Promise

I never thought I'd ever been in this position. Never. Luke is on one knee in front of me, a big bad Alpha is in a sense submitting to me. I could get used to it.

To be honest it looks like the start of a dance number. I refused to let my mind wonder, to doubt my decisions or to let me get my hopes up. I prefer to go by facts and evidence, it prevents disappointment. So I watched Luke with hawk eyes as I held my breath.

I watched as he gently let go of my hand, allowing it to fall and rest by my side. I took in every detail, the way his jaw was clenched, the rise and fall of his chest as he took deep breath to what seems like calm his nerves?

He couldn't maintain eye contact. This is usually a sign that someone is lying but I haven't asked him anything. I half expected him to tie his shoe or mine but then I remembered that i'm wearing boots, so no laces. There are so many scenarios that could come out of his one action, some I love the idea of, others terrify me.

His hand slightly trembled as it slipped into his pocket, searching for something. If you didn't know him, you would never have guessed that he was nervous. He's like me, we're good at hiding things, just not from each other. I could tell, the way he would tense his muscles randomly. The cocky smirk fading and the stone cold eyes that soften when looking at me become clouded. His head is somewhere else and i'm guessing it has to do with whatever he's doing now, whatever this late night walk is about.

I came back to reality when I saw a small velvet box emerging from his pocket. Forced to face the reality. It doesn't take a genius to put 2 and 2 together.

"What are you doing? No, get up. Get up."

My reaction amused him and managed to lightened the mood. I got a smile and watched him loosen up a bit.

"Oh be quiet and let me talk."

I glared at him but he just dusted it off, winked and cleared his throat. I love how he fights with me, and isn't the type to just say what I want to hear to get into my pants. He loves seeing me aggravated and I love pissing him off. Some would say it's an unhealthy relationship but to me it's perfect.

"You've dragged me to hell and back but I would do it again if I get to call you mine. We're anything but normal. A marine and a werewolf, not exactly a match made in heaven........or was it?"

He slowly opened the box, revealing a small platinum ring. No diamond, not over the top. Simple, subtle but meaningful. Exactly me.

"I know we're only young, and I still have to earn your trust back so this is my promise to you. Your reminder that i'll spend the rest of my life making sure you're loved and safe, in my arms. It's a promise ring, a promise that one day it will be replaced with a diamond engagement ring. That one day you'll not only be my Luna but my wife and the mother of my children. But is also your promise that you'll return from war, return to me. So basically what i'm trying to ask is if I promise, will you?"

I covered my mouth with my hands, they're shaking and to be quite honest I don't trust my mouth. My heart is pounding in my chest as I lean forward and lift up his chin and looked into his eyes, where his demons hide.

How do you find the words to respond to that? How does a girl afraid of her own feelings, of love and commitment, respond to that?

"I'm not pregnant"

Well done Alex. Well done.

"You better not be because you're mine princess and I don't like sharing. Now my knee is starting to hurt and I would like an answer if it isn't too much trouble."

"Hmmm maybe I need some time to think"

I tapped my finger off my chin as I gave him a cheeky smile. He rested his hand on his knee and lifted himself off the ground, returning himself to his full height. Towering above me. One arm snaked around my waist and pulled me forward. Not even a magazine would fit between us. He dipped his head down to meet the base of my neck. He nipped and I gasped but couldn't stop the goosebumps. He trailed his way up to just under my ear but on his way up I let out an involuntary moan. Luke's actions halted and he sucked on that area, sure to leave a purple bruise that i'll have to cover up but I couldn't bring myself to stop him.

With a low and husky voice he whispered "So what do you say princess?"

Damn this boy, he has the power to awaken every fibre of my being and I can't think around him but I love it.

I let out a breath, my 'yes' barely audible. He pulled back and put the ring on my finger. It was only then I noticed the detail. The ring flows into a knot, that I think symbolises the promise to 'tie the knot' one day. It's something that would make your heart melt. You know if mine wasn't made of ice but it's ok the cold never bothered me anyway but I think Luke just might be worth melting for.

Luke dropped the box on the floor and pulled me into a hug. There was no hidden agenda.....this time, he just held me.

"Thank you, I love you and we'll make this work"

I closed my eyes and just enjoyed the moment before responding because I knew what I had to say would change things.

"I love you too, but you're stuck with me."

Luke stopped gently rocking us and I could feel his heart racing.

"What are you talking about princess? Don't get my hopes up."

He does really care, this made my heart flutter. Well it was probably my heart murmur but i'm going to say it was because of him being adorable.

"I failed my medical. I've been officially honourably discharged."

He didn't move, he just held me tighter as I felt another wave of emotion hit me.

