Page 48 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart (Ribbon #7)

EJ is Twenty-Three Years old

EJ studied Elise. She was focused, chewing on the end of her pencil. I couldn’t stop my smile as I looked at her. I wished I could make all her worries fade. I knew the top one was that it was Melanie’s Senior Year of high school. I had no doubt she’d be getting into Julliard.

We were all hoping for her that she’d get into it, but at the same time I felt like shit because another part of me hoped she didn’t get in. Brutus reasoned, “Only because we want her to come home.”

I had to stop thinking about it or I’d get a headache.

I looked up as a smirking Alpha Theo came and sat down in my office. Elise stopped chewing her pencil and sat up eagerly. She’d started an email correspondence with Ashley Griffen a few years back. I knew it made her happy, so I was too.

I’d even read some of the emails. Elise would read some of them to me. I knew we’d have to get Ashley and Ladybug in touch some time. They would get along really well and never stop talking. No one would get a word in edgewise around those two.

Brutus linked, “Mate is so excited to hear what happened in Black Path.”

I knew that Theo had gone down to their pack since Dad, Lucas, and especially Alpha Chase couldn’t go. Alpha Theo had actually met Ashley two years ago.

My dad made that order because he wanted to be sure she was ok. It was the council’s duty in his mind. Theo liked her a lot and told us their initial meeting was interesting. That Ashley was bitter, rough, but a fireball. Apparently, she had moxie. Elise agreed with him, but she didn’t get the bitter part. Micah had silently agreed, but whatever bitterness they had seen in Ashley she didn’t show with Elise.

My dad asked, “So, what the hell happened Nashville? How did Black Path take over another pack?”

Alpha Theo smiled, “Let me just say, you just won’t believe it. By the way, I love that none of you go down there. In fact, if we EVER need to speak to Ashley Griffen, or Black Path, I volunteer. She is worth the whole damn trip.”

I snorted.

Elise eagerly asked, “Did you ask if she’d changed her mind about us meeting?”

Brutus huffed in my head because we knew the answer already and I hated it. Theo frowned, “I did. She said it wasn’t a good time. To be fair, she’s right.”

Except it was an excuse and we knew it.

My dad frowned, “Why?”

Theo sat back answering, “Well, we will be slapping Black Path with one HELL of a fine. If Alpha Davis’s son wasn’t the exact opposite of his father, I’d say we take over and install a new Alpha.”

That was as strong stance.

He continued, “As his son is gearing up to challenge him for the title, I’d say within two to three years he’ll be the Alpha. Plus, they have their Female Lead Warrior who is top notch. So, it feels like why bother?”

I frowned, “What do you mean?”

He answered, “Well, for starters, they were attacked. They didn’t just take over their neighbor’s pack.”

Elise sat straight up. She pressed, “But Ashley’s ok, right?”

Alexander even leaned forward. Theo nodded assuring her, “She’s fine. She literally had a scratch. One, as in singular. It was healed by the time I left.”

My dad repeated, “So, what happened?”

Theo smiled coyly asking, “Whose version do you want first? Keep in mind, I opted for the best, most accurate version last.”

My dad laughed. Theo had reported after his initial meeting that Ashley Griffen had called her Alpha a bad Alpha to his face. Yet his wolf didn’t even growl at her, and no one stopped her.

In fact, she’d called their entire ranked group crappy at their jobs. He said none of them did anything. We thought it was because their wolves respected her because she’d beat them in a fight. My dad said, “We will follow your lead then and get Ashley’s story last. What did Alpha Davis have to say?”

Theo smiled, “They were attacked and defended themselves. It was decided they would push back into the attacking pack’s territory to kill their Alpha and those who’d attacked them.”

He stopped talking. Brutus linked, “Is he done talking?”

I replied, “It looks like it.” He grumbled in my head knowing that was the worst report ever.

I raised an eyebrow, “That’s it? That’s all he said? Was he even there when the attack happened? That’s barely a memo. Did his Beta add more to the report?”

