Summer Camp Mates

Sweet Dreams and Picking The Teams

JAX’S POV

As I made it back to the pack house, sleep was the last thing on my mind. The walls felt too tight, my thoughts too loud. All these new feelings were building into a storm inside me—wild and uncontrollable.

A run. That’s what I needed.

Draco pushed forward instantly.

Draco: We shouldn’t have left her there… at her cabin. We should’ve brought her back with us.

He huffed as I launched forward, shifting mid-air, letting the change ripple through me in a desperate attempt to clear my head.

“I know, buddy,” I growled. “But she wants to take this slow.”

Even as I said it, it didn’t sit right.

The moment my paws hit the forest floor, something shifted.

My chest tightened.

A pull.

Her.

I could feel it—Melanie’s unease, her restlessness at not being near me. It hit me like a wave, knocking the breath from my lungs.

And just like that… instinct took over.

Before I could think, I was already moving—fast, reckless, drawn straight back to her.

Her cabin.

I stopped just beneath her window, looking up. It was cracked open slightly, and her scent drifted down to me—strawberries and vanilla, soft and addictive.

It hit me hard.

God…

It smelled so damn good.

My mind wandered before I could stop it, imagining her taste—sweet, warm—

And then I felt it.

Her.

Thinking the same thing.

A smirk tugged at my lips.

“That little minx… dreaming of me,” I muttered.

In one swift motion, I shifted back and climbed the nearest tree, moving quietly toward her window.

Yeah… I could’ve just walked in like I owned the place.

But then I’d have to deal with my sister—and her million questions.

Hard pass.

I rolled my eyes as I slipped inside, careful with every step, pacing myself so I wouldn’t wake her.

The room was quiet… peaceful.

Her.

As I moved closer, I could feel it—her dreams shifting, like she’d stirred not long ago.

And then I saw her.

My mate.

My chest tightened all over again, but this time… it wasn’t painful.

It was something deeper.

Softer.

“Jax…”

My name fell from her lips, barely more than a whisper.

And it hit me like a ton of bricks.

That was it. I was done for.

Before I could stop myself, I was beside her in an instant, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

“I’m here,” I whispered softly against her ear.

She shifted closer to me, like it was the most natural thing in the world, her body finding mine even in sleep.

A small smile pulled at my lips—like some lovestruck i***t.

“Stay…” she murmured.

That single word shattered whatever control I had left.

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close, breathing her in like I needed it to survive.

And for the first time all night…

The storm inside me finally went quiet.

With her in my arms, I let myself drift off to sleep.

MELANIE’S POV

(HONK… HONK… HONK…!!!)

“What the actual hell—?!” I yelped, jolting awake and promptly falling out of bed with a loud thud.

Pain shot through my side as I groaned, pushing myself up from the floor.

“Okay… rude.”

Still half-asleep and completely disoriented, I turned—

And froze.

There, in my bed…

Was a drooling, half-naked, ridiculously attractive man.

My heart stopped.

“What the—”

My dreams.

Were they… real?

No. No way. That couldn’t be real—I would’ve been naked too… right?!

My brain short-circuited as I just stood there, staring at Jaxson like an absolute i***t, trying to piece together when—and how—he ended up in my bed.

Should I wake him?

Should I pretend I wasn’t here??

Should I just… pass out again???

Before I could decide—

His eyes flew open.

And locked directly on me.

On my hot mess of a morning look.

My hair? Wild.

My face? Probably puffy.

My dignity? Gone.

I squealed.

Actually squealed.

And spun around, bolting straight for the bathroom.

I barely got the door shut before—

“Hey, Mel… need any help in there?” Jaxson’s voice came from the other side, thick with amusement.

I could practically feel his smirk through the door.

“Um—NO!” I snapped, pressing my forehead against the wood. “And um… how are you here right now? I don’t remember inviting you into my room.”

I rolled my eyes, even though he couldn’t see me.

“Yeah… about that,” he said, way too casually. “I might’ve snuck in last night. Don’t be mad, but—”

I sucked in a breath.

He did what?!

“But listen,” he continued, voice dropping slightly, “I’ve gotta go get dressed. I’ll be back in a few, okay?”

I frowned slightly, confused… until—

“If I stay here,” he added, lower now, rougher, “I might take you right here and now… and I know you’re not ready for that.”

My entire body went still.

Heat rushed straight to my face.

Oh my—

Oh. My. Goddess.

And then it hit me.

He probably shifted back.

Which means—

He was very likely—

Not wearing anything.

