Alex (BONUS!)

*Hello! Apparently some people weren’t happy that Alex didn’t get his happily ever after included in the story. I actually did plan a love interest for him, but it never fit well into the story. So, I figured I might as well round the story out to 300 chapters and add one more chapter for you all so that you know I didn't leave him as the odd man out! It's kind of long but I didn't write enough for multiple chapters and it's just their introduction but this is all you're getting! -Kit*

I hover awkwardly outside of the store that Megan texted us all about. I have no idea how I ended up in this situation. When Alpha Ryann and Alpha Kane got engaged it was a surprise to literally no one, especially not us on the security team. Alpha Kane is fiercely protective of his bride so after everything that happened with their adoptive daughter Kiara, we all got to know Alpha Ryann fairly well. I’ve been added to several rather terrifying group chats and I get dragged along to an endless stream of dinners and nights out. I’m not saying I’m ungrateful or anything, they’re all awesome people and I respect our alphas very much, even if I do get tongue tied every time Alpha Kane looks at me. I just sometimes feel a little bit like an outsider. I’m different to the rest of the security team. They chose their jobs because of their protective instincts and natural dominance over other Shifters. I chose mine because I like technology and computers. I still want to help out, and I like being able to be a part of the team and protect others, but I’m not especially dominant, not compared to the people I surround myself with. Still, even then I’ve always managed to make a place for myself. People say the security team would fall apart without me, and while I don’t want to brag or anything, it’s probably true. When it comes to the team, I’m essential. But things have gotten weird lately. It probably has something to do with Alpha Ryann’s magical abilities, but all of my friends and teammates are suddenly paired off. Darrien has Megan (I have no idea how that woman didn’t notice him sooner because he is nauseatingly obsessed with her.) Shaun has Amber, even Aaron somehow managed to pull a wedding date out from who knows where. And now we’re all groomsmen. I never expected to be asked to be part of the wedding and at the time it never occurred to me to refuse, but all the guys are apparently meeting here to get fitted for our formalwear today and it’s occurred to me that I’m the only one who is single. Hell even the Incubus has a steady partner. I didn’t even think Incubi dated! This is going to be so awkward. I’m the odd man out and while I’m used to the feeling in a professional sense, I’m not used to feeling it when I hang out with my friends socially.
“Alex, you’re here!” Shaun says cheerfully as he approaches with a grin. I spare a smile for my best friend but I can’t quite shake my mood. I’ll probably be quiet today, he won’t mind. I’m often quiet.
“The others are already inside. Were you waiting on me?” Shaun heads straight inside with no hesitation and I reluctantly follow. I wasn’t waiting for him, I didn’t want to go inside, but I guess I have no choice.

Everyone else is already waiting. Darrien, Aaron, Shaun, Harrison and Alpha Kane all greet me. Even Logan who is happily hanging off of Alpha Kane’s arm knows me by name. I didn’t realise the kid would be here, but it makes sense. He’s the ring bearer after all.
“After this we’re gonna meet up with Ryann and Kiara right?” He asks Alpha Kane excitedly. I don’t listen to his answer, I just silently sulk. The KID has a date to the wedding. Okay sure, they’re kids. But she’s the flower girl and while there’s nothing romantic between them now because, hello, they’re children. It’s fairly clear to all of us that the two of them are inseparable. The boy only has eyes for her. I can’t believe I’m getting jealous of a kid. This is ridiculous. I’ve never cared about being in a relationship before now, I’ve kept plenty busy with work and friends. I’ve been perfectly content, so why do I feel so lonely now? I have more friends than ever.

