The Heartless Alpha

VIOLETS POV

I came home to the utter worst smell I’d ever smelled in my life. Jasper was lounging on the sofa, a glass if whiskey in his hand. Lazily, he lifted another to me.

“I shouldn’t. The kids will need to nurse soon.”

“Right.” He poured the alcohol into his almost empty glass, taking a sip. I sat next to him, kicking off my shoes.

“What is that smell? And why is it stronger here?” I patted the sofa.

“Stacy was here.” He replied casually.

My mouth fell slack, and anger immediately overtook me.

“Excuse me?!”

“Yup.” His mouth made a pop on the p. “She wanted me to escort her to B***d Moon so she could try and find her mate there. I told her she could come with us on Monday.”

“Jasper, what the fu-“

He held up his hand. “As soon as I mentioned you were coming, she changed her tune. Then she asked me to walk her to the door. And that’s when I realized she’s the one who’s been leaving you those notes.”

I was staring at him, trying to process too many things at once. It didn’t surprise me at all to find out Stacy had left those awful messages on our door. She seemed like the type of hateful person to do just that.

“Why are you so calm about this?” I demanded.

“One, because I let her know without saying that I knew it was her. And I told her to spread the word that I would be very angry if I caught who was doing it.” He smirked. “And two, because I really doubt she’ll pull something like that again. She’s been caught, and she knows it. More importantly, she knows that I know it.”

“f*****g bitch.” I muttered. “I knew I hated her.”

“I called Gideon to come up here. There has to be some spell that can make this smell go away.” He wrinkled his nose, effectively breaking the tension. I laughed, holding onto his arm.

“You’re so cute!” I gasped. “It does smell pretty terrible though.”

“Seriously. Camellia had a poop, and I’m not ashamed to say I left the diaper open on the bed for a while. It was a bad idea; Instead of covering the stench, it just mixed in with it.”

I laughed harder. “You didn’t!”

“I did.” He took another drink.

A sudden thought had me sobering up. “Wait… Was Stacy here will Cam?”

He nodded. “I’m sorry about that. But she didn’t touch her; Ehno wouldn’t have allowed that anyway.” He chuckled. “She thought Cam was a boy.”

I snorted. “What?! She was wearing a dress!”

“Which I very nearly pointed out.”

This time we both laughed. I leaned in to peck his cheek. “Thanks for telling me. Please don’t let her in here again though- it makes me uncomfortable.”

“I promise.”

I stood. “I think I can help with the smell though.”

“Please.”

I giggled, closing my eyes, and reaching for that feeling inside me. When Hala and I were merged with my magic, I raised my hand, waving it around me. Grandpa and I were learning just how different my magic was compared to his. Where he needed incantations, I simply had to focus on what I wanted, willing it to become reality. So I focused on one of my favorite scents, Lavender, and in no time at all our bedroom smelled like an open meadow, filled with flowers.

“Thank you.” Jasper sighed.

I sank back down. Only to get right back up as the baby monitor went off.

“I’ll be back.”

“I’ll come with.”

We left the room together, walking the three steps to the kids room. The door was open when I walked in. Tracy was holding Drew, but Carson and Cam were crying on the floor. I took our son while Jasper picked up our daughter. Tracy looked exhausted.

“You okay?” I asked with a smile.

“You know, I love this kid.” She replied. “But he hasn’t let me put him down at all! My arms are numb.”

“That might be the first time I’ve ever heard you complain about something Tracy.” Jasper said.

“Ouch! Drew, please stop doing that!” She took his hand away from her shirt, groaning when he grabbed it immediately again.

“How long has he been doing that?” I asked.

“Since we got in here. He’s pinched me good a few times.”

I handed Carson over, taking Drew from her. Instantly, he screamed, reaching for Tracy again. I kissed his cheek, singing softly, but he just shrieked over me. I looked at Jasper, bewildered.

“Sweet boy, it’s okay! Aunt Tracy is right here, see?” I cooed.