Theo smirked, “No, his Beta said the exact same thing.”

Phil snorted, “That’s pathetic. Team Ashley Griffen everybody. They suck balls at their job.”

Alexander looked over at him. Phil shrugged “What? That girl and I would be best friends. I just feel it. She may be email buddies with Elise, but my heart knows she’s my best friend.”

He nudged my brother, “Don’t worry, it’s a totally platonic love that I harbor Alpha Cousin of mine.”

I raised an eyebrow while Phil winked at me. Brutus said, “I’ll talk to Oden.”

Good. I wanted answers. Gage asked, “What about his Gamma?” Genevieve nodded wanting that answer. Theo snorted, “Gamma Booker had nothing to do add.” They both made annoyed faces.

I asked, “What did Ashley say then?”

Theo grinned, “She had quite the colorful commentary on it. I’m going to have to directly quote this because it might be the best sentence I’ve heard said to an Alpha’s face since your mother took a few people to task.”

We all leaned forward.

He grinned, “She said, and I quote ‘While the spineless, gutless, ballless, pathetic, cowardice excuse of pack leadership tucked their tails and barricaded themselves in their office WHILE THEY CRIED crocodile tears for their mommy’s, we defended this pack.’”

He paused for dramatic effect. My jaw was on the floor.

Elise snarled in anger, “THEY HID?! OHHH I’M GOING DOWN THERE TO KICK THEIR ASSES!”

I laughed and put my arms around her. “That’s my girl.”

I pulled her into my lap to help her calm down since she was fuming.

Alexander asked, “How did Ashley defend the pack while their leadership hid?”

Theo explained, “She ordered her Warriors, not the trash useless Warriors under the Male Lead Warrior mind you, to the west, east and south borders.”

I laughed complimenting, “Smart girl. She made them come through the North if they wanted to attack Black Path. That would just be stupid to continue the attack. With the terrain on their northside, they’d be exhausted just getting to the border.”

Theo nodded, “That’s what’s happened. Her Warriors held them off and forced them to come from the north. She fought on the front lines with the future leadership of the pack, minus the Gamma of course. He hid with the current leadership. Though, I can’t say the future Alpha, Caine Davis, plans to make Trevor McCann his Gamma. They all seem to hate him. Loathe might be the more accurate word.”

I growled, “He wouldn't be a Gamma here.”

Theo shrugged, “He followed the lead of his father. I used to like that man, but something changed when he was a young pup.”

He looked off to the side. My dad cleared his throat.

Theo said, “Anyway that was all once Ashley calmed down after my arrival there. That woman has the fury of one hundred hellhounds.”

I questioned, “Why was she upset?”

Theo chuckled, “Yet again I’m going to have to quote her. She told the pack doctor ‘If you ever look at someone to get their permission to save the life of a pup or other pack member no one will have to ASK you where your balls are because I will CUT THEM OFF AND THROW THEM DOWN THE DANG HALLWAY! DO YOUR JOB OR THERE WILL BE A VACANCY FOR IT!’ Then she punched him in the face.” I gaped at him.

He added, “Alpha Davis told me she was emotional from the fight. She nearly punched him in the face before I stopped her. The shocking part was he was going to let her. I am remiss that I didn’t just let her do it. Hindsight and all.”

My dad questioned, “And we are certain the son is training to challenge his father?”

Theo nodded, “I took the man aside myself and asked. He and the future Beta train with.”

He trailed off then grinned, “just guess.” Alexander chimed in, “Ashley.” Theo nodded, “Yup. It seems daddy dearest isn’t handing down the fighting secrets.”

Elise grumbled, “Because his secrets are to hide in his damn office!”

I told her, “Alpha Davis isn’t a bad fighter according to our intel. He is an Alpha, after all.”

Theo chuckled, “An Alpha whose mate can’t stand the sight of him.” Our heads snapped back to him.

He nodded, “Yeah, Ashley has a way with words. Let me tell you that once she starts, she can’t stop talking until someone stops her. Which few are inclined to do, other than telling her to shut up. Which does not work.”

