Ummmm, sooooo... This is so not edited. At. All. Like, spell check, that's about it. But, I'm tired, and I felt like I had to get this up for you guys because I love you guys. But that didn't mean I have to read it over again haha. I have no idea when the next chapter's goinna be up since school's starting soon and I've totally procrastinated, so. Anyways... goodnight.

Oh, review, please, cuz I love you. And the more reviews this get, the faster the next chapter will be up.

~Anni12

Chapter 17

After a wax, pedicure, make-up, and a lesson of walking in heels, I was finally ready. Destiny fluffed up my curls, spraying a little more hairspray. "There," she smiled. "All set."

I reached up to feel the bump that held my bangs back. "Thanks, Destiny." I said.

"No problem," she shrugged. "It's what I do best."

I glanced out the window and gasped. "He's here! I gotta go!" As fast as I could, I wobbled over to the door on iffy heels. I opened the door, flashing one last smile at Destiny before stepping out of the house and shutting it closed behind me. I grasped the clutch purse she had let me borrow and waited at the edge of the steps. But Josh was frozen at the hood of his pick-up, staring opened mouth. I found myself laughing as I flitted down the steps, smiling ear to ear.

I stopped in front of him, twirling. "Do you like it?" I asked, stumbling as the world spun before me.

"Wow," he breathed, and I soon felt the pressure of his hand on my upper arm. The spinning settled just as he pulled me to him, lowering his head.

I turned just at the right moment so that his lips pressed against my cheek. I couldn't suppress the giggle as I smiled. "Ah, ah, ah," I teased. "No kissing on the first date."

"Danny," he growled, his mouth skimming my skin to rest at the corner of my mouth. "This ain't our first date."

"I'm not counting the picnic," I smirked. "So let's just pretend, shall we?"

His lips grazed my jaw, a whine escaping from his throat. "But babe…" he said, his voice dipping low, husky.

"Joshua!" I scolded. "I'm hungry! Let's go eat!"

He pulled back, frowning, but his eyes were dark. "Alright," he sighed, turning towards his car.

"Besides, I gotta lot of questions for ya," I smirked, veering away from him to open the passenger door.

He frowned at me. "I was gonna do that."

"What?" I raised an eyebrow. "Open my door?"

"Yes," he whined. "It's polite."

I smiled at him. "Aw, I got a gentleman!" I joked, sliding in the seat. He winked at me as he opened the door, but said nothing as he got in. As he started the car awkwardly with his left hand, I found myself studying him. The way his jaw clenched as he glared at the steering wheel for its difficulties. The way his expression softened as he caught my gaze and winked again, his lips widening in a smile. His injured arm rested against his chest and he repositioned his blue tie to line up with the buttons on his white collared shirt. A black suit jacket hung on his broad shoulders, matching the same color and fabric of his pants. His chin was freshly shaven, which made me sigh inwardly.

"So," I said, leaning towards him. "Question number one—"

He shook his head, flashing me a grin. "Ah, ah, ah," he mocked. "We ain't on our date yet."

I pursed my lips, glaring harshly at him. "Fine," I snapped, never letting up my gaze. "What about your dad? What happened?"

"Gave me a talkin' to," he shrugged. "'Bout how I needed ta be careful or somethin'. He said I needed ta stay away from ya fer awhile."

I gasped softly as he scoffed. "So you're not supposed to be here—with me?"

He glanced from side to side before turning, never looking at me, but he shrugged again. "Nope," he said. "But Alpha knows ya can't keep a wolf away from his mate just like ya can't keep moths away from light."

"Why would he want you to stay away from me?" I asked softly, looking down at my hands.

He frowned, his jaw clenching and relaxing as he answered, "Because ya just found out about us. The alpha's always gotta be careful; keep the protection a the pack his first priority. It ain't nothin' personal, babe. Alpha's job."

"Still," I sighed. "You should go. I don't want you to get in trouble."

