I gotta tell you a little something about yourself
You're wonderful, flawless, ooh, you're a sexy lady
But you walk around here like you wanna be someone else

Treasure, that is what you are
You know you could make my wish come true
If you let me treasure you

Treasure – Bruno Mars

Chapter 22: Treasure

Lexi

I gazed down at my kiddy cocktail, twirling the straw in the glass as I gave the doorway to the tent of Leah's wedding reception a worried glance. Claire and Quil had just blown up at each other, and this wasn't like their last fights. I knew she'd been stewing for a while over the fact that Quil treated her a bit like a baby, but this blowup had been unlike all the others before. She looked so angry.

I didn't really get what her problem was. It was clear to me and anyone really that Quil adored her. I could almost see cartoon love hearts reflecting in his eyes when he looked at her. It didn't take a genius to tell that they would eventually work everything out; all of their problems were age related. Claire would grow up and Quil...wouldn't. Brady had explained this process to me several times, and each time I was a little more captivated by how imprint magic worked. My sassy friend needed to cool her jets; she would eventually have her hunky wolf.

I looked around the dwindling party, scanning the room for Regan. She had gone outside with Seth after the big fight between Quil and Claire, and I hadn't seen her since. My mouth twitched as I thought about how perfect they looked together, even though he was so much older. I actually smiled full on when I realized he too was frozen in age, just like Brady was, although Regan didn't know it yet. I hoped Seth found a way to tell her his wolf secret – and soon. They were obviously crazy about each other. Part of me felt a bit smug to already have a grasp on the whole frozen from aging thing while my friends sometimes still struggled with it.

Speaking of crazy, I thought with a smirk, glancing up at the bar. Brady was sitting up at the bar, his side profile in my view as he sipped a drink and muttered something to Embry that sat beside him. His eyes were still dark and thunderous, but damn did he look sexy.

We were fighting... I guess.

He was irritated to begin with that I didn't let him be my official date to Leah's wedding – he was downright irate when his younger pack brothers had crowded around me introducing themselves. I'd brushed it off; Brady talked about me to them, I knew. I didn't see what the big deal was – his friends just wanted to talk to me, and I hadn't seen most of them since my first bonfire in La Push. I thought he was going to rip Zeke's head off when the good natured boy asked me to dance at the start of the night. The murderous glare he'd been giving anything male that had talked within ten feet of me had been enough to make my heart pound. He angered me with his possessiveness and distrust, but at the same time... like I said, he looked damn sexy.

I sighed and stirred the grenadine lingering in the bottom of my drink, glancing longingly at the people holding champagne flutes. The only alcohol I'd ever had in my entire life was at my parents' house on new year eve – dad had brought home a bottle of champagne for the occasion, and I'd gotten about two inches worth in the bottom of a flute when I was sixteen. It was delicious; cold, bubbly, and with a sweet and sour flavor that had lingered on my tongue. But, I wasn't twenty one yet, and I knew better than to push it. Instead I sat slumped at the pretty table, sipping my drink and checking Facebook on my phone. I'd taken down my relationship status – single – and left it blank a few days ago. To my secret delight, Brady had done the same thing.

We weren't confirming or denying anything to anyone.

Of course, we hadn't really discussed it in-person either. I hadn't seen much of him all week after he jumped out of my bedroom window that night. I'd pretended to be asleep when my dad checked on me, but I was still reeling from the experience Brady had just shared with me. And then there was the fact that he'd actually said he loved me – It was an accident, but still. I sighed and shook my head. We were such a mess.

I looked over at the bar, meeting his gaze from across the room. He looked away, coughing awkwardly. I knew him well enough to know that he felt bad for throwing a fit earlier when the younger boys were talking to me. I liked Brady – I really liked him. When he said he loved me, I'd almost said it back. But I still wanted to kill him for lashing out at what little attention I was getting from other guys. Their flirting had been friendly and harmless; whether Brady and I were confirmed or not, I was sure they knew I wasn't especially 'on the market'. That thought made me smile into my drink as I sipped it.

