Chapter 61: 61: On The Sly

MELANIE

Keeping secrets from Max has always been a challenge. He has this knack for reading me like a book, without even trying.

I suppose that’s what happens when you’re part of a close-knit family. Thankfully, I managed to sneak Ginger out of the pack house unnoticed, much to Mom’s relief.

Under the cloak of night, we navigated our way through the trees to Great Uncle Milo’s house. His children were all grown and had families of their own, leaving him with a surplus of empty rooms.

He had opted out of the Summit festivities, choosing a quiet night in with his mate instead. I knocked on his front door, careful to keep the noise down.

The nights are usually peaceful here, and a loud knock would only stir the curiosity of the nosy neighbors. Uncle Milo opened the door and pulled me into a warm hug before turning his attention to Ginger.

He greeted her with a kind smile and welcomed us in. “So, this is the young she-wolf that’s got my great-nephew all worked up,” he joked as we stepped into the cozy living room.

“I wasn’t aware he was worked up, sir,” Ginger responded, taken aback. “Maybe worked up isn’t the right term, but he’s definitely taken with you. I can see why.”

“Let me show you to your room so you can drop off your bag. Have you had dinner?”

“We have,” I answered, before inquiring about my aunt’s whereabouts.

“She’s in the kitchen brewing some coffee. We were planning on staying up late to watch a movie. Maybe two,” Uncle Milo said with a smile.

“Would you girls like some coffee?” I glanced at Ginger who shook her head. “I think we’re good, Uncle. We need to get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a long night.”

“Thanks for helping me hide Ginger. Remember, Max can’t know she’s here. It’s a surprise.” Ginger and I giggled at that, while Uncle Milo just shook his head.

“I remember when Amanda was young and giddy like you girls. She was crazy about the beta. Guess that worked out pretty well, huh?”

“It sure did. I’m going to say goodnight to Aunt Elise and then head out.” I turned back to Ginger. “You have your own bathroom and my aunt and uncle are wonderful.”

“Think of them as family. Call me if you need anything.” We shared a quick hug and I dashed back to the pack house, praying no one saw me.

As I tried to sneak in through the front door, I noticed Selene and Jaydon in the living room, engrossed in a hushed argument while watching TV. “Hey, you two, what’s up?”

I flopped down on the couch next to Jaydon, who gave me a strange look. “What?” I asked. “You smell different,” he moved closer to me. “Really different. Are you wearing a new perfume?”

I realized I must smell like Ginger since we had just hugged. “Oh uh, no. Maybe it’s my new lotion or something. What are you two arguing about?” I asked, attempting to divert the conversation.

Jaydon sighed. “Just about the expectations of this family and how they’re getting more and more demanding. No one even asks me what I want to do with my life,” he grumbled.

“I guess that’s part of being alphas,” I told him. Jaydon shot me a dirty look.

“Yeah right. You and Selene can do whatever you want. No one expects you to lead a pack or to do anything for that matter.”

“I hate to burst your bubble, Jaydon, but if either of us is mated to an alpha, then we don’t have a choice in the matter. Also, Dad said one of us could go to Italy with our mates and take over the pack there.”

Selene nodded in agreement but didn’t really say anything. She would never want to do any of that, be a luna or move to Italy to take over a pack.

I could tell Jaydon didn’t like what I had to say, but he didn’t respond. “I’m going to go shower,” I announced. I needed to make sure I didn’t smell like Ginger.

If Max was around, he would know. I sprinted up the stairs, and as I reached the top step of the third floor, I heard the front door open. “Have you guys seen Melanie?” I heard Max ask.

That was close. I dashed to my room and locked the door, heading straight for the shower. I’ll deal with Max once I’ve cleaned up and changed into my pajamas.

MAX

When I asked if they’d seen Melanie, Jaydon pointed toward the stairs. I was relieved to know she was home so we could talk.

I climbed up to the third floor and knocked on her bedroom door. There was no response. I tried the doorknob, but it was locked.

That could mean she’s in the shower or she’s avoiding me. I’ll give her a few minutes and if she doesn’t answer, I’ll get the key and unlock the door myself.

Fifteen minutes later, I was about to knock on Melanie’s door when it suddenly swung open. “Oh hey Max. I was just going to get some ice cream.”

