JAXSON’S POV
Before the alarm could go off, I made my way down the stairs to make breakfast for me and my mate. I had thirty minutes before the camp alarm would blare, sending everyone into a frenzy.
That thing is getting on everyone’s nerves… might have to go talk to Mel’s dad about getting a new one.
“Hey, Jax’s, what’s up?”
Zander’s voice cut through the quiet as he walked in, stretching his arms over his head. He looked like he either just came back from a run or was about to go on one—knowing him, probably both.
“Making breakfast for Mel and me. You want any?” I asked, flipping the bacon as it sizzled loudly in the pan.
“Nah, I’m heading to the mess hall after my run. I’ve got to make my rounds—it’s my turn again.” He rolled his shoulders, already restless. “So… you excited about later? We’re leaving for the beach around one.”
“Yes… and no,” I muttered.
He raised a brow, waiting.
“I’m excited to spend time with my mate, yeah… and talk with the pack. But with Mel still not bonded to me…” I exhaled, gripping the spatula a little tighter. “I’m not loving the idea of other males looking at her in a bathing suit.”
A low growl built in my chest before I could stop it.
“I’m really going to have to tone down my wolf… or there might be a few less werewolves on this side of Washington.”
Zander let out a laugh, shaking his head.
“Yeah… maybe it’ll get better after you both bond. I know since me and Ryle became bonded, it’s easier. Not saying I don’t still get jealous—but I can’t blame them…” He smirked to himself, reaching over and snatching a piece of bacon right out of the pan. “She’s smoking hot.”
“Who’s smoking hot!?”
Ryle’s voice came from behind him, sharp and curious.
Zander froze mid-bite.
I leaned back against the counter, watching the two of them with amusement. Honestly, I couldn’t argue—Ryle was beautiful. But she just didn’t do it for me.
Melanie…
Mel was different.
She was everything.
Even before we knew we were mates—back when we were just kids—I always thought she was the most gorgeous girl I’d ever seen. The bond didn’t create that… it just made it stronger.
“Good morning, baby,” Zander said quickly, turning and kissing Ryle on the cheek like that would save him.
“Good morning, my love… and good morning, Alpha sir,” she teased, giving me a small smile and a playful bow.
I chuckled, shaking my head. “Good morning, Ryle. And I’m not Alpha yet—no need for the formalities.”
“Oh, well… can’t say I didn’t try to be considerate.” She grinned. “Hey, when you wake up Mel, tell her I’ll see her in a little while.”
Before I could respond, she grabbed Zander’s hand—and another piece of my bacon—and started pulling him toward the door.
“HEY! WHAT HAPPENED TO EATING AT THE MESS HALL!?” I yelled after them.
“SORRY NOT SORRY, BRO! WOLF’S GOTTA HAVE A PRE-RUN SNACK—YOU UNDERSTAND!” he shouted back, already halfway out the door.
I shook my head, laughing under my breath as the door slammed behind them.
After they left, I finally finished making breakfast, plating everything up carefully. Eggs, bacon—well, what was left of it—and toast.
Balancing the plate in my hands, I made my way upstairs, already imagining the look on Mel’s face when I surprised her.
But… yeah.
That’s not what happened.
I pushed the door open quietly, expecting to see her still curled up in bed, half-asleep.
Nope.
Instead, I walked into the room—and froze.
Melanie had just stepped out of the shower, her skin still glistening, droplets of water trailing down her body. Steam curled through the air around her as she stood by her nightstand, completely distracted, searching for clothes.
Completely unaware.
A low, involuntary growl slipped past my lips.
Her head snapped up.
Our eyes locked.
And just like that—her face turned bright red.
“JAXSON!” she squeaked, spinning around before bolting back into the bathroom and slamming the door shut.
I stood there, still holding the plate, trying—and failing—not to grin like an i***t.
Yeah…
This morning just got a whole lot better.
MELANIE’S POV
“CAN YOU, LIKE, NOT KNOCK, JAXSON?! I MEAN—COME ON!”
I shout from behind the bathroom door.
“I know you’ve seen me, but still—hell, I wasn’t prepared or anything!” I groan, face burning with embarrassment.
“I’m sorry, love,” he says softly. “I made us breakfast. How about I close my eyes so you can get dressed?”
“Fine—but no peeking. Got it?”
“Alright, I won’t look, Mel,” he replies, clearly trying not to laugh.
I c***k the door open and rush out, making a beeline for my nightstand—but before I can grab anything, strong arms wrap around me and pull me back onto the bed.
“JAXSON!!”
I struggle, but his grip only tightens.
