Chapter 27:

Alexis’ Tale

“This is bullshit,” Jay flipped his lawn chair over and walked off. Alexis followed Jay into the forest. Her eyes remained on the gash he created in the tree with his sharp claws. She knew why he was upset. Lord Grimm told him he couldn’t fight in the war unless he provided him with a child. Alexis knew this speech was coming. She just didn’t expect Jay to take it this hard. He was trying to fight it but he was on the verge of tears.

Alexis watched as her brother Yule and Nikan fought with Lycan and Alejandro. Jay was there watching the fight with her. But, she could tell, he was still sad. He was trying to hide the pain trying to put on a strong front. The fact remained, if Jay didn’t try for a kid tonight he wouldn’t be able to aid his brother or his father in the war. Her father told her to give him time, he’d come around. So, she agreed to wait. The fight was over, once it ended, Jay began walking to the stream by himself. He wiped a tear away from his eye as he left. She wasn’t sure what to do about this. Jay was hurting and it pained her to see him like this.

Alexis walked into her tent trying to ignore the tear that fell from Jay’s eye. Trying to ignore Jay’s pain. Wait, she told herself. Her father told her to wait. She needed to stop competing with Claire over Jay. She needed to let him come to her. If Jay had any feelings for her at all, he would. She just needed to be patient. She let out a deep sigh.

“Now kids,” Nikan stood in front of her and her five brothers. They were gathered for a family meeting. Her brother’s were all shirtless and dressed in sweatpants. Yule wore a pair of white sweatpants, Xavier wore gray sweatpants, Serge and Terrain both wore black sweatpants. The four of them had all just woken up from their nap. She was dressed in solid black hoodie and gray sweatpants that were baggy on her.

. “Your Uncle Alejandro is coming to visit us.” The second the name was mentioned. Yule smiled and started pumping himself up for a fight. “Yule,” He scolded. “He said he’d fight you when you’re older, you’re eighteen. That’s still not old enough yet.”

“You’re right,” Yule ran his hand through his white hair. “I need more time to train.” He let out a long sigh.

“Now then.” Nikan crossed his arms. “I called this meeting because Jay is coming to stay with us for a week.” They groaned. “I know, he’s never tried to bond with you guys. The guy keeps his head in the books. We’re hoping to change that. Alejandro is very worried about him. Jay doesn’t have a lot of friends and the kid’s been through a lot. So please, I’m asking you as your father to please try to make friends with him. It’ll make Alejandro very happy.”He added knowing this would get Yule onboard. “So, can you guys do this for me?”

“Yes father,” Yule bowed to him. “Me and my siblings will do our best to make Jay feel at home.” Alexis groaned.

“Do we have to?” Alexis rolled her eyes. “All the boy does is sit there and read books on strategies all day. He pulls out his stupid crayon box and starts writing stuff down like he’s taking notes. He’s such a nerd. Why can’t it be someone fun like Jayson?” She complained. “At least he’ll actually play with us.”

“Sister,” Yule scolded. “Father has asked us to do him a favor. So we will do him this favor. Understood?” He crossed his arm.

“Alright fine, I’ll play nice.” Alexis agreed.

“Come on Jay,” Alejandro pulled Jay by the arm. “You’re going to visit my friend Nikan for a while. You need to make friends.” Jay was tugging away from Alejandro trying to break free of his grip. His bare feet skid across the ground as he was being dragged. He was shirtless and had on a pair of ripped up blue jeans. The poor guy was no match for Alejandro’s strength, he was barely even trying to drag him.

“But I don’t want to make friends.” Jay argued. “Can I at least bring one book? Just one,” Alejandro shook his head. “This isn’t fair,” He tried to pull away again. “Wait,” Alejandro stopped.”Does mom know you’re doing this?” He asked him. “Because mom should know if I’m being tortured.”

“Your mother knows, kiddo,” Alejandro smirked. “She’s the reason I’m doing this.”

“So she’s in on it,” Jay gasped. “My own mother, the betrayal. Well, you best believe, I’m going to write her a very angry letter over-,” Alejandro threw Jay in front of Nikan’s kids. They stood there looking at him confused. They weren’t sure how to engage him. The boy hardly talks to them or let alone spends time with them.

“Hi guys,” He waved at them, flashing a smile.

“So do we beat him up?” Terrain asked. “That usually works with Jayson.”

“No, he’s too fragile. We’ll kill it.” Xavier added. “Maybe I can splash him with water, he might like that.” He shrugged.

“I won’t like that,” Jay replied. “Do you guys have strategy books?”

“I do,” Xavier raised his hand.

“Sweet, let’s start there.” Jay went to walk in Xavier’s tent.

“No, No, No,” Yule pulled Jay away from the tent. “You’re grounded from strategy books. You’re supposed to spend time with us and make friends. That’s what my father said and you’re father made a point not to let you bring books. So why would we give you a book knowing this?” He asked.

“Because, if you let me read strategy books. I’ll leave you alone for the entire week and we can say we bonded.” Jay offered. “It’ll be our little secret.”

“I don’t do secrets,” Yule brought Jay over to his siblings. “We’re bonding, whether you like it or not, so I suggest. We start simple,” He smirked as it started to snow. “Let’s start with a good old snowball fight.” He threw a snowball at Jay. He dodged it.

“Ha, you missed, you throw like a girl.” Jay teased.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Alexis crossed her arms. “Are you saying girls can’t throw? Well,” She created a fireball in her hand. “Let’s find out.”

“You don’t count,” Jay pointed at her. “You look more like a boy to me.” She glared at him. “I think it’s the hoodie. It’s very big on you and your pants. Are those sweats, yeah, you dress like a boy. Definitely a boy.”

