Page 120

More time passed in a flash of punishments, mean letters, and saving the pack from take overs.

Alpha Theo had visited with his son Lux again.

He was an odd duck. He was a partial Alpha, and he’d also had his Alpha Ceremony…

but in private… and he did the job of the Alpha but he refused to completely take over until his younger brother, Harrison, was eighteen.

So, he wasn’t the official Alpha, but he was.

Honestly, Lux was funny and a flirt, but a nice one.

That was new for me. Literally. He asked me on dates which was weird.

I’d never been asked on one before. I got told I’d be in someone’s bed…

or possessed…but never a date. I’d attempted to go do a dance as Addison’s date once and that was a disaster.

Flashback

Melanie spun around. Addison said, “I can’t believe you found that dress at a second hand store.” I smoothed out the light pink dress. It wasn’t my usual color or style, but it had been a good find. Addison admitted, “I don’t understand why you didn’t just go to a store or order a designer dress.”

I said, “Well, for one I don’t need your dad knowing I have the money to do that.” She scrunched up her face, “Fair point.” I said, “And two…” I trailed of and forced myself not to cry. She squeezed my hands, “Mel?”

I admitted, “I was supposed to do this with my mom and momma Chelsea. We talked about it… all the time…about how much fun we’d have.

Momma Chelsea even promised to try to get my mom to agree to shopping in Black Mountain…

which probably wouldn’t have happened but…

I can’t go to some dress shop without my mom. ” She nodded, “I get it.”

We walked out and Mason and Hendrick fanned their faces. Mason took several pictures and squeezed us both. He said, “You look beautiful. I’m so sorry we can’t drive you.” In the back of my mind, I knew this was a trap but I didn’t want it to be.

Hendrick sighed, “Yeah, Edward pulled us into a border patrol run.” Definite trap. No. I was GOING to this dance. Addison waved, “It’s fine. I’m driving us.” Edward wouldn’t do anything or have it planned for the car since that was the plan.

We left and got in the car. I asked, “Are Si and Paige there?” I’d had us stagger our arrival.

Paige was Sierra’s date. Addison nodded, “Yup. Sierra said plenty of guy want to be on your dancing card.” I laughed, “That’s…

actually oddly familiar…people used to clamor to be my partner at dance competitions. ” She grinned and we took off.

I knew it was going to hell the second we got out of the car. I whispered, “Go inside, Ads.” She asked, “What’s wrong?” Trevor and his friends plus some others came out of the shadows. They had paintball guns. I told her, “Go.”

Addison said, “This was approved.” Trevor laughed, “For this reason.” He took a shot at her but I pushed her aside and took the paintball right in the gut. It was green and splattered all over my light pink dress. I took shot after shot.

Trevor said, “You can leave or we can ruin Addison’s pretty dress next.” She’d gone shopping with her mom for hers. Addison growled, “You son of a bitch!” I told her, “It’s ok. We knew this was a long shot…just go have fun with Sierra and Paige. Ok?”

She whispered, “I can’t…” I interrupted, “You can.” I linked her, “I’ll just go be with my family in the way I can and dance.” She clenched her jaw. I continued, “Dances like this are a wright of passage according to my mom. Go on, have your fun.” She turned and stomped away.

I took off running while they laughed behind me. Tears burned my eyes. I’d just wanted to go to a school dance. Just one. I went to where my commemorative headstones were for my family and danced my pain away.

Flashback Ends

I shook off the past and looked around at my friends. My eighteenth birthday was coming up. I already knew Xander was mine, but next week… it was official. I could find my mate. I lifted the bottle of vodka to my lips and drank.

Paige asked, “Is drunk Melanie making an appearance?” Addison snorted, “Making? She’s already had five bottles.” I pulled up my laptop and opened the camera for Black Mountain’s gym. I sighed, “Isn’t he just… handsome?”

Avery questioned, “Umm did she hack into Black Mountain?” I did it a long time ago, so I giggled. I squealed, “And there’s Elise! That’s EJ… Oh and Wesley! Hey, Micah and Max are there! We should call him.”

Paige disagreed, “Uhh no… I don't think you should.” Addison muttered, “Why not?” Paige snorted, “Are you kidding me?” While they argued I took out my phone and called Micah, but he didn’t answer. Which was rude… when you thought about it.

I sighed and left a message, “MICAH! Why didn’t you answer the phone? This is no fun… you could answer and maybe things could be different. You didn’t though… so that’s sad… Call me back!” I frowned and hung up.

Avery said, “It’s ok.” I sighed, “He didn’t even look at his phone. Probably because he’s with his mate. Look how cute and happy they look. They are so smooshy in love.” Paige groaned, “Dear god… smooshy? She’s making up words again. Do NOT hack Webster to put your words in them again.”

