Summer Camp Mates

Talks with the Alpha..

Melanie’s POV

With no warning, I jumped up out of bed at the loud c***k of thunder.

It seemed like if it wasn’t my alarm going off, it was something else waking me up—the girls, the camp horn… or Jaxson, if he felt like being annoying. Though honestly, that wasn’t often. Usually, I was the one waking him.

Rubbing my eyes, I made my way to the bathroom to get ready—but then it hit me.

Jaxson wasn’t in the room.

I paused, glancing around before heading over to the window. I checked to see if the side-by-side was still parked outside—and it was.

Okay… so he didn’t leave.

He was probably downstairs grabbing coffee or something.

I shrugged it off and headed back into the bathroom, turning the shower on for a quick rinse.

After getting out, I blow-dried my strawberry blonde hair, deciding to let it fall naturally today instead of doing anything fancy.

I slipped on a cute pair of blue jeans and a gray crop top, then looked at myself in the mirror, giving a small nod of approval.

“Not bad,” I muttered.

Shoes on, I headed downstairs.

The living room was empty.

So—kitchen it is.

As I rounded the corner, I walked straight into something hard… or rather, someone.

“Oof—!”

I rubbed my forehead and looked up.

Jaxson.

Standing there, holding two cups of coffee.

Lucky for me, he must’ve sensed me coming, or I would’ve been wearing it.

“Well, good morning, beautiful,” he said with a smile, handing me one of the cups. “I heard you get up. I was just about to bring you this.”

“Aww, thanks, babe. You didn’t have to,” I said, taking the cup and sipping it happily.

Warm. Perfect.

“So… what are we doing today? It’s finally Friday—thank goodness,” I added, leaning against the counter. “We’ve been stuck doing camp stuff all week—training, chores… I need something fun.”

I finished my coffee and set the cup in the sink.

“Well,” he said, doing the same, “we’ll find something to do… but first, I’ve got some news.”

I narrowed my eyes. “That doesn’t sound good. Do I even want to know?”

He rubbed the back of his neck.

“Probably not—but it’s important. My dad mind-linked me this morning. He wants to talk to both of us.”

I groaned dramatically.

“Oh, great. A meeting with the Alpha. Fan-freaking-tastic. Now I have to go change.”

I glanced down at my outfit.

“Baby,” he said, stepping closer, “you look good in whatever you wear. And yeah, he’s the Alpha—but he’s also my dad. I’m sure he won’t mind.”

“If you say so, Alpha Jr.,” I teased. “Unlike you, I try to make a good impression wherever I go.”

He smirked.

I smiled back, feeling extra sassy this morning. Honestly, I didn’t care if the “big bad Alpha” was calling—we had plans… or at least I wanted plans.

I just wanted a day with Jaxson.

Guess that would have to wait.

“Alright… so when do we go?” I asked.

“Well, it’s still early. We’ll head to the mess hall first, then go from there,” he said, glancing at his phone.

“Oh! Can I drive the side-by-side today?” I asked quickly, lighting up. “You said I could soon—and I haven’t gotten to yet.”

I gave him my best puppy-dog eyes.

He hesitated.

“I… don’t know, Mel. You think you can handle it?”

I grinned.

“Please. I can handle anything.”

That was all it took.

He handed me the keys.

Victory.

A few minutes later, we were on our way—and I may or may not have been driving a little fast.

Okay… maybe a lot fast.

But we made it.

“I don’t want to brag,” I said proudly as we pulled up, “but I’ve got mad skills.”

“Yeah…” Jaxson said slowly, grabbing the keys from me. “I’m driving from now on.”

“What?! Why? I did awesome!”

“You did… okay,” he said, clearly holding back a laugh.

“You’re a meany,” I muttered as we walked inside.

“It’s okay, baby. You still love me—and you know it,” he said, leaning down to kiss me.

And of course… I melted for a second.

Just a second.

Then I turned on my heel and walked off, leaving him hanging.

