Myself- A Broken Creation

Chapter 1: Dad stood in the doorway, glaring down at me, a half-empty bottle of beer in his large hand. Mom had just gotten a new stash of medicine that made her feel better; she would be on vacations, in her room, for a while. She would never save me anyway- they both blamed me for Amy's death. I looked up at my father, scared.

He took large, staggering steps towards me, and I crawled backwards, nervously. I knew that I couldn't hurt him, as large as he was. He growled at me and I flinched in response. I was still sore from yesterday's beating. He came towards me and pushed me off the bed, making me fall face-first onto the floor. He sat on the bed and tipped back the bottle, finishing it. Once he was done, it conveniently slipped out of his hand, breaking over my bare back.

Splinters of glass went into my back, and I cried out in pain as the rest of the glass scattered onto the floor. The glass was encircling me, breaking into sharp, tiny daggers. I started to get up, but he just slammed his foot onto my back, making me slump onto the floor. The splinters of glass dug into my hand and the soft skin of my belly. I screamed in horror and pain, muffling the noise by burying my mouth into my arm.

"Stay down," was all he said, in a slurred voice.

"I went to the cemetery, which is about a 4 hour trip, to go and put flowers on my little girls' grave, right? I even got pink lillies, which were her favorite flowers. She would be 10 right now, if it weren't for you." His father sobbed.

Xander wanted to heartlessly point out that it was his friends that had pushed his little girl down the stairs and made her neck break, but said nothing. He knew that it would only get him a horrendously painful beating. Besides, he was actually interested to see where this would go. His father never told him stories before his beatings; this was new. Xander was curious. He listened to his father go on a relatively short tirade about how it was Xander's fault that Amy had died. Xander had heard this so often, he didn't even respond to it anymore; there was no point. He couldn't change what his father thought. Besides, by this point, since Xander had heard this so often, he was starting to believe it was his fault.

Xander listened to the interesting story that his father was telling. Apparently, some grave diggers, who were also some very angry, motivated people, had dug up random graves and set fire to them, to show how much criminal activity the cemetery got. The people wanted to build a hotel on it. These people had made their point, although in a cruel and unfair way. Amy's grave was one of the graves they set on fire. Xander's face was red, he was so angry. How dare these people desecrate his sister's grave?

"Since they demolished your sister's pure body, I am going to demolish yours," his father furiously growled.

Before he knew what hit him, his father started kicking him in the ribs, again and again AND AGAIN. Xander cried out as his father kicked him. He knew his ribs were bruised, if not broken. His father roughly picked him up off of the floor and continually punched him, landing a hit anywhere he could. The glass cut him deeper, making Xander scream in pure pain. His father froze, and slammed tiny Xander back against his body, his hand muffling Xander's cries. Xander wiggled in his hurtful embrace, kicking his legs wildly in vain, trying to get away from his father. It didn't work.

Xander soon heard his mother’s giggly voice. She might be on drugs, but she still wouldn’t let his father abuse him this badly. Would she? “Frank,” Olivia, Xander’s mother, yelled. “What on earth is going on down there?” she laughed.

“Oh, nothing, sweetheart! Just playing around with sweet, little Xander,” Frank yelled back.

“Okay, baby. Just be careful,” she giggled.

Frank stood in the room, holding Xander to his chest tightly, for a few more minutes. They stood a few more minutes in silence. Finally, he let the squirming Xander go, pushing him back against the wall, harshly. Xander’s head hit the wall and he winced. Xander gently touched his fingers against the tender spot, at the back of his head. When they refocused in front of Xander’s face, his fingers were covered in blood. Xander leaned against the wall for support, once his legs threatened to give out on him.

His father took large steps towards him, with a leering smile on his face. Xander clutched at the wall and whimpered with fear, as his blurry eyes took his father in. A few tears lingered on Xander’s face. Just as Frank, his father, reached him, Xander started clutching at his throat, in horror. Seconds later, he gratefully fainted. Frank just sighed in disappointment, picked Xander’s bruised body up, and tossed it on the bed, watching as it repeatedly bounced up and down, and slammed the door behind him. He picked up a beer and went upstairs, when he heard Olivia calling for him.

**************************************

I woke up in a soft bed, with no pieces of glass stuck in me, nor any bruises painting my skin. I gasped as I took in reality and ran a hand through my silky, long, messy, blond hair. My jade eyes blearily took in the room. I glanced at the clock and saw that it was only 1 in the morning. If these nightmares don’t stop soon, I am going to go insane, I thought.

I got up and crept to the kitchen; even 7 years later, these habits had stuck with me – they were good ones to have. i made myself a cup of coffee with a tablespoon of French Vanilla creamer and 2 spoonful’s of sugar. I finally gave into my desire and poured some melted chocolate into my delicious concoction. I added a single drop of liquid honey and silently stirred it, with one of my few silver spoons.

