Chapter 3

Lexi

Even though I had the heat on full blast I was still cold by the time I arrived home. I jumped out of my truck and raced inside. My home is a simple two story home. The first floor has my living room with hardwood floors and my favorite part, a fireplace. I have a love seat, a recliner and a desk. Since it is just me I don’t need much. Then there is my kitchen and the dining room I never use. I don’t even have a table in it right now, so it is just an open space. I tossed my backpack on the love seat and hung up my coat. I ran up the stairs where I have three bedrooms and one bathroom. 

No, I don’t have a roommate even though I have the space for at least one. I got this house on such a great deal I don’t need one. I ran to the bathroom and turned on the shower to the hottest setting it would go. When the steam floated in the air I stripped out of my  uniform as fast as I could and jumped in. The water instantly soothed me as well as warmed me enough for my teeth to stop chattering. I  did a quick wash to get the food smells off of me before getting out. I wrapped myself in my oversized towel then put on my bathrobe. I go to my room and finish drying off, tossing my towel in the laundry hamper, before putting on a pair of sweatpants and tee shirt. Luckily I turned the heat up before I left so the house is nice and toasty.

I walk over to my wooden four post bed, pull back my thick comforter  and climb in. Once I’m good and comfortable, can I relax. The major downside to not being used to this weather is it takes me forever to warm up. I have another blanket I keep at the foot of the bed and I pull that over me as well. I look over at my clock that is on my and see it is after one in the morning. It has been a very long night. I turn off my lamp and close my eyes, willing sleep to come fast. 

Of course, as exhausted as I am, sleep doesn’t come right away. My mind has decided it was a good time to go over the day's events. It started off like watching a movie in slow motion. When it came to  the  part where I saw the wolf my mind came to a complete stop on Aden. Why, I have no clue. Yes, he is attractive, kind, and I could easily get lost in his eyes for hours but there was something more.  Something I couldn’t put my finger on. I tried to clear my mind of all those thoughts. I have too much in my life to even think about a guy. But it wasn’t much use. The last thing I saw in my mind's eye just before I fell asleep was Aden’s eyes.

That night I tossed and turned. I had the strangest dream that turned into a nightmare. I kept seeing ice blue eyes on a black wolf. I could hear growling and snarling. I could see razor sharp teeth snapping at me. I saw a large claw with nails that looked like talons swipe my arm, cutting it deep. It felt so real I woke up screaming and sweating. I looked at my left arm to see there was nothing there. It took me a minute to realize I was safe in my room. I looked at my arm again, turning it every way I could. There were no scratches, blood or claw marks but there was a throbbing in the place where I had been clawed in the dream. Instinctively I started to rub it. 

I sat up in bed taking the time to calm myself down and try to figure out what the dream was all about. That was the weirdest dream I have ever had. I could feel everything. The claws. The fur of the wolf. Its breath on my skin. I have never had a dream that felt so real before. When I was finally able to catch my breath I told myself  over and over that it was just a dream. None of it was real. I was safe at home. I was fine .I had to giggle at how I let a dream take over the way it did. 

I decided to get up and start my day. It was already ten. I slept in way too much. I have some errands to run before work today. I go over to my dresser, grab my favorite pair of black jeans, extra thick socks, a tank top and a lavender sweater. After I get dressed I grab the laundry basket and head down to the kitchen. At the back of my kitchen is my laundry room. I load the washer with my uniforms and start it. Once back in the kitchen I go to the fridge and see I’m in desperate need of going to the grocery store. I have a few cans of soda, some eggs, half a carton of orange juice and lunch meat passed its expiration date. I usually eat on the run between classes and work but I like to keep a few things in the fridge for snacks or quick meals when I’m home. 