“OHHH, COME ON, BABY—DON’T LEAVE ME HANGING!” he shouted across the crowded mess hall.

I just flipped him off over my shoulder and kept walking.

Honestly, the mate bond was getting easier to manage. Messing around a little helped take the edge off the constant tension between us.

Because yeah… it was still there.

Strong.

But I wasn’t ready yet.

Not fully.

Even though I almost lost control a couple nights ago…

Roxy had been helping me a lot, and honestly, she thought waiting until my birthday was the right move.

And deep down?

I agreed.

It gave us time—to really build something deeper.

And my birthday was next week.

I could hold out a little longer.

“Hey, girl!” El called, tapping the seat next to her.

“Sup, guys. Anything interesting happen this morning?”

“Not really,” Megan said, taking a bite of her breakfast sandwich. “Just waiting on announcements so we can actually do something today.”

“Where’s Ryle?” I asked, glancing around.

“Oh, she’ll be here,” El said with a grin. “She went on a run with Zander. Those two can’t keep their hands off each other.”

I smiled.

I was genuinely happy for them.

But I still needed to talk to her—figure out if she planned on going back home to take her place as Alpha… or staying here.

If she stayed… that meant Zander stayed.

And I knew Jaxson wouldn’t want to lose his right-hand man.

Guess we’d deal with that when the time came.

“Hey, guys! Hope y’all didn’t miss us,” Ryle said, walking up with Zander, both of them slightly out of breath.

“Did you enjoy your run?” I asked.

“Yep,” Zander said, dropping into his seat and pulling Ryle closer. “It was great. Tobias is completely in love with Ry’s wolf.”

Ryle rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.

“I don’t think we could be any happier,” he added, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

I couldn’t help but smile at them.

It was nice… seeing that kind of happiness.

I opened my mouth to say something—

But then the mic screeched slightly as my father tapped it, calling for everyone’s attention.

(GOOD MORNING, CAMPERS!!!!)

EVERYONE: GOOD MORNING, BETA JASON!!

“Hope everyone is having a good time. I’ve only got a couple of announcements this morning, then I’ll let you all do your thing.

First things first—tomorrow we will be having our annual beach pool party, and we will need volunteer lifeguards. There will be a sign-in sheet over by the office table near the entrance.

I have buses coming to get us tomorrow at noon, so make sure you have your things ready to go. If you are late, you will not be permitted to go. There will be two counselors staying behind if that happens.

Also, I know some of you are new and probably weren’t aware of this activity, so I’ve come up with an alternative for this year. If you all can act like adults, you may leave the campgrounds and go into town to the strip mall to get what you need for tomorrow. But please make note—if you are not back by curfew, which is 11 PM, you will be sent home with no hesitation. So be mindful of the time and take a buddy with you.

There are also ATVs you may rent to help you get there. It’s only about a 16-minute drive, so those who walk—give yourself enough time.

Lastly, this Thursday is when the other camps will be arriving. I expect every one of you to be kind, polite, and show respect. They are just campers like you, so give them a warm welcome. Anyone who chooses to be rude or start issues will be sent home immediately. I will not tolerate any disrespect.

Alright, I believe that’s it. You all have fun and enjoy the rest of your day.”

EVERYONE: (CLAPPING…)

“Well, that sounds like fun! What do you guys think—want to sign up for lifeguard duty?” I said, a little too excited as I turned to my friends.

“Yeah… sorry, gonna have to give you a no on that one,” Megan said, already gathering up her trash and standing.

“How about you three? Want to sign up with me?”

“Sorry, Mel, I kinda already made plans with Zander,” Ryle said, giving me an apologetic smile before taking off with him.

I turned to Elaine. “What about you?”

“Well… it’s not that I wouldn’t mind, but I really just don’t want to do it. Sorry, girl,” she said, shrugging before heading out too.

I sighed dramatically.

“Well, this sucks. I guess I’ll be the only one doing lifeguard duty… unlesssss…”

I popped up out of my seat, scanning the room.