I glanced over at Brady again. A tall, handsome guy with bronze hair was standing behind him at the bar, talking to him in a hushed voice. Brady looked apprehensive, but Embry was smirking beside him as he listened to the conversation. I sighed and looked away, bored with this whole game already. I didn't want to play around with Brady – the piddly fights were one thing, but not even being able to talk to each other? It was silly.

A champagne flute brimming with the golden, shimmering liquid appeared in front of me, making me jump. I looked up as Brady placed his own glass on the table next to mine, slowly pulling out the chair beside me.

"This seat taken?" he asked quietly.

I shook my head. "Are you actually going to talk to me now, or just sit and ignore me here too?"

He gave me a look of chagrin. "I brought you some champagne... I erm... thought you might like some."

I shrugged, reaching out to touch the dainty crystal. "I did... how did you know?"

Brady glanced back towards the bar where Edward and Embry were still watching us with bemused expressions. They both looked away quickly as I turned to look over at them. "I just... you don't have to drink it."

"No," I said quickly, reaching for the glass. "I want it."

He licked his lips nervously; I could tell he didn't know where to start. I watched his long, tan fingers curl around the stem of his own glass as he chewed his lip and avoided my eyes.

"I... Um..." he started a few times, finally shaking his head. "I didn't mean to snap at you earlier. When those guys were talking to you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's a start."

"I just... I didn't like it."

I heaved an exasperated sigh. "Brady, they weren't acting like they were going to lose control. Didn't you tell me they have to be angry or agitated? We were all just laughing—"

"That's not it," he interrupted. "I wasn't worried about your safety, but I do commend you for watching their moods... they can be unpredictable little shits," he growled, shaking his head. "But it wasn't that... I was jealous."

I snorted. "Of what?'

"Them," he sighed. "They're younger and... I mean I could tell they thought you were gorgeous. I just got stupid and possessive and I'm sorry. I know you hate that."

"I do," I sighed. Picking up my glass, I held it up to him. "But bringing me champagne always helps."

He smiled, picking up his own and holding it up to clink with mine. "To assholes," he stated.

"To assholes," I added with a giggle. The bubbly drink slid down my throat easily, immediately making me smile. "This is really good."

"You like it? I figured."

"Are you sure it's alright?"

"Yeah. I'll drive you home. You rode with Claire, right?"

"Yeah, but I guess she's still fighting with Quil," I sighed. I looked over at him; it was hard to miss his hopeful gaze. "What?"

"I'm an asshole," he repeated for probably the hundredth time since I'd met him. "But will you forgive me if I dance with you?"

"Sure," I agreed, giving him a little smile. We both downed the rest of our glasses before standing and heading to the dance floor. The grand white tent that had been constructed for Leah's wedding was nothing short of a fairytale. Dripping in white fabrics and shiny crystals and vases, the entire tent seemed to be cloaked in white flowers of almost any variety. Even though it was almost the end of the night, people were still walking around, laughing, and having a good time. Vintage white chandeliers hung above the dance floor, casting a warm glow across the surface. I felt Brady's hand wrap around mine as we walked to the edge of the floor. My hand still in his, he placed my other one on his shoulder and automatically began swaying to the big band music that was playing. I balked awkwardly as I realized in shame that he had rhythm, and I definitely didn't.

He chuckled as I fumbled along. "You're clumsy," he laughed. "How did I not know that before?"

"I'm not clumsy," I snapped, "just... I don't dance really."

Brady pulled me a little closer, his masculine, fresh scent invading my senses. My head grew a little foggy as I let myself enjoy the close proximity that we hadn't had in a week. My feet struggled to keep up as I licked my lips and tried not to think too much about it – it was clear he didn't want to discuss it even though I was dying to. It had only been a week ago that he'd been in my bedroom, but I was so turned on from the mere memory that I'd gotten off to it at least a half a dozen times since then.

