Desert Force Academy

Busy Morning

Kyra

My eyes opened slowly as I rolled to my side, the soft bed surrounding me with Xander's scent. This bed was the stuff clouds were made of. Slowly sitting up, I winced as I felt the aftereffects of last night. Xander was insatiable. Last night was full of pleasure, like nothing I had ever felt. The memories invaded all my senses. I looked at his side of the bed, knowing he was probably at training. A long-stemmed white rose rested on the bed next to me. I picked it up, looking at the beautiful white bloom, so delicate yet so strong.

“Our mate loves us…” I heard my wolf's voice clear in my head for the first time. Usually, it sounded like her voice was muffled somehow.

“Yes, I believe he does.” I finally replied after the slight shock wore off. “Why can I hear you now?”

“There is much to discuss, but that will be for another day. I still need to rest, and you have a day to enjoy.” She said as she receded to the back of my mind to rest again.

I stared at the rose for a moment longer, wondering if her voice becoming clear was due to the bond or just being marked. I decided it was not the time to dwell on it as things had already been overwhelming enough, and I didn’t want to be late since I was not sure how Xander felt about punctuality yet.

I made my way into the large bathroom as memories flowed through me again. There was something safe, protective, and overwhelmingly erotic about this man I was now bonded to. I shook my head to clear it again and suddenly rushed to the mirror, remembering to look at my mark. It was beautiful, with a silver filigree and the full moon present in the center, a mark of the goddess usually only seen on alphas. It must be because I was mated to an alpha. I admired my mark for several minutes, feeling love and strength flowing through our bond. Xander had been telling the truth about wanting me. I felt it the moment he marked me. It was overwhelming, so much in fact that I don't remember falling asleep after he marked me.

Returning to the task on hand, it took me several minutes to figure out the shower controls, but when I stepped into the multiple shower heads, they hit every muscle with pressure and heat. This must be a little slice of heaven for him after training every day, I figured. I could not help but stand enjoying it for a few minutes before picking up his body soap and smelling it. It was a deep, woodsy smell, masculine and perfect like him. As I ran my hands over my body with the soft soap, my thoughts again returned to Xander and his touch. I felt a shiver run up my spine as I focused on the feeling of him surrounding me. A soft growl caught my attention as I turned to see him leaning against the wall fully n*ked and staring at me with dark, lustful eyes.

“You should watch your thoughts, baby girl, we are bonded now and….” He stalked the final few steps between us, like he was on the prowl. “I can sense every single one of your emotions.” He said, lifting me into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist. He pressed my back against the warm tile wall. I smiled up at him, feeling the spark of control I wielded over this magnificent man.

He smiled wickedly back at me as if sensing my thoughts before he slid against me, teasing me, causing me to moan and rock my hips. “This is going to be a very fun day for me, baby girl.” His voice vibrated the shell of my ear. He leaned down and kissed my mark, making me see stars before slowly lowering me to my feet. “As much as I want to keep you captive here all day, we have to meet Johnathan and Madeline for shopping.” I wanted to whine out loud at him for leaving me wanting, but on second thought, I realized this was going to be a very fun game between us. He quickly washed before stepping out with me in his arms and wrapping large fluffy towel around me. We both dressed quickly with Xander eyeing my clothes like he was planning to burn them, I imagine that really was his plan with my pitiful little wardrobe.

Madeline and Johnathan were waiting for us as we stepped outside the house. Madeline glanced at my mark with a knowing smirk but didn’t give me the third degree. During the drive, she just happily chattered on like we had never been apart, for which I was grateful. It is true what they say. With a real friend, you can be apart for any amount of time and pick right back up where you left off.

We arrived at the mall, and I felt like my eyes were going to pop right out of my head. I had never seen anything like it. The glossy floors and lighting reflected brightly showcasing each store. Xander led me to a simple store front with only the letter "N" ornately showing on the front of it. The inside of the store was all done in cream colors with a few mannequins showcasing gorgeous dresses.

“Once again, my favorite family has brought me a new treasure to dress.” I turned hearing the confident voice of a woman behind me. She walked by hugging the other three before stopping in front of me. “I am Natalia, my dear.” She took my hand, and a strange calm washed over me as she looked me over. “I have just the thing.” She said with a sly smile that looked like it held all her secrets.

Natalia led me to a room where a stunning princess-style dress was set up. The light iced pink was intermixed with silver over the full bell of the skirt. She helped me change into the beautiful dress. I felt panic when I realized the crisscross design on the back would show the long scars. Natalia placed her hand on my back. “Never hide how strong you are, child.” She said with determination. “Now let’s go see if we can shock that Alpha of yours.”

I stepped out into the showroom, carefully holding the skirt of the dress. I had never worn anything so beautiful in my entire life. I don’t think I had even seen anything this beautiful in my entire life, even during the rare occasions that I had worked as a server for functions. I watched Madeline vibrate with excitement as I walked in, and my attention was immediately drawn to Xander, who stood for a moment openly staring at me. I watched as he took several steps towards me, his intense focus never leaving my face.

"Your beauty is astounding." He whispered in my ear.

I could only stare at him. The pure love was unlike anything I had ever felt. We were eventually interrupted by Natalia, who fussed over the final measurements and then shuffled us out promising to have the dress delivered on time. I quickly learned that I had never truly understood what shopping was, and arguing with Xander and Madeline was pointless. I dont think I will ever wear all of the clothes he bought me. It seemed ridiculous, and yet, being taken care of warmed a deep part of my soul.

As we stepped out of the final store, I could feel how tired I was. This took more energy than I had expected. I glanced around once more at the glossy floors and beautiful store fronts...... A familiar face appeared in the crowd of people, causing my entire body to lock up. He disappeared as quickly as I saw him, but i know it was him, my father....