It was only me here, so there wasn’t very much in the place- I ate very little. Once my coffee was ready, I took it back to the bedroom and softly put some Atreyu on. It was easily my favorite band. I tipped back the coffee and moaned at the taste. I sighed sadly when I finished my coffee; it was one of the few pleasures I allowed myself in life. Lovingly, I picked up the case of a Blessthefall album. They were all so gorgeous, especially the singer, Beau Bokan.

I couldn’t remember any of the other’s names. I still loved this band though; they are so sexy. Just looking at them made me ache with desire. I whimpered in pleasure, but that wasn’t one of the rare pleasures I allowed myself. I imagined Beau grabbing my shoulders and forcefully kissing me. He would sweep his tongue over my lip, sucking on my lip ring. I would gasp, forgetting how sensitive I was. Beau would take his chance and plunge his tongue into my mouth, exploring my hidden caverns, while I helplessly moaned in pleasure. I would tug Beau’s silky hair, and Beau would growl, sending a shiver down my spine. Then his face changed- now he had silky black hair and bright blue eyes, with some stubble. The look in his eyes made me shiver. I shook my head, trying to shake myself out of my sensual daydream. They had never been that…that intense before.

I have to stop daydreaming like this, I thought to myself. It’s getting to me. I realized I was painfully hard. I moaned in agony as my sensitized cock swept against the sleek softness of my shorts. I shuddered and clutched at the sheets. All of a sudden, my home phone rang and I gasped, the noise jarring the sweet silence.

I hurriedly fumbled over to my phone, and realized it was my boss calling. What the hell was he doing, calling me at 1:45 am? Who even does that? “Yes,” I questioned, in an unintentionally husky voice.

“W-Well you need to come in. J-Jake got in one of his m-moods and left a-again. I-I really n-need to f-fire that boy, h-he just…just” he trailed off.

”He just brings in good money,” I finished.

“W-Well yeah.”

“I’ll be there at 2:30.”

“Thanks.”

“Good-bye. See you soon.”

Thank god, I thought silently. I loved my boss, I really do, but he was really irritating sometimes. I was still rock hard and it was a half hour drive to work. What am I supposed to do? I didn’t have time to rub one out, which is what I would have one, even though the idea filled me with shame. I have had to keep doing that lately, as my dreams keep getting worse and worse. I guess I will just have to take a cold shower, I sighed.

I yelped, almost in pain under the freezing water. Sure enough, it helped calm me down. I got out and quickly got dressed in an Atreyu t-shirt and black skinny jeans, with a silver belt that was decorated with skulls. I grabbed the company’s hat off his dresser and rearranged my messy hair, so it didn’t look as bad, and put the hat on over it. That was the only sign I even worked for the company.

I got in my black truck (it was my baby) and started speeding towards my work place. I knew that Saturday’s were their most eventful nights, and my boss won't be able to cover it by himself, not for long. Jake is such a bipolar asshole, I thought. Their poor boss was in his 50’s and was still sick with whatever he had contracted in the past month. He didn’t need to be up at 2:30 in the morning. As soon as I got to work, I was making my boss go home to get some rest.

I looked all around at the scenery, especially at the palm trees that dotted the landscape. The scenery in Florida was beautiful. My stomach started to fill with dread, dissipating all traces of my earlier arousal, once I smelled that oh-so-familiar scent. Ryan had found me again, along with Olivia and Nathaniel, who were trailing behind me. Tomorrow would be my last day here and if I was still here tomorrow, that would be pushing my luck. I didn’t have time to give my boss notice, so I would just leave, with an apologetic note. This really sucked, because I had enjoyed living here the most- it was beautiful, no one bothered me, and I got to look at gorgeous guys without them freaking out (they were so used to people staring at them, they didn’t care what gender they were).

I arrived at the gas station, which I worked at, to see my boss, with a mile-long line in front of him. At the front, there was a man that caused shivers to run down my spine. He had large biceps (that I didn’t even think I could even fit my entire hand around), he was 6’1’’ (almost an entire foot taller than me), he had a trim waist, and silky, black hair. I was salivating at the mouth, but reminded myself I couldn’t have him; I couldn’t have anyone. I sighed in disappointment, locked the car doors, and walked through the gas station doors. As soon as I walked through the doors, they all cheered for me, calling my name. As the tall man turned around, I had a slight blush on my cheeks from all the praise. He had shocking blue eyes to go with his long, black hair and a slight amount of stubble. He was the sexiest thing I have ever laid eyes on.

I looked up into his bright blue eyes and gasped quietly. It was like something was calling me to go to him and never let him go. That’s weird, I thought, shaking my head. No, it wasn’t weird, it was RIDICULOUS! I never let anyone touch me! I told the old man to go home and get some must-needed rest and he finally started to shut down his aisle. He nodded gratefully at me and touched me slightly on the shoulder and I flinched. He gasped in horror, along with all the other people, in here, except for the strange, mysterious man.