“I will kill you,” Alexis tackled Jay. He dodged her and she fell in the snow. Her brothers were all laughing as she kept trying to hit Jay. “I’m not a boy,”

“You are a boy, I can see the penis.” Jay argued, Alexis threw a fireball at him. He dodged and the trees caught fire. “You missed, unless you were aiming for the tree then you got it.” She growled and tackled Jay to the ground. She started punching Jay. “See, she punches just like a guy.” She punched him again and refused to stop hitting him.

“Beat him up, sis,” Terrain cheered.

“Though, he’s not wrong,” Serge raised his brow. “She does dress like a boy.” Alexis turned around and glared at him. “You shop in the men’s department. If that doesn’t say you dress like a boy then I don’t know what does? Your hoodie came from the men’s department.”

“That’s because boys have better jackets.” Alexis argued. “Serge, don’t make me beat you up. Besides, I’d rather wear a men’s skull t-shirt than a frilly pink flower shirt. So excuse me for having good taste.”

“Wait, you’re wearing a men’s T shirt right now.” Jay raised his brow. “That explains a lot, so you are a boy. I knew it.” He pointed at her. She continued to hit Jay. He rolled over on top of her and pinned her down. “Gotcha,” She shot fire from her nose. He screamed and took off running. “Holy crap, She shot fire from her nose. She’s not a werewolf, she’s a dragon.”

“That’s right, you better run.” Alexis hurled a fireball at a tree. “And,” She pointed at her brother. “I don’t dress like a boy.” She walked off.

“See look, our kids are bonding,” Nikan gestured to them. Alejandro’s eyes widened as a tree fell from being caught on fire. The entire forest was on fire from Alexis throwing fireballs. “I think it’s going well,”

“I’m trusting you Nikan,” Alejandro rose to his feet. “I’ll be back for Jay in one week. His mother doesn’t even know I left him with you. I told her I was leaving him with a friend for a week. She trusts me, don’t make me regret this. Jay is her baby if anything happens to him. The whole forest will start coming after me with the intent to kill. So, please, Nikan, I need Jay to come back alive. No burns, no scratches, or she will kill me.”

“Jay will be fine,” Nikan assured him. “You said so yourself, the boy needs friends. Well, he has a whole pack full of potential friends. Plus he has me looking out for him. Now go, I’ll look after Jay.”

“Thank you, Nikan,” Alejandro hugged him. “I appreciate this. His mother will too. All she wants is for Jay to adjust after the death of his parents. She’s worried about him and quite frankly, I’m worried too. So please look out for him.” He walked away. Jay rushed over and grabbed his pants leg.

“Wait, you’re leaving,” Jay glanced up at him. “You said you were going to stay here with me for the entire week. That was the deal, you said you’d stay. You promised. Don’t leave Uncle Alejandro, I need you.” He hugged his leg. “Please stay, I don’t know these kids.”

“I only said I’d stay because it’s the only way you’d go.” Alejandro sank to his knees. He pat Jay on the head. “Nikan is a good friend, he raised me since I was a little boy. He’ll look after you, it’s only a week Jay. I’ll be back for you in one week. I promise.” He hugged Jay. “You’re going to make some new friends and time will just fly by, I promise. So play nice and I’ll be back in one week.”

“One week,” Jay repeated. He nodded. “Okay, one week but if you don’t come get me. I’m going to write you an angry letter. Because, you promised and you said you never break a promise. Except you did,” He pointed at Alejandro. “You promised to stay and you lied to me. You tricked me, that’s very mean. You owe me ice cream.”

“Fine, one week, just hang tight for one week. When I come to get you, we’ll get ice cream. Deal?” Alejandro held out his hand and Jay shook it. “That’s my boy, now go, have fun with Nikan’s kids.” Jay nodded and ran off.

“Jay, you fool,” Alexis rubbed her forehead. The week did indeed fly by just as Alejandro said it would. It took her two days to stop being annoyed with Jay’s constant teasing. But by day three, when Jay interacted with her brother’s spirits and danced with their wolves. Then when he interacted with hers. She was no longer annoyed. They became friends, Jay saw her as one of the guys. She didn’t feel left out. It was strange, the one thing Jay did to piss her off was call her a boy. But it was that exact same thing that allowed her to be close to him.

“You made it,” Alexis ran up and hugged Jay tightly. “Come on,” She opened her sleeping bag so he could get in with her. He shrugged and got in the sleeping bag with her. She laid her head on his chest as they lied together.

“So, why did I have to sneak into your tent?” Jay asked. “Does your father not get that you’re a boy trapped in a girl’s body?” She nudged him. “Ou,” He rubbed his side. “What did you want to talk about?”

“Nothing really,” Alexis turned to face him. “I just wanted to spend time with you. You’re leaving tomorrow which sucks. But I get it, you need to go back to NightShade. It’s where your parents are and I’m sure your mother is starting to worry.”

“Yeah, she does that,” Jay agreed. “So have you ever thought that the werewolf code is busted? I mean, we follow it but nobody’s ever thought to question it. Why is that?” He placed his hands on his stomach. “Like, what bothers me most, is that women can’t be Alphas. My mom would make an amazing Alpha. It’s all she’s ever wanted and she can’t have it because she’s a woman. How unfair is that?” He turned to face her. “If I was in a pack that was led by a woman, I’d be glad that our pack is different from all the others. We’re not so closed minded to think a woman can’t lead. For that, I’d be grateful.”

“You’d be the only one,” Alexis joked. “I’m sure Lord Grimm has his reasons for banning women from the role of Alpha. Like most things, there’s got to be a logical explanation for it. He’s our king, he knows what he’s doing. Who are we to question it?”

“His people,” Jay argued. “We need to question it. Otherwise, we’re just blindly following orders. I mean, at some point. The rules have to change. We can’t be closed minded forever. We need to be able to change and adapt to the world around us. We’re werewolves, we should be good at it but we’re not. I mean, the vampire’s have female commanders. Why can’t we? These are the things that need to be asked.” He added. “But, nobody asks, I for one, intend to.” He rested his head on her pillow. “I’m writing down questions, after the war is over and we win. I’m going to ask Lord Grimm all of them. We need to start adapting.”

“Good luck with that,” Alexis held Jay close. “Lord Grimm is good at dodging questions.”

“He can’t dodge me,” Jay ran his finger through her hair. “You know, Alexis, the coolest thing about you is your hair. It’s so long and red like my mothers. It’s fun stroking it, do you think I could brush it one day? It’s just I got to brush my mother’s hair once and it was so much fun. She taught me how to braid it. I know, could I braid your hair? That’d be so cool.”

“Sure, I’ll let you braid it. Only if I get to undo it after you’re done.” Alexis replied. “I can’t let my brothers see that I actually did my hair for once. They’d die in shock.” Jay busted out laughing.

“You really are one of the guys. That’s why I feel so safe with you. I feel like I can tell you anything and you’ll just listen. That’s another thing I like about you. I could lay here with you and just talk to you for hours.” Jay snuggled up to her. “I hope that never changes,”

“It won’t,” Alexis turned over as held her.

“But it did change,”Alexis wiped a tear from her eye. She remembered standing there the night of the Lunar Ball. Her father helped her pick out the nicest dress. It was ruby red and fit her body perfectly. She was going to surprise Jay. She hadn’t seen him in four years. She was going to ask him to be her date but then.

Alexis watched as Jay danced with another woman. Someone had stolen Jay from her. She didn’t understand. There was an agreement, Jay’s parents and her father agreed that Jay would marry her. They would undergo the trial by spirit after their first Lunar Ball together and they would get married. She dressed for the occasion, she was so happy that her Jay were going to be together. But to see this, to see him, with her. She stormed off in anger carrying her red high heels eager to leave the Lunar Ball.

“Alexis, wait,” Jay chased after her. “Just give me a second to explain.” She went to slap him across the face but she couldn’t. It was Jay, her best friend, the guy she wanted to be with, the guy she-, she was trying not to cry but it hurt so much. “Look, I know, I agreed to marry you but that was four years ago. I was only twelve years old. I didn’t know what I wanted. I met someone okay, her name’s Claire, she’s amazing. She gets me. I really like her, Alexis.”

“Is she your girlfriend?” Alexis asked.

“No, she’s a friend. We’re just friends.” Jay explained. “I’m not going to officially make her my girlfriend until you tell me it’s okay. I don’t want to ruin our friendship. You mean a lot to me, it’s just,”

“Just what Jay,” Alexis yelled. “I’m one of the guys. Is that why Jay? Last I checked, a guy doesn’t wear a dress to impress his girlfriend. Last I checked, a guy doesn’t spend hours doing their hair and putting on makeup so that a girl will actually see him as a guy. No, Jay, girls do that, I did that for you and it was a complete waste of time.” She wiped the smeared makeup from her face. “So go, be with Claire, that’s what you want right? After all, I’m sure she’ll make the perfect girlfriend.” She rushed back to her father’s camp.

Her father had the whole campsite set up for her and Jay’s wedding. Her father stood there with her brothers. All of them dressed in their suits and ties waiting for her to return with Jay. Except, she came back alone. She threw a fireball destroying the decorations. She sat at one of the tables and began crying. Her brothers gathered around her as she sat there in tears.

“Sis,” Yule sat beside her. “What can we do to help?” Alexis rested her head in her arms as tears streamed down her face. She knew her brother was trying to help. But Yule was the last person. She wanted to help her. He’s in a relationship, a happy, fruitful relationship. Yule’s life is perfect. She just wanted to have what he has but with Jay.

“Do you want us to kick his ass?” Terrain offered. “Because you know, anyone who messes with our sister gets their ass beat. It’s a rule. ” Alexis sat there and continued to cry over Jay.

“No, don’t beat up, Jay.” Alexis sniffled. “He’s our friend and he’s a good guy and hurting him will only,” She covered her face. “Hurt me,” She cried into her hands. Her father set the bouquet of flowers aside and shooed her brothers away.

“It’s okay, baby girl,” Nikan pulled her to his chest so she could cry on his shoulder. “Daddy’s here, tell me what happened.”

“Jay, he, he, he, he met someone else.” Alexis cried on his shoulder. “I really thought he loved me, I thought we were going to be together. He promised to marry me and I put on this stupid dress, did my hair, I wanted everything to be perfect and Jay. He, he,” She wiped her eyes. “He broke my heart, dad, he took my heart and just crushed it. Why would he do that father? Why?”

“Boys are stupid,” Nikan hugged her. “I’d know before I was your father, I was a boy too. I had to break a few hearts before I realized what I wanted. And, that’s what Jay’s going to have to do before he grows up and becomes a man. It sucks, I know, and every part of me wants to beat that boy’s ass for breaking your heart. Just say the word and I’ll show up to that Ball and show him what happens when you break my daughter’s heart.”

“Please don’t beat up Jay,” Alexis held him tightly.

“Stop crying or I will,” Nikan warned. “A daughter’s tears are like adrenaline to a father’s muscles. Every teardrop is another drop of blood on the floor when I beat Jay’s ass. Right now, I’m only thinking about killing him. A few more tears and I’ll actually do it.” She wiped the tears from her eyes. “Now go get cleaned up, daddy loves you okay,” He kissed her forehead and she walked to her tent to get changed.

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That morning, she made a point to visit NightShade. She wasn’t ready to give up on Jay just yet. If he thinks that this Claire girl is so perfect and that she gets him. Then, Alexis wanted to meet her. She wanted to see for herself what made Claire so much better than her. In fact, she deserved to know why Jay wanted Claire and not her.

