My Jealous Ex-Wolf

Ryan PT:Two

Chapter Five

If I thought the silent car ride to the restaurant was sufficiently awkward, it didn't compare to having to sit across from someone you thought hated you in a normally intimate sort of setting.

It also didn't help any that the part of the restaurant we were sitting in seemed to be reserved for obvious couples.

We had exhausted our small talk in an attempt to make things less awkward and now we were out of things to say.

"Well Cassandra, why don't you tell me about yourself."

What the hell, was I suddenly on an interview?

"Why should I?" I asked defensively.

With a sigh he spoke once more, "despite what you think I actually don't hate you Cassandra, I don't exactly agree with some of your past choices but who am I to judge...plus I'd like to know the kind of person you truly are."

"So you don't hate me, you just don't like the idea of me dating your brother." I corrected him.

"I don't think WE (meaning our kind) should date before we're 18."

I understood his coded message, there could be humans in our presence.

"You're such a damn hypocrite Ryan, if I'm not mistaken weren't you the one who had girls all over you before your 18th birthday."

"I've matured since then."

"Or you've found the one." I countered without so much as a second thought.

He gave me a look, and this look made something in my head click.

...

"Oh hell."

"What?" He asked.

"Ryan...a-am I, your mate?" I nearly whispered.

He laughed heartily, and when he finally stopped he spoke, "don't flatter yourself Cassandra."

I blushed harshly out of embarrassment.

"...but even if I was...we both know I'd be breaking a couple of Mates rules by asking you out tonight as mates aren't allow to pesue one another until they're both fully shifted...but for clarification, NO I am NOT your mate."

My heart beat evened out in relief.

With that out of the way I found it a little easier to talk to him. He asked me various questions that challenged me think, most of them were tough though as they didn't have simple answers.

"I still can't believe we're having dinner together, alone...I'm so use to Jace and Dean being with us." I acknowledged, "come to think of it...where is your sidekick?"

He smiled and shook his head, "Dean's at work...this week he's been putting in crazy hours so that he can have this weekend off."

"Aww, you two have a romantic weekend planned."

He chuckled...only this time it was slightly different. "Nah, just a few of us thinking about going to Dean's family's cabin out on the lake...i'd invite you if you weren't already too busy."

"Who says I'm busy?" I sounded now.

At this he smirked, "I only assumed you'd be busy going through your first shift and all this time tomorrow."

I blushed, how easily I seemed to forget about something so important.

The rest of dinner seemed to go by more or less the same, him asking me questions and then teasing me. When we were done Ryan paid and soon we left.

As I settled into his car and prepared myself for his crazy driving he buckled up and started his car. "So Cass, you having any sort of party for the big occasion or are you just gonna stop by the pack house and shift for us?"

I made a face, when he said it, it sounded so creepy.

"I really don't want to make too much of a fuss out of it...you know me Ryan, I'm more low-key than that."

He nodded, "well if you want, I'm sure my parents wouldn't mind making a house call for your big day." He suggested. "It wouldn't be the first time they've done it, only thing is, my new beta and I would have to tag a long of course...training and all."

I nodded, "I heard you were breaking with tradition and appointed a beta, am I to assume it'll be Dean?"

This time he nodded silently.

"Well you'll have to congratulate him for me."

A little time passed and soon we were pulling up to my house, I don't know where it came from, but suddenly I felt like I could really talk to Ryan and not worry about it getting back to anyone.

"Hey Ryan...do you honestly think Jace'll make it back before tomorrow night?"

Sadness filled his face, "I know you care for my brother Cass, and honestly I admire that...but if I'm gonna be real with you, I think you should worry about more important things right now, like your 1st shift...it's no exactly a walk in the park."

I knew that was his way of saying 'there's no chance my brother will be here for you so get over it.'

As I unlocked my door I pulled out my phone. I knew Jace said he'd be turning his phone off but I decided I'd shoot him a text anyways. I wanted to thank him for suggesting his brother take me out tonight, I know he was upset with him but just knowing he took his time out to make sure I wasn't alone really meant a lot to me.

And in an odd way I guess I really needed it. And hey if Jace and I do end up being mates, I suppose Ryan will be in my life forever.

I decided to have a bubble bath, tomorrow night was going to be big for sure, and I would need all of the rest and relaxation I could get tonight in preparation for tomorrow...like Ryan pointed out, it wouldn't be easy.

After my much needed bath I polished my nails to perfection and picked up my phone. With my nails still a little wet, I decided to lie down so as not to ruin them. I put on some videos and for the first time in nearly a month I drifted off to sleep and had an intricate dream about a funny bow legged wolf pouncing through a forest.

The sights of the lush green trees and the dark wet brown of the dirt and tree bark stood out so vividly...but nothing was more intense than the alluring scent of mahogany teakwood and the subtle hint of pine.

And strangely enough I woke up with the scent still fresh in my head.