The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when there was a heavy knock on the door. The male alpha groaning as he rolled over in a far too empty bed. Offering his usual muttered greeting to an intruder. Telling them to fuck off. He rolled over and closed his eyes again. Burying his face in the other pillow. Catching the still lingering scent. If he tried hard enough he could pretend she was still here. Another knock disrupted the fantasy. With an irritated huff he moved from the bed. Slipping on a pair of boxers before heading to the door. Normally he wouldn't have bothered. If it was important enough to disturb him that early, they could deal with a little nudity. But now that his mind was fully conscious he remembered there was a house member that was still closer to pup then adult. On the off chance she was the one lurking, he would rather not be her first experience with the male anatomy. Opening the door with a bit too much force, his eyes widened at the now revealed figure. The giant.
"Saint?" His tone was a mix of surprise and confusion.
"Get dressed. You and me have a date." His voice held the same jovial nature. But there was a certain hardness in the beta's eyes. He wasn't making a request. Derek wanted to puff out his chest and repeat that Saint could just fuck off already. Only this time in a way the beta couldn't ignore. It had been his go to option for quite a while now. He couldn't stand being challenged. Hated being told what to do even more. And right now he was sorely tempted to just fall back into old habits. At least until those pesky last night memories surged forward. Without thinking his hand went to his face. Feeling the uneven lines still decorating the flesh. They would be gone in a matter of hours. But that was beside the point. By now he had figured Mel was definitely the shy type. Hesitant, maybe even a little resistant before letting things happen. But last night had been an entirely different beast. She hadn't been pissed or even upset. She was terrified. If anyone could shed some light on that it was going to be the beta she seemed to lean on the most. Didn't mean he had to act happy about it though.
"Fine." He answered with a huff, turning back into the room. Not bothering to close the door as some random clothes were thrown on. Finally moving back to the other.
The beta gave a low wolf whistle. " Damn dude is there an outfit you can't pull off?"
The compliment was met with a roll of the eyes. Despite the guy's orientation he knew it wasn't a genuine flirtation. It felt like something he would have said to the female alpha too. "So what's the plan?"
"You'll see." The giant used that same sing song tune before turning on his heel and walking away. With a scowl the alpha followed. Did that teasing tone ever stop? By the obvious smirk still lingering, even as they got into the car, he doubted it. The ride was mostly passed in heavy silence. Occasionally broken by an attempt to raise one of those important questions. Saint merely responded by turning up the radio. Lowering it back down when Derek stopped talking. The alpha grew more irritated by each passing moment. He wanted answers. Not being stuck with the beta that seemed to love busting his balls. Though to be fair it was still better then the blue haired beta that probably wanted to cut his balls off. Finally they started to slow before pulling into a deserted parking lot. Derek's eyes widened as he stared at their destination. A playground.
"What the hell are we doing here?" As usual his question was ignored. The beta just grinning before slipping out of the car. With an agitated sigh the alpha followed. It wasn't as if he had much of a choice. That scowl still firmly in place with every step. Saint merely dropped into a swing. Patting the seat beside him. Laughing as the action deepened the look of displeasure.
"Damn dude I thought we loosened that ass stick a little."
He should have been pissed off. Irritated at that grin and the mocking words. But at that moment something clicked. Mocked wasn't the right word. It was teasing. Like his sister used to. Just like Laura there wasn't malice in the beta's antics. Like Mel had said it seemed to be a form of affection. He was being treated like family. The thought gave him pause. That scowl dropping. Finally the alpha took the offered seat. "Dragging me out this early. This had better be one hell of a date."
"Oh honey my dates are unforgettable." The words prompted the faintest slip of a grin from the normally stoic alpha. It helped lessen the tension. Hopefully it would make this whole thing easier. "Okay enough flirting. Time to get down to the nitty gritty. You've been briefed on our pack circumstances. Ruby was an accident. The rest of us were dying."
"I remember." The alpha looked away. Feeling a familiar sense of shame slowly creeping in. Mel was a savior. Granting life to those unfairly cheated of it. Her only error being the mistake of a child. He had intentionally manipulated vulnerable kids. Targeting those least likely to have the strength to say no. The more he looked at his past actions through fresh eyes the more he realized how disappointed his family would have been. They had spent his entire life teaching him he was a predator by lineage, but that it didn't have to make him a monster. No he ended up doing that himself. The downward spiral was interrupted by fingers snapping right in front of his face. Saint still grinning, though it seemed to have softened into something that was almost...reassuring.
