Absolution

SIX

Lexie

It had been four days since she ran from James' bed. Four days of torture. The longest four days of her life. Lexie's mind refuses to let go of him and, she swears, is working overtime to keep the memory of their night together well and truly alive. Her body is a traitor. It's missing him but she just has to keep her distance.

She messaged Jess soon after she got home, letting her know the party was uneventful. If she hadn't reached out to her she would have called and she couldn't hide anything from her, even over the phone. She would have heard something was wrong and she would have somehow managed to pull the truth from her. She was tired of crying, tired of crying to Jess.

James and his pack were clever. Throwing parties. Inviting everyone in town. Lesson one in hunter training: look for the outcasts. It's one of the quickest ways she was taught how hunters found werewolves. Rumours. Local urban legends of secluded estates filled with strangers that don't mix with the town. Maybe that's why I missed the clues about who they really were? Everywhere she went, people were buzzing over the party at the Richards Estate.

"They've outdone themselves again!"

"The food was spectacular!"

"Never mind the food! What about the music?"

On and on it went. She couldn't escape him no matter how hard she tried. Every time she closed her eyes, his face flashed before her. The way James looked at her before filling her made her yearn for more of him. She had to fight the urge to go back to the estate and walk in there and claim his mouth one more time. I barely know him! She angrily reminded herself. Lexie just couldn't understand why her body was demanding more or why her heart seemed to ache at the very thought of him. She felt so safe in his arms and his presence seemed to lift the weight she was carrying. Memories of their night together haunted her.

At night, when she needed to rest, those images morphed themselves into a nightmare. Visions of his blood all over her hands, his lifeless body at her feet staring at her with empty pale blue eyes. Next to him lies Chelsea and Markus, their bodies cold. Every night she wakes up in cold sweats. Her old nightmare was replaced by a new one. She only went out when she needed to. She couldn't risk drawing attention to herself, it was too dangerous. She was probably being ridiculous but she refused to let another pack's extinction be because of her and her selfishness. For the millionth time in four days, her phone buzzed. Chelsea.

Chelsea: Hey girl! Just checking in again. Wanna grab breakfast?

Lexie never replies. She could just block her but she didn't want to. At least this way she knew she was alive. How on earth did I grow attached to Chelsea so quickly? A sad smile formed on her lips as she reluctantly rolled out of bed before the sun rose.

She quickly changed and headed out the door for her morning run. She's always hated running, especially during her training, but lately, running helps her deal with the loss. The loss over friendships that could have been and him. It was only one night. Stop being ridiculous.

Thoughts swirl her head as she runs the couple of blocks north towards the shoreline, pushing herself hard. Once she hit the walking trail that runs along the beach, she turns east and makes way for Pharos Point Lighthouse.

The further she runs, the further the thoughts of reason disappear. All the thoughts except the images of his face. The memory of his touch. For the love of God, Alexandra, get your act together. She chastised herself once again. No matter how hard she tries, she can't shake or outrun him. Twenty-six years and this has never happened to her. Yes, she's had the odd crush here and there, but nothing and no one has ever come close to him. Is love at first sight a real thing?

She barely knew him yet felt as though they were made for each other. How can that be? It must be the universe's idea of a massive f*****g joke. Sure, the powers that be decided to throw a werewolf and a hunter together for a laugh. Or a cruel experiment.

At this thought, Lexie pushes herself harder, trying to reach the lighthouse quickly. She practically folds over once she reaches the top. Her legs are on fire. She straightens up, trying to get as much air back into her lungs as possible. With every hard breath her eyes started stinging. Eventually, silent tears fall. They fell just like they did when she was running from the main house four days ago.

She was lucky only a few people were up and about. A man with a scowl looked like he was going to grab her but, thankfully, didn't stop her from making her escape. The run and eventual walk back to town gave her time to remember every painful reason she turned her back on her family.

