Chapter 12

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*Review: Jake was the Alpha of Rose's former pack, he is now just a regular wolf.. (I know, so unfair!) And he and Rose's mother kinds had this thing.. kinda ;) *

Chapter 12

"Mom?"

The smile on my mothers face was so big, I didn't even think she was capable of it.

"We have very big new, Rose!"

"We?" I asked confused. My mother side stepped from the door and ushered me in.

Walking in, I turned back to Greg, only to see him being pulled in my overly excited mother.

"Mom, you didn't drink three red bulls in a row again, right?" My mothers smile didn't falter one bit.

"Mom! You know you can't do too much caffeine! Didn't you learn anything from last year when you popped the neighbours plastic pool!"

My mother's forehead creased.

"That was one time, I learned my lesson. This is bigger! Come, come!"

Walking further into the house, my mother directed Greg and I to my family room.

Once there, I noticed two glasses filled with white wine, Jake standing in front of the table. Soph was standing near him, but a couple steps to the right.

They both held happy faces.

"Okay..What's going on?"

"Hello, Rose," Jake greeted, with the smile still on his face.

My mother went and stood beside him, wrapping both her hands in one of his.

Their eyes all stared at me, their mouths wide.

"Okay.. I know they say it's good to smile, but you three look very creepy right now."

Jake was the first to speak.

"Rose, a couple days ago I asked you permission to take your mother on a date.."

"Yes, I remember."

"Well, today I need to ask your permission for something else."

"Alright, go ahead."

Jake took a breath, then spoke, "Do I have your blessing to marry your mother?"

"M-marry!" My mouth hung open, my eyes wide.

"Mom, don't you think that's a little to fast? I mean, Jake you're a great guy, and I know my mother adores you but isn't it a little to early for marriage?"

My mother gave me a sad look.

"Sweety, maybe for you it's early but Jake and I aren't getting any younger. We just don't want to waste anymore time, what's the point? We both know care about each other, and love spending time together. We both know where we want to go in life. We're both happy. Together.

"But mom-" I wanted to tell her that she still has time. She can still think about it. I wanted to ask her if she thought she was ready.

My mother saw my discomfort, and added, " Jake and I have both had a rough past, but the past is the past. We're ready to start fresh. With each other, and you guys."

My mother held Jake's hand in one of her's then held mine in the other.

"The final decision, however, is up to you two."

Soph walked up and stood beside be.

"I think it's a great idea." Soph started.

I know what my decision is.

Mom, in the past two years I've never seen you as happy as you are when you're beside Jake. That goes for you too," I motioned to Jake.

"I say, let's have this wedding!"

Cheers filled the room, my mother pushing both me and Soph in a tight hug.

"Thank you so much, Rose." My mother whispered in my ear before placing a kiss on my cheek.

"I meant what I said," I whispered back.

"Alright, now that step one is done, on to step two," Jake stated.

"What's step two?" Both me and Soph asked at the same time.

"Alpha's permission."

"W-what?" I stuttered.

"You also need the Alpha's blessing to get married."

"Iv'e never heard of that before."

"Well, it's only for non-mates. If you want to commit to someone who is not your mate, the Alpha must know and approve."

"Makes sense," Soph replies.

"That won't be problem, right?" My mother asked very concerned.

My mother didn't exactly know the whole story about Hunter and I, but she did sense the tension between us.

But for my mother's happiness, I reply, "Of course not. So what's the plan?"

"Well, I'll try getting some time with the Alpha tonight to explain things, you know what, I call right now." Jake excused him self, leaving just my mother, Soph and I.

"Hey, I know how there's a lot going on with you and Alpha Hunter, you can talk to me about it if you want."

I know that anything I'd say to my mother concerning me and Hunter's 'relation-ship' would only add to her stress, I reply, "No, no, I'm good. I can't believe you're getting married again! You need to pick out a dress, and a cake.."

My mothers expression changed into one of true bliss.

Her and Soph started talking about themes, cake flavors and dates.

It was nice to see them so happy and excited.

Looking over towards the hall, Jake was laughing into the phone.

Jake's a good guy. He's perfect for my mom. If there's two people who deserve happiness, it's them.

Jake hung up, and started walking towards us.

"Good news! The Alpha wishes us the best, and also invited us to dinner! At eight at his home." Both Soph and my mother squealed.

Ignoring the anxiety starting in the pit of my stomach, I smiled along with them.

"So you girls go get ready, we can stop my the market and pick out a dessert." Before I could even add my input, every one in the room dispersed.

*        *        *

"Hey, you're gonna be okay tonight, right?" Soph stood by my bedroom door dressed in a formal black and white dress.