"Yo dude I'm not bringing this up to make you feel guilty. I'm about to lay some heavy shit on you here and you need to have some context. That's it. Personally I don't fault you for making a pack. I know how being alone can fucking suck. I probably would have done the same thing in your place. Though I would have bitten a bunch of calender studs." The joke prompted that tiny slip of a smile to make a second appearance. There was still tension to the alpha. That wasn't going away anytime soon. But that was a task for another day and mostly another wolf. "Okay to start off we are going to begin with me. I fucking hated my life. As far back as I can remember it sucked dick, and not in the good way. My old man was a complete sack of shit. Beat the hell out of me for fun, punishment, or just because it was Tuesday. Mom wasn't as bad. A complete junkie. If she was too high or jonesing she was just apathetic about my existence. On the rare occasions that wasn't the case she actually cared. Did stuff to protect me. But like I said that was a rarity. I learned how to take care of myself. Became a point of pride really. But life was still just a day to day struggle. Until my baby sister was born. Mom started getting high again almost as soon as she gave birth and ended up dying a few months later. So I pretty much became her parent. Weirdly getting the responsibility of a child was the first time my life actually stopped sucking. She was a perfect little angel and she thought the world of me. It also helped that I had gotten pretty big by that point and the old man learned I hit back hard. So he left us alone. Life was good. Until my bastard of a father killed her. I'm not getting into that right now because the fucker got away with it. All he had to do was change towns and he got to go back to pretending to be the perfect pillar of the community. I basically shut off the world after that. Honestly I probably took a little too much glee in how much I got to tarnish his image. No one would believe me if I said anything, but I managed to develop my own reputation. Here he was the perfect upstanding citizen and his son was the town pariah. The angry kid no one dared talk to but everyone loved talking about. The kid that kept putting people in the hospital and getting suspended. It pissed him off so much but he didn't dare lay a hand on me. That was pretty much my only joy in life until the pack showed up. They moved in next door when I was...13 maybe. Ruby had gotten secure in herself by then so ended up being very popular. Denver and Mel were always outsiders though. These weird little kids that constantly wandered around the neighborhood. Exploring I guess. Never really talking to anyone. They didn't interact with people. I was the town freak that everyone avoided, but they smiled and waved whenever they saw me. One day I saw Mel just wandering on her own. I think Denver had gotten hurt and was on bed rest. Well some local punks tried to jump her. I beat the fuck out of them. She watched me beat three kids into a pulp. Saw how scary I could be. She didn't say a word and I thought she was afraid of me. But instead of running she just smiled and took my hand. Guided me back to her house and cleaned me up. I learned later she couldn't talk at that point but that didn't really matter. From that day forward we were actually friends. Hell they treated me like family. I don't know how they saw past the fucked up shit everyone else saw, but I got welcomed with opened arms. Mel's dad even terrified my old man into giving me up. I was grateful to them. I still am but back then I was stupidly grateful. Do stupid shit to prove yourself grateful."
"Why are you telling me this?" For once he wasn't trying to be rude or fluster. Rather he was just trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. By the tone and expressions the beta obviously didn't like talking about this. But he seemed to be pushing himself to keep going.
"Because it's only fair." For once that jovial tone had completely disappeared. Anger and hurt were in his eyes and voice. It was a necessary evil but he was still going to be breaking Mel's trust. He had to pay penance and the only thing he could offer was his own secrets that had been just as closely guarded. "My past is all sorts of fucked up. I was all sorts of fucked up. There's lots of moments I was obviously unhinged. I didn't want anyone else, not even the rest of the pack, to know. And right now I'm gonna have to tell you something Mel feels the same way about." At those words the alpha sat up straight. His attention solely focused on the other male. "I'm gonna take a guess about you and Mel's relationship." The alpha's lips opened in protest. But before a single word could be uttered the beta placed a hand over his mouth. "Let me finish. She was awkward and a little resistant. But she still always let you fuck her. Friday night she got super pissed and walked out. But last night she wasn't angry. She was scared. And she actively tried to hurt you. Sound about right?"
The alpha nodded slowly. His gaze widening for a second before falling back to scrutinizing. Saint had summed up exactly what he had noticed. That hand fell away, though it hardly mattered. Derek's lips were sealed. He was finally going to understand what the hell was going on inside his mate's mind. Or at least as much as anyone else was privy to.
