Once Rejected, Twice Desired (Book 1 of Blue Moon Series)
Once Rejected, Twice Desired Chapter 47

Alexi POV

I couldn't have just heard what I thought I heard. Or maybe I just misunderstood, that had to be it. "Xander, I don't understand what you're saying here."

"Don't bullshit me, Alexi, you understand perfectly fine. You love her, and she loves you. But she's mine, and I'm never giving her up to anyone. Putting my selfish, possessive urges aside can allow her to be at her happiest, and there is nothing I wouldn't do to achieve that." "So, we'd just share her? She's not a toy, Xander."

Xander's eyes flashed black for a moment before he blew out a breath from his nose. "No, she's not. She is a queen, my queen, and I want to give her everything her heart desires. If you are one of those desires, then I won't stand in her way." He was serious about this. And I could not believe it.

Would I finally have a chance to be with Alaia? She had been all I had wanted for years.

When she hit puberty, and all of those fantastic curves began to form, I would sit and daydream about licking every inch of them. I wanted to rub my hands all over her perfect caramel brown skin and feel those thick thighs wrapped around me. All the girls I was with were just sad stand-ins for the one I really wanted. I could never even c*m unless I imagined it was Alaia under me.

But I needed to slow down. There had to be a catch here somewhere. I cleared the lust from my mind and regained a bit of my composure. "So, how would this work? I just live down in the cells and occasionally come out to perform my job as her personal s*x slave?" That came out harsher than I expected, and it clearly pissed Xander off.

He stood up and was ready to walk out.

"f**k it. If this is how you're going to react, then I'll just replace some other way to make sure she never wants for anything. We spar in fifteen, get ready."

"Wait! Xander, please wait. I'm sorry. It's just you're handing me all I've ever wanted, and I don't know how to take it. I'm just waiting for the catch. There has to be a catch here, right?"

He sat back in the chair and scrubbed his hands over his face. "I don't know how it would work. I don't even know if Alaia would agree to it. But I do know that you wouldn't be a s*x slave, Alexi. You'd have a room on our floor, you'd be made a member of the pack, and you could even have a position in one of my companies if you wanted. You can restart your life here. The only condition to all of this is that your wolf would have to be gone beforehand. As much as I trust you, I don't trust him, and I need all threats to her neutralized."

I never even thought that this could be a possibility for me. I had no idea what I would do or where I would go after we killed Max. Maybe I'd be a rogue forever, but the idea of being able to have my angel wasn't even a thought in my mind. What I did know was that I would be an i***t to turn this down.

"If she's okay with it, I'll do it. I'll do anything to make her smile."

"Okay, good. Now I've just got to replace a way to explain this all to her in a way that won't make her feel dirty or unfaithful," he replied.

"A lot of people take part in polyamorous relationships. It's nothing for her to feel ashamed of. You can't help who you love."

He stood up again and reached out to shake my hand.

I got to my feet and gave him a firm shake.

"I wanted to think you were a spoiled brat, Alexi, I really did, but I see that this is not the case. Thank you."

"No, thank you. You're putting her needs above your own and giving me a second chance at a happy life. I owe you big time."

***

Fifteen minutes later, we were in the sparring gym with Matt and Kade warming up. We decided to pair off; me and Kade as one pair, with Alexi and Matt as the other.

Alexi and Matt were up first, and I could see that the kid was a damn good fighter. Being in the circle with him at the challenge was one thing, but watching from the sidelines let me see everything clearer.

"Xander, what's up, man? You seem off in your own world today," Kade leaned over and asked.

"I'll explain to you later after I talk with Alaia. I've just made a big decision that seriously involves her, and I'm not sure how she'll take it."

"Was it a decision made for selfish reasons?"

"Ha! Absolutely not. The exact opposite, actually."

"Then she'll understand. Bean is a good one; just explain whatever it is to her and trust her to make the right decision."

"Thanks, I'll do that."

Just then, I saw Matt take a step forward and land a punch right to Alexi's nose before wrapping an arm around his head and falling backward, flipping Alexi over onto his back. "f*****g s**t! I did not see that coming," he said while laying out on the floor.

Matt stood up and helped him to his feet.

"Don't worry about it; I'm quicker than people think. Don't let the Gamma title fool you. We all train to fight like alphas," Matt replied.

"I'm really off my game here. You kicked my a*s, man."

"You're just out of practice. It will all come back to you. How is your nose?"

"I'm pretty sure you broke it. I should be back to normal in a day or so; it's no big deal."

Matt, Kade, and I all tensed up, making Alexi take notice.

"What's wrong, guys?" he asked, looking around at us.

"Bean is going to kick my a*s, isn't she?" Matt asked, looking over at me.

"Bean? Who is bean? What am I missing here?"

I took a breath and let out a small laugh. "Bean is Alaia, Alexi and-"

"Hahaha, because she's so tiny?"

All of us had to laugh at that. It was clear that this name, which drove her crazy, was too perfect ever to go away. She would be bean forever.