I swallowed hard.

“Goddess… why me…” I muttered under my breath, pressing my head harder against the door.

“Alright… I’ll see you in a few, Jaxson,” I managed, trying to sound normal.

Trying—and failing—not to open the door and stop him from leaving.

I heard the window slide shut.

He was gone.

And my heart?

Still racing like it was trying to escape my chest.

“Okay… Mel. You got this,” I whispered, taking a deep breath.

I slowly cracked the bathroom door open, peeking out.

Empty.

Good.

I rushed across the room, grabbing clothes, then darted back into the bathroom to take the fastest shower of my life.

By the time I finished, my nerves had only slightly settled.

I fixed my hair, put on a little makeup—just enough—and stared at myself in the mirror.

“Okay… maybe today won’t be completely embarrassing…”

A small smile crept in despite everything.

I was actually… excited.

As I made my way downstairs, voices drifted from the kitchen.

Walking in, I found three people already there, coffee in hand.

“Well, good morning, sunshine! You ready to start the day?!” my cousin Shana said with a giggle.

“Uh… good morning to you too,” I said, raising a brow. “What are you doing here? I thought we were all meeting at the mess hall…?”

“Oh, we still are,” she said casually. “But I had to make sure the alarm didn’t scare any of you. It’s a new horn this year—our trumpet broke.”

Her lips curved into a very knowing smile.

“So… any problems with the new wake-up system?”

Oh. My. God.

“Well,” Megan said, smiling, “I was already up. Just got back from a run.”

Must be nice.

Meanwhile, I was internally combusting.

“Okay, so… that would’ve been great information to mention at the open house,” I said, crossing my arms. “Also, it might’ve saved me from falling out of bed!”

Shana burst out laughing.

“Sorry, Mel! I should’ve—but I couldn’t pass up the reactions. It’s like those cliché camp movies everyone loves. Come on, you know it’s funny!”

I stared at her.

Was it though?

“Alright, well—thanks for the coffee, girls. I’ll see you in the mess hall in 25 minutes. Bye!” she said, finishing her drink and heading out.

The second the door shut, I turned back to the others.

“Okaaaay… does anyone else find her just a little annoying?” I asked. “I mean, I love her, but… damn.”

El sighed. “You’re not wrong… but she’s here all year, so we’re gonna have to make the best of it.”

I nodded, taking a sip of my coffee.

“You’re right… we will.”

“OHHH, speaking of making the best of things!” Megan suddenly said, way too excited. “How was your night, Mel? Anything… interesting happen after we went to bed?”

I choked on my coffee.

Actually choked.

“Umm—well—uh—I slept! I mean—it was good! Great sleep! Amazing sleep!” I rushed out.

Smooth. Real smooth.

Megan and El exchanged a look.

“Ohhh yeah,” Megan said slowly.

“You know what?” I cut in quickly. “I think it’s time to go. Don’t you think, El?”

“Yeah… definitely,” she said, trying not to laugh.

“ALRIGHT—WHAT?!” I snapped.

They both grinned.

“We could’ve sworn you were moaning in your sleep last night,” they said together, breaking into giggles.

I froze.

Then immediately turned and walked away.

“Yep. We’re done talking.”

“Melanie, wait—we’re sorry!” they called, chasing after me out of the cabin.

They caught up quickly, and I stopped, turning to look at them.

I held the glare for a second longer…

Then sighed.

“You’re both forgiven,” I said, pulling them into a hug.

We laughed, the tension breaking—until a side-by-side rolled up beside us.

“Well, good morning, ladies,” Zander called. “Can I offer you beauties a ride?”

“Morning,” I said, glancing around. “Where’s Jaxson? I thought he was coming back…?”

There was a hint of annoyance in my voice before I could stop it.

“Oh yeah,” Zander said, “he got pulled away for some alpha duties. He’ll meet us at the mess hall.”

Of course he will.

“So come on—jump in! We’ve only got 15 minutes if you still want breakfast.”

That was all the motivation we needed.

We piled into the side-by-side.

Zander grinned. “Sounds like you girls are hungry. Alright—buckle up. It’s gonna be a ride.”

And with that—

He hit the gas.

JAXSON’S POV

I really hated leaving Melanie.

Every step away from that cabin felt wrong—like I was tearing myself from something I needed to breathe.

If I had thought ahead last night, I would’ve just mind-linked El and brought Mel back to the pack house with me.

Then I wouldn’t have had to leave her.

“Goddess… this is going to be a long summer,” I muttered with a sigh as I slipped through the trees.

