Page 70 of The Alpha and His Childhood Sweetheart

Elise had chosen not to have the groomsmen walk with them, so no one got upset about mate’s being with other people. They were just up here with me already. The doors closed and everything in me prepared to see my childhood sweetheart in her wedding dress. She’d teased me since we were pups about her dress. She’d never told me what it looked like, but I knew she’d stun me off my feet in it.

The door opened again, and my eyes went to Elise. Her dress was lace with a sweetheart neckline. Her boobs were calling to me. There was a darker lining to her dress with flowers placed strategically on it. When she got closer, I noticed it had a low ‘V’ in the back.

I told her, “You look stunning.” Her hair was all up, and her makeup looked flawless. She grinned, “You look quite handsome yourself.” I barely paid attention to the ceremony. My dad did the wolf part. Alexander healed her hand quickly for me after it was cut with mine. We did them all together and the moment my Uncle Bjourn did the Hackura bond her emotions slammed into me. I linked her, “I love feeling you like this.” She grinned back at me, “Me too.”

I could feel her joy as she delved into the bond for the first time. My dad announced us as husband and wife, and I kissed her deeply. We quickly ran out of the church to explore each other and our Hackura bond as man and wife.

Flashback Ends

I blinked as the memory faded from that beautiful day. I winked at Elise as I walked out the door of our bedroom. I loved everything about the day she had become my mate and wife. We’d had our mating ceremony a week after she’d turned eighteen and I’d proposed. Elise, her mom, and mine had been planning it at my mate’s request for six months prior to her birthday.

I knocked on Alexander’s door. Maverick called from behind me, “He’s not there.” I turned to ask, “Where is he?” Maverick answered, “He went for a run at three this morning and hasn’t been back since.” I snorted, “What were you doing up at three in the morning?”

Maverick blushed, “Well, I….” I interrupted teasing, “What’s her name, Mav?” Maverick groaned, “EJ.” I smiled, “I doubt her name is EJ. In fact, I’ll bet it’s Lucy.” Maverick sighed, “You and dad are know it all’s.” I nudged him, “You’re only fourteen. One day you’ll join us in being a know it all. Make sure you adhere to Lucy’s curfews.” Maverick put his hands up, “She never left her room.”

I laughed, “You and Theo are so like the stories we hear about dad. Did you influence her parents to let you stay over?” Maverick blushed, “I mean we didn’t have sex or anything. We just watched a movie and talked. She’s not my mate, but we like each other.”

I nodded, “Alright. No using your influencing power to…” Maverick frowned interrupting, “I would never use that for sex.” I growled, “I wasn’t going to say that. I know you wouldn’t, andI don’t want you to ever think I’d think badly of you. I was going to say to have sleepovers. Don’t influence parents.” Maverick grumbled, “Fine. We didn’t even kiss.” I laughed, “Then you did the sleepover wrong, little brother.” I winked at him and popped to Alexander.

He had sweat dripping off his body. Toby, my Beta, walked over with Phil, Alexander’s Beta and our cousin. I smiled at them, “Hey guys.” Phil snorted, “Toby seems to think we have a problem.” Toby gestured to my brother, “Do you see him? He was here before ANYONE got here, even Gage was surprised and he’s his Gamma!”

I replied, “I am aware of who my brother’s Gamma is.” Toby ignored me, “He won’t quit hitting that bag. The ENTIRE pack is high strung because he is insane. Let’s just say it, he’s lost it.” Genevieve, my Gamma, snorted and shook her head. Toby insisted, “He has!”

Phil snorted, “My Alpha hasn’t lost it.” Toby gestured wildly, “Do you see him? The border patrol saw him running at three fifteen this morning. It is NOON! No, it’s after noon. What the heck crawled up his ass? And will someone FOR THE LOVE OF GOD GET IT OUT!”

I goaded him, “Get a clue, Toby.” Toby gaped, “Excuse me?” Phil laughed, “Yeah cuz, you’re slacking.” Toby glared at us both, “Whatever. Fix the machine Alpha before the pack goes over the edge.” I laughed, “I got it. Go continue to being unobservant, Beta of mine.”

Toby gasped, “UNOBSERVANT?!” Phil laughed, “Yeah, I mean it’s a little sad.” Toby snorted, “He’s your Alpha, not mine.” Phil smiled, “And I know what’s going on. Because I’m observant.” Toby urged, “Then solve the problem!” Genevieve said, “I know too.” Gage yelled, “Me four!” Toby glared at us all then stormed off while I chuckled.

Phil said, “You know Alexander’s one of my best friends, but I’m not going near him like this. That’s all you man.” I replied dryly, “He’s just nervous for reasons we pretend we don’t know about.” Phil muttered, “And Phil is still not going near that at all.” I left Phil.