He cried, and cried, until finally we gave up. I handed him back while she gave me his brother, and he settled into her arms, pulling at her shirt again. I shook my head, accepting the fact that my baby might actually prefer Tracy over me. Oh, well. At least he had good taste.

Settling into the rocking chair, Jasper handed me Cam so I could nurse. Tracy already had a bottle ready for Drew, and before long, all three were sound asleep. We put them in their crib, grinning when they cuddled into each other. Backing away, we quietly left the room.

“There are some forms that need to be organized in your Office. I’ll get on that now.” Tracy said.

“Oh, Tracy, take a break.” I said.

“Are you crazy? This is my break!” She laughed. “You hired me, so let me work. I’m helping myself to whatever is in the mini-fridge in your office though.”

“By all means.”

She went on her way, whistling softly. I turned when the elevator opened, Grandpa walking out.

“I heard you had an unwanted smell.” He greeted us.

“I already took care of it.”

“Oh.” He smiled at me. “Good. I’m glad to see you becoming more comfortable using your magic.”

“It does feel that way.” I returned his smile. “Sorry you came up here for nothing.”

“Not for nothing. I also came to tell you that I’m going home for a day or so. Rose will be missing me, no doubt, and I want to ask her about moving here.”

“I hope she’s alright with it. I miss her.”

“Me too. I’ll be back in a few days.”

He shook Jaspers hand and gave me a warm hug. Then, with a snap of his fingers, he was gone. I nudged my mate.

“So, how should we spend this lovely afternoon?”

“Hmm…” He wrapped his arms around me, leaning in to k**s my neck. “I can think of a few things I’d like to do.”

I giggled, turning my face so I could k**s him. Heat and electricity shot through my veins.

Clumsily, we made it to our room, shutting the door and locking it. W e reached for each other at the same time, clothes coming off and tossed to the floor. By the time we made it to the bed, we were both naked, eagerly devouring the other. We hadn’t made love since I gave birth, and everything felt super sensitive to me. Especially my breasts. Jasper was gentle though, taking his time with me and making me feel loved and beautiful. He kissed each new line on my body, telling me how much he adored the marks that were proof of the lives we’d brought into the world. His words made my heart melt, made me even more sure of how much I loved him.

When we finished, we lay together on the pillows, my head on his chest. The rhythmic sound of his heart lulled me into a peaceful daze, adding to my ecstasy.

“I love you.” I sighed.

“I love you too. So much.” His fingers combed softly through my hair.

All was quiet until he sat up, throwing the covers off. I watched, confused, as he hurried into the closet. A minute later, he tossed a red, floral printed dress at me.

“Get dressed. I want to take you somewhere.” He ducked out of sight again.

“Now? What about the kids?”

“I mind-linked Tracy. She’s got them.” He called out to me.

“Okay….”

I slid out of bed, searching the floor for my bra. I quickly put it on, then threw the dress on over top.

“I’m not going anywhere without panties.” I said. A second later, A pair hit my head. I scooped them up. “Wow, you really want to go out.”

“Yes, yes I do.” Jasper emerged from the closet wearing a black button down shirt, with faded blue jeans and sneakers. His hair was still messy, but he looked… Hot. Sexy.

“I feel undersdressed.” I giggled.

“You look gorgeous.” His voice held such a note of sincerity that the b***d rushed to my cheeks without warning. Taking my hand, he led me out of the room and into the elevator. I glanced at him every few seconds, wondering what could have brought on this sudden urge to go out.

Things got even more suspicious when he led me to the garage next to the house. We’d been here exactly once, to check out Warricks cars and decide which ones would be sold and for how much. All that was left was Ashwells Jeep, Jaspers car, Kings SUV, and the trucks the B***d Moon warriors had come in. Jasper led me to his car, opening the door for me. I gave him a look as I got in, my eyes following him as he walked around the hood and got in the drivers seat. He had a strange little smile on his face.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I inquired.

“Nope. You’ll have to wait and see.” He grinned, pulling out of the garage.

He was whistling while he drove, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. Soon, we were coming up to the border. And then we were driving past it.

