"In my day, we didn't have self-esteem, we had self-respect, and no more of it than we had earned." ~Jane Haddam
J o r d y n ✤T a m e
I'VE ALWAYS WANTED to change the world. It's been something I have been passionate about ever since I noticed the corruption in our society. And yesterday, I saw more than corruption. I saw bad blood and hatred.
I took a breath while laying on my bed and thinking about the events of yesterday. After Coldley lashed out, he was taken away and the party pretty much dismissed itself after that. Lexis didn't speak to me for the rest of the night which was understandable. The man he had trusted to be his Beta betrayed him, and Lexis being disciplined, he had to hold the will to fight back.
Plus, I made a risky move by calming him down in front of everyone. I assumed that everyone was much too focused on Coldley's behavior. It was still risky though, those who saw may never come to the conclusion that I am his mate but that didn't mean we were safe.
Lisa and I made sure to bring Brooke safely back to her room so she could sleep. I caught Samia in a flirtatious conversation with Able and I couldn't help but smile. It was good to see him happy even though we didn't talk quite much.
I knew that yesterday was the rehearsal and today is the real thing. Today was Alpha Lexis' 26th birthday. I sigh before getting up and walking over to the mirror. While putting my hair into a bun, I heard a knock on my door.
"It's open," I say not even turning my head.
I heard the door open before I see Lexis' tall figure through the mirror. I look down before feeling something cold around my neck. It was a necklace with a round, silver, scintillating diamond attached to it. I turn around to look at Lexis with confused eyes. It was beautiful but why was he giving it to me?
Lexis took my hand in his before pulling me closer to him. "Months before my mother died, she gave me her necklace. She told me to find a woman who I believe is special and strong. She then said to give it to her." Lexis explains. "I never thought about giving this necklace to anyone. No one deserved it. You changed my mindset, Jordyn. You make me want to trust again."
My mouth twitched a little as a smile played on my lips. I touch the vibrant crystal before averting my eyes back to his. "I-I can't take this." I mutter. "Lexis your relationship with your mother was so strong and I don't think she would have-"
"Stop it." Lexis cuts me off. "I chose you because I know you have all the qualities my mother wanted the next owner of this to have."
"Lexis, I haven't even gotten the chance to show you all of me yet. There are sides of me you haven't seen. I just believe it's too soon for this." I explain to him.
Lexis shakes his head. "You don't know all the qualities of me either, yet you still care. You still are here for me. In my eyes, you are strong, intelligent, stubborn and sensitive." He points out. "I take all the good and bad, baby girl."
"Lexis, I will always be your second chance." I retort.
It was true. Why wouldn't he have given this to his first mate? Was it because she left him? Did they not trust each other? What had happened?
"Don't speak like that." Lexis growls pulling me closer to him. "I don't want to think about the past anymore. I just want to live this moment with you right now. Can we do that?" He whispers against my neck.
I still wanted answers, but it was his birthday. I wanted this day to be good for him. We could resume that conversation later.
"I love it," I tell him looking into the mirror. "I feel terrible. I mean you're giving me a gift on your birthday."
Lexis chuckles. "The greatest gift you could give me is wearing it for me tonight. It would mean the world to me."
I nod my head causing him to smile before kissing my neck. I moan as the one kiss became short yet frequent kisses down to my collarbone and slowly I was getting lost in his attention. While doing this, I heard him mutter something against me but his words were too muffled for me to comprehend.
"I feel terrible. I can't believe I would do something so irresponsible." Brooke scolds herself.
Brooke, Lisa, and I were outside on pack campus. Instead of the usual cold whether it was quite sunny. I look at Brooke in sympathy and watch as she winces at the sunlight before putting on her sunglasses.
"It's called a hangover." Lisa teases causing me to narrow my eyes at her. "What? I'm lightening up the mood." She defends.
"Maybe we should go inside. The sunlight is not helping your headache." I suggest.
Brooke shakes her head while looking around us. "No, I want to see them decorate the campus."
The campus was being decorated with bright lights and gold balloons for tonight. A statue of Lexis was being set up to the right of us which I found a little bit much. Lexis was so humble and collected. This did not seem like something he would request.
"Pretty necklace." Lisa compliments looking at my neck. "Where did you get it?"
I felt myself grow hot not knowing how to put my answer into words. When Lexis gave me this it was so personal and intimate. I didn't know if it was appropriate for me to discuss it with other people. Since the rehearsal, I was starting to really take accountability to what I say or do.
"Hey guys," A voice says interrupting our conversation. I sighed in relief at the sight of Able walking towards us.
"Hmm..." Lisa says with surprise before a sly smile covers her lips. "Well look who it is?"