I ignored that saying, “Look at how their faces smoosh together. They are smooshy. OHHH Let’s call Cayden!

” Paige sighed while Addison encouraged me, “Yes, call Cayden.” Paige sighed, “Addison?” Addison shrugged, “You’d agree if you knew about certain things.

She’s having fun and she deserves it.” I so did.

Cayden’s phone rang three times before someone picked up. “This is Cayden’s phone.” I sighed, “You’re not Cayden.” He laughed, “What gave me away?” I answered, “Several things. Your voice being one then the fact that you said Cayden’s phone. No one answers their own phone that way.”

He laughed again, “Cayden stepped away for a moment.” I sighed, “He’s probably with Cassie being adorably mated.

” He asked, “Do you not like Cassie?” I answered quickly, “Oh no, I think she’s great.

I’m happy for him… and her. Because mates…

yay… I’m just bored. I hate being bored.

Who is this?” Paige smacked her own head.

The guy laughed, “My name is Spencer.” I surmised, “Prince Marcus’ and Princess Torvi’s son.

” Addison winced. What was their deal? Spencer said, “Now how would you know that?” I answered, “Uhhh… well you’re answering Cayden’s phone, and your name is Spencer.

You’re obviously Duke Spencer Cambridge. ” I took another drink.

Spencer said, “I don’t know that it was obvious.” I disagreed, “Well… it is to me.” Spencer laughed, “And you are?” I sighed, “You would ask a complicated question.” Paige chimed in saying, “Ashley, her name is Ashley.” I huffed because it wasn’t.

Spencer said, “I’m not sure how that was a complicated question then. That makes this caller Ashley Griffen. Is something wrong?” I answered, “Yes, I’m deeply and utterly BORED! I don’t like being bored.”

Spencer snorted, “Is there a reason you're drinking in excess?” I looked at my phone and asked, “Why do you ask such complicated questions? You’re harshing my buzz.” Spencer said, “I highly doubt that’s possible. It’s also not a hard question.”

I said, “Cept it is a… very hard to answer, given that you’re…. you. Have you ever told your god that he should figure out how to kill an immortal being? WAIT! You’re a Hackura… if anyone could kill an immortal being it would be you.”

Spencer replied, “A stake can kill a vampire.” I snorted, “I meant a goddess. Everyone knows how to kill a Vampire… I suppose I could stab her in her chest where her heart is supposed to be. It would at least hurt… don’t you think?”

Spencer said, “I’m sure that it would. Why would you do that?” I snorted, “Uhh because Selene’s a colossal evil horrid excuse of an immortal being.” Spencer asked, “Are you bitter about your lack of wolf?” Well, that was a word choice.

I cackled, “BITTER?! Bitter, he asks. Guys… the Duke of the Hackura is hilarious. He’s got jokes. Bitter. I’m pissed. No, no, I am infuriated. There’s no reason I shouldn’t have a wolf even if what they say is true.”

Spencer questioned, “And what do they say?” I snorted, “You’re a Duke of the Hackura. If you wanted to find out what they say about me, you could find out. Easily.” Addison linked, “Did you really just challenge a Hackura?!”

I replied, “Uhh no… I stated a fact. A literal fact.” She groaned in reply. Spencer said, “How very true. I’m curious how you know that.” I said, “Uhhh I’m smart. Obviously.” Spencer sounded amused, “Obviously. Oh look, Cayden’s back.”

Cayden asked, “Ashely?” I groaned. Paige hit me.

I shouted, “HEY! That hurt.” Cayden cleared his throat, “Ashley, what’s wrong?

” I grumbled, “I used to like that name.” Cayden clarified, “Your name?” I sighed, “Yup. Loved it. Now… now I hate it. Can you ask Duke Spencer why he asks such hard questions?”

Cayden said, “I could do that. Why did you call me? Never mind, you’re bored, aren’t you?” I complained, “I AM SO BORED! You just get me. Like a brother would.” Because he was supposed to be my brother in law. That thought hurt and had me drinking more.

Cayden laughed, “Have you tried learning Russian or something?” I considered, “I could do something like that. I learned French the other day… I do know Russian already though… for reasons… I could learn something else. That’s a thing… I could do. There are several languages I don’t know yet.”

Cayden laughed, “I could give you a tour here.” I gasped, “REALLY? OMG YOU GUYS!” Cayden practically shouted, “I’ve offered to do just that several times!” I urged, “GUYS LET’S GO!!!!!” Paige, Addison, and Avery yelled, “NO!” I sighed, “But… I would be so much less bored.”

Avery somewhat demanded, “Hang up the phone, Ash.” I sighed, “Apparently I have to go, Cayden.” Cayden teased, “Should the wardens leave, and you want a tour, call back.” I snickered, “Aye, Aye Commander Captain.” I hung up the phone.