Her first impression of Claire. She reminded her of a festering leech. She could tell at first glance, Claire didn’t love Jay. She was using Jay for her own personal benefit. Of course, Jay being an inexperienced guy who had never opened up himself for dating. Was but a victim to her game, a game Alexis saw through right from the start. She knew Claire had used Jay in order to find Lord Grimm. Something, he shouldn’t have told her. That was the mistake, it was thanks to that Alexis was able to find out what Claire’s intentions were for Jay. Now that she knew what Claire was after, she had to protect Jay from her. So, it led her to..

“Father, I want to join Nightshade,” Alexis walked into her father’s cave. Nikan awoke from his nap stretching.

“You want to, what?” Nikan yawned. “Daughter, it’s seven in the morning. Let’s talk more about it later in the day. Daddy needs to sleep.” He covered himself up in the blankets. She pulled the blankets off him and he was in his boxers. “Okay,” He groaned. “I’m up, you win,” She grinned. “So you want to, what now?” He asked.

“I’ve thought a lot about it and,” Alexis took a deep breath. “Lycan is marrying his Omega, there’s an opening. So, I want to join NightShade.” Nikan yawned. “Please father, you know I can’t leave your pack without your permission.”

“Is this over some boy,” Nikan rubbed his eyes. “Look daughter, Jay’s a nice kid but he’s interested in another woman correct? So let the boy make his mistakes. There are plenty of noble boys you can marry. Jay was just an option. Now, please, give daddy back his blanket.” He reached for it.

“No,” Alexis argued. “Look, I tried dating the other nobles. I tried to find someone else but Jay is the only guy that I want. We’re close dad, I didn’t tell you this because I knew you’d be mad but. The night before he left, he snuck into my tent.” Nikan’s eyes widened.

“Alexis, he was twelve,” Nikan reminded her. “You don’t let a twelve year old boy share a bed with you. Granted, you were twelve. But still, he’s a boy. He’s not to be in your tent. You are my daughter. Do you realize what you’ve done?”

“Nothing happened. We just stayed up talking all night.” Alexis answered. “I don’t see what the big deal is, so he’s a boy, I’m a girl, Jay didn’t seem to care. He thought I was one of the guys anyway. So it’s not like anything was going to happen.”

“But it could have,” Nikan argued. “That’s where father gets worried.” Alexis rolled her eyes. “Fine, ignoring this new information. Why do you think it’s so important for you to be with Jay? You realize he stood you up and broke your heart, yes?”

“I realize that but he needs me.” Alexis threw his blanket aside. “This girl he’s dating or trying to date. She’s taking advantage of him. As Jay’s friend, I can’t just sit by and let her do this to him. He’s too stupid to figure it out. So, that’s where I come in. Dad, please, I’m begging you let me do this.” She batted her eyes at him.

“Ah, the puppy face,” Nikan cringed. “Stop with the puppy face already.” She snuggled up to her father. “Alexis, you have no idea what you’re asking me to do. You’re my daughter, it’s my duty as your father to keep you safe. If you go out there and join NightShade. I can’t protect you from harm. You become Lycan’s responsibility and sure he’ll keep you safe. But not as well as I could, I’m your father, nobody can protect you better than I can.”

“You’re right.” Alexis fixed her hair. “I’m your daughter, you know, Yule always boasts about being like Alejandro. Well, I don’t want to follow Alejandro or Prince Lycan. I want to be strong like you are. You’re my role model, you’re my reason for training. I want to be an Alpha just like you but the problem is.” She let out a sigh. “I’m a girl, I can’t be an Alpha, unless a guy is willing to help me get there. Don’t you see, Jay is that guy, he’ll do that for me. That’s why he’s perfect and I can’t just sit by and let this woman take him from me.”

“Even after Jay broke your heart, You still feel this way about him?” Nikan scratched his head. “Okay, well um, if Jay means that much to you. I suppose I could talk to Lycan about getting you into NightShade.” She ran into his arms hugging him tightly. “But if you must leave,” He took off the beaded necklace that was around his neck. “This necklace is a gift from the great Kami, it was made for me, the day I left to help Lord Grimm. I wore it for protection and now I’m giving it to you.” He put the necklace around her neck. “Wear it and know that, no matter where you go, your brothers and I will keep you close to our hearts.”

“Yes father,” Alexis hugged him.

“I need to do this,” Alexis stood there holding the necklace her father gave her. She closed her eyes and searched for Jay’s spiritual energy. During the trial of spirit. Jay intertwined his spirit with hers and because of this. She could sense him. No it was more than that, she could feel him. She saw Jay’s spirit resting at the stream. The hurt look on his face, the tears in his eyes. She began to think about her brother Yule’s words to her.

“So Yule, how was it?” Alexis ran her fingers through her hair. “The trial by spirit, I mean, I saw you two together. The way you two bonded, it was incredible. I can’t believe you found your eternal match. You must feel amazing.”

“The trial by spirit,” Yule shut his eyes. “It feels, well, there’s no real way to describe it.” Alexis nodded. “You know me,” He placed his hand on his chest.” I’ve never been one to do something without thinking it through. But dancing with her and opening up my spirit to her. Letting her see me, my feelings, and everything that makes me, me. Watching as she connected with that side of me. It was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I no longer had to worry if she was the one for me or not. I knew she was it,” He looked up at the stars. “I knew she was my person. Words can’t describe how great that felt. I thought it was impossible for me to love her anymore than I already did. But I was wrong, the feelings that hit me after that dance, after that kiss. It paled in comparison to any kiss we’ve ever had.” He smiled. “It was enough for me to drop to one knee and propose to her on the spot. We got married that same day, the connection we shared was that powerful. Sis, it’s by far, the greatest experience of my life and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

“So enough about the romantic crap,” Serge draped his arm on Yule’s shoulder. “What was the sex like, I know you tried it. Dad told us, the sex after the trial by spirit is by far the best sex of a werewolf’s life. Like imagine it, you’re already spiritually connected to this girl, you feel what she feels, she feels what you feel. The two of you are connected in every way possible and you combine those energies further by merging yourself with her under the sheets, Bro, I bet it was awesome. I bet you guys did it all night long.” Yule blushed. “You did it, didn’t you, you lucky bastard,” He punched Yule’s shoulder. “I bet it was incredible.”