He growled deeply, making me jump slightly. "Sorry," he said, glancing at me, his voice hard. "But you need ta stop underestimating yerself, Danny. If I get yelled at, so be it. I'd take it just to spend a minute with you. You—"

"Stop," I cut him off as tears prickled my eyes. I looked up at the cars ceiling, blinking to keep them in. "You're gonna make me cry and mess up my make-up."

He chuckled. "Well, don't do that."

Once I was sure I wouldn't cry over his words, I shot him a glare and immediately changed the subject. "So you know what Destiny told me today—"

"You talked ta Destiny?" Josh said suddenly, glancing at me with wide eyes.

I blushed and looked away. "Yea," I admitted. "I needed help getting ready."

His fingers flitted nervously on the wheel. "Huh. So what'd she say ta ya?"

"She said that Jake…" I paused, biting my lip. "That Jake liked me."

His growl deepened this time, lower, darker, and it vibrated the truck. He slammed on the brakes at a stop sign, and I gasped, putting my hands out so I didn't slam into the dash. Both of his hands had curled into fists at his chest and around the wheel. He closed his eyes, his jaw tightening and untightening. Finally, after he'd composed himself, he said, "No," but his voice was still hard, bitter.

He turned his gaze to me, where his eyes softened visibly. "No," he said again, firmer.

"Chill, Josh," I whispered. "I don't like him. How could I ever like someone who…"

I trailed off, not able to finish the sentence.

"Who threatened to rape you?" he snarled, turning to glare daggers out the windshield.

I flinched, pursing my lips together and closing my eyes. My breathing deepened and my hands begun to shake. C-can we j-just go? I thought to him, not trusting my voice to speak.

I would never let that happen, sweetheart. Josh said. I—

Josh, I squeaked. Please?

"Alright…" he said, and then the car lurched forward.

You didn't, I thought, putting the wall up around my mind so I could think to myself. But it wasn't his fault, I knew that. It was mine. I should've said something. I should've stood up for myself.

Josh clicked on the radio, rupturing my train of thought. "So, um," Josh cleared his throat. "Destiny thinks Jake… likes… ya? And they're datin'?"

I shrugged. "Yea," I breathed. "That's what I thought. She said they were just a 'fling' or somethin', though."

"Where did she get that idea?"

"It makes sense," I snapped, turning to him. "Why he's so rude to me."

He raised an eyebrow. "I like ya and I ain't rude ta ya."

My breath caught in my throat. That was the first time he had ever actually said that he was interested in me. "Remember in elementary school?" I gulped.

"About what?"

"Well, you're a guy, so…" I shook my head. "When a boy is mean to a girl, she's told that he likes her. At least that's what Destiny thinks."

"I don't like it." His voice turned harsh again.

I sighed. "I don't like him."

His grip tightened on the wheel. "He ain't gettin' near ya again."

"As long as Destiny don't 'get near ya' either." I smiled at him, satisfied as his eyes sparkled.

"Agreed," he said. "Oh, there's somethin' I gotta tell ya."

I raised an eyebrow as he chuckled. "Oh?"

His mood lightened as the subject shifted from Jake. "Ya remember how Coffeeblue had that… date?"

"Yea?" I replied. "With that guy… Owen?"

"Uh-huh," he nodded, the corner of his lips ticking up. "Well she went, amazingly, with 'em last night to dinner."

"And?"

He smiled mischievously. "No, ya gotta guess."

I groaned, crossing my arms over my chest. "Just tell me, Josh."

"Nah, ya gotta guess."

"Josh!" I whined.

He scoffed. "Fine. She… met someone there."

"Are you sayin' what I think you're sayin'?" I asked, suddenly interested as I leaned towards him.

"Uh-huh." Stopping at a light, he leaned over quickly to touch our lips before I had time to pull away. He laughed before turning his attention to the road, winking.

"Hey!" I pursed my lips, glaring playfully at him.

He snickered at me. "She brought him home last night. Name's Tannar."

"And they met… on a date… with someone else?"

"Yea," he shrugged. "He was the waiter, though."

"That's funny."

"Ain't it?"

I laughed at the image. "And Cormac didn't tear him apart?"