"Hey aren't you a little too fancy?" And here I was, about to leave in jeans, a top and a pretty scarf.

"Mom said you have to dress fancy, Jake's even wearing a suit." She walked further into my room.

I began going through my drawers looking for something more formal to wear.

"You didn't answer my question."

"I don't know, Soph. I don't know how I feel about this, but it's worth it. If this is all that's stopping mom from staying happy, then I'll do it."

Soph only nodded.

"How was your date with Greg?" My sister raised and dropped her eyebrows giving me a knowing look.

"It was....fun. Hey! What happened to Greg? He was standing in the hall, then everything got a little crazy and I completely forgot about him."

Another round of anxiety rushed through me.

Would Greg be mad that I kinda forgot about him?

"I'm sure he just left once he saw it was a family moment."

"Still. I feel bad."

My sister attempted to change the subject, "What did you guys end up doing?"

"Just watched a movie, we didn't get to talk much. We never really got to the dinner part."

My sister chuckled.

"What," I questioned.

"Nothing." Any fragment of amusement left from her face.

"Soph what is it?"

"It doesn't matter. Here, this looks pretty."

She lifted a dark blue with tan brown pattered dress. She then threw a black thin belt at me.

"It will look better with the belt."

"Soph. Tell me."

"Leave your hair out, it looks better like that."

"Sophia." Demanding Rose was out.

"You'll get mad."

"Just say it. I promise I won't get mad."

"It's nothing important.." Soph glanced away from me.

"I just thought it was ironic and slightly funny how Greg took you to the movie, but you're having the dinner with Alpha Hunter."

I wasn't expecting that. I turned away and instead focused my attention on my clothes.

"I know it's stupid." I heard light footsteps, meaning that Soph had walked out.

Her words left a feeling in me. An off feeling.

A small part of me, as always, wished that both the movie and dinner was with Hunter.

If only Hunter could be a better mate.

If only he could actually care about me.

If only I didn't have feelings for him.

If only Greg was my actual mate.

But he's not. He can't be. As unfortunate as it is, Hunter is my mate. Hunter. Not Greg.

Greg has a mate. Maybe not now, but eventually he'll find he's true mate and I'll be left alone all over again.

I slipped  out of my clothes, and slipped on the dress.

Once fully dressed, I'm grateful that my makeup is already done from when I got prepared for Greg and I's date.

"Rose, we're leaving."

At the sound of my mothers call, I come down.

"You look pretty," My mother complimented.

"Thanks to me!" Soph added.

Rolling my eyes, I follow everyone to the car.

It was a short and familiar ride to Hunter's home.

It was actually sad how when Jake got a little lost about the directions, I was the only one that could help.

Once we finally arrived, I allowed everyone to leave to car before I did.

I sigh, I can do this.

"Alpha."

Jake, my mother, and Sophia all slightly bowed. In the second that all their heads were down, a clear view of Hunter was shown.

I didn't bow. I should have, as he is my Alpha, but I didn't.

He's eyes connected to mine and a warm smile reached his lips.

Their heads went up, and Hunter was gone from my line of vision.

"Thank you for coming," Hunter assisted us to the table.

As everyone started walking, I followed with Hunter waiting till we were all past him.

"Just straight there, to your left." Hunter's voice came from right behind me.

As I walked, Hunter's hand touched my lower pack ushering me into the next room.

The smell of fresh baked bread reached my nose that made me forget about the tingles that started where Hunter's hand touched me.

"That smells amazing," I spoke softly, not even realizing what was coming out of my mouth.

I hadn't eaten since one pm, and It's clear to say that I'm starving.

"I've made your favorite," Hunter's mouth was so close to my ears, that his breath whisked at my skin.

"How do you know what my favorite is?" My voice was low, but enough for Hunter to hear.

"Your mother may have mentioned something."

I didn't know what was worse.

That my mother talked to Hunter, or that Hunter made my favorite food.

Everyone took a seat, leaving just me and Hunter standing.

"After you," Hunter pulled out a chair for me to it in.

I politely thanked him and sat.

It was a small table. My mother at one end and Jake on the other. Soph was sitting right beside me while Hunter sat directly across from me.

"Well, the food is already set so go ahead and dig in."

This was odd. Why are we even here?

Shouldn't we be talking about the wedding?

Everyone started taking food, but I decided to wait for my turn.

While waiting, it seems that I had spaced out. Something plopped onto my plate, catching my attention.

Looking up, I saw my plate in Hunter's hand and him filling it with food.

"Oh! You don't have to-" I felt my cheeks redden. This is so embarrassing! Alpha's don't do things like this! This is an act of caring.

"I'd like to." I didn't respond.