"Well the anger is easy to explain. She's prideful and can be easily hurt. Friday she was upset because she felt like you were just using her. The fear...well the fear was something that happened long before we met you. She was...11 at a time. Her age is incredibly relevant here. Basically some hunters moved into town. I don't know how but they found out what she was. They kidnapped her."
Green eyes went wide at the revelation. A horrified question spilling out before he would stop it. "What the fuck did they do?"
There's a guilty look on the beta's face now. What he was doing was important. It was the right course of action if this set up was going to work. If Mel was going to stay sane. But no matter how much it was needed betrayal could never feel good. "I don't know everything that happened. She wouldn't talk about it to anyone but Denver. So all I know is what I overheard and saw. I managed to follow them to some safe house. Listened through a window as the sick fucks made jokes. Saying shit like how werewolf pussy was supposed to be extra tight. Went on and on about what they were going to do. Even joked about how they were gonna let the knife explore her inside and out." As he spoke anger flashed in the alpha's eyes. But it couldn't hold a candle to what was radiating off the beta. "I managed to find my way in. Found her strapped naked to a table. There were cuts all over her body that weren't healing. One..." He gulped as if the words were choking him. "One of those bastards had his fingers in her. Checking the fucking theory I guess. I didn't think. I just went berserk. Flew at them and just hit whatever I could."
"You managed to take out a group of hunters. That's impressive for a young wolf." Derek felt the sudden need to comfort. To help heal and encourage the other. Like a proper alpha was supposed to.
"One." There was such bitterness in that single word. "I was human at the time. A completely dumbass kid that charged in with no plan and got a lucky hit against one of them. Knocked his ass to the floor. But I was no match for the others. They beat me to within an inch of my life. Probably would have killed me. Thank fuck Mel's dad was an amazing tracker and kind of over protective. He managed to find us in the nick of time. The last thing I remember is him bursting through those doors. He had a terrifying look on his face. I passed out a minute then but I'm pretty sure he killed every single one of those bitches."
Suddenly things made a painful amount of sense. Mel wasn't just some young and shy kid learning about the realm of sex. She was a victim. And his touch was making it worse. "Well fuck."
"Nicely put." He put a hand on the other's shoulder. "Again I'm not trying to make you feel guilty. I'm just providing context. That beating almost killed me so Mel gave me the bite. She was a kid suffering some seriously fucked up trauma. She never really got a chance to cope. She got to spend maybe two days holed up in her room. Denver nursing her wounds. He was the only one that could get close enough at the time. Her dad probably could too but I think she was too ashamed to let him near her at first. She needed more time but her stupid instincts wouldn't let her. I was a new turn and to her it felt like she was neglecting me. Before the incident she had started talking a little. Afterwords her voice just disappeared. Her mouth would open but nothing would come out. Denver spoke for her but whenever he wasn't around, well she taught me through charades. Looking back now it would have been funny if it wasn't so tragic." For a moment the world went back to silence. The beta watching curiously. He could see the gears turning in the other's head. Could practically read his mind. "You're wondering why it started now. How things could have been fine until one day they aren't."
"Is it that obvious?"
"Just to me." He chuckled softly. "Honestly this is all educated guesswork but it's my best theory. Mel always had the issues. For years any male that wasn't part of our pack couldn't touch her without some sort of freak out. But as time went on Denver and her dad managed to reign it in. Her dad protected her. Made her feel safe. Like another incident couldn't happen as long as he was watching over her. Denver helped her remember touch could be more than just violence. When her dad died that safety went with him. Denver kept the memories away until suddenly he wasn't in the picture either. At first she was in survival mode. There were immediate threats and she had to take care of her pack. Alpha instincts pushed all those memories down. And then you happened. You guys screwed. She was still in survival mode that night but after that she was on the clock for a breakdown. The bond helped keep it at bay, but that couldn't hold out forever."
"So...what do I do?" It felt so strange asking for help. In his earlier life it had been standard practice. Wolves were meant to rely on others. But after so much isolation, so often trying to hold up his section of the world, it felt like the hardest thing to do.