I watched as my sister headed toward the stairs. “Melanie, where have you been? Why are you blocking me and not answering your phone?”

I knew I sounded irritated, but the truth is, I was. “Well, you know I was busy helping Mom with some stuff and I didn’t want to be distracted.”

“I picked up your tuxedo though, it’s hanging on the back of your closet door.” I followed Melanie down the stairs to the kitchen.

“That’s interesting because Gamma Dirk told me he saw you earlier, here in the house.” Melanie stumbled slightly as she hopped off the bottom stair.

“Who are you talking about Max?” Melanie had her back to me as she rummaged through the freezer. I noticed her spine stiffen ever so slightly when I mentioned Dirk.

“Don’t play dumb. You know who I’m talking about. If you don’t remember though, I can jog your memory.”

“Hmmm,” was all Melanie said in response.

“Do you want some ice cream?”

“Sure, why not, but stop dodging the questions.”

“Max, really, it’s nothing. I was busy. Yes, I was here earlier and met this friend of yours or whoever he is, but I can assure you I was just running some errands for Mom.”

“If you say so. You know I’ll get it out of you eventually,” I told her as she handed me a bowl of ice cream. Melanie took a spoonful and smirked at me.

I had a strong feeling she was keeping something from me. “So, this banquet and dance tomorrow night, are you taking a date?” she asked me.

I furrowed my brow at her. “That’s a strange question Melanie. Why would I do that?”

Melanie gives a nonchalant shrug. “Maybe it’s because you’re about to take over the pack and having a potential luna by your side might impress the king,” she suggests, her eyebrow arched as she waves her spoon in the air.

I shake my head. “You’re mistaken. Are you bringing a date?” I decide to tease her a bit, knowing she isn’t bringing anyone.

She’s got her sights set on Brock, or so the rumors go. I haven’t seen them together in years, so I can’t confirm it myself.

Melanie bursts into laughter. “Absolutely not. But I am going to wear that new dress I bought. I deserve to look good, even if I’m going solo.”

I can’t help but tease her again. “Melanie, I doubt you’ll be alone for long at a dance.” I know Gamma Dirk finds her attractive.

She won’t lack for dance partners. Melanie makes a face, drops her bowl in the sink, and walks away. “Gross, Max. Good night.”

She’s out of the kitchen before I can respond. I’ll figure out what she’s up to soon enough.

***

The banquet hall is bathed in soft lights and candles on every table, creating an elegant ambiance. The alphas and lunas have dined separately tonight, making it easier for Melanie to sneak Ginger in without me noticing.

After dinner, Melanie excuses herself and heads to the hotel room where Ginger is getting ready for the dance. The girls chat and laugh as they dress and prepare.

“Melanie, you look stunning in that dress. On the prowl, are we?” Ginger teases. She takes in Melanie’s appearance, who’s wearing a dark green dress that sparkles and hugs her body perfectly.

Her long legs are on full display with every step she takes. The dress is floor-length but has slits on each side that end just above her mid-thigh.

With each step, her black strappy heels peek out, revealing her perfectly pedicured toes. Melanie’s hair is mostly down, with small sections pulled up into curls on top of her head.

She had hoped Brock would see her like this, but he isn’t coming, so he won’t be the one admiring her in this dress she bought with the intention of dancing the night away with him.

“And what about your dress? Have you seen yourself, Ginger?” Ginger is wearing a silver dress that fits her petite frame perfectly.

Her dress is short, showcasing her well-toned muscles. The sweetheart neckline of her dress is just low enough to show off her ample cleavage, without looking trashy.

Her gorgeous red auburn hair is left loose, cascading in waves around her shoulders. She wears silver heels and a light touch of makeup.

She looks breathtaking in her own way. Ginger twirls in front of the mirror, admiring herself. “I don’t usually wear stuff like this, but I feel gorgeous. Do you think Max will like it?” she asks, nervously chewing on her bottom lip.

“I’m sure he will. And if things go as planned, he’ll have plenty of chances to see you looking stunning. Both in and out of pretty dresses,” Melanie teases.

Ginger playfully smacks her arm in response. “Pervert,” Ginger retorts, laughing.

“We should head down to the hall. My mom already mind-linked me asking where I was and why I was taking so long. They’ve already started the formal greeting line and she’s upset I wasn’t there.”

