Page 3

Melanie is Seven Years Old

Melanie was pacing in her room. My Xander was going out on his first ever mission with his brother EJ. They had been ready for two years, but they were finally going. I was so nervous I could barely stand it. I’d tried to distract myself, but I couldn’t concentrate on my book.

It was from my favorite series, the Thoroughbred Novels, and normally I could lose myself in the story, but not today. I told my Xander wolf, “I should be with Elise and Cassie having a sleepover, waiting in Black Mountain for them to come home.”

I grumbled, “He’s my Xander and I’m JUST as nervous as they are. It’s really unfair when you think about it… except he doesn’t know I’m his…. like I know he’s mine. UGH!” I jumped on my bed and clutched my stuff wolf to me.

I whispered, “Keep him safe, ok.” I groaned berating myself, “The wolf is with you, not Xander.” I should’ve insisted Elise take him this time. I’d tried several times, but she always said my Xander would want me to have him.

Well, that was silly because I was NOT going on a mission. Why were they off school for a random holiday that had no assigned meaning? Why couldn’t their mission be on the WEEKEND like NORMAL missions? I would have a dance competition and that would distract me then but NOOOOO.

My phone rang and I noted Tiffany, another dancer, was calling me. She lived in New York, but we went to competitions together. She was my toughest competitor. She loved competing against me and vice versa.

I answered, “Hey, Tiff.” She said, “Your text was all over the place, per usual. Your Xander is what now?” I squeaked, “He’s on his first mission and I have NOTHING to do!” She snorted, “Was world denomination off the table?”

I grumbled, “I can’t take over the whole world.” She argued, “I mean, I think you could. You’re seven and you already have a secret network of dancers to keep you clued into rumors about those you love.” I blushed loving that it was true.

I muttered, “It’s hardly my fault that people want to talk to me…

or that other pups love to have something to come tell me.

I just pointed them all at things that would be helpful…

and pups are unassuming… people talk in front of them…

and stuff. Something people should consider but don’t…

because they are pups. Which works for me… as I am also a pup.”

She snorted, “Yes, well you’ve gotten some good tips to pass off.

” Most never checked out, but a few had.

It made me feel like I really was helping when it came down to it.

Everyone said I was just a pup and never let me offer suggestions.

Even though I’d been tested and was on a genius level, surpassing my dad’s I.Q.

That wasn’t easy either. My dad was very smart, he was just better at not rambling than I was…

and lying… and talking to people in general.

Everyone said that would come, but I wasn’t sure.

I just didn’t see the point in not telling people the truth.

They’d learn it eventually, but I could acknowledge I could easily have finesse.

Beta’s all had that in spades, but not me.

Think about my network had me thinking of an encounter in Minnesota when Tiffany covered for me.

Flashback

Tiffany whispered, “Ok, your mom is talking to mine. Go.” I nodded, “Thanks.” She added, “For the record, this is crazy.” I replied, “I’ll be back before my dance slot…

and if anyone thinks…I mean I’ve got it worked out.

” Tiffany chuckled, “Go. I’ll say you have a new dancing ritual and no one can see it.

Your mom will buy that.” I knew that since we’d worked it all out.

I went into my dressing room, which I’d gotten through my reputation and someone working here being a fan. I’d set it all into motion last week when I’d had a pup ask me if I was interested in something they overheard about my Xander. Of course, I was.

This dressing room had a door to a different area, but that wasn’t well known. Only the working maintenance crew knew about it. Since I had sources, I did too from a pup whose dad worked here. I changed into bulky clothes and pulled a hoodie over my head.

I had my bus pass ready to go. I was heading for Arden Hills. It was a lesser known suburb of Minneapolis which worked for me. Bloomington was the most popular one. I pretended to be asleep and heard the Demons behind me.

One grumbled, “I’m going to figure out how to kill that Angel.” I slit my eyes open and the Angel a row in front of me turned and winked at him. The Demon growled, “Stop stealing my girlfriends.” The Angel laughed, “But it’s so easy.” I knew how to kill and Angel.

A plan formed in my mind. I already had a few secret history books from other Supernatural groups and a security box for them. It was the first time I’d implemented Prince Gunner Cambridge’s word as gospel and it worked. The security box was under an alias I’d set up using his tips.