A slower song came on after, and instead of leaving, he shook his head and pulled me closer. I obliged, not ready to end our slow swaying.

"I'm... I'm sorry I wasn't around much this week. Work was crazy and... pack stuff," he mumbled."

I coughed. "I figured it was the whole incident in my bedroom last weekend," I sighed. "Was I wrong?"

He shifted his eyes to mine, his burning dark brown gaze making me shudder. "Not entirely," he admitted. "I... I'm trying to be respectful with you Lexi."

"I know."

He sighed. "It's just... that's very difficult to do considering we were made for each other and you just... make me insane."

"Brady, I know we need to fight less—"

"No, that's not it," he interjected. His gaze turned even fierier as we swayed to the music. "I worry about controlling myself that way when I'm with you. Last weekend was... so nice, and... I wanted to give in and just..." He trailed off, his voice a labored whisper. "But we can't, Lex."

"I'm sorry," I stammered. "I didn't mean..."

"No," he repeated. "It's nothing to be sorry for. You can't help it, you're just... perfect," he sighed. He tightened his arm around me, drawing me to his chest. "You're absolutely perfect, and I almost can't control myself around you. I want you so much, but at the same time, I'd do anything to keep you safe. It's weird," he admitted with a small chuckle. "Part of me wants to be your... bedroom companion," he laughed awkwardly, "and the other half just wants to be your protector and chaperone, and keep you pure and young forever."

I snorted. "Well... I can definitely tell you that I do not want to stay pure and young forever," I laughed. My mind betrayed me as I thought of that night again, the two of us, tangled together on my bed. The threat of my dad's coming home at any second, the way Brady smelled, the feeling of his weight settled on top of me, the satisfying feeling of him rubbing up against me—

He coughed awkwardly again, separating our bodies slightly.

"What?" I asked.

He gave me an amused look. "Your uh... your heartbeat speeds up sometimes."

I felt my face drain of some of its color. "It... it does?"

Brady nodded. "Yes. Were you thinking of something... exciting?" he asked casually, looking back up to meet my eyes. I stared at him in shock.

"Um... kinda."

He smirked. "I could hear your heartbeat from across the room earlier. Then too?"

I looked away and bit back my smile. The oddness of having a love interest that wasn't exactly human was something I was still getting used to. "Perhaps," I laughed. "So you can always hear my heart beating?"

"If you blindfolded me and put me in a room with a hundred people, I could pick out your heart," he sighed. "The sound of is strangely... comforting."

"That's weird," I giggled. He nodded.

"Agreed. But nice. Sometimes when I patrol by your house at night I... I stop and listen."

I felt myself smile. I knew Brady and the pack did patrols around the area – for what, I still didn't know. But it was weirdly sweet that he thought to keep my house protected with everything he did; it was oddly reassuring.

"So you run by my house at night and stop to listen to the sound of my heart beating, huh? Sap," I muttered.

Brady chuckled quietly as the song ended. We gave each other a matching smirk before he took his hand in mine again and led me back to the table. A mid-tempo, elegant waltz started playing, the pleasant yet challenging tones scaring most of the people from the dance floor. I flopped in my chair and let my eyes wander to the other side of the grand tent where another couple seemed more than happy to take the place of all of the other dancers. The music was pretty but strangely out of place; the night had brought big band music, modern day pop, and sappy love songs from the late nineties... but a waltz? I watched the pair gracefully float out onto the floor and take their stance, instantly falling in tempo with the music as they began to move. They looked like the epitome of elegance and class and I couldn't take my eyes off of them.

