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Enjoy~~
4 months later~~~
"So how was your experience in your last pack?" I asked the couple in front of me. I leaned back in my office chair, biting the top of my pen as I stared at them. Felix shifted uncomfortably next to me
"No... it looks horrible you look like an idiot." Felix had said after I showed him how I'd look intimidating to the werewolves I'd interview. I had leaned back and bit my pencil starring very intensely at him. He shook his head at me and continued to go on about how it just didn't seem genuine.
I said that Derek did basically the same thing and managed to look intimidating while he was at it!
Despite his protest about doing it at all, here I was doing it.
He cleared his throat next to me, I gave him a side glare before looking back at the people in front of me.
"It was uh very different... our alpha was something else." The man in front of me shook his head. He seemed to be 30 or so. He looked uncomfortable talking about it but these were questions Derek had instructed me to ask!
He'd been so nervous about allowing me to conduct these interviews that he insisted Felix was there with me and that he wrote all my questions.
"Different how?" I ask, writing down on my notebook. Also another way of being intimidating. I wasn't really writing down anything important but I did want it to seem as if I was evaluating them.
"Our alpha was a pig basically. He didn't know how to run the pack. He rejected his mate and managed to sleep with any un-mated she-wolf." The girl rolled her eyes in disgust.
The guy nudged her as if to tell her something without actually saying it. I eyed them suspiciously. Something felt off about them.
"Alrighty, I think I've asked all I can," I say after I've asked a few more questions.
"Thank you for coming. Felix show them out?" I ask. he nods before assisting them out of my office.
The door closed behind them and soon I was left stunned.
They definitely didn't feel like they fit in- though what would that even consist of? What was considered enough for them to fit in?
I mean they were a bit weird but they're rouges, probably nervous about getting in or not!
"Hey. How'd it go?" I look up from my notebook. It was basically useless to look at it. I hadn't really written down anything important or useful.
Derek walked in, shutting the door behind him.
"Great!" I open my desk drawer stuffing the notebook inside. If he saw my notes he'd definitely stop allowing me to take these interviews.
"So.... did you like them?" He walked around grabbing my hand and pulling me up out of my chair. He was quick to put his hands on my waist and pull me close to his chest. I sucked in a breathe trying my hardest to resist him.
"Liked them? Not really." I shook my head feeling a wave of disappointment radiate off of Derek.
He probably thought I was too picky or I didn't even know what I was looking for!
"Oh okay... well it was the first people you interviewed. Plenty more for you to interview and get to know." I bite my lip nodding.
Maybe interviewing these people was a bit too personal for me. The fact was that whoever I accepted would be moving into my parent's old home. The house was empty and we could bring in some new members, why wouldn't we? But it was hard looking at two people and seeing them and knowing they'll be living in my parent's house. Sure my parents had only lived there for a year but a lot could happen in a year... and a lot did.
"Allison- we can hold off on this for a while. We can wait. We don't have to bring anyone in for awhile. There's no hurry." Derek points out as if reading my mind. I shake my head with a sigh.
"Don't worry about it. Felix and I will interview some more and fill the space." I give him a reassuring smile and before he could protest I leaned in and kissed his lips. Doing so usually distracted him from whatever we would be talking about. It really came in handy when we were at a disagreement or something of the sort.
"Hey... I wanted to take you out tonight." He says suddenly. I narrow my eyes, confused.
Derek and I didn't really go on many dates. It felt like we'd been dating for such a long time it just felt weird going on actual dates.
There wasn't really any other way to explain it.
"Take me out Huh?" I question with a tilt of the head.
"Yes. Get dressed up- fancy dinner maybe a movie? Doesn't that sound nice?" He questioned. It did actually sound nice. It sounded like a way to get my mind off of everything.
Not to mention that Derek and I hadn't really had any time alone together as of lately. Sure we saw each other every day and we always met up at night for bed- but we hadn't had any quality alone time with each other. We don't even eat dinner together! Not that we ever really did but we should right? We're together and living together, why can't we have a normal relationship?