“Melanie… you’re mine,” he murmurs against my neck, breathing me in. “I love you—and your beautiful body. You don’t have to hide from me, baby… please.”
A soft sound escapes me before I can stop it, my body reacting to his.
Goddess… this bond is getting too hard to fight.
“My birthday is in two days,” I whisper, trying to steady myself. “We just have to hold on a little longer.”
“I know,” he breathes. “I’m trying… I just want everyone to know you’re mine.”
He kisses my cheek, then my nose… then my lips. For a second, he deepens it—then pulls away, jaw tight.
“Alright… get dressed,” he says with a rough sigh.
I nod quickly, grabbing clothes and throwing them on. Once I’m done, I sit beside him, grabbing the plate.
“Thank you for making me breakfast,” I say softly.
“You’re welcome, my Luna,” he replies, finishing his food and standing.
I follow him toward the kitchen, nerves creeping in.
“You’re not mad about waiting… are you?” I ask quietly.
He exhales, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’m not mad at you… but yeah, I’m frustrated. The bond—it’s getting harder to ignore.”
“I know… but it’s just two more days,” I say, stepping closer. “I want it to be special.”
He studies me for a moment, then nods. “Alright… two more days.”
Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a necklace.
“I was going to surprise you with this.”
My breath catches. “Oh my goddess… it’s beautiful, Jax’s.”
He steps behind me, fastening it around my neck.
“It has my scent on it,” he says quietly. “Since you’re unmarked… this helps keep other males away.”
I smirk. “Not possessive at all, my love.”
A low growl rumbles from his chest. “I’m only possessive over what’s mine… and you are mine.”
A shiver runs down my spine.
“Yes… all yours.”
The beach trip goes fast—we pack up, meet the others, and pile into the Jeep. Music blasting, everyone singing and laughing, it almost feels like nothing has ever been wrong.
By the time we reach the beach, I’m practically bouncing.
“Hey, Mel! You ready to get your beach on?” Megan grins.
“Heck yeah—but what’s that look for?” I narrow my eyes.
She just winks. “You’ll see.”
That alone makes me nervous.
After getting ready, I head for lifeguard duty—but before I even make it—
WHACK!
“FU—!” I clutch my eye as sand burns into it.
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry—!”
“It’s fine!” I snap, blinking hard. “Just sand—hurts like hell.”
Before I can react, a hand grabs mine and pulls me closer.
“Hey—hands to yourself,” I warn, looking up.
Tall. Muscular. Cocky smile.
“What’s your name, doll face?” he asks.
“None of your business.”
“Feisty… I like that. Name’s Chase.”
Then it hits me—his scent.
Vampire.
And not just any—high rank.
“Yeah? Well, this wolf is leaving,” I say, turning—
But he pulls me back.
“Wrong girl,” I growl.
Before anything else can happen, I’m suddenly shoved aside.
“HOW DARE YOU TOUCH WHAT IS MINE!” Jaxson roars.
Chase just smirks. “Well, well… good to see you, Jaxie.”
Jaxson goes rigid. “Chase McAlester.”
Oh… they know each other.
“Relax,” Chase shrugs. “Was just having a little fun.”
“Not happening,” Jaxson snaps, pushing me behind him.
“Let’s go, Mel.”
“Ahhh… so she does have a name,” Chase calls after us.
“F*** off, Chase. Last warning.”
Once we reach the shack, I cross my arms.
“Okay—you’re telling me what that was.”
“He’s nothing,” Jaxson mutters.
“Yeah? Then why did you react like that?” I shoot back. “Because it didn’t look like nothing.”
His eyes flash.
“You will stay away from Chase McAlester.”
I freeze. “Did you just Alpha tone me?!”
He softens instantly. “I’m sorry… just—please stay away from him. I’ll explain later.”
I hesitate… then nod.
“Fine. But you will tell me.”
“I promise.”
The rest of the day flies by—sun, laughter, chaos.
And Megan?
Yeah… she had a plan.
After we beat the guys in volleyball, she grins wickedly.
“Time to pay up.”
Next thing I know—
The boys are running naked down the beach, yelling about how pretty their wolves are and how much they love dancing in the moonlight.
I double over laughing.
“BEST. DAY. EVER!” Ryle shouts.
⸻
By the time we head home, I’m exhausted—but smiling.
“Have fun today?” Jaxson asks, kissing me softly.
“Oh, definitely… especially watching you run naked,” I tease.
He smirks. “Oh, so you were watching?”
“Only you,” I wink.
“Alright, lovebirds,” El groans. “Can we go? I need a shower.”
“Same!” Megan laughs.
Jaxson starts the Jeep, and just like that—
We head back to camp.
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TO BE CONTINUED!!!
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