“It was,” Yule admitted. “By far, the best sex of my life, father was right. It wasn’t just good for me. She enjoyed it too. By the end of it, I was the one exhausted while she was still wanting to go again after we did it like twelve times. I ran out of condoms, I was saved by the lack of condoms, brother. It was that intense. If only, the connection was permanent. It only lasts for a day then your energies start to divide and become separate again. You don’t feel what she feels anymore, your feelings become your own. It can’t be replicated,so once it’s over, it’s over. Everything goes back to normal. You get one chance to bond with your mate like that and if it’s wasted, you can’t get it back. So my best advice is,” He propped his feet up. “Don’t waste it. Make every moment your connected to her count. Because you won’t get it again.”

“Make it count,” Alexis held her necklace. She’s connected to Jay. They performed the trial by spirit and have become bonded. If she wastes this chance, she’ll lose him. But she could feel him, she knew his feelings and she could tell. Jay felt the connection, it was there, he’s just been fighting it for Claire’s sake. Claire’s the only thing keeping Jay from allowing himself to embrace their connection. But it’s there, it’s always been there and it’s time he stopped fighting it. She wrapped herself up in a short black robe and walked to the stream where Jay was.

The moment her dark brown eyes saw Jay standing there in the stream. His long ash blond hair soaked by the water. His skin glistened underneath the pale moonlight. Trails of water dripped from his chest to his abs. Her heart began racing, he was so handsome, so perfect, and yet. She looked into his dark amber eyes and saw redness. He had cried so much. She took one step forward coming out of the trees and into the moonlight. She was scared, nervous, but it was time, she couldn’t stand there and do nothing while he was in pain.

“Jay, we need to talk,” Alexis spoke. Once Jay heard her voice, he began wiping away his tears. He was trying to put on a strong front for her. But she could see right through it. It was okay, it was okay for Jay to be sad, to be hurt. She just wanted to be there for him. “Look, I know, this is hard for you. I know what Lord Grimm wants you to do. And,” She took another step forward. “I know that it hurts because if you don’t do it. Your brother will die.”

“Alexis, please,” Jay’s eyes started to fill with tears. “Don’t do this, Don’t, just please, I’d rather not deal with this. Just don’t, my heart,” He clinched his chest. “It can’t take anymore pain. Okay, it just can’t, I’ve lost enough.”

“Jay, listen,” Alexis let out a sigh. “Nobody understands the importance of family better than I do,” She held her necklace. “I was blessed with a father who loves me and four brothers. All of which would lay down their lives to protect me. So, I understand how you must feel. I couldn’t imagine not being there for my brothers or my father. But, what you need to understand is.” She took another step toward him. Her heart was still racing but Jay needed to hear her words. Even if it meant, she’d lose him. “I left my family to be with you Jay. I care about you that much. I gave up my chance to fight alongside them for you. So,” She bawled her hand into a fist. “Why is it?” She tried to fight it but tears fled her eyes. “Claire gets all the praise.Why is it that she’s the one you’re after? I keep trying to understand why but I don’t.”

“Alexis, I-,” Jay turned away. “I wish I could explain but,”

“Try, Jay, just try,” Alexis wiped the test from her eyes. “Is it because you don’t see me as a girl? Is that it, Jay?” She asked. “That’s it, isn’t it.” She forced a swallow. “You don’t see me as desirable because I’m one of the guys to you. Is that the reason Jay? Just tell me, so, I’ll finally understand why you don’t-.”

“That’s not why,” Jay answered. “I stopped seeing you as one of the guys. The moment I was told that we were going to get married. I realized then that yes, you were my best friend and yeah it was cool to marry my best friend.” He added. “The idea of an arranged marriage was a great idea for me. I was letting my life pass me by, I was too focused on revenge and I wasn’t engaging with people. I was just shutting everyone out. So, Alejandro and my mother made the right decision but, the problem was.”

“I was afraid,” Jay admitted. “Afraid that if I screwed up and our marriage ended. I’d lose you forever. I didn’t want that, so I ran from it.” He forced a swallow. “Call me a coward, but I’d rather be a coward than lose someone I care about over a marriage. I’m not sure, will last. But there’s a lot more to it than just that.”

“Alexis,” Jay spoke after a short pause. “Do you remember that night we spent together in your tent? I stayed with you guys for a week and,” He took a deep breath. “The last day of the week, you asked me to sneak into your tent. Do you remember what I told you that night?” His eyes started to fill with tears, “I remember, it’s why I can’t be with you.” He wiped his eyes. “I said,” He forced a swallow. “I said, I liked your hair, I said, it reminded me of my mother’s but that’s what makes it sad. Because, my mother’s dead, she’s gone,” He lowered his head. “So now, one of the things I liked most about you is just a painful reminder of what I longer have.” He buried his face in his hands as tears fled his eyes.

“Jay,” Alexis went to step forward but her foot touched the warm water of the stream. She stepped back. She didn’t want to get in the stream with Jay. He wasn’t wearing any clothes and to be that close to him. Knowing he was, she forced a swallow. She wasn’t ready, she was still too nervous, too afraid that he’d reject her.