They didn't love her. How could they? To them she was a pupil, a legacy hunter in training, not their daughter. A weapon. Surely they won't come after her. Please don't look for me. Years of training and generations of beliefs have given them some warped idea of werewolves. They are cruel. The tears dry up just as the sun finished rising. This was the only time she allowed herself to cry.

Just as she stood up she could have sworn she heard a twig snap. The hair on her neck jumped to attention. Quickly she scanned the area behind her, ears pricking, paying close attention to the dark spots in the tree line further back, perfect for hiding. Lexie could feel eyes on her. Her body is loose and ready to spring into action. Steady breaths. A flash of yellow eyes on the far left catches her attention. She pivots in that direction, ready to react. Bastard wants to throw down, he better do it to my face.

"I know you are there."

Mentally, she's preparing for a werewolf to step out. Why are you outside unarmed Alexandra? It's been a while since she's faced a werewolf in their wolf form, but instead she's met with a small angelic figure. Chelsea.

"Hey" She stretches out the greeting as she slowly emerges from the shadows.

"Chelsea? What are you doing all the way out here?"

She flashed that infectious smile of hers. She must have followed me in her wolf form. Lexie had to fold her arms. She's so happy to see her but she can't risk embracing her like they are old friends. They could be watching.

"I was hoping to meet you for breakfast, remember?"

She looked her in the eyes, her own eyebrows raised at her questioning.

"I don't recall replying to your text."

She drops her head and kicks her sneakers at a pebble in front of her as she whispers.

"Or any of my texts."

"Chelsea?" She lets out an exaggerated sigh.

"Fine. I came into town walking the few blocks around Joe's hoping I would run into you."

"But we're at the lighthouse now. Outside of town."

"Well, I may, or may not have followed you out here. You had such a serious look on your face when you came out of your building I didn't want to disturb you. You looked scary."

"So," Lexie smirks, "you lurked in the trees?"

They both stare at each other before they burst out laughing. How can I not have this kind, caring soul as part of my life? If it comes to it, she will protect her. Just like that, Chelsea managed to crumble her defences once again.

"This is ridiculous. Let's go grab that coffee"

After the silent walk back down into town, she suggests a small bakery a few blocks in the opposite direction of Joe's. I don't want to run into James. After they both ordered their coffee and breakfast, they sat down in the far right back corner of the room. Lexie's back faced the wall. Front door, twenty steps ahead. Two people sitting just outside the door. Young men. Possible threat. One person in the bathroom to the left. Gentleman with a walking frame and a serious limp. No threat. Two older ladies behind the counter. Possible early forties. Too engrossed in swapping gossip stories.

"Are you ok?"

Chelsea snaps her out of her threat analysis. She takes a sip of her coffee before answering her.

"I'm fine. How's things with you and Markus?"

Lexie asks, wanting to steer the conversation away from herself. She doesn't fall for it.

"You didn't look fine up at the lighthouse." A beat passes before she continues.

"Its ok, you don't have to tell me, but please don't ignore me. I do really like you and honestly think we can be really good friends. I'm here for you even if you don't feel the same"

She looks at her, fighting back tears. How can hunters not see humanity in werewolves? They're more human than most humans. After ghosting her for four days, here she is sitting in front of Lexie still offering friendship and showing only concern for her. I don't want to hurt her. "I'm sorry Chels."

She breathes out before smiling and looking her in the eye.

"I can't offer you any explanation, but I agree with you. We have the potential to be really good friends. I'm here for you too."

Her emerald eyes light up and warmth starts filling her heart. Should I tell her that I know what she really is? No. That means exposing herself. She'll see her as a threat. You ARE a threat.

"So did you enjoy the party? I tried looking for you after Markus took me away for a dance but I couldn't find you. Did you stay long?"

Suddenly, she became extremely uncomfortable in her seat and started shifting slightly. Not that Chelsea indicated that she noticed. Before Lexie could offer her some sort of answer she continued on.

"Oh, did you see what Mandy and Mindy were wearing? The whole night they tried to find James. They both had their eye on him for years but never got close. Between you and me, I think those girls are a bit too willing to give up the goods. If you know what I mean?"