Jaxson.

I bet he’ll do it with me.

I focused on his scent, trying to pick him out through the crowded mess hall—which wasn’t easy—but it didn’t take long.

The second I spotted him, I ran over and jumped on his back, nearly knocking him off balance—but of course, he caught me with ease.

“Hey, baby,” he laughed, steadying us both. “What’s up? You still mad at me for judging your driving skills this morning?”

“Well… not really,” I said, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. “But I know what you could do to make it up to me.”

I gave him a wicked grin.

“Oh no… what do you want?” he asked cautiously.

“Well… it involves swimming. And possibly saving lives.”

He groaned.

“Mel… is this about lifeguard duty?”

“Please, Jax’s! We won’t even have to do it that long. The counselors will take over—we just have to cover, like, three hours. And we’ll already be there all day anyway. Please… pretty, pretty please—don’t make me use my puppy dog eyes.”

He sighed, already losing the battle.

“Alright, alright—fine. But we’re gonna have to go get swimming stuff later. I don’t have anything—it’s been a while. Normally, I just swim in wolf form.”

I laughed. “Well, good thing I didn’t bring anything either. That works. I’ll see if the others want to go too—they might need stuff.”

I started to take off—

But nope.

Not happening.

“I don’t know where you think you’re going,” Jaxson said, grabbing my hand and pulling me back. “We’ve got a meeting with the Alpha, remember?”

Ugh.

“Can I drive?” I asked hopefully as we headed outside.

“Nope.”

“But—”

“Just get in, Red.”

I huffed but climbed in anyway, crossing my arms.

I was not happy.

And he knew it.

As we made our way down the path, the closer we got, the more anxious I felt. It wasn’t really about seeing his dad—it was about what he was going to say.

When we finally stopped, I hesitated before getting out.

“Mel, are you okay?” Jaxson asked softly, reaching for my hand. “Look—I’ll let you drive next time. Don’t be mad, please.”

I shook my head. “I’m not mad, Jax’s… just a little anxious. That’s all. I might need to go on a run after this—Roxy’s going wild.”

“Alright, baby. We’ll go on a run after, okay?” he said, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

I nodded.

We made our way upstairs and stopped outside his dad’s office.

(KNOCK… KNOCK…)

“You may enter.”

The second we stepped inside, the air felt heavy—tense—but it eased slightly as he looked at us.

“I’m going to rip this off like a bandage,” he said. “I have come to the conclusion that you two are mates—and I am blessed by that. However, for Melanie’s safety, we need to make a plan. You should complete the mate bond by the end of this summer. Not a day later. Do you have any thoughts?”

Jaxson didn’t hesitate.

“Yes, sir. We’ve agreed to complete the bond this coming Friday at the ball.”

His father nodded, studying us both.

“Good. You will also need to stay close to the territory. Melanie—you are very rare. There are rogues and others who would either want you dead… or use you for their own advantage.”

A chill ran down my spine.

“Okay… well, is it possible I can still attend the annual pool party? I already signed up for lifeguard duty,” I asked carefully.

He considered me for a moment.

“I would prefer you didn’t. However, since it is a camp function and you will be well-guarded… I will allow it. But if anything happens, you will no longer attend off-ground activities.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you,” I said, maybe a little too excited.

He gave a small, genuine smile. “You’re welcome, my dear. Do you both have a moment? Liz is making dinner—would you care to join us? Just family this time.”

I blinked.

That might’ve been the first time I’d ever seen him smile.

“Yes, that would be wonderful,” I said, standing up and glancing at Jaxson.

“Oh, it’s okay, babe,” Jaxson said, standing and leaning down to kiss me. “You go ahead and find my mom and El. I’ll be down in a minute.”

“You sure?” I asked.

“Yeah. I’ll be down soon.”

“Okay… love you.”

“I love you, Mel.”

Jaxson’s POV

After Mel left to go find my mother, I stayed behind.

There was something my father wasn’t saying—I could feel it.

