8

Eliane POV

Thanks to the food Beta Rain gave us, I could concentrate on my studies during the weekend without worrying about Maya dying of hunger or junk food. But truth to be told, I really missed cooking but I couldn't just waste good ingredients just to have fun.

Maya slept the days away, she seemed a bit tired. I suppose all the stress we went through is finally catching up to her. She even canceled her job interview, she said she wanted to take it easy for a while. She would wake up to eat then go back to sleep.

Somehow, Alex's face and his beautiful smile kept popping in my head at random moments. My mind kept rewinding our conversations, I still can't believe he called me beautiful. And the way he apologized on one knee was so romantic, he was like the male lead actor in a chick flick, it made my heart skip a beat every single time I remember it. I even caught myself grinning like an idiot several times, I couldn't get him out of my mind.

By Monday night, Maya was in better shape, she wanted to eat dinner out since we were running out of food but I refused since I had a few mock tests to finish. She didn't insist any further and left me be. That night we settled for cereals as dinner.

On Thursday morning, Maya woke me up with breakfast in bed, saying that we are spending the day out. I tried to use the excuse of studying in order to refuse one more time but she didn't listen to me, besides, somehow my laptop and books were gone. She said that I needed to chill out before my exams and I had no choice but to comply.

After eating, I took a long relaxing shower. When I came out of the bathroom, Maya was already dressed and playing on her phone. Like usual she opted for the comfortable look, she was wearing blue jeans, black sneakers, and a black zipped hoodie. I decided to go for a similar outfit but with different colors, I went with a pink hoodie and gray sneakers.

"Where are we going?" I finally asked when I fastened my seat belt.

"To the mall" she answered while starting the car, "We are spending the day there"

"Doing what???"

"Shopping for a starter!"

"Shopping for what? I don't need anything" she turned the radio on and ignored me. Great!! today is stubborn Maya's day. I tried to complain a couple of times but the only response I got was her smirk. She knew I had no rebellious bone in me.

We parked the car in the underground parking lot. We found a spot close to the elevator, it would make things easy afterward. When we got to the ground floor, Maya looked for the mall map and dragged me there.

"So, you'll get to chose today's activities"

"I chose to go back and finish studying," I said with a huff

"You'll get to chose the shops we'll visit, the movie we'll watch and the food we'll eat", she kept looking on the map as she didn't hear what I said, "There is an arcade center and a spa if you're interested"

"Maya..." I started whining like a brat, "We could chill out back home", She took a deep breath and turned to me, she cupped my face with her two hands and gave me the creepiest smile.

"You will choose the shops we'll visit or I will do it and I'm sure you remember what happened last time I did the clothes shopping on my own?" I shuddered remembering the pepperoni pizza printed onesies she got me last time.

"You will choose the movie we'll watch otherwise I'll go for a zombie movie" no! no! anything but zombies.

"You'll choose the food we're going to eat or I'll get something very spicy. I love spicy food what about you?"

"You are a bully, why are you being mean to me? I just want to stay in" I know her, these are not empty words, she can do it and she will do it. She hugged me and patted my head.

"Gorgeous? When was the last time we went out to have fun?" I don't remember, "When was the last time we didn't have to worry about a thing?", a very long time ago, "When was the last time you felt safe going out?", never.

"But I don't need new clothes" I tried again but she laughed at me.

"Gorgeous, you have more pajamas then outdoor clothes, you need clothes". she broke the hug and started dragging me to some shop, "We could start with bath products, now that you have your own bathtub", The moment we stepped in, a very pleasant variety of fragrances engulfed us, we were in the body shop. I was a lost cause the moment we stood in front of the 'Bath & Shower products'.

One hour later we were paying for our purchases, Maya got the pink grapefruit shower gel, soap, body scrub, and body butter. As usual, she always goes for citrus fragrances. Me on the other hand I decided to stop using lavender scented products, so I got the Mango bath blend, body scrub, soap, shower gel, bath bomb, and the body yogurt. For my hair care, I got the banana shampoo and conditioner. Maya had the Shea butter shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, and a new bamboo hairbrush. I was over the moon when the shop clerk gave me an inflatable bath pillow as a gift.

"Where to now?" Asked Maya while wiggling her eyebrows, I fell for her trap and I couldn't complain anymore now.

I laughed and took her hand, this time I was the one dragging her around looking for new clothes. We spent the next few hours trying clothes in different shops like American Eagle, Forever 21, H&M, ZARA, rue21, and many others. I bought a bunch of skinny jeans in different colors, a couple of dresses, t-shirts, shorts, new shoes, and bags. Maya got a new cardigan, tan boots, and flare jeans. We got matching cookie monster pajamas, mine was shorts and tee, hers were pants and tank top.