She giggles at herself and Lexie can't help but smile at her. Has James ever slept with one of them? She surprised herself at the jealously showing itself at even the thought of him being with one of those sluts. Whoa. Chelsea doesn't seem to notice. It's like she's been bottling up all the gossip from the party, waiting to share it all with her. Protect her.

"I think I do. No, I didn't stay long at the party. I wasn't feeling myself."

A half truth. The two young men outside, walking east. Older gentleman still in bathroom. One lady making sandwiches, the other walking towards us with our breakfast order. Clearly has hip trouble. No threat.

"I did notice you talked to James for a bit. Was he at least friendlier than what he was at Joes'?"

He was friendly alright. Her cheeks started warming up. Their breakfast gets placed in front of them, thankfully stopping her from taking a trip down memory lane again in front of Chelsea. She wonders how he is. It was one night. You mean nothing to him Alexandra.

"I'll take that as a yes."

Her eyes darted up from her breakfast almost bewildered. Her cheeks are burning now.

"Its ok girl! He is one hot specimen. I don't blame you for thinking that way about him."

Chelsea and Lexie both giggle and it instantly relaxes her. It felt so good to be talking to a girlfriend again. Even though Chelsea was doing most of the talking. The rest of their breakfast together is light as she continues to fill her in on the gossip from the party and before long they are standing out the front of the bakery laughing like old friends. Lexie embraces her in a long hard hug and whispers in her ear. "I'm sorry" Chelsea gently pats her shoulder.

"Hey. It's ok, we're friends now. Just don't be a stranger anymore". She holds on to her for a moment longer before they say our goodbyes and head in opposite directions. Do they have trails they use to run in and out of town?

James

The full moon is tonight and, for the first time in a very long time, James feels an annoying and somewhat familiar itch under his skin that he can't seem to scratch. He only shifts when necessary, which is usually only during a fight, but it has been a while now. An Alpha not in control is unheard of. Absentmindedly, his hand finds its way to his chest as it has done so countless times over the last four days. It's becoming a troublesome habit. An annoying habit.

The last time he was on the bottom floor of this house was the day when he met with Markus and Dom at their weekly meeting. The day she left. Since then, he's kept himself on the fourth floor. James was self-aware enough to realise he was taking out his frustrations on everyone in his path. As the day continued, the frustration only grew and by the evening he resigned himself to the fact that he was being an ass.

With the full moon drawing closer that frustration turned into anger which only seemed to escalate which meant the smallest thing could set him off. For the safety of everyone he decided to lock himself in his ivory tower. Markus was the only one that had enough backbone to see him and even he did so sparingly. It was late morning and he was due to report on the previous nights' patrols. Right on time, the ding of the elevator forced him out of his solitude.

"Morning boss"

James growled at him in warning.

"Not today, Markus."

He took up position on the far side of the room, leaning against the wall, keeping his distance. Good. He doesn't have the patience to deal with him and his bold comments today. They quickly fly through the lack of events last night. Hmph, I'll have to remind him how efficient he can be.

He confirmed the logistics of the few pups that were changing tonight. Five in total. He'll have a couple of hand-picked Gammas on hand training them on how to deal with the first timers, which would, in the future, foresee Markus having extra hands available and when he isn't, at least some know what to do. Although Dom can do the same job in a pinch.

" That's about it."

He states as he heads towards the elevator. The concern is practically rolling off his shoulders, burning his nostrils.

"Markus. It's just the moon. I'll be fine."

"Thats the problem, James. I shouldn't have to worry about my own Alpha losing control tonight."

"You don't have to. I have it under control."

He looks at him with frustration and a careful cautiousness that James rarely sees in him and walks out. I just need to rest and forget about her. Only when the doors shut and he hears the cart moving does he get up off of the couch and make his way to bed. Tired is an understatement. He hasn't slept since that night, so sleep comes easily, but when he does close his eyes and drift off, the lived fantasies of her under him haunt his dreams. Sleep never lasts long enough.

