Waiting For Her (The Alphas Young Mate)

Seventeen | My Remedy.

POV | AliahWith my hands pressed to the ground beneath I steadied myself from Kane's blow. The aroma of my own sweat surrounding me. We had been sparring for an hour and I was determined to finally pin him to the ground. What else would a 14 year old wish for on their birthday? 

"C'mon Pumpkin, not giving up on me are you?" Kane teased. Him crouching lower to the ground as I stood. 

“In your dreams beastie boy” I yelled back. 

He gasped, raising a hand to his heart like he was hurt before we began circling one another. 

Calming my breathing I focused on the distance between us. Kane was stronger than me, but my advantage, speed. I was faster than him. I’d managed to out run him and land a few hits, but never have I managed to get him to the ground. 

Locking eyes with my opponent I watched a smile pull to his lips before he made the first move. Grounding my feet I made sure I was low enough to move quickly under his arms that reached for me. As I escaped Kane’s first attempt I froze, my heart rate suddenly increasing. Every inch of my body grew warm as my energy skyrocketed. 

The sudden sensation meaning only one thing. He was here watching me, Ace. 

I could always feel when he was close, it was as if my body would reboot. All the energy I had drained from fighting, magically refilled in mere seconds just from us breathing the same air. Whether it was magic or confidence, Ace coming to watch me training became my secret weapon. 

As I stood still I closed my eyes, feeling the spark of Amestris igniting inside me. Something I had learned to do through training was connect with her to heighten my senses, my strength and my speed. 

Holding my breath the air went still. Every tiny particle around me became one with my own as I opened my eyes. The familiar tickle ran along the side of my palm that hung beside me. Vibrations of the movement Kane was about to make already filled my senses. 

Today. I repeated in my head before releasing the air from my lungs. 

The motion I predicted being fulfilled as Kane charged in my direction. With a smile I bent my knees, lowering myself beneath his swinging arms before hooking my hand around his bicep. 

Taking another breath I tensed my body. The vibrations surrounded me with a powerful pulse as I pushed against them. With the weight of my body I leapt off the ground, flipping myself backwards over Kane as I took him with me. 

The sound of his own gasp releasing beside me as I grounded my feet back to the surface beneath. My fingers dug lightly into his skin as his body followed my trail. Flipping him onto his back with a thud I quickly pressed my knee onto his chest, pinning the arm I still held onto the ground beside him before finally releasing the air in my lungs. 

The hum of the vibrations began to dissipate, clearing my mind to reveal a chuckling Kane. 

"Damn Pumpkin" He stated impressed. "Where'd that come from?" 

I shrugged effortlessly despite my smile. Pushing my body from his, I jumped up dusting my hands on my thighs before turning my gaze to briefly scan the surrounding area. The energy I felt before was still radiating enough inside for me to know that Ace was still here. Yet, I couldn't see him. 

Hiding my sudden frown I bent down gathering my things before heading back towards the pack house. The light jog of Kane's feet hitting the ground sounded behind me.

"C'mon Pumpkin, you just pinned me to the ground. This calls for a celebration. Plus, it's your birthday" I rolled my eyes as he walked backwards beside me. The hopeful look in his eyes made me shake my head. 

"You know I like to shower after whipping your butt" This time he rolled his eyes at me.

"You sure?" Before I could reply my body pulsed. I halted my steps pulling my towel around my neck before the beads of sweat on my skin became visible to Kane. 

"You okay Aliah?" He paused, reaching for me with concern. I pulled back, stepping around him before he could touch me, knowing that if he did he would feel the heat that had begun to radiate through me.

"Yeah, j-just a little tense. Told you I need that shower" I stuttered, attempting to laugh it off as I hurried away from him. 

"Alright, we'll see you later, yeah?" He waved me off though I could sense the uneasiness that had overcome him. All I could manage was a nod as I continued to walk while the heat continued to intensify with every step.

With the pack house finally in veiw I ducked around the side, dropping to the ground as my knees collapsed beneath me. Tucking my head between my legs I again held my breath. The pain I dreaded every day hitting me full force. 

