Once Rejected, Twice Desired (Book 1 of Blue Moon Series)
Once Rejected, Twice Desired Chapter 32

Alexi POV

Somehow, I had been getting small windows where I could see and hear what Max was planning.

He had really lost his mind and became "The King of the Rogues."

How he did it so fast, I don't know, but his pack consisted of almost 150 wolves.

He had been sending them into the Blue Moon territory to spy on Alaia and Xander to bring back information he could use to get her back.

We knew that her Luna ceremony was being held on Saturday and that there would be a lot of new faces on the pack territory getting things together.

Hiding amongst the catering staff was going to be his way in.

I was in the middle of thinking of a way out of all this when Max chimed in.

I see you're awake. So, what do you think of the plan?

From what I've seen, it's a suicide mission, and you're just asking to get us and your whole disgusting pack killed.

How dare you? After everything I've done to fix your f**k up, this is how you behave?

Cut the s**t Max; you're not doing me any favors. You've ruined my life and taken me away from my pack. I'm probably classified as a rogue by now when I was supposed to be the f*****g Beta. So, be real with me, why are you so obsessed with her? Why do you really want her?

I told you, she's my mate and I love her.

So, it has nothing to do with her glowing purple eyes?

How do you know about that?

I know about a few things, you d**k.

It doesn't matter. By this time tomorrow, Alaia will be in my bed, screaming my name.

It won't work. Whatever you're planning won't work.

Well, luckily for us we've got a little bit of extra help from one of your old whores. She'll do anything we say if she thinks it will get us into her bed again. She's my secret weapon, and once she's served her purpose, she'll be as dead as that f*****g Alpha Xander. I felt myself slipping back into the darkness, and it seems that Max did as well.

I held on as long as I could and saw a blonde shewolf walk into my line of view.

"Have you got the vile?" he asked her.

"Yes, I've got it here."

"f**k this up, and you won't live long enough to regret it, Francesca..."

"Who the hell is Francesca?" I thought before I was sucked back into the black.

***

Alaia POV

Amethyst and Alastair spent almost three hours in the woods running, chasing small woodland creatures, and "other activities."

At times I had to shield my sensitive eyes from the things the two of them were doing. Oh, to be young and in love.

When Xander and I were finally given control again, we quickly shifted and headed back to our room. It was time for a long hot shower and some sleep.

My Luna ceremony took place the next day, and I knew that Katherine would blow a gasket if I looked like I'd been out chasing rabbits all night.

I turned on the shower and sat on the marble counter while the steam filled the room, rolling my aching back and shoulders.

Xander came and stood between my legs and began to massage some of the soreness away with his strong hands.

"So, what did you think of the run? Was it strange to let your wolf completely take control?"

"Oh, it absolutely was. I felt like a spectator in my own body. But I also felt how happy Amethyst was. She felt the way I do when I'm with you, so it was all worth it."

"I guess Alastair deserved a little fun as well. When we found you, he was beyond happy, but tonight it went to a different level. He bonded with his mate, and there's no better feeling than that."

Xander gently lifted me from the counter and carried me into the shower. I stood there for a few minutes and just let the hot water cascade down on me before Xander began to wash my long curly hair.

He had never done this before, and it made me think about what Amethyst had said to me a few hours earlier.

Letting her and Alastair take control and have that time would strengthen the bond between all four of us. It seemed that she was right.

Feeling his fingertips rub and scrape against my scalp was pure heaven and caused me to release a deep moan.

I heard Xander chuckle behind me as he rinsed the shampoo and applied the conditioner. He carefully ran his fingers through every curl from root to tip, and I secretly wondered if he had become a beautician overnight. After rinsing again, he pulled my hair up off my back and neck then wrapped it in a bun before he took the sponge and began to wash my body.

He swirled and rubbed a thick layer of fragrant suds along my neck, over my shoulders, and down my back, all the way to my toes.

This shower felt different from all of the ones before it. Xander was worshipping my body, and I wanted to do the same to his.

I turned around and took the sponge from his hand before reaching up and beginning to wash him the same way he had done for me.

"I feel a bit slighted Little One; I want my hair washed too."

I giggled a bit then pushed him down onto the built-in bench. I grabbed his shampoo, then stepped between his legs and began to massage my fingers through his beautiful silky curls.

