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My mom handed me sparkling rose. I winked, “Ya know, I could shar with you and…” She snorted, “You drink your sparkling rose little lady.” I made a face before admitted, “It is really good.” She fixed my chipped nail polish.

She casually asked, “So, who’s a hottie in your class?” I groaned, “MOM!” She chuckled, “All my friend’s pups had crushes by now.” I shrugged, “I don’t like any of the guys in my class…. I mean as people, they are fine… I mean everyone thinks I’m super weird and…”

She cut me off, “Melanie Jane, you are not weird.” I admitted, “I mean… I kind of am and…” She cupped my face, “No, you are NOT kind of weird. You are amazingly smart, talented, and gifted. Sometimes other people can’t see that.

Your dad worked really hard as a pup to figure out a balance.

” The thing was he had, and I couldn’t seem to.

She kissed the top of my head saying, “If the stupid boys in your class can’t see how amazing you are, then someone else will.” I gasped, “You’re not supposed to say stupid.” She agreed, “Nope, but anyone who calls my pup weird IS stupid.” We both giggled.

We ate our chocolate and watched a movie together snuggled up together under a blanket. I asked, “Mom, do you think I can help with the pack stuff…like everyone keeps me out of it and… well it’s just that I’m really good at fighting.”

She tucked my hair behind my ear and tapped my nose, “I think you can do anything you want. I’ve never seen you set your mind to something that you don’t accomplish.

” I grinned at her. She added, “It’s your time to be a pup, but I feel it in my bones, and Sugar agrees, that you’re going to change the world. ”

The world might be dramatic. She continued, “All those inventions and ideas you have rolling around in that big brain will be the next biggest things to hit the market outside of the things your dad invented.” I puffed up. My dad had invented a lot of things that humans and supernatural’s used.

She hugged me, “We just want you to have your childhood and not grow up too fast. The bad people in this world will always come at us, and sadly that won’t change when you’re older.

I wish it would because I don’t want you, Jase, or T to have to deal with them.

It’s just not realistic. You guys will all make your mark on this world.

It just doesn’t need to be today.” Well, I kind of already was.

We hung out for a few moments longer before I went to my room. I packed my bag and the one I was going to hand off. The Warriors wouldn’t find this weird because I always gave younger pups little dancing kits. I started that before then it turned out to be an easy way to pass off information.

This folder was going to the portal Faerie had here. I had all the details, and it was going through several people before a dancer’s brother was dropping it off. He was actually a supernatural courier, and his sister was going to add it to his route.

That meant Faerie would get the details. I went over my plan and carefully got into the cameras. I went over the blueprints and figured out the new facet to my plan. I only went to sleep once I had it all done.

The second round of competition was all day with more down time for me, which I did not care for.

I did not like being bored. I read more of my Fairy books and kept making notes.

I’d do my dances in between them. I passed out several of my dancer’s kits to pups, and made sure two went to one who passes Tiffany the one with information.

When we got back to the hotel, I didn’t have to feign being tired. My mom said, “I can stay back with you tonight.” I shook my head, “No, you deserve to go have fun!” She hugged me, “You did so good today. One more day.”

I whispered, “I miss home.” She hugged me, “Oh, Ladybug.” I always got homesick on longer competitions. I missed my home and how everything was there. My routine. I missed my family and my pack lands.

I watched her get ready and clapped when she was done.

I told her, “You look amazing!” She laughed, “It’s a Haley creation.

I figure I should wear them since I get them.

” I agreed, “You should. Her creations are amazing.” She spun around before she gave me a hug.

She whispered, “If you need me to come back, just call or link me. Ok?” I nodded, “Ok.”

I quickly went to my room after she left.

I took a deep breath and got dressed in all black and put on a brown colored wig, making sure my mane of raven black hair was tucked in.

I took off all my makeup and used it to make myself look different, complete with black lipstick.

I put in a fake lip ring and pulled my plans back up.

I went through Prince Gunner’s checklist that I’d made from all his papers. I had the loop of my heartbeat to play through the Bluetooth speakers that would play for several hours so if anyone came by, they’d hear that.

I had the pillows situated so it would like me, complete with black hair, in case they peeking in through the door. It obviously wouldn’t hold up if they came inside but it was good for a peek. I had spare cash to use so nothing could be traced.

The big one was the loop on several security cameras. Prince Gunner had it down, so it was seamless, and I’d added a step. They could see a brown hair girl with a lip ring out but that wouldn’t set off any alarms.

I’d looped the security feed for the hallway of the penthouse. I’d even sent a message to housekeeping to come up now. I had my spare hoodies under the one I had on, so I’d appear bulkier then thinner through my stops.

