The Mark of an Alpha
Chapter 44

The car parks and the person inside cuts the engine. The silence suddenly swallowing me up my eyes try to see past the dark windshield but I cannot see anything other than some small movement.

I can feel their eyes on me and they sit there for a minute before the sound of the door opening echoes in the quiet outdoors.

Hunter comes out confidently. My heart burst through my chest as his eyes lock on mine and then he frowns.

“You’re not ready?” He sighs as his cheeks puff out in frustration.

“I'm supposed to be ready?” I question.

For what?

That’s what I want to know? I look at him dumbfounded.

“I told Andrew to tell you,” he pinches the bridge of his nose and shakes his head.

“You told Andrew what exactly?” My eyebrow arches but I replace it amusing that he thinks that I would listen to Andrew.

“I told him to have you ready. Where is he?” His eyes dart to the house.

“He is busy at the moment,” that is not a lie my eyes dart to the door. “Why are you here? I thought that you had meetings to attend and I would see you on Friday.”

I am happy to see him but I swear he said he would be busy for a couple of days that is why I would not be able to see him.

“I canceled them all and told Andrew to have you ready so that I could take you out,” he rolls his eyes at me, “but I don’t mind taking you like this.” He smiles, I am wearing workout clothes and my hair is sticking to my skin because of the sweat.

“You’re crazy if you think that we are going out with me looking like this!” I snap at him then it hits me, “go out? Like a date?”

A night out in the town! That sounds marvelous.

“Yes,” he comes at me and engulfs me in a hug. If I had, to be honest, I had never been on a date. I did not date much, well more like never, being the alpha’s daughter every boy in town knew to stay clear of me. Marcus never took me out we spend most of our relationship in the woods or away from prying eyes.

Hunter loves to let people see us together and I am not used to that. He acts as if he found a diamond amongst the rocks and I do not think like that. I feel as if I am the lucky one to have someone like him in my life.

“Take a quick shower then. I’ll give you thirty minutes,” he gives me a playful shove towards the door. I run up the steps but stop before I get into the house.

“Where are we going?” I turn back to look at him but he shakes his head points to the door.

“Wear whatever makes you comfortable and warm,” he says nonchalantly giving nothing away.

“Anything?” He nods and I walk inside as Hunter follows me into the house.

Andrew is on the couch by himself. His eyes go to us and he nods he still looks shocked.

“Andrew, are you okay? You seem pale,” Hunter walks towards him and sits next to him. Andrew swallows. “Andrew?” Hunter pats his back.

“I-I found m-m-my mate,” he stutters and his eyes fill up with panic again when he looks up at me and then looks over at Hunter.

“Congratulations,” Hunter beams at him. Andrew’s worry surfaces and Hunter’s eyebrows furrow. “Melany, get ready I need to talk to Andrew alone.”

I nod and head upstairs. I take a quick shower when a dilemma hits me.

What am I going to wear?

He said comfortable and warm don’t overthink it.

I sigh and nod at myself. I decide to go with black jeans, a beige peacoat, and black flats. I put on eyeliner and mascara. Taking one last look at myself I decide I am as ready as I will ever be. I walk out of my room and head downstairs.

Hunter’s eyes pierce mine the second I am in the living room. Andrew is gone and Hunter seems relaxed in his seat. He smiles at me, “Are you ready now?”

I nod and he gets up and walks to me his arm wraps around my waist pulling me closer. His lips go to my temple as he gives me a soft gentle kiss.

Hunter is a true gentleman opening my door and helping me into the car. I slide in easily since the seats are leather. Hunter goes to the driver’s side and we are off.

“Where are we going?” He shakes his head and rests his forearm on the storage compartment his hand is out palm up. I stare at it for a moment. He glances over at me as confusion is probably written on my face.

He glances back to the road.

He wants to hold your hand, genius!

Oh.

I put my hand in his and with his eyes on the road he smiles. His fingers interlace with mine. He pulls our hands close to his face his elbow now resting on the storage compartment. His hot breath sends a shiver through me. His lips go to the back of my hand and he kisses it gently.