When we were done, or more precisely when we got too exhausted to walk anymore, we decided to have lunch. We didn't expect the food court to be this crowded and noisy, almost all the tables were taken. I thought we could eat first then go for a movie but I guess we need a change of plan.

"How about we drop all these bags in the car and then we go straight to the movies?"Maya said looking around, I think she doesn't like the idea of eating in this crowd and noise either.

"I think that's a better idea, we can have snacks for now", She nodded her head and walked away. I followed her to the elevator, as usual, Maya was holding the heaviest bags while I was holding the smallest ones, the body shop ones. I tried to take the ones containing the shoes and bags but she almost bit my hand away. I really do wonder sometimes who's the human and who's the wolf between the two of us.

We were standing by the elevator's door discussing our movie choices when I smelled him. I thought it was one of my daydreams but when the doors opened, the most beautiful green eyes greeted me. He gave me his signature smile when we locked eyes. I tried to smile back but I couldn't manage to control my face's muscles.

"OH MY GOD!!! Eliane!!" The shrill voice was the last thing I heard before being engulfed in a tight hug. I didn't notice Paula was there too, or Alexia or Luc. I was released from her embrace straight to Alexia's.

"Miss Evans, what a coincidence?" Paula said to Maya with her Colgate smile.

"Right, what a convenient coincidence." Maya's voice was amused, I didn't get what amused her but Paula's smile faltered and she palled a bit.

"Miss Evans, How are you?" Luc was trying hard to keep her gaze. The idea that the future Alpha is kind of scared of her, made me smile.

"I'm fine, thank you, Luc," she said with the sweetest smile

"Are you already leaving?" Alex asked me.

"No, we're just taking our bags to the car and we'll be back" I said blushing for no reason

"How about having lunch with us if you didn't eat yet?" Alexia proposed. I want to say yes but I don't think Maya will enjoy herself.

"Actually we're going to the movies, maybe next time" I could feel Alex's intense gaze on me but I couldn't look at him. I pushed the elevator's button to call it back.

"Why don't you join us for a movie than a late lunch? It's on me" Maya suggestion took me by surprise, no, I think everyone was surprised.

"We would love to," Alexia said clapping her hands. I looked at Maya still not believing her. She put some of her bags down and reached for her wallet in her back bag. She gave me her credit card.

"How about you head up with them first, you can choose the movie and buy the snacks while I put away the bags"

"I'll help you" Luc proposed and she nodded. Alex took away the bags I was holding and gave them to him. I wanted to protest but the girls were already dragging me away.

"What kind of movies you usually watch?" Paula asked while locking her arm with mine, her friendly gesture made me feel uncomfortable. I was about to unlock my arm when Alex Pulled me away from her and gave her a glare. Alexia pulled her to her side with a similar glare. I guess my discomfort was visible.

"Have you decided on a movie with Miss Evans" Alex stood one step behind me when we got on the escalator.

"Not really, we were still discussing the different choices"

"Do you have any preference?"

"We were hesitating between the last STAR WARS and Jumanji" and frozen II but I kept that part for me. Alex seemed to think about it for a bit, his frown was cute.

"Have you watched all the STAR WARS movies?" He asked me after a while almost catching me staring at him.

"Not all of them but Maya did, even the old ones"

"What about Jumanji? did you watch the first one?"

"Yes, I even watched the old one with Robin Williams".

"OK, then let's go for Jumanji: The Next Level, we didn't see it too" I nodded my head.

The movie was supposed to start in twenty minutes, so we had time to buy the tickets and the snacks. Alex wanted to pay for their share but when I told him that Maya could take it the wrong way he didn't argue back. I paid for the tickets and went for the snacks, I asked Alexia to pick Luc's too. We had popcorn, chocolate bars, potato chips, soda, and juice. Maya and Luc arrived soon.

"I got you a large Latte and salted popcorn," I said as Alex handed her the large cup since he insisted to hold the hot drink.

"Thanks, gorgeous" Maya gave me a kiss on my forehead and asked us to lead the way. Our seats were in the last row and next to each other. The boys let us chose where to seat, Maya took the one at the edge so I naturally sat next to her. Paula sat next to me despite the glares she received from the boys, I guess they didn't want her to overwhelm me again. When they couldn't move her away, Alex sat next to her a bit pissed off then his sister, and finally Luc.

"I'm so excited to be here, usually we watch movies in the media room back in the packhouse. This is so much fun" The boys glared at her again but she ignored them.

"I liked the first one, I'll definitely like this one. You know..."

