Summer Camp Mates

The Dinner!!!

JAXSON’S POV

After we finished training and found out who made the team for this year’s tournament—games, as we call them—I went looking for Melanie so we could walk back to the pack house together.

But I couldn’t find her anywhere.

Not after the results.

Not by the track.

Nowhere.

I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling slowly.

I was happy she made the team.

Not even surprised, honestly.

That girl had skills.

Real skills.

And I had a feeling I’d only seen the beginning of what she could do…

A smirk tugged at my lips.

I can’t wait to see what else she’s skilled at…

I stopped walking.

Shaking my head.

“Get it together,” I muttered under my breath.

I promised her we’d take things slow.

But damn…

This was going to be hard.

⸻

As I made my way off the training grounds, something caught my eye.

Strawberry-blonde hair.

My chest tightened instantly.

Her.

Goddess… she’s beautiful.

My gaze drifted—taking her in without even trying.

The way she moved.

The way the sunlight caught her hair.

The way my entire body reacted just from looking at her.

A slow smile spread across my face.

I’m one lucky wolf.

DRACO: Damn right we are.

I huffed quietly.

“Alright, Draco, we need to chill,” I muttered under my breath. “Our hormones are going into overdrive.”

She wasn’t ready yet.

Her birthday was next week.

So close.

Then she’d be of age.

Then she’d be—

I cut myself off.

No.

We were doing this right.

We were waiting.

Even if it killed me.

⸻

I started toward her—

Focused.

Locked in.

Ready to finally be near her again—

When suddenly—

I was yanked out of my thoughts.

By a kiss.

My entire body froze.

That wasn’t—

That didn’t feel like—

I looked down, my heart jumping, expecting—

Melanie.

But instead—A cold, sinking feeling hit my gut.

Blonde.

Wrong scent.

Wrong everything. And then I saw her.

Sarah.

My jaw clenched instantly.

“Oh—Sh!t.”

My eyes flicked up— Scanning.

Panic hit fast.

Where was Melanie?

Because if she saw this—

This wasn’t going to end well.

Not for Sarah.

Not for me.

And definitely not for anyone standing too close.

MELANIE’S POV

As I made my way through the crowd, a few people stopped me to congratulate me on making the team.

I smiled, thanked them, tried to be polite…

But I couldn’t focus.

I could feel him.

Jaxson.

Watching me.

It sent a warm, fluttering feeling through my chest, making me smile to myself.

We still needed to talk about tonight… about dinner… about everything.

As I moved through the crowd, I tried to follow his scent—

And then I caught it.

Strong.

Close.

I turned—

And everything inside me snapped.

There she was.

That b***h.

Her hands on him.

Her lips on him.

All I saw…

Was red.

⸻

Before I even realized what I was doing, I was already moving.

Fast.

Faster than most could even track.

I reached them in seconds—

Grabbing her—

And ripping her off of him, throwing her back.

She stumbled hard, nearly falling.

Not to brag… but I was a strong she-wolf.

Stronger than most.

I’d taken down males before back in Texas.

And right now?

I wasn’t holding back.

“LISTEN HERE, YOU SKANK!” I snapped, my voice echoing across the entire training ground. “I DON’T KNOW WHO THE F@CK YOU THINK YOU ARE—BUT YOU WILL STAY AWAY FROM WHAT IS MINE. DO YOU HEAR ME?!”

My entire body was blazing.

My eyes burned—glowing a deep, dangerous purple.

Power surged through me, wild and uncontrollable.

I could feel it—

Magic.

Heat.

Fire building at my fingertips, ready to explode.

One more move…

And I might not stop.

⸻

Before I could lunge again—

Strong arms wrapped around me from behind.

Pulling me back.

Grounding me.

“Baby… it’s okay,” Jaxson’s voice whispered in my ear, low and urgent. “I’m yours. Calm down—you’re about to force shift.”

My breathing was ragged.

My body trembling.

“Please, baby… I’m here. I don’t want her. She’s nothing. Calm down, Mel.”

His scent surrounded me.