They started gossiping, saying how he was going to get a disease because he touched me. There had to be a reason Xander never let anyone touch him, they said. I wanted to roll my eyes at their idiocy. Or maybe, just maybe, gentle-hearted, tiny, silent Xander was going to hurt the old man for touching him, they said. The curious man heard all of what they said and looked at me in curiosity. I did a mental face-palm.

“O-oh god, Xander. I-I’m so s-s-sorry. I know y-your m-my best worker- I-I mean y-you f-fucking came in at t-two t-thirty, when y-you were o-obviously getting m-much needed r-rest. I d-don’t want you t-to quit…” he trailed off, frightened.

“Hey, I wasn’t getting that much rest- I don’t sleep that often anyway. Besides, you didn’t mean anything by it. Go home.” I flinched and slightly pushed him to the door. “Go,” I said softly. He glanced back at me and I nodded. He laughed nervously.

“So what can I-“ I started to ask the mysterious man, but got cut off as Jake came in the gas station. “Why?” I quietly asked myself. “Just why?” The man cocked his head at me- he had obviously heard me and was confused. Jake gave me a leering little smile. I bent over to get a calculator and note pad and felt Jake and the mysterious man checking my ass out. I blushed.

“Jake, what are you here for?” I asked, tired of his antics. I heard someone else ask for cigarettes, so I got a pack down from the shelf, gestured for her to come up to the counter, and she left, once she paid me.

“Well, I heard that tonight is the night that you have finally let a human lay hands on you. I decided to try my luck,” he said, a smile curving his lips.

“You can try it elsewhere, unless you want to leave here with a broken nose,” I said casually, as I put the money into the register. Everyone else gasped, but the mysterious stranger just grinned.

“What the hell are you smiling at, asshole?” Jake snarled.

“Stop bothering the customers and get the hell out, unless, of course you want to get your lazy fucking ass over here to help me?” I asked, my voice sweet as pie, while I unashamedly glared at him.

“Fine,” he sighed, and walked over here. I reached up and barely touched the shelves with the employee’s hats, grabbing one and giving it to him quickly. I started to go to the back quickly and Jake looked at me, confused. Once he realized what I was going to do, he started tapping his fingers impatiently, while I just rolled my eyes. The mysterious man just looked at our exchange with interest.

“I know at least half of you are here for shitty alcohol. If you fall into that category, then go to Jake’s line, and once I get back, he will take care of you.”

“Hurry up,” he shouted after me. 2 minutes later, I came back with 2 cases of wine and beer, mixed. I stacked it on the counter side, after staggering to the counter for a few minutes, tripping over my own feet.

“What the hell are you trying to do? Kill yourself? You fucking know you can’t carry that much, little one! You can’t fucking die on me, not before these customers are taken care of.”

“Obviously, I can carry it, and I am sure that you can take care of yourself, Jakie,” was all I said. He just rolled his eyes and laughed. I took care of customer after customer. It was an hour later and I was practically dead on my feet- I had gotten 2 hours of restless sleep since my last shift. The man was still waiting until they were gone. Most of the customers were gone, but I had run out of cigarettes. I went to go back there and Jake called after me,” I need more beer, please,” chuckling. He had an odd smile on his face. I got the cartons of cigarettes, putting them on top of the 2 cartons of beer, and tried to walk back, but the door slammed in my face. I stumbled back on the stone floor, and then slipped forward, me and my supplies falling onto the stone floor. Some of the beer bottles broke and the glass slashed my arms in multiple places. “Fuck!” I shouted in pain.

I heard someone coming and they opened the door. I shook as I remembered the memories that had broken me down into a shell of a person. Strong arms encircled me and I violently shuddered in fear. They picked me up and carried me softly out the door. I yelped in surprise and pain. The man rubbed his warm hand against my back softly, causing shivers to run down my spine. He smirked at me and I furiously blushed, my face going a deep red. I hid my face in his hard, muscled chest. My embarrassment had spared me the pain for a little while, but now it came back, full force. I whimpered from the agony, my went tense, stiffening up like a board within the man’s arms.

“Shh…It will be okay, my little Xander. I will make the pain go away soon.”

I snuggled into his muscled chest, his steel arms squeezing me, as if to reassure himself that I was there. He rocked me back and forth in his arms, gently. I wondered why he called me his; that soon dropped from my mind- the rocking motion made me feel safe for the first time in more than a decade. I knew I shouldn’t let him touch me; I would deeply regret it in the morning. The swaying motion soothed me and I was soon asleep.

**********************************************************************************************

I woke up, stretching and rubbing my fists against my eyes. I blearily opened my eyes, just in time to hear a sexy voice say,” That is the cutest little thing I have ever seen in my life.” I involuntarily blushed and looked around. I was in the gas station still, but now it was empty except for Jake and the mysterious man, who was grinning at me. I noticed they had closed the gas station, as I glanced down at the bandages covering my entire arm. They burned a little bit- nothing I wasn’t used to.

