Absolution

SEVEN

Lexie

After her breakfast with Chelsea a few days ago, Lexie woke up this morning with a small spring in her step. It felt good knowing that she had her in her corner. Not that she could ever replace Jess, of course. At some point during the night, Lexie received a voicemail from Jess. As she was making breakfast she pulled out her phone to listen to the message.

"LEXIE! OMG I just had the best night ever! Your parents brought me along on a hunt and it was UH-MAZING! Your last hunt - your only - must have been terrible cuz if it was anything like mine last night you would so be on a high right now."

Lexie's heart sank. She fell into their trap. She knew she had kept up the training after Lexie left, but part of her was hopeful that she wouldn't be drawn into the dark side of her family.

"Seriously such a high! Just wanted to let you know I'm good. I miss you! Would have been good if my first time was with you though. Right gotta go I have some serious energy I need to work out."

She giggled as the message ended. Jess no. Lexie was hopeful that she'd see through the lies. Lexie and Jess shared everything and talked about everything but the one thing she couldn't talk about was that night. She was so scared Jess would look at her in a way that would break Lexie's heart if she truly knew what she had done. Then, as if knowing she needed uplifting, her phone buzzed.

Chelsea: Hey Lexie! Im sorry!!!

She stared at her phone in confusion. Maybe not. Why would Chelsea be sorry?

Lexie: Hey Chels. Sorry for...

Chelsea: I told Markus I saw u & that we r friends now. YAY! He must hve told James. He made me give him ure no. Just wanted to give u a heads up!

She just stared at the screen for another beat before throwing her head back and letting out an exaggerated sigh. Just what I need, complication. She was working so hard to try and get James out of her head and her life. She should have known that someone like him wouldn't just let her be or that he would completely vanish. He was Chelsea's Alpha after all. How the f**k do you tell a werewolf let alone an Alpha to f**k off? Not that she would use those exact words or maybe she should. She needed to get the message across loud and clear. Her phone buzzed. Her head was still hanging back.

She was fighting the urge to read the message but she was beyond curious to see what he wrote. Lexie had been wondering for days if he was mad, disappointed or perhaps elated about not finding her with him the next morning. It was a one-night stand anyways. There are no rules for one-night stands. Well, there were no rules that she knew of. With another deep breath she tilted her head down and looked at her phone.

Unknown Number: Hey Lex. How are you?

How are you? How are you? What does that mean? She got herself worked up over a - Hey Lex. How are you? She rolled her eyes at herself. Good God she was trying to read way too much into those five words. Maybe the words were just exactly that, words, friendly words.

Lexie: Hey. I'm good thanks. How have you been?

James: I've been well. Did you know that M&M stands for Mars and Murrie?

Lexie couldn't help but smile at his text and, just like that, she knew she wouldn't be able to get rid of him. She wondered if he knew that she labelled Mandy & Mindy the M&M's. She had to keep him at arms' length.

Lexie: No I didn't but thanks for that piece of information Mr Richards. I'll keep it in my back pocket for my next trivia night.

Addressing him formally should help right?

James: You are very welcome Miss Smith.

Lexie surprisingly enjoyed that meaningless text exchange but still wished she could tell him the truth about it all. About her, her family and why she was in Pharos Point. If only she wasn't Alexandra Veneur but a girl could dream of better things, couldn't she? To him she wasn't any of those things, she was just Alexandra Smith.

Stay away Lexie. For some reason, she kept the conversation going when she vowed that she would stay away from him. There's just something about him that draws in. She shook her head.

She finished off her breakfast while she read the only three texts she had from James over and over. Is she becoming obsessive? No, of course not, she didn't think so, she was just making sure she understood what he wrote. Maybe she could take screenshots and send them to Jess. She could tell her what was going on, help her read between the lines. Jess. No she can't do that.

She was turning into a hunter, even from all the way out here in a small-ocean side town, she could feel Jess changing. Lexie should return her call or at the very least message her, but she needs to think carefully about what she says to her. She doesn't want to push her away, she wants to save her, but if she keeps going this way, Lexie might just have to do that. Another ding on her phone. James again. She shouldn't engage with him but damn him for pulling her in.