"Gorgeous, switch places with Paula" Maya's irritated voice made Paula freeze with bulged eyes, I looked at Maya not understanding what she intends to do, She leaned a bit to meet her eyes, "You look like the type to talk during a movie, so you'll sit next to me to make sure that you won't be a bother the others". Her voice held finality so we both stood up and switched places.

When I looked at the others, they were snickering at the whole situation, I guess they were bothered by her blabbering too. Alex was smiling at me and mouthed a 'Hi ' that I returned with a shy smile. The movie started soon after and everyone was concentrated on the screen. Alexia had her head on Luc's shoulder while he held her hand, It was so sweet.

During the movie, Alex leaned to my side and stole some of my caramel popcorn so I returned the favor by eating a big handful of his salted one. He smirked then drank the rest of my apple juice but since I don't like soda I couldn't drink his, so I pouted like a kid. He nudged me a couple of times but I ignored him, he gave me his potato chips and chocolate but I didn't budge. I suppose he gave up because after a while he readjusted himself in his seat and looked at the screen. I was a bit disappointed so I readjusted myself too and concentrated on the movie.

Minutes later, one of the movie theater employees, a werewolf, walked in and came to our row. Alex stood up and with his long arms, he took something from him then sat back. I wanted to see what he gave him but since I was supposed to be still made about my juice, I couldn't sneak a peak or ask him. I felt him leaning to my side again and it got me excited to know what he was planning to do. I was expecting him to nudge me again but he simply grabbed my wrist and placed something cold in my hand.

My breath hitched, and my heart picked up its pace. I didn't know what to concentrate on. His warm hand holding my wrist or the cold thing in my hand. After few elaborated breaths I looked down at my hand and I couldn't believe what he gave me. He brought me a new apple juice can. I looked at him with a wild grin and whispered a thank you. He didn't say anything but kept his soft gaze on me. I turned back my head thankful for the darkness that hid my crimson cheeks. I didn't open the juice can and he didn't remove his hand till the end of the movie.

When the lights were back on, everyone stood up collecting their things leaving through the back door. Luc and Alex volunteered to throw our trash away while we use the bathroom. Paula was quiet for a while but it didn't last long. Soon she was talking about random things like ice cream, cats, and her dream car. She didn't seem bothered to talk to us while we were doing our business.

When I was washing my hands, Maya came to me asking about what kind of food I want to have. I didn't have time to answer because Paula appeared out of nowhere and started talking again without apologizing for the interruption. Maya took a deep breath and walked out first leaving me behind with the girls. Paula didn't realize how impolite she was being right now, she didn't even see Alexia's glare and kept talking.

The idea that I was left behind because of her loud mouth and self-centered manners made me growl at her with pure anger. I walked out too and went looking for Maya. I followed her scent and found her talking with the boys. They were talking about an Italian restaurant with pasta to die for. When I approached them, I gave Maya a side hug. She smiled at me, she didn't look hurt or upset.

"Italian or Indian?" Alex asked me and I tilted my head not understanding what he was talking about. "We are talking about restaurants," he said with a smile.

"Italian!!" I said without giving it much thought. The girls came a few minutes later and I didn't want to acknowledge the presence of a certain someone. The boys led the way to the restaurant and I was still stuck to Maya's side. She gave me a weird look but I decided that I wouldn't let anyone else be mean to her. I know she can perfectly take care of herself but I was really angry and I wanted to bite someone's head off.

When we arrived at the restaurant, which was on the ground floor, I realized that there were a lot of pack members present there. I tensed a bit expecting a rerun of our first day in pack lands. Maya walked in like she owned the place and asked for a table for six. The waiter, a wolf, smiled at us and showed us to a round table by the glass wall with a checkered tablecloth, gave us the menu, and walked away. Not only the waiter was acting friendly but he seemed happy to be the one serving us.

Maya and the boys ordered pizza, I went for the ricotta ravioli while the girls ordered salads. Our order didn't take long to be prepared and as soon as our dishes were on the table, we started eating. Alex, who was sitting next to me, gave me a slice of his four-cheese pizza. I wanted to give him some of my pasta but he refused telling me to eat more. Paula was sitting between the boys and she didn't attempt to make any conversation. I was still angry at her since she didn't apologize.

Maya was in a deep conversation with Alexia about her Luna training. With all the things that she needed to learn, oversee and take care of, I really don't know how she had time to even breathe. Maya was sharing with her some time management tips. Alexia was listening carefully, she even took some notes on her phone.

"Every time I get something right, something else goes down the drain," Alexia says after a while, Luc rub her back feeling her distress, "and with the enforcers visit, I have to postpone more things".