The burning sensation that always came, began to course through me the further I got from Ace. Another thing I'd learned, I could only connect with Amestris when Ace was close. Otherwise, the same burning I felt my last night at Blue Stone would begin to consume me. I was getting strong enough to manage the pain, but not strong enough to stop it. 

Beads of sweat began to run down my face, the cool breeze brushing past making me aware of how hot I really was. I knew if I sat here for long someone would find me, I had to move. 

Pushing myself from the ground I groaned. Pained coursed through my muscles whilst Amestris howled inside. The same thought crossed me that always did. I was weak... still too weak for her. 

With shaky legs I stumbled, only just catching myself on the wall of the pack house before murmurs from the distance filled my ears. 

Fear consumed me at the thought of being caught in this state. The painful state I had managed to hide from lingering eyes, was currently threatened by the voices that crept closer. 

With my remaining strength I bit down on my tongue and darted towards the back of the pack house. Ripping open the glass screen door I rushed inside. Only stopping for a moment to see if any scents lingered nearby. 

With the pain still coasting through me at full force I knew Ace wasn’t close, and the men were all still at the training grounds. So the only scent I was wary of was Edith’s. 

Her faint sweet scent caught my nose, but it was weak enough to know she wasn’t at this end of the house. Releasing my breath I tried not to cry out as the sharp stabbing pain hit my lungs. As if shards of ice and fire were striking me at the same time. 

With a low growl I pushed myself through the house, making my way up the stairs. I began to grow careless. My light footsteps became heavy as I made my way into my room. 

Slamming the door shut behind me I dropped to the floor, curling around myself as the heat worsened. My claws and canines protruded, the scent of my own blood hitting me as I lay here and weep. 

Though this pain was something I had figured out a way to manage, it still burnt through me like wildfire. 

Pulling myself across the floor I made my way into the bathroom, crawling into the shower and turning on the water. The cool stream mildly helped the burn. But nothing helped like Ace, the only person I refused to ask. 

I was angry and ashamed. I knew I was getting stronger, but Amestris was too. It’s not that I didn’t want to admit I was too weak for her still, it’s that I needed the only person who still made my heart pull tight. The ache from the night of the last storm remained, and I still had no answers.

So I endured it alone. 

What seemed like an hour had passed before the heat dissipated. My foggy mind finally came clear and registered the freezing cold water that continued to rain down over my skin. 

Reaching up I turned off the faucet before standing on shaky legs. Stumbling to the counter I briefly glanced at my flushed face in the mirror. 

My Tee-shirt and tights drenched in water clung tightly to my skin. I peeled the fabric from my body, throwing it to the floor before drying myself off with a towel. 

It was now that the movement downstairs filled my ears, the party preparations had begun. With the jostling of multiple feet I could only manage to pinpoint one. His slow heavy steps closing in on my door, them echoing through the hall that stretched outside between my room and his. 

Walking from my bathroom I sighed, pressing my head against the wooden barrier between us. It wasn't his scent or sound that hit me first. It was the sudden breath I was able to take without pain that let me know it was him. 

We stayed there for a moment, not a sound echoed between us as the heated pain withered. Though not completely gone I could breathe again. I smiled against the wood, resting my hands beside my head as I let my thoughts drift. 

'Thankyou' I thought as if it was a whisper. A feeling of relief washed over me, though the feeling wasn't mine alone. I know had refused to confide in Ace, but regardless he knew I was in pain. I thought nothing less. If I could sense him, in turn, he could sense me. Pain and all. 

I just wished he would tell me why. 

Pushing away from the door I turned to my closet, dressing myself in a short white fit and flare dress. It was made with a shirred waistband and flared ruffle trimming that lined the edges. I left my hair cascading over my shoulders, my wavy curls coming to life after being drenched in the shower. 

There was one last thing I was missing, Turning to my dresser I picked up the only piece of jewellery I owned. A gift that still to this day I kept close to my heart. 

A raw opal wrapped in white gold, the gift that one year ago Ace slipped onto my finger. With it in place I blushed at the memory. Something that seemed not so big back then, became a little beacon of hope that Ace and I could be like we were that day. 

With the thought in mind I stepped out of my room, heading in the direction of the light chatter and laughter. 

