The Beta and the Figure Skater

Chapter 9

Sarah's POV:

 It was the next day and oh, was it busy! I honestly was just waiting for Grady to come in. Lately, he always comes to the cafe. Sometimes, he doesn't even order. We don't get to talk much because I'm working, but we talk a little. He's always so kind and thoughtful.

 Finally, Grady came in with his friend. I smiled brightly and waved. Grady smiled back and came up to the counter. "Hey, Sarah," he said softly.

 "Hi, Grady.." I smiled shyly.

 "I wanted to ask you...Are you busy tomorrow?" he asked me, his hand on mine.

 "No, actually I'm free all day. It's my day off tomorrow. Why? Did you have something in mind?" I told him, my heart racing. I was sure my cheeks were pink. It's probably pretty noticeable...Seeing as my skin is very pale. 

 "Well, I wanted to ask if you wanted to go on another date with me..." he looked a little nervous.

 I smiled at him and nodded quickly. "I'd love to, Grady!" 

 He smiled at me. "Great! I'll pick you up at 6 then?"

 "Sounds good. Gives me plenty of time to get ready. Where are we going?" I asked him. 

 "Well, do you like Chinese?"

 "I love it!" I told him. It was true. I really liked Chinese.

 "Well, I could take you to my favorite Chinese restaurant, if you want. Or we can go somewhere else if you want. I mean, it's up to you. What ever you want-"

 "Grady, Chinese sounds wonderful." I laughed. He was so cute when he rambled. He was cute when he was nervous. Heck! He's cute all the time!

 "Ok then...Chinese it is." Grady smiled at me and nodded. He didn't seem that nervous anymore and, I was glad.

 "Grady, we really need to get going. Ray is really wondering where we are and he is mad." his friend suddenly came up to us, speaking to Grady.

 "Ok then...I'll see you tomorrow, Sarah." he smiled at me.

 "I'll see you tomorrow. Text me and I'll text you my address." I told him. 

 "Got it. See you, snow drop." he replied, kissing my hand. I swear my cheeks got so red when he called me that. I stood there frozen, unable to do or say anything, as I watched him leave with his friend. 

 "Sarah? Are you ok?" Leanna asked, coming beside me. 

 "H-he....He called me snow drop....H-he....He kissed my hand...." I said in a quiet voice. "H-he asked me on another date...A Chinese restaurant!"

 Leanna smiled at me. "That's great, Sarah!" 

 I looked at her, smiling. I swear my cheeks were still red. "Do you really think so...?" 

 She nodded. "Besides, 'snowdrop', that fits you so well." 

 I rolled my eyes, giving a small sigh. "Yea, and I know why."

 "Sarah, I told you, you're beautiful the way you are! Having albinism does not mean you are any less attractive."

 "Le, when Brad rejected me, he used the same excuse everyone used so they could bully me in school, and the same excuse all my crushes used!" I declared. Leanna looked down, realizing what I meant. "He said I was too pale for his taste. Leanna, my skin burns easily and it is so pale it looks as white as a sheet of paper. My hair looks like freshly fallen snow! And my eyes-"

 "Are you seriously gonna criticize your eyes now, girl? I thought you liked your eye color. It's really rare and pretty!" Leanna stated. 

 "Brad said violet eyes weren't really his thing...Too rare for his taste." I said, looking down.

 "Sarah, if you're over him, why are you worried about what he, or anyone else for that matter, thinks?"

 "Because they're right! I've been called a monster before, Leanna, for being albino! I've been called the Ice Queen, Snow Queen, and anything else you can think of to insult me!" 

 At that moment, I heard a low growl. I frowned, turning my head to see what it was. My gaze landed on Grady. Oh crud....

 Grady's POV:

 I went back in the cafe because I forgot my wallet. When I got inside, I heard Sarah talking to her friend, Leanna. 

 "Because they're right! I've been called a monster before, Leanna, for being albino!" is all I heard her say. My wolf wanted control. He wanted to hurt whoever called my mate a monster. I growled, unable to stop it. I felt anger at whoever hurt Sarah. 

 "G-Grady...?" Sarah spoke up. She seemed nervous. "D-did you hear any of that...?" she asked as I walked up. 

 I nodded, taking her hand firmly but gently. "Who told you you were a monster?" I asked in a low tone.

 "Um...Just people..." she said quietly, looking down, not wanting to look me in the eye. 

 I sighed. "Come with me." I said. 

 Sarah's eyes went wide. "I-I can't! I-I have work and-"

 "I'll cover for you, Sarah." Leanna replied. 

 I shot her a grateful smile before looking back at my mate. "O-ok..." I nodded and continued to hold her hand as we walked out of the cafe.

 In the car, I could see Weston looking at me like I was crazy. "Sarah's upset. I'm not leaving her like this. You go on ahead. I'll figure out some other way to get there." I mind-linked him.

 "Ok, dude. I'll try to explain this to Ray." his voice echoed through my mind.

 I took Sarah behind the cafe, into the woods. Before you go calling me crazy, this is not rogue territory. It's a place I've liked coming to since I was a kid. Whenever I needed some time to myself. I led her to an old picnic table and we sat down. 

 "I had no idea this was here...It's amazing...." Sarah said quietly. 

 I smiled. "As are you, snowdrop." Sarah looked down shyly, her cheeks pink. I smirked, quite amused. I then frowned. "Sarah, you are albino, aren't you?" 

 Sarah sighed. "Yes....I understand if you don't want to be around me anymore because of it. I-"

 "Why would I not want to be around you?? Sarah, I love you. You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen in my life! Your hair...It's as beautiful as the freshly fallen snow. Your eyes, as beautiful as an amethyst. They sparkle and are mesmerizing...Sarah, being albino is nothing to be ashamed over. I love you with it or without it!"

 "You......You love me...?" her eyes were wide, as she looked at me in shock. 

 I guess I let that slip out...Crud....We literally just met! "Yes, I do..." I admitted.

 "You....You really think I'm beautiful...? You...really don't care about my albinism?" 

 "Yes, I do think you're beautiful. Beautiful isn't even a strong enough word! You're the most beautiful girl in the world! And no, I don't care. In fact, I think it makes you prettier." I said, making her blush again.

 "Thank you..."

 "Of course....Whoever told you otherwise, is just jealous." 

 "Thank you, Grady...I um...I think I love you too..." she said slowly, giving a shy smile. She was still blushing. 

 I smiled brightly. "Well, I should be going. But I'll be back later on today." I stood up, offering her my hand. She took it and we walked back to the cafe. When we got back, I kissed her cheek. "I'll see you soon, snowdrop." With that, I walked away. Her eyes were wide, her hand on her cheek as I turned around to leave. From behind me, I could hear her squeal in excitement and call Leanna's name. I chuckled. My mate is so cute and special...