“The last two years,” Jay wiped his eyes. “They have been difficult for me. It wasn’t enough to lose one mother, I had to lose a second. So,” He took a deep breath. “I know I was wrong to leave you at the altar. I’m sorry that I hurt you. I was in so much pain and it still hurts.” He clenched his heart. “I’m still trying to cope with the pain. So yeah, I pursued Claire, I sought a relationship with her. Because, the truth is, my heart couldn’t handle any more reminders.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m trying to pick up the pieces, as best I can, but it’s hard because I’m not so sure I can this time. This feels different, I looked up to my mother, I wanted to be just like her and she’s gone. The person I admire most in this world is gone. The vampires took her from me and I wasn’t ready to lose her.”

“I don’t know what it feels like to lose a mother.” Alexis held her necklace. “My mother lives safely behind the castle walls protected by Lord Grimm and his guards. So, I guess, I’ve never had to worry about it.”

This pain Jay was feeling, she could feel it. Their spirits were connected and because of this. She could feel his heart and all the damages that were left there. He was trying to cover the wounds with tape and glue hoping to patch it together. But wounds that deep, didn’t heal that way. They needed to be burned shut. It would hurt but that’s why she’s here to help him.

“Jay, if I had known that,” Alexis ran her fingers through her hair. “I would have tried to help you not because I wanted to marry you or because I wanted to be with you. I would have helped because before you were any of those things that I wanted.” She looked into Jay’s dark amber eyes. “You were my best friend.” She smiled. “That’s why I agreed to the arranged marriage in the first place.” She added. “That’s why I joined NightShade and left my family’s pack. I was trying to protect you Jay, Because I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you to someone like Claire.”

“You thought you were going to lose me,” Jay raised his brow. “Alexis, that could never happen. We’re friends,” He placed his hand on his chest. “We’ve known each other since we were twelve, Claire isn’t going to come in between that. Nothing could come in between that.” He stepped forward but then stopped himself. He looked down at himself and took a step back. He must have forgotten that he wasn’t wearing clothes. “Right ugh,” He blushed. “Anyway, you could never lose me. If Claire wants to date me, she has to accept you as one of my friends or I just wouldn’t date her. Why do you think I push for you two to get along? It’s because I can’t stand to lose either of you. But,” He let out a deep sigh.

“Whether I like it or not,” Jay shrugged. “I’m about to. If I don’t fight in this war, my brother will die, Claire will die, and I could lose you too. If I don’t give Lord Grimm what he wants, I won’t be allowed to protect the people that matter most to me. That hurts and I know if Jayson dies,” His eyes started to fill with tears. “If he dies and I wasn’t there to do anything to stop it. That’s my brother, he was there when our parents died the first time. He picked up the pieces for both of us. He’s always been there protecting me and if I can’t do the same for him. When he really needs me to. I might as well mark myself as the world’s worst brother.”

“That’s not going to happen,” Alexis reached into a hidden pocket in her robe. She grabbed the condom that was inside and showed it to Jay. His eyes widened as his cheeks turned red. “You’re going to fight in the war. Because,” She tossed the condom to him. He caught it. “I’m not going to let you lose anybody else.” She loosened the tie on her robe and the short black robe fell to the floor. “I love you, Jay,” Jay’s eyes lingered on black lace bra with flame designs on it. He forced a swallow as his eyes reached her belly button ring. “If doing this means you can be there for your family. Then,” His eyes trailed further down to her black lace panties with fire designs. He forced a swallow as she undid her bra. “I’d gladly offer myself over to you.” She threw her bra aside, revealing her breasts to him.

Alexis smirked as Jay stood there staring at her breasts. She could hear his heart pounding. She could smell the sweat on his palms as he fought to maintain his composure. His cheeks were flushed, his eyes caught in a drunken haze. “Claire might not be willing to make sacrifices in order to be with you. But,” She threw her panties at him. He caught them in his hand. “I’ve proven that I will.” She stepped into the water with Jay. He threw the panties aside as she got closer to him. He tried to back away from her.

“You don’t need to fight it anymore Jay,” Alexis brought her lips close to his. “I know you feel something for me,” She caressed his cheek. “I can feel it. The trial by spirit. It connected us, Jay, so I know what you’re feeling. I also know,” Jay’s lips moved closer. “You know my exact feelings, you can feel them, so you know without a doubt that. I’m in love with you. So, the question is,” She traced Jay’s lips with her finger. “What do you intend to do about it?” She reached behind him and grabbed the condom. “The choice is yours,” She placed the condom in Jay’s palm and closed it.

“But Claire,” Jay looked at the condom in his hand. “If I do this, she’ll-,”

“Jay, ask yourself,” Alexis began. “If Claire knew what Lord Grimm expected from you. If you told her that unless, she agrees to marry or have sex with you. You weren’t going to be able to fight alongside your brother in the war. Do you think she’d be here offering herself to you? Do you think she’d be here trying to come up with a solution?” She waited for his answer. The problem was Jay couldn’t answer it. But, she knew the answer. “I don’t think she would. Because if she really cared about you like you care about her. She’d be here, she’d be here to comfort you. But she’s not here, she only cares about protecting her family. That’s her priority and she goes as far as using you to help her family. Does that sound like a girl who’s in love with you?”

“It’s just,” Jay’s eyes started to tear up. “I don’t know what else to do. I’ve tried everything. I told her how I felt and still she-,’

“I think it’s time to accept it,” Alexis ran her fingers through Jay’s hair. “Claire doesn’t love you. You tried and you kept trying and now. You’re standing here in a stream, crying, and the person you kept pouring yourself into isn’t even here when you need her. But I’m here Jay, I’m here, I’m here because I can’t stand to see you in pain. I’m here because,” Jay grabbed her waist and in the same motion their lips met in a passionate kiss. The warmth of Jay’s breath entered her mouth as their lips remained close together.