“Why did you close the gas station? The boss will be furious! Why didn’t you wake me-“My rant got cut off as the mysterious man gently grabbed ahold of my arms and pulled me to him, covering my lips with his. My eyes widened and I pushed at him gently- not nearly as hard as I am supposed to. I can’t let myself get close to anyone.

He, of course, didn’t take my protest seriously and just took my hands placing them around his neck. Then he cupped my bottom in his hands, forcing me to place my legs around his waist. I gasped as he palmed my bottom and he took advantage, diving his tongue into my mouth, making me whimper in pleasure as my eyes fluttered shut. I whimpered as he ravaged my mouth, clutching at his shirt. I knew my face was crimson.

“You are so sexy, sweetheart,” he growled.

I shivered at his erotic words. I loved how this man growled at me. He dragged his luscious mouth off of mine and kissed down my neck, as I cried out in pleasure. He licked behind my ear and I tugged at his hair, whimpering for more, as my cock hardened, almost painfully. I arched against him as he continued his journey, falling to pieces in his strong arms. I had never felt like this before. To be honest, it slightly scared me. He returned his lips to mine, infusing me with red-hot ecstasy. It was almost overwhelming. I had completely forgotten Jake was there. I was too focused on the feeling of him licking my neck as I erotically moaned in desire. If this was all the pleasure I ever got in my miserable life, it would be enough. I just wanted it to last. I was reminded of Jake’s presence, though, when he spoke again.

“Um, guys, I a-am j-just going to leave now…”Jake trailed off.

“Jake!” I shrieked. I didn’t even know that man! How could I do something like that? I looked up at the man in question and he was smiling at my dazed look. I blushed and hid behind my long, thick, blond hair. See, it did have uses.

“Oh, don’t stop on account of me,” he said nervously, walking backwards out of the store.

“Wait, Jake. Come here,” I motioned with my hand. I had a sneaking suspicion about something. I peeked out of my hair at the guy, and he had stopped staring at me for a second to glare at Jake.

“O-okay,” Jake stuttered. He slowly came towards me. He never once took his hand off his face. I slowly took it off myself, and took in all the damage to his face. I looked at the few purple bruises, the cuts on his lip and eyebrow, and, of course, his broken nose. I gently patted the bridge of his nose and he yelped. With my expert’s eye, I could see the bruises and cuts would heal in a week or so. The nose though…it needed to be looked at by a doctor. I had had a break like this once, and it is still messed up, because I couldn’t get help. I patted him on the face and sat on the counter. “You will be okay. The bruises and cuts will heal within a week. You do need to get your nose checked out, though, Jakie. Otherwise, it will look like mine does,” I laughed sarcastically.

“How do you know all of this, Xander? I thought you were sweet and innocent,” Jake looked curious.

“I may be sweet, but in no way, shape, or form am I innocent,” I laughed dryly. "It doesn’t matter anyway. What happened to you?” I cocked my head to the side, interested.

Jake mumbled something and I held out my hands in a ‘Come Again’ position. “He punched me after the door slipped shut after you.”

I turned to the mysterious man, confused. “Why would you punch him if the door slipped shut after me?” Jake just buried his face in his hands.

“He slammed the door in your face purposely,” the mysterious man finally spoke. I wanted to laugh, so I did. They both looked at me like I had grown 2 heads.

“I’m supposed to be upset that you tried to hurt me? People have been doing worse than what you did all my life. It still wasn’t very nice of you though- I am claustrophobic.” I walked to the counter, picked up my car keys, a case of beer, and started to walk out.

“Jake, you can pay for this,” I called over my shoulder. I felt him scowl at me as the mysterious man laughed.

“Where are you going?” Jake demanded.

“Home.”

With that said, I left. I got in my car, speeding past the scenery, anxious to get home. I would barely have enough time to get out of the house as is. I blushed as I thought of what had transpired between me and the mysterious man, in full view of Jake. No one had ever kissed me like that before. My skin tingled just thinking about it. I shivered, unlocking my house door, and ran inside. I gathered all the necessities: clothes, some food, my endless supply of water bottles, my music, my notebooks, and all my posters. I put them in the back seat and sped the hell out of dodge. I still was thinking about that man. Why would he kiss me like that, I wondered.

Almost no one, throughout my entire life, had even been nice to me, let alone liked me. It just confused me. I bit my lip, looking around me nervously. It didn’t matter why he did what he did, anyway. I couldn’t let myself become close to anyone. I sped past the gas station. I hoped no one followed me- they would put themselves in terrible danger. I continued driving, having no idea where I was going. At first, I thought someone was following me, but then they turned down a different road. I still felt as though someone was following me, though. I tried to shake the feeling off, and continued to drive. I just could not get rid of this feeling that someone was watching me. I shuddered in fear. Once I got somewhere quiet, I would shift into my tiny lion form and go for a much needed run to think things out.
Chapter 2
My parents are ranting again- lecturing me to stay away from my human friend, Max, who just happens to like guys. They hated gays, they hated shape-shifters, and they hated me. They just wanted me to find a mate, so I could become the alpha and they could leave and never return. I wasn't blind. Until I found my mate, I had to bide by their constricting rules.