Wrapped around my senses.

And just like that—

I stilled.

The fire died down.

My breathing slowed, though my chest still rose and fell heavily.

⸻

“Alright, there’s nothing to see here,” Jaxson called out firmly, stepping forward slightly while keeping me close. “Everyone—back to your cabins.”

People started to scatter.

Murmurs filled the air.

“THAT PSYCHO b***h ALMOST KILLED ME!” Sarah screeched from behind us.

I tensed again—

But Jaxson didn’t even hesitate.

“ENOUGH, SARAH!” he snapped, his voice laced with Alpha command. “Go back to your cabin. That is an order.”

She froze.

Then lowered her head slightly.

Submitting.

Without another word, she turned and left.

⸻

Silence settled.

And then—

“Umm… that was kind of sexy,” I said out loud without thinking.

I froze.

“…Crap. That was supposed to stay in my head.”

Heat rushed to my face instantly.

Jaxson chuckled softly.

“Baby girl… you never have to be embarrassed by the way I talk,” he said, giving me a wink.

I rolled my eyes—

Then couldn’t help but giggle.

“Okay, Casanova,” I said, crossing my arms. “Don’t we have a dinner to get to?”

Then I paused.

“Oh—and speaking of that dinner… why the hell didn’t you mention I’d be meeting your parents?!”

His face dropped.

“Oh sh!t—Mel, I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “It just… slipped my mind. It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing, I swear. Please don’t be mad—it won’t happen again.”

He pulled me into a hug, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

I sighed.

“It’s okay… I guess,” I muttered. “We should probably go. Don’t want to keep the Alpha and Luna waiting…”

Now I was nervous.

Really nervous.

“Mel, it’ll be okay,” he said gently. “Come on—we’ll take the side-by-side.”

After walking down the path, we found one of the parked vehicles and climbed in.

As we drove, my nerves only got worse.

The farther we went, the quieter it got.

The trees stretched out.

The path widened.

And then—

The pack house came into view.

Huge.

Beautiful.

Like a giant cabin-mansion.

I couldn’t help but stare.

“Wow…”

“You coming, redhead?” Jaxson teased.

I didn’t move.

“…Jaxson, I’m scared,” I admitted quietly. “What if they don’t like me? What if I make a fool of myself? What if—”

Before I could spiral any further—

He stepped closer, cupping my face.

And kissed me.

Soft. Sweet. Gentle.

The kind of kiss that made everything else disappear.

My thoughts.

My fears.

Everything.

Goddess… this man is going to drive me insane.

When he pulled back, his forehead rested against mine.

“Melanie… there is nothing not to like about you,” he said softly. “You’re going to be perfect. I promise.”

I swallowed, nodding slightly.

“Okay…”

He took my hand.

“Come on.”

The moment we stepped inside, the smell of food hit me.

Warm.Comforting.Amazing.

“Well, well… look who finally made it!” El called, coming down the stairs, already dressed up.

And that’s when it hit me.

“Crap—I forgot to change!” I panicked.

“It’s okay, Mel,” she said quickly. “Come on—I’ll get you ready. You can wear something of mine.”

“Thank goddess for you,” I said, hugging her quickly.

Before heading upstairs, I leaned up and kissed Jaxson’s cheek.

“I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t take too long, babe,” he said with a grin. “I’ll be waiting in the dining room.”

Upstairs, El led me into her room.

I barely recognized it.

New bed.

New colors.

Dusky rose walls instead of the old light pink.

“Wow… it’s changed,” I said.

“Yeah… it’s been a while,” she laughed. “Now come on—we’ve got work to do.”

A little while later—

I was dressed, Hair done, Makeup just right.

A maroon dress that hugged my curves perfectly.

Paired with my Converse, of course.

I looked in the mirror…

And barely recognized myself.

“Dang, Mel…” El said, staring. “I’m kinda jealous of my brother. You’re smoking hot.”

“Oh my god, stop,” I laughed, twirling slightly.

“Girl, I’m serious—if I were him, I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off you.”