And I wasn’t leaving until I got answers.

“Okay… what are you not telling me?” I said, my voice low but firm. “I can sense you’re leaving something out. You might as well tell me now, because I’m not leaving until I get an answer.”

My father let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples like he was debating how much to say.

“Alright, son… but don’t act out when I tell you this.”

That alone made my chest tighten.

“But… he knows where she is.”

For a second, everything went still.

The room.

The air.

Even my heartbeat.

Then it hit me.

My hands clenched into fists at my sides, my jaw tightening as my wolf pushed forward, anger rising fast.

“He better stay away from what’s mine,” I growled through clenched teeth. “I will kill him if he comes for her.”

My father stood slowly, his presence filling the room with authority.

“Calm down, son. I won’t let that happen. Vlad and his minions won’t dare step into this territory.”

That didn’t ease the fire burning in my chest.

Not even close.

I turned away, dragging a hand through my hair, trying to get control before I lost it completely.

This wasn’t like before.

This wasn’t just a threat.

This was real.

And Melanie…

She wasn’t marked yet.

Which made her vulnerable.

I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to think.

Last week’s rogue attack had already been too close for comfort. I’d been on edge ever since—watching, listening, making sure she was never alone.

And now this?

It was getting harder to keep her safe.

Harder to pretend everything was fine.

I couldn’t let anything happen to her.

Not now.

Not ever.

I turned back to my father, my expression set, controlled—but barely.

“Thank you for telling me,” I said, my voice steadier now. “I’ll stay closer than ever.”

He nodded, watching me carefully, like he knew I was barely holding it together.

I didn’t say anything else.

I just turned and walked out.

The second I stepped into the hallway, my chest tightened again—but this time, it wasn’t anger.

It was determination.

I needed to find her.

Now.

As I made my way downstairs, one thought repeated in my mind over and over—

I won’t let anything happen to you.

I already swore it once… back when we were just friends.

But now?

Now it meant more.

Now it was deeper.

Now it was bound to something stronger than words.

“To our bond… to our souls,” I muttered under my breath.

“I will never let anything happen to you, Melanie.”

Melanie’s POV

As I left Jax’s and the Alpha, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something else I wasn’t being told… but I’m sure Jax’s will tell me sooner or later.

Making my way down the stairs, I followed the smell of food until I found the kitchen, where the beautiful Elizabeth Blackwood was standing by the oven, carefully placing something inside.

“Well, hello, my dear. How are you? It feels like weeks since I’ve seen you…” she said, turning and pulling me into a warm, comforting hug.

“Yeah, it’s been a while. Jaxson’s been keeping me on my toes, I guess…” I said with a bright smile.

Talking about my mate to his mother brought a warm feeling to my chest, pushing away the lingering unease from earlier.

“Well, that’s wonderful. I’m glad you’re doing well. I hope my husband wasn’t too harsh on you this time. He told me about your grandfather.”

“Oh… yeah. I never met him, and from the sounds of it, I don’t think I want to,” I said honestly.

“Who don’t we want to meet?”

Elaine’s voice chimed in as she walked into the kitchen with Megan—and, of course, the lovebirds trailing behind them.

Zander and Ryle were practically glued together, barely leaving each other’s side since they met. But honestly, who could blame them? The mate bond was strong.

“Oh, just someone, hunny,” Elizabeth said with a soft smile. “I’ll let you all talk. I’m going to take the pizza to the table. Come in when you’re ready.”

“Thank you, Luna,” I managed to say before she left.

“So… having fun?” I asked, turning to the girls.

“Nah, we actually went back to the cabin for a while and played games. Then Zander and Ryle went for a run,” Megan said, grabbing a bag of chips to go with the pizza.

“Yeah, that’s pretty much it. Let’s go eat—I’m starving,” Ryle said, finally stepping away from Zander and walking over to me.

I blinked in surprise.

Okay… that was new.

“Yeah, let’s go eat,” Zander said, already heading toward the dining room.