Josh shot me a serious look, but his eyes were still joking. "Coffeeblue woulda killed 'em if he even thought about touchin' Tannar. He wasn't even allowed to shake his hand."

I chuckled. "And Tannar… he's a…?"

"He's a wolf," Josh confirmed, nodding.

"And what about his pack? Will he take Coffeeblue back with him?" I frowned.

Josh shook his head. "Tannar ain't gotta pack. Well, at least, he didn't. He and his father are part a ours now."

"But what if he did? What would happen?"

"Well," Josh thought for a moment. "It kinda depends on the situation—we ain't supposed ta talk about this until our date!" he shot me a glare, as if it were my fault.

I turned a pouting face at him, widening my eyes. "But Josh…" I said, my voice sweet as honey. "Please… I wanna know…"

He growled lowly, groaning as well. "Fine." He said, giving me another glare. "Like I said, it depends on the situation. They'd have three choice; the guy's pack, the girl's pack, or they could start their own. But ya have ta have Alpha Blood in ya ta do that."

"Don't everyone in your family have… Alpha Blood, though?" I asked.

He shrugged. "I guess, if ya think about it. But some more than others. Like I have more Alpha Blood in me than Cormac does, even though he is older than me. Which is part a the reason he's been actin' the way he has."

"Jealous?"

"Yeah," Josh said. "He's mad because I found you before he found his mate. Statistically, he shoulda already found 'er, but it wouldn'ta made a difference. Cormac isn't the one that wants ta be Alpha; Adam is."

I pursed my lips, glancing out the window. "You probably don't believe me, do ya?" A small smile played on his lips. "Well, ya should. Ya see, the first one a us that finds her gets control. That's all he wants. Is control a the p—family. And with you, he has that. That's the whole reason he's playin' all lovey dovey and crap. Power. Control.

"He doesn't love you." He shook his head in disbelief.

Adam's words came back to me all in a rush. I wanted to believe that Josh… loved… me, but Adam made more sense. All he wants is control of the pack. That was what Adam meant. Josh only wanted to be Alpha. That didn't mean he had to love me. He just had to have me. But then again… Josh hadn't done anything to prove he was only using me. He was so sweet, and kind. If being used was so much better than my real life, I could handle it. I would trust Josh until he gave me a reason not to. Nothing more, nothing less. Still…

"And what about you?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. "Do you really wanna be… Alpha?"

He shot me a look, his eyes wide. "A course!" he exclaimed. "I was raised to become Alpha. There were no ifs, it was always when. 'When ya become Alpha'. 'When ya take control a the pack'. I never had a chance to say no. The only possibility that I couldn't was if Adam or Levi found their mate first, and if Dad had died for some reason, it would still be me in line fer the position."

"That doesn't answer my question," I shook my head. "Do you wanna be Alpha? Not your dad. Not Adam or Cormac, or even your mom. You."

"If I had a choice…" He frowned. "Probably not. It's a lot of responsibility. Honestly, Imma little scared. If I mess up, it doesn't just affect me, it affects everyone—my family. But I can't back out now. The only thing ta do is embrace it, ya know? Be ready fer it. And I've got you.

"I'll be okay as long as I have you," he smiled, an emotion flashing through his eyes before turning away that I didn't get a chance to decipher it. Still, the comment made me blush deeply.

So Adam was wrong. I thought to myself. Josh doesn't really wanna be Alpha. Did that also mean that he was wrong about him using me? That he was wrong about him not loving me? Of course, it would make sense that Josh didn't love me. No one else had ever loved me before. Why would that all change now? And if Josh wasn't a werewolf or I weren't his mate, would I still have found him? Would I have found anyone?

Would I even be alive?

Josh cleared his throat, laughing nervously. "We're here, darlin'."

I glanced out the window to see Josh had parked in front of a casual yet fancy restaurant. "Yay!" I exclaimed. "I get ta start my questions!"

"Quietly," Josh added, looking behind the car before opening the door. "And don't ya dare open that door! That's my job!"