I only had two lesser known history books from other supernaturals so far, but some of the books I’d read in Faerie led me to believe the Angel’s might have a secret history book. I really wanted it. I wondered why they kept it so secret. The book had to have that answer….right?

This wasn’t a Fallen Angel, so he might know about the history book. I did know how to kill an Angel, and he never needed to know that I wouldn’t actually tell that Demon how to kill him. Both of them got off in Arden Hills, which was perfect.

I jogged after the Angel. I called, “Excuse me, sir.” He turned, “Pup.” I hummed, “So, I have a question.” He snorted, “Ok.” I asked, “Do you know about the secret Angel history book?” He gasped and grabbed me by the arm. I hit his elbow instantly making him let go.

I surmised, “So you do…or you wouldn’t have done that.

I want it…or a copy is fine…” He cut me off, “Why the hell would I give you a copy? And how do you know about it?” I hummed, “Yeah…I’m not answering the second part…

except technically you told me…so…I guess I will answer.

I suspected… your actions confirmed. Anyway, I want it and since I know how to kill and Angel…

I think you’ll tell me.. since you don’t seem to want to die… and that Demon wants you to.”

He gasped, “Are you threatening me?” I corrected, “I’m blackmailing you…there is a difference since… I’m not going to use the knowledge of how to kill and Angel on you…I’m giving it to someone who wants to kill you.”

He demanded, “Tell me how to kill an Angel then.” I conceded, “That’s fair to ask.

” He asked, “Why the fuck would you care about being fair?” I answered, “Xander does.” He blinked several times.

I waved, “Anyway, you can kill an Angel not a part of Michael’s line with a phoenix thread, phoenix feather, a drop of demon blood, venom from a werebasilisk, a drop of a Leviathan’s blood, fur from a bunyip, shavings from a wolpertingers shed antlers, and a flaming sword. ”

He ordered, “Keep your voice down.” I said, “No one is nearby.” He clenched his fists asking, “How did you come by that knowledge?” I answered, “Uhh other secret history books…and umm…hacking.” The Hackura knew how to kill Angels and…I’d seen that record.

He rubbed his temples, “Look, I have a reason to mess with that Demon.” I shrugged, “Ok. That’s not really pertinent information…

to this conversation.” He snorted, “Yeah, I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t tell him how to kill me.

You’re not an Angel though so it’s not a big deal if you have the book. Keep it a secret.”

I agreed, “Sure…I have a lot of those…plus…I’m a pup so no one really listens to me.

” He snorted and waved his hands around and handed me the book that appeared in his hands.

I asked, “Umm how did you do that? Angels don’t have a conjuring ability.

” He replied, “The answer is in the book. Stay out of trouble. You’re definitely the most interesting person I’ve met in a century or two.

” I grabbed the book and thumbed through it.

I ordered myself, “Focus…do what you came her to do…even though this side mission was TOTALLY awesome…and…focus.” He chuckled and I ran off with the book. I would give my tip and get back in time to dance. I was just going to cut it closer than planned.

Flashback Ends

Tiffany’s chuckled pulled me back to the present. I groaned, “I need something to do.” Tiffany suggested, “Go dance in your field.” I jolted up, “Yes! That’s brilliant, that’s what I need to do… I only hadn’t because T’s not available but…”

She jumped in, “Maybe wait for him.” I snorted, “Then what would I do?” She sighed, “So, you’re going.

Just record it for me since I bet it will be good.

” I agreed, “Yeah, you shoot me your inspiration week dance too.” She laughed, “You know, you keep dancing fun because we do this. I think I’d be burned out if not for you. ”

I asked, “Burned out? We are seven.” She snorted, “And more mature than the other seven year olds, even for Supernaturals, and in more hours of practice because we can handle it. Humans can’t understand my intellect and abilities let alone your freak of supernatural natural ones.”

I snorted, “Well… ok that’s probably true… and they do call us both prodigies.” She admitted, “We are even for supernatural’s. Ok, I’ll go choreograph. You do the same.” I would. I grabbed an old phone of my dad’s that he loaded every type of music on for me.

I went out into the main area of the house.

No one was here so I just left a note on the fridge that I went dancing in the field I loved.

They knew which one it was. I skipped out with my Xander wolf and my Xander wolf shirt.

I’d scoured the internet for it then showed Grandma Esther.

She understood me almost as much as my dad did.