"Probably start getting used to masturbating again." He couldn't help but laugh at the face Derek made. "Okay I'm being serious here now. Dude she likes you. There's definitely some crushing and she is so into you it's as cute as it is nauseating. But at this point fucking you is not good for her psyche. I'm gonna let you in on a not so secret secret here. Mel doesn't take care of herself. She puts everyone else first and will even do things that damage herself. Her dad and Denver didn't just stop those fucked up memories. They were the only ones that could force her to slow down and heal. Denver just had this gentleness about him. He could tend the physical and mental wounds. Even the bruises to her ego. Now there's no way in hell you can hope to imitate that." There was a noise of protest from the alpha. Once again silenced by a hand to the mouth. Removed after a moment. "Let me finish. You can't do the gentleness because no one can. Nobody I've ever met could hold a candle to that sweetheart. But you do have a chance at the other method. Her dad was an old wolf. Very powerful. Very wise. Honestly it could be a little overwhelming to be near the guy. He made the nightmares stop. As long as he was around she knew nothing would happen to any of us. Not only did he protect us, he lightened the alpha load. She could turn to him for advice and even to step in and correct her mistakes. Technically you are still kind of young. But you're definitely strong. I've seen how you guys interact. When you aren't trying to get in her pants you do make her feel safe. You have decent experience and after yesterday's meeting its obvious you are capable of guidance. She lets us help a little but since we lost her dad she's been trying to do everything herself. Show her she doesn't have to. Share that burden. Protect her. Be what she needs. It's her best chance at healing. When she feels safe and secure, then she can give you what you need."
Across town the household was barely waking. The female alpha checking in on the pack as was her morning routine. Though there were a few more additions that day. Saint seemed to have disappeared but that wasn't automatically unusual. The beta sometimes took off in the mornings. Returning an hour or two later after some needed alone time. She saved her own room for last. Hesitating a few long moments before opening the door. Eyes widening in surprise when it was found empty. Derek was gone too. The guy seemed to randomly disappear too but she hadn't expected him to take off so early. There was a certain nagging sensation at the back of her mind. Something about the situation not quite adding up. Unfortunately she didn't have much time to explore it. Another lesson was to happen and she needed to get ready. A quick shower and change of clothes later and she was slipping into the car. Under ordinary circumstances Saint would be her teaching assistant. But as he was gone Hana was chosen for the day. Luckily today was going to be about hunter and wolf relations , Hana's chosen area of expertise. The pair headed out to their little wayward wolf. Finding the empty driveway that had been promised. One day Scott would fill his mom in on the realities of their world in a way that would stick. But until then it was important to have privacy. There was no answer to their knock. Despite arranging the lesson time the previous day it still took a phone call to wake him up. Scott answering the door with a yawn.
"Good morning sleepy head." She greeted happily, stepping into the house. Quickly followed by the other she wolf. "I'm guessing you haven't had breakfast yet. Want us to make you something?"
It was far too early for Scott. The male wolf still half asleep. Though he still managed to process the offer of food. He nodded slowly as he closed the door. With a smile Mel guided the lot into the kitchen. Looking through the room in search of proper supplies. The place was rather bare. Partially filled containers lingered in the fridge. Their empty counterparts filling the trash can. Obviously this was a take out kind of family. Not that she could blame them. Their precious free time seemed far too limited to waste on routine cooking. Fortunately Mrs. Mccall kept a few staples on hand. Grabbing the eggs and bread, Hana assisted in finding the proper tools. Scott still seemed trying to wake up and she had no intention of rushing him. He had work that afternoon but was willing to be up this early so they didn't have to skip lessons. The least she could do was let him wake gradually. After a few minutes the doorbell rang. The she wolves froze, wearily looking in the direction of the door.
"Oh Stiles...joining." His message was intermittent with a yawn. But the words put the others at ease. Hana ventured out of the room. Returning with their confused looking human companion in tow.
"Where's Saint?"
"Sorry he had something else to deal with. I'm afraid Scott here is the only hot werewolf dude you are getting today." Mel answered with a soft chuckle. The human looked over at his best friend. Shrugging his shoulders.
"I've had worse dates."
"Stiles you don't date." Scott wasn't trying to be rude. His sleep addled mind had let the words escape before they had even been processed. Stiles was used to his friend's carelessness. It was something they often had in common. Knowing it wasn't malicious made it very easy to take in stride.
"You can't prove that." He took a seat at the table. Noticing the food being prepped on the counter. "So is this a wolves only breakfast or do I get an invite as well?"
"Of course you do Stiles. How could we refuse to feed our mascot?" The alpha teased putting out another plate. It only took a couple more minutes before each plate was ladled with food. Toasted bread with eggs in the center. "Oh apparently this is called eggs in the basket." She directed those words to the other she wolf. Both sharing a look of understanding.
"That's a very nice fun fact. Do wolves call it something else?" The human wasn't displaying his usual level of sarcasm. Genuinely curious about the world he was vaguely apart of.