"The Enforcers?" I asked a bit surprised, Alexia blushed and looked at Luc, I don't think she was supposed to give that information away.

"Yes, they visit the pack from time to time," Alex said exchanging a look with his sister. I hope she doesn't get in trouble for this. "They will be here for few days"

"Anyway, I think you need to organize your thoughts first," Maya said cutting short the 'Enforcers discussion', gaining back Alexia's attention", "How about you start by finding a quiet place, then write down all your tasks, things to take care of or supervise, no matter how small or insignificant, get it down on that list" Alexia nodded her head. "When you're done listing everything, start by deleting nonessential tasks and believe me when I say that you'll probably cut a third or even a half of your list".

I wanted to concentrate on their conversation but Alex nudged me a couple of times asking for attention. I gave him a playful glare.

"So, you don't share your apple juice" I giggled at his statement.

"You drank it all, that's not called sharing" he smirked

"I'm sorry, no more apple juice stealing", I giggled again and he smiled at me

"Well, you were forgiven the moment you got me a new one" His smile widened at my statement

"So, I wanted to thank you for the brownies, they were very delicious"

"I'm glad you liked it"

"Dad said that your mini egg rolls very good too, he had to fight the Alpha for the last one"

"I'll make more for them"

"What about me?"

"You didn't share with the others, so no more for you" his eyes bulged and turned to the others looking for the snitch. Alexia and Luc were focused on their conversation with Maya, so he turned to Paula who shook her head the moment their eyes met. He turned back to me wanting to know who gave him away.

"Sorry, I can't give away my informants", I couldn't say that it was Beta Rain who told me the other night. I laughed at his funny expression.

"If I promise to share, can you make some cookies" I laughed at his negotiation attempt

"What kind of cookies?" His eyes lightened up at my question

"Chocolate Chip Cookies" I pretended to think about it for a while, enjoying myself.

"Fine, but this time I'm going to give the others their own share, I still don't believe you" I giggled imagining already myself in the kitchen baking.

"Who exactly are the others you're talking about?" He asked with a frown

"She's talking about us!" Said Alexia glaring at her brother, "Actually Eliane, I think you should make cookies for everyone but him" Luc smirked at her suggestion, "That way he would know how it feels like to smell it and not being able to taste it" they all laughed and he turned to me with pleading eyes. The teasing went on until we stood in front of our car. Everyone stopped to wish me good luck for my test tomorrow.

"Alex can you ride with us, it's dark outside and I'm still not familiar with the roads here," Maya Asked when everyone was about to leave.

"Of course, do you want me to drive Miss Evans?" He looked happy to ride with us and I was happy he liked the idea too.

"Can you drive a stick shift car?" He stopped in his track and Maya laughed at him.

"Too bad, my gorgeous can drive it" He looked back at me, I laughed at him too while taking the car keys from Maya.

"Watch and learn, automatic boy", Lame I know but I was enjoying teasing him. Maya sat in the back seats saying that she had to check her emails. Alex sat on the passenger seat and kept his eyes on my right hand and feet while I drove following his directions. It made me nervous but at the same time, I liked the warmth of his gaze on me. I really enjoyed the time spent together with him and found myself wishing for more.

When we approached our street, Maya proposed to drive him home but he refused saying that he could run there from our backyard. Tuns out our house was at the edge of the Human town and his house was at the edge of the pack lands, making the woods a shortcut between the two houses. Knowing That he lives close by gave me a strange warm feeling.

"Miss Evans, can I drive you tomorrow to the test center?" Alex asked when she was unlocking the door.

"We don't want to bother you, I'm sure you are busy," She said with a polite smile but I wanted her to say yes.

"I insist" please insist some more, "It's almost a two hours drive away from pack lands and since Eliane chose to take all four subject tests at once you'll have to wait for her for approximately eight to nine hours" Waow how did he know all that?, "I'll be your escort during that time". Her smile turned into a more genuine one.

"That's sweet of you, are you sure it's not a bother?"

"Not at all, I'll pick you up at seven AM, how does it sound?"

"Perfect, good night Alex," she said walking inside the house.

"Thank you", I didn't know what else to say.

"It's nothing," He said with a smile then bend down and placed a kiss on my cheek, "See you tomorrow, Eliane", He took few steps backward without breaking eye contact. I was supposed to say something back but at that moment I forgot how to talk. I kept staring at him even when he turned around and walked away, I kept staring until he walked around the house and disappeared. After a while, I got inside and leaned against the closed door. I placed my hand on my cheek trying to feel the residual heat of his lips. I can't believe he kissed me.

OH boy! how am I supposed to sleep tonight?