"You know I never cried until you came around. I was a rock but around you I crumble. You bring out the emotional, girly side of me but you also give me the hope of having a normal life. Well as normal as loving a Werewolf can get. "

"Well I've had my ride on the emotion roller coaster as well. You're the only one who has to ability to get me so angry but as soon as I look at you it just fades away. You make me hate myself, want to be better, want to protect you and give you everything you want. The boys were right, i'm whipped but I like it."

He gave me a cheeky wink

"Because princess you make me stronger and you make me be the best that I can be. See there I go again, pussy."

I just chuckled. Why does love have to be so complicated? This is what I want, all I could ask for.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's been a few days since that night. Amongst which we celebrated my dad's birthday. We had a quite dinner at a lovely restaurant. Luke rested his hand on my thigh the entire meal, reassuringly giving it a squeeze randomly throughout the night.

I found out Luke had already talked to my parents before he promise proposed. That just made it better.

We've been kept busy for the last few days. Apparently I should have been going to the doctor and physio regularly. So they arranged 5 full days, just to get me started and to show me what I should be doing. Luke has been coming with me to see what I have to do and to make sure that I continue doing it but I know it was also in case there were any guys staring at me. He's protective which pisses me off but I secretly love it.

Today is no different. I got out of bed at the ungodly hour of 05:00. From my room I can hear my dad snoring, thank God Luke doesn't. Speaking of Luke, he's still sleeping on the couch and my dad won't have it any other way, but we've adopted a routine. I'll lie down with him on the couch, we'll watch some TV and i'll drift off to sleep due to my Marine body clock. Then on my fathers orders Luke will bring me up to my bed and sleep downstairs on the couch. Much to his and Damien's dismay.

I put on my sweats and pulled my hair up into a high ponytail. I washed my face and brushed my teeth before heading downstairs. I was met with the sight of Luke passed out on the couch sleeping like a log. This is also part of my morning routine and to be quite honest it's a work out in itself.

I poke his stomach, then his cheek and all I get is a grunt. I lean down and whisper

"Do you this is mini skirt is tight enough to impress George?"

George being the young receptionist we encounter every day. He's only 16 and working part-time but he asked to work this entire week and managed to blurt out to Luke what he would like to do to me while I was talking to my doctor and trainer. Luke was not a happy bunny.

I heard him growl. He stuck out his hand and pulled me on top of him. Then caressed my leg.

"Good you're not wearing a skirt."

His voice husky from sleep. I eventually got him up and we got to the centre. Just like every other day it was practically empty but as we passed George, who gave me a wink, Luke pulled me closer and actually growled at the kid. I slapped his chest but laughed. Bless him, he looked terrified.

We did 6 hours of training. Mental and physical. While I did my phsyio, Luke was acting like an idiot but never failed to make me laugh. We had an hour lunch break then straight back into it.

We called it quits at 18:00 both of our bodies glistening with sweat. My hair sticking to my face. I wiped my face then wrapped my towel around my neck. Pushing the door of the girls changing room open I spot Luke. Standing their with his arms crossed, muscles tense. It's what he spends his time doing, I swear. When he saw me his scowl disappeared. I walked over and bumped my shoulders off his.

Walking along the path Luke moved his hand to rest on my bare hip where my top had ridden up. Without turning to look at me Luke began speaking.

"You know you're hot when you're sweaty, it really gets my mind wandering."

I squint and look at him from the corner of my eye

"oh yeah?" Trying to sound uninterested and nonchalant "what about?"

When I saw his eyes darken and that smirk I knew whatever he was going to say would be R-Rated.

"It gives me a little sneak peak into our future. To the day when you're under...."

He looked at me from head to toe then bit his lip "or on top of me, shaking, sweating, in exastacy and moaning"

I gasped and tried to push him off me but that just made his grip tighten as he trailed kiss along my jaw, hovering over my lips.

"I only speak the truth princess"

His lips soft contrasting to his slightly stubbly jaw. His tongue swiped my bottom lip, actually asking for entrance which I had no hesitation in granting. I tilted my head a bit more and lifted my arms over his shoulders resting on his neck. Both of us fighting for dominance over the kiss. Neither of us willing to give up.

A loud "OORAH" and a chorus of wolf whistles were heard. I turned around to see Marines in training doing their nightly jog but it was the Marine leading them. He brought them to a halt and made them drop and give him 50. His hair silver and moustache neatly trimmed

"Well if it isn't Corporal Alexandria Smith. Does your father know about this?"

He raised an eyebrow. Of course it had to be one of my fathers old friends, one of the many marines to watch me grow up to be the one to catch us.

"Yes he does Sir, and he approves"

Robert looked Luke up and down then winked at me.

"Very well then. I will recommend the public displays of affection be kept to a minimum."