James: Please do let me know when you have your next trivia competition. I'll gladly supply you with more general knowledge, sure to give you the win.

Lexie: So generous Mr Richards. I will keep you posted. Now if you don't mind I have some job hunting to do.

James: Very well Miss Smith. Let me know if you need anything.

Since living in Pharos Point she has been on a rollercoaster of emotions. Just absolutely ridiculous. Everything she had planned out for her first week here has completely flown out the window. She needed to look for work. Something small, easy and casual, but first things first she needed a cold shower. The messages might seem innocent but she was sure he was flirting with her. Or was she hoping to flirt with him? She shouldn't want to do it but she just can't help it and her mind kept drifting back to their night together.

After a thorough cool down, she was pulling clothes out and them down on her bed again. For the job hunting she needed to look professional and friendly. Definitely friendly. Small towns have small business owners, which means friendly staff is a must. She put on a long black pants suit with a bright yellow blouse. Staring at herself in the mirror, the only thought that occurred to her was try hard.

Pulling the clothes off she decided to settle on her trusty jeans, a plain grey shirt and loved brown leather jacket. On her way out she grabs the stacks of resumes that she printed out at the local library where the beautiful silver-haired librarian, Greta, was so helpful. Granted, she didn't know too much about printing, and had only one good ear, but she knew about all the businesses and people in town and which ones were hiring. The fact that she loved to talk didn't hurt either.

She gave Lexie all the gossip about the owners and what kind of people they were and the type of staff they liked to hire. She loved having a trusting face. People often just told her information she didn't really ask for. This often happened when she was waiting in lines. Lines at the grocery store. Lines at the movie theatre and yes, lines to go into the bathroom. Maybe she should wait in line with James and see what he decides to blurt out. While she was busy grabbing her resumes that had some sort of acceptable work history that she didn't think people would question, she texted James without a second thought.

Lexie: Do you ever stand and wait in lines?

James: Lines? Lots of people wanting the same job as you?

Lexie: Yes lines. No nothing like that, I only ask cuz I thought, you have drinks guy so maybe you have a lines guy.

James: No Miss Smith no lines guy.

James: So you stand in lines yourself then Mr Richards?

James: Not lately no. But did you know they say you will spend an average of 2 years waiting in line. Seems like a waste to me.

Lexie: Fun factoid logged into my back pocket. Now back to the hunt for me.

Lexie couldn't tell you why she had the urge to ask him about cues but it seemed harmless enough. She just wanted to talk to him if she was being completely honest with herself. Lexie made her way through Pharos Point, stopping in as many places as she could, leaving Joe's for her last pitstop so she could grab herself a treat.

She got lucky when she walked into the Royal Dragon Chinese just after a server called Shannon called in to quit her job. Mr Li practically bear hugged her when she walked in around lunch time. He was surprisingly strong for a short older gentleman. Poor man was so flustered with all the lunch orders coming in. He was expecting her to place her usual instead of asking for a job and now she starts her first shift tonight.

She found her way to Joe's and ordered a chocolate eclair drizzled with some caramel. She was slowly trying out all the treats so she could decide on a new favourite. Once she placed her coffee order, Lexie decided to take a seat in the back corner of the coffee shop. Joe's felt so homey and comfortable. She was sure the warm brick walls, strategically placed sofas and friendly background chatter had something to do with it. Maybe it was a track they played?

Joe's was the only place she didn't ask if they were hiring, she enjoyed the place too much to turn it into a workplace. In the back there was a lush blue couch placed against one of the two warm red brick walls that seemed to anchor the coffee shop. Dozen people sitting around. Couple two tables down. Fit and healthy. Possible threat. Staff behind counter. Teenagers. No threat.

As she was surveying the crowd, her thoughts were interrupted by the now familiar ding of her phone. It was James once again. Lexie smiled at herself for what seemed to have become a common occurrence whenever his name pops up on her phone. Stop this Alexandra.

James: Miss Smith. Just wanted to check in to see how the job search was going.

