Page 147 of The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior Vol. 2 (Ribbon #10)

Melanie was in a red mermaid style red fitted dress with sleeves. The front of the middle was missing material everywhere but where her breasts were. When she turned, I was a little surprised to see there was material on her back. Still, I saw part of her I wanted to .

We popped into the brunch together. People cheered at our arrival, and I saw several glowing women. Aunt Lucinda sighed, “If only I’d been here. You pop to see your niece and miss magic being released.” I laughed, “Which one?”

Lucinda smiled answering, “Lila. I was working with her on her Fairy powers. She’s got a lot of talent in the Sky area and Fire of course.

” I replied, “Of course she does.” Lila was my Uncle Arion’s daughter.

She’d focused on her Witchcraft and Fire side.

She’d just started training with her Sky and Earth sides.

My Uncle must have asked someone in my family what drink Melanie liked because the champagne had cranberry juice splashed in it. Melanie had a few while people thanked her for pleasing me so well I released magic. My mate was practically the color of her dress as she downed champagne.

Uncle Aiden chuckled, “I like her, Alexander.” I replied, “That’s good since I love her.” My Uncle smiled saying, “We know. You broke a few hearts around here when we figured out it was you. So many females want you here as a lover.”

I snorted, “As long as they don’t tell my mate that we should be ok. They probably would not like the response that would elicit.” I looked around and realized I didn’t see my mate. I asked, “Where did Mel go?” I heard a fist connect with flesh.

I snorted, “Never mind. I can find her.” Oden said, “We could’ve found her by her scent before the punch.” I knew that. I followed the sound and found a Fairy female on the ground. Oden snorted, “That Fairy is unconscious.” I could see that.

I bit my lip asking, “Mel?” She grabbed me by the suit jacket and slammed her lips onto mine. I wrapped my arms around her and leaned into the kiss. My Uncle laughed, “Well, now the heat is rising in the room for sure. I am terribly sorry about whatever Delsea said to you, Melanie.”

Melanie pulled back to say, “She’s all straightened out now.

Don’t worry about it, King Aiden.” Uncle Aiden rolled his eyes, “I told you before, call me Aiden.” She smiled, “Ok, Aiden.” He said, “One day we should chat about information I get on threats to Alexander. Some were near your dancing competition back in the day.”

She squeaked, “Huh? What? Weird… that’s… interesting… I don’t know why we would talk about that… it’s umm… none of my business?” I nearly smacked my own head. Farrin said, “Wow, I have never not been jealous of someone with the ability to lie until now. Thank you, Duchess Melanie.”

My mate made a face muttering, “You’re welcome?

I guess… well… no… just, you’re welcome Farrin.

” Several people turned to her. Farrin asked, “You know me?” Melanie replied, “Uhh people know you that’s…

a thing… that people know.” I chuckled and changed the subject.

We stayed for a little bit longer before we popped home.

Drake gasped, “Ladybug, you look beautiful.” Melanie flushed, “Thanks, dad.” He hugged her whispering, “Your mom and I are going to spend the night in Red Run since Jase’s mating ceremony is tomorrow.” Melanie nodded, gave him and her mom a quick hug, then ran upstairs.

I laughed and popped to our room. She was already on the phone with Addison making sure everything was all ready to go.

I kissed my mate then popped to EJ. We handled a few disputes.

EJ snorted, “I heard you started a short lived concupiscence for the mated females in Faerie.” I wiggled my eyebrows, “Did we ever.” I winked at him and took off to find Melanie.

I found her already asleep and looked at my watch. Oden snorted, “Mate didn’t sleep last night.” I jumped into the shower before crawling into bed with her. I pulled her to me and answered a few emails when Jason called me.

I popped outside before I answered, “Jase.” Jason said, “Hey man you guys are coming tomorrow, right?” I snorted, “Of course. I’m standing up there with you, remember?

” Jason admitted, “I meant Ladybug.” I said, “I have no reason to believe she’s not coming.

” Jason sighed in relief, “Ok. I’ll see you both tomorrow then. ” I laughed and hung up.

I popped back to bed and went to sleep. I woke up the aroma of bacon. It had to be a lot to reach me. I jumped up and popped outside for our family run. It was one for the record books since we'd completed it so fast.

Fowler linked me, “We are buried in food in the pack house. It’s like a challenge.

Everyone in the pack could eat some and get seconds, man.

Probably thirds. What’s up with the Muffin Luna?

By the way, I ’m hoarding the chocolate muffins because she made so many.