"Alex!" entered my conscious. I raised an eyebrow, still grateful they called me Alex, my preferred name, instead of Zacharie, or even Zacky. It makes my blood boil when people call me that.

"Yes, mother?" I sneered, tired of their hateful ways.

"You are going down to Blake's house, so you can finally find your mate."

"Fine," I growled and stomped upstairs, upset because this really proved that all my parents wanted to do was get rid of me as soon as possible. I gathered all the things I would need. I pulled all my suitcases outside into my sleek car. "Where do you think you are going?" my mother cried. I sped off without a word.

********5 HOURS LATER**********

I was going past yet another couple of dead looking apartments, with grey stained walls and dying, brown grass, when I smelled it. This delicious smell- brown sugar and cinnamon - made me feel warm. It was my mate; I could just feel it. I went to the nearest gas station, because I was running on close to empty, anyway. The gas station was packed full of people. I could just track my mate's delicious smell again, to find him, anyway, because I would never forget that smell. I would find him, just as soon as I filled my car up on gas.

The poor old man, with short, frizzy white hair, a slight beard, and ancient features carved into his face, that was running the place could barely hold his own. Then, I smelled the beautiful, delicious scent again. I heard a small jingle as someone came in the store, a few minutes later. I felt delicious tingles run down my spine as he softly walked in. He wasn't human or werewolf, but something in between, I could tell, from his scent. I was curious. What could he possibly be?

I turned around, instantly getting agonizingly hard, just from the sight of the pint-sized man. He had long, wheat-colored, silky hair that fell over his right eye perfectly; he was much shorter than me. I was 6 ½ feet tall and he was like 5 feet tall, at the maximum. I had caught him looking at me and now he was blushing a bright pink, his eyes suddenly very interested in the black-and-white tiled floor. He had on a crimson hat, which covered his small ears and frail, elfish features. He was incredibly gorgeous, with his dark Atreyu shirt clinging to his small figure, his tight jeans molding to his legs and bottom.

Everyone started cheering when he came in and I didn't really know why. It slightly irritated me, for some reason. Someone next to me whispered," He works here. He's really quick at serving the customers." I sighed; my mate shouldn't be working in a gas station, of all places! He shouldn't be working at all!

"What is his name?" I uttered to the person. "Xander," he murmured back, before turning back to his friends he had come here with. He must be a local, I think.

Xander. I liked the way his name tasted on my tongue. I let it roll past my lips, softly. No one around me heard me, but Xander must have. His head looked up from where he was and looked around, as if trying to locate whoever had said his name. He went back to telling the old man, who I assume was his stereotypical kindly boss, that he needed to go home and get some well-deserved sleep. His boss reluctantly consented and apologized for calling Xander in so early. That just made me angry; no one needed to be called in to work at 2:30 in the morning, especially Xander!

Finally, Xander convinced his boss to leave and the old man nodded at him, grateful. All of a sudden, the boss kindly touched him on the shoulder, barely brushing him, and Xander flinched and I could see the real pain and fear in his eyes. Someone had hurt him badly, I could tell. Everyone else gasped in horror, like no one had ever seen someone touch Xander like that before. They started saying terrible things about what would happen since he touched Xander, my Xander. I looked at Xander curiously; had no one really ever touched him, in this town? What had those people, those that had damaged him, done to him, to hurt him this badly? Others might think it was because of a disease, but I knew better. My friend, Max, had the same look in his eyes after he was attacked and came out to his parents; they kicked him out of the house. Max had had the same look in his eyes, but it wasn't this potent, this intense.

The old man started to stutter, apologizing for touching Xander, who was standing there, shaking like a leaf, a faraway look in his eyes, like he was spaced out. I don't even think he realized what was happening. Xander gently reassured the old man that it was fine, after a few moments, even though I could tell it wasn't. It had definitely affected Xander, and not in a good way. Maybe it brought back bad memories? I was so furious that someone had hurt him. I could tell he was broken and I would have to go slowly with Xander. He probably didn't even know we were mates, since he wasn't a werewolf. This would be even more difficult now. Xander gently coaxed his boss out the door, much to the shame of the people inside the gas station. They were ashamed they had thought gentle Xander could hurt the old man. Xander was gentle? It certainly had seemed that way with his shy ways earlier.

He started to ask me what he could help me with, once the boss was out the door and on his way, but got interrupted when a muscled, blonde haired boy, who looked like the typical football player, came in the door. He kept asking himself why; he must not like this boy. I didn't like him either; he was looking at MY Xander like he was going to eat him up. My wolf growled slightly at this. This boy gave him a leering smile and it pissed me off to no end. Xander bent over to get something from behind the counter, giving everyone a view of his delectable little bottom. I blatantly checked him out and almost groaned in pure sexual frustration. I saw Jake checking Xander out, and turned to him and growled at him, scowling. He looked a little taken aback. I felt a little bit sorry; he doesn't know that Xander is taken.

