𝐾 𝐴 𝐿 𝐸 𝑁

Chapter |8| Looking Forward

T E S S A ' S  P. O. V

We decided to take a detour and delay our first date. For one, I wasn't really feeling up to anything after Kalen went down on me in the limo.

The orgasm practically ruptured my brain, meaning I could barely string two words together, never mind indulge in a full conversation.

He took me home instead. We waited a little in the limo at first, me with my head on his shoulder, listening to all the beautiful murmurs he whispers into my ears.

"I can't wait to hold your hand in public. To glare at every guy who even looks your way." Alpha level possession is hot, I don't care who says otherwise.

My mom naturally interrogated me on everything that happened. She did comment I was pretty first before blasting with a huge ear full. Apparently she didn't know it was an auction...or that I was apart of it.

"It's fine, Kalen bought the date and actually there's something else I need to tell you..." Her eyes were virtually bugged out of her skull by the time I had finished.

She wasn't expecting that, and definitely not when I told explained this had gone on for a while now, that I've been in love with since I was ten.

"Tessa he groomed you."

"No he didn't mom. He actually pushed me away, he didn't want me to be with him."

"And now suddenly he does?"

"I know it doesn't make sense but just trust me when I say this is right. That I'm happy with him and he's happy with me."

Then she did the strangest thing. She hugged me. And tears...actual fucking tears flooded from her eyes.

"I know seem harsh at times, but all I want is the best for you and tonight when you walked into the house, you were smiling brighter than I've ever seen you. I hope you're right and he is the one, because you only deserve the best."

Everything changed after that. My relationship with my mom became stronger, the connection between Kalen and I has blossomed and I even feel part of the family now. Like I've always been a Romano.

It's only my friendship with Kiara I have to solidify. But that would come tomorrow.

For now, I was getting ready for my first date with my boyfriend. Boyfriend.

That's right. We put a label on our relationship, even though we haven't even had our date.

It just felt natural, everything about us does now. Kalen blurted it out to his friend when introducing us. He didn't even realise he had said it and when he did, he glanced back at me as if seeking permission for it to be right.

I simply squeezed his hand in return and leaned into his side. Being his girlfriend is the best thing. It means I have a position in his role, that he wants me as strongly as I want him.

"Tessa he's here!" My father bellows from downstairs. I quickly run my hands through my straight hair and grab my purse before rushing down.

As usual my father has taken the protective role of interrogating Kalen. And as usual Kalen takes every question with stride, answering with such collected ease.

"...I don't want her to come home crying. Ever. If that happens, I'll be having words for you and your father."

"Of course sir, and don't worry, I won't ever let that happen." Again. I knew he wanted to add but refrained for both our sakes. Yet his eyes conveyed more truth to that statement than my father could ever knew.