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All the loneliness I felt on holidays seeing my siblings in love and wishing for my own were gone. None of it mattered now. I had her, and I’d be damned if I let her go. Oden growled, “We will decimate anyone who tries. Ajax will be thrilled because she’ll be home.”

Yeah, they were going to be hurt too though. She’d missed a lot never coming home. She’d never even met her nephew. Our mates came back over with cookies. Melanie had sugar cookies, which didn’t surprise me.

When we left the shop, I popped us to restaurant nearby for dinner. Melanie’s eyes were wide with excitement. I pulled her chair as close to mine as I could then ordered for the table. The wine I’d selected was brought over.

I asked, “Have you had wine before?” Melanie shook her head, “Wine, no. I have not had wine before.” I laughed, “Evasive. Have you had alcohol before?” Melanie nodded, “Yup… for sure. A lot… probably more than… that’s not the point. Uhh the point is I’m a vodka cranberry juice kinda girl.”

Oden growled, “What did that mean?” I replied, “If you were a Beta’s pup and didn’t get a wolf I’d imagine you’d attempt to drink that pain away.” I didn’t like that she had, but I could easily understand the notion.

I was shocked that she didn’t come home though to try and figure out what happened.

Maybe she was embarrassed? That tracked.

Oden growled, “If the Supernatural Council did this then lied saying that we didn’t want her because of her lack of her wolf, and neither did her family, we explode heads.

” I agreed, “Eventually, yes. Prior to that we torture them for six years.” He conceded, “I do like that plan.”

I playfully teased my mate, “You really like do like the color red.” Melanie leaned over and kissed my cheek. She blushed admitting, “I do. It’s my favorite color.” I knew that. We ate our meal enjoying conversation as a group. We blended well together, but that wasn’t surprising.

As soon as Melanie and I were done eating I was ready to go. I asked, “Do you want to get out of here?” Melanie laughed before telling me, “Samantha eats REALLY slow… for as fast as I talk... she eats the opposite way.”

I smirked, “That sounds like a Phil problem.” She touched my arm lightly. She giggled, “You’re so bad.” Her eyes told me she wanted to go though. Oden purred, “I do like that her emotions are all over her face but Freya said she did want to leave. They want to spend time with us.” I did too.

Sierra urged, “We are fine by ourselves, Ash. In fact, it sounds like a lot more fun that way. Go on and get.” Melanie blinked at her. Sierra waved at her, “You two get out of here.” Melanie flushed, “Are you sure?” Sierra practically pushed her out of her chair.

They clearly linked again because Melanie blushed harder. Sierra smiled, “I demand you two go back to the house. There’s no need to wait for me. Even though I maintain, I eat at a perfectly normal pace that allows my food to digest.” Melanie laughed and I took her hand.

She smiled up at me a little nervously. I asked again, “Do you want to get out of here?” I was praying to every god and goddess I knew the name of that she’d say yes. She smiled shyly and nodded. With that answer, we ran out of the restaurant. More than a few knowing looks were thrown our way.

There was live music playing when we walked outside. I spun her around, pulled her into me, and started leading us in a swing style dance. She laughed delightedly asking, “You can dance?” I winked, “I can do a lot of things, my Lovebug.”

I’d learned for her since I knew she loved to dance. My Uncle Aiden taught me all the different styles. I wasn’t a bad dancer due to my Fairy blood. I wasn’t surprised she picked up the moves and knew the style. Then she even started showing me moves. We were quite the duo.

People clapped when the song was over while we were both staring into each other’s eyes. Someone yelled, “If you don’t kiss her, I will!” Oden snarled, “ALEXANDER!” I growled and claimed her lips. MINE! She melted into me, and I couldn’t help but note how our bodies fit together perfectly.

I pulled away from her with great effort. I grabbed her hand and took us to a secluded area before popping us back closer to the house. Oden grumbled, “Pop to a bed. Why are we here?” He knew why. I challenged my mate, “Race ya back.” She giggled, “You’re on Xander.” Then took off.

I gaped for a half second. She really was FAST. Tristan and Jason talked about it all the time, but I thought they were exaggerating. Oden said, “Uhh we are going to lose if we don’t move.” I quickly took off after her. She actually beat me.

I looked over at her asking, “What are you? The Flash?” She answered, “Well, no… I’ve always been faster than most people. Plus, I follow your cardio training plans. Don’t you?” I couldn’t stop my smile or laugh. She gasped, “I mean… of course you do… that... wasn’t... I didn’t… I mean….”