I snickered, my hand lingering on the handle as he glared at me from the street. "Don't make me come in there and climb over ya ta open it."

My eyes widened and I took my hand off the door. "Yes sir," I squeaked.

He smiled victoriously, winking at me before closing the door. A minute later, my door finally opened and Josh held out his hand for me to take. I did and he helped me step out of the large truck. "Ya know I wouldn'ta really done that, right?" he laughed as he intertwined our fingers and led us towards the building.

I glared at him. "That was not nice, mister!" I growled. "And definitely not a good start to a first date."

"Not a first date," he mumbled under his breath, but I still caught it.

"Would you rather not have a date at all?" I threatened.

"Yes ma'am," he yelped. "First date. This is definitely our first date."

I laughed, squeezing his hand. "Good boy!"

He shot me a glare. "No dog references."

"Or what?"

"Or I'll kiss ya on our 'first date'."

A challenge flickered in his eyes. "Go ahead," I accepted. "I'll bite you."

His eyes widened as he remembered the last time I had done that. "I can still handle 'a little nip'." He teased, winking at me.

I groaned, hiding my face with my free hand. "Sometimes I really hate you."

"Sometimes," he confirmed. "But not most a the time."

"That might change, wolf boy." I said. "Don't get all arrogant on me again."

"Again?" he asked, placing a hand over his heart to feign hurt. "I am not arrogant."

I scoffed. "Not just arrogant," I corrected, beginning to say something else before someone interrupted me.

"A table for two?" a waiter asked us. I hadn't even realized we'd entered the restaurant. The waiter stood at the podium, looking bored as he gazed at us for our response.

Josh nodded. "Yes."

"Right this way," the waiter swung his arm, gesturing for us to follow. I glanced at Josh warily as we began weaving our way through tables.

Josh glanced around, drumming his fingers on his thigh nervously. "Can we, uh, can we get a table in the back, please?"

"Uh," the waiter shot him an odd look. "A private table?"

"Please," Josh replied, obviously relieved.

"Sure."

Why? I asked him mentally.

Josh hardly glanced at me. Because, he explained, if yer goin' ta question me, I don't want people overhearin'.

A thousand questions popped into my head, and I suddenly couldn't wait to be seated. It was like I needed to know more about him—about what he was and his family. I wanted to know about us, about my future. "Here you are," the waiter suggested, leading up to a secluded table where the nearest person was three tables away.

Slow night.

"Thanks," Josh nodded at him as we both slide into the booth. His eyes followed the waiter with a nervous glint in them before he turned his attention to me. "Okay, shoot. But if anyone comes…" he pulled his fingers across his lips in a zipper motion.

I leaned forward on the table, smiling eagerly. "Why am I different?" I asked, biting my lips to hold in the others. "You know, from other mates."

This, he said, touching his head and then pointing to me. "All mates can speak to one another in their minds—but only when in wolf form. Other pairs can't do this."

"Huh," I drew my eyebrows together. "Why?"

He shrugged. "I ain't sure, honestly."

"Interestin'," I breathed. "Are wolves' mates often human?"

He shook his head. "It's rare, actually, ta have a human mate. But it's happened before."

"How can that be, though?"

"I ain't…" he paused, glancing away. "I ain't really sure. Shush."

I followed his gaze to see another waiter coming towards us, looking very bored as she strolled up. "Something I could get you?" she asked.

Water? Josh asked, winking.

I smiled. Sure.

"Two waters, please." He replied.

"Kay," she nodded. "I'll be right back."

She turned and walked away, with Josh watching out of the corner of his eye. He turned back to me as soon as she was out of earshot. "Anythin' else?"

"Yes," I said matter-of-factly. "Do you… change… at full moons?"

He scoffed, and then chuckled. "Nah," he shook his head. "But that is the day we're the strongest—something about the energy of the moon or somethin'?"

"Why would you need to be stronger?"

He shrugged again. "There're a lot a reasons."

"What about other packs? Are there other packs around here?"

"Not a lot," he replied. "I think the closest one to us is a couple miles away."

"Werewolf packs?"