“She said Max was going on about how odd I’ve been acting lately,” Melanie giggles. “Mom told him I was upset and to leave me be.”

Both girls laugh as they exit the room and head for the elevator. Melanie plans to make her entrance alone, with Ginger sneaking in a few minutes later.

Ginger hopes that this surprise will turn out to be everything she had imagined.

MAX

I’m annoyed that Melanie isn’t present for the greeting line. As the host pack, we’re all supposed to welcome the guests as they enter the hall where the dance is taking place.

She even missed the king’s entrance, although he doesn’t seem to notice or mind. On reflection, I’m not sure the king has met Melanie at all since he got here.

Neither of my parents seem bothered that Melanie isn’t here. This surprises me since my father is always strict about how we present ourselves to not just our own pack, but others as well.

He’s always the punctual and professional alpha. I’m standing by the bar when I’m cornered by the luna of a pack from Oregon.

She’s talking my ear off, bragging about how beautiful her daughter is and how I should meet her. She keeps looking around for her, clearly irritated that she isn’t nearby.

If I were in that girl’s shoes, I’d be hiding too. This luna is obviously trying to pair her daughter with an alpha.

I glance at the entrance to see my sister walking in, seemingly oblivious or indifferent to her tardiness. I excuse myself from the chatty luna and make my way across the room to Melanie.

“You’re going to turn heads in that dress, Melanie. You might not want to draw attention to yourself since you’re late,” I admonish her.

I watch as Melanie sighs and then gives me a gentle smile. “Max, chill out. I wasn’t missing or anything. I had something to take care of.”

“Our parents knew I wouldn’t be here till later. Come on, let’s grab a drink.” Melanie takes my arm and leads me toward the bar.

I notice a lot of men ogling my sister as she sashays across the room, her long legs on full display with each step. We both order drinks and wait while the bartender prepares them.

“Seriously though, where were you?” I ask her. “Just upstairs. Where are Selene and Jaydon?” she asks.

I point across the dance floor where Selene is dancing with one of the beta’s sons. They’re engaged in an animated conversation as they move across the floor.

I can only guess that Selene is sharing her fighting techniques with him. Jaydon is seated at a table with a few other guys.

The bartender hands us our drinks and we go to join our mom and her friend from her pack in Colorado, Amara. I had seen Derek earlier in the Summit and we had spoken briefly, but I hadn’t had a chance to talk to him since.

As we approach the table, Amara stands and hugs Melanie. “You’re as beautiful as your mother.” Melanie returns the quick hug and then takes a seat.

She’s barely placed her glass on the table and adjusted her dress when Gamma Dirk approaches the table. “Melanie, right? Good to see you again.”

Dirk smiles at her and then glances at me with a grin, as if we share a secret. “Alpha Max, Luna Serena.” He briefly bares his neck to me and nods at my mother.

“You’ve done a wonderful job hosting the Summit. The king is very impressed.”

“Do you have any connection to the king?” Melanie queries, her eyes peeking at him through her lashes as she sips her drink.

“Actually, yes. I’m one of his personal guards, temporarily. I’ll be serving him for another two years before I return to my duties in Norway.”

“Have you had the chance to meet the king and queen?” Dirk responds, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He’s fully aware that Melanie has been conspicuously absent from most of today’s banquet.

“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure,” she responds, “Perhaps you could introduce me later?” Dirk nods in agreement, “Yes, I could do that. But for now, may I have this dance?”

“Shouldn’t you be on duty, guarding the king?” Melanie teases. I can tell Dirk is attracted to my sister. I’m sure half the werewolves in the room are.

But he doesn’t stand a chance, not until she determines if Brock is her mate. It’s probably for the best. The thought of her relocating to Norway is too much for our family to bear.

I shake my head, wondering why I’m even entertaining such a thought. “I’m off duty at the moment. I’m a free man. Please, join me,” Dirk extends his hand and, to my surprise, Melanie accepts.

“All right, if you insist.” She rises from her seat and strolls away with Dirk. I glance at my mother, who is grinning from ear to ear and has remained silent throughout the entire exchange.

“What was that about?” I ask her. My mother shrugs nonchalantly. “Nothing at all. I just told her she needs to enjoy herself and that dress.”

I give my mother a look and turn to find someone to talk to about anything but dresses.