Now I laughed along with Rowan. Dylan said, “Come on now. The man flew all this way and moved packs. Just say you’ll give it a chance. Be fun!” Dylan whispered, “And Fair.” Fuck. I groaned, “Fine. If you add Melanie to this schedule, and I can do this with her I will be there.”
Rowan smiled and gave Dylan twenty dollars. Dylan told him, “I always get my way, young Rowan. Eventually.” Dad agreed, “Sadly, he does.” I admitted, “It is best not to bet against the man.” Rowan grinned, “I will keep that in mind, Alpha Alexander.”
Elias entered the room with Kelsey attached to his side. His brother came in with Essie. I smiled greeting, “Elias, you made it.” Elias replied, “I’ve been waiting for your call. You took out Black Path without us. It was very rude considering I could’ve met my beautiful mate earlier.”
I disagreed, “We didn’t know her then, so not really.” Elias winked at me, “We are leaving to get our mates settled before the big meeting next month, but we will come back for it. Our women just wanted to say goodbye. I wanted to say thanks for helping us meet our mates. They plan to keep their jobs and work virtually. My mate is very smart.”
I linked him, “Did she tell you about her old pack?” Elias’s eyes narrowed as he answered, “Yes, I’m watching them. Herfamily and Essie’s, are moving to our pack.” I replied, “Anything you need Elias, you call.”
He nodded, “Same to you, Alexander. Your mate is quite the woman. She’s going to keep you on your toes. I think that’s exactly what you need to be honest. We’ll see you at the Alpha and Beta meeting. We’ve got your back and hers.” I nodded to him
I felt Melanie’s heartbreaking torrent of emotion and stood. EJ grabbed my arm, “Peter was talking to Ladybug, she’s fine.” My wife didn’t feel fine. Mom linked me, “I’m watching Melanie, she’s ok.” When did mom leave the room? Oden snorted, “After Rowan said he could help our breathing.” I replied, “Thanks, mom.”
I sat back down and went over everything I’d missed. Over one hundred packs had forcible takeovers. Mostly by pups we had no idea these Alphas had. I really didn’t think we could call them that anymore though. They took advantage of too many people and were a disgrace to their blood.
Hastein came and sat by me. I told my cousin, “I still haven’t heard about the sword.” Hastein laughed, “If you knew about the sword, I’d have a talk with you about pleasing your mate, cousin. You’d have been doing it wrong if you had a talk about my mate’s sword. That she loves by the way.”
I told him, “It’s cool.” Dylan agreed, “Yes, the flame is so cool. The flame of a…” The man intentionally trailed off. Hastein laughed, “That wasn’t even subtle.” Dylan snorted, “Who was being subtle? I can’t get anyone to slip up. I’ll solve this mystery, I will.”
Hastein commented, “When you see her other side, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Until then, I seriously doubt it.” Dylan gasped, “You wound me so Creepy Crown Prince Ninja Assassin.” Hastein shrugged, “I don’t really care.”
Dylan now looked positively scandalized. The man shouted, “SGAP these youngsters have no respect!” Dad laughed, “He does for me.” Hastein nodded. Dylan sighed, “I didn’t focus enough on the Creepy Ninja Assassins. I left them up to SGAP’s devices. I have no one to blame but myself.”
Hastein said, “Sure. Just forget that I was an adult when I met Uncle Eric. I’m older than my aunt too. I was a grown ass man when my Aunt and Uncle met.” Dylan replied, “I hear a whisper on the wind talking nonsense with facts.” Hastein rolled his eyes saying, “Let’s go get our mates, cousin.”
We got up and went upstairs where Kingsley had a file. Hastein muttered, “Your mate and her files. She’s so cute.” Yes, she was. Hastein was impressed with Melanie’s system. I could tell he didn’t expect her to do all the things she’d done. I wasn’t surprised though.
Melanie was always thorough. EJ linked me, “Come back downstairs. We are all sitting here talking and you guys are missing.” I led our group of four back downstairs. I couldn’t help but look around the room and think this is how it should always be. This room was filled with so much love and laughter. I held Melanie tightly to my side and kissed the top of her head.
The next few weeks flew by making plans for the big Alpha meeting. The day of, I was surprised when I woke up before Melanie. I got ready then kissed my mate before I left. I knew Melanie wanted to come. Hell, I wanted her to come.
It was only two days though. What could go wrong in two days? Grandpa was coming in three days. Mom had a huge party planned for his return and I knew she was excited. I popped us outside and we loaded into the car. I watched until my wife faded from my line of sight, then huffed.
Maverick groaned, “God, he’s going to be so annoying. At least this time we’ll know why.” Theo said, “As if you won’t beas bad.” Maverick grumbled, “There’s going to be a lot of people there. I don’t want Olivia to feel overwhelmed.”
I countered, “I don’t want the Supernatural Council to try and abduct my mate.” Oden growled. Maverick said, “Melanie would just electrocute them and then we could pop her away. Or she’d kill them in some spectacular fashion. It would’ve been fun.”
I snorted because my brother probably wasn’t wrong, it would’ve. Elise chimed in, “Nah, Melanie would’ve talked them into a corner and they would’ve tried to retaliate. In doing so they would have admitted something Alexnader, Haley or Eric could kill them for.” That was just as likely. Oden agreed, “It probably depends on mate’s mood.”
When we got out of the cars mom had a look on her face. She looked at her phone and her frown deepened, but she didn’t say anything. Dad studied her. I felt our connection, but mom was locked down tight. That didn’t bode well.
I linked her, “Mom?” She answered, “Alexander.” I growled because she knew what I was asking. She went inside. I linked, “Dad?” He replied, “I don’t know, son.” Melanie felt surprised about whatever was going on. It might even be more than that.
EJ gripped my shoulder saying, “Someone will call if we need to go home, focus on what we are doing here.” I nodded and pushed everything aside. Gage and Phil were worried and at a loss too. I could tell. I linked Oden, “You’ll monitor Freya, right?”
Oden answered, “Of course. We’ve been talking, but she’s been quiet.” That was weird. Oden would figure it out though. Oden replied sincerely, “Thank you for the vote of confidence, I will figure it out.” I snorted and walked inside.
We checked into our rooms. I laid down on my temporary bed, already missing Melanie. Oden was restless but he didn’t know why. I got up and went downstairs and met with several new Alphas. They all wanted to meet me.
EJ linked, “You’re popular.” Elise teased me, “Well, if it isn’t Melanie’s Xander.” A voice broke through, “Yes, just the man I want to speak to.” I turned, braced for a fight because I knew that voice. Oden snarled, “He’s ours someday.” Yeah, he would be.
The Supernatural Council Leader was a Vampire named Herman Young. That man was smiling at me. Herman looked around me then frowned before asking, “Where is the woman of the hour?” I asked, “Who would that be?”
Oden snorted, “Evasive.” Yeah, I was going to be a dick to this guy. Herman glared at me before answering, “Your mate. I wished to meet her.” I told him, “My wife isn’t here.” A Demon shimmered in and laughed.
Said Demon commented, “I do love winning money. I knew you wouldn’t bring her, Alpha Alexander. Like father, like son. A lot of people will be upset about that move.” Oden scoffed, “Like we give a single fuck.” Exactly.
I countered, “Like so many of these packs here are upset with you for signing off on their packs being in good standing when they weren’t.” Several people stiffened. Herman hissed, “You insolent little brat!” A pop sounded. Mom punched Herman in the gut, then kneed him in the balls, before I put her behind me as EJ stepped beside me.