I sit down and put my shoes on before grabbing my jacket keys and purse. I make sure my door is locked and head to my truck. It is a little warmer today but still in the low teens. I walk down my four steps trying not to slip. I make a mental note to get some rock salt as I head to my truck. I get in and am happy when it starts right away. I need to make sure I get something to get the corrosion of my battery cables. I wait for the heat to get going before I pull out. This town is tiny but I love it. There are two main roads but several side roads. The part I love the most is the small family run shops. Nothing commercial. I don’t live far from the main square, about ten minutes drive time.

Honestly, it is about ten minutes from any point in town. It is easier for me to just find a central spot and park then go around on foot then to drive from place to place. The parking lot across from the diner is half full when I pull in. I get out and lock up. I walk across the street and peak through the diner windows. It looks pretty busy, on Sundays  it usually is with the after church crowd. I wave at the waitress on duty and continue on my way. I walk toward the middle of town where most of the shops are. Yes, I could go into Marquette, the bigger town to the north. There are bigger stores there with more variety but there is a reason I chose to live in Gwinn. 

I did the big city thing for most of my life and it never suited me. When I decided to go to school here I wanted something different. Something smaller. And I don’t regret my choice. I feel more at home here than any other palace I have been to. As soon as I moved here a sense of peace washed over me and has been with me ever since. Like this is where I have always belonged.

I turn right on Main Street where there are rows of shops and businesses on both sides of the road. I love walking down this street. When I first moved here I must have walked up and down these streets a dozen times or more just getting acquainted with my new home. My first stop is to get a warmer jacket so I go into Lucy’s Women’s Apparel. The door chimes when I walk in. The blast of heat warms me immediately. I look around and see a glass counter to my left with displays of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets from local artists. To my right there are countless displays of skirts, shirts, pants, dresses and accessories.

A woman in her mid-thirties is behind the glass counter putting out a display of rings. She greets me with a smile “ Hello Miss. Can I help you find anything?” “ Yes, could you point me to some heavy coats?” I pull on my jacket. “ Something that will keep me warmer than this thing.” She comes around the counter “ Sure. Let me show you what we have in stock. We just got some new ones in. We should be able to find one you like.” she says as she leads me to a side corner of the store. The wall is covered with thick coats in various colors, styles and sizes.  “ All these will keep you warm as the weather gets worse. I will leave you to look around. Feel free to try any on. Keep in mind you want it to be a little big so you can layer up and it won’t be too tight.”  

I thank her for her advice and look around to see what catches my eye .After settling on a thick  navy blue jacket with a wool lining I decided to look around a bit more. You never know what you are going to find. After looking through the racks I spot a robin's egg blue sweater I just have to have. As I make my way back to the counter I see a navy blue scarf and grab it as well. 

I lay my items on the counter and the lady asks “ Do you need anything else?”” I shake my head “ No, thank you. Just these please.”  After she rings me up and hands me my bag I head out thinking of where to stop next. I see the cafe a few doors down and head that way. I could use a little sugar and caffeine fix. I go in and order a large vanilla latte with whipped cream to go. While the young man makes my coffee I look around.

It has light brown paneling that reminds me of wood. There are coffee related pictures on the walls. There are small wooden tables scattered around with no real pattern with two iron chairs at them. Behind  the counter are bags of coffee, syrups, mugs, blenders and chrome coffee machines. In no time the man hands me my drink and I walk out with no particular destination in mind. Just enjoying my coffee and this nice day. Sure it is cold but the weather is clear for now. In the middle of the street there is a large gathering area with a gazebo and play area. Even though the ground has three feet of snow on it, it doesn't stop some kids from running around playing. 

` There is a snowball fight going on in one spot. Some kids are trying to swing and the sounds of laughter in the air. There are people walking on both sides of the street talking, laughing, and some couples are holding hands. And me, I’m alone. I have been since my grandma passed away. She was my last living relative. I shake my thoughts and continue walking. As I pass the shops I’m peeking in windows and not paying attention to where I’m going. 

