Something So Unexpected

Chapter 7

Jamie’s POV

Running through the woods felt exhilarating. I felt the earth beneath my bare feet. I felt the world through a whole new perspective. The world was clear. As I ran, I dodged trees, rocks, and roots. I jumped over a bush that was in the path, I saw my paws come before me. Apparently, in my dream, I had paws. I wanted to pause and examine myself, but my instinct told me to keep running.

I found a large rock with a crevice underneath. I crept low and slid in the crevice under the boulder. I saw a black wolf run by me on the path. I waited a minute, making sure he’d pass. I crept out from under the boulder and went in a different direction than the black wolf. I found a small lake with crystal clear water reflecting the moonlight above. The scene was picturesque, like something you would see in a painting or on a postcard. I looked left and right like I was crossing the street before I proceeded forward with caution.

As I got to the water’s edge, I looked at my reflection. I was a beautiful Auburn colored wolf with my same bright green eyes. I inhaled sharply as I took in the view.

We’re beautiful. My inner voice said. I couldn’t agree more. My name is Ember. Ember?

Before I could think more about it, I heard a stick crack behind me, breaking my focus. I turned around and saw the black wolf we had been running from.

He proceