Page 109 of The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior Vol. 2 (Ribbon #10)

My dad told me we’d talk more later. Later was probably good so I could sort through my feelings. Right now, I was mad at myself. I didn’t even know how I really felt about them all. Was anything I felt towards my family real? Or was it the darkness from the rings I wore?

I needed time to sort through all that. I knew I was hurt, but was I really mad? My dad said something about black sweat. I’m glad I didn’t see that. I’d probably think I was dying. That sounded like something that happened to someone only if you were dying.

Next up was gym time. Xander needed to hit things and so did I.

Once everyone left, I stood to go. To my surprise Xander was heading towards the stairs.

Did he not want to go to the gym with me?

Freya said, “He does but they think we need to rest.” Yes, well I wasn’t like other people he knew… probably.

Freya laughed, “We are very unique. He’s used to this though since he’s Hackura. He just doesn’t expect it from someone who isn’t.” Fair enough. They’d learn rest was not really my thing. It never had been.

I officially met his Uncle Bjourn in the gym. Freya snorted, “You peaked all their interest with your word choice of officially.” I reasoned, “He was at that picnic standing beside me… that’s a thing… but we do need to skedaddle out of here.” She laughed while I spotted Micah.

We got in the ring and began to fight. Micah had taught me how to fight with bamboo sticks. We fought for a while when Prince Gunner jumped in saying, “I want in on this. Do you mind?” Freya giggled in my head. I linked Sierra, “PRINCE GUNNER WANTS TO SPAR WITH ME!”

She groaned, “Oh dear god. Remain calm.” I said, “THAT IS WHY I AM SCREAMING TO YOU! IT’S PRINCE GUNNER! HE IS MY MENTOR… THAT DIDN’T KNOW HE WAS!” Sierra said, “Believe me, I know. Have you answered him yet?” I scoffed, “No… I would scream.”

She snorted, “Answer and remain calm.” I managed to say out loud, “Not at all…. Or even kind of… I mean… of course you can join us… which you asked if I mind… which I totally do not…. Prince Gunner.” He snorted, “It’s just Gunner to family. ”

I linked Sierra screaming excitedly, “He said I could call him Gunner!” Sierra said, “Yes, I know because I had someone link me because I made friends already. You squeaked when you talked to him, but overall I am very proud of how calmly you said it.” I was proud of me.

Micah and his dad exchanged looks. Freya cackled.

Haley popped over saying, “Don’t let him fucking lie to you Melanie.

His name is Harper’s Boytoy Lover.” Then she popped away.

I started laughing. Gunner sighed, “She’s still going with that.

” Haley popped back offering, “Because it’s your name. ” She popped away again.

Gunner winked at me, “Just know if she hears something once, you’ll be stuck with it.

Forever.” I smirked, “I don’t know about that.

I have two names, but she only calls me Melanie…

and she’s definitely heard people call me Ladybug.

I mean gosh not to say you’re wrong… it’s totally an endearment thing for you so… .”

Gunner interrupted, “Touché. She did hear Melanie first though.” I debated “But she didn’t know they were the same person.

” Gunner smiled and we started fighting again.

We traded jabs for quite some time. I linked Sierra, “I am SPARRING with Gunner AND Micah… I’m so chill right now.

” She replied, “I heard you were and you’re grinning like a crazy person, but for you I feel that is chill.

” It totally was. I was pulling this off.

Eventually Levi jumped in saying, “Alright, I’m in.

My best friend's little sister is KILLING it. I’ve seen those moves, little Ladybug.

You trained with the Commander and Micah.

I’m jealous because this should be a feather in my cap.

You’re my best friend's little sister. I should’ve been the one to train you. ”

I laughed, “Cayden and Micah taught me how to fight with several things…. and like any weapon Xander put out a video of… I know how to fight with so…” Gunner chuckled, “Yes, I know. You had several accounts to view them.” Oh my gosh… he was monitoring my viewing. Levi smirked.

Sierra linked, “DO NOT TALK ABOUT YOUR XANDER’S THIRST TRAP ACCOUNT!

Just fight. Do not get into that or the fact you feel so honored Gunner was monitoring you.

” I must have said something out loud… so I totally needed to take her advice.

Sierra knew how badly I wanted Gunner to like to me. She was also better with people.

Levi tried to come at me from behind, but I blocked him and knocked him to the ground. He jumped up with renewed vigor. Levi smiled, then hummed, “There will be no taking it easy on you then.” I snorted, “I wouldn’t do that, if I were you… which I’m not… so you do what you want… I guess.”