Within minutes, I reached the pack house.

I didn’t hesitate—just moved quickly around back, slipping in through the side entrance like I’d done a hundred times before.

The place was quiet.

Good.

I made it to my room without running into anyone, shutting the door behind me and leaning against it for a second.

Her scent still clung to me.

Strawberry and vanilla.

It was driving me insane.

I scrubbed a hand down my face before grabbing clothes and quickly getting dressed, forcing myself to focus.

Get it together.

I couldn’t walk around here smelling like her—not yet.

Not until I was ready for everyone to know.

After pulling on a shirt, I took one last breath, steadying myself, then headed back out into the hall.

And of course—

“—Well, well, well… where have you been?”

Zander.

Right by the front door.

I should’ve known.

“Umm… out,” I said quickly, trying to brush past him.

“HAAHAA—yeah, okay,” he shot back, stepping in front of me. “You really take me for a dummy? I can practically smell a she-wolf on you.”

I froze.

Of course he can.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

“Alright, Zander… you caught me,” I admitted. “I found Melanie last night.”

His grin widened.

“And?”

I hesitated for half a second…

Then said it.

“She’s my mate.”

…

Silence.

I frowned.

“Zander… you okay?” I asked, eyeing him carefully.

He was just standing there.

Completely frozen.

Eyes wide.

Then—

“DUDE—DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?!” he exploded, grabbing my shoulders and practically shaking me.

I couldn’t help the small smile that pulled at my lips.

“I’m guessing it means I don’t have to worry about sleeping around anymore,” I said, a little amused.

“OTHER THAN THAT—YOU CAN BE ALPHA NOW!!” he shouted, still shaking me like I was about to miss the biggest point of my life.

My smile faded slightly.

“Yeah… I know,” I said, more serious now. “But I’m not announcing anything yet.”

He blinked.

“What?”

“I’m going to wait,” I continued, steady but firm. “This isn’t something I want to rush. We’ve got the whole summer… and I need this time.”

Time with her.

Time to figure this out.

Without the entire pack watching.

Zander’s excitement softened, and he nodded.

“Yeah… okay. I get it. Sorry, man. I wasn’t thinking,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m just—really happy for you.”

That eased something in my chest.

“Thanks, Zander. I mean that,” I said sincerely.

Then I exhaled.

“Actually… there is something you can do for me.”

“Yeah?”

“Go pick up Melanie and the girls. Take them to the mess hall,” I said. “I’m gonna be running behind. I’ve gotta talk to my dad… and get things ready for today.”

Head leader.

Responsibilities were already piling up.

Zander nodded. “Yeah, I can do that.”

He started to turn, then paused.

“Oh—and Jax…”

I raised a brow.

“…never mind. You’ll find out later,” he said with a grin, already walking off. “Bye!”

“Wait—what?!” I called after him.

But he was gone.

Of course.

I let out a breath, shaking my head.

“Whatever…”

My expression shifted as I turned toward the stairs.

Great.

Now I had to talk to my father.

“What a glorious discussion this is going to be…” I muttered under my breath.

I made my way up the stairs, each step feeling heavier than the last.

When I reached his office door, I stopped.

Just stood there.

For a moment, I debated turning around.

Avoiding this.

But I couldn’t.

Not anymore.

Not after last night.

Not after her.

I lifted my hand…

Hesitated—

Then finally knocked.

…KNOCK… KNOCK…

“Come in!”

I took a steady breath before opening the door.

“Hey, Dad…” I said, forcing calm into my voice, doing everything I could not to start another fight.

“Hello, son. Please—sit.”

I stepped inside and took a seat across from his desk, but the tension in my chest was already building.

I wasn’t going to be able to hold this in much longer.

“Dad… I’m sorry for how I handled yesterday,” I started, keeping my tone controlled. “But I’m not changing my decision about an arranged marriage… especially now that there won’t need to be one.”

He leaned back slightly, studying me.

“Ah… and why is that, son?”

I didn’t hesitate this time.

“Because I found her.”

Silence filled the room.

It stretched for a few seconds—heavy, thick—until my father finally spoke.

“Well,” he said slowly, “I suppose congratulations are in order.”

His eyes narrowed slightly.

“Do you mind me asking who this fine young she-wolf is?”

I swallowed.

“It’s Melanie Scott.”

Something shifted in his expression.

Subtle—but I caught it.

“Hmmm… is that so,” he murmured.

That wasn’t the reaction I expected.

