Chapter Nineteen: Sock Hop (Pt. Three)

{ Jess }

I was all smiles on the dance floor as Vale used his long arms to twirl me around the dance floor effortlessly before pulling me in tight against his tall frame. I looked up at him, his blue eyes seemed to be shining even brighter as a handsome smile filled his face.

But of course as with all good things the song came to an end too soon for my liking.

I walked off the dance floor knowing he'd follow me. I had to fan myself as I replayed our dance in my head, the way he held me, the way he smiled at me...I was blushing and I needed to control myself.

"Now I see why they drank Malts..." I quipped.

He had laughed along sweetly before he got serious, a small smirk still playing his lips. "...I'm really glad I have this moment alone with you Jessa." He said.

Of course it always feels amazing to know he was needing me, or wanted to talk to me...like he was picking me above anyone else. I smiled at him and tried my hardest to not get ahead of myself. I knew better than to let my feelings for him get out of hand...but damn did he look good tonight.

"I've been meaning to...well to confess something." He admitted almost shyly now.

I could see he was on the edge of nervous and excited...it was kind of cute and I didn't want to interrupt him so I let him continue.

"Jessa...I found my mate."

How I was able to hold my composure alludes me, but I stood there looking completely indifferent and unfazed while inside my heart was breaking all over again.

'It was just a crush' I though to myself. 'It was never meant to go this far.'

'No.'

'Please not now...I can't handle much more tonight.' I thought to quiet my wolf's ramblings before she started making me overthink mine and Vale's entire friendship as more than it obviously was.

'Stop lying to yourself...you like each other.'

'He has a mate...Shut up!'

She went silent and I watched on stunned, as he spoke on, a loving look on his face as he looked off at nothing in particular.

I could see his mouth moving as he happily went on and on but I couldn't hear any of it. Then I noticed he stopped and was now looking at me.

"How about it Jessa...can I count on you pinky?

I don't know what the hell he expected from me, did he want me to keep this a secret? Maybe he wanted me to step down..but knowing him, Vale probably wants me to be this girls best friend or something.

"Y-yeah...whatever you need Vale..." I said. "I'm...I'm just gonna get some air really quick if that's alright."

He pulled his eyebrows together in concern, "Alright." He nodded.

But before I could step away from him Wex stepped forward smiling, "Come on Pink Lady...dance with me."

I gave him a sad smile full of thanks and took his hand as he walked us away from Vale.

It was a slow song so he gently put his hands on the top of my hips and I put my hands on his shoulders and he let us sway.

"Thanks for rescuing me." I smiled before my eyes began to water.

His face fell to one of sadness for me...I knew then that he had known about Vale's Mate.

"He told you didn't he?" He asked softly.

I nodded and the tears fell. I turned my head and let my face rest against his chest as he now hugged me and let me cry.

"I'm sorry Jessa...I know what I saw between you two, and it was real despite what you want to own up to or the fact that he has a mate."

"How long did you know?" I asked as I wiped my face as conspicuously as I could.

"He told me when he got back from the wedding...Jessa I don't know what all he told you but his mate is pregnant by someone else, he's trying to wait until after she has her baby before he tells the council about her, but once she has the baby she will be marked and presented as our Luna."

I couldn't be angry.

As sad as I was I knew Vale was never mine to have, he was always meant for someone else, just like I was somebody else's.

"Despite how we feel she is his mate and the rightful Luna to this pack...as Reed River pack members as well as Vale's personal team and friends it is up to us to make sure she learns the ins and outs of our pack and the role she's going to have to take."

The song ended and another one started up but we continued to sway and talk.

"How can you act so cavalierly about all of this?" He asked almost frustrated now.

I shrugged, "Vale is my friend Wex, and I'm happy if he's happy...and I know his mate will bring him happiness...plus, that poor girl whoever she is, is probably scared and alone and missing her mate...she will be judged from the moment she gets here by everyone and she won't even get the respect she should be getting since no one will know she's his mate."

"And what if he lets you go...because I don't know if you quite get this but not trying to sound like a bitch... he won't need you if he's got a Luna?"

I hadn't really given it much thought, but I sighed, "Then he lets me go...not much I can do about that...of course I will always be his friend and I will always be there for him and the pack whenever, but you're acting like I'm going to have to leave the pack or something when she gets here."

He shook his head, "I am just predicting a lot of tension and drama."

I shook my own head now. "Never...like I said if he's happy then I'm happy and the one thing I absolutely refuse to be is the cause of his unhappiness."

"You're a strong woman Pinky."

The sound of the nickname sent a pang of heartache through me and he must've noticed.

"No more Pinky huh?"

"I think I need to set some more professional guidelines for myself and Vale."

"Good Luck...you two are basically trying to go backwards now." He pointed out.

I knew he was right but we dropped the topic altogether as the second song had finished and his parents cheerfully approached us.

They looked so cute, George in his old letterman jacket and cuffed blue jeans, his wife Annette In a long red skirt and white sweater with a large red 'R', a red collar to match, her hair pulled into a high ponytail.

"We haven't had this much fun since we were in school ourselves." Annette sounded giddily.

We talked a little and then the start up of another song prompted Annette went to grab George's hand and Wex and I walked off to the side. I couldn't help but look over at Vale, of course he'd catch me looking at him. He smirked and waved.

I smiled and gave him a small wave back.

"Oh girl...you've got it bad."

I sighed, "I know I do."

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A/N:

Wex's mother Annette is wearing Sandy's cheerleading costume from the movie Grease. The 'R' on her sweater would stand for Reed River High School.

First song Wex and Jessa danced to: The Penguins- Earth Angel

Second song Wex and Jessa danced to: Patsy Cline- Crazy