My brooding is interrupted by a cheerful voice.
“Well hello again, gorgeous. You and Ry told me that you weren’t a couple but I wasn't even a little bit surprised to hear that you put a ring on it. You looked like we were torturing you last time you were here and now you’re back AND you brought an entire entourage of eye candy.” It takes me a moment to realise that the speaker is talking to Alpha Kane and I have to fight the urge to stare. Who talks to the Alpha like that? The man in question is human. He’s average height and he is wearing a light purple shirt with a light grey suit that perfectly sets off his grey eyes. His brown hair is combed back neatly and he’s not even trying to hide his huge smile as he looks over the group of us. I glance nervously at Alpha Kane but he just rolls his eyes and smiles. Apparently he doesn’t mind this guy’s attitude.
“I never said we weren’t a couple, I just hadn’t convinced her of that yet. Now here we are. Megan said to let you know that we got your R.S.V.P. for the wedding and has marked you down as attending.” Alpha Kane answers. Huh, apparently he knows this guy?
“Yeah, I was soo excited when Ry and Megan came in to talk about dressing the men for her wedding. Somehow we all ended up getting lunch and by the end of it I was invited. Not that I’m complaining. I love a good wedding.” This guy’s cheerfulness is infectious. I wonder what table Ryann has him seated at for the reception. The man claps his hands loudly in front of his face and turns to the group of us.
“Well hello everyone. For those who don’t know me, my name is Charlie and I’m in charge of making you all as handsome as possible. We can’t let the bridesmaids steal the entire show, you should all have a chance to shine too.” Charlie looks over at all of us and winks.
“I think I’m technically a bridesmaid.” Harrison chimes in.
“I DID offer to wear the dress and heels, but Ry insisted that the heels would make me too tall next to Cam, so here I am.” He jokes and Charlie bursts out laughing.
“Well we can’t have that.”

The colour scheme for the wedding is apparently blue and gold, so we’re all given various suits and shirts to try on. Darrien explains that the idea is that we all put on a different one and then we work out what works best. By we, I suspect he means Charlie who seems to be the most enthusiastic about the activity, even though he is the only one NOT trying something on. We’re all lined up and Charlie is walking down the line, looking us over. He shakes his head at Shaun and Aaron. Bellamy is wearing something different to the rest of us so he doesn’t have to join the lineup. Logan is a kid so he doesn’t need to match anyone either. Lucky kid. Charlie considers Harrison’s outfit for a moment but doesn’t say if he likes it or not. When he reaches me he stops and looks me over from head to toe in a way that makes me feel strangely exposed and embarrassed, even though I’m completely covered.
“Well now don’t you just look perfect.” Charlie comments and I fight the blush that’s rising up my collar. I don’t know if I’m supposed to answer or not, but I’m flustered so the words just come tumbling out.
“You mean I look ‘suitable,’” I blurt out and immediately flush red. Seriously a pun? Not even a good pun, a truly awful pun. One this guy who sells suits for a living has probably heard a million times. What is wrong with me? I expect Charlie to groan or roll his eyes. Instead he bursts out laughing and lightly runs a hand down my arm as he adjusts my sleeve.
“Oh you. Yes, you look VERY suitable.” The words are practically a purr and I don’t quite know what to do about that. Charlie turns to Alpha Kane with a smile.
“I think we will go with the outfit being modelled by our very own Clark Kent over here.” He says confidently. Alpha Kane nods, clearly used to, or at least expecting the strange comments from Charlie. But Shaun can’t resist.
“Clark Kent? Since when is Superman a red head?” he asks, amused. Charlie nods seriously.
“What, you don’t see it? He was all sweet nerd when he walked in but in this suit? Man of steel.” To emphasise his point, Charlie pats my chest and lets his hand rest there for a minute. Everyone laughs and goes to start getting changed but I’m totally frozen in place. Charlie notices that I’m not moving and for the first time, his cheerful smile drops.
“You alright there handsome? I didn’t mean to embarrass you.” Charlie sounds sincere.
“Uh… No. I… I’m fine.” I answer. I’m used to teasing, I mean my best friend is Shaun for crying out loud. Why am I being so awkward? Usually I’m only weird around authority figures. Maybe I just don’t like being judged.
“Oh good. You have that deer in headlights look and while you look absolutely adorable, I would hate to make you too uncomfortable.” Charlie responds. Is he… Flirting with me? Do I mind? I’ve never dated a guy before, never really thought about it. I’ve been on a few casual dates with women but no one ever held my interest. I’m usually the one who sits quietly behind the screen, I’m the one who takes the photos. I don’t quite know what to do when I’m singled out. I’m so deep in thought that I don’t realise Charlie asked me something until he nudges my arm.
“Huh, sorry? I was distracted.” I automatically apologise. Charlie shrugs.
“No harm done. I asked your name. Otherwise I’m going to keep calling you Clark Kent.” He continues to tease me. Yeah he’s definitely flirting. I might be awkward and kind of shy, but I’m not totally oblivious.
“I’m Alex.” I manage to force the words out. Charlie’s face lights up with recognition.
“You’re Alex? That makes you the single groomsman right? Megan mentioned I’d be sitting with you during the reception. I don’t mind meeting new people but I have to say I think I’ve lucked out here.” Charlie winks at me and I drop my gaze nervously. Megan told Charlie I’m the only single groomsman? How embarrassing. Then again, Charlie seems nice, and good with strangers. If he’s there to keep me company at the wedding, maybe it won’t be so lonely after all.