"Yes, because she's tiny. Anyway, she damn near killed the three of us yesterday when our sparring got a little rougher than expected," I finished.

"Bean doesn't like 'her guys' bloodied up, and I'm pretty sure you classify as one of her guys," Matt said, looking a bit paler than usual.

"It was an accident; it will be okay. We're wolves; we'll heal."

"Let's just hope that's how she sees it. But luckily, it was Matt this time, and he's her favorite, so I doubt she'll kill him," Kade teased.

"We'll just end this here for now. Alexi, you should go see the doctor and get cleaned up. That will appease Alaia a bit. At least if she knows you're not bleeding out on the floor, she should be alright." "Okay, I can do that."

"Good, then come to my office when you're done. I want to continue our talk from earlier." I left the gym and walked back to my room. I needed to figure out how to tell my mate that I just recruited another lover for her. Goddess, give me strength.

***

Alaia POV

I sat in the sitting area of the room, reading a book when Xander came in. He looked a bit worried, and I wondered if it had to do with our earlier conversation. "Hey, little one. I'm going to grab a quick shower; then we can head to my office. That work for you?" "Sure, I'll be here waiting." I heard the shower start up, but I couldn't focus back on my reading. Something was really up, and I was more than a little curious. I tried, but after reading the same paragraph six times, I looked up to see Xander walk out of the bathroom and into his closet to get dressed. I stood up, put my book away, and waited for him to finish.

He came out a few minutes later wearing loose-fitting jeans and a black button-up. Everything he did was so deliciously sexy; maybe we had time to-

Wait! No. Focus, Alaia.

I needed to figure out what's going on with him, not jump his bones.

He must have noticed something was up with me because that sexy smirk of his played across his face. "See something you like, little one?"

"You know I do, but there's no time for that. Let's go." I pulled him from the room and down the hall.

When we got to his office, he went and sat at his desk and motioned me over.

"Okay, I know we're here to figure out what I can do to help you with work, but before we get into that, spill." He looked a bit confused by what I had said, so I continued. "You were pretty weird after we spoke earlier. Are you sure you're not upset with me?" He took my hand and pulled me into his lap. "I'm not upset with you, baby. I could never be upset with you for being honest with me."

"Then what is it? Do you want Alexi to leave?"

I hoped that this wasn't what Xander wanted, but his happiness was just as important as mine. If he wanted Alexi gone, I would have to accept it. I held my breath as I waited for his answer.

"Alaia, look at me."

I did as he asked and stared into his beautiful face.

"You love him; I know you do. I can feel your emotions, remember? When you talk about him, it's different than how you talk about Kade or Matt, or even Aaron."

I felt my eyes go wide. Xander knew my feelings when I didn't even understand then. And now those feeling would cause me to lose the best thing I had ever had. The tears began to fall, and I couldn't stop them. "I'm so sorry, Xander. I love you, so, so much. You have to believe me, please! I didn't mean for any of this to happen; I just wanted to help him."

"Shh, it's alright, Alaia. I know that you love me. And you know that I love you. That's why I made a decision."

Just then, I heard a knock on the door.

Xander cupped my face in his hands and yelled out, "Come in."

My eyes were closed as I leaned into his touch. I had a bad feeling that this would be one of the last times I'd ever get to feel him like this, and it broke my heart.

"Thanks for coming, have a seat," I heard him say.

It was time to be a big girl and face the consequences. I opened my eyes and looked over to see Alexi sitting before me.

He really was going to get rid of him, or maybe the both of us. Wait, why was his nose bruised? Focus, damn it!

"Alaia, calm down, baby. This stress isn't good for you right now. Just trust me, okay?"

I wiped my face and nodded my head. Whatever this was, I'd deal with it as I did with everything else.

"Good, now just listen for a minute. I'll explain everything."

My voice came out so small and weak when I said, "Okay."

Xander's eyes softened before he spoke. "Alaia, you are my entire world, and I can't even imagine what life would be like if I no longer had you. You make everything better without even trying. You are my everything. You always think of others before yourself, but for once, I want you to think about what will make you happy. Can you do that?"

"Y-Yes, I can try," I said.

"That's all I ask. So, you're probably wondering why I asked Alexi to come. I spoke to him a little earlier and came up with an idea. You don't have to do anything or decide anything right now, but I want you to consider it, at least."

Now I was getting nervous. What were they up to? "Okay?"

"All I want is for you to be happy, always. The way you're feeling right now about your feelings for Alexi is the opposite of what I want. You can't help who you love, especially when the Mood Goddess herself deems it. So, if you could have us both, love us both, without consequences, would you?"

What. The. f**k! My jaw dropped, and I'm pretty sure I forgot how to breathe. Could I have them both? What alternate 's****l fantasy' reality had I stepped into? This had to be a test. He was testing my loyalty, and Alexi was in on it. "What are you talking about, Xander. I don't need to have you both. You're all I'll ever need. I just want Alexi to replace the happiness that I have, that's all."

