Chapter 2 - Alex

How is this my life? Sometimes, it feels like I was a carefree high school student just yesterday, brimming with dreams and the ache of unrequited love for my best friend. Things took a wild turn when she returned from summer camp, eyes sparkling with excitement and nerves, revealing that she was a werewolf and had found her mate in an older man. Yes, I still refer to Logan as an old dude—he’s twelve years older than us.

I would have never pictured Aurelia with someone so much older, let alone a guy who stands shorter than her. It’s a thought I can share here and in the safety of my mind, but I know better than to voice it aloud. Logan and his pack are not to be trifled with, and I quickly learned the hard way that his height is a taboo subject. I’ve lost count of the times friends have covered my mouth or jabbed me in the ribs to hush my remarks.

Aurelia’s happiness was all that mattered to me. Logan has kept her happy twelve years and two kids later, but I can’t help feeling left out. I’m not unhappy—I have a spirited son and a busy life with multiple jobs. My relationship with my ex didn’t last, and even before she left us, I sensed we were on borrowed time.

How did I figure it out? It wasn’t a premonition, but something close. I’m just an ordinary person drawn into the supernatural. I realized our breakup was inevitable a few months after Aurelia’s wedding. Aurelia opened my eyes to the truth. As I held Holly while her world fell apart after Nigel’s tragic death, I felt not just empathy but that mythical mate bond experienced by werewolves and their fated mates.

You might be wondering why, months after the wedding, I didn’t go to Holly. I realized fate meant for us to be together to heal our broken hearts, especially hers. The reason? Nigel. I had a crush on Holly from the start but never forced my feelings on anyone, especially while Nigel was alive. Part of me wanted to fly to New York and get to Holly, but I couldn’t.

I still needed to be in Portland with Claire for the sake of my unborn son. And I doubted Holly was in the mental space to accept there could be someone else out there, let alone me, for her. I know how rare second-chance mates are. I also know how rare human mates are. I knew what we were meant to share was special and should be cherished. Yet, I didn’t pursue her. 

I’ve yearned for Holly for ten years but knew she wouldn’t be ready for me. Instead of risking rejection, I chose to let it be. I haven’t shared this with anyone, not even Aurelia, because they’d urge me to go for it. In the meantime, I’ve focused on bettering myself, becoming a stronger fighter and a devoted father, and working toward my business goals.

Before approaching her, I wanted to be worthy of Holly. Although I didn’t know Nigel well, I recognized him as a respected and adored hero. His bravery during the Silverclaw attack saved Isis’s life and prevented Noya’s victory. His sacrifice was invaluable for Kurt, Isis, the Kinsley and Adio families, and everyone in Silverclaw.

I doubt any of that matters to Holly. He was her world, making filling his shoes harder than raising my son alone. So, I’ve stayed in Portland like a coward. Romance has taken a back seat while I raise Tristan. People think I’m active in dating, and I let them believe it. I go out, chat with women, and dance, but that’s it. I can’t risk hurting Holly by getting too close, even if the bond isn’t mutually recognized.

Claire was oblivious to my lack of affection while we were together, and no one questioned my behavior as they did with Aurelia. As a result, Bloodmoon loathed Claire, and Aurelia openly expressed her disdain. I suspect Aurelia celebrated Claire’s departure, not because of Tristan, but because Claire was no longer a risk to the pack. Even those who were once tolerant of Claire, including my parents, turned to hatred once she left.

I understood it was tough to feel anything but anger when a mother leaves her child, but I didn’t fault Claire. Our relationship lacked love, and Claire knew that. She struggled with postpartum issues, barely bonding with our son during her time with us. Leaving was likely best for her mental health, and I’d prefer Tristan to know that than to feel unloved if she had stayed.

Tristan no longer asks about her, but he did when he was younger. He wondered why all his friends had moms while he didn’t. I did my best to explain it to a five-year-old. I believe he understood because he hasn’t brought up Claire since then. He has plenty of female role models to look up to, so her absence was mostly felt when it’s just the two of us in the house I still rent from Sarael.

Life may be simple, but it brings us joy. Each morning, I rise early. I take Tristan to Bloodmoon, be it for school or day camp during the summer. After dropping him off, I go to the sprawling Christian Ranch, where the air is rich with fresh earth and hay. As the day unfolds, I juggle working at the ranch and towing calls for my father’s shop. 

As the sun sets, I meet up with the Bloodmoon warriors to train. As evening approaches, I finally go home, ready to end the day with my boy. I cherish this cycle—lather, rinse, repeat. For the past decade, this rhythm has woven together the fabric of my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

My alarm didn’t chime this morning as I was rudely jolted awake at two o’clock by the shrill ringing of my work phone. Groaning in annoyance, I reached over to my nightstand, still half-asleep. As I fumbled to grab the device, the screen’s bright light pierced the comforting darkness of my bedroom, making me squint. My brow furrowed in confusion upon seeing the caller ID—David Bryant. 