A couple weeks later I’m at another one of the endless ‘family meals’ that Alpha Ryann is so fond of. They’re fun but I never quite know what to do with myself. Everyone is talking about wedding plans and I don’t really have much to contribute.
“And that just leaves the guy’s suits. Charlie called and they’re ready for pickup.” Megan announces as she marks something off a list she’s keeping on a tablet.
“I can go get them this afternoon.” Alpha Ryann answers cheerfully but Megan shakes her head firmly.
“Nope, no way. Your bachelorette party is tonight. Harry and Cam have been setting things up at her bar all day. I have a manicure, pedicure and hair appointment scheduled for you, it’s part of the experience.” She insists.
“And I suppose you scheduled one for yourself too?” Alpha Kane comments dryly.
“Naturally. Darrien is coming with us.” She gives him an adoring smile and flutters her eyes at him.
“Of course.” He agrees easily.
“Does it count as a bachelorette party when the groom and all the guys are invited?” Alpha Ryann wonders. Megan just shrugs.
“Of course it does. As long as the party is about you it counts.” She says dismissively before turning back to the table, she clears her throat and stares us down. It seems she’s looking for volunteers.
“I can go.” I offer and Megan gives me a bright smile.
“Perfect. I’ll let Charlie know you’re coming.” She sends off a text and raises an eyebrow at the response.
“Hey Alex, Charlie says you should come by around five when he’s closing up so you can come to the party together. I didn’t realise you guys were friends.” Megan says curiously. Huh?
“I barely know him.” I answer quietly. Megan isn’t as intimidating as Alpha Kane, but she does tend to bulldoze her way through conversations. How did I end up with so many extroverted friends? Megan pauses before answering.
“Are you sure? Because what Charlie actually wrote is ‘Perfect. Tell him to come at five, we can get dinner and he can take me to the bachelorette.’” Megan reads. Her phone chimes again and her eyes widen.
“Hold up, he sent another message. It says ‘Unless he doesn’t want hang out, then he can stop by during the day.’” Megan turns to me with a huge smile.
“I think Charlie just asked our Alex out on a date.” She sounds way too cheerful about that. Why am I going so red? Did she have to read that out to everyone? The entire group is staring at me. Ryann kindly points out that Charlie might not have meant for it to be a date. Megan looks like she’s waiting for me to answer.
“Uh… I suppose five is fine.” I answer awkwardly. Megan’s smile grows and she types out a message to Charlie.
“Alright, I’ll send him your number, just in case something comes up.” She tells me.

I’m just packing up my stuff to head back to the office when my phone chimes.

Unknown- Tonight only counts as a date if you want it to. Hoping to see you later Clark Kent.
xx Charlie.

I could cancel, I could send a message insisting it’s not a date. There are a million ways my socially awkward brain comes up with to get me out of this. But I don’t do any of them. Instead I send back a single message.

Alex- See you tonight.