Walking down the stairs I brushed the hair from my face, my eyes drifted around the sea of people that filled the space. I smiled around at the pack until my eyes met his. Ace looked me up and down, flashing a soft smile before he turned away. Ever since our last conversation, he kept his distance. 

To be fair he had tried to connect with me on many occasions. But each time it hurt too much for me to care. I was angry, sad. Some emotion I couldn't seem to shake. So I shut him out. But feeling him near me right now, brought me a sense of ease. The pain that continued to linger lifted slightly to which I couldn't help but smile. 

"Happy Birthday!" Mayian screamed as Olina clapped beside her. I snapped my gaze to them. laughing as I made my way down the remaining steps. 

"Guys it's not that big a deal" Ignoring me, they both gripped my wrists. Dragging me towards the seat at the head of the table where my two tiered cake sat. Upon seeing the baked goods I couldn't help but smile at the effort Edith had put into it. 

The ivory frosted cake draped in curtains of green coloured icing and a simple birthday message meaning more than any card or gift one could give. Edith had become something of a mother to me since I'd moved into Blood Moon. Something I'd failed to have for years. And despite my stubbornness, it was something I refused to give up. 

Catching her eyes I gave her a warm smile as she neared the table with matches in hand. 

"I'll take those" Kane boomed, swiping the small box from Edith's hand who just shook her head before stepping back into the small crowd. 

Leaning down Kane lit each candle meticulously, as if he had been preparing for this moment all year. 

Lifting both hands he invites everyone to wish me a happy birthday. As the song concludes I lean forward, attempting to blow out all fourteen candles only to miss more than half. 

I force a smile as I lose my breath, a sharp pain filling my lungs leaving me stuck. 

As I sat before everyone at the table my heart raced. Frozen, unable to move a muscle knowing my next breath would make me wince. With everyone looking on the pounding in my chest sounded in my ears as panic began to set in. 

I stared at the flickering flames in front of me, praying that by some miracle they would go out. As if answering my prayer the small flames turned to smoke before my eyes. The silent room filling will cheers while my side tingled from the warmth of a single hand. 

Same as all the years before Kane stood, leaving my side for none other than Ace to take his place. Only this time the exchange went unnoticed as Ace knelt beside me, his hand gripping my side while my eyes met his. 

"Breathe" He whispered, to which I released a shaky breath. Scared of the pain that hit before I closed my eyes, following the command while his hand stayed firmly in place.

"That's it" He praised as he guided me through it with a watchful gaze. 

The pain from before numbed in seconds to a dull throb, letting me breathe with ease. I opened my eyes again to catch his concerned ones. Unable to mutter a word I continued to stare at him. Wanting to thank him, explain it to him. Instead he smiled, handing me the familiar silver knife from each year before. 

As I reached for it I smiled back, the same gesture we had shared many times filling my mind as if he were saying the words aloud. Despite not opening my mouth, he understood me. 

Zoning back into the party I turned to the cake, pressing the knife against the soft white icing before pushing it through. As I reached the bottom I had to hold back a gasp as Ace's hand tightened around my waist.

"Now you have to kiss the closest boy!" Mayian and Olina chanted as per usual. 

Unlike the years before my heart raced as everyone cheered. Turning my gaze to Ace I watched his eyes darken. The same colour that I last saw that night, the night he screamed for me to leave. Turning away slightly I felt the ache in my chest pull tight. 

As if knowing what was running through my head, Ace placed his other hand on my knee. His touch this time connected with my skin to which I couldn't help but lean into. 

Our eyes locked for only a moment before his drifted to my cheek. The sounds around us drowned out as Ace lent in, pressing his lips to my cheek for a single birthday kiss. It was as if time froze the moment he planted his kiss. After Months of no contact, my body was being set alight. 

The last night we touched was in Ace's room. As his hands squeezed my knee and my waist I couldn't help but remember it. All the memories of that night came flooding back, not only for myself but for Ace. Our joined connection only sparking a brighter flame at the shared thought. 

It was at this moment I pulled away, the sounds of cheering finally filling the space around us yet my focus was solely one one thing. 

Looking at Ace I knew he saw the realisation in my eyes. Ace was special to me and me to him. Because for the first time in all these months, the pain I had been trying so hard to hide... Vanished.