“There are… a few things we’ll need to discuss later,” he continued. “But for now—do not plan on mating with her yet.”

I blinked.

Then frowned.

“Umm… why is that any of your business?” I said, my voice tightening. “I’m sorry if I’m out of line, but she’s my mate. You don’t get to tell me when I can or can’t be with her.”

I was trying to stay calm.

Trying.

But he was making it really damn hard.

“YOU WILL WATCH YOUR TONE!”

His voice boomed through the room, his alpha presence pressing down hard.

“As of right now, I am still your alpha,” he said sharply. “I may be your father, but that does not change.”

My jaw clenched.

“I have my reasons,” he continued, more controlled now—but still firm. “There are things you don’t know. Things your mate doesn’t know.”

My pulse spiked.

“I’m not saying you two can’t be together…”

“Then enlighten me,” I cut in, pinching the bridge of my nose as Draco pushed dangerously close to the surface. “What exactly are we not aware of?”

For a moment, my father said nothing.

Then he took a deep breath.

“Listen carefully, son,” he said.

Something in his tone made my stomach drop.

“Your mate… is not normal.”

My entire body went still.

“She is one of only two of her kind,” he continued. “And they are… not widely accepted.”

My mind raced.

“What does that even mean?” I demanded.

His gaze hardened.

“It means,” he said slowly, “that she is in danger.”

Everything inside me snapped.

I couldn’t think.

Before I even realized what I was doing, I was on my feet and out the door

The hallway blurred as I walked.

My heart was pounding, Draco clawing at the surface.

Danger.

Melanie is in danger.

“Get it together,” I muttered, dragging a hand through my hair, forcing myself to stop.

Think.

MELANIE’S POV

By the time we finally made it to the mess hall with Zander, we were still laughing.

Mostly at him.

Because he had just gotten turned down by two gorgeous girls on the path.

“It’s okay, Zander,” I said, trying not to laugh again. “They weren’t worth it anyway.”

“But Mel—they were so hottt…” he whined dramatically.

“You’ll survive, you big baby,” Megan shot back, giving him a get over yourself look.

I shook my head, still smiling as I walked past them and into the mess hall—

And froze.

There he was.

Jaxson.

And some random she-wolf was way too close… touching him… laughing like she belonged there.

Something inside me snapped.

Heat rushed through my body.

My chest tightened.

My wolf stirred.

I was getting more pissed by the second.

I was this close to storming over there and ripping her a new one—

When suddenly—

A large body stepped in front of me.

“WHAT THE HELL—GET OUT OF MY WAY!!” I snapped, loud enough that the entire mess hall went quiet.

Great.

All eyes on me.

“Melanie,” my dad said firmly, grabbing my arm and guiding me toward the back near the stage.

“UM—DAD, WHAT THE HELL?!” I hissed, still fuming.

“Enough,” he said, rubbing his face. “We need to talk.”

“Fine,” I snapped. “About what? And can you hurry? I’ve got someone I need to deal with.”

He gave me a sharp look.

“Melanie, enough with the attitude. I won’t tolerate it. I am your father—and your beta. Don’t make this more difficult.”

I exhaled, forcing myself to calm down.

“Okay… sorry. What’s going on?”

“Much better,” he said. “Now… this is about Jaxson Blackwood.”

My stomach dropped.

“I saw the way you looked at him,” he continued. “And at that girl. I know that look. So start talking.”

I took a deep breath.

There was no point hiding it.

“Okay… um… he’s… kind of my mate,” I admitted quietly. “I found out last night.”

I stared at the floor, bracing myself.

My dad was very overprotective.

Silence.

“…Dad?” I said, glancing up. “You alright?”

His expression softened—but there was something else there too.

Concern.

“Oh, honey… this is good news,” he said gently. “But… it also makes things harder.”

My heart sank.

“We’ll talk later, okay? Go sit with your friends for now.”

“…Okay,” I said slowly, still confused.

I gave him a quick hug before heading back out.

⸻

The moment I stepped past the stage—

There he was again.

Jaxson.

Still in line.

Still near her.

But this time… he wasn’t paying attention to her at all.

He was scanning the crowd.

Searching.

And then—

His eyes met mine.

Everything else faded.

I couldn’t move.

Couldn’t breathe.

Until I realized—

He was already walking toward me.

“Hey, Mel,” he said softly. “I’m sorry I didn’t come back this morning. I had a meeting with my dad. Are you okay? Did I make you upset?”

His eyes searched mine.

And just like that, my anger came rushing back.