Lexie: Mr Richards thanks for your enquiry. It was a successful hunt. I start my first shift at the Royal Dragon tonight.

James: Congratulations. Should we celebrate?

Her heart started fluttering and she involuntarily squeezed her thighs together. Lexie was positive he meant celebratory drinks but her mind instantly drifted towards a much dirtier kind of celebration. Calm down Alexandra.

Lexie: I would love to but I'm not sure what time I finish. Rain check?

James

After his shift a few nights ago, James was certain of two things. One, werewolves definitely had true mates. Two, Lexie was his mate. He was excited that he had finally found someone and felt like a giddy hormonal teenager ever since, yet he knew it was too soon. Lexie was human. He couldn't just mark her and move her onto the estate to keep her close.

If she was a werewolf she would feel exactly the same as he is and there'd be no hesitation on either one of their parts. Hell they would have both marked each other that night when they were together. It would also be the shortest engagement ever. Yep, he knew he wanted to marry her and be with her and make her his in every way possible, humanly and supernaturally. He had to tread carefully.

It was during his walk back to the main house that he remembered that he smelt Lexie's scent just before Chelsea flew past him. Normally, he would ask Markus to dig up information that wasn't important to the pack, but this time he ordered him to. He had to know why Chelsea smelt like Lexie. James never thought he'd be grateful for Chelsea's bubbly personality, but in this instance he was.

She befriended Lexie once again and this time apparently left her, making sure they were friends. It wasn't like him to abuse his power, but when it came to Lexie, he had no control and subsequently demanded Lexie's number from Chelsea.

James sat on the number for days until he finally decided to keep it simple and just ask her how she was. Afterwards, he apparently turned into a book filled with useless trivia knowledge. Just have to keep her talking. He knew what he wanted to say. Hell he needed to tell her the truth about him and who he was, but he couldn't. He needed her to trust him first.

During their message exchanges she kept using the word hunt. Not that it meant anything, but for some reason in the back of his mind, this bothered him. All he could envision was black clothes and heads with night vision goggles carrying pistols filled with silver bullets hunting them down.

He was surprised she found a job on her first day out on the search. Especially in a close-knit community. They don't easily let newcomers feel welcome. When he suggested a celebration, he knew exactly what he should do and what he wanted to do, which is what brought him just outside the Royal Dragon.

He glanced down at his watch to check the time. Just after midnight. He never realised how popular the small restaurant was, especially up until closing. Somewhere between their message exchanges and that evening, he decided he would surprise her. James never replied to her message about a rain check. Truth be told, he couldn't keep his distance anymore and his wolf was whimpering for his mate.

He has been leaning against his car across the street from the restaurant for about two hours now. Spending most of his time on the estate, he had no idea what time the Royal Dragon shut its doors, so he gambled that ten would be a good time to start waiting. In the last two hours, James had earned himself quite a few stares and quick glances from passersby. Noticeably a few from slightly intoxicated women. Some people whose instinct clearly told them that he was dangerous, scurried away quickly.

Finally, the lights went off in the main restaurant and a grey-haired, short, Asian man flipped the sign from open to close. James shifted slightly and gripped his biceps a little tighter where his hand fell as he folded his arms. He actually felt a little flutter in his gut. Keep it cool James. He was so excited about seeing her. Yes, it had only been a week, but since he had the realisation that this woman was destined to be his, he just couldn't contain himself.

At last, the bell chimed as the door swung open and out stepped his bunny. She was being hugged by the older gentleman, gratitude clearly plastered all over his face. She was wearing black work slacks and a red polo with the logo printed rather largely on the back of the shirt. Her hair was up in a bun with bits and pieces that had obviously escaped their stronghold throughout the busy night.

James desperately wanted to pull all her hair free, amongst other things. He unfolded his arms and casually sat them next to him and waited for her to turn around. She was happily chatting away when a car full of college-aged kids flew by hollering out the window and caught her attention.

Lexie turned her head, following the car when she spotted him. Shock was written all over her face but was quickly replaced with the biggest smile he'd ever seen. Surprise bunny. James immediately relaxed, knowing this was the right call based solely on her reaction. After saying goodnight to her coworker, she walked over towards him.