"Yeah, it does." I gave a smile a sudden feeling of butterflies filling my stomach. I felt actually excited! Excited to go out and be around Derek.
It felt odd though- I feel as if I'll never get over the fact that Derek an I are actually a couple now. Months ago I would've gagged at the thought of giving in to Derek but now it felt as if he was my world.
I leaned in kissing his lips again, wrapping my arms around his neck and forcing him against me as if there was any space left between us to close.
~~~
"I feel sick." I murmur to Felix laying back on my bed. My stomach felt nauseous. I definitely didn't think I'd be feeling nervous about my date with Derek.
I wore some brand new tight jeans with small rips purposely in them, a white blouse that sorta had ruffles that seemed to make me feel more like a lady. I never really dressed up, in fact, my closet contained clothes that were only comfortable. I enjoyed comfort even if it meant that I didn't look amazing! I liked wearing leggings and long t-shirts and hoodies, or sweats and tank tops! It was my fashion choice!
In fact, jeans were a hardly for me at this point.
"Why?" Felix questioned. He sat on Derek's side of the bed, his feet up. He had a book in his hands reading it though still managing to listen to me.
"No idea. I just have this sudden urge to vomit." I roll my eyes.
"Ohh are you nervous about your date or something? You do know you've been with Derek for like 6 months now, right? You two live together? Share a bed?" He gave a laugh.
I shouldn't be nervous at all! In fact, if you didn't know Derek and me personally you'd think we were a married couple! We've had plenty of time spent alone together. We have our weird couple quirks like our bedtime routine. It'd always been the same. We'd both stay up for an hour before going to bed, either reading or being on our phones. During the time we'd always fiddle with each other's hands, holding them as if we had to. I always found it very cute of us but also very gag worthy! Then we'd go to bed at the same time as if we had an internal clock that told us when we both were ready to turn the lights out and get under the covers.
We'd lay in the dark for maybe 15 minutes or so until Derek decided it was time to grab me, cuddling me very close to his chest where he'd fall asleep immediately. He'd snore lightly and it was always so cute! And then after I knew he was really asleep I'd move a bit away from him to allow myself to sleep without being squeezed into his chest the whole night. Though given I'd usually wake up in his chest anyways.
My point being is that it felt as if we were married! We might as well be at this point!
"I know... it just always feels like our first date whenever we go out." I murmur laying my hands on my stomach and looking up at the blank ceiling.
"That's super sweet," Felix said with a smile.
"Felix? Do you ever wonder about your mate?" Felix was older than me- I'm sure he's like 23 or so. Yet he hasn't found his mate. Was he afraid? Afraid he wouldn't?
"Constantly. I feel like I'm spending every day looking for her. Everyone says I'll find my mate when the moon goddess feels it's my time to- but shit I've felt like it's been my time for years now! Yet nothing." I looked at him as he talked, I saw it in his eyes. Fear. He was afraid. Probably afraid he'd never find his mate and that kinda made me hurt for him.
I mean in the real mundane world you date and stuff but in werewolf world- well you expect to find your mate and you don't have to worry about dating or finding "the one" because you already have "the one" made for you, you just have to wait to run into whoever it is!
"I'm sure you'll find your mate, Felix. Just look at Derek- he's older then you and barely found me last year." I gave a shrug. He nods with a sigh.
"I know you're right. I'm just impatient that's all." he gave a shrug before sitting up from the bed and closing his book.
"I'll leave you to finish getting ready for your date. I'll see you later." He gave me a smile before walking out. I smiled sadly for him.
He was probably a bit lonely. I don't even know if Felix has family around. I'm probably a horrible friend for not knowing. I should know!
I shake my head at myself before sitting up to finish getting ready.