From what I’d seen in email that was true.

Elise rubbed her forehead. I linked her, “Headache?”

She nodded. Truthfully, I was getting one too. My dad was rubbing his temples as well. Alexander asked, “Who killed the Alpha of the other pack?”

Theo gave the answer we all expected. “Ashley pursued the group that retreated with her two best friends. The Alpha’s daughter Addison Davis, and the Beta’s Daughter Sierra Kiern. With a group of Warriors of course.”

Elise asked, “Who does Ashley live with? In the pack I mean? She doesn’t talk about her home life, but she said she’s not in the pack house. She mentioned she had a family in name only there though.”

Theo blinked admitting, “I had not heard that. She doesn’t live with family. She lives with a mated couple though. Mason and Hendrick King, and they love her as their own. They weren’t named Warriors until she became the Female Lead Warrior because they are gay.”

I growled.

Theo shrugged, “Damn shame for the pack too. Those men are good fighters. I’ve been telling them for years that I’d be honored to have them in my pack. They always said they felt called by the Goddess to stay there.”

“Now I know it’s because they were waiting for Ashley. Selene knew she’d need them. I’d be damn proud of her if that girl was my daughter. She doesn’t take anyone’s shit. She calls it how it is, and they do nothing.”

My dad reasoned, “It’s not a problem with authority if she doesn’t insult you. You said she likes the future leadership of the pack too. I initially thought maybe she just felt bitter, and rightfully so. I thought they gave her leeway because of her family problems. Her reactions make sense for a hurt pup.”

Theo smiled, “She is not disrespectful to me, but if she was Titan would growl. I may understand she’s hurting because of what happened in her life, but our wolves don’t. She doesn’t look away in submission as other wolves do under my gaze either. She is intriguing. The boys of the pack fawn over her.”

Alexander practically snarled, “What do you mean?”

Theo ground out, “They all want her. There appears to be a young man that even claims to be her mate.”

Alexander growled and his fury hit me. I linked him, “What the fuck?” My dad raised an eyebrow at him.

Then my dad asked, “Claims?”

Theo nodded, “Yes. Trevor McCann, the unlikely future Gamma, claims she’s his. On her end, she feels nothing for him but repulsion. She actually went as far to say he smells like a wet dog. I did not get the impression this was the first time she’d said those words since she turned eighteen.”

My brother’s fury nearly had my eyes turning gold.

I said, “He should be punished for lying then. She would feel the mate bond.”

Theo rolled his eyes, “He claims since she doesn’t have a wolf, she wouldn't feel the bond until they mated and marked each other.”

My dad growled, “That’s bullshit! Tell me she filed a complaint.”

Theo sighed, “She didn’t. She told me she could handle it. I gave her the paperwork and told her to think about it. I told her that it’s a serious offense. She threw the paperwork in the trash after she made sure I was watching. Maybe Elise could….”

He trailed off because Elise was already typing an email on her phone.

She told him, “I’ll talk to her.”

Theo added, “While you’re at it, see if you can get Trevor and Ashley’s history.”

We all looked up. My dad growled, “Theo, if you suspect he raped her….” Theo put up his hands interpreting, “I would not have left her there if I did. I do genuinely like this girl, in a daughterly way anyway. She’s a bit angry, but I think that’s because her family died.”

I asked, “Did we track down the sibling in Missouri?”

Theo glanced at my dad then answered, “Your dad and I have visited the pack numerous times.”

I looked over at my dad in surprise. My dad’s mouth was set tight. He told us, “The brother is never there when we are there to talk to him.”

I raised an eyebrow, “You don’t believe them. Why didn’t mom go with you?”

My dad rubbed his neck, “Missouri is difficult for me personally. I won’t have any of you there if I can help it.”

I frowned, “If we need to go, you know we will.”

My dad closed his eyes, “I will not voluntarily ask your mother to go there. Nor will I ask Cassie. There are threats there, son.”

Elise muttered, “That seems convenient.”

Alexander asked, “What do you mean?”