“You know,” I said, “I’m a little hurt. We have great s*x, and then you shoo me out of bed to go on a random adventure.” I smirked at him.

“It’ll be worth it love. Trust me.”

I leaned back in my seat, looking out the window. We were headed to B***d Moon, I knew that. But I couldn’t think of any reason he would spring a trip out of the blue to our old pack. I tapped my foot in time with his fingers while I watched the trees go by in a blue of yellows, oranges and reds. A smile touched my lips as I thought of taking the kids out soon and playing in the leaves, just like Garrett and I had done when we were little. I remembered Dad throwing us into ginormous piles that he and Uncle Ben and Uncle Luke had raked up.

Thinking about Garrett made me wonder if that’s where we were going. Grandpa hadn’t been sure, but we were all intensely relieved that Jennines magic had worn off with her death. Mom and Dad took him home, where he was trying to work things out with Sophia. He hadn’t been in great shape when he’d left Silver Moon, but I’d promised to be in touch. He was my twin, after all, and no matter what I would be there for him.

Jasper took a sharp right turn, just before the border of the pack. I didn’t ask, because I knew he wouldn’t tell me where we were going until we got there. The area looked familiar though.

“We’re almost there.” He said.

“I believe you.”

Twenty minutes later, he took a slow turn left, the road nearly disappearing. I looked around as he parked, cutting the engine. I reached for the handle but he stopped me, getting out and coming around to open the door for me.

“Such a gentleman today.” I teased him.

“Just today?”

“Well, more than usual today.”

“I’m honestly shocked you haven’t figured out where we are yet.”

I took in the trees, the bushes, the sky. I did feel a sense of being here before. I shrugged, gesturing for him to lead the way. Holding hands, we strolled through the woods together. Ten minutes later, I felt like a complete i***t.

Standing alone, looking just as I remembered it, was the cabin. Memories of our time here flashed through my mind, back when I wasn’t completely sure if he was the right man for me, mate or not. It felt so weird, to be standing here now, in such completely different positions and statuses than we were only months ago. We’d been two teenagers, trying to figure out how being mates would work. Now we were Alpha and Luna, Mother and a Father. Uniquely marked by the Moon Goddess herself, and prepared to fight for the very world we lived in and for those whom we loved.

“Violet.”

I turned, expecting to see Jasper standing behind me. I got another surreal shock when I saw him on one knee instead. In his hand was a box, housing the most beautiful piece of jewellery I’d ever seen. My hand went to my mouth and tears brimmed my lashes.

“Jasper.” I gasped.

“Vie,” He smiled up at me, “I love you. I’ve loved you since I was a kid. From the very first moment I saw you, standing up to that bully who was teasing me about my awful artwork.”

A laugh bubbled up in my chest.

“You are the most beautiful, decent, strong, caring, amazing person I have ever known. In the short months we’ve been mates, we’ve been through a rollercoaster of ups and downs. But you were there with me, and for me, the entire time. I want to be your rock, your support, like you’ve been for me, forever. I want to love you, forever. Longer, if the Goddess will allow it. I don’t know where the future is going to take us. I don’t know how bad the war is going to be. But I do know that I want to be the one by your side through it all. I love you. Will you marry me?”

For a few seconds, I couldn’t form a single word. I was screaming the answer inside, but when I finally found my voice, it was filled with tears of joy, coming out no more than a shaky whisper.

“Yes.”

Jasper jumped to his feet, pulling me in for a long, passionate k**s. He slid the ring on my finger, a single tear sliding down his cheek. I wiped it away with my fingertips. Acting on impulse, I closed my eyes, raised my hand. For the second time in that clearing, fresh grass and wildflowers grew beneath our feet.

“Beautiful.” My mate whispered. I opened my eyes, finding him gazing at me with absolute love.

Unleashing the joy inside myself, I wrapped my arms around his neck, bringing his lips down to mine, and we sank to the ground together. As we made love on the forest floor, I silently vowed that whatever happened, when ever it happened, we would be together, looking after one another. And if by chance, we were apart, I would always, always find my way back to him. My love. My heart. My mate.

THE END