Page 94 of The Alpha Enforcer and His Dancing Warrior Vol. 2 (Ribbon #10)

I could not grasp that Amy didn’t realize if she’d achieved her goal…

it would end their business arrangement.

Freya hummed, “It’s broken now.” Well… fine.

My point stood. I knew loose stories, but I also knew people that hurt Haley ended up dead before I left this area.

After, I helped cover Eric’s tracks or helped him bury them…

sometimes even with the human law enforcement.

It had to be common sense that people who hurt Haley died at the hands of Eric, but her family was right there too. I could not believe I had to tell this woman the ripple affects her quest to bed him would cause.

Ripples that were unacceptable to me. Haley had already shown me such kindness, and I would NOT stand for someone hurting Xander this way. Or my friends. Buttercup wasn’t a friend yet, but she was getting there.

Micah was my friend and so was Cayden. They were like brothers already and Elise was a sister. None of us should have to deal with this lady's selfishness with our mates. Then there were BOTH sides of Haley’s family.

Amy would suffer an agonizing death. Eric would have serious issues with both families…

like so many problems. Just… seriously. How do people not see past themselves to see what their actions cause?

It’s maddening. Freya agreed, “It is but they don’t because their own goddess is selfish.

” It felt it hurt her to say that, but I agreed.

Eric ended their partnership and went straight to Haley. I kind of wished people who flirted with me were more like Amy. People who flirted with me were not even remotely subtle. Most just told me they wanted to have sex with me.

My mate and his siblings popped over to their parents. I stared longingly at my own family. Their eyes were practically begging me to come hug them. I just couldn’t. What was wrong with me? They were back, I should run to them.

Yet I was over here with my feet feeling like they were encased in cement. We just stared at each other sadly. Freya said, “You could try to get Amy to let you win the race.” True. Focusing on her was a good plan.

I heard my parents wondering how I knew Cassie was Cassie. I frowned. What was wrong with everyone? Cassie was obviously Cassie. I turned and saw Cayden smirking. The other Hackura present were all staring at me with a mix of surprise and confusion in their eyes.

Ok… awkward party of one, Melanie McAlister step on up. Why was I ALWAYS the one people were staring at? Couldn’t ANYONE else have a turn? Freya warned, “Move to your left.” I quickly jumped next to King Bjourn .

I gaped as Sierra threw two eggs and hit Amy square in the face. She linked me, “A Fairy Hackura Princess told me to. Who am I to ignore such things?” I started laughing. King Bjourn chuckled beside me too.

Haley popped next to Amy. She stated, “You’re so fucking dead, bitch. Eric is MINE!” I bit my lip as King Bjourn opened a portal. He cleared his throat addressing Haley, “Little one, maybe the Hackura realm is better suited for this.” Haley and Eric stepped through as Xander popped me away.

His lust was undeniable. I’d been a little worried he’d be upset with me. Freya linked, “So he’s definitely at the opposite side of the scale on that.” No kidding. He was driving me insane with his touches. He was being just the right amount of rough.

Apparently defending his parents and pack got his motor running.

Freya snickered, “Given the number of speeches you give like this…. I’m on board with this being his reaction.

You defended him too though. He’s why you got involved.

You were just plotting to kill Amy when she left until he was hurt. ” That was true.

I panicked when he mentioned taking off my dress, but he didn’t push me. He just accepted it. Xander drove me over the edge so many times I’d lost count. Freya was purring contentedly in my head. When he finally slid into me, we declared our love.

I was stunned when he shared his light with me again. A euphoric sense took over me. We lost ourselves in each other until we literally faded to sleep.

I woke up and looked at Xander. He looked so happy and peaceful. I smiled and lightly traced my fingers on his face before I got up. I looked at the clock, noting it was two in the morning. Look at me go… I’d gotten four hours of sleep. That was impressive.

I quickly threw on Xander’s hoodie and some leggings. I grabbed my phone and slipped out. I jogged to the other side of the lake and played music and started to dance. When I stopped Freya yawned, “Hey non sleeping weirdo, you’re surrounded.” I stiffened and whirled around.

Several wolves were around me, but I wasn’t worried since they had the Black Mountain pack scent. Which meant they would mean me no harm. One shifted back and I noted it was Xander’s cousin. Cory grabbed shorts and spoke, “Hi Muffin Luna Melanie. I’m Cory Henderson.” I knew that.