Elise shrugged, “Ashley’s former pack happens to be from the one place Eric doesn’t want Cassie or Haley to go.”

My dad laughed, “There are many places I don’t want them to go.”

Elise nodded, “But the vampires of Missouri are part of why you don’t want Haley there. Even though you could go during the day. Everyone knows that.” Brutus linked, “Ashley can’t help where she is from.” That was a good point.

My dad chuckled, “You are right, Elise. There are some covens I don’t trust there too. I am overly sensitive about Haley and anything involving Vampires. There are also packs Theo and I have to avoid ourselves when we go. We are not popular there.”

I frowned.

Alexander asked Theo, “Why didn’t you just kill Alpha Davis and put his son in charge?”

Theo shrugged, “Because Ashley told me they had a plan they were sticking to. I trust her. Plus, I know if she said that then the boys aren’t ready to take over. Which likely means they wouldn’t win the fight yet.”

My dad offered, “We are keeping an eye on things.”

I frowned, “Do you suspect them of something?”

Theo told me, “Your dad suspects every pack in Nashville of something.” Alexander said, “We have Fairy blood, Theo. I can spot an evasion a mile away. You suspect them too.”

Theo sat back, nodding, “I do. I think if I can continue to build trust with Ashley, I will find out exactly what that is.”

Elise frowned, “You think she knows.”

It wasn’t a question. Theo responded, “I know she does. The way she acts with complete disrespect and disregard for the leadership tells me so.”

“She called her Alpha spineless to his face. His wolf didn’t growl, and the man himself didn’t correct her. I’d imagine that is because she has something over him. She’s very calculated in what she says and does. She knew exactly what throwing them under the bus with me present would do. She knew that I’d wait because she knows I want her to trust me. That girl thinks twenty steps ahead of everything she does. She’s got talent like you wouldn’t believe and it’s a damn shame it’s being wasted down there on those people.”

I agreed with all that.

I frowned, something pricked in my brain. That was similar to something people had said about Melanie. I shrugged it off offering, “Then she could be playing you.”

Theo acknowledged, “She could be. Only time will tell, but her hatred for that pack is on full display. I assure you that no one is that good at acting. She’s honestly not even a good liar. It’s kind of sad. I laughed out loud when she lied to me, and she turned the color of a tomato. Her heartbeat even gave her away. Not like a little either. Her heartbeat was off for the races.”

Elise sighed.

Theo added, “You just have to like the girl. You really do. If you all meet her, you’ll know. She’s a natural leader. I’m stunned she has no wolf honestly with her commanding presence. The pack wants to follow her. They actually do, but I don’t think she notices. She’s basically in charge of the day to day.”

My dad admitted, “Ashley is why I’m convinced the underground we know about is for show.”

I frowned, “Why?”

My dad raised an eyebrow, “They haven’t tried to recruit her to fight, not even once.” Brutus perked up in my head.

My dad continued, “There are no emails, no visits, nothing. She would be a crowd pleaser and ticket seller. I own many businesses as you know; if I was running the legitimate underground, I would want Ashley Griffen fighting. People are curious about her, and not many have met her. She sticks to Nashville and it’s not exactly a welcoming place. But the wolf less female Warrior? That would sellout crowds.”

Alexander nodded, “It’s true. I’m guessing she’s refused a meeting with you, dad?”

My dad nodded, “Several times. I’ve even offered to wait outside while she talks with Elise first.”

I raised an eyebrow asking, “Is she rude to you?”

My dad shook his head, “No, she’s very polite and tells me that she’s very busy and focused on her duties. It’s an honor I would ask, apparently. Her thought process is fluid, one to another.”

Alexander suggested, “I could ask her fighter to fighter.”

My dad acknowledged, “It can’t hurt. I’ll be emailing her the paperwork to file against Trevor McCann. It’s a serious offense to claim you are someone’s mate and try to force them to bond when they feel no mate bond. It spits in the face of the Moon Goddess.”

