “Melanie is planning something.”
Gage asked, “And?” I replied, “I think it’s for the Resistance.” Gage included Phil on the link, “Our Alpha’s Fairy senses are tingling about Resistance plans.” Phil scoffed, “Yeah, Beta senses going haywire. My mate is totally involved.”
Dalton called before we got any further in the conversation. Phil answered, “Hello, Dalton how can we….?” Dalton growled, “My mate, Dakota’s AND Jase’s are gone. Which means they are there in your pack according to T. What’s going on?”
I admitted, “We don’t know.” Dalton growled, “Which means it’s the damn Resistance.” I acknowledged, “It seems likely, yes.” Dalton growled, “I’m annoyed by this already. I don’t like being out of the loop.”
Oden said, “He has a point.” Dalton grumbled, “I’m always in the loop. In fact, I’m the one who gets to decide who gets information disseminated to them. I am not used to being left out and I do not like it one bit.” I snorted, “Neither do I.”
A portal opened and to my surprise, Hastein stepped through. I raised an eyebrow at my cousin, but he simply took a seat. I told Dalton, “We will let you know if we find anything out.” Dalton snorted, “We will do the same but since they are in your territory you’re far more likely to find out first.” He hung up.
EJ asked, “H, what are you doing here?” Hastein answered, “I was texting my mate, and K said she was coming to see Melanie. Melanie is here, so I am here. What’s going on?” I sighed, “We don’t know. My mate’s been planning so hard she woke me up.”
EJ snorted, “My brother is downplaying that. Alexander was convinced he was actually planning something.” Hastein laughed, “I see.” He sent a text and another portal opened. Uncle Gunner and Uncle Harper came through. I actually didn’t need to ask why.
I knew Hastein wanted Uncle Gunner ready to track Kingsley if need be. Micah was already here so that was roses to me. Uncle Gunner announced, “I am ready to try to track down multiple mates should you feel the need.”
