REIKA

TEN

It was on! It was the first time in almost five years that I had a chance to go on a date. Since Dad was at the office, I did the girly, irresponsible thing for once and left my work early to shop for a dress. Oma went with me and we searched store after store before I chose a short black dress with the back open and a gold long chain holding the sleeves together and dropping down my exposed back.

We paired it with high heels and then we went to get my hair and makeup professionally done. I couldn't believe it was me, the hot girl, staring back in the mirror. I smiled, feeling like myself for once. Sometimes I forgot I was still young. I didn't have a chance to fully enjoy all these things, to have these experiences.

"You look smoking hot, Reik. Come, I'll drive you there. Whenever you are ready to go, just call or link, and we'll have a car ready for you." Oma lovingly caressed my hair. She was like an older, wiser sister. "You know your father, so there will be guards around, but never too close to you. They will give you space, but you will have backup if you need it." She tucked my hair behind my ear.

"Oma?"

"Yes?"

"What if I don't like her?"

"It's a date, woman, not a mating. Just have fun. And don't overthink!" She smiled. Oma knew me too well. I truly wished this date would go well. Five years was a stupidly long time. I wanted to finally move on. I didn't even know his name, and what he did was still taking control over my emotions. That couldn't happen anymore.

—I hate this, Reika. But if it will make you happy, then let's do it.

Jules wasn't convinced with us moving on just yet, but he accepted. I would have hugged him if I could.

Oma dropped me off at the address Diane had texted me. I got out of the car and she was waiting for me at the club's entrance. She looked astonishing. My date had a tight and short red dress, and had curled her straight hair. Her red lipstick made her plum lips look so seductive and kissable. I shyly walked to her and blushed.

"Wow! You look amazing. I must be the luckiest woman in this city," Diane said and laughed before she extended a hand towards me. I returned the smile and took her hand. Her skin was soft. I took a few seconds to feel her and then she pulled my hand and walked us inside.

It was crowded. The music was loud, and there were lights moving all over. People were dancing and making out in every corner. By the DJ, there were even more lights and smoke. Dian let my hand go and signaled me she would go get us drinks. It was the first time I was in a club. Before what happened, I was still too young. What an 18th birthday I had... found my mate, got rejected, and got pregnant.

My mate. I was hopeful then, too. It felt a lot like I felt at the moment.

My eyes traveled to my date, who was walking back with drinks, and she smiled. I didn't smile back. Did she have another motive for taking me here? Why would she go behind her Alpha and say those things to me?

She got close to me and looked worried, so I smiled. I would not trust her. I couldn't. She might be trying to get something from me. I'd let her think I fell for it.

Diane gave me a drink, and I reached for her empty hand, held her in mine, tangled my fingers with hers, and pulled her closer. She blushed and bit her lips, and I smirked. Too bad, she was really cute, but I wouldn't let this pass the night.

Who was I kidding?

I couldn't fully move on, just have one-night-stands at most. She was very close to me, so I dropped her hand and held her by the hips, and moved my hand up her back until I reached her hair. I took a curl in my fingers and softly twisted it.