I began to debate my plan to call the Hackura directly. If I left the Werewolf Council a message that wouldn’t be as direct in Prince Gunner’s face. Yes, that’s what I’d do. I started a timer on my watch and went out the adjoining door room and hit play on the heartbeat.

I used my no scent spray and prayed it worked. The testing phase wasn’t exactly ready for field testing, but having a faint scent was better than nothing. I quietly went out the other room’s door into the side room where the housekeeping laundry bin was in.

I got inside and put the dirty ones on top of me and waited.

I heard housekeeping knock and come in. I took a deep breath once I was rolled into the working elevator then waited until I didn’t hear anyone coming.

I looped this feed and left before letting the real one come back.

I kept my head down and swiped an employee card.

I went out the back and found the bike one of the local dancers left for me.

I quickly took off and hid it behind a dumpster before getting a cab.

I paid the cabbie in cash and jogged five miles back to where I was going to make the call.

I kept the hood down but made sure my lip ring could be seen.

I dialed the anonymous line for the Werewolf Council. I used my voice modulator, “A bounty has been taken out on future Alpha Duke Alexander Conners. They plan to get him when he’s alone at his brother’s sports practice. Protect him.” I slammed the phone down while my heart pounded.

I ran all the way back to where I’d stashed the bike taking a few different routes and shedding hoodies in various dark spots as I went. That’s what Prince Gunner called spots where there was no surveillance. I grabbed the bike and made it the rest of the way to the hotel.

I swiped back in with the employee pass and went back to where housekeeping was.

They were taking new towels, per the system request said came from my mom for this timeframe.

I got into the cart of the assigned housekeeper and closed my eyes.

She took me right back up and I slipped out soundlessly, then back into my room.

I put everything away then jumped into bed.

I took several deep breaths. I whispered, “I did it!”

Someone knocked. I called, “Come in.” Tank came in and said, “Your heartbeat sounds very fast. Are you ok?” I nodded, “Uhh yeah… I’m totally fine… and it’s just…” He snorted, “Ok, well someone wants to see you. He pushed the door open, and my jaw dropped.

I squealed, “ADELINE!” I jumped up and hugged her. She laughed, “I came with my sister to surprise you.” I admitted, “I’m surprised.” She squeezed me tightly, “I’ll let you get back to sleep, but I’m here to root you on for tomorrow.”

I hugged her again before getting back in bed. I muttered, “That was close.” An unforeseen factor was something Prince Gunner’s papers talked about preparing for, but I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to prepare for that.

I woke up the next day and got ready with my mom. We made it to the facility in record time. My mom went to talk to some other moms, and I went into my dressing room. I heard a growl and whipped around.

Tank was holding some guy back. He yelled, “What the hell, man?” He snarled, “She shouldn’t have that wolf!” I grabbed my Xander wolf and held it tightly. Alpha Eric’s guy grabbed him, “You’re an Alpha, get it together.” His gaze was locked on me though.

I wasn’t about to show him any fear. I could take him. Whoa… hello insane confidence. I was good… and sometimes I could beat Alpha Nick… but thinking I could take this guy was overconfident… but right. UGH!

I heard a growl I knew. I squealed, “DADDY!” The Alpha jolted and found himself staring down my dad, brothers, grandparents, Peter, Chelsea, Sharon, and Garrett.

I happily jumped up and down, “You guys came.” I went to run to them, but Tank held me back a second before I could pass by the Alpha mad about my Xander wolf.

My dad warned, “Get out of here and expect a HELL of a complaint from our pack. OR you can get your ass kicked here and now by me.” Peter added, “And me.” Garrett chimed in, “Me three.” The Alpha held his hands up and walked away. I noted several people surrounded him and escorted him out.

I repeated, “Daddy! You came.” I ran and jumped into his arms. He hugged me tightly, “Of course we came, Ladybug. Did you really think we wouldn’t make it out?” He winked at me. He said, “I’ll go find your mom, but these are for you.” He handed me a big bouquet of flowers. I blushed, “Thanks.”

I put them in my dressing room and tried to ignore that my security had doubled. This time, they were Warriors who had clearly been popped in from our pack. I flew through my dances, worked on my experiments’ notebook, and read books on my down time.

My teachers never allowed anyone but my guards to come back and talk to me during the final competition.

I won all of my routines, and my family cheered so loud I couldn’t help but grin.

We were heading back home once I changed, and honestly I was ready to be there.

I’d helped Xander and won my competition. It was a solid weekend.