It isn't until well into the evening when he wakes up again. His head is aching.Why is it so f*****g hot? The itching feels like it has turned into claws scratching underneath his skin. He struggles to get up and starts to make a move to the air conditioner panel, wanting to turn this place into an icebox. The wolf wants to come out. That realisation hit him like the sound of a wet fish slapping him in the face as soon as he stood, causing him to stumble back slightly. Cold air won't help.

James dropped back down onto the edge of the bed and closed his eyes. Concentrating hard on slowing his heart rate and focusing on his tether. Conjuring up the images of his pack. Bringing up each pack member's face and trying to recall every detail. Every brick that formed the houses on the estate. The smell of the wet soil in the vegetable patches. The feel of the grass underneath his feet. f**k. It wasn't working. The faces are all blank. There's nothing there. His heart rate had nearly doubled and his shirt was starting to get soaked by the sweat.

Markus already has the were-pups locked down for the night. He stretched his hand towards his phone on the nightstand. Hands shaking from restraint but he just managed to grab it and bring up Markus' number.

"Markus"

He barely managed to breathe out his name when he answered.

"Alpha?"

He only addressed him formally in front of the other pack members with the exception of Dom, but his voice was laced with concern. Suddenly, a sharp pain took over his right arm. His muscles burned. He dropped the phone, grinding his teeth, weathering, breathing sharp, deep breaths through the pain.

His spasming muscles locked his arm in place. It looked like he was still holding the phone in his hand close to his face, except there was no phone. I need to get down to the cellar. As soon as it passed, he got up and headed for the elevator.

Before he could reach it, the pain took over his arm again and travelled down his left side, bringing him to his knees. f**k. The pain lasted longer this time. He could now actually hear his blood pumping through his ears. He tried to concentrate on his hand splayed on the floor. Noting how the full moon shining in through the large windows was casting its shadows. The shadows being cast were getting bigger, stretching out becoming longer.

All his focus was on feeling his skin slowly stretching, feeling the muscles around every finger shift and the sensation of his knuckles growing, hoping that the fixation on real details will slow down the change. Stop the nails from clawing their way out. Sweat was rolling off his face and his breathing haggard. He was shifting and not in control.

"Alpha? f**k! James!"

Markus grabbed his left arm and swung it over his shoulders. He hoisted him up and they were in the elevator in a flash.

"What the f**k James? What's going on?"

"Not. In. Control."

He bites out between breaths.

"Jesus"

A quiet mutter or plea perhaps from Markus. They can't talk now. There will be time to talk later. When they reach the bottom floor, his body folds itself over in such a strong spasm that Markus loses his hold and James hits the floor once again. Forced transformation is violent and excruciating, even more so for an Alpha.

"Dom! Get your ass over here now"

Both men lift him up. That scent. It's faint but he knows it. The pain subsides a little. "Lex"

Her name is barely a whisper on his lips. Markus barks out orders.

"Chels! Call the gamma in the cellar. Have them get ready for another guest tonight. Triple precautions!"

Her voice is muffled through the sounds of his heart thumping in his chest and ears. He could have sworn he smelt Lexie but it was gone in an instant. Where is she? He had to focus on his pack. More pain.

His arms are on fire now. Another spasm, longer this time. Markus and Dom got him to the cellar in record time. They carried him through to the back and pass the wine collection to the secret entrance that leads to their underground shelter. They took him to the furthest part. Every were-pup they passed looked up in shock at the sight of their Alpha being carried down the hall.

Markus put him in the most secure room they had. The room is empty with the exception of nine studs bolted to the floor, forming a square around the middle stud right at the centre of the room. Silver chains attached to each one.

"Put him in the middle, Dom."

James' panting somewhere along the way morphed into growling. He could smell the four gammas' fear as they entered the room carrying extra chains.

"Markus. Hurry"

He grumbled with menace.

"s**t" As soon as the gammas attached the extra chains Markus ordered them out.