He chuckled. "Yes. There are some regular packs around here, but they tend to stay out of our way."

"How do you tell if someone's a werewolf?" I asked, still slightly uncomfortable with the word.

Apparently so was he, because he winced. "We can smell each other, but you? I don't know."

"You sure?" I frowned. "There aren't any specific characteristics?"

His shoulders moved up and down, wrinkling his suit jacket. "I guess. Maybe."

I rolled my eyes. "Like what?"

"We got a short temperament, obviously. We're faster, a bit smarter at times, and stronger. That's why I beat the crap outta Jake." He scoffed, his eyes hardening. "Not that it was hard. That kid is gonna do somethin' stupid one a these days."

"Like what?" I laughed. "Kidnap me?"

He forced a light chuckle. "I guess yer right. I can deal with 'em."

"I'm always right!"

He gave me a sly smile. "Alright."

"What about healing?" I asked, gesturing to his arm.

He scowled at it, sighing. "We do heal fast, but because this is such a large wound, it's takin' a while. If a regular wolf had been hit like that, he'd a bleed ta death."

"What about Levi? Before he first shifted, I mean. Was he, like, considered a human or just a 'wolf in waiting' or something?"

"No," he chuckled. "He's always been a wolf. It was just a matter a time until he could shift on his own. But there are cases where they never shift. For some reason, they just can't. We call them Unables."

"Can you—"

Shush, he said, his eyes widening before glancing away from me.

The waiter appeared a second later, glancing at us oddly before setting our drinks down. "Are you ready to order yet?" she asked, pulling a pad and pencil from the cloth around her waist.

Josh and I glanced at each other. We hadn't even looked at the menu. Josh cleared his throat, smiling crookedly. "Actually, no, we haven't quite decided."

"I'll be back in a few minutes then." She said, sighing as she left.

Josh smiling sheepishly. "I guess we should order somethin' ta eat then, huh?"

"I guess," I laughed and picked up the menu for the first time. I skimmed it, biting my lip as I thought. I had never had anything in a restaurant before. I had always been the one to make it. "What are you getting?"

He shrugged. "I ain't sure. Probably steak." He shot me a smile, chuckling to himself. "What were you askin'?"

I turned my attention back to the menu, sighing. "Can you make a human into a wolf?"

He choked on the water he was drinking, coughing as surprise etched itself on his face. "Why do ya ask that?" he coughed, clearing his throat.

I shrugged, looking over the pasta section. I had never liked pasta much. "Just wondering. I mean, you did say I was… 'Alpha female' or something. I was just wondering how I could be that when I wasn't a wolf."

"You are my mate. I am the alpha. Which makes you the mate of the alpha, and therefore the alpha female. It doesn't matter if you're a wolf." He shook his head. "Why would you ask that?"

"Oh!" I exclaimed. "The chicken and rice looks good, doesn't it?"

"Danny," Josh said, making me glance up at him.

"What?"

Josh sighed, shaking his head. "Do you want to be a wolf?"

I pursed my lips, looking away. I knew that question was coming, and I didn't know the answer. Not now. Definitely not now. I looked back to him, shrugging. "I don't know. Do I have to be one?"

His face fell and he tried to hide it by looking down before he composed himself. "Eventually. Probably. I don't know. It would definitely help."

"Can I?" I asked hesitantly.

"A course!" he exclaimed, his face brightening again.

I glanced down at the menu again. "Maybe," I decided. "But not now. How do you… how does that... happen… anyways?"

"Ya really wanna do this right now?" he asked, exasperated.

I blew out, ruffling the hair on the side of my face. "Yea," I nodded. "I wanna know."

"It doesn't always work," he blurted. "Sometimes the human's body rejects it, and it makes them sick, or kills them."

I raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to scare me?"

"No! I just, uh…" he squeezed the bridge of his nose. "I don't want you to get hurt."

I smiled. "Are you scared to?"

"What, I, no, uh…" he sighed, biting the edge of his cheek. "Yes."

"Don't be," I smirked. "I'll be fine. Just tell me how. You're not actually doing it."