Hunter drives into town and pulls up to a little restaurant. The sign states it is Mama Georgina's I look over at Hunter but he is out of the car and coming my way. He opens my door and helps me out.

“Ready for dinner,” he beams at me.

“Mama Georgina,” I question.

“It’s a great place and Mama Georgina would love to meet you.”

Meet you?

Is she his mother?

The panic swell in the pit of my stomach as Hunter grabs my hand again and we walk inside.

There at the entrance is a woman waiting. She is a chubby woman, she has straight light brown shoulder-length hair, and her brown eyes beam with pride as she sees Hunter.

“He’s here,” she walks over to us and Hunter releases my hand as the lady comes with her hands outstretched and Hunter lowers himself and the woman grabs hold of his face. She kisses his cheeks and then lets go of him.

Hunter turns to look at me and I see some blush on his cheeks, “Hello Mama Georgina.”

“And who is this?” Her eyes go to me and I am unsure of what to say.

“Melany Blake.” He states proudly and his admiring eyes go to me.

“Are you on a date?” She claps her hands “Reggie, get Adrian and Melany a table. I’ll be serving them.”

A scrawny teen walks out and takes us to a back table. Hunter pulls out my chair and I sit.

“What can I get you to drink?” The boy asks.

“Water for me please,” Hunter raises an eyebrow. “I need to re-hydrate,” I add so that Hunter does not think that I am trying to be shy.

“Make that two glasses of water Reggie.” The boy nods and walks away.

The place is dimly lit by the candles at each table and there are a few other people there as well.

Hunter is sitting across from me and I can feel his eyes on me.

“How was your day?” He asks quietly.

“It was fine with the exception of two surprises.”

“Surprises?”

“Andrew being one,” he nods, “and the Moonlight Ball the other.” His jaw tightens and he takes a slow breath.

“Oh. I got my invitation as well. I just saw it today.”

Why is he being weird about this? Is he going with someone else?

“Are you going?” I hate how my voice makes me sound sad.

“Actually I’m not sure. Do you want to go?” His golden eyes appear to be glowing the darken restaurant and the candle in the middle of the table flickers across his eyes.

“I feel as if I have to go.” Georgina walks up to our table stopping our conversation and I am happy for the interruption.

“Today’s special is spaghetti alle vongole,” she places the plates in front of us and waits for us to try it.

I grab my fork and take a bite. It is delicious and I compliment Georgina she seems happy with that and walks away.

“You were saying.” Hunter has yet to taste his food and his stare is impassive.

I sigh, “The Alpha of Alpha’s sent me a personal invitation. He is even sending me a personal driver so that I go.” His heated eyes are smoldering and I hate this feeling of unsureness with him.

“Really,” I sit uncomfortably in my seat under his gaze, “So you’re going.” He makes it sound as if I were going for that man and all I want to do is go with him if he wants to.

“Only if you come with me,” I give him a weak smile and his stare lightens up.

“If you want me there I’ll be there,” I nod at him and relief washes over him. “That means we have two days to get ready for this party.”

We eat our food and Georgina is happy we enjoyed it. We walk out but instead of heading to the car Hunter decides we would take a walk around the block. He wraps his arm around me and my head rests on his shoulder.

People pass us by and I notice that most of the women stare at Hunter. I cannot argue that he is easy on the eyes.

There is a swarm of butterflies in my stomach as I notice he does not pay any attention to them. He holds me close and when I am not paying attention steals a kiss from me. I feel my cheeks blush profusely since I am not used to this and especially with so many people around.

Hunter whispers into my ears making blush. He compliments me in the way I look, the way that I feel against him, and he tells me how much he misses me when I am not with him. There is nothing more than I could ask for on a date than this he made it perfect.

It was my first date and I am happy that it was with Hunter. Even though he seemed unhappy about the invitation he is still going for me.

After our walk, Hunter takes me home and he has to head back so he could finish some business before the ball.

He walks me up to my door and gives me a long lingering kiss before he has to leave. My lips feel the tingle even after he is gone. That night I fell asleep to the thoughts of Hunter as usual.