Alexi spoke for the first time since entering the room. "Angel, nothing, and no one could ever make me happier than you. You're all I've ever wanted; I was just too stupid to realize it before it was too late."

I expected to hear Xander growl behind me or lunge at Alexi, but he was silent.

I stood up and stepped away from them. My mind was a mess, and sitting between the two of them was not helping. "What are you two playing at here? What is this? I don't need this s**t; I'm perfectly happy! Why are you doing this to me?" I started to breakdown. This was all too much to handle, and I didn't know why they were springing this on me now.

Alexi looked over to Xander, seemingly asking for permission. Xander gave a firm nod before both of them stood and walked over to me. "Angel? We aren't doing anything to you. We're just asking what you want. Not what you need, but what you want. If you don't want this, then just say so, and we'll never have to talk about it again. Just think about it." Alexi reached over and touched my face.

Sparks and warmth sprang forth, making me gasp. He wasn't my mate anymore; I should not feel like this with him. This conversation was all so confusing, my mind reeled.

Xander took my hand and led me over to the couch. He sat down on my left, and Alexi sat at my right. "Are you alright, little one?"

Was I alright? I didn't even know how to answer that question anymore. I looked at the guys seated beside me, and at the worst possible time, my hormones decided to make an appearance. I imagined the things they could do to my body. The feeling of having two strong pairs of hands roaming my curves, two mouths licking and sucking my breasts, two long, thick d***s filling me to the brim, and I instantly became slick with need.

I jumped up from the couch and backed away.

"Listen, guys; I can't do this now. It's true that I love you, Alexi, but I don't know what that love means right now. And my hormones are going crazy thanks to this pregnancy, and I don't want to make a decision that's fueled by chemically induced l**t. Just give me a little bit of time. Maybe a day or so. Would that be alright?"

"Take all the time you need, baby. We want you to be sure about this. We understand that it's a big deal," Xander told me.

A big deal was the understatement of the century.

"Okay, I've got to go now. There is way too much going on here," I said while waving my hand in their direction, "and I don't know how much more I can take. Bye!"

I ran from the room and shut the door behind me. I was two seconds from stripping them both down and having them f**k me over and over right there on the desk.

I need a cold shower. Immediately.

***

Xander POV

"Well, that went better than I expected, actually," I said after Alaia rushed out of the room. I could smell her arousal as soon as her juices started to flow. I would know that smell anywhere, and oddly, instead of being upset like I usually would have, I was turned on. The idea excited her, and I loved that. There was no more submissive situation than being taken by two men at once, and I wanted to see that happen. I wanted to be one of those men.

"I guess we will just have to wait and see what she says. I hope it wasn't too much for her," Alexi replied.

"She was alright, better than alright if my nose was correct. We'll just give her the time she needs. Until then, I wanted to talk to you about something else."

"What's that?"

"I wanted to see if you would like to move from the cell in the basement to one of the spare rooms here. I think it would make Alaia more comfortable if she could see that you were becoming part of the pack and not one of our captives." "I'd love that, thank you. But I thought you wanted to wait for Max to be gone before you'd let me out."

"Max has to be gone before things get physical between you and Alaia if she chooses to go that route. But I trust you and know that you won't do anything to harm her or anyone else in my pack. You don't need to be locked up anymore." Alexi looked me over before he laughed. "You're really not an a*****e; you know that?"

I couldn't help it; I had to laugh along with him. "I never thought I was, but I'm happy to see that others agree with me. Come on; I'll show you to your room."

***

We walked down the hall and stopped at a room across from the one I shared with Alaia. It was one of the larger rooms with a beautiful view of the gardens in the backyard. It was also one that was decorated by me, so it was much more masculine than some of the others. It had thick gray carpet and a large, king-size bed. The comforter was navy blue and white, as was the rest of the decor. The room was simple enough that he could make it his own but nice enough that he would feel welcome.

"I hope this is alright. We can have whatever you need to be changed if you want."

"It's great, thank you. Not to diss your cells or anything, but I haven't slept anywhere this nice for a while. Not since..."

"Since you left Opal Moon."

"Yeah, since then. So, this is perfect, really."

"Alexi, do you want to go home? Just for a visit? I know you miss them, and I'm sure they miss you as well. Especially your father."

"Angel has helped me talk to Aaron a few times, and they're not ready for me to come back yet. They're having a hard time accepting what happened, even if it was my wolf that was in control."

I could tell that he was hurting; his situation was definitely not ideal.

He was essential to Alaia, so I would make sure he would be able to feel accepted here.

"I'll leave you to settle in. If you'd like, we can have your stuff sent over from Opal Moon, or you can get new stuff. It's up to you, just let me know. Dinner is at 6:00 PM, and combat training is 5:00 AM. One is optional, the other, not so much. I'm sure you'll figure out which is which."

I shot him a wave as I walked out of the room and shut the door. Things had changed drastically in the last twenty-four hours, and I knew that even more change was on the horizon.

I just needed to be sure I was ready for it.