My Forbidden Mate

Chapter 15

Two hours. I've sat at this damn table for two hours. And the only thing Sabrina has decided on is what color theme she's going with. I'm banging my head against the table when she punches my arm. "Owww!"

She glares at me, "I asked you a question Alison. I need your help deciding these things, that's why I asked you here."

I sigh, "alright sorry I'm listening, what's your question?"

She holds up two napkins in front of my face. "Which color do you think?"

I stare at her blankly. "Those are the exact same color."

"No they are not. The one on the left is much lighter, and the one on the right has a sort of frosted look to it."

Still not seeing the difference at all I mutter the left one.

She crinkles her nose at me, "actually I like the one on the right."

I blink. I hold my tongue. And I continue on like that for another 2 hours.

By the time she lets me go we have only decided on three things. The color theme, red and gold, the napkins, and what style flowers she will have. I really hope this conversation with Jackson goes well so I have an excuse not to do this everyday. I'll stick by her on the big ones like picking her dress. Oh and cake samples. I'm definitely down to sample some cakes. I'm thinking about different cakes the entire way to Jackson's office.

The doors shut so I tap it lightly, nervously. Gruffly I hear his response through the door,"Come in."

I open the door and slowly walk in feeling awkward. I immediately notice the new chair sitting across from his. The broken chair is gone, no evidence left of it ever being there. He's looking at me already when I finally let my eyes drop to him. He's sitting up straight wearing a plain black t shirt and grey joggers. He doesn't really follow the usual attire I'm most familiar with when it comes to alphas. My father is always in suits and ties. When I look back up at him he's still staring at me, his eyes skimming my body.

I have to cough just to get his attention focused. "Have a seat. What do you need to talk to me about."

I smile nervously and sit down in the new chair. "Well I was actually wondering if you could offer me a job while I'm staying here." His eyes lit with surprise. "A job?"

I sigh, annoyed with him for needing an explanation. "Yes Jackson a job. I would like to earn my keep during my stay."

He frowns, " You don't need to earn your keep. Your sister wants you here, I want-"
My stomach flips and I have to look away from him. He clears his throat. "What do you actually want a job for?"

I glare at him, my patience already waning. Doesn't he see how him being my mate and yet not being my mate is going to effect my life?

"Jackson I am an unmated female. I can't live with my father forever, nor do I want too. I'm hoping to move out as soon as possible when I get home. I need my own place. Away from him."

I can see the understanding on his face. I can see his guilt clear as day. He only saw my fathers hatred for me once. And that was nothing compared to how he is when we are alone.

"I'm sorry Alison. I didn't consider the repercussions all this was going to have on your future and I should have. Of course you can have a job while your here. Actually we could really use some help in the daycare center."

I smile, "You have a daycare center?"

"Of course," he says nonchalant, "A lot of my trained women and men are parents and I don't expect them to train to protect our pack and struggle to find a babysitter."

He makes it seem so normal. But I've visited other packs and seen the way they run things. Usually they don't even allow women to be trained as guards and they certainly don't have daycares for the children and babies. My father certainly doesn't.

"Ok, well I'd love to work in the daycare. When do I start?"

"Well midday training is where we need the help in the daycare and that's from 10 to 1. But it's only four days a week, Monday through Thursday."

Well that's not very many hours. But I guess something is better than nothing. "Ok, I'll be there tomorrow then. Thank you Jackson."

He smiles, "Of course. I'll pay you weekly in form of cash if that is alright with you."

I nod. I think about asking how much the pay is but I'm to nervous.

I walk out with a silent wave which he does not return. He just continues to stare at me as I leave his office.

I close the door quietly behind me and go straight to my room to prepare for my first day of work tomorrow. I immediately text Jared to ask where the daycare center is and after I explain my reason for needing to know he just tells me he will escort me there in the morning after our training session at 7 in the morning. Well that certainly took the mood down. I hate waking up early.

But I guess if I'm going to be unmated it's best I learn to defend myself. And if I'm being completely honest with myself, besides the awkwardness of training with Jackson I actually really enjoyed learning to fight . It gave me a sense of purpose that my father never allowed me at home.

I spend the rest of my day laying in bed watching vampire diaries. Me and Tana started watching it as a joke. This is now my third time watching the series and me an tana have had full arguments because she's "team Damon" and I stand by Stefan being the better brother.

I get a text on my phone around 5:30. Jackson- Pack dinner is at 6. Don't be late. Maybe don't wear pajamas this time.

I roll my eyes. I'm not really hungry. But thanks for the offer.

I smirk, thinking I won. I wasn't asking. Come to dinner on your own or your getting carried in. Your choice.

Ugh. Such an asshole. I start to get changed into some jeans and a T-shirt but stop myself when I get an idea. Oh I won't be wearing pajamas this time. If he wants to force me to these dinners I'll make sure he wishes he hadn't.  Thankfully tana convinced me to bring a couple "club worthy" dresses as she called them. Apparently she thought I'd be doing a lot of clubbing while I'm here.

I pick out a hot pink dress from my suitcase that reaches about mid thigh. It's not super scandalous but it is skin tight and hugs all my curves.

I slap a little bit of mascara and lip gloss on and head out of my room. I get to the dining area and immediately regret my decision. Sitting next to Jackson on his left is Sabrina and next to Sabrina is Jared. On the other side is my father. And Ben.

Our eyes connect for about 2 seconds before his go down my body observing every curve. I'm still in shock when I hear a growl come from the other end of the table. It's Jackson. He covers it up quickly with a cough but not before Ben notices and looks between the two of us. I can see in his eyes he knows. It would be hard not too for the sheer fact that Jackson assaulted him at my house. And then I openly admitted he was indeed my mate. But I didn't think I would see him again, certainly not here.

I can tell by my sisters bored look that he hasn't told anyone. And I pray to the moon goddess it stays that way. My father then makes his presence known by growling and sneering at my outfit. "Is this how you dress for all pack dinners. Like a whore waiting for any man to pay attention to her?" I flinch, looking around at everyone in embarrassment. Sabrina looks upset by his statement but doesn't say anything. Ben is gripping his fork in a lock hard grip. Jared is looking at my father in shock. But it's Jackson's reaction that worries me.

His eyes are almost completely black. He slams his hand down on the table. "Don't. Don't talk to her like that."

My father looks at him in shock. "Last time I checked she is my daughter. I can talk to her anyway I'd like. Please try to remember your contract is to my other daughter."

Jackson doesn't even blink. "I don't give a shit if she's your daughter. When your in my territory you treat everyone here with respect."

My father rolls his eyes but doesn't say anything else to me. I take that as my opportunity to sit. This should be fun.