She walked at a steady pace and James couldn't help but notice the subtle sway in her hips as she approached him. Even though there was a distinct aroma of Chinese around her, her scent that he was so sure was only meant for him was pushing through the thick aroma.

"James! Hi! What are you doing here?"

"Thought I would come say congratulations in person. Surprise."

Lexie just beamed up at him. Her eyes were full of excitement but they quickly flashed with something that looked like fear before she broke eye contact. "That's so nice of you but you know you didn't have to, right?"

She looked up and down the street before her eyes came to rest on his again with no hint of fear. Curiously though, she took a small step back.

"I know, but I wanted to make sure you got home safe and sound, especially at this time of night."

"I didn't think Pharos Point was the kind of town to be dangerous late at night."

Not the best liar, are you bunny?

"You never know, Lex. Better save than sorry, right?"

"I guess you're right, but I can take care of myself."

"I'm always right and I have no doubt you can bunny."

She looked at him with a smirk which James couldn't help but return. He couldn't care less if she knew how to look after herself or not. She was his and he always made sure what was his was safe. Always. God, he sounded like some possessive brute. Lexie leaned against the car next to him. They weren't touching but she was close enough that her scent flooded his lungs now and all he could think about what was underneath her ugly red polo.

"How was your first night?" He asked, hoping to distract himself from the closeness of her body to his and how he was reacting to her instantly. The wolf is ready to pounce.

"It was crazy so the time flew by and I even surprised myself at how quickly I picked things up."

She was so proud of herself.

"So a good night then, Miss Smith?"

"Yes it was Mr Richards."

She was laughing at him now.

"Its getting late. When is your next shift?"

"I have the same one every night until Wednesday"

As she was answering him, he ushered her towards the passenger side of the car. His hand on the small of her back. Willing his hand to stay put and not move south, as his body remembers the feeling of her soft skin under his palm.

"Then let me get you home." She stopped short at the door, her eyes scanning her surroundings again. James instinctively did the same. What are you looking for, bunny?

"It's ok James, I can walk from here."

"Lex, just get in the car and let me drive you to your apartment."

She didn't move, instead turned around and stared daggers at him. Her arms crossed just below her breasts, pushing them up towards him, almost teasing him.

"I can take care of myself, James. I don't need a knight in shining armour."

So adorable when you are trying to act tough bunny. If he didn't promise himself he was going to take it slow until she trusted him, he would have pushed her against the car right then and there and shut her up with a searing kiss.

"Lex, don't argue. My grandmother taught me better than that. You wouldn't want me to disappoint my dead grandmother now, would you?" The bunny likes to fight. She gave him one of those eye rolls she was so fond of, turned around and got into the car with a huff. Oh what he would't give to pull her over his knee right now.

"Fine"

James shut the door and got behind the wheel. He smiled at himself.

"Was that so hard?"

"You just had to bring your grandmother into this didn't you?"

He shifted so he could look her dead in the eye and squeezed her knee.

"I never said I played fair, Miss Smith."

She turned her head away but he could've sworn she smiled for a brief second and that pink blush he loved made its glorious appearance. He rather enjoyed this banter. He let his hand linger on her knee longer than needed before he lifted it off in a swooping motion, causing his fingers to lightly brush her thigh.

After Lexie gave him directions, he drove her to her apartment. James was happy he knew she got home safe but was not happy that the, drive took all but two minutes. He wanted to spend more time with her and he rather enjoyed being stuck in close quarters with his bunny.

On the very short drive over, he heard her heart beat only increase slightly. If it wasn't for her shaking her head subtly, he would have thought she was enjoying the ride too, but there was something worrying her. Just about any human would have missed it and hell normally he would have too, but he is trying to read her like a book. Looking for signs that she needs him just as much as he needs her. Of course, his excellent hearing helped as well. What's going on in that head of your's bunny?

He pulled up to her apartment complex and looked at the building. Seemed normal and most importantly safe enough. Although looks can be deceiving, he knows better than anyone.

"Let me at least walk you to your door, Lex."