I blushed instantly.

“Okay, okay—that’s enough,” I said, laughing. “Let’s go before I lose my nerve.”

I took one last look in the mirror.

Deep breath.

And turned toward the door.

Time to meet the Alpha and Luna.

JAXSON’S POV

As the girls made their way upstairs, I headed toward the dining room to see who had shown up for dinner.

Most of the time, it would be the whole pack—but tonight, I figured it would just be a select few.

Yeah…

I was very wrong.

The moment I stepped into the dining room, I froze.

Half the pack was here.

Tables filled.

Voices echoing.

Warriors, elders, families—

All of them.

“Oh great…” I muttered under my breath.

Melanie was already nervous.

Now?

Now she was about to walk into a room full of wolves, meet my parents, and be surrounded by half the pack.

Crap.

I needed to go warn her.

Fast.

But before I could turn—

“Well, well, well… look who finally decided to show up.”

I groaned internally.

Uncle Billy.

I turned to see Billy McKnight leaning casually against one of the long wooden tables, a wide grin on his face.

He looked the same as always—tall, broad-shouldered, with salt-and-pepper hair and a thick beard that made him look more intimidating than he actually was. His dark eyes held that constant teasing glint, like he was always one second away from cracking a joke.

“Well hello, nephew,” he said, clapping a heavy hand on my shoulder. “Long time no see. I’m guessing you’re too busy to visit your favorite uncle?”

“Sorry, Billy,” I said with a small chuckle. “It’s been crazy. How’s Aunt Sammy?”

He nodded toward the far end of the room.

“Oh, she’s around here somewhere. Probably got pulled into helping with the younger kids again. You know her—can’t sit still.”

I followed his gaze and spotted Sammy McKnight across the room.

She was moving between tables, talking to a group of younger wolves. Her soft brown hair was tied back in a loose braid, and she wore a warm, welcoming smile—the kind that made everyone feel safe. Even from across the room, you could feel her calm, nurturing energy.

“Yeah… I haven’t had a chance to talk to her yet,” I admitted. “I’ve been dealing with my father.”

Billy’s expression shifted slightly.

“He’s pushing me hard to take the Alpha position now that I’m eighteen.”

Billy let out a low breath, crossing his arms.

“Yeah… I figured he would.”

Then he gave me a firm nod.

“But listen, son—you’ll do a fine job. You’ve got the strength for it. And the heart.”

That actually meant more than I expected.

“Thanks, Billy,” I said, giving him a small smile.

And then—

Everything else disappeared.

Because she walked in.

Melanie.

My mate.

My breath caught in my chest.

She stepped into the room like she belonged there—wearing that dress…

That dress.

It hugged every curve perfectly, the deep maroon color making her eyes stand out even more. Her hair fell softly around her shoulders, styled just enough to look effortless—and that smile…

Goddess.

That smile.

It hit me like a punch to the chest.

Mine.

I was completely gone.

Lost in her.

Draco practically purred in my head.

And for a second… nothing else mattered.

Until—

I saw him.

Standing a little too close.

Talking to her.

Smiling at her like he had any right.

My jaw tightened instantly.

Of course it had to be him.

Mason Alaric.

One of the top warriors.

And a known problem.

Tall, muscular, dark-haired with sharp features and a cocky grin that never seemed to leave his face. He leaned in just a little too close when he talked, always pushing boundaries—especially with she-wolves.

And right now?

He was doing it to my mate.

Oh hell no.

I moved before I even thought about it.

“HEY, MASON—”

My voice cut through the room.

Sharp.

Commanding.

He turned, that same smug grin still on his face.

“Oh, hey Jaxson,” he said casually. “I was just talking to the new girl here. She seems nice.”

Nice.

Nice?

My wolf snarled.

Every muscle in my body went rigid.

“Yeah,” I said slowly, stepping closer, my voice dropping as my Alpha tone slipped through, “and she’s mine.”

The air shifted.

Tension snapped tight.

“So back. Down.”

A low growl rumbled in my chest.

Mason’s smirk faltered.