That is when I run into a wall and drop my coffee. And the wall isn’t brick, it is solid muscle. “ I’m so sorry.” I say as I bend down to pick up my cup and help them pick up their things. “ I should have paid attention to where I was going.” I said. “ It’s ok. Accidents happen.” says a voice I instantly recognize. It sends shivers down my spine and makes my pulse race but not from fear. Aiden. When we stand back up he says “ Hi, Lexi.” I look at the empty coffee cup in my hand to keep him from seeing my cheeks heat up. I look up and ask “ I didn’t spill any on you did I?” 

He smiles. Damn that smile could make a nun melt. “ No you didn’t. I think the ground got most of it. Can I get you another?” he asks. “ No, I was almost done. And I was the one who ran into you so you don’t owe me anything.” I remember how he couldn’t wait to get away from me yesterday even though he helped me out. I need to respect that even though for some reason it bothers me. I move to go around him and say “ I'm sorry I bumped into you. I will be more careful next time.” For a split second Aden looks sad. Like I hurt his feelings. I don’t get it. But the look is gone before I can think more about it. 

“ I’ll see you around.” Aiden says as I leave. I turn my head “ Maybe.” Not if I have anything to do with it. He can’t get away from me fast enough and runs down the street. His reaction makes me want to cry. I don’t get it. Why do I feel like this? I'm going to stay as far away as possible. The odds of us running into each other are slim thankfully. I have been in town for months and yesterday was the first time we have ever interacted. So it should be easy to avoid Aiden. Then this odd feeling will go away.

Aiden

Running into Lexi was no accident. As soon as I picked up her scent when I was on the main street my wolf pushed me to follow her. He was getting to be an annoying ass lately. Whining about wanting his mate. He doesn’t understand we can’t have a human mate. She would be too weak to lead our pack but he won’t stop. I followed Lexi’s scent and watched her.  I swear her scent is stronger today than it was yesterday.  I didn’t know that was possible. I know scents change after mating and when a she-wolf is pregnant but I haven’t heard of the scent getting stronger. 

I watch her as she strolls around looking at the shops. The way the sun is shining on her she almost looks like she is glowing. And her smile makes my heart skip a beat. “ Our mate is beautiful. And she smells so good.” Rex says. “ Rex I’ll agree she is beautiful but she isn’t our mate. We have talked about this. We can’t have her.” Rex growled “ No, you decided. I want her. I will remind you the Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes. Do not reject Lexi. If you do, I will make you pay.” “ Calm down Rex.” I told him. “ I won’t need to reject her. She is human. She won’t feel anything. We just won’t claim her. No harm.” 

“ There will be harm, to you. Trust me. If you try to claim anyone other than Lexi. I will harm you. How do you think you can be Alpha without a wolf?” Rex growls. What?! He can’t leave me can he? “ I will ask the Goddess herself to remove me from you and give me to someone who doesn’t have his head up his ass if you try to claim someone else. I will have my mate if I have to do it with another human.” Rex says. Rex and I have always had a good relationship and have agreed on most things. But this we are seriously butting heads. He won’t back down.

I have never seen him like this. But I don’t think he would go that far. I am not sure if that is possible. Part of me is a little scared he will try. I’m just going to have to prove to him that I’m right. He wouldn’t really try to leave me. Just before he blocks me he says “ try me.” I’m so busy arguing with Rex I didn't notice Lexi until she ran into me. I felt sparks as soon as she made contact. It flowed through my entire body and made my cock twitch. And that was just from a bump. What would happen if I had her whole body against me. Rex dropped his block long enough to purr. I mean he actually purred. What the hell?

We didn’t talk for long which I was glad for. I couldn’t be this close to her for long. It was messing with my head. I wanted to hold her in my arms. It was just the mate bond. I knew it would get stronger as time went on. I had to be strong and not submit. I needed to talk with the Elders. Me and the others have a time set up next week so we can try to figure out what is going on. We wanted to know why our wolves were reacting so strongly towards Lexi.