He requires a paternal figure… A small voice in my mind asserts as I observe the two slumbering harmoniously, however the prospect of allowing another man into my life terrifies me.
Jadi is not Aldo; the voice reiterates… He merits an opportunity as well.
My feet advance towards the bed before I become aware, and I ascend beside the guys, resting my head on Jadi’s shoulder.
Jadi reacts almost instantaneously, his body tensing upon recognising my presence.
His response evokes memories of Nalani, prompting a melancholic reflection.
Did Jadi also flee from a hellish pack? Is that the cause of his scars?
He stays immobilised, and I can discern that he is holding his breath. I softly caress Bray’s hair with my fingertips, brushing aside some strands off his small forehead.
I gaze at Jadi, his brown eyes strikingly gorgeous, nearly causing me to forget my inquiry.
“Would you accompany me on a date?”
Point of View
My hands tremble with anxiety as I observe the clock, feeling both apprehensive and exhilarated for my inaugural date with Ricky. I was astonished when she invited me out a few days prior, but I eagerly accepted the proposal, yearning to become acquainted with her.
I conferred with Josie and Aliana regarding our course of action, both advocating for a visit to the local amusement park to alleviate the tension between Ricky and me. To enhance Ricky’s comfort, I proposed that Bray accompany us for the initial portion of the outing, to which she readily agreed. Frankly, Bray’s presence would also mitigate my own anxiety. Subsequently, we could proceed to the Lake at the AL pack for an evening picnic, just the two of us.
“You will be fine,” Melina assures me with a kind smile. “Simply be yourself, and Ricky will inevitably fall in love with you. She will find it irresistible,” she raises her eyebrows playfully. “You will see.”
Bray leaps about the living room like a rabbit, already attired for the park. It required much time to apply his sunscreen, but the little child ultimately acquiesced when I incentivised him with a cookie.
“May we depart now?” he enquires, pulling at his small baseball cap.
“Just a few minutes. My mother still needs to return home and prepare,” I promise him.
I nearly startle as the front door abruptly opens, revealing Ricky, who enters the room with a sheepish smile.
“Please allow me five minutes to change and refresh my makeup, and then I will be ready,” she states while ascending the stairs.
Bray sighs, idly gesticulating in ennui as twenty minutes elapse. My palms become clammy with trepidation that Ricky might have reconsidered, but she ultimately descends the stairs, radiating beauty. She appears stunning in high-waisted jeans and an off-the-shoulder blouse, her golden complexion luminous against the white fabric. Ricky offers me a timid smile as I stare at her, nearly toppling from my chair.
Jimmy admonishes, “Come to your senses! She will perceive you as foolish!”
I endeavour to maintain composure and posture, although upon noticing the bracelet on her wrist, I am overwhelmed with nervousness and stumble over the chair leg, falling awkwardly to the floor.
Bray and Melina erupted in laughter as Ricky hurried to assist me. A tingling sensation coursed through my arm upon our hands’ contact, shocking Ricky to the extent that she released her grip, causing me to fall back onto the floor.
“Oh my goodness,” she murmurs to herself. “I-I apologise. I… I’m merely anxious,” she gulps, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she attempts once more to assist me in standing. “It has been some time since I engaged in this. I do not date.”
Two anxious individuals are embarking on a date to an amusement park accompanied by a toddler, Jimmy remarks. What could possibly go awry?
I disregard his voice while I brush myself off, with Ricky extending her hand for me to grasp.
“Let us proceed,” she states softly, gesturing for Bray to join us.
She verifies Bray’s readiness before we proceed to the pack house. Andrew escorts us to Josie’s office, where she seems to be evading the visiting Alphas.
“I am not concealing myself,” the Queen murmurs while reviewing several documents. “I am simply exceedingly occupied.”
Unexpectedly, a portal materialises to her left, and she smiles at us, playfully raising her eyebrows. “Now you three enjoy yourselves!” She chuckles, propelling Ricky and Bray into the portal. “And best of luck!” She whispers in my ear before thrusting me through as well.
I almost lose my balance and collide with Ricky, my chest making contact with hers. She cautiously gazes up at me, our eyes meeting in a profound stare.
“H-hi,” Ricky murmurs, her lips forming a slight smile.
Now is your opportunity. Speak to her, Jimmy implores.
I attempt to speak but inadvertently choke on my tongue, violently coughing into my arm.