His posture changed instantly—submission kicking in whether he liked it or not.

“Got it,” he muttered, stepping back and raising his hands slightly.

He turned and walked away without another word.

Good choice.

MELANIE’S POV

As Jaxson stepped in front of me, yelling at the other wolf, I couldn’t help but melt a little hearing that Alpha tone.

Goddess… that was attractive.

I quickly shook off the thought.

Focus, Mel.

I needed to calm him down before he actually tore this guy’s throat out.

“JAXSON… I’m right here. Calm down,” I said, grabbing his hand and squeezing it tightly.

His body was tense for a second longer—

Then he finally relaxed, turning toward me.

“I’m sorry, Mel… I just can’t stand another male near you,” he said, pulling me into his arms and pressing a kiss to my forehead.

My heart softened instantly.

Before we could sink any deeper into the moment—

The room shifted.

The energy changed.

And then they walked in.

⸻

A tall, powerful man and a stunning woman entered the dining room.

The woman was absolutely breathtaking—long dark hair cascading in soft waves down her back, her eyes a warm golden-brown that seemed to glow with kindness. She carried herself with grace, her aura calm but undeniably powerful.

The Luna.

Beside her stood the Alpha.

Massive.

Intimidating.

Broad shoulders, sharp features, and piercing amber eyes that seemed to see everything. His presence alone commanded the entire room without him even saying a word.

“Ah… you must be Melanie,” the woman said warmly, walking toward me with open arms. “It’s so wonderful to see you again.”

“Oh—um—yes, hello… you must be Luna Elizabeth,” I said, hugging her back.

Her embrace was soft, comforting.

“Please, dear… call me Liz,” she said with a gentle smile that instantly put me at ease.

“Okay… Liz,” I said, returning a small smile.

Then—

The Alpha approached.

Up close, his presence was even stronger.

I straightened slightly.

“Good evening, sir,” I said shyly, holding out my hand.

He didn’t take it.

Instead, he studied me for a moment—

Then gently pushed my hand aside and pulled me into a firm, warm hug.

It caught me off guard… but I hugged him back.

“Welcome, Melanie,” he said, his voice deep and commanding but not unkind. “We are glad to have you here.”

He pulled back slightly, a small knowing smirk on his face.

“Let’s eat… and then we can discuss other matters.”

And just like that—

He walked off.

⸻

Dinner was…

Quiet.

Too quiet.

There were so many people, yet it felt like all eyes were on me.

I didn’t know how to feel.

Didn’t know where to look.

But every time I glanced at Jaxson, he gave me a small sorry look, and somehow… that helped.

A little.

Still—

I hoped not every dinner would feel this awkward.

⸻

After we finished eating, the Alpha stood and dismissed everyone.

One by one, the room cleared out.

I started to stand—

“Ahem.”

I froze.

The Alpha looked directly at us.

“Well… now that that’s over, I think it’s time we discuss some matters. My office.”

My stomach dropped.

“Um… yes, sir,” I said quietly.

⸻

Jaxson came to my side, taking my hand and leading me upstairs.

I think I was more nervous now than I had been at dinner.

My thoughts were spinning.

But I pushed it down.

You’ve got this.

⸻

“Please… come in,” the Alpha said as we reached his office.

The room was large, lined with dark wood and shelves filled with books and documents. It smelled faintly of cedar and power.

Jaxson and I sat in the chairs across from his desk.

Well—

I sat.

Jaxson stayed standing until his father did.

Definitely an Alpha thing.

⸻

“Melanie,” the Alpha began, folding his hands on the desk, “I’m proud to know you’ll be part of our family.”

My heart skipped.

“I understand you both wish to wait until the end of summer before mating…”

He paused.

“But unfortunately… we may need to speed that process up.”

Jaxson shot up instantly.

“FATHER—DO NOT PUSH HER INTO SOMETHING SHE’S NOT READY FOR!”

“YOU WILL WATCH YOUR TONE, BOY—I AM STILL YOUR ALPHA!”

Their voices clashed.

The tension exploded.