Theo pursed her lips warning, “I wouldn’t use that argument with Ashley. Her whole face turned red when I said that. She looked pretty mad.”

I asked, “Why?”

Alexander snorted, “She’s wolf less and didn’t think she would be. What we have about her family says her parents were full blooded werewolves. Her remaining family is apparently shit, and she’s in a horrible pack in Nashville. I’m going to go out on a limb and say she doesn’t like the Moon Goddess.” Brutus whined in my head. Selene wasn’t my favorite goddess, but she wasn’t horrible like Azoney. Cassie hated them both though.

I frowned, “Well, when you put it that way it makes sense.”

My dad sighed, “I’m sure when Chase reads Theo’s report, he’ll be emailing her too. He’ll salivate over the name alone. He hates the McCann’s, and the fact that Trevor is a bad person will have his protective instincts firing.”

Theo gently said, “She’ll say no and that she can handle it. I asked point blank if he raped her. She snorted and said he couldn’t take her on her worst day. Then she straight up told me she’d never had sex before. A fact that was backed up by many people. Her friends were the ones I believed. Most of the guys I spoke to in the pack called her the Ice Queen.”

Elise stiffened, “Excuse me? They called her an Ice Queen because she doesn’t want to fuck them?”

Theo shrugged, “Not just sex. Any type of physical activity. Some would like to make out with her according to them she shuts it all down.”

Elise told him, “There’s someone near where her home pack is that she likes. She said he didn’t like her back though and he blames her just like everyone else did.”

Theo shrugged, “He sounds like an idiot, just like her brother. You can’t pick your family though. Ashley is amazing. I hoped her and Lux would be mates, but alas they’re not.”

I somewhat teased, “Does Lux like her?”

Theo laughed, “I have yet to come across a woman into men that my son does not like. What is rare is to find a woman who isn’t the slightest bit interested in him.”

I could feel Alexander’s smugness about that.

I linked him, “Do you like Ashley now or something?”

He immediately felt guilty. He sighed and replied, “I don’t know.”

Dylan was never not going to call my brother the moody triplet at this rate. I asked him, “So, you don’t think Melanie is your mate anymore?” He answered immediately, “No, I do.” I shot back, “Ok then. Now that that’s settled maybe you can answer the Ashley question.” He didn’t answer.

Alpha Theo left to talk to dad some more. I kissed Elise. I told her, “Ashley will be ok.”

Elise sighed, “I failed her and Mel. I can’t get through to them.”

I argued, “You do not fail either of them. Melanie is dancing and living her dream.”

Elise threw a pen and shouted, “I am SICK AND TIRED of everyone saying that! Don’t you think we say it like a mantra?”

I frowned but the truth was she was right. I shrugged, “We do, but Ashely and Melanie aren’t the same. You’re doing everything you can, babe. You’ve told her she can come here. Hell, I’ve told her she can come here.”

Elise sighed, “She thinks her parents' death is her fault.”

I rubbed my face, “To be fair, that’s what everyone is telling her. I know it’s not true and so do you. It might take some time for that to sink in for Ashley herself.”

Elise slapped the desk, “That’s bullshit! Your parents would give their lives for yours, just as mine would for me. That doesn’t make it your fault. I WANT to find her stupid brother so I can remove his head FROM HIS ASS!”

She gripped the table, “He’s sending her letters. I don’t know what’s in them, but I do know whatever they say brings her guilt back up. He’s hurting and he’s taking it out on her. It’s not fair! You would never do that to your siblings, and unlike her brother's mate, I’d kick your ass if you did.”

I hadn’t heard he was mated. I asked, “Her brother’s mate?”

She angrily told me, “They have a son. His mate fully supports his decision to cut Ashley out of their lives. They refuse to let her see her nephew. I hate it for her. She wants to meet him. Just like I know Melanie would love to come see Kai.”

Tristan and Everly’s little boy was a delight. Everyone loved him. Elise continued, “I swear to god if one more natural disaster keeps Mel from seeing him, I’ll just start cursing ALL the gods and goddesses. They will ALL be on my shit list. I know Mel is sad she hasn't gotten home to see Kai.”