~~
I stared out the window as we passed our small town, I remembered suddenly the first day I got here. I remember taking down mental notes to visit certain places like the bookstore or the coffee shop. I hadn't gotten around to either. Though I did go to the public library.
It felt like this whole year had passed with just one blink of the eye. It was gone all very much a blur. A lot of memories but not enough I feel like.
The town was small but it didn't really feel like my town. I hadn't gotten out of the territory much since I got here. It was rare and when I did leave the territory it was to the same usual places.
"Wait! Can you stop?" I started hitting Derek's arm as we got closer to the recognizable coffee shop. He looked confused but I guess something about my expression lead him to stop, pulling over to the side.
I quickly got out, looking up at the coffee shop before me. I never got to go and I had wanted to so badly.
"Are you alright?" Derek got half out of the car, looking at me confusingly though with much concern.
I nod slowly. The place was closed for the night but it seemed nice.
"I just don't go into town much." I murmur turning to get back into the car.
He seemed still confused but he followed my action back into the car.
"You grew up in this town, right?" I question giving him a glance before looking back out the window at the coffee shop.
"Umm well yeah, why?"
I give a shrug looking around the street we were on. It was full of small shops. There were trees along the sidewalks, every tree decorated with Christmas lights that they either never took down or always had up.
"Show me around?" I ask.
He narrows his eyes but nods.
"Yeah- do you want me to show you down here or all my favorite places?" He asks.
"all your favorite places." With that, he started the engine back up and drove down the road. I stared out the window as we passed. Everything seemed to be closed but it was still nice to see the places.
Soon we came to a stop, pulling over down another street.
"Come on." He gets out shutting his door. I follow him out onto the sidewalk.
"So before I became a very masculine alpha-" he grabs my hand, leading me down the sidewalk and away from the car.
"I was a nerd." He gave me a smile as we stopped in front of one shop. I looked up reading the sign.
Jason's Comics
"Comic books?" I ask slowly.
"Obsessed with them. I still have all my collections. I even got a part-time job at the grocery store down the street to pay for all my comics. My dad though rich- didn't give me an allowance. Greedy bastard." He laughs.
"You worked?" I mean Derek does a lot of work but I never saw him doing any type of real job.
"I worked." He chuckled.
"How is your family rich? I mean you don't really have real jobs?" I question.
"Oh, our money goes way back when. The pack was started I don't know how many years ago! But it was definitely before this town ever even had a name. My family claimed the territory and well started the pack." He gave a shrug digging his hands into his pockets.
"Somewhere along the way we also started the town. We own most shops and places." He gave a shrug, looking around the empty street. You'd think no one was here but us.
"Wait.... you own buildings here?" I ask slowly.
"I mean kinda? I guess you can say that. I don't really run them I have people that handle that for me and well every month I just get my check." He gave a shrug.
I wondered how big of a check. Big enough that he was able to afford luxuries like his car and such.
"Wow, that's pretty awesome." I looked around wondering what buildings he did own. Though I had a feeling he didn't quite know either.
"So where next?" I ask.
"Follow me." He grabs my hand and we continue walking further away from the car and comic store.
We took a right and came to a park. It had a playground, swings, picnic tables and barbecues and such. It was dark and no one was around but there were street lights and park lamps that lit up the area.
"I learned how to skateboard here." He says leading me towards the playground.
"Broke my wrist- you can imagine it takes a lot to break my wrists since I'm a wolf and all... trust me it did take a lot." He shook his head as if recalling the memory.
"Oh and here!" He pulled me walking faster towards one of the park benches. He took a seat examining the bench. I followed his action looking at him confusingly.
"There it is." He pointed at something on the bench. I narrowed my eyes looking closer at it.
"D M?" I read aloud questionably.
"First girlfriend. 6th grade- first kiss right on this bench." I smiled running my hand over the carved initials.
"What happened? Refused to hang out with her during recess?" I joked.
"Something like that. No, actually I think she refused to hang out with me." He said making me laugh.