I asked, “Gage? Do you want to go near that?” Gage laughed, “I’m kind of training a class.” I raised an eyebrow challenging, “I could dismiss you and take over.” Gage said, “I couldn’t possibly do that. I have such plans today. Outside everyone.” They took off like they were shot of a rocket. Genevieve snickered and kept her group working out.

I shook my head and walked over to my brother. “Alexander.” He grunted, “I thought you’d still be sleeping since you had a late night.” I grinned replying, “Melanie and Elise are on the phone discussing outfits. I fled my room to avoid seeing the ten different outfit choices and decision making on which outfit is right. I have learned that even when I voice an opinion it’s likely wrong because even though every outfit looks amazing, that’s not the right answer.” He faltered and his punch to the bag landed sloppily. He turned, “Elise is talking to Melanie?”

I nodded, “Yup. Melanie has narrowed down her outfits. Keep in mind, they are not narrowed. That aside, you’re putting the pack on edge.” Alexander narrowed his eyes, “Maybe they should be on edge. I haven’t seen that many people working hard today.” The intensity of the fights picked up around us. Genevieve linked me laughing. I groaned, “Seriously, brother.” Alexander winked at me and grabbed a towel. We walked outside together.

I instantly spotted Lexi Daniels with her family plus a few additions. Finn Frost walked over arm in arm with Emma Daniels. I groaned. Finn said, “Don’t pretend you aren’t happy to see my beautiful face.” I rolled my eyes.

Thankfully for my generation, he was just like his dad. He was our resident funny guy. We needed someone like him. Unlike my dad, I had admitted to Finn he was funny. It kept him from seeking me out like a missile most days.

Emmett Daniels laughed with his arm possessively wrapped around his mate, Alexandria Thunders, the daughter of Alpha Sophia and her mate Alpha Male Teke. Aunt Lexi smiled, “EJ.” She wrinkled her nose, “Alexander, you reek. I don't even have a wolf’s sense of smell but that’s a stench.”

Keaton Daniels laughed, “Have you been in the gym all morning?” His twin, Keith, elbowed him. Keaton asked, “What? Mom is right. He does smell.” Alexander laughed, “I gotta get my workout in.” Keaton muttered, “Sure.”

He’d changed since he started dating his on/off girlfriend Lisa. She yelled at him so loudly that there were times we heard her shrill from here. I couldn’t understand why he kept going back to her, but I’d also never met her. I knew my brother Preston, who was good friends with Keaton, had met her once and loathed her immediately. That was good enough for me to decide she wasn’t good news.

Aunt Lexi pulled me from my thoughts, “This is Nora, Nadine’s sister.” Nadine was her mother in law. I held out my hand, “I’ve heard about you. I’m sorry about your mate.” Nora smiled sadly, “Thank you. It’s been seven years since he passed and I’m doing ok now. I will always miss him, but he would want me to get out and live. I plan to be here with Nadine more. Lexi has welcomed me, and Alexandria said I’d be welcome too.” Alexandria flushed. She would be Emmett’s Luna soon.

Alexander laughed, “I think you might be around here more often than you are Yellow Hills.” I frowned and looked at him, but he was looking over my shoulder. I turned and saw Ray running for all he was worth towards us. My jaw dropped. Nora followed his eyes and gasped.

Ray growled, “MINE!” Aunt Lexi clapped, “No way! Nadine will DIE of happiness! How exciting! We love Ray around here, Nora. He’s a good one.” Nora probably didn’t even hear her. She ran to Ray, buried her head in his neck and cried. I nodded to him, “Go on Ray, talk to your second chance mate.” He pulled here away from the group.

Aunt Lexi laughed, “I swear it’s always like this around here. Mates are always coming together on days like this.” Alexander muttered, “From your lips to the goddesses and god's ears.” Aunt Lexi smiled, “Yours is out there, Alexander. I feel it.” Brutus chimed in, “I more than feel it. She just needs to GET to our territory.” No joke.

Emmett encouraged, “Yeah man, it’s you next. It’s gotta be.” Brutus begged, “Please Moon Goddess, let them be next. Space is so annoying. EJ has so much but I am an animal and have none.” It was true. He’d rather shift and just fight Oden until he caved and told him what was going on.

Peter walked outside smiling. He announced, “We just got here a little bit ago. Chelsea wanted to help Elise get ready.” He paused then added, “Damn, Alexander. That’s a powerful smell.” I snorted, “Go shower before all the guests run away, little brother.” Alexander rolled his eyes, “You all and your sensitive noses. I smell like hard work.” He popped away.

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