I quickly grabbed Ryle’s arm, stopping her.

“Okay… what gives?” I asked, narrowing my eyes. “It’s not like you to not follow Zander around like a lost puppy.”

“Oh, shut up. I just missed my best friend,” she said, smiling—but something about it seemed… off.

“Yeah, uh-huh. You’re not fooling me. Spill it.”

She groaned. “Oh my gosh, Mel, it doesn’t always have to be something. Can’t I just miss you?”

“Yeah… no. Try again. What’s going on?”

She sighed, glancing toward the dining room before grabbing my hand.

“Fine. But don’t freak out.”

She pulled me into the hallway and, without another word, tugged her shirt down slightly at the shoulder.

My eyes widened.

There, on her skin, was a beautiful mark—almost like a glowing tattoo, intricate and alive.

“Oh my goddess… he marked you?!” I gasped, both shocked and completely in awe.

“Yeah… I was going to wait, but Mel—it’s so freaking hard to resist. I’m honestly surprised you’ve held out this long.”

I let out a small laugh. “Oh, trust me… it’s almost happened a few times. So tell me—does it hurt?”

She shook her head, smiling softly. “Not really… I mean, it kind of felt good. I can’t really explain it. You’ll have to find out for yourself.”

Before I could respond, she grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the dining room.

We walked in to find everyone already seated—and Jaxson had made it back down. He was talking with Zander, probably congratulating him.

My heart softened instantly at the sight of him.

“Hey, babe. How did the talk with your dad go?” I asked, sliding into my seat beside him.

“It was okay. I’ll give you the details later tonight, alright? But for now, let’s eat—then head into town before curfew,” he said, leaning down and pressing a soft kiss to my collarbone.

A shiver ran through me.

I bet that’s where he’ll mark me…

The thought alone made my heart race.

Stay strong, Mel. Just until next Friday…

Moon goddess, give me strength.

We didn’t waste much time eating. Between small talk and laughter, the pizza disappeared quickly.

Once we were done, we thanked Elizabeth and headed out to town to grab swimming stuff.

I was already excited for tomorrow—the sun, the water… and seeing Jaxson in swim shorts.

Yeah… I was definitely looking forward to that.

“Mel… MELANIE.”

“Oh—s**t, sorry! I was daydreaming again. What were you saying?” I asked as we climbed out of the side-by-sides.

Elaine laughed. “I asked what color swimsuit you’re getting. I’m getting green.”

“I don’t know yet. What about you, Megan?”

“Black. Duh. It matches my soul.”

I snorted. “Okay then… Ryle?”

“Uh… probably blue,” she shrugged.

That sounded about right. Ryle was never really into shopping—she was raised to fight, not pick outfits.

“Well, I guess I’ll get red. Let’s go.”

We headed into the store, laughing and messing around while picking out what we wanted.

By the time we finished, we even had time to grab ice cream.

“So… what kind of swimsuit did you get, Mel?” Jaxson asked, taking a bite of his cone.

“Oh, a cute one,” I said, giving him a teasing wink.

His expression darkened slightly.

“I’m not gonna have to kill anyone, am I?” he asked, his voice low and husky.

A chill ran through me.

“Hmmm… maybe,” I teased. “But don’t worry—I’m a tough girl. I can handle anything.”

“Oh yeah?” he said, stepping closer, backing me up slightly. “Maybe we should just go ahead and get this mating over with then.”

My breath hitched slightly—but instead of answering—

I smirked.

And smashed my chocolate ice cream right onto his nose.

“Ohhh… you’re dead.”

I laughed and took off running.

He chased me around, finally catching me and pulling me into him, tickling me until I couldn’t breathe.

“Okay—okay! I’m sorry!” I laughed.

He just shook his head, smiling.

We made it back just before curfew, tired but happy.

Tomorrow was going to be so much fun.

But as I laid there later, one thought kept creeping back into my mind—

What does my grandfather want with my powers…?

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THIS STORY WILL BE CONTINUED..!!!!!!

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