I had nothing nice to say about this situation anymore so I said nothing.

Brutus grumbled, “They could just let us pop or portal to Melanie. That would solve ALL the damn problems, but nooooo. It’s like they forgot their own Gamma family CAN POP!”

Yeah, it was annoying and weird.

Elise’s phone dinged and she frowned. Her annoyance flooded into me as she threw her phone. She yelled, “That’s such bullshit! How could someone claim to be someone’s mate? The fact that she doesn’t have a wolf has nothing to do with it. She would feel the sparks when he touched her.”

I nodded, “I know.”

Her eyes filled with tears as she whispered, “We need to get her out of there. Everyone has a bad day, and he could take advantage of her. What if he marks her against her will?”

I hugged her, “She’s strong. One day, hopefully soon, she will see her strength. She’s actually doing them a lot of good. Their Warriors are the best they’ve ever been. The she wolves are actually involved in their pack. If he hurts her, he’s dead. I promise you that.”

She nodded.

After a few moments he asked me, “For her, couldn’t we see about being allies?”

I smiled and kissed her forehead. I assured her, “When the new leadership takes over the pack, I have no problem with that. I won’t approach the current Alpha Davis. He’s shady and up to something.”

Elise groaned, “Why can’t we just….?”

I interrupted, “We aren’t their neighbors. We need proof they are doing something they shouldn’t be. I am more than willing to take over if we have that.”

Elise begrudgingly admitted, “Ashley won’t talk about stuff like that.” I kissed her slowly planning to distract her in a fun way.

A knock at my door pulled us apart. I groaned. Elise laughed asking, “Later?”

I slapped her playfully on the butt, “You bet your perfect ass later.”

She told me, “I’m going on a walk.” I nodded and glared at Toby as he came in.

He pulled up short, “What’s with the…?”

He inhaled then said, “Oh. Well, blame your brother. He’s at it again in the gym.”

I linked the pack, “Clear the gym. Now.” Alexander would know, like everyone else, that didn’t mean him.

Angela popped in. She giggled asking me, “Can I start planning my birthday party?”

I smiled pointing out, “Your mean your birthday party that’s after mine, Cassie, and Alexander’s birthday?”

Angela nodded, “Yes, that one.” I laughed, “If you want.” She clapped.

I raised an eyebrow, “Why?”

Angela squealed, “It’s going to be a big birthday! I want it to be perfect!”

I ruffled her hair saying, “True. It’s not every day that a little girl turns ten. Don’t forget it’s TJ’s birthday too. Make sure you include him.”

Angela clapped, “IT’S GOING TO BE THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!”

Her enthusiasm brought a huge smile to my face. I kissed her forehead, “I’m sure it will be.”

She warned, “Don’t be a sour puss!” I frowned, “How was I being a sour puss?”

Angela shook her head, “Not today, at the party.”

I snorted, “I won’t be a sour puss on your birthday.”

Angela studied me then got a faraway look in her eye. She sighed, “That is not determined.” I laughed, “Oh come on!” Angela smiled, “It could go either way. Just remember I said no being a sour pus and you said you wouldn’t be.” I assured her, “I will do my absolute best. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go see Alexander.”

She sighed, “If only his path was clear, I could help. I’m working on it.”

I kissed her forehead again, “You don’t need to work on it, Angela. Alexander will be ok.”

Angela ignored me, “I’ll get it figured out and handled. Because now it feels like the blurry paths are just mocking me. I hate being mocked.”

I snorted, “You aren’t being mocked.”

Angela raised an eyebrow, “I am, but I WILL rise to the challenge.”

The bond told me she’d been working on it. I asked her, “What have you been doing?” Angela answered, “Testing theories. I haven’t gotten the right one yet, but I will. I will figure it out.” I couldn’t help but laugh again.

I smiled and tapped her nose, “See that you don’t get into trouble, ok?”

Angela sighed, “Staying out of trouble is boring.”