“Well, that’s certainly surprising,” my dad said. “When did you find out he’s your mate?”
“Just recently. He’s obviously been gone a long time and just came back. The last time I saw him I was seventeen so I didn’t realize until now when I saw him again.”
“Well, being a beta’s mate is very honorable,” my dad said, but he didn’t sound convincing.
“I’m sure the Moon Goddess knew what she was doing.” My mom pressed her lips together in a thin line. The conversation definitely went a lot more awkwardly than I was expecting.
At six, the doorbell rang, and my father went to answer it, with me right behind him.
“Good evening, Mr. Dale,” Luke said, putting his right hand out for a handshake. He had on a fall jacket that was unzipped to reveal a button-down shirt and tie underneath. In his left hand, he had a bouquet of colorful flowers.
“Good evening, Beta,” my dad replied, shaking his hand. “So, Jasmine tells us you’re her mate?”
“Yes, sir,” Luke replied.
“Well, come on in.”
“Hi, Jasmine.” He came over to me and kissed me on the cheek. “You look beautiful.” He handed me the flowers.
“Thank you,” I replied, inhaling his intoxicating scent, feeling nervous.
“Can I get you something to drink? We have water, Coke, juice,” my dad offered.
“Sure, water would be great, thank you.”
“Jasmine, I’m going to take Beta Luke into the living room. Why don’t you prepare those waters for us?”
“Okay,” I replied, heading into the kitchen. He led Luke into the living room. I listened to hear what they were saying while I put the flowers into a vase and prepared two glasses of water.
“Well, it was certainly a surprise when we found out you were Jasmine’s mate, Beta. How do you feel about it?” my dad asked him.
“Jasmine was the smartest and sweetest girl when we were in school together, and she’s also beautiful. I am lucky that the Moon Goddess picked someone so perfect for me. I look forward to getting to know her more now that I know she’s my mate.”
“Okay, I’m glad to hear that. Now, it’s no secret that you were, until recently, as far as I know, dating her friend. My assumption is that relationship is no longer?”
“Your assumption is correct. Lucy and I broke up now that I found the woman I am meant to be with. I’d like to, with your permission of course, take Jasmine out to a nice dinner tonight so we can begin our new relationship.”
“Well, of course, Beta. Who am I to stand in the way of the Moon Goddess? I hope the two of you have a nice night and that we’ll be seeing more of you around here.”
“Thank you, sir. I’m sure you will.”
I then went in to hand them their waters. Luke’s responses were very polite, and I hoped they satisfied my dad. My dad took a couple sips of his water and said, “Well, I have to go eat my dinner now. But have fun tonight. And bring my daughter back in one piece, Beta.”
“I certainly will, sir,” Luke replied.
Once my dad left the living room, I led Luke outside after throwing on a jacket and grabbing a shopping bag. After I closed the door behind us, he stopped me at the doorstep and brushed his fingers through my hair. “You look so beautiful tonight, Jasmine. And you smell amazing too.”
“Thank you,” I replied. He took my hand and brought me to the car, opening the passenger door for me.
After we were both seated, I handed the shopping bag to Luke. “Thank you for letting me borrow your sister’s clothes. Can you please return them to her?” Luke took the bag and thanked me, throwing it into the back seat. He then shifted into reverse to back out of the driveway.
As we were driving, Luke began conversing with me. “I’m glad you agreed to go out with me tonight. I want to take you somewhere nice as an apology for how I’ve acted since realizing I’m your mate. I’m hoping we can start over tonight.” He glanced over at me, smiling.
A warmth spread through my chest. Being in the car with him, his whole scent surrounded me, making me feel relaxed and lustful. I couldn’t help but want to forgive him.
I finally replied, “Thank you for inviting me out. Is it true what you told my dad—that you broke up with Lucy?”
He knit his eyebrows together and blinked his eyes a few times, then replied, “Yes, it’s true.”