Able chuckles. "I see Lisa you're still the same."
Lisa rolls his eyes. "You've been MIA for a couple of days, not a whole year." Lisa snaps.
I watch as Brooke, Lisa, and Able start a conversation. I was glad that Able was talking to them again. He was their best friend before my time here, and I couldn't help but feel guilty that I was the reason why he feared being around them.
"Jordyn, it's good to see you." I heard Able voice to me suddenly.
Brooke and Lisa look at me with curious eyes waiting for my response. Able and I have had our fall out but I noticed that he was always there for me when I needed him.
"You too..." I mutter.
"Where's Samia?" Brooke questions looking around campus.
Able shrugs while Lisa looks around in search for her as well. Samia was acting a bit odd ever since the rehearsal party and I worried about her. Though I didn't know her as well as I knew Brooke and Lisa, I could sense something was wrong.
I knew that Alpha Female training wasn't occurring today but I really wanted to discuss some things with Councilwoman Tarah. There were things from the last session we had that I believed didn't quite fulfill my growing interest.
"Councilwoman Tarah!" I call after her seeing her walking the opposing direction of me.
I watch as she makes eye contact with me and her eyes widen as if in shock. She looks to the floor and keeps walking ignoring my calls. She heard me calling her, and for her to dismiss me so quickly was beyond rude. She was supposed to be my mentor, so what was her problem?
I walk over to her causing her to stiffen her body. She brushes me off and continues her walk but I stay persistent until I hear her sigh and face me.
"Yes, Jordyn?" She questions me with raised eyebrows. "Whatever it is can you please make it quick. I'm trying to hold a supreme council meeting and organize a birthday party at the same time."
I squint my eyes in confusion. "But you said they would be no meetings held today..."
"I said that Alpha Female training will not be held today." She confirms.
"Why am I not invited to this supreme council?" I question her. "You know that I've always been for progressive-minded thinking. How could you not inform me about this?"
Councilwoman Tarah sighs before giving me a soft smile. "Jordyn, you are just a young woman. There is so much you don't know. You're naive and your views on things are far too federal for the council." She says.
I frown feeling a little insulted. My goal was to get involved and help the best I could but how could I do that when I was still seen as a naive human?
"What are you trying to say?" I ask her for a better explanation.
"I'm trying to say that you are still just a trainee. You are in your own little world and you believe in this irrational thought of freedom and equal rights when the best system is control and protection. We all need to be controlled. The supreme council just let's our pack have the opportunity to develop these laws to pitch to the union." She elaborates.
I shake my head in disappointment but I was not defeated. "Councilwoman Tarah, I may be naive and I may believe in old systems that occurred long ago but this union we have developed isn't healthy and will just lead to rebellion. I'm willing to learn and conform to your suggestions but I will not change my views. Long ago, there were countries that would try to exist together in harmony. The world was nowhere near perfect then, but it was stable. I firmly believe in equality and independence. I know we have different views, but they are people dying because they just want the opportunity to be successful." I tell her.
Councilwoman Tarah stays quiet before taking a breath. "You remind me of myself when I was your age. I used to have passion for change. I guess as you get older reality sinks in and you realize that some things take dangerous risks to change. You have to be careful who you sell these ideas to, Jordyn. Not everyone is willing to listen." She responds. "I'm sorry I never told you about the meeting. I didn't think it would interest you so much but since it does I might make a exception."
I smile wide in excitement. I was glad she was able to see the productive side of me. "What is it?"
"I'm giving you a mission to complete before the Alpha's party tonight. You must visit the immortal kids of the pack. A good leader is there for its pack." She tells me.
I nod my head processing what she had just told me. I had no idea the pack house had kids. I never saw them in the hallways or outside on campus.
"We call the children pups but we have a mix of different children. They are usually in the basement for their own safety. Go see the kids and if I get a good report then you are welcome to join any council meeting that you favor."
The basement entrance was on the west side of the pack house. With the help of Danger, I was able to find it successfully.
"Are you sure you're ready to meet them?" Danger asks adjusting the badge on his uniform.
I shrugged not knowing what to expect. "I guess, I mean they're kids. They can't be so bad."
"They are also immortal children. They aren't the most stable. That's why they are kept in the basement. Some of them haven't mastered the use of their abilities yet." He informs me.
"Danger," I sigh. "I'll be fine."
Danger looks into my eyes as if trying to read my emotions. He then looks at the door to the basement and shakes his head. "If anything happens to you, it will be your blood on my hands. As a chief guard, I have a certain responsibility towards the safety of pack members." He explains to me.
"And I told you I'll be fine." I retort.