Hunter placed my overly filled plate in front of me.

"Thank you," I spoke, not having enough confidence to look him in the eyes.

Looking to my right, Soph looks shocked. Looking at my mother and Jake, I see their just as shocked.

Ugg! Why does Hunter have to act like such a gentleman now, of all the times?

When everyone finally started eating, Soph leaned over to me and whispered, "He likes you."

Soph extended the like and spoke in a sing-song voice.

My eyes widened, and I nudged her with my elbow.

Hunter heard. Of course, even if Soph hadn't said it so loud, he's an Alpha.

He smiled, but didn't remove his eyes from his plate.

I cut my piece of steak into smaller ones, then placed one in my mouth.

I wanted to moan. It was the most delicious steak I have ever eaten in my entire life.

I refined from making any noticed, but my expression gave it away.

Hunter started laughing, his eyes on me.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"You. I'm glad you like the food. I made it myself, you know."

Before I could reply, Jake did.

"Really? This is absolutely delicious."

"Mhmm." My mother agreed.

"If only Rose could cook like this," My mother joked.

"I could always teach her," Hunter spoke, his eyes on my mother.

My mom seemed at loss for words. Finally she just nodded.

My mind was filled with even more questions.

Why is Hunter being so nice?

Could Hunter actually care?

Could he actually act like a real mate?

My eyes met with Hunter over the table.

He smiled.

I smiled.

*        *        *

Today was a long day. A very long day.

After dinner, Hunter began speaking about the wedding and how we had 100% of his approval.

Now that I'm home, I want nothing more then to rest.

I feel my phone go off, but don't bother checking.

It might be Greg, in which I really need to talk to him. There's always tomorrow!

I feel so exhausted that if my head comes in contact with anything even remotely soft, I'm done. I'll get lost in the land of dreams.

Walking towards the bathroom, I pass my mothers open door, her room entirely empty.

I really need to talk to her about work. Even after everything that happened today, she still went to work.

She's always at work! Fortunately, now that we have Jake to support us my mother can cut back on some of her shifts.

I peek into my sister ajar door to see her lying down in bed with her phone in her hand.

"Hey! Soph it's late. I'm telling you now, you'll regret staying up in the morning." My voice seemed to have startled Soph as she threw her phone under the covers and started to 'snore'.

I chuckled at her actions, remembering the times when I was like her. So young and innocent. She has the world in front of her, her life just beginning.

I close her door then opened the one leading to the bathroom. I quickly brush my teeth, wash my face and then make my way to bed.

If I had to use one word to describe my day today, I would say, awkward.

Today has been a very awkward day. I mean, I was stuck eating dinner at my Alpha- Mate's mansion sitting across from him and along with my mother and soon to be step father. Oh and did I forget to mention? My mate is a jerk! He doesn't care about me at all, even if he acts like he does.

Even when he smiles warmly, or winks. When he compliments you, or talks to you civilly, don't fall for it! He's an Alpha.

He's Alpha Hunter, and there's no doubt in my mind that his behavior today was all an act. Right?

I didn't want to think about it anymore; I just want sleep. I want to dream. Dream of great things, things that would only ever happen in my dreams.

I don't mind dreaming of Hunter, or Greg because in the end, it not real. That's the beauty of dreams.

You can rule the world, fall in love, rob a bank or even meet an alien, all in the course of a couple hours. Then you wake up and reality hits. Although I can't decide whether that's a good thing or a bad.

My mind so busy in thought, I could feel my brain slowly shutting down.

My eye fluttering closed.

My breathing nice and steady.

Sleep consumes me.

*        *        *

Under the silence of midnight, the ring of my phone is like a horn to your ear.

Startled, I sit up and reach for my phone. I accept the call blindly, not caring who it is but rather wanting to shut off the blaring sound.

"Rose! Rose? Rose, I need your help."

I didn't reply at first, my mind still half asleep.

"Rose, are you there?"

My voice came out croaky, "G-Greg?"

"Rose, I need your help!" The panic in Greg's voice finally registered to me, as I myself started to panic.

"Greg, what's wrong? Are you okay? What happened?"

"I-I'm fine. For now. I need you to come get me."

"Where are you?"

I wasted no time. As soon as Greg gave me the unfamiliar address, I grab my purse and car keys and run out the door.

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Some thing big-ish will be announced in the next chapter! :D

Sorry for those who hate Cliff-Hangers! It was just a perfect place to put specific information ;)

What do you think happened or is happening to Greg?

What do you think of Hunter's behaviour? Is it really all an act?

Please VOTE ---->

The dress that  Rose wore to the dinner is above or at the side... :)

XOXO-Jada