Xander slowly straightened up and asked Jake, the boy, I guess, what was he here for? I heard someone ask Xander for some cigarettes and he reached up to get them, his body stretching to reach them, and barely making it. He was such a short, little pixie. Jake said that he wanted to touch Xander, now that Xander was allowing a human to touch him. My blood boiled at that. Xander basically told him to leave him alone or he would have a broken nose; he had no idea how right he was. Xander put the money he received into the cash register as I grinned.

"What the hell are you smiling at, asshole? Jake snarled.

"Stop bothering the customers and get the hell out, unless you want to get your f*cking lazy ass over here to help me?" Xander asked gently, in a voice as sweet as sugar, with a thinly veiled undertone of anger.

Jake reluctantly agreed to help Xander and this put a small smile on Xander's face. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Xander said something about getting alcohol, but I wasn't paying attention. I was too busy staring at Xander's lovely backside, while he went to the storage in the back. I missed him immediately as he disappeared from my view and Jake yelled something after him. Jake, meanwhile, started serving the customers that did not require any alcohol.

He came back with 2 large cases of wine and beer - they were so tall they went completely over his head. His thin arms were struggling with them and his back was arched backwards, with the heavy weight on his frail stature. Jake yelled at him for trying to carry more than he could handle, and, for once, I agreed with him. Xander just protested half-heartedly and let down the cases with a huge heave of breath, red-faced.

Xander and Jake worked together quite peacefully, I thought, taking care of what seemed like thousands of customers. Xander was as quick as they say he was. An hour later, I was still standing there, watching Xander move in frenzy. Eventually, Xander ran out of cigarettes and, as he went to the back, Jake called after him, asking him to get some more beer. I think Jake was planning something cruel because of how Xander slightly humiliated him earlier and the out-of-place sneer that was placed on his over-sized face.

He helped a few more customers before going back to the storage room; what was he doing? All of a sudden, I heard a loud slam, like a door being pushed close quickly, and a loud yelp of pain and surprise. That son of a b*tch! I was going to kill him for hurting Xander! I lunged over the low, smooth counter, furious, and the few last remaining customers scattered, seeing my face contorted in anger. I should have known that little punk was going to try something cruel; he does not seem like the type to take rejection well. I found Jake walking back this way, with a carefree, smiling expression.

This just made my fury burn brighter. I took him by the throat and slammed him against the hard wall, leaving him gasping for breath. I didn't even ask him why he would dare attack my little Xander like that. I just slammed his large head against the wall and punched him in the face again and again, releasing some of my pent-up anger from my parents. Finally, I heard a bone crack. I stopped eventually, because I could hear Xander's painful whimpers coming from the storage room. I looked over at the door and there was thick, oily blood sliding silently underneath the crack of the door.

"Go close the store up," I snarled at him. He flinched and scurried to do as I said, running away like a small child after an argument, which was a very good choice on his part. As he walked by, he started wiping the shiny, red blood, which was shining in the light, off of his face. I could tell that his nose was broken in several places. I felt satisfied.

I hurriedly went over to the black, stone door, with an old, rusted handle on the outside; this must have been an old grocery store or something, back in the day. I looked with horror down at the scene I found below me, once I stepped through the doorway. Xander was laid out lazily, spread-eagle on the floor, with some blood pouring out from where he had slipped and knocked his head against the floor, harshly. There were some broken bottles in the cases and some of the glass had deeply sliced his arm, in multiple places. Blood leaked out of there as well. His eyes looked like someone who was about to pass out. He had a slight bruise on his cheek from where the door had hit him- it would be purple soon. My wolf growled at all the harm that had befallen him.

I picked him up gently, with mixed emotions rushing through me: I was panicked because of all the blood pouring out of him- he was so tiny, he couldn't afford to lose much right?), and contented, now that I had him in my arms. He shuddered violently in my arms and he was biting his lip harshly; I realized I must have surprised him, and now he must be in a large amount of pain. I shifted him in my arms and treaded softly, shutting the door behind me quietly.

I rubbed my hand against the small of his back, to comfort him, and he whimpered, shivering, relaxing against me. I was surprised, amused, and happy all at the same time- He could feel our bond even now, when he was in pain. I smiled, unaware that I had embarrassed him until I glanced down and he had buried his magenta-colored face in my chest.

Xander suddenly tensed; the pain must have come back. I whispered sweet nothings into his ear until he snuggled into me and I squeezed him, happy I have finally found him. I have been looking for my mate all my life. I rocked him in my arms, back and forth, so he wouldn't be in a position that would unknowingly cause him pain, for too long. Once he finally, totally, relaxed, I knew he had fallen asleep.