While I focused on his hair, Xander's hands gently ran the length of my body. He needed that physical connection; he just had to touch me.

I leaned his head back and brought the shower head over to rinse the suds from his hair.

As I carefully made sure the soap and water ran back off of his head and not onto his face, I noticed that Xander's eyes were locked on my face.

"You, My Queen, are my greatest blessing. I'm honored to be called yours."

Tears sprang to my eyes. We were now fully bonded and connected. I didn't even know anything was missing before tonight but standing here now looking into Xander's eyes, I knew that he wasn't 100% mine until this very moment. "And you, My King, are mine."

***

Xander POV

When Alaia and I woke up the next morning, everything felt different. I could feel her emotions, almost like a sixth sense.

I watched her sleeping beside me, and her tiny little body radiated contentment, happiness, and love.

I told you, you a*****e. You should have let me out with our mate a long time ago.

Good morning to you too, Alastair. How are you? Did you sleep well? That's how you should start a conversation, you know.

Whatever. You called me a c**k block last night and now look. Look what I did. I believe a "thank you" is in order. Nah.

What? Why not?

You had a damn good time last night because I allowed you control. So no, I won't say "thank you," but I will say "you're welcome."

I cut Alastair off before he could reply. I was in too good of a mood to argue with him so early in the morning.

I felt a pair of eyes on me and looked down to see Alaia wide awake and smiling at me.

"The sun is barely up, and you two are already arguing?"

"Nope, I cut him off before he could get going."

"Ha! That's why he's always in a foul mood; you don't let him express himself."

I raised an eyebrow at her. Who had been filling that perfect little head of hers with such vicious lies?

It was like she knew what I was thinking because before I could open my mouth to ask, she shrugged a shoulder and said, "Amethyst told me."

"Well, Amethyst can't really be considered an impartial source. Let's go down for some breakfast, I'm sure it's already a bit crazy downstairs, but I want to spend a few more quiet moments with you."

Alaia when into her closet and pulled on a pair of yoga pants and a loose-fitting shirt. Even in the most basic of clothes, she was breathtaking. She was radiant, and tonight she'd officially be mine, forever. "Let's go, 'Sweet Cheeks, I'm starving."

I laughed out loud at her. "Sweet Cheeks'? Really?"

"Have you seen your a*s? If you could see it the way I do, you'd understand."

"Trust me; I understand all too well. After you..."

Alaia walked out of the room with me right behind, enjoying the view the whole way.

***

"Xander Emanuel Black! Where have you been? You should have been done with your breakfast an hour ago."

"Good Morning, Mom," I replied before I sat at the table and pulled Alaia into my lap.

She didn't protest like she used to, she just settled in and relaxed against my chest.

Almost immediately, a massive plate of food was placed before us. I picked up a giant strawberry and brought it up to Alaia's plump and pouty lips.

I was in a trance as I watched her wrap those lips around that strawberry and bite down.

Can you be jealous of a piece of fruit? At that moment, I was pretty sure you could be.

"Mom, I've been in my house, in my bedroom, with my mate. I understand that you've put a lot of work into tonight, which is appreciated, but I'm going to take all the time I feel necessary to make my Little One feel like the queen she is." I then picked up a piece of bacon and fed that to Alaia as well.

"We had a long night and needed to sleep in a bit."

Alaia punctuated my statement by letting out a huge yawn and stretch.

"And now I'm going to sit here and feed her until she's full, however long that takes. Once she's done, you're free to do whatever it was you needed us for an hour ago."

I never took my eyes off Alaia's face. She was the most crucial thing in my world, today and every day. Everything else was just background noise.

"That's the best answer you've ever given me; I see I raised you right."

Mom then left the kitchen to chase down some poor omega who was carrying a slightly off-center centerpiece.

I raised a piece of an omelet to Alaia's mouth, and once she finished chewing, she asked, "Aren't you going to eat anything?"

"I will once you're done. All this chaos is for you, and I'm sure Mom and Kimmy are waiting to pounce on you as soon as you're finished here. So, eat up, you'll need all the energy you can get."

I felt nervousness beginning to slowly emanate from her, so I put the fork I was holding down and placed my hands on her cheeks, bringing her forehead to rest on mine.

"Everything will be fine, beautiful. And no matter what, when it's all over, you'll be mine and I'll be yours. Forever."