"Lexis will kill me if I-"
"Danger," I intervene again snapping him out of his rant. "I asked you to help me find my way and you did just that. You have no obligation to protect me any further. I can handle myself."
He nods before nudging his head towards the door. I open the door before giving him a reassuring smile. I walk down the stairs immediately getting an uneasy feeling. The basement seemed to be a contrast with one side with hard steel flooring and training rooms. Warriors jogged in lines heading over to their ordered destinations. The other side was embellished with expensive furniture and black and white tile flooring. I assumed the more vibrant side was where the kids resided.
I walk further into the decorative section and talking consumes my ears. It was Jezirae's voice and it sounded as if she was teaching a class. The section had a room on the first hallway and that is where the voices of children were coming from.
I walk in capturing the stares of the younger pack members. They all looked to be a variety of different ages.
"Jordyn..." Jesirae starts off giving me a look of confusion. "What a pleasant surprise! How can I help you?"
"I-I want t-to help." I say not knowing how to word my motive around the children.
Jezirae's eyes lighten up a little before she turns back to the children. "That's enough history for today. Jordyn is going to join us for free time."
I smile when the kids cheer and move around the room finding their friends or picking up a book. Jezirae walks over to me with curious eyes as if not believing my excuse earlier.
"How's it going?" She questions me.
I smile softly. "I've been pretty well."
"That's good compared to the last time you saw me. You seemed in distress." She reminds me. "Did Lexis ever give you the answers you wanted?"
I shook my head not wanting this conversation to continue. A part of me didn't trust Jezirae, and even if I did trust her, I don't believe I would tell her that Lexis and I are mates. This is because once I share that with anyone it's out there. The person can use the information against me in any way they choose.
"Is this the only school besides the human educational facility?" I asked changing the subject.
"No, these are immortal children age three to twelve years of age. The young immortal teens of the pack have their sessions upstairs." She answers.
"Are all of them werewolves?"
She shakes her head. "No, Lexis' pack is the only pack that mixes supernatural races."
"Oh," I say keeping my focus on the playing children.
Jezirae grabs my arm before pulling me out the room. "C'mon Jordyn, what's going on?" She interrogates me with a raised eyebrow.
I narrow my eyes at her. "What do you mean? I told you I wanted to help."
She shakes her head not believing the words coming from my mouth. "You rather be here than with your Alpha on his special day?"
"Yes," I lie.
Jezirae chuckles before looking over at the children. "I love kids but at your age, I didn't see myself taking up this responsibility. Did someone send you here?"
I sigh knowing I was defeated. "I need this if I'm going to get Councilwoman Tarah to take me seriously. Please let me talk to the kids. I need them to know that I'm here for them and that I can take this type of responsibility." I plead.
She smiles before nodding her head to the door. "That's your chance."
I walk back into the room and look around. All the children seemed to be occupied, and I really didn't want to disturb them from their games, yet one girl caught my eye. She was sitting alone and reading a book not even bothering to glance at the other kids.
I walked over to her before sitting down next to her seat. Her green eyes were glued to the book and her jet black hair was put into two cute space buns.
"What are you reading?" I question causing her to finally look up from her book.
"The One and Only. It's my favorite book." She mutters before returning her focus to the pages.
"I read that one. I think Pia is an amazing heroine. What do you think?"
The little girl shrugs. "All I know is that she's stronger than me." She comments.
I couldn't help but frown at her words. "Who told you that?" I ask her.
She sighs before putting the book down. "Mommy and daddy." She says. "I heard t-them t-talking. They w-want to give me up because I can't do the things other kids like me can." She tells me causing my heart to sink.
What kind of parents would discuss something of that matter around their child? Do they even know she knows of their plans? I remember when my mother threatened to make me a ward of the union. Hearing such things as a kid can affect a person.
"Honey," I start off rubbing her back. "That makes you special."
"How?" She asks.
"Your body is taking its time and that makes you unique. You don't have to be like the other kids. You just got to be you."
She smiles before surprising me with a hug. "My name is Diana. I'm nine." She introduces herself.
"I'm Jordyn. I'm eighteen." I tell causing her to laugh.
"You're so old!" She hollers pointing a finger at me.
A smile stuck on my lips as I watched the girl smile. I couldn't help but laugh along with her. If this was the aftermath of being Alpha female than I wanted to live this moment every day.
"How was it?" Jezirae questions me after the kids had left to head to their individual rooms.
I pick up a toy block before putting it away in a toy box. "It went well. The kids are so sweet. They were asking me all these questions, and I even got to read some of the children a story." I tell her.
Jezirae smiles before looking over at me. Her eyes travel down to my neck and her eyes widen. "W-Who gave you that?" She stutters.