Micah laughed, “I wouldn’t take it easy on her if I were you either.” I ducked behind Levi. He frowned asking, “How the HELL are you so fast?” I shrugged, “I was born fast.” Tristan snorted, “You’ve gotten faster.”

I smiled admitting, “I do a lot of cardio. Like a lot.” Levi smiled, “I’d imagine so since Alexander has a crazy training schedule he puts out there because he forgets not everyone does cardio like we do.” I smiled, “I managed to keep up… eventually….it was an… experience…. at first.”

We fought until the fight was called. Tristan looked disappointed.

Freya told me, “Apollo wants to get in the ring with us.” Easy enough.

M brother thought I was tired. I linked my wolf, “Does no one listen to me? I do an insane amount of cardio.” Freya chuckled, “You’re right, we’ve got this. ” I agreed, “I know.”

The pack started cheering for me and my cheeks turned red.

Tristan linked me, “They already love you here, but I can’t say I’m surprised.

” I explained, “I make them muffins.” Tristan replied, “They see your heart and your amazing baking skills. Let’s go, little sister.

I won’t take it easy on you either.” I warned, “Good…because neither will I.”

I’d watched Tristan practice religiously before I left.

I’d wanted to be just like him. He’d gotten better, but he fought with the same style.

Styles didn’t tend to change. Freya said, “We could beat him faster.” I knew that, but I didn’t want to.

He was here and we were being normal… and that… was everything to me.

Tristan smirked while I blocked his moves. He linked me, “You’re damn good at fighting, Ladybug.” I replied, “Thanks. I train a lot… like all the time… and I had to train other people too, so… it was a lot of gym time.” I connected a punch. Tristan snorted, “I can tell.”

I saw another opening to pin him and I took it, taking him by surprise.

He bucked against me, but my brother couldn’t shake me off.

Tristan laughed it off and I couldn’t help but feel really happy.

I could see the pr ide in my older brother’s eyes.

We should’ve been doing this all this time.

I refused to let myself go there. I wanted to enjoy this moment. Sparring with my big brother.

We walked back to the larger group, but I just didn’t want the moment of normalcy to end. Nor did I want to do the awkward… ‘wow... you’re good fighting’ with everyone. Freya said, “A racing challenge is hardly fair, but I’m here for it.”

I knew I’d win and so did my brother. Bjourn started the race, and I took off.

I’d beyond smoked him. Freya chuckled. I asked her, “Am I getting faster because you’re getting stronger?

I was always fast, but that was fast even for me.

” Freya answered, “Yes, you are getting faster as I get stronger.”

I grabbed two Gatorade’s out of the fridge. Xander and Tristan arrived at almost the same time. My brother raised an eyebrow at me. Tristan linked, “Ok. So, you trained too much, and your cardio is out of control you little flash, you.” My lips twitched into a smile.

I’d always been faster than my brothers, and I did do every program Xander put out. I wasn’t ready to share that Freya said it was because of her. Freya chuckled, “They’d probably think I was just full of myself.” I didn’t care about that. I just wasn’t used to being so open anymore.

I always had to keep things to myself. It had become second nature. Tristan finally believed I could beat Dalton and Dakota in a fight. They would be tougher than the Alpha’s I’d beat, because they are true Alpha’s who don’t fight their wolves…. but I could beat them.

Freya agreed, “Hell yes, we could. Thor and Oden though, that’s questionable. We would give them a good fight though.” I asked, “Thor, really?” That was Eric’s wolf. Freya answered, “Yes, really.” That was amazing since Eric was legendary in fighting.

Everyone joined us and Xander tossed in the fact that I’d almost beat him when we sparred.

Tristan and my dad looked at me in shock.

My cheeks flushed and everyone seemed stunned.

My dad linked, “Really?” I said, “I nearly had him pinned but he flipped us at the last second… it was such a good move.” I needed to do some core work and maybe I could do it.

Everyone was staring at me, and it was awkward. I quickly excused myself to go upstairs and shower. I locked the bathroom door knowing Xander would respect that. I peeled my clothes off, jumped in the shower, then I grabbed my body wash and loofa.

I was humming when the reflection in the mirror caught my eye which had tears filling my eyes. I gently ran my hand along the scars on my back. I whispered, “I hate you, Trevor McCann. I’m GOING to find you and you’ll pay.” I wiped my eyes furiously.