Page 40 of The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior Vol. 2 (Ribbon #10)

I told him, “One day... I’m sure you will understand.

One day, I’ll answer those questions as to how I got here so fast.” Kai sighed, “I think you should just come home. Daddy would be happy to see you. Everyone would be.” Poor pup, he really believed that.

The sad truth was no one would be happy to see me.

I parked at the border of Blue Moon, closer to Red Run. I turned to Kai, “Me saving you has to be another one of our secrets. Ok?” I handed him a card. There was no way they told him about the Resistance yet.

I instructed, “Give them that when they asked who saved you.” Kai nodded, “But maybe you’ll come to my birthday party this year?

” I wanted to cry again. I told him, “I’ll get you a present for sure…

.like I usually do. I’ll leave it in our special place if I can’t make it.

” Kai was the only one who ever accepted my presents…

but he was the one I stopped mailing them to… so…we had our spot. Kai nodded, “Ok.”

I pointed at Al’s Diner. I told him, “Walk in there and tell them who you are.” Kai snorted, “Al knows me.” I nodded, since I was sure Jason brought Kai here. Our dad loved this place. They’d brought me take out, but I’d never been in person.

Kai leaned over and hugged me tightly. He whispered, “You do smell a lot like Alexander. He must like you.” I whispered, “At the moment.” Kai surmised, “Then you are his mate.” I winked at him, “You are a smart pup.”

Kai snorted, “Your friend called him your Xander so that wasn’t that hard, but I do just piece things together. Daddy always says Alexander is waiting for his mate. That’s why he never has a girlfriend.” I laughed, “Your dad shouldn’t talk about that around you. ”

Kai winked, “I’m sneaky.” I told him, “I like you…I mean I always have…I just…it’s nice meeting you in person.

” Kai smiled, “I like you too, Aunt Ladybug. I’ve always wanted to meet you in person.

” We smiled at each for a second. I shook myself urging, “Go on. I’m sure your parents are beside themselves. ” Kai got out.

I moved the car to a different location, got out, and climbed a tree with some binoculars.

Kai walked into the diner and the atmosphere descended into complete mayhem.

The man I assumed was Al was one the phone while a woman picked Kai up and put him at a booth where food was instantly brought out for him.

An SUV squealed to a stop outside Al’s moments later. Former Alpha Lucas Lyons and Former Beta Dylan jumped out and ran inside. Kai handed them the card. I got down and got into my car ready to leave because seeing my brother once was enough today.

Maybe I could come back tomorrow and track him down privately to talk. I couldn’t lie and say crying over old pictures of me didn’t touch my heart and give me hope. He’d even told Kai about me after swearing not to…that meant something…it had to.

I contemplated that the whole drive home. I cringed when the thought of challenging Jean so Sierra could be with Phil. I was going to get hell for saving Kai, but hopefully I could challenge Jean before I was punished.

I’d hoped to get Sierra out of there today. Maybe I still could. I called Dax. He picked up immediately, “Mel, are you coming home?” I looked at a sign as I passed it. I grimaced knowing the drive was passing by far too quickly.

I answered, “Yes. Make sure Sierra is sprayed with our scent concealing spray and keep her away from your dad.” Dax sighed, “Yeah, I already had that plan. She’s staying at Hendrick and Mason’s with you tonight.

” I disagreed, “No, take her to my place to stay. If Micah is still around… go discreetly.”

Dax asked, “Why?” I evaded, “Si will tell you.” Dax said, “Alright. Be careful. They are really angry.” I snorted, “When are they not angry?” Dax laughed, “That’s a valid point. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my dad happy.” I hung up.

Freya linked, “They shouldn’t be that mad that you saved our nephew.

” I grumbled, “They probably had something to do with him being kidnapped.” Freya growled, “HOW DARE THEY!” Somehow her anger seemed to rattle the car windows.

I shook myself because that wasn’t possible.

I took off Alexander’s hoodie and threw it into the back.

I pulled into the pack and spotted Buck standing there, clearly waiting for me. I rolled down the window teasing him, “Did you miss me that much you’re waiting for me, Buck?” I quickly sprayed myself and stepped out.

Buck questioned, “What was that?” I tapped his nose, “Perfume.” That wasn’t a lie…

.technically the chemical formula mimicked perfume.