I kissed her again. I really didn’t mind if this is what I had to do to calm her down.

I pulled back whispering, “You’re funny and playful.

You’re perfect.” Pain flashed into her eyes.

She whispered, “I’m not.” I tilted her chin back up declaring, “To me, you are perfect. Come on.” We walked inside.

I sat down on the couch, and she followed.

I asked, “So, how’s having a wolf?” She smiled, “I... it’s kind of weird having this extra voice in my head, but super cool at the same time.

I keep almost answering out loud and sounding like a crazy person.

I don’t know how sixteen year old’s do this and go to class. ”

I laughed, “Oh yeah? Were you the brainiac in your class?” Melanie looked away, “I used to be.” Oden growled, “What does that mean?” I answered, “You know as I do that Ashley Griffen has a GED. I don’t know if Melanie was ever dancing at that high school.

” He snarled in my head, and I felt exactly how he did about that.

I asked, “Why did you get a GED?” Ashley shrugged, “It was important to me. Black Path doesn’t really put an emphasis on education. They especially didn’t put one on mine. They were not thrilled that I got a GED, but they can eat lard.”

I laughed, “I’d like to see that. I could also arrange it and make it happen.” Melanie laughed, “Oh my gosh… that would be hilarious.” Oden chimed in, “Let’s do that then. Keep her happy.” It really was easily done.

I somewhat warned her, “Just remember, your wish is my command. I’m a partial Fairy. I can absolutely make them eat lard.” Melanie cackled. She managed to say, “You… have… no…. idea… how… funny… that is….”

I changed the subject, “When I come back from doing something for my uncle, will you be ready to move? I’d honestly offer to move to your pack, but I’m certain I would not be accepted there. Nor do I like most packs in the Nashville area.”

She snorted, “Because they are mostly trash… there are good ones though… since ya know, Phil’s friend… his pack is good.” I nodded. I offered, “You could challenge and be the Female Lead Warrior of the pack that’s mine if you wanted to.” Melanie’s eyes widened.

She replied, “You might not want me to move... I mean... I don’t know if I can.

.. I mean... Black Mountain is…. and I’m…

.” I interrupted, “I want you with me.” She put her fingers in the corners of her eyes, wiping tears away before they fell.

She whispered, “You might not say that once you know everything.” Oden demanded, “Make her stop crying and tell her that’s not true at all! ” I was going to.

I pulled her into my lap and rubbed circles on her sides.

Eventually I looked her in the eyes. I vowed, “There is nothing you could say that could make me not want you. We all have a past, and stories to tell. You can tell me yours when you’re ready.

I still want you to be ready to leave when I come back.

I shouldn’t be gone very long. It will be a few days at most.” She put her forehead on mine.

She whispered, “I hope that’s true. I want to be with you, Xander. Always. We have… a lot to talk about and work through though if you do too.” I asked, “Like what?” She looked away before answering, “I have a lot of baggage.”

I teased, “I’m good at moving things from one place to another. I’ll conjure it all to Black Mountain. I can also carry quite a bit.” She sniffled, “I mean emotional.” I kissed her lightly whispering, “I know what you meant. I stand by what I said.”

“Your baggage is mine too. I’m here for you. I’ll help you carry the burden. I’m your mate and I’m here for you. I’ll be here at every twist and turn. If you need time to explain things, that’s fine. I’m still here. I’ll leave you my burner number. You can contact me on it while I’m gone.”

I stated, “I’m not leaving you. Not ever. Now that I have you, I’ll never take a mission like this again if you can’t be by my side. I know my uncle will agree. He might want to see your skill set, but your reputation speaks for itself.”

I complimented her, “I’m so proud of you.

I can tell you have some ghosts and some things that hurt you in your past. I don’t think I can accurately express how much I hate that.

I wish I had been there for you all along.

I wouldn’t have held you back, ever; however, I would’ve shared the burden.

You don’t have to take on the world and the injustices in them alone anymore.

I’m here and I’ll help you. Whenever you are ready. ”

Melanie didn’t bother to try to stop her tears this time.

She clung to me as if I was her lifeline.

She pulled back, “I’ve… I’m… not exactly alone, but I am.

I have my friends… and it’s my fault they aren’t as close to me as…

well… I keep them further away than I should…

it’s just they don’t understand…” Neither did I as things stood.