Chapter 3: Second Mate? PT 2
1315 Words
Alexis's POV
I spring up and head for the door. “I’ll grab the popcorn and sodas. You pick the show,” I tell Mallory, darting out of the room before she can respond. I’m desperate for a distraction—anything to take my mind off the suffocating tension filling the pack house lately.
As I step into the hallway, the low murmur of voices filters through the air, broken occasionally by soft footsteps. A couple of pack members pass by, their heads bowing respectfully as I walk past. I force a polite smile, but I feel their lingering eyes on me, their curiosity practically buzzing like static. They’re wondering what’s happening with the Alpha—what has all of us on edge.
If only I knew.
The kitchen, brightly lit and calm, feels like a different world as I enter. I make a beeline for the pantry, flipping on the light to grab two bags of popcorn. The scent of herbs and spices fills my nose, mingling with the faint smell of something grilled earlier. My hand freezes mid-reach. We should’ve invited Brittany, Layla, and Gracie.
I bite my lip, my thoughts lingering on Brittany. She’s been through so much since joining the pack. When she first met Andrew—our Gamma—she was still human, and the supernatural world hit her like a freight train. I remember how distant she’d been, as though trapped in an elaborate dream she couldn’t quite wake from. But Andrew stood by her, unwavering. She adapted—beautifully, I might add. Now, she’s expecting their first pup, her face glowing with that unmistakable warmth of motherhood. Oh, and let’s not forget—she transitioned into a werewolf, too.
Then there’s Layla. She grew up in the neighboring pack - Iron Claw. When we discovered she was Bryce’s mate, we welcomed her with open arms. As the Delta’s daughter, she already understood her role and responsibilities, slipping into life within our pack effortlessly. She’s been a valuable addition to our leadership team ever since.
And Gracie? Well, Gracie is ours—through and through. She’s our female head warrior, born and raised in this pack. Her father once served as head warrior under Connor’s father, Theodore. Thinking about that makes me reflect on our parents, but... that’s a story for another day.
I mind-link Mallory, "We’re idiots. How did we forget to invite Brittany, Layla, and Gracie?"
She responds, "You’re right. Isn’t Brittany due within the month?"
Yeah, but girl time might cheer her up. What movie did you pick?
I snort softly, tossing the popcorn bags onto the counter and slipping one into the microwave. The hum fills the room. You’re going to hate me. I picked Twilight - the third one.
ARE YOU SERIOUS? We are werewolves and you choose a movie about werewolves and vampires? Nerd.
Jacob is a werewolf. He’s my guilty pleasure. Don't tell Derik.
Her mental laugh echoes through the link, and I can’t help but grin. I pull the first bag of popcorn out of the microwave, steam curling into the air, and toss the second bag in. You’re a mess, Mal.
Still chuckling, I reach out to the girls through the link. Hey, ladies. Mallory and I are watching a movie—come hang out? It’s the third Twilight… you know, the one where Jacob’s shirtless practically the entire time.
Brittany: Ugh, that mutt? Fine. But only because you’re bribing me with popcorn.
I hear Layla and Gracie’s laughter ripple through the mind link, followed by their quick responses confirming they’ll be up soon.
Alexis: And Dr. Pepper. What’s the doc say about soda these days?
Brittany: One a day is fine. I’ll be there in a bit.
I grab five cans of Dr. Pepper from the fridge, the cold condensation dampening my palms. My gaze shifts to the popcorn—golden, glistening with butter, and smelling absolutely perfect. Knowing all three girls are coming, I quickly make three more bags and divide the popcorn into five bowls. The salty, buttery aroma wraps around me like a warm hug.
Satisfied, I link an omega for help to carry our treats upstairs. It’s been a while since we’ve all been able to get together, and for a moment, everything feels just right.
Balancing the snacks and drinks, I knock on the door with my foot. Mallory yanks it open with a grin, grabbing two bowls and stepping aside.
“Thanks, babe,” I tease, taking the rest from the omega and dismissing the omega.
The room is dim, lit only by the glow of the TV paused on the title screen. Mallory’s already sprawled across the couch, waiting. I plop down beside her, the cushions sighing beneath me, and hand her the Dr. Pepper. The girls arrive a few minutes later. Layla and Gracie sit below Mallory and I. Brittany carefully lowers herself onto the armchair with a groan.
“This pup is kicking like crazy tonight,” she mutters, patting her round belly.
“Already a fighter,” I say with a smile, though my gaze lingers on her stomach for a moment, a strange warmth blooming in my chest.
The movie starts, and the familiar, overly dramatic soundtrack fills the room. Mallory leans forward like a kid at Christmas, her eyes bright. I roll my eyes, but the truth is, the movie isn’t as bad as I pretend.
By the time Jacob makes his shirtless entrance, Mallory’s sighing loudly, and Brittany groans. “This again? He looks like a puppy with a bad haircut.”
Mallory shushes her. “Let me have this, okay?”
We laugh, the tension in the air easing as popcorn bowls are passed back and forth. At some point, Brittany dozes off, her head tipped back, mouth slightly open. I glance at the other three, who are all yawning like sleepy cats.
"Andrew," I link, "your mate’s out. You want to come grab her?"
He responds immediately. "On my way. Thanks, Lex."
The girls don’t last much longer, and I shoo them out before heading into my bathroom.
Hot water cascades over me, sliding down my back in waves, washing away the sweat and tension from the day. I lean against the cool tile, letting out a slow breath. For once, the quiet feels soothing, the white noise of the water drowning out every worry and thought.
Then, I hear the bedroom door open.
The faint creak is followed by a scent that makes my pulse jump—vanilla and pine, unmistakably Connor. A slow, deep exhale escapes me as I feel his presence, grounding me like it always does.
The shower door cracks open, and steam billows out as Connor steps inside, shirtless and glorious. Droplets cling to his skin as he watches me, his dark eyes smoldering with that wicked heat that turns my knees to jelly.
“You couldn’t wait?” I whisper, my voice catching.
He smirks. “I missed you.”
His hands are on me before I can answer, sliding through my wet hair to push it aside, his lips grazing my neck. A shiver tears through me as he finds my mark—our bond—and bites down softly. Pleasure rolls through me like a wave, the tingling heat leaving me breathless.
“Connor…” I gasp.
He drops to his knees, his lips tracing fire along my thighs. My leg hooks over his shoulder, my breath hitching as he teases me, his touch impossibly slow. Each kiss, each flick of his tongue, draws me closer to madness, the mate bond amplifying every sensation until I’m nothing but heat and need.
“Stop teasing,” I manage, my voice breaking.
But he looks up, his eyes alight with mischief, and grins.
“Not yet, love.”
And then, I lose myself completely.
- Writer