And I—Couldn’t take it.

“STOP!!”

The word tore out of me.

Power surged through my body before I even realized it.

The air shifted.

Energy crackled.

Both of them froze with surprise and confusion as was I just claimed the room with out trying.

“Okay… okay, Melanie. Calm down,” Jaxson said quickly, moving to me and pulling me close.

His scent grounded me instantly.

My breathing slowed.

My body relaxed.

“I’m sorry,” I said softly. “I just… can’t handle yelling.”

I looked at the Alpha with apologetic expression.

“But I need to know… why do we have to rush this? There has to be a reason.”

He nodded slowly.

“There is.”

His expression grew serious.

“And I appreciate you calming down enough to hear this.”

He leaned forward slightly.

“Melanie… you are in danger.”

My stomach dropped.

“There is a man… Vlad Benders.”

The name meant nothing to me.

“Do you know him?”

I shook my head.

“No, sir… I don’t. What does he want with me?”

The Alpha’s gaze hardened.

“He is your grandfather. Your mother’s father.”

Everything inside me went still.

“He wants your power,” he continued. “And to take it… he would need all of your blood.”

My breath caught.

“That process would kill you.”

I couldn’t think.

Couldn’t breathe.

“And there’s more,” he added. “The Committee is not pleased with what you are… a hybrid. That situation is being handled—but your mating and marriage would help secure your protection.”

My head was spinning.

Too much.

Way too much.

“I—I need time,” I said quickly, standing. “Can I… talk to you tomorrow?”

Before he could answer—

I turned and rushed out.

I barely remember getting down the stairs.

Out the door.

Into the open air.

I paced the driveway, back and forth, my mind racing.

Everything crashing in at once.

“Melanie!!”

Megan’s voice snapped me out of it.

I turned.

“Are you okay? You’re starting to freak people out.”

“…Not really,” I admitted. “I need to get out of here.”

And then—

I saw him.

Jaxson.

Standing there with those soft amber eyes… full of worry.

“Jax… can we go somewhere?” I asked quietly.

“Anywhere, baby.”

We drove in silence.

To our spot.

The place we both knew.

The place that felt safe.

The moment we stepped out—

Everything hit me again.

Before I could even speak—

“Mel… you don’t have to do this,” he said softly. “I know this is a lot.”

I walked straight into him, wrapping my arms around his waist, pressing my head to his chest.

“It’s not the mating… or the marriage,” I whispered. “We’re meant to be together. It’s just… everything all at once. And now I’m in danger…”

His arms tightened around me.

“You don’t have to worry about him,” he said firmly. “I’ll end him before he ever gets near you. I won’t let anyone touch you.”

I looked up at him.

And kissed him.

Soft.

Deep.

Full of everything I couldn’t say.

“What was that for?” he asked with a smile.

“Because I can’t imagine anyone else as my mate,” I said.

His expression softened.

“Melanie… I love you.”

My heart skipped.

“And I wouldn’t want anyone else. You’ve been my best friend for too long… and I’m proud you’re mine.”

He kissed me again—deeper this time, more intense—

I let out a soft breath.

“Jax… we should stop,” I whispered. “It’s getting late.”

He sighed, resting his forehead against mine.

“Yeah… I know.”

Later, back at the cabin, laughter filled the space.

Games.

Teasing.

Normal.

It felt… good.

Like things weren’t falling apart.

That night, in my room, everything slowed again.

Jaxson.

Close.

Too close.

Tension thick between us—but controlled.

Careful.

Patient.

And for the first time…

I trusted it.

As we laid in bed, I turned slightly toward him.

“Jax… I’ll try not to be so uptight,” I said softly. “I just want everything to be perfect.”

He smiled gently.

“It already is.”

He kissed my forehead.

“I’ll wait as long as you need.”

I smiled.

“Thank you…”

The lights went out.

Silence filled the room.

Then—

“Jaxson…”

“…I love you.”

****** This story will be continued and I’ll be making another story here soon as well super excited for y’all to read it to.

Thanks for reading!!!

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