"Sir, yes Sir"

He turned to the troop currently on their 18th push up

"See that is how you take an order, you should take notes. She's one of the best we have."

I laughed and shook my head.

"One of the best that you used to have. Discharged a few days ago Sir."

He looked shocked and apprehensive before asking the question that is written all over his face

"DD?"

Two letters that a person might love to hear after a bra size but not two letters that any marine wants to hear. Dishonourably Discharged.

I quickly shook my head to reassure him.

On their 50th push up them stood up and suddenly I had all eyes on me. Luke's grip tightened around my waist and I rubbed his back to reassure him.

"Didn't think so but still had to ask, you were always the fiery one. So what happened?."

"A mission went bad, that's all I can say sir. Lives were lost, I walked out but not the same way I walked into battle. PTSD etc. to summarise failed my medical."

Before he could say anything a small voice from the group interrupted.

"Your troop is like a legend. You're famous here, all of you. Even being in your presence is an honour. Do you have any advice?"

I smiled before answering her.

"Trust no one. Your team is your life, your family. You live together and you die together. No Marine is left behind. Oh and you better be willing to die for them, the mission and your country."

"You haven't changed a bit Alex"

I nodded at Robert, signally that I better be off. He nodded back and gave me a small smile.

"ATTENTION"

They all stood to attention and saluted as I walked away.

"Are you going to miss it?"

I turned to Luke, a little confused.

"The Military lifestyle? Scaring the new recruits, going on missions with your troop. All of this?" He motioned around us.

I stopped, held his face in my hands and looked straight into his eyes.

"Of course i'll miss it. It's all i've ever known but right now i'm in new territory, free falling but as long as you're there to catch me i'll be fine."

He gave me a quick peck on the lips and we started walking again.

"I'll always have you baby girl"

He whispered but I don't think I was meant to hear what he said so I pretended that I didn't but it made my heart melt.

When I opened the door I ran straight upstairs to the shower. I locked the door before Luke could get in and started to strip. I could hear Luke banging on the door over the noise of the shower.

"Showering together would save water. Come on princess think of the environment and the bill."

I could hear the smirk in his voice and imagine his eyes darkening. I had an evil thought. I unlocked the door and leaned against it. Luke's jaw dropped and I crossed my arms. His eyes went straight to my chest. Did I mention that I was only wearing my black bra that did wonders for my boobs. While his attention was caught I slammed the door in his face and shouted "perv" while chuckling.

Climbing into the shower he was still shouting through the door.

"You can't do that to me Alex. Do you know how hard it is to control myself right now?" I also heard him mutter "it's not the only thing that's hard at the moment."

I jumped out and wrapped a towel around myself. I opened the door and he's standing there, one arm on the door frame and the other wrapped around my waist before I could blink.

"Do you think that was funny princess?"

I bit my lip and put on my innocent act

"What do you mean?"

"I think you need to be punished" when he finished talking he started his assault and began harshly attacking my neck with kisses. I refused to give into him and let out the moan that so desperately wanted to escape.

As if locating his target he moved down until he reached the base of my neck, where my neck meets my shoulder, by my collar bone. I felt his teeth brush against my skin but they were sharper than normal teeth. It felt so good that I didn't care. Luke seemed to come out of his trance and pulled himself away from me.

"I'm sorry"

Breathless, chest heaving and confused I responded "about what?"

He shook his head and kissed my cheek before pushing himself off the door frame.

"I need to take a long, cold shower"

After putting on a different pair of sweats and drying my hair I met Luke at the bottom of the stairs. His hair damp and wearing grey tracksuit pants and a normal white top. Before anything could happen, imaginary or not I notice our bags by the door. I heard my dad call me so Luke and I turn around and there they are. No one said anything there was just weird looks going around.

That is until my dad said "it's time." Those two words brought me here a week ago in search of my old life and who I used to be. Now they're sending me away in search of my future, no longer a Marine but just a confused little girl. A girl in love. A broken girl with a boy that's willing to piece her back together. One lucky girl.

"But why?"

"It's the right thing to do Alex."

"Thank you"

Sometimes you just need someone to turn on a light when you're in the dark. Someone to guide you, so i'm thanking my father for doing that for me.

They drove us to the airport. They bought us tickets to go back to America tonight. Just before they left us my mum shouted "you better look after our baby" as my dad held her.

But my dad, the only thing my dad said was "Remember what I said Luke......And say hi to Jack for me." He gave Luke a knowing look and a nod. I knew there was something fishy about their bromance. This could only mean one thing, trouble, and a lot of explaining.

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Authors Note :

Sorry this update took so long but I had exams all week. It's nearly christmas but the timing in the story is a few months behind but I have a few things in store.

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