“Thank you for standing up for me,” said Amelia as she looked at Jax with a look of guilt. “I really feel bad that so much fuss is being made over this. I’m sure that he’d have left me alone at some point. That or killed me.” She stood fiddling with her hands, nerves getting the better of her. Jax’s heart stopped when he thought of the second statement that Amelia had made. ‘If he killed me’. It would have been his worst nightmare come true. He couldn’t afford to lose her now. Not after he’d just found her. Not after she’d already stolen his heart. The members of the compound dispersed and went back to their business. All of the excitement was over. Amelia still stood glued to one spot. She didn’t know if she could move. It was as if she’d become a statue standing near the exit of the compound. She was prepared to stand there all night until the Hunters returned with news of the rogue's capture or death. “Why don’t you go home and get some rest?” asked Jax with a look of concern o

“Your mating ceremony, silly” laughed Amelia and thought it strange that Jax wouldn’t be thinking about it. It was after all such a huge part of being a wolf. Finding you forever mate is fate. “There is no mating ceremony happening,” answered Jax with a lift of his eyebrow, “who’s supposed to be mated?” “You and Stephanie,” said Amelia as she fiddled again with her jagged fingernail. How she wished that it was all a big mistake. She had such deep feelings for him but didn’t want to come between him and Stephanie. Jax nearly fell over he laughed so hard. “Are you kidding me? You can’t be serious!” doubled over with pain in his stomach from laughing so hard that Jax could barely contain himself. “What’s so funny?” Asked Amelia a look of confusion on her face. “She hinted at the festival on my first evening here that you two were an item. I was just wondering when you were going to make it official.” “There is no ‘me and Stephanie’,” replied Jax with a serious look on his face. Was t

Jax walked Amelia back to her cabin. It was getting late and she hadn’t eaten much all day, he’d heard her stomach grumble more than once. “I’m sure your mother has a feast waiting for you,” said Jax, not wanting to let go of her hand. Being so close to her felt like life had only just begun. They’d just come out to the rest of the pack and he wanted to stay as near to her as possible, but he had work to do and couldn’t afford to act like a love-sick pup. Jax had just left Amelia at her cabin door, with a kiss on the cheek, when she heard a rustling to her left… somewhere in a bush nearby. She went to go and investigate and there was none other than Stephanie. Just waiting for her. Seething. “So you went ahead and stole my man!” said Stephanie through gritted teeth, “you must have known that he was already spoken for. You can ask anyone and they’d tell you that he is mine.” “That’s not what Jax said to me,” answered Amelia, for once not letting Stephanie get under her skin.

Jax and Amelia walked hand in hand to the library. He had a huge smile on his face and she wondered why. “What are you up to?” questioned Amelia convinced that he was up to something. “I might have begun the arrangements for our mating ceremony…” said Jax as he waited to see her response. “You have?” asked Amelia, almost hopping up and down she was so excited, “is there a lot to plan? Can I help with anything?” She could barely contain herself. “I’ll do all of the logistical things, you just make sure that you show up looking your beautiful self.” Replied Jax who looked at Amelia with a teasing look in his eyes. Amelia loved seeing that side of Jax. Yes, there were times when he needed to be stern at the compound, especially with some of the Omegas, but the loving side was her favorite side of him. He was always so witty and had a return for every sarcastic remark. “You look lovely today.” he said as they walked, “I love it when you wear yellow. It really shows off the beautiful

The weight on Jax’s heart lifted as soon as Blake mentioned the idea. It was perfect. Amelia would be safe and surrounded by pack members who would defend her till her death. Blake and Jax called for Amelia to join them in Blake's office. Amelia thought it rather strange but did as was asked of her. She’d never been summoned by them both before. “Please take a seat,” said Blake as he motioned to the chair opposite him. Jax stood leaning on the windowsill, as calm as could be. “May I ask what this is all about?” asked Amelia confused as to why she was summoned. “I heard that you had another two ‘visitors’ today,” began Blake as he rested his elbows on his desk and steepled his hands before his face. “This is unacceptable. We can not afford for you to work at a place that puts you in harm's way.” “I understand that, but it is my only way of income,” stated Amelia, afraid that she’d have to give up her job and her independence along with it. “We have a different job in mind for you