I teased, “What? Don't you like it?” Buck stared at me, “You don’t smell like anything.” I rolled my eyes, “Men. You just don’t get it.

” Buck grabbed my arm. I looked down at my arm and back at him.

I was surprised to see the worry in his eyes. He whispered, “I don’t know why they are so upset, but they are scarily upset. For once in your life just don’t say anything.” I raised an eyebrow asking, “Is that actual worry I see? Are you worried I’ll get demoted? No one can challenge me and win.”

Buck chuckled, “There’s the Melanie I know.” I pulled my hair out of a ponytail and flicked it, “That's me. I actually thought they’d be here…waiting for me.”

He winced, “They are in the punishing grounds.” I admitted, “I should’ve figured that….but normally they like for people to hear them yell at me and sending me to the punishing fields. Don’t worry. I won’t make you look bad and not go. I’ll go talk to them. Go home and stay safe.”

Buck frowned saying, “I should go with you.” I snorted, “For what? You couldn’t make me go if I didn’t want to. Everyone knows that, including you. You know this is wrong… but you won’t say that to them. Going is superfluous.”

Buck whispered, “Avery isn’t here on pack grounds, is she?

” I rolled my eyes, “You could just text her… or call. I don’t get you…

.” He ground out, “Melanie, please just tell me she’s not here.

” I answered, “She’s safe .” I squeezed his arm admitting, “I’ll always make sure she’s safe.

” He nodded tersely and walked away. That man was a walking contradiction.

He refused to accept that he could change things.

Buck turned and asked, “How’s Paisley?” I told him, “I don’t know why you would think I know the answer to that question.

” Buck laughed hollowly, “We both know why you would know that and you can’t lie so I know you know.

Just like I know you are how she got out.

” I shrugged, “That’s your opinion and you can’t prove it. ”

Buck frowned, “She never would’ve rejected me and got away without help.” It was my turn to laugh, “Sure Buck, it’s every little girls dream for their mate not to mark them and let their men beat her up. I can’t imagine why she wouldn’t take her chances away from here.”

Buck replied, “She’d have been stuck here if I marked her. I’m sure you’re aware I told her I wanted her to be ready for my mark. We were given more time than the forced mates because we were fated. I wanted her to stay in the house.”

I reasoned, “Which doesn’t actually make sense. People are punished for…” I jolted and stared at him. Because men were punished if they waited to mark their mates which meant he’d taken it. Buck shrugged, “It was not big deal.” Freya growled in my head.

I whispered, “You let them punish you for her.” He answered, “I did. Don’t worry, you were in the hole when it happened. You didn’t miss something, and they had to go light since I protect the pack.” I gaped at him. Had we discussed Paisley before? It was hazy to me and that was weird.

Buck sighed, “It’s just…” I cut him off, “How things are. Yes, I’ve heard the excuse countless times.

Eventually Buck, you should’ve let her know you did that.

Being complacent makes you culpable. Honestly, since Paisley left you’ve done more than your usual stand back routine.

Then the Avery thing happened, which you admitted your part in… I just don’t get it.”

He grinned slyly before he wiped it off his face. I just didn’t see why he didn’t do it himself. I urged, “Keep questioning things Buck. Things are done here that don’t make sense and you know it.” Buck frowned and walked away.

Buck muttered, “Maybe I’ve always questioned them. I just do it differently than you to survive.” That was a heck of parting line. He did more than most and he was the reason the pack was surviving before I got here. I also know he made payments and did things the Alpha was supposed to.

I actually believed he’d be better and flourish in a pack under good leadership.

His sins weren’t as bad as others. He’d never raped anyone here.

He’d never even hit someone who didn’t deserve it.

He didn’t treat women badly; he'd just walk away and let it happen. He had a chance. It might be small, but… for Avery’s sake.

.. I hoped he could take it and change to be more of a vocal protector than a silent one.

They would have to work back to that special relationship they had…

but with therapy, maybe they could get there.

Or maybe I was projecting my own feelings for Jason and myself onto them.

What happened with Buck himself was Avery’s choice though.

I could admit I might not have seen Buck for who he really is.

Maybe no one really did except Buck himself.

I made my way to the punishing grounds. I laughed when I entered the area. Not unlike the real pack areas, it was spelled by my creepy “uncle” Ajax. He was here with Aunt Stephanie. She charged me and I laid her out. I spit on her commenting, “You’re an idiot.”