Jade’s pov:
The breakfast Alex roped me into attending was rather unpleasant. It lacked spontaneity with all the decorum between the alphas. And then, there was Myra of course. She naturally ogled his bare chest and I almost growled out loud at her. I had to drink juice to keep myself from acting like a possessive mate which I wasn’t.
It almost felt as if no amount of humiliation would make her stay away from Alex. She even went as far as to request to extend her stay by a week. He shot her request down immediately. And for that, I was glad.
On another note, I was rather surprised by his parents’ reaction or lack of to my being by his side. I was expecting more of a resistance, some bullying too. But then again, we had an audience, so maybe they were just waiting for the right opportunity to do so. I was after all wolfless for all intents and purposes, and he was an alpha. Surely, such a match wouldn’t sit well with them.
And because of this insecurity I harbored, I was positively terrified.
All through breakfast, the alphas spoke about maintaining good relations and whatnots, and I couldn’t be more bored. That being said, I did maintain a small smile and kept silent by Alex’s side, not wanting to embarrass him in any way.
How I wished I had woken up earlier than him and slipped out of his room before he could suggest that I accompany him.
This just wasn’t for me.
When all was said and done, to my surprise, Alex dragged me to his wing where he chose a shirt at random, and then told me softly, his eyes boring into mine, “Help me out.”
I rolled my eyes at him but did button it nonetheless. In hindsight, this felt like such a domestic thing to do.
“Weren’t you the least bit bothered by the way Myra was looking at me?” He asked in a gruff tone which bordered on the annoyed. “I truly hate how cool-headed you are.”
“Does she stand a chance with you?” I asked with a raised eyebrow before focusing on the task again.
“No,” he shook his head immediately, something akin to disgust flashing in his eyes.
“Why should I worry about her then?” I retorted cheekily.
“Aren’t you a confident little thing!” He chuckled before pecking my lips softly.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Mom truly didn’t know when to give up.
“I am not celebrating it, and that is not up for debate, mom,” I did my best not to growl at her.
“But sweetie… You’re only 18 once.”
“What’s there to celebrate?” I countered in a dejected tone. “One more birthday without my wolf?”
We were in the pack house’s kitchen, and I was just glad no one was around to witness our argument.
“Sweetie,” she cooed. “You never know. Life is full of surprises.”
Jus as she said that, my phone chimed with a new text.
Be ready at 7. Let us have our first date. A.
Are you out of your mind? I wanted to text back, but instread found myself typing something else entirely: Fancy or laid-back?
Fancy.
“That’s one beautiful smile you have there all of a sudden,” mom let out in a teasing tone.
“Well, as you just said, life is full of surprises,” I grinned at her.
“Tell me?” She pleaded.
“I have a date with Alex tonight. Our first date,” I let out, feeling many kinds of cherished.
Does he know it’s my birthday? I wondered.
Mom squealed, in a very non-warrior like fashion, her excitement obvious for all to see.
“I’m dressing you up,” she said.
I wasn’t given a choice, not that I minded. I merely nodded at her in response.
Two hours of dolling up and giggle-filled chatter later, and I was finally ready. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and was more than happy with the result. All the efforts my mom put into making me beautiful weren’t in vain.
“For a warrior, you sure know how to make someone cute,” I let out in a teasing tone.
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” she said, her smile warming my heart.
We kept on chatting till it was time. I made sure my lipstick was on-point one last time, and rearranged a few locks of my hair.
Mom was quick to grab my hands. “Don’t be nervous. You look beautiful.”
A knock sounded at my door at that exact moment. I inhaled deeply and then went to open it.
Alex was there in a crisp suit that made him exude elegance.
He gulped down noisily as his eyes took me in. “You look stunning… I have no words.”
“Careful there, Alex,” I said in a mock indifferent tone. “You cool mask is slipping.”
“Oh, I’m sure,” he smiled, dismising my worries. “I have been nothing but desperate for you since the moment I laid my eyes on you.”
My breath caught in my throat at his words.
This moment, his eyes on me, soft, affectionate, and – dare I say – loving, his sensual words which made me shudder deliciously… I closed my eyes to savor it all. I needed to make sure I would forever keep these memories, no matter what would become of Alex and I.
He extended a hand which I happily took.
“Have fun,” mom called out. “But do remember to stay safe.”
I couldn’t help the blush that crept under my skin at that moment. And Alex’s chuckles only made it worse.
Once inside the car, Alex let out softly, “Should I trust you to close your when I say so, or do you need to use my tie as a blindfold?”
I giggled before telling him, “Maybe we should keep your tie for other, more pleasant games?”
“As per the lady’s wishes,” he nodded curtly before starting the car.