“You love me,” Jay raked his nails through her hair, brushing it back gently. He then crushed his lips against hers. She soon felt his skilled werewolf tongue massage against hers, wrestling it, fighting it, trying to get inside her cavern. As they kissed, Alexis placed her hands on his bare wet chest, running her hands down his hardened nipples from the cold night air. She let out a sharp moan as Jay’s tongue took entry. She could feel his tongue swirling around her mouth. She reached into the water and groped his balls, massaging them beneath the water.

Jay broke the kiss, fighting just to breathe. He kept his lips close to hers as she stroked him, feeling his inches. His cock was already so aroused, his balls for a werewolf. He was well groomed. She was impressed but not only by the grooming. She continued to stroke his skin as his lips met with her neck. He nibbled on her ear, his lips tasted her neck. As his hand reached for her breasts. She felt a light squeeze. He blushed and went to move his hand but she kept it in place. He kept squeezing and feeling her breast like it was some new toy. She grabbed Jay by his shoulders and kissed him while he played with her breasts.

“Oh Jay,” Alexis moaned in his ear, it twitched in response. Her hips were grinding against her, his bare cock, rubbing against her. His tongue swirled around her breasts, again and again. That skilled tongue of his. Not that she was surprised, she was the one who taught him how to kiss and use his tongue but to think he’d use it there. He’s a fast learner. He kept licking her breasts, running his tongue over the nubs. She stroked Jay’s hair back and kissed him, her tongue entering his mouth.

“Cute,” Jay grinned. She tried to wrestle Jay’s tongue for entry but he won the battle. His tongue entered her mouth. He lightly bit her bottom lip and parted their lips. Her hips grinded against him. He breathed a moan as their hips moved together. He grabbed both of her breasts, squeezing them as their hips moved as one. He wasn’t even inside her yet but feeling him just like this. It was enough, his cock was so warm, it was like a burning hot flame between her legs. It was getting hotter by the second. He felt so fucking good.

“Oh, yes,” Alexis wrapped her arms around him. She knocked over his shampoo bottle, and his bar of soap fell in the water. She sucked on his bottom lip as those hips of his moved with hers. She caressed his cheek and stared deep into his gorgeous dark amber eyes. His hands were holding her hips, those eyes so focused. “Jay,” She splayed her hands on his chest. “Sit,” She pushed him onto the edge of the stream. He sat down catching his breath from all the kissing.

“Oh, no, I’m doing bad aren’t I?” Jay ran his hand through his hair. “It’s the tongue isn’t it, I’m using too much tongue. Look, Alexis, I’m sorry, just let me try again. I swear I’ll get it right, it’s my first time, I’m just trying to figure things out.” Alexis laughed. “Oh no, it’s my dick isn’t it, it’s not big enough. Damn it, look, I thought I was well equipped. I was lied to, the ruler lied to me. I thought it was slightly above average.”

“Jay, Jay,” Alexis laughed harder, “There’s nothing wrong. Everything is fine,” Jay raised his brow.

“Are you sure?” Jay asked. “Because when a girl says everything is fine. Everything is not fine, I would know, my mom has done that to me many times. So it has to be something. What is it? Tell me what’s wrong.” Alexis laughed.

“Nothing, Jay, nothing at all.” Alexis kissed him. “I was just thinking, it’s your first time, so, it needs to be special. So, I thought maybe, you’d like me to-,” She glanced down at his cock. Jay looked down and then looked at her. “Well, do you?”

“Do I what?” Jay asked. “I’m confused.” He scratched his head. “Do I want to oh, I know, you want me to clean it first. I mean I just cleaned it but I’ll do it again. Where’s the soap? I think you dropped the soap.” Alexis couldn’t stop laughing. He has no idea what she’s talking about. She was going to have to spell it out for her cute little puppy. He kept trying to find the soap in the water.

“Jay, come over here,” Alexis brought him over to the edge of the stream to sit back down. “No Jay, I don’t want you to clean it. I don’t want you to do anything. I just want you to sit right here and relax. Let me, take care of you,” Jay blushed.

“Oh, okay, sorry,” Jay scratched his head. “I’m just a little nervous is all. I’m not really sure what I’m doing, I’m having lots of fun learning new tricks. I feel like a stud,” Alexis laughed. He blushed in response. “So ugh, what did you mean by-,” She ran her tongue over his clean balls, as her hand jerked him off. He hitched a slight moan as she kept licking him. “Oh, god, this feels amazing, whatever you do. Don’t stop doing it. Oh, f-f-f,” Jay’s canines emerged as he gritted his teeth together. He was fighting the urge to thrust, his claws digging into the grass. Alexis’s tongue ran up his inches and once she reached the tip. She took him into her mouth. “Uhnn,” He threw his head back, it was clear to her he was trying not to watch her. She moved her hair to the side as it got in the way. Realizing this, Jay took hold of her hair and held it in a ponytail for her. She continued to suck, lick, and tease his cock until. She felt a tiny drop of Jay’s seed leak out onto her tongue. She gave it one final lick and kissed his cheek.

“So are you ready?” Alexis placed the condom package in his hand.

“Yeah, I’m ready,” Jay opened the package. “So, it goes like,” She watched as Jay struggled to put it on. Lucky for him, she knew how. “I think I’ve got it inside out, hold on, I’ll get it, I just need to keep-, come on, how did my dad say it went? He said it went over my thing but which way, this way or that way? I’m so confused, wait, I think I got it.” Alexis watched as Jay kept trying to put on the condom. “It’s like this right?” She gave him a thumbs up. “I did it, sorry, it’s just I’ve never done this before.”