My heart skipped a beat. Why was David calling my work phone in the dead of night? A wave of worry washed over me. Was something wrong with Aurelia? After all, David was one of her guards, and his late-night call felt deeply unsettling. With a mixture of dread and concern, I swiped the answer icon, bringing the device to my ear as I propped myself up against the headboard.

“Are Aurelia and her kids okay?” I blurted out, forgoing any conventional greeting.

“What? Yeah, Luna’s fine, as are the heirs. They’re probably still sound asleep if they’re lucky,” David reassured me, his tone a bit more relaxed, which eased some of my fears.

“Okay, that’s a relief. But… why are you calling me at two in the morning? And why on my work line?” I asked, rubbing a hand over my weary face and trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

“Because I’m calling you for business. I’m currently at the site of a fatal car accident. The victims are Davis and Loretta Boland. I’ve already got emergency services on the scene handling the victims and securing the area. However, I need you to come and retrieve the vehicle,” David explained, his voice steady yet urgent as he delivered the grim news.

Boland.

The name jolted me awake, pulling me from the depths of sleep as if doused with ice water. It had been years since I’d heard that last name. Nigel’s family was still in Bloodmoon, but our paths had never crossed. I only caught a fleeting glimpse of them at his funeral, shadows against the backdrop of grief, a few faces etched in sorrow. When I received updates about Holly and her son Samuel, it was always whispers of their first names.

“Nigel’s parents?” I asked, the words barely escaping my lips as I sought confirmation.

“Yeah,” David replied, his voice gravelly and worn. “Get out here quick, please. I need to call Alpha next. He has to reach out to Holly.”

A rush of emotions swept through me at the mention of her name. Would Holly return for the funeral? I imagined the countless conversations and letters she likely shared with Nigel’s parents. Surely, she wouldn’t deny them the chance to connect with their grandson. As thoughts raced through my mind, the possibility of her returning to Bloodmoon loomed large. Would she even recognize me? Could she sense the undeniable bond that tethered us? Would she accept that connection, or would it only add to her pain?

“Alex? Are you listening? I’ve got to make other calls. Are you coming or not?” David’s voice pierced through my spiral of anxious what-ifs, pulling me back to the present.

“I don’t have anyone to sit with Tristan,” I murmured, frowning as I realized my predicament. Racing into the night without a plan felt reckless, especially when someone relied on me.

“Open your front door,” David sighed, the frustration in his tone palpable, urging me to take action.

“Um… okay.” A frown creased my forehead as I padded out of my dimly lit bedroom, the cool air brushing against my skin. I shuffled to the front door, curiosity tinged with annoyance.

When I opened the door, Evie Rock stood on my stoop, her rich brown hair catching the faint glow of the porch light. I raised an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and confusion etched on my face. 

“Evie?” I asked, rubbing my eyes as if to wipe away the remnants of sleep clinging to me.

“I sent her before I called you,” David’s voice sounded clear and authoritative over the phone. “She’ll sit with Tristan until you get home and bring him to my mate if you aren’t back in time for day camp.” 

“Morning, Alex,” Evie greeted with a playful smirk, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “David sent me. Mind if I come in? You might want to put some clothes on before a neighbor reports you for public indecency.” She gestured towards my boxers, an amused glint in her gaze.

“Did you answer the door naked?” David asked incredulously, clearly picturing the scene.

“No!” I scoffed, my cheeks flushing slightly. “I’m in boxers, David. It’s two in the morning; don’t expect me to be at my sharpest.” I grumbled, gesturing for Evie to step inside, the warmth of the house contrasting with the cool summer night air.

“Besides,” I added with a teasing lilt, my frustration giving way to humor, “even if I had answered it naked, Evie wouldn’t care. One, you all spend plenty of time undressed in mixed company when you shift. Two, Evie isn’t into what I’m packing, especially since her mate is a woman.” 

“Whatever,” David replied, his tone lacking any real bite. “Get dressed and come over. I’ll send you the coordinates.” With that, he ended the call, leaving me with a mix of urgency and the lingering humor of the moment.

“Kid’s asleep, the kitchen’s stocked with snacks and easy meals, and if you’re feeling tired, there are plenty of cozy blankets tucked away in the closet if you want to catch a quick nap on the sofa,” I explained to Evie, my voice laced with urgency as I glanced at the clock. Time was ticking, and I needed to change into my work coveralls.

“I’ve got it all under control,” Evie assured me, a confident smile spreading across her face as she waved me toward the door. 

With that reassuring note, I hurried out the front door, feeling excitement and apprehension swirl within me. Even though the reason for possibly reuniting with Holly wasn’t the happiest, I couldn’t shake the feeling that fate was at play. After all, there’s a saying that the Goddess works in mysterious ways. A flicker of hope ignited beneath my apprehension. The universe was nudging me toward a much-deserved chance to reconnect with Holly. I was determined to view this as an opportunity—a sign that perhaps the time had finally come for us to be together again.