Alpha Vs. Beta

Simply meant to be

The day of the ceremony has arrived. As the day breaks the Alden clan's people are already preparing for the event later that evening. The baked goods were made the night before and the bar had been completely stocked. The dress for Maxine was hanging on her door from the night before. She spent some time with Jaxson the day before just as the night they went for a dip in the pool. They became surprisingly close. His kindness was a comfort for her. Her bright red hair and fiery spirit brought him out of his shell. It seemed as though everything would bode well for the event to come.

Maxine wakes up to the sounds of people scurrying about the big house. She stayed in one of the guest rooms as did Jaxson and his kin. They were to be mated tonight. She sat up in bed and hugged her knees tightly. Even though she admired Jax, she still didn't know him. She'd always hoped to be in love with someone when her time came, but that's not how the Alden pack worked. A knock on the bedroom door startles her as her mother peeks her head inside.

Jenna: "How are you not up yet? Maxine, you cannot be unprepared for your big day! Get up, get up, get up!"

She throws the covers off of Maxine and grabs her by the arm playfully tugging on her. Maxine pretends to fight back and makes whining sounds.

Maxine: "Mmmm MOM! Stop it. I'm tired. And it's not till later tonight anyways! What's the damn rush to get up?"

Jenna: "First of all, watch your tone. Secondly, you my dear chosen one, have to pack and be ready to leave after the ceremony."

Maxine opens her eyes wide and remembers she's not staying.

Maxine: "Shit."

Jenna: "Maxine Anna May Alden! Watch your language!"

Maxine: "I forgot I'm leaving."

Jenna: "Yes you are, so get up, help me pack your stuff, and be ready for at least... LUNCH!"

Maxine: "What time is it already?"

Jenna: "It's past breakfast you lazy butt. GET UP! You get started on the personal stuff to take with you, and after lunch, we can pack the other stuff. Go on now. GIT!"

Maxine can't help but giggle at how thick her mother's accent is when she's frustrated. She's from a southern pack of wolves and it never left her attitude either.

In the other guest room, Jax is already showered, dressed, hair combed, clean-shaven, and ready for the day. He enjoyed his morning on the balcony drinking coffee with steak and eggs for breakfast. For once in his life, he wasn't as nervous as he thought he would be. Some kind of peace washed over him. He smiled in the mirror as he combs one last stray hair that defied him.

Maria: "Knock, knock?" she says with a high voice as she enters without permission.

Jax: stepping out from the bathroom adjusting the tie on his dress shirt. "Mother, what if I had been completely naked? You SAY 'knock knock' but you never ACTUALLY knock. You can't do that after I'm mated. It's just weird."

Maria: "I pushed you out! Do you think I don't know what my son looks like stark naked? It's nothing I haven't seen before son of mine."

She walks over to him while he fidgets with the tie. She loosens it and takes it off his neck.

Maria: "You don't need to be so formal. Let's lose the tie, shall we? It's hot as hell out there today and you don't want to look stuck up."

She tosses the tie onto the bed and undoes the first two buttons while adjusting the collar.

Maria: "There ya go! Now my mojo is handsome and slick." She smiles the way proud moms do when they're impressed by their handiwork.

Jax: rolling his eyes, "Okay Mother, whatever you say."