I hurried and took him to the front to patch him up. I took a rag, and found some water, carefully watching Jake, who stood, perfectly straight, in the corner the farthest away from me, cleaning up himself. I soaked his hair with the water, trying to get all the blood out of it, that way it wouldn't dry in his hair. If it dried, it would clump together and his hair would all stick together, and it would hurt like h*ll to get it all out.

I got most of it out, and then I went and searched for some large, stretchy bandages that would wrap the entire way around Xander's arms, at least a couple times. I found some in stock and took his left arm gently between both of my hands, and started to wrap it around and around. It was naturally sticky, but, just to be safe, I got some medical tape. On both ends, I put a few pieces. I found some ice and put it over his bruise, gently, until it completely melted. After that, I just watched him, letting him sleep peacefully.

He looked at peace when he was asleep, unlike when he was awake, when he had a guard up the entire time. I liked him this way. Besides, according to Jake, he needed the sleep, and was always coming in with shadows under his eyes. Apparently, Jake was the only person, besides his boss, that has touched Xander here, in this town. Since it scared him both times, I decided I would touch him in a way both of us would like; I hoped he didn't get scared.

Besides, it was good for mates to touch each other; werewolves were all about touchy feel things. That is just how we operated. That reminded me; I needed to go for a run soon. My wolf was already clawing at the surface, and he was that much harder to control, since I have just found my mate. My wolf was eager and wanted to claim Xander, already. A short time later, he awoke.

His arms stretched up involuntarily, his shirt riding up his stomach to give me a slight glimpse of his sharp hip-bones. Xander needs to eat more, I think. He slightly yawned, then did the most adorable thing I have ever seen. Xander balled up his small hands into fists and rubbed the sleepiness out of his eyes, like it was just routine. I wanted to see that again and again- so cute!

"That is the cutest thing I have ever seen," I bluntly tell Xander. He looked around dazed, with wide eyes. He noticed we had closed the shop and freaked. At least he was loyal, I thought. He started ranting about how we shouldn't have closed the shop and should have just woke him up.

I firmly put a stop to this, although I love his voice, by pulling him up against me and kissing those sweet, soft lips. My stubble brushed against his face. His eyes widen, almost comically, and he softly pushes against my chest, as if telling me to stop. I can't and won't stop now- I am too far gone. Besides, if he has been without feeling for so long, he needs this as much as I do.

I took his tiny, fragile hands and looped them around my neck. I cupped his perfect, mouthwatering bottom, and forcefully tangled his legs together, around my waist. I loved the small sounds he was making; they just make me want him more. I dove my tongue into his hot, little mouth, and he moaned in pleasure.

I pressed my lips to his harshly, my tongue sweeping the caverns of his mouth and he helplessly whimpered against me. It just turned me on even more. His fists tightened around my shirt so much, he almost ripped it. "You are so sexy, sweetheart," I growled against his pink lips. His jade eyes were raging with desire, but he was trying to hold himself back, I could tell. By this time, I had forgotten Jake was in the room. I don't really think I would have even cared if he saw; at least he would stay away from Xander.

I decided to try and see if I could rip his restraint away from him, like a parent ripped a blanket away from their child, who never wanted to awake in the morning for school. I tore my mouth from his throat and started kissing and sucking down his neck. Eventually, I found his sweet spot, behind ear and practically ravished it. He was arching up against me now, crying out in bliss. I was, unfortunately, reminded of Jake's presence again, when he spoke.

Jake said something about leaving; I didn't pay it any mind, I was just too focused on Xander's sweet, silky skin. Xander yelped and practically tumbled out of my arms. He looked like he was second-guessing himself, but that was too be expected. Right? Xander moved his small hand, telling Jake to come closer to him. I started getting protective again; why would Xander want him near him? Didn't he know that Jake had caused all his blood to be spilt?

Jake came nearer, glancing at me, a nervous look on his face. He didn't want to have another broken nose I realized. He didn't have to worry, because I don't think Xander realizes it wasn't an accident and that Jake did it. Besides, Xander wasn't like that; he was gentle and wouldn't hurt Jake. I hadn't realized Jake's hand had been pressing against his nose, stopping the flow of blood, the entire time.

Xander gasped at all the bruises, cuts, and the broken nose Jake had. I didn't bat an eyelash. Xander gently pulled at the bridge of Jake's nose and Jake yelped in pain. I grimly smiled. Xander looked at and poked all the bruises and cuts dotting Jake's face. It was like he was playing doctor and examining it. Then, I realized he wasn't playing.

Xander softly laid his hand against Jake's face. I guess he had been touched so much today; it didn't cross his mind to stop. I was right- Xander had been examining Jake's face. Xander told him to get his nose looked at and that the bruise will heal relatively soon. Jake, with curiosity burning through him, just like me, asked Xander were he had gained all this medical knowledge.