” I replied, “I’d imagine she’s nervous. ”

I walked into the kitchen. My dad linked, “Ok, this is intense. You need to get her out of here before the planet runs out of food.” I grabbed Melanie around the waist teasing, “I think that’s enough food.” Gage linked, “Enough? You are understating things today.”

Melanie handed me a plate, “I made... ok it’s a lot of food.

You should eat some... everyone should..

. god... it’s too much food. I could run some to Yellow Hills.

.. yes... I could do that. Then... well they are a pretty big pack, two packs combined.

Thunders Ridge might need food too…” I kissed her and she melted into me.

I pulled back assuring her, “It’s going to be ok.” Melanie buried her head in my chest apologizing, “I’m sorry.” Her broken whisper had me popping her to our room. I pulled back to say, “Melanie McAlister, you have nothing to be sorry for.”

My mate wiped tears away arguing, “I wasted a lot of food.” I disagreed, “No, you didn’t.

My mom will conjure it to the Hackura realm and Faerie probably.

” Sierra came in announcing, “It’s handled.

They needed more food for the mating ceremony.

You have actually saved the day, Mel.” I raised an eyebrow.

Sierra explained, “One of their cooks was sick, and Avery has been cooking up a storm. She’s relieved to be able to stop.

Haley conjured the food there.” They had Fairies who would’ve conjured the food in the first place.

Oden told me, “Freya says Black Path she wolves would consider that failure.” I wanted to wring people’s necks.

Melanie whispered, “Ok.” Sierra grabbed me then said, “See you when we are ready, Alexander.” She gently pushed me towards the door, so I walked downstairs. I grabbed my plate of food. EJ groaned, “I know she’s nervous, but damn if this isn’t the best breakfast I’ve had. I could eat it all day.”

My mom snorted, “That’s good since it’s going to be at the mating ceremony.

” My brothers actually cheered. An hour later, I snapped myself ready and Melanie came down in a bright red and black dress that looked a little retro.

Sierra matched her with a purple and black dress. It went right below her mid-thigh.

I growled and pulled her into me which made her smile. My dad announced, “Alright, we need to pop there.” Melanie’s palms were sweating. I linked her, “It will be ok.” I paused then asked, “Are you sure you want to go?” Melanie answered, “I’m coming.” I studied her and nodded.

Cassie popped in and grabbed the girls. My sister told us, “I’m popping us girls to the bride. Later!” She popped away so I popped to Jason. I smiled greeting, “Hey, man.” Unease and nausea shot up so hard from my ankle I swayed.

EJ grabbed me asking, “Alexander?” I stumbled away from him feeling sick. It was even hard to breathe. I began to head towards Jason’s cottage. That’s where Melanie would be, and it wasn’t me feeling this way. I’d never felt more drunk in my life as I tried to walk there.

Suddenly, I felt perfectly fine. What the hell? I asked, “Oden, did you take that feeling?” My wolf replied, “No, but I felt it too.” Jason gently asked, “Alexander, what happened?” I stared at his cottage. I admitted, “I think Melanie was sick.”

Cassie popped out to me. My sister smiled greeting my friend, “Happy mating day Jase! I need to borrow my brother for a second.” Tristan walked over and demanded, “Space unheard.” Cassie pursed her lips, but EJ did the chant. I guess my brother followed me too.

Tristan asked, “What happened to Mel? Alexander thought she was sick.” Cassie winced, “She was violently ill.” I snarled, “It was those fucking rings! It was for Red Run!” Cassie admitted, “That’s what Paige said.

She needs at least a week to prepare the spell brew.

It’s something Melanie has to drink or something. ”

My sister apologized, “I’m so sorry Jase, but Melanie didn’t want you to know. She made Addison promise to have your ceremony today. She also made me promise to keep Alexander here. Mel said Jase needs you, big brother.” I growled, “So she’s all alone?”

Cassie shook her head, “No, she called a friend who shimmered in. Her name is Valentina. Addison made her promise to stay with Melanie. Addison was really sad until she got a text. She laughed and said Mel always figures out a way. ”

I questioned, “What does that mean?” Cassie shrugged, “I was just told to make sure you stayed here.” I sighed, “Fine.” EJ commented, “Now, I’ll just be going to see what was up with Julian.” I asked, “Huh?” I tapped into our bond and felt his agitation, but he was otherwise fine.

Cassie left our group with him, but she went to give the news to our parents while he headed to Julian who shrugged even before EJ reached him. Jason went to tell his. Tristan scoffed, “It’s bullshit.” A woman asked, “She’s not coming, is she?”