I'm The Alpha's Challenge

53

Here's your food," the waitress cut him off, placing his steak in front of him. He glanced up at her, scowled, and then leaned his head on his free hand. She raised her eyebrows at him and then placed my food in front of me. "I'll just... leave you two... alone."

After she'd walked away, Josh groaned. "I cannot catch a break," he muttered.

"Does arrogance come with the whole wolf thing, or is that just you?"

He chuckled and glanced up at me. "That's just me, but it is a common trait."

I laughed, glancing down at the chicken and rice, poking at it with my fork. "Is this stuff any good?"

"You kiddin' me?" he said, shock written on his face. "Don't tell me ya've never eaten out bafore!"

I blushed, pushing the rice around and mixing it with the chicken that lay on top. "I've always cooked for myself. And it's pretty good, if I do say so myself."

"Score!" he chuckled.

I glared at him. "Excuse me?"

"What?" he looked up, his eyes wide as he popped a piece of steak in his mouth. "Nothin'."

"Uh huh," I muttered, glaring at him.

He smiled innocently. "Is it still my turn."

"Fine," I sighed, rolling my eyes. "But no family questions."

I took a bite of the food, almost moaning I pleasure. It was good. Almost better than mine, but... "What's your favorite color?" Josh asked.

"What? Why?"

The corner of his lip picked up. "I can't get ta know my own girlfriend?"

I laughed lightly, shaking my head. "Uh... I don't know. Never really thought about it. No one ever cared."

His eyes darkened in an instant. "Well, I care now, so think about it."

"Blue," I decided. The color of his eyes. "Yours?"

He shrugged. "Don't really have one."

I rolled my eyes. "Anything else?"

"Yea," he said. "You've never told me your middle name."

"Nicole," I laughed.

"Kevin," he smirked. "What's yer favorite memory?"

I felt my cheeks heat up. "Why are you asking all these questions?"

He smiled. "Just answer 'em. I wanna know ya better."

I sighed and rolled my eyes. "Uh... my favorite memory...? Probably... the dressing room..."

Again, I blushed as he smiled arrogantly. "I do have that effect on people."

"What's your favorite memory?"

He smiled wide, his eyes sparkling. "When I first met you, a course. When you first talked to me, the dressing room, our real first date... when you bite me. That's definitely up there."

I laughed, covering my mouth with my hand. "That was funny," I admitted. "You were so surprised."

"You bite me. How could I not be surprised?" He chuckled, taking another bite of his steak.

I shook my head in disbelief. "Next question, since it's not my turn."

"Hm... Where are you most ticklish?" he asked seriously.

My whole face was painted with red. "Why?"

"Because," he smiled. "Answer the question."

"I don't know... my waist, maybe?"

He smiled devilishly. "I'll keep that in mind."

I glanced down, rubbing my head with my hand.

"How old were you when you had your first crush?"

"Josh!"

"Danny."

I groaned, rolling my eyes. "I don't know... maybe, fifth grade? What is that, like eleven?"

"Who was it?" he asked.

"Josh..." I trailed off, biting my lip.

He waved his hand in the air. "I'll be fine. I promise."

"It was... um... It was Jake. But I was, like, eleven, and I was dumb, and he was popular." I replied, talking very fast, somewhat hoping he wouldn't catch it.

The tightening of his jaw told me he did. "Do... did ya still like him... before I came?"

I shook my head, scowling. "No. I did like him for a long time, but then I figured he didn't even know I existed, so I got over him. I thought no one knew I existed, and that no one would like me, so I gave up on guys. Period. Until you showed up, so."

He reached across the table to take my hand in his. "That's not true, Danny. I-"

"How're you guys doing over here?" the waitress asked as she walked up to us.

"It's like they sit and wait," Josh muttered just loud enough for me to hear.

I raised an eyebrow at him, and nodded to the waitress. She smiled dryly and walked away. Josh squeezed my hand. "The moment has passed," he growled, and pulled away.

"What are you talking about?" I asked in confusion, furrowing my eyebrows.

"Nothin'."

"Josh...?"

"Did you grow up here?" he asked suddenly, obviously trying to change the subject.

I played along, but frowned to tell him I wasn't done yet. "Sadly, yes."'

He nodded, scoffing. "I probably coulda guess that."

"You know, you never told me where you came from."

He smiled. "Little town in Kentucky. I'd say I miss it, but with you here, nah."

I blushed, glancing at my food and I took another small bite. "Why on earth did you come here anyways?"

"They were cuttin' down our territ'ry-the woods, at least. The town was growin', both in population and in size. We had no choice but to leave." He shrugged. "But I'm glad we did."

"I am too," I smiled shyly.

He nodded towards the door. "Ya ready ta go? I don't think this is really our type a thing."

I sighed in relief. "But we can't just leave without paying."

"I got it," he winked. "Don't worry 'bout it." He got up, laid a bill on the table, and held his hand out to me. "Wasn't much of a waitress, and she don't deserve the tip, but, whatever."

I took his hand and intertwined our fingers as I stood. "She was kinda getting on my nerves."

He nodded in agreement as we began making our way out of the restaurant. "Ya ready ta meet Tannar?"

"You mean a real wolf pair?" I asked, shooting him another look.

"Yes," He smiled. "We'll get there soon, though. I promise."