More than a memory

Chapter 19

Alpha?

Jeremy

I fixed my tie one more time and took a deep breath while I checked myself out in the mirror. Today is Roxanne's big day and I want to be there for her. I'm not sure if she really remembers or not, but honestly, it doesn't matter to me anymore. I just want to make her happy and be there for her. If she gives me another chance, I will never lie, or hide anything from her ever again. Last night when she stared at me with uncertainty and those gorgeous eyes I finally realized... I'm nothing without her. I shouldn't miss her. And although, our relationship was dysfunctional from the moment I saw her in the burlesque club, I'm simply incomplete without her. My eyes turned a little darker as these thoughts rushed over my mind and I shook my head. I might be too anxious and excited since I am starting to see things lately. I went downstairs and out of the building. In front of the main entrance there were Rico and Clarissa already waiting for me in their car. I jumped in and Rico drove us to the theater. With every meter closer my heart bumped faster and faster. Clarissa's giggle broke the silence.

- Jeremy, calm down! - Rico chuckled as well and added while he glanced back at me at a red light.

- She is right dude! If you continue with thia, instead of the theater we will have to go to the hospital. - I grimaced at them and their relaxed expression changed as they shared and uneasy look.

- I know this glance. What happened? - I asked and Rico sighed. Clarissa turned back, while my best friend kept his eyes on the road.

- Clarissa, speak! Did Roxanne tell tou anything last night? - she smiled at me a little sadly.

- No. She went to sleep early, but I heard her cry... I wanted to check on her but decided to give her some space. I think she knows everything Jeremy.

- I understand... Maybe it would be better if I turn back home. - Rico growled.

- No! Listen Jeremy. I have no idea what she knows or what she doesn't, but Roxanne needs you to protect her! - I felt my blood freezing in my veins. At the same time a burning sensation in my chest raised and felt my eyes sting. Clarissa gasped and I asked in a tone, that I thought I'll never hear my voice sound again.

- FROM WHO? - even Rico tilted his head and showed his neck in submission. Clarissa trembled.

- H-her boyfriend D-Damon visited today and... - Clarissa mumbled with fear and Rico pulled over. He looked at me and his eyes turned into the size of a saucer.

- He acted harshly towards Roxy, I stopped and threatened him... Alpha. - Rico said and the word Alpha suddenly snapped me out of my furious mode.

- What did you say? - Rico lofted his glance up at me.

- I reported what happened this morning Alpha. - Rico never called me Alpha this way. The only time of our life when he addressed me Alpha with this tone and submission was when we were still kids and after I returned from the Alpha camp.

- Dude! Why are you keep calling me Alpha? - I asked and Clarissa grabbed her purse. She took out a small mirror and showed me my own reflection. My eyes widened at the sight. My canines were longer than ever, they almost hung out between my lips. My blonde hair turned into an almost golden color while my silver eyes shined. I dropped the mirror and Rico caught it.

- We don't need another seven years of bad luck! - he handed back the mirror to Clarissa.

- This makes absolutely no sense. Ulric left me, I'm a human. Nothing more than a human! - I said and my friends stared at me. My new appearance slowly turned back into its normal state.

- Jeremy, you must talk with your Uncle or Father. They probably know something about this. - I shook my head.

- You are right, but not now. Today is Roxanne's big day and we are already almost late. Whatever happened with me, it can wait another day. - Rico sighed and he took us to the theater. We took our seats and I felt the burning gaze of my friends the whole time. I felt like an aggressive dog that has to be looked after before it kills someone. The lights went out and Damon appeared on the stage. My nails grew and became pointier with every word he said. I felt the blood pouring from my palm and the shreds of wood stinging into my flesh. I felt a rare aura around Damon and my senses heightened... It was similar to my first shift but this experience wasn't painful at all. On the other hand, it felt so natural, so effortless and fine. As soon as he disappeared my claws grew back and I relaxed. Unlike my friends who didn't dare to say a word during the whole scene. My palms healed and I decided to summon my Uncle and Farther first thing tomorrow. Roxanne finally appeared and she was like an apparition. In her adorned emerald green dress, her flawless smile and perfect movements. She was simply breathtaking, as Roxanne moved in magical harmony with the music, she stole the audience heart. I was so proud of her and even a tear escapes from the corner of my eye. My tiny dancer did it! She was where she always dreamed to be. Performing on Broadway! Even if things will work out somehow for us, I'll never take this away from her. Before I could realize the magic was over. Roxanne and the other dancers were standing in line and they bowed. Normally everyone would applause, but this time there was complete silence. Roxanne glanced up and for a single second our eyes met. I stood up immediately. I clapped my hands together and slowly everybody joined my standing ovation. The whole audience stood up on their feet and the dancers bowed again. I saw joy on my tiny dancer's face, it was an overwhelming joy and I searched for her glance again, to steal another moment and share her feelings with her. After the show we went to congratulate Roxanne. I saw that many people were already handing out rose bouquets for her. I was standing there, with a single white and red tulip, in the beginning of spring. It was our turn and Clarissa hugged Roxanne, Rico followed her example. Finally, it was my turn. I kissed Roxanne's hand and smiled.

- You were breathtakingly marvelous my lady. - Roxanne giggled and I looked at her. She blushed so hard that even her ears turned slightly red. I handed her the tulip and her eyes widened.

- You remembered... - she said and I knew she never told me this detail in this life of ours. Neither Rico nor Clarissa said a word. I smiled at Roxanne and leaned to her ear. I whispered softly and slowly.

- How could I ever forget? - the appearance of Damon ruined the moment. He greeted us like there wasn't any misunderstanding or bad feelings between us.

- Would you like to join us at the after party? The show was a huge hit and it must be celebrated! - Damon said with his hand on Roxanne's waist. My eyes stung and I had to close them and concentrate on my breathing before I ripped off his head. Roxanne is MINE! I heard Roxanne's high heels sound as she approached us and said.

- I prefer to celebrate my success with my friends. - Damon grabbed her wrist.

- Your success? This is our success honey! You wouldn't be here without me! - Rico growled but I was quicker. I grabbed and twisted Damon's wrist. The sound of his shattering bones was music to my ears. He shouted in pain and stared at me with a painful grimace. Yet he smiled and his smile was disturbing. He released Roxanne and I lifted him up by his broken wrist. I heard the joints ripping.

- I'll destroy you for all that you have done, I already warned you about it. But I would gladly snap your neck here and now and serve it as a gift for Roxanne if she whishes so. - Damon grinned but I felt his pain and I got almost drunk of it.

- This is interesting... - he mumbled and I smiled at him like a maniac.

- Looks like the tables turned.

-Jerry... Are you okay? - I shook my head and saw Roxanne with Damon by her side. He was smiling at me and I felt so confused.

- I spaced out for a moment. Sorry, what were you saying? - Roxanne smiled and walked to us.

- Damon invited you all to the after party. - Clarissa came to the rescue and said.

- This is really kind of you, but we actually prepared a surprise for Roxanne. Tomorrow we must leave again. - Damon nodded and like a perfect gentleman said.

- Just for a drink and then you can leave. Roxanne must appear, she is the star of the show. - Rico pat Damon's shoulder and said.

-In this case, please lead the way. - Damon lead us and we stayed behind with Roxanne. I noticed that I was still holding the flower.

- I brought this for you. You were amazing!- Roxanne gasped and asked.

- Where did you get this from? - I smiled.

- Honestly? I grew it for you. - Roxanne blushed and gave a peck ony my cheek.

- You are really my knight in a shining armor.