"My guess she was embarrassed by my raspy voice and horrible acne." He says with a laugh.
"Puberty's a bitch," I comment giving him a smile.
"Come here." He motions me closer to him. I scoot over until we're thigh to thigh. He grabs my chin pulling me in for a kiss. His lips were gentle and soft on mine. I placed my hand on his cheek as we deepened the kiss.
It definitely felt like one of those moments in a movie where the two main characters kiss. It was very silent outside, the light of the moon and lamps cast shadows on us. It felt very well- romantic?
It wasn't long before he pulled away, his arm tight around my shoulder. He leaned his forehead on mine sucking in a breath. I bite my lip staring at him, his eyes were a pretty shade of brown I envied them. My eyes though brown as well- they resembled black more than brown.
"Marry me." He whispers suddenly. I froze, feeling my heart stop in my chest. My stomach suddenly felt hollow and well empty. I stared at him in utter shock.
I was completely taken back. I didn't know how to respond though my mouth did gape open as if I were going to talk but nothing came out. I felt a sudden lump in the back of my throat. It felt as if it were stopping words from coming out but I knew I just didn't know what to say.
He backs up, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a ring. It wasn't in a box or anything, just loose in his pocket. My eyes went wide in shock. The diamond sparkled on it under the light from the lamps.
I sucked in a breath, finally allowing myself to breathe.
"What?" I question my voice below a whisper.
"Marry me, Allison." He says slowly as if saying it slower would allow me to process the words better.
"W-What- you're proposing?" I ask in shock. I felt light suddenly as if I were floating or something. I felt so taken back!
"I am." He gave out a nervous laugh. He still held the ring between his index finger and thumb.
"Okay..." I nod, feeling breathless as if I had just run miles and miles.
"Yeah?" He asks. I nod not trusting my voice.
He grabbed my hand, already placing the ring on my finger. It fit perfectly. It looked beautiful- way too beautiful for me to wear!
I stared at it. It was gorgeous! Big and amazing!
"I don't want to put any type of pressure on you. We don't have to rush to get married or anything. We can have a long engagement if that's what you'd like?" He seemed nervous still and honestly, I kinda felt the same.
What was there to be nervous about? Maybe I was just more shocked than anything. I expected this day but I didn't expect it now!
"I want to," I whisper.
"Not right away of course but I want to- soon." He nods biting his lips before looking back down at the ring.
"It's beautiful." I murmur, staring at it. I wanted to kiss him but I felt very still unable to really move.
"Wait-" I pause, looking at him with narrowed eyes.
"You- I mean did you plan this? You were going to propose tonight? I mean of course you were I just- did I ruin your plans?" I ask. I felt suddenly horrible.
What if he had planned the perfect moment to propose and I ruined it by making him show me around town! Ugh, I'm an idiot!
"Yes- I mean yeah I did have a plan but I think this was more... I don't know it felt more right." Before he could say anymore I grabbed his face kissing him, this time the kiss held more hunger and passion.
He held onto my waist tightly, his fingers digging into me- though I didn't quite notice it. I was too distracted by the moment and the fact that we were having a very passionate kiss- or makeout session I suppose you could say.
He was right. The moment felt very right. Though weird because we were sitting on the bench he had his first kiss on.
I pulled away. He immediately tried to protest but I put my finger on his lips telling him to "shush"
With that I stood up going towards the grass, I looked around for something until I spotted a small sharped edged rock.
I ran back to the bench, sitting in a position where I was looking at the initials carved in it.
"Mind if I erase it?" I ask. He gives me a smile and a nod. With that, I carved through the initials until they were blurred out. Below it, I slowly carved in "D A" With that I carved a heart around it. It took a second but there it was, our initials carved into the bench, forever commemorating this moment.
I stand up, admiring my work.
"Dinner?" I suggest. He nods, standing up but before we can walk he grabs my waist.
"I love you, Allison." He whispers. I smile, blushing very much.
"I love you more."