I look down at the silver gem on my neck before a soft smile tugs on my lips. "Alpha Lexis. I protested against wearing it. I mean I don't believe it's right-"
"No..." She cuts me off. " Wear it. It looks amazing on you. Lexis loved his mother. She had a bond with him that I can't come close to."
"Jezirae..." I trail off. "Lexis loves you. I'm sure he sees you as a mother figure. It's just hard for him."
She shakes her head. "He thinks I'm trying to replace his mom. I would never do that. I respect her legacy. She was one of the best Alpha females this pack has ever had. I just want him to know that I'm here for him. I mean this man lost both his parents at a young age." She mumbles softly.
"I'm sure he knows that." I reassure her.
"Jordyn, for him to give you that necklace..." She begins then sighs while thinking to herself. "He must love you."
I grow flustered at the word love. I was young and didn't really know what that word meant. I wasn't sure if Lexis loved me, but the things he was doing for me lately said something. The way he's been treating me says a lot but was that love? He has never said he loved me. Maybe that one time I overheard him talking in the hallway with Miranda counts, but I just didn't want us moving too fast.
Who am I kidding? We were moving pretty fast. I guess it was because we were mates. It is a rush when I am with him. I think things I shouldn't and a part of me wishes those thoughts were true.
"Did you get him a gift?" Jezirae asks pulling me out of my thoughts.
I sigh. "No, and I feel terrible about it. I just don't know what he would want. He seems to have everything. What can you give a man who already has part of the world?" I ask her.
She smiles. "The rest of it." She answers. "But he has that already."
"And what is that?"
"You,"
I walk into the ballroom instantly overwhelmed by the masses of people already there. I looked into the glass panel on the wall next to me to look at my reflection. I couldn't help but smile. I felt beautiful.
My hair was put up in a sleek ponytail while I wore a red silk dress that was tight around my waist but flowed sexily down to the floor. A slit ran down the dress exposing my right leg. The only jewelry I was wearing was simple diamond earrings I had received for my eighteenth birthday and the necklace I had received from Lexis today. I had a small ruby clutch in my hand to compliment the dress.
The best part of all is that I had found Lexis a gift. It was nothing expensive or extraordinary, but it was the best I could do, and it came from my heart.
"Jordyn Tame!" A voice called for me causing me to turn my head.
Lisa, Brooke, and Able with his arms wrapped around Samia were behind me. I smiled at how happy and great they looked.
"You look amazing." Brooke compliments making me look to the floor.
Lisa smirks. "This is a ballroom birthday party. It is not the red carpet, Tame." Lisa teases.
"You all look beautiful..." I tell them earning a grunt from Able. "and handsome." I said looking over at him.
"Attention! Attention!" The voice of Councilwoman Tarah was heard up on the stage stealing the attention of each and every person in the room. She had a microphone in her hand and her voice also carried out from the speakers. "Today is another milestone. Our pack has successfully become the greatest pack of today's era!"
The crowd hollers and shouts in excitement while I rolled my eyes. Only Councilwoman Tarah could make a birthday party turn into something political.
"More importantly, today is our Alpha's 26th birthday. He is still a young man, but he's growing and becoming the Alpha his father once was. I just wanted to thank you all for coming and please listen respectfully as our Alpha gives us a speech."
The crowd responds with a big round of applause as Lexis makes his way up on stage. He looked handsome and collected. He always did. He was wearing a dark blue tux with black dress shoes. This wasn't surprising. This was his usual attire.
"Ladies and gentlemen I just wanted to thank you for supporting me on this day." As he begins, I could see his body begin to grow stiff. Was something wrong? "I never enjoyed birthdays. I was raised not to get whelmed up in things like that. My childhood was dedicated to learning how to lead for you guys." He speaks. The emotion in his voice was powerful and it was the first time I was starting to see him open up to others besides me or his sister. "I wouldn't be this successful or this happy if it wasn't for the people in my life. For example, my sister..."
The crowd cheers for Miranda who was standing in the back of the room with an amused smile. Honestly, at that moment I didn't care if she had it out for me. It was nice that she was there supporting her older brother.
"Councilwoman Tarah and all the members of the council have helped me achieve my goals. Our warriors who fight and train everyday for our pack to stand strong have been a big impact to our achievements." He then trails off. "Then, there is somebody in my life who is slowly, yet productively changing how I see things. I wouldn't be this happy if it wasn't for her..."
My body began to grow cold as I felt the crowds eyes on me. Lexis looks at me from the stage before a smile corrupts his lips. "I want to thank Jordyn Tame."