He sighed again, glancing away uneasily. "First, you bite them." His shoulders shook. "Then you bite yourself, and drop your blood into their wound. To mix the blood—it's the only way. Then you wait."

"What happens to—to the human?"

He glanced up at me sheepishly. "They usually pass out from the pain." He breathed. "And when they wake up—either they're sick, a wolf… or dead."

"What are the odds of… of…"

"Technically it's fifty-fifty," he said, grinding his teeth together. "But there're circumstances."

I tilted my head to the side in confusion. "What do you mean?"

He sighed lowly, quietly. "Human mates're rare, but there is one thing we know 'bout 'em—they can only be Turned by their mate."

"Why?"

"We don't know." He shrugged. "But after they've met their mate, they can only be Turned by them. Only I could Turn ya."

"And say I wanted to, but you didn't," I said. "I couldn't go to, say, Cormac and ask him?"

His eyes darkened as he shook his head. "No. And even if he did, it wouldn't end well."

"Meaning?"

"Ya wouldn't live through it."

My eyes widened. "Oh," I squeaked. "Well, I guess I know who to talk to then."

He chuckled, but was cut off as the waiter returned bearing a pad and pen. "Well?" she asked, irritated.

She was beginning to irritate me. Josh glanced at me, his eyes laughing. "I'll have the rib-eye medium rare, and she'll have the chicken and rice."

"Finally," she muttered under her breath. "Anything else?"

His eyes narrowed into a glare. "No," he growled lowly.

Her eyes widened and she turned away without another word.

I leaned forward. "So what if I wanted to become a wolf? What would happen?"

"Ya would live with us," he glanced up at me sheepishly. "Fer a while at least, get ya used to the pack's way. And then, when yer ready, we'd start the process."

"And afterwards?"

"I wouldn't be able ta keep my hands off ya." He admitted, and my breath caught in my throat. "And vice versa."

I gulped. "How, uh, how long does it take?"

"Depends."

"Do werewolves live longer than humans?"

He nodded slightly. "The people that live into their nineties, and over a hundred? Wolves."

"Huh."

He leaned forward, smirking. "Is it my turn ta ask the questions now? Are ya out?"

I found myself blushing and looking away. "Why do you want to ask me questions? I asked. "This date was supposed to be my chance to interrogate you."

"And yer outta questions, right?"

I scrunched up my nose. "Fine."

He smiled victoriously, punching the air lightly. "Alright. Tell me about your family."

"Um…" I felt the blood rush from my face. "That ain't a question."

"What, c'mon!"

I chewed my lip nervously. "Josh… what questions could you possibly have about my family?"

"A lot," he confirmed. "Mostly one; why?"

I sighed, shrugging. "I ask myself that every day."

His eyes flashed darkly. "Do ya have any idea what yer gonna do 'bout it?" He leaned forward, wincing as he put weight on his injured arm and lifted up. "About, them, I mean."

"Finish school," I said lowly, studying the cracks on the wooden table. "Run away. Go to college. Start a family—I don't know!"

"You're just gonna take it?" He growled, closing his eyes once his jaw clenched.

I glanced away, sighing as I noticed a normal family having dinner, laughing, talking, smiling. "What else can I do?"

"Come live with us!" He said immediately.

I stared at him, and uncertainness flashed across his face. I sighed through my nose, glancing away and then back at him. "Josh, I…" I trailed off, looking everywhere I could but his beautiful eyes. "You know very well I can't."

"Danny," he groaned. "Ya gotta do somethin'. Ya can't just let other people control yer life."

"Next question," I insisted.

"Danny—"

"Next question," I said a little more forcefully.

Josh sighed angrily, and he repeated, "Danny."

"Josh," I growled, glancing up at him. "Leave. It. Be."

His eyes widened, and his jaw clenched. He leaned forward, pieces of his hair shadowed his skin. I could hear my heart pounding in my chest, fueled by my anger towards him. If he could just leave my home life alone, we would be absolutely fine. He looked as though he was going to argue with me once more, but he growled, "Fine."