Jake said, what I was thinking- aren't you sweet and innocent, Xander? How do you know all of this, then? Apparently, according to Xander, he isn't innocent. I was surprised. Then, I realized, he didn't want to talk about how he gained his knowledge, when he quickly changed the subject to Jake and what happened. I realized I was right- he didn't know that what happened wasn't an accident. This entire time he had avoided looking me in the eyes, and had his back turned to me, his arms crossed against his chest stiffly.

Jake whispered something, and I knew Xander couldn't hear him, because Xander cocked his head and held out his hands in a 'give me something, here' position. He told him that I had punched him. Xander finally turned to me and gave me a confused look, asking me, why would I punch Jake? "He slammed the door after you, "I say. Xander laughed and it confused me- why was he laughing about something like this? Xander said Jake isn't the first to do something like this. 'Why would I be upset?'

My anger grew, but I didn't say anything. Who has been hurting my mate? No wonder he has sadness, trepidation, and agony in his eyes. Xander walked to the counter, picked up his keys, a case of beer- where was he going with that? Didn't he have to pay? Oh well...- and started walking out. Apparently, Jake is going to pay for the beer as penance for his destructive ways. I laughed as Jake scowled.

Jake started asking all these sorts of questions. Why does he even need to know where Xander is? He is not, exactly, the greatest coworker to be around. Xander just gave him a one -word answer, which I could see irritated Jake. We saw Xander speed of so quickly, dust flew from under his tires, as he headed home. I got my gas, finally, paid for it, and was about to leave. Jake was holding the entire shop until the old man got here in the morning. We saw Xander pass by again- at least I thought it was Xander. I was 99.9% it was Xander. Hmm...I wonder. Where is he going?

I shifted into my wolf form, out of sight of humans. I wasn't even going to deny it; I was a gorgeous wolf, mostly because of my bloodline. I was huge, with soft, thick black fur, and giant canines that could bite through any animal. I had soft paws that were silent against pure green grass as it swayed in the sun or the dirt paths of a forest, the animals watching me as I dodged the beautiful trees.

I ran so fast, sometimes it seemed like the olden, gigantic, tall trees, with short branches, slowly losing colorful, textured leaves, seemed to rush at me like a freight train. I was running now, along the highway, the sunset starting to let people see me. It doesn't matter yet, though, because almost no one is awake yet, and certainly no one is driving on a highway.

Just as I was starting to get tired from the long run, the car moved into a small parking lot. It was a seedy motel. My wolf nose wrinkled in disgust. It was Xander all right; I saw that as soon as he got out of the car. He brought a change of clothes, some soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and his iPod with him. That was all. He left the rest of the packages in the car and locked.

Once he went inside the office to get a room key, I peered inside the dark, tinted, smeared windows. It looked like he was leaving- he had all the bare essentials and a little bit more. He had less than the poorest people I had known. He came out of the office with a large room key, barely hanging onto the numbered card by a thread, and went into the room. I waited for a few minutes, changed into some clothes I had brought in a small backpack, and went up to the door. He wasn't in there, so I decided to go in.

Why would he leave when I had just found him? There was no way I was going to let him go, not now. I stealthily searched the bathroom and the main room, where the bed was, with a large comforter. Surprisingly, the room wasn't all that bad. I was inside the doorway when I heard something jump in the window above the bed, bouncing slightly.

I looked around the corner and saw there was a very small male tiger with dark purple and black alternating stripes, except for his ears. One was dark purple and the other was a shiny black. The coat was long, shiny, and looked silky to the touch. He is beautiful but small for a tiger- either he is a child or a man that is small for his size. Suddenly, I realized this was Xander- I could feel the scent faintly coming from the tiger.

No wonder- I knew Xander was unusual, but I didn't know he was a tiger shape shifter! God, I love him more already. I love shape shifters and the silent courage they all have. I slowly watched as Xander painfully became human again. It looked more painful than a werewolf change. His blue eyes...his blue eyes? I thought they were green?

Anyway, his eyes fluttered open and he barely managed to pull some boxers on before turning over in the bed and falling into a deep and much-needed sleep. I walked over to him and decided to go to sleep as well- he would probably wake me up when he tried to leave in the morning. There was no way little Xander could lift heavy me off of him.

**************************After Sleeply Time************************************

I wake up and look to see Xander wiggling underneath me, trying to get free from the tangle our limbs have made. I look down at him and he looks up at me, with wide, frantic, panic-filled indigo colored eyes. He keeps trying to get out from underneath me, to no avail. Finally, I sigh, pinning him underneath me with my arms. I don't know how much more teasing I can take.

Xander looks scared. I softly brush his soft hair away from his forehead, so I can see both of his eyes. My anger slightly starts to return and as I glare down at Xander, he tries to sink into the mattress. I can't believe he tried to leave me. Doesn't he know that we are mates? I mean, sure, we aren't the most conventional match, but that doesn't matter. We will work through it. That is what mates do.

So, I demand, with passion clear in my voice, "Where exactly do you think you are going?" Xander just stares back at me with fright clear in his eyes.