The crowd's applause was so hard and aggressive that I was surprised I didn't shake at the vibrations around the room. I turn to my friends to see them giving me curious eyes making me turn away. I wasn't used to the attention.
Moments after his speech, the music began playing again and the crowds of people began to form conversations. I lost Lisa and Brooke but I found Able and Samia talking near the refreshments table.
"Jordyn..." Danger's voice pulls my attention away from the infatuated two. "Lexis wanted me to give you this." He says slipping me a note.
Meet me outside.
-Alpha Lexis.
I felt a chill of excitement run through my body while reading the note. I wondered why he didn't just text me but maybe he just wanted to be old school. I thanked Danger before heading out of the ballroom. I make my way to the front doors that were not too far from the party. Opening the door, the warm breeze of the air comes in contact with my skin.
I head outside and saw Lexis near the rock walls that were placed on the right outskirts of the pack. I smiled to myself before walking towards him, shockingly not falling in my heels.
When I was close enough he grabbed me and pulled me into his warm chest. "Baby..." He growled into my ear.
"Happy birthday," I muttered against him. "I got you something."
He pulls away giving me a curious look. "Really?" He asked.
I chuckled. "Yes, and don't laugh at it. Close your eyes." I ordered him.
He closes his eyes and I take that moment to pull the slip of paper out of my purse. I sighed to myself in nervousness.
"Open," I tell him causing him to uncover his eyes. I gave him the slip of paper and waited for his reaction.
I watch him read the paper before a smile played on his lips. He looks up at me and widens his eyes in disbelief. "You wrote this?" He asks me causing my stomach to turn.
"Yes, I was young and I used to write weird things. I was reading over my stuff the other day and I stumbled on this page. I used to rhapsodize about my potential partner. I used to dream he was a banker or something of some sort...little did I know—"
"You would meet me..." He finished. Lexis licks his lips before handing me the sheet of paper. "Read it." He says.
I give him a look of repulsion before shaking my head. "No, it's embarrassing. It's corny and childish." I resist not wanting to embarrass myself any further.
He smiles before taking the paper out of my hands. "I won't make you do anything you don't want to do. I love your gift, Jordyn."
I knew he yearned to learn more about his mate and I hoped my gift, as simple as it was, satisfied that wish.
I look to the ground before I felt his rough hands bring my head up. It wasn't long before his lips were on mine and he had me pinned against the rock wall behind us. The more aggressive our kiss got, the more I wanted him. The feeling wasn't forced it was natural and sane. That scared me emotionally because I knew I was falling hard for him.
His hands were brushing past the places I wanted him to touch and feel. They were magic. Slowly and passionately they were turning me on. They were making me feel things I had always had in me. His touch was uplifting me. He was treating me like I was the only thing that mattered right now. As if I was rare, as if I was gold.
Suddenly he stopped.
Lexis' eyes were back to bright orange. He turns his head looking towards the woods near the campus before looking back at me in worry.
"Alpha!" The voices of his warriors were heard.
Lexis takes my hand in his and leads me to the line of warriors who looked to be ready for battle. What was going on? Did they spot anybody at the borders?
"Alpha Lexis we smell the enemy. They were smart enough to choose a day like this to attack but we are prepared." Mason says looking as if he is ready to shift.
"Yeah, I smell them too." Lexis growls before turning to me. His body language was aggressive but I could see he was trying to contain himself for my sake. "Baby girl, you need to go inside."
I shake my head not wanting to leave him to handle something as dangerous as this alone. I knew he had a powerful wolf and he had the warriors but I was skeptical.
"N-No. Lexis please-"
"Jordyn, get inside and warn everybody that we are going under lock down. This is your chance to show everyone how you act when the pack is in danger. It's the most important part of being Alpha female." He explains to me. "I'll be okay. I promise. Nothing is going to happen to me."
I nod my head knowing that it wasn't about us right now. It was about the pack's safety.
"Alpha, you ready?" Danger asks, ready to lead the warriors into the woods.
Lexis gives me one last glance before taking my hand in his once again. He traces the wristband with the word fighter on it with his thumb. I always forgot I had it on but when I remembered I felt liberated. Lexis then turns to Danger and gives him a nod. All at once the warriors of the pack make their way into the woods where the enemy was hiding.
I almost forgot, we were living in a world where conflict declared power.
To be continued...
Hey lovelies! I'm back and it feels amazing. I made sure to come back with a nice, long, and suspenseful chapter for you guys. The support has been unbelievable and I just wanted to thank you guys for reading. Please vote, comment, and follow.
What do you think will happen to Lexis?
Do you believe Jordyn and Lexis love each other?
xoxo
-V
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Edited.