"No more family questions."

He frowned, but nodded. "Why did ya quit talkin'?"

I swallowed uncomfortably, biting my lip and looking away. "Next," I squeaked.

"Uh-uh," he shook his head. "Answer the question, darlin'."

I sighed shakily. "I… I couldn't trust people… enough… to let them hear my… voice."

"And?" he pushed, leaning closer.

"I began to be afraid to speak," I continued. "Like someone would criticize or punish me for every word."

A frown twitched at his lips. "Danny…"

"I think…" I straightened up, lifting my chin ever so slightly. "I think I got some of my courage back when I met you. I mean, you heard me speak to Destiny. I spoke with Iya—"

"Ya spoke with Iya?" he cut me off, his eyes widening. "Great! Maybe then ya can speak ta the rest a my family."

I blushed, glancing down. "I don't know… I mean… that's different. That's your family. What—what would I even call your parents?"

He scratched his chin as he thought. Suddenly, his eyes brightened and he turned them towards me, smiling widely. "Mom and Dad," he answered.

My hands trembled at his words, and once again I couldn't find my voice.

He smiled that million dollar smile at me, striking me with those eyes. "How 'bout ya come over after we're done here? Ya can Tannar, see how a normal pair gets along."

I shook the feeling off and focused on him. "A normal pair?" I raised an eyebrow, giving him an odd look.

"Uh," he glanced away. "Ya know, two wolves. Coffeeblue's changed. A lot. I changed after I met you. I just wanted you to see that."

"And what… what were you like… before… you met me?" I asked suspiciously.

He leaned back, smirking. "Ladies man, a course."

Something shot in my chest. "You mean you had a lot of girls?"

"Well," he shrugged. "Yea. I mean, I had a lot of girls chasing after me, but none of them were you."

"You're flattering, Josh." I rolled my eyes.

"A course," he grinned widely, "I can see why they did."

I laughed dryly, shaking my head. "Why are you so conceited and cocky?" I asked, gazing at him. I didn't know who, or what, or how I got to be picked for Josh's mate, but I was glad. I didn't deserve this amazing guy, but he was mine.

"Hmm…" he smiled. "Comes with the package, I guess."

"And what a fine package that is," I muttered, studying him again.

He leaned back, putting his hands behind his head. "Oh, ya like?"

I rolled my eyes again, scoffing. "Joshua, you're being arrogant."

"It's my specialty," he laughed. He opened his mouth to ask another question, but I cut him off.

"Wait, can I ask one more question?"

"You just did," he chuckled.

I narrowed my eyes in a glare. "I'm serious, Josh!"

He ran his tongue over his lips before replying, "Alright."

"How can I be your mate when I'm not a wolf?"

He shrugged, and leaned forward on the table. "I don't really know. All I know is that you're my mate and I—"

"Here's your food," the waitress cut him off, placing his steak in front of him. He glanced up at her, scowled, and then leaned his head on his free hand. She raised her eyebrows at him and then placed my food in front of me. "I'll just… leave you two… alone."

After she'd walked away, Josh groaned. "I cannot catch a break," he muttered.

"Does arrogance come with the whole wolf thing, or is that just you?"

He chuckled and glanced up at me. "That's just me, but it is a common trait."

I laughed, glancing down at the chicken and rice, poking at it with my fork. "Is this stuff any good?"

"You kiddin' me?" he said, shock written on his face. "Don't tell me ya've never eaten out bafore!"

I blushed, pushing the rice around and mixing it with the chicken that lay on top. "I've always cooked for myself. And it's pretty good, if I do say so myself."

"Score!" he chuckled.

I glared at him. "Excuse me?"

"What?" he looked up, his eyes wide as he popped a piece of steak in his mouth. "Nothin'."

"Uh huh," I muttered, glaring at him.

He smiled innocently. "Is it still my turn."

"Fine," I sighed, rolling my eyes. "But no family questions."

I took a bite of the food, almost moaning I pleasure. It was good. Almost better than mine, but… "What's your favorite color?" Josh asked.