“It’s okay,” Alexis kissed his neck. “You’ll get the hang of it. It’s your first time so it’s not like I’m expecting miracles. So, you’re all set,” He nodded. She climbed on top of him and positioned herself over him. Jay’s eyes were watching and his hands were shaking. “Hey,” She caressed his cheek. “Don’t overthink it, you’re going to do just fine. I love you, regardless of how this turns out, so just have fun with it.”

“Okay,” Jay agreed. “I’ll just ugh,” He grabbed her hips as she went to make the connection. She could tell the second the tip of his cock went in. Jay was struggling, he was biting his lip taking deep breaths. “Alexis, I can’t, my ability it’s making it worse, I’m going to-,” He shut his eyes trying to fight it. That’s right, she forgot, Jay feels things stronger than any werewolf. So, naturally, he was sensitive to pleasure.

“Jay, Jay, breathe, just breathe,” Alexis ran her fingers through his hair. “We’ll take it slow, we can work through this. Just breathe, take deep breaths and adjust.” He nodded and began taking deep breaths. He bit his lip as more of his inches went inside her. His claws dug into the grass. “That’s it, Jay, power through it.” He took hold of her waist and sunk more of her down on his inches until his warmth was now fully inside her, pulsing.

“You okay?” Jay ran a finger through her hair. “Does it hurt?” She shook her head. “Okay, good, the last thing I want to do is hurt you.” He kissed her on the lips. “I think you’re supposed to move now, but be careful, remember, I’m still getting used to it and I don’t want to finish too soon. So, let’s go slow okay.” She nodded. Her hips started to move each time, she felt the heat of Jay’s cock moving with her. She locked her lips onto his as the flames of pleasure started to build. His hands gripped her hips tightly as they moved together. He let out moan after moan letting each one fall into her ear. “Oh, Alexis, you feel so,” He held her tighter as their hips rocked together, The pace quickening until. She found herself lying in the grass. Jay’s body on top of her and his hips, oh god, his hips.

“Unh, Jay,” Alexis clawed his back. His hips were moving faster now. Their bodies were connected, their spirits connected, she could feel the intense pleasure building both his and hers. Jay gritted his canines together trying to keep his pleasure inside. But despite his best efforts. He was moaning, crying out for her, until.

“Oh, god, here it comes,” Jay’s claws dug into the grass.She felt a strong pulse from his cock as seed poured out of him. He hovered over catching his breath. She could hear his heart pounding out of control. He pressed his lips against hers and stroked her hair back. His dark amber eyes stared into hers as his thrusts died down to mere taps. He rolled over on his back and rested his hands on his stomach.

“Alexis,” He laid there in the grass catching his breath.. “Can we do this again?” He turned to face her. “I mean ugh, I know we just did it but I was just wondering if we could do it again. Like, maybe this time, I could use my mouth on you and then try, like, sticking it in a different position. I feel like. There’s a lot more ways we could do it and I want to try all of them. You know, because now I’m curious,”

“There it is,” Alexis laughed. “There’s that curious nature of yours finally coming out to play. I knew it was coming,” She moved closer to him. “Well, if you want to do it again,” She laid her head on his chest. “I wouldn’t mind, granted, you don’t really need to ask me. Usually when a guy wants something like this. They just go for it and if the girl’s willing, she’ll allow it. If not then she’ll reject it.”

“So you’re saying,” Jay held her to his chest. “We can do it as many times as I want.” She nodded. “So if I wanted to do it right now, you’d be okay with that.” She nodded again. “We can also do it anywhere I want too, right?” She nodded a third time.“Not to quote my dad on this but,” He smiled. “If I was in my werewolf form. My tail would be wagging.” Alexis looked up at him. “Well would you look at that?” He glanced down, she followed his eyes to see that he was ready to go another round. “My tail is wagging.” She busted out laughing. “Hold on, let me get my pants, we should take this party to my tent.”

“Your tent,” Alexis raised her brow. While Jay was walking over to get his pants. She slipped on her bra and panties. She picked up her robe and put it on. She reached inside the pocket and took out a test tube. She walked over to Jay’s used condom and began draining the contents into the test tube.

“What are you doing?” Jay turned around as he pulled his blue jeans up over his underwear. He buttoned up his jeans and walked up to her.

“Lord Grimm wants you to have a baby right?” Alexis explained. “So in case you die during the war, I’ll have this.” She held up his sperm sample. “If I show him this, he’ll let you fight in the war. After he sees it,” She put the sample back in her pocket. “I’ll destroy it and we’ll be in the clear. No baby and,” She kissed his cheek. “You get to fight in the war.” She crossed her arms. “Or, I could make you sign a contract saying if you die, I can use it, so there will be a baby with your gifts. Which would you prefer?” She closed her robe.

“Just hold on to it,” Jay zipped up his jeans. “Let me think it over,” He added. “I mean,” He shrugged. “Lord Grimm has a point. It’s just if I have a kid. I want to be a father to it. I don’t want to be like my brother who had a kid and refuses to have anything to do with it. It was just to please Lord Grimm. It’s just-,” He rubbed the back of his head. “If I have a kid, I want to be there for them. Help raise them and train them to be strong like me. So for me to have a kid,” Jay placed his hand on his chest. “It’s a little different from what Lord Grimm’s expecting. So, let’s just wait for now.” He draped his arm on her shoulder. “Besides, I’m not dead yet and there’s no point in worrying about it.” He kissed her cheek.

“Let’s go,” Jay kissed the side of her neck. “The night is still young and there’s so much more exploring to do. So I was thinking,” He pulled her over to his side. “If you turned over on your stomach and if I-,” She busted out laughing as Jay went into detail over their next sexual exploration. “I mean, that would work right? Because then I’d be positioned here and you’d be here and it would just go in from the back. It’d help if you got all fours too. That’d make it easier for me to go in deeper. Then, I could really go at it. We should at least try it.”

“Whatever you want, Jay,” Alexis kissed his cheek. “Whatever you want,”