“Okay, I’ll be honest,” I said, crossing my arms. “I don’t like that girl over there talking to you. If my dad hadn’t pulled me away earlier, I would’ve made a scene.”

He smirked slightly—

Then leaned in close, his lips brushing near my ear.

“Baby… I’m all yours,” he murmured. “That girl is nothing. I promise—you’re the only one for me.”

His breath ghosted over my neck, his scent wrapping around me—

And then—

He pressed a soft kiss to my collarbone.

A sharp shiver shot through my entire body.

I sucked in a breath—

But before I could say anything—

“I need to take you to dinner tonight,” he added quickly, pulling back. “Alright? For now, I’ve gotta get on stage and get things ready for today.”

I blinked, still trying to recover.

“Okay… I’ll go to dinner with you,” I said. “But we need to talk later.”

“Plan on it, sweetheart,” he said with a wink before walking away.

And just like that—

I was left standing there, heart racing.

⸻

I finally spotted my friends and made my way over, sitting down with them.

Thankfully, they had already grabbed me food.

“Best friends ever,” I muttered, taking a bite.

We talked and laughed for a bit, but I couldn’t help glancing back across the room—

Until I spotted her again.

Sitting with—

Of course.

My ex.

“Hey… who is that girl?” I asked, nodding in her direction.

Megan snorted. “Oh, that would be Sarah Valentine. Pack slut, in my opinion.”

“El—” I started.

“I mean… she’s not wrong,” El added with a giggle. “Don’t worry about her, Mel. She’s not worth your time.”

“I hope you’re right,” I muttered. “Because if she goes near Jaxson again… I might lose it.”

“Girl, chill,” Megan said. “Ignore her.”

“…Fine.”

⸻

Before we could say anything else, my dad stepped up with a microphone.

“GOOD MORNING, CAMP BLACK FALLS!!”

“GOOD!!” everyone shouted back.

“Great to hear! Today is the day we select teams for the games. There will be several events—swimming, racing, strategy, fighting, and hunting.”

My stomach flipped.

“Everyone will train,” he continued, “but only seven will be selected for the main team.”

Seven?!

I thought this was a full camp activity.

Guess not.

⸻

The rest of the day was intense.

Training after training—

Swimming (not my best), racing, strategy, fighting, hunting…

By the end, I was exhausted—but I felt good.

Strong.

Like I had a chance.

Still… as we gathered by the training board waiting for results, my nerves kicked in.

I hated failing.

And… I wanted to be on that team.

Especially if it meant more time near Jaxson.

⸻

Finally, my dad stepped forward with the list.

“Alright everyone… you all did an amazing job today. Unfortunately, I could only pick seven.”

My heart pounded.

“First—Zander McNight!”

Cheers.

“Megan Miller!”

More cheering.

“Josh Stone!”

“Elaine Blackwood!”

“El!” I whispered, grabbing her arm.

“Tyson Miller!”

“And finally… aside from our captain which will be Jaxson Blackwood.…”

I held my breath.

“…Melanie Scott.”

Everything stopped.

Then—

Relief flooded through me.

“Oh my god…” I whispered, breaking into a huge smile.

I made it.

The rest blurred into cheers and excitement.

All of us made it.

Me. Megan. El.

This summer just got a whole lot more interesting.

As we started heading back, I turned to my friends, practically bouncing.

“Are you guys as excited as I am?! I can’t believe all three of us made the team!”

“Girl, I already knew I would,” Megan said, flipping her hair. “Because I’m just that good.”

El laughed. “You mean me and Melanie are that good—you just got lucky.”

“HEY—” Megan started.

“Okay, okay—no fighting,” I said, laughing.

Then I remembered.

“Oh! I’ve gotta go find Jaxson. He’s supposed to take me to dinner.”

I gave them a small wink.

El’s expression immediately changed.

“Oh… Mel… I hate to break it to you…”

Uh oh.

“…but this isn’t exactly a date.”

My stomach dropped.

“What do you mean?”

She winced.

“My brother is in so much trouble for not telling you this but… he’s taking you to meet my parents.”

…

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!” I practically shouted.

“That’s the Alpha and the Luna, El! I cannot meet them right now!”

“Mel, it’s okay,” she said quickly. “I’ll be there too. But you should probably go find him…”

And just like that—

She left.

Leaving me standing there.

Panicking.

“Oh, Jaxson Blackwood…” I muttered, already turning.

“You are a dead man when I find you.

THIS STORY WILL BE CONTINUED!!!!!

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