"What? Why?"

The corner of his lip picked up. "I can't get ta know my own girlfriend?"

I laughed lightly, shaking my head. "Uh… I don't know. Never really thought about it. No one ever cared."

His eyes darkened in an instant. "Well, I care now, so think about it."

"Blue," I decided. The color of his eyes. "Yours?"

He shrugged. "Don't really have one."

I rolled my eyes. "Anything else?"

"Yea," he said. "You've never told me your middle name."

"Nicole," I laughed.

"Kevin," he smirked. "What's yer favorite memory?"

I felt my cheeks heat up. "Why are you asking all these questions?"

He smiled. "Just answer 'em. I wanna know ya better."

I sighed and rolled my eyes. "Uh… my favorite memory…? Probably… the dressing room…"

Again, I blushed as he smiled arrogantly. "I do have that effect on people."

"What's your favorite memory?"

He smiled wide, his eyes sparkling. "When I first met you, a course. When you first talked to me, the dressing room, our real first date… when you bite me. That's definitely up there."

I laughed, covering my mouth with my hand. "That was funny," I admitted. "You were so surprised."

"You bite me. How could I not be surprised?" He chuckled, taking another bite of his steak.

I shook my head in disbelief. "Next question, since it's not my turn."

"Hm… Where are you most ticklish?" he asked seriously.

My whole face was painted with red. "Why?"

"Because," he smiled. "Answer the question."

"I don't know… my waist, maybe?"

He smiled devilishly. "I'll keep that in mind."

I glanced down, rubbing my head with my hand.

"How old were you when you had your first crush?"

"Josh!"

"Danny."

I groaned, rolling my eyes. "I don't know… maybe, fifth grade? What is that, like eleven?"

"Who was it?" he asked.

"Josh…" I trailed off, biting my lip.

He waved his hand in the air. "I'll be fine. I promise."

"It was… um… It was Jake. But I was, like, eleven, and I was dumb, and he was popular." I replied, talking very fast, somewhat hoping he wouldn't catch it.

The tightening of his jaw told me he did. "Do… did ya still like him… before I came?"

I shook my head, scowling. "No. I did like him for a long time, but then I figured he didn't even know I existed, so I got over him. I thought no one knew I existed, and that no one would like me, so I gave up on guys. Period. Until you showed up, so."

He reached across the table to take my hand in his. "That's not true, Danny. I—"

"How're you guys doing over here?" the waitress asked as she walked up to us.

"It's like they sit and wait," Josh muttered just loud enough for me to hear.

I raised an eyebrow at him, and nodded to the waitress. She smiled dryly and walked away. Josh squeezed my hand. "The moment has passed," he growled, and pulled away.

"What are you talking about?" I asked in confusion, furrowing my eyebrows.

"Nothin'."

"Josh…?"

"Did you grow up here?" he asked suddenly, obviously trying to change the subject.

I played along, but frowned to tell him I wasn't done yet. "Sadly, yes."'

He nodded, scoffing. "I probably coulda guess that."

"You know, you never told me where you came from."

He smiled. "Little town in Kentucky. I'd say I miss it, but with you here, nah."

I blushed, glancing at my food and I took another small bite. "Why on earth did you come here anyways?"

"They were cuttin' down our territ'ry—the woods, at least. The town was growin', both in population and in size. We had no choice but to leave." He shrugged. "But I'm glad we did."

"I am too," I smiled shyly.

He nodded towards the door. "Ya ready ta go? I don't think this is really our type a thing."

I sighed in relief. "But we can't just leave without paying."

"I got it," he winked. "Don't worry 'bout it." He got up, laid a bill on the table, and held his hand out to me. "Wasn't much of a waitress, and she don't deserve the tip, but, whatever."

I took his hand and intertwined our fingers as I stood. "She was kinda getting on my nerves."

He nodded in agreement as we began making our way out of the restaurant. "Ya ready ta meet Tannar?"

"You mean a real wolf pair?" I asked, shooting him another look.

"Yes," He smiled. "We'll get there soon, though. I promise."