Freya cackled, “We need to start freaking people out by saying that.” Something in his expression told me he noticed that I knew him. So I said, “I know. You’re Xander’s cousin. Well, one of them… he has a LOT. You’re Male Lead Warrior Liam and Duchess Bexley’s son….one of them anyway.”

Cory laughed, “Yes, I am. You’re up early. We were patrolling and heard the music. You are a beautiful dancer.” I replied, “Thanks. How long is your patrol?” Cory answered, “We get off around six in the morning.”

I nodded, “I’m going to make my chocolate muffins later, so be sure to be in the pack house. I’ll drop some off.” The other wolves yipped in delight. Cory laughed, “I’ll be sure to be there. I’ve heard a lot about these muffins.”

I admitted, “I hope you like them.” He snorted, “I feel that is a guarantee based on what I’ve heard.” I shrugged, hoping Cory was right. I said, “Umm well… I’ll probably see you around later so… bye?” He laughed and shifted back into his wolf.

I waved, then took off back towards the house. It was now three in the morning. I pulled everything out I needed to bake and plugged in my headphones. I spun and danced around as I made several batches. I was going to need all the ovens.

I turned them all on and made more batches while I waited for them to heat up. I chuckled to myself because I’d never made this many batches. I should probably calm down, but I was just so happy. I nearly tripped over Zoe when I went to the pantry to see if there were more muffin tins.

I frowned, wondering why she was sleeping down here. Was she fighting with Dana? I carefully picked her up and put her on the couch and found what I was looking for. I pulled the first batch out when Zoe ran back into the kitchen.

She shouted, “Oh my god! What time do you get up?” I shrugged, “Uhh… well… that depends on when I go to sleep. Why were you asleep in the kitchen? I put you on the couch…because I figured it would be comfier. ”

Zoe admitted, “I wanted to see you make these muffins.” I laughed, “You’re in luck. I’m mixing up a batch now.” Zoe eyed the muffins out that were cooling. I urged, “Go ahead and grab one.” She snatched it and moaned as she ate it.

Zoe stood and hovered over me as I made the next batch while taking notes.

Eventually she frowned and sat down. She asked, “How did you come up with this?” I admitted, “I just started adding little bits of this and that. I’d tested a few recipes before I settled on this one and everyone loved it.

” My words died on my lips when my dad walked in yawning.

He looked around before saying, “Damn, Ladybug. What time do you wake up?” I whispered, “Uhhh, well… like I said… to Zoe… but you weren’t here… which is why you’re asking… obviously… it depends when I go to sleep.”

Dad snorted, “You used to be a bear to wake up in the morning.” I turned and winced. That had actually been beaten out of me. The oven timer went off and I grabbed muffins from all the ovens and put more in. My dad laughed, “Are you feeding an army, Ladybug?”

I blushed answering, “No... I just make them when I’m happy.” My dad chuckled, “Got it.” Zoe asked, “You and Alexander are twice light bound, aren’t you? I thought that’s what Angela meant yesterday.” I blushed harder, “Yes.” My dad smiled.

I got him a plate and put a muffin on it. He smiled, “Thanks, Ladybug. Your mom will be down here later. She didn’t think you’d get up this early. Neither did I actually. I wanted to meet you on your way in here.” I see… kind of.

Dad said, “You know your Uncle Duncan would be here but he’s…” I interrupted, “Out for his horrible pack that he shouldn’t be in since his mate died… I know… and you can’t link him because they won’t let you. I’ll see him when he’s back… I mean, if he wants to…”

Dad jumped in to assure me, “Duncan will absolutely want to see you. Allison is traveling but they want to come see you.” I replied, “I don’t want them to cut their trip short… they saved for it for so long… and…”

He asked, “How do you know that?” I asked, “Huh? What? Why? You… no… me…” Zoe snorted and started laughing so I stopped talking. My dad just smirked at me, but he let the subject drop. That was good.

I put all the muffins in as my dad gasped.

He declared, “Oh my god. This is the best muffin ever. Is there fudge on the inside?” I whispered, “Yes. It’s ok if you don’t like it.

” My dad laughed, “Like it? I’m going to buy you a bakery so you can make these muffins, and I will buy them in bulk every day. ”

I laughed, “I don’t know that I have time.” Zoe snorted, “I know she does because she gets up really early.” Freya agreed, “You do.” I mean I’d have to have people that worked there. I could pop in from time to time.

I gathered up the muffins and said, “I’ll be back. I told some border patrol guys I’d put these in the pack house.” My dad frowned questioning, “How did you see a border patrol?” I shrugged, “I was dancing, and they stopped by.”