"Wow," I breathed, watching them move. The man was tall and burly, his chocolate colored curls slightly unruly and a stark contrast to his pale skin. His elegantly tailored tuxedo fitted him well, but it was no match for the outfit his partner donned. A gown of pale lavender adorned her slender frame; the muted color quietly complimenting the plum tones of Leah's wedding colors she'd chosen. Her long, pale blonde hair was curled in a way that reminded me of an old movie star; waved curls that hung down past her shoulders and bounced lightly with her graceful movements. Together, the pair was so achingly beautiful and coordinated, it made me stare unabashedly.

"They're fantastic," I breathed. The girl seemed to smile wider as her muscled date twirled her about.

"Yeah, they're somethin'," Brady sighed. "Listen... do you want to get out of here?" he asked, leaning forward.

I tore my gaze away from the swaying couple that was commandeering the dance floor and caught his eye. "What?"

"Do you want to leave with me," he stated slowly, enunciating each syllable.

I felt myself nod. "Sure... I uh... told my dads I was sleeping over at Claire's."

"I'll take you to Claire's," he said quietly, his dark gaze flicking up to mine. I could swear I saw his eyes smolder slightly as he spoke. "You want to go?"

I nodded blankly and stood. I watched him send a quick text to Quil, who was nowhere to be seen, and he nodded at Embry and the other guy that stood next to him at the bar.

"Who is that guy?" I asked once we were outside. "The one you were talking to earlier."

"Oh uh...Edward. He's Regan's... erm, well I guess cousin sorta. That's Bella's husband."

"Wow," I muttered. "He looks like a model."

Brady snorted. "And what am I?" he asked playfully, grabbing my hand. He pulled me in a little circle before crushing me against his chest. He leaned against the side of his truck, his dark brown eyes giving me a beckoning gaze. I felt my heart quicken; he smiled.

"You're... something else," I laughed, tilting my chin up. I wanted to kiss him again so badly - to feel his lips on mine, taking control and—

Brady seemed to read my mind, effectively rendering it useless as he pressed his mouth urgently against mine, cutting me off. He spun me around, pinning me against the truck as his lips molded against my mouth, kissing and nipping hungrily. I laughed against his lips, opening my mouth wider to accept his probing tongue. I met him with eagerness, already giddy for what was to come. I didn't even really know what that was, but I knew as long as I was with Brady like this, it would bound to be good. My body felt like a coil, ready to attack. Everything was tingling and burning, and I felt like he was my only hope for relief.

He pulled away with a pained grunt, his beautiful features twisted into a grimace. I stared up at him in question as he licked his lips and shook his head at me. "You're going to kill me," he sighed.

"Good," I whispered softly, biting my lip. He made a noise in the back of his throat and nodded to his truck. "Get in."

My hands shook from nervousness and excitement as I hurried to pull the door open. I scrambled across the seat just in time to sit as Brady went peeling out of the gravel parking lot of Leah's wedding reception, sending bits of dust and debris up in our wake. His truck flew down the narrow wooded lane and out onto the main road towards Forks.

"Where are we going?" I asked, still breathless from our kissing.

"Away," he muttered, glancing behind him. I felt my heart stutter in excitement as he sped down the winding roads; he wasn't speeding, but it felt like we were going a million miles an hour because my body was suddenly on fire.

He pulled off the road after a few minutes, his tires hitting the muddy path that led into the woods.

"What is this?"I asked curiously.

"Just a place we can hide our cars if we have to pull over and phase quickly," he said, cutting the engine. I looked around the little wooded area that was cloaked in darkness, my eyes straining to see if we were really alone. We appeared to be. Glancing over, I half expected him to pounce on me...

But he didn't.

Instead, he gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles went white and refused to look at me.

"Um... what's wrong?"

Brady licked his lips, shaking his head. "I... I just want to make sure you want this."

"This... This? You mean... we're going to like... do it? Like it it?" I gasped. My body thrummed with excitement and fear, and exhilaration all at one time. Did he mean we were going to actually... do it?

"No," he spat, a laugh slipping out of his mouth. "You can't... we can't, Lexi."

I frowned. I hated it when he talked to me like I was a child. "What? Why not?"

He snorted and shook his head. "Just... chill. Calm down. I mean... I want to yeah, but... isn't this your first time doing this stuff?"

I bit my lip and shrugged. I was nervous to do some of these things – taking my top off in front of him was a huge step for me, especially since I was self-conscious about my small chest and lack of a lot of womanly curves – but I was also excited to do them. I trusted Brady, oddly enough. He'd earned my affection, and I was more than ready to give it to him.

If only he'd let me.

I nodded. "Yes, but... I've read books and seen movies—"

"It's very different when it's you. Not a book or a movie, Lex. This is you. And your first time is something you don't ever get to do again. You're sure?"

I chewed my lip again in thought. He had a point, but what were we waiting for? I didn't understand his hesitation with all of this. For a man-whore he was very lacking in the 'action' department. I was a horny, physically capable teenage girl with more hormones than necessary and a hot, sculpted companion. I was ready. I think.

Suddenly, I saw his point. I wasn't quite there yet – not a hundred percent. But you had to practice before the big game... right?

"Just... well okay, we don't have to do that. We just... maybe we could do more of..." I trailed off, unsure of how to get my point across. I knew from too many after school specials and rambling sex ed teachers that there were other things we could do to each other that didn't involve real sex.

Yeah. Other things. Fun things, I thought.

Brady raised his eyebrows. "What you mean, like... fool around?"

I shifted in the seat, shivering slightly. I was chilled from being in a short dress from the wedding, but also at his words. Fool around. Brady and I were going to fool around. It sounded so dangerous and... fun.

"Maybe," I mumbled quietly, unable to look at him. I shifted on the seat again as he killed the truck's engine and slid across the seat. I could feel the heat of his leg against mine as his arm went around my bare shoulders.

"Are you cold?" he asked.

I felt myself tremble as his hot breath blew across my cheek. Turning my head to look at him, I could barely answer. "No."

I heard him snort softly. "Lexi... baby, we don't have to do anything."

My heart sank a little. Here I was, suddenly nervous. Some big talker I was. Had I secretly been hoping all along that he would call my bluff and realize I wasn't ready? I wasn't sure.

Brady watched closely as I turned my head to look at him. "I'm fine. I just..."

"It's alright," he said softly, his eyes filled with honesty. "I'm perfectly happy to slow things down. I've lived my entire life fast, Lex. I would love to do nothing more than take it slow with you because you matter to me. We can just kiss..." he trailed off, nuzzling his nose against my cheek. I inhaled his familiar musky scent and felt myself shudder as my body began to react to his simple touch. With one turn of my head, our mouths collided gently. This was another of those slow, languid kisses that made my insides melt and my heart speed up. He pulled away and licked his lips.

"I can't deny you anything you ask of me," he said softly, blinking slowly. "But please don't ask me to rush this. I just want to take it slow with you. I..." he stopped, shaking his head slightly.

I gulped. He looked like he was about to say he loved me again, but he held himself back. Instead, he gave me a timid smile and waited for me to react. His honesty and sincerity touched me deeply in that moment, and for once, I was glad that our imprint bond had a strange hold on him that I couldn't entire understand.

"Thank you," I finally managed to stutter. I wasn't ready for more just yet, but I would be soon.

Oh these two...It was a lot of fun to write this wedding from Lexi's POV. Her mind is more colorful than Regan's, and she has a bit more sass. Excited to write her when she's a few months down the road ; )

What did you think of Brady here? Is he doing the right thing by keeping it slow?

Thanks for your patience with me while I plan my wedding! This weekend is my Bridal Shower/Bachelorette party and life has been pretty crazy!

Thanks to NinkyBaby for beta-ing - this story needs her special touch! : )

Remember: Follow me on Tumblr/Twitter. I post Lexi/Brady pics and edits, teasers, and answer questions about the story.