"Get back to the pups!"

Dom had already placed four thick chains around his waist, two of which were stretched up along his back and wound around his neck. Locked into place at the back of his head. The chains attached to the studs on either side of him were secured around each wrist and arm. Stretching him out. It's not enough. "More"

"Dom, he's going to grow twice the size of pups. Pull his shoulders out of its sockets if you have to. Stretch him out!" The burn of the silver against his skin was a welcome sensation. The sizzle gave him something to focus on. He needed to delay the shift until they secured him. He had to keep them safe.

Markus made quick work of tying him down. He stretched the chains from the corners, securing his neck. It was as much for his protection as theirs. An uncontrolled shift forces your muscles to spasm in ways you can't imagine. The chains not only served to keep him secure but to keep him from breaking his own damn neck.

Markus had just fastened the final chains at the centre, locking his body into place, when another violent spasm took hold. This time he couldn't hold back the wolf. He released a primal cry that shook the whole room, knocking Markus back onto his ass.

James' muscles were on fire. The bones underneath them cracked and reforming as they grew. The skin painfully stretching, changing to accommodate his new body. His claws were slowly pushing through his nail beds, making their escape. The deliberate slow sound of his shirt taring, unable to contain his frame anymore, filled the room. This was going to be a long night. The spasms stopped but the pain remained.

"Out"

James growled at them louder than intended. Dom obeyed without question. Markus was another story. He shut the door behind Dom. "Dom. Lock it. Chain it up. No on comes in or out. Take care of the pups"

I'm still the fucker's Alpha. He is disobeying a direct order. A growl laced with warning fills the air, showing his teeth at Markus. The sound forces him into submission and again James barks. "Out" "No James. Something is wrong. You've never lost control before."

He's right. He has only had one uncontrolled shift and that was his first one. He quickly found a tether back then. It was easy. He was next in line to be Alpha. The pack was his tether but it was as if the strings tying them to him were cut off and out of his reach. The hair on his arms was growing thicker and his head was aching painfully. He could feel the ridges of his nose growing. His ears were stretching and the hidden bones under his brows were starting their painful protrusion from their hiding spot. f**k, looks like I'm going all the way.

His ears were filled with his heavy breaths that sounded more like the monster you dread panting impatiently in the middle of the night. He wanted to laugh at that thought. He would have if he wasn't in so much pain. Everything was hurting now. His gums, his ears, even his bloody eyeballs.

"James. Focus on your tether." What do you think I'm doing?! He was hoping the words came out, but it was just another blast of noise that shook the room once more. He forgot how an uncontrolled shift took you back to your most animalistic being. "It's not working, is it?"

He growled in response. He could feel the sweat running down his back. It was getting in his eyes too, burning them, but he welcomed it anything to keep him there. He lifted his head and stared Markus in the eyes, shoulders heaving. He looked like he was trying to figure something out, looking for new tethers. Realisation dawned on him. "Lexie"

It was one word, one name, but at that moment a powerful one. James knew what he meant. Closing his eyes, he cleared his mind of everything but her. Her smile. Her eyes. The way she fits next to him. The feel of her underneath him. She's my reason for living. Slowly, his breathing and heart rate returned to normal. The heat was subsiding. His claws retracted. He could feel himself gaining control and before long he was himself again. When he was sure the wolf was subdued, he opened his eyes. Markus was still in submission in front of him. He hasn't moved since he forced him there.

"Thank you" He looked up at me with a calmness that wasn't there before. "You good?"

"Yes". He jumped up and quickly removed the chains. As soon as he was free to move, he plonked his ass on the floor, resting his bare back against the welcome coolness of the wall. Markus sat beside him and together they sat for a moment before Markus asked the question he knew was coming.

"What happened?"

"Lexie is my mate." He's been fighting it. He didn't want to be an Alpha tied to just one person, yet here he was. He lost control because his stubborn ass purposely ignored the truth. She's mine. Turns out fairytales do come true.