"Well I don't really know if it's a wolf thing. My dad always called it cave toast. Still not sure why though." Her explanation wasn't quite the answer he was expecting. Probably hoping for more insight into the supernatural realm. He was definitely going to be getting plenty of that. Just not when it came to her dad's culinary dishes. "So I think we can give Scott a few more minutes to properly wake up and then we can begin." The male wolf was finally starting to show signs of life now that he was able to shovel some food into his mouth. It took three helpings before he finally pushed the plate away. Singling the lesson could begin.
The lesson ended up going quite well. Between the two she wolves they could answer just about every question he had. Even impart how important hunter allies could be. It was far better than how her life currently seemed to be going. That's why she was in a very good mood as the pair arrived back home. Though it faltered when she walked into the living room. Everyone had gathered, even Derek and Saint had reappeared. They all seemed to be avoiding her gaze. Kaz was the closest. Standing there with an unreadable expression. She had only seen him wear it on a handful of occasions. None of them had been good.
"Grandpa what happened? What's gone wrong?" She looked around the room. Trying to get any of them to look at her. There was a shared expression on the pack. Though it didn't look scared. More guilty. That just made this more confusing.
"Nothing little pup." He offered a warm smile. One that made her suddenly tense. Though not nearly as much as his chosen nickname. It was a term of endearment he and her father had used as she was growing up. To make her feel safe and encouraged. Especially in situations that were particularly challenging. The nerves had to be radiating off her at this point. But her grandfather just kept on that smile. "Relax little pup. It's nothing too bad. It's just some things from the town rumor mill. Your mating bond is causing a few minor issues." She stopped trying to get a read on the others. Gaze shifting exclusively to Kaz. She held her breath. Wondering if anyone had told him about the previous night. It was a bit limited, but he knew of her past. He had never pried about what happened in that hunter's lair. Accepting she didn't want to speak of it. But he was still very aware of her damage. Her nervousness must have been too much because he moved to hug her. Now the older man was an affectionate sort. Being in a house of young wolves he had to be. But it was more accepting than initiating. "Really little pup it's nothing we can't fix. One of my contacts has informed me there's a few punks at your school looking to cause trouble. Technically you are underage and if they stumble across your claimed fiance...well we already have enough on our plate. Legal troubles are not something we can really afford right now. So I checked the law and found a loophole." Now the man hesitated. Whatever information he had suddenly seemed to weigh heavily on him. Without thinking she glanced at Derek. Despite the previous night he had become someone to be relied on. Someone that could help her put puzzle pieces together. Right now he was wearing a mask. Expression completely neutral. But there was something in his eyes. He knew exactly what was going on. She couldn't read any farther though.
The male alpha kept his look blank. He didn't want to be the messenger of more bad news. But when she looked at him with that confused pleading stare, he couldn't resist. She needed him. With a sigh he moved forward. "Your grandfather thinks it would be a good idea if we got married. The human version. He set up a special appointment at the courthouse for today."
Just like that her heart was in her throat. Stomach dropping so completely it was a miracle it didn't just fall to the floor. Throughout her life she had never really given much thought to the idea of marriage. It was more of a human concept. Just like how she physically saw the world differently, mentally she differed greatly from humans as well. She skirted the line of their world but she never fully found a place in it. Which is why her reaction was so baffling. They had already mated. A precious ceremony that was far more permanent and part of her own lineage. To enter into such a union under such pretenses should have horrified her. Yet it had been so easy to fall into. Naturally she had been embarrassed and nervous. But it hadn't been anything like this. Perhaps the looming threat of Strix, not to mention the knowledge a bond would be forged anyway, had made it easier. Like an arranged marriage where you knew there would be care on both sides. It might have been a pale imitation but the forged bond did create a relationship. So at the least it was a partial truth. Their animal sides had become linked. And if she thought about it it was possible to envision building a life with him. In their world. For some reason a facade of a marriage felt like simply too much of a burden.
"Sweetie are you ok?" Saint's voice broke through the silence. The pack's worried and guilty looks suddenly made sense. Suddenly it clicked. Marriage wasn't the issue here. The fact she had already sold herself once was. A second time was simply unbearable. Especially when she was informed of it as if it were simply another errand the pack needed to run. She frantically rubbed at her eyes. Trying to deny the evidence of her fresh misery. Despite knowing how worthless such an attempt was. The room was completely silent again. The male beta was desperate to go to her. Offer her the comfort and protection that had so often been his job. But it was a role he had to share now. And at this moment it wasn't his company she needed. Discretely he moved closer to the male alpha. Nudging the guy in the hopes their occasionally shared mentality was working then.
No one could ignore the giant if he really wanted to get their attention. Derek was beginning to realize that fact. Even without a single word he understood what the other wanted him to do. What their pack member needed. None of that made it any easier. Despite all these years he could still tap into the flirtatious aspect of his nature. But comfort hadn't been his game in a long time. There's a moment's hesitation before he moved forward. Gently grabbing Mel's hand. His heart sinking at the way she flinched. Not that he could blame her. Especially with his new insight. Still this was important and perhaps it might help mitigate the damage. Or at least stop it from becoming permanent. "We need to talk...please." He suddenly hated how harsh his voice had become over the years. It was rough and cold. At least it was fitting with it's owner. He kept a firm grip, though still trying to be gentle, as he guided her up the stairs. They needed privacy and unfortunately there were few places to get it. Even fewer that would not prompt memories of last night. He took the safest option, Saint's room. It seemed to be where she went for comfort. By the spike in heart rate though it seemed him and any sort of bed area was a bad combination. There was a brief moment he considered dropping her hand. Giving the she wolf some space. But something told him that wasn't what would help. Instead he offered a reassuring squeeze. "I need to apologize for last night. For scaring you. Not taking no for an answer...for forcing myself on you."
"It's...it's okay. You didn't. You just-"
"Forced you. I stripped you and pushed you down even after you told me you didn't want to. That was all sorts of fucked up and you don't need to pretend it wasn't." Even now she was still trying to reassure him. To pretend what he had done was anything close to acceptable. It was her nature and it was an admirable trait. But it was just one of the ways she put everyone else ahead of herself. Even when it hurt her. With the help of Saint's little rant he was finally understanding the danger of her faults. How much it was damaging her. And how it was now his job to try and stop that. He just hoped his once possessed eloquence was still lurking somewhere. "I know none of this has been easy on you. Technically you are still a kid. You should be worried about learning the lessons of being an alpha and fitting in to a new school. Not Strix invasions and how to avoid getting your allies thrown in jail. It's not fair that you have this life and I know I've been making it worse. That's why I owe you a few promises. First off, I'm not going to force myself on you. Never again. If you want to fuck or not, that decision is entirely up to you. Second, like you said we are mates. That means we are in this together. No matter what I'm going to have your back." His thumb brushed away a stray tear from her cheek. "I know this can't be the wedding you dreamed of. It's definitely not the one you deserve. And it really sucks because I can't even promise this will be the last thing stolen from you. You know just as well as I do that our kind don't get lives of rainbows and butterflies. But I do promise to help you weather any storm. Just like I know you will for me." There's almost a nervousness as he reached into his pocket. Pulling out a well cared for braided silver ring. "It was my mother's. One of the only things we didn't lose in the fire." With great care he slipped it onto her finger. A feint smile on his lips but eyes holding a certain sadness. "I can't give you a good wedding." Hell if he was being honest he probably couldn't even give her a decent husband at the moment. She wasn't the only one with scars. He just seemed to hide his better under a layer of callous indifference and general dickishness. What he was now made sense considering what he had been through. At least he used to think that. To be bitter and cold made sense when you had so much ripped from you in the cruelest of manners. But that hadn't happened to Saint. Or to Mel. They had both lost just as much. Yet neither had settled into the bleakness like he had. They still held scars but also managed to smile. To love. Maybe that meant there was even hope for one like him one day. "The least I could do was offer you a proper wedding ring."
The brunette could only stare. Once again her eyes glistened with tears. Each word sinking straight to her heart. He was pressured into these situations every bit as much as she was. Giving up and risking so much. And here he was sacrificing more. Offering her one of the last surviving connections to his family. To the woman that had created and shaped him. Just to make this situation a little easier for her to bear. Yet practically the only thing he asked of her was off the table. Her damage had always been a point of frustration. Now it was brewing into seething hatred. Losing her voice and dealing with nightmares had sucked. But Denver had spoken for her. He and her father helped keep the memories at bay. It also helped there wasn't really anything that might drag them to the surface. But that wasn't her life anymore. The ones that shackled the memories were long gone. The one that seemed to help sooth her pain also unwittingly unleashing them. He was right. It just wasn't fair. He deserved someone that could accept a lustful touch. Shower affection on one that had been deprived of it for so long. That last thought suddenly pushed the more bitter ones away. Saint was right. She couldn't be a cold fish. Sex couldn't happen unless she wanted to risk another break. But that wasn't the only thing he needed. She squeezed his hand, leaning in to offer a soft fleeting kiss. The action seemed to startle him, but in a moment he was returning the affection. Taking care not to deepen it. Even though his need to was radiating off him. He was serious about his promises. As long as her lungs would allow she stayed like that. Only pulling away when they started to protest the lack of oxygen. "I..I should go get ready."
With that she was gone. Slipping into her room to clean up. Ignoring the evidence of what had happened last night. She would not hold that against him. Not when he was trying so hard to fix it. After the fastest shower possible she went in search of proper attire. Some nice underwear and a nice black bra. A strapless contraption Ruby had practically forced her to get. Now all that was needed was a proper wedding garment. She ventured into the closet. Digging around near the very back until she found what was being sought. A soft blue dress with spaghetti straps that fell barely to her knees. The only dress that could actually be considered hers. A gift made long ago by her mother. It was a simple summer dress to anyone else. But to her it was the only wedding dress she could imagine. Thanks to occasional tailoring Sapphire the dress was a perfect fit. She borrowed a nice pair of silver wedge shoes. Fancy enough for the occasion but with less chance of tripping her like true heels would. Finally ready she walked out the door. Derek was still upstairs waiting. He caught sight of her and for the briefest moment his eyes seemed to widen slightly. The look had her feeling suddenly flustered, skin tinting pink as her gaze fell. Heart skipping a beat and her foot landed wrong. Despite not being actual heels, missteps were still a hazard. In a flash he was at her side. Holding her up until her foot was once again properly placed. Even then his hold didn't cease. He kept an arm around her waist. Allowing her to lean on him as they walked down the stairs. Already fulfilling his promise.
The room's reactions were the standard variety. Saint and Ruby both offered their customary whistles. Hana and Sapphire displayed prideful smiles. Issac and Boyd showcased a look of surprise. They knew the alpha was attractive. But this was the first time it had every really been showcased. Zen was the only one that dared to move forward. Hugging the alpha and telling her she looked pretty. Kaz stayed back with a certain gleam in his eye. Recognizing the dress from it's creation and fittings. His daughter Sumay had poured her heart into that one particular piece. Imagining her little one getting to parade around on some special occasion. Sadly it wasn't going to be exactly what she had envisioned. There were too many missing members. The occasion happening out of necessity rather than an expression of love. But it didn't seem all bad. For now he still didn't know what to make of the other alpha. The guy was brooding and surly. He was definitely a rough fellow and what little research was managed painted the wolf in a very poor light. Not the type of man he would approve of if there had been an option. But maybe that was being too quick to judge. Not all of the information had been bad. He came from what had been considered a very good pack. He seemed to have a decent sense of loyalty. And frankly he had numerous reasons to be withdrawn and moody. Still he displayed such gentleness as he guided her down the stairs. And despite knowing him less than two weeks Mel was already looking at him for guidance. Showing complete trust that he would guide her through any stumbles. Both in life and on those stairs. The male wolf was complicated and course, but he just might be what Mel needed.
With so many they had to take two cars. Saint making sure he was with the couple. Making certain Mel was situated between them both. He took her hand and Derek followed suit. Both providing obviously needed comfort.
"You may now kiss the bride." The man spoke in an almost bored tone. Mel turned from the now signed piece of paper to her husband. Now official in both worlds. Their officiant's attention had already wandered. Leaving the she wolf a moment to contemplate. The room was small and plain. Devoid of any personality. Not exactly a proper wedding venue. She couldn't help but fidget with the new ring once again. Looking up at the rough but surprisingly sweet male. She may have been selling herself once again, but at least it was to someone like him. Someone that was willing to help her. And at least most of her family was still able to bear witness. It really wasn't so bad. She offered a small smile. Permission to kiss her. The male alpha accepted. Though he kept it light and sweet. Not wanting to mar what little progress they had made.
At long last the day was wrapping up. The she wolf slipping off the dress and carefully putting it back in its proper place. Rummaging through her drawers to find the usual shirt and shorts. She discarded the bra before slipping on her usual attire. Feeling exhausted but happy. The whole pack had seemed to be in similar spirits. After the ceremony they had gone out for a celebratory dinner. A safe restaurant owned by one of Kaz's allies. It had been a rather fun evening but right now she just wanted to pass out. She had just finished dressing when Derek walked in. It was technically a shared room so his appearance wasn't entirely a surprise. She offered a soft smile. "I uh...I hope you don't mind but I was thinking of spending the night in Saint's room again." Her gaze fell to the floor.
With great care he moved forward. Every step deliberately slow so as not to startle. His arms wrapped around her in a gentle hug. Pressing a kiss to her forehead. "It's fine. After what happened I don't want to make those memories worse." Those words were so comforting. A pleasant reassurance. Until they were fully processed. That's when her smile fell.
"What...what memories?" She pulled away slightly. Looking up at his face. Trying to read something from it. That's when the male wolf knew he had fucked up. That morning's excursion was apparently meant to be just between him and the beta. Mel was supposed to be kept in the dark. At least for the time being. And he had just managed to fuck that up. When she pulled away he didn't try and stop her. Merely watched as all those emotions flashed across her eyes. Embarrassment, anger, and especially shame. "You shouldn't know about that."
He didn't know what to say to that. From his side he understood how vital that information had been. But he also understood what it was like to carry such shame. Hiding a secret for so long that it became an intricate part of you. He was torn on how to answer. But he was never given the chance. She fled from the room. Though that was jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. In the hallway was the one person she wanted to see even less than her mate.
"Hey sweetie-" Whatever joke was on his lips faded at the sight of her expression. His tired smile becoming far more uncertain. "Sweetie what's wrong?"
For a long moment she simply stared at him. Anger rolling off her in waves. When she spoke each word was spit at him as if it were poison. "How could you? You promised." Anger quickly faded. Melding into such hurt. Tears beaded in her eyes before rolling down her cheeks. She brushed them away furiously. Hating how weak she felt in that moment. How broken.
"Sweetie..." He had to pause. The look on her face was breaking his heart. He had anticipated this reaction. Knew how much she hated the idea of anyone else knowing what had happened. But he had no choice. "He needed to know." Even as he said it the words sounded so hallow. He believed it with everything he had. Her mental health was deteriorating. Derek being in the loop was the only way to stop it. Besides that the talk had been important for everyone's future. The impending war was going to require a cohesive unit. That couldn't happen when the leaders couldn't be on the same page. He needed to make her understand. So he reached for her. Aside from Denver, he had been the pack member she had been closest too. Clinging in times of desperation. Finding comfort in his presence when she could not face the others. He had been her protector since their friendship had begun. When words failed they communicated through actions. Which is why it stung so much when she pulled away. In all their years together she had never rejected him. He wasn't prepared for how much it hurt.
"Fuck off." Her words were soft but if felt like being hit with a ton of bricks. She pushed past him as she had done with Derek. So angry at the conspiring pair. She stomped off to the room at the opposite end of the hall.
Ruby was still awake, though already going through her customary night time routine. She was at the part of untangling her hair. Sitting at the vanity as she pulled the brush through her locks. Pausing when the door opened. When she saw the alpha's reflection she put the brush down. Turning around to properly look at the other. Without a word Mel walked over. Dropping to her knees and clinging to her sister. Tears were flowing once again. It was rare, though not unusual, for the alpha to cry. What was strange was that she had come here to do it. Mel loved them all, but she hated to reveal what she considered weakness. If she cried it was almost always alone...or with Saint.
"What did Saint do?" She wasn't intending to throw her brother under the bus. But Ruby needed to understand what was going on. If it was possible to help.
"He..He.." Mel mumbled the words. Sniffling slightly as she tried to stop the tears. "He told Derek...about the hunters." It took a moment for the words to make sense. But when they did she understood exactly what was going on. Ruby had never been told exactly what happened. None of them had. But unlike the rest Ruby had been there when the alpha came home. She had to be carried in by her father. Bleeding and unable to look anyone in the eye. Over the next few days she isolated herself from all but Denver. Even when she emerged she was so skittish and her voice was once again gone. Ruby never pushed for details, but after a few years she figured out the gist of what happened. Mel had been so ashamed. Not wanting anyone to know. Denver had once let slip how little she would say, even to him. And now Saint had ruined that wish. Not that she could blame him. As much as she loved and admired Mel, she knew the girl had a lot of issues. Including hiding in a shell rather than facing her traumas. It wasn't healthy and frankly she was glad the conversation was finally being pushed. Not that she would be saying any of this aloud. Mel needed help to work these problems out. But for now she needed one more night of hiding. Her arms wrapped around the other. Gently stroking her hair. "Stay with me tonight. We can compare topics for our history papers."
The alpha nodded slowly. Trying to offer a smile. Though it was much sadder than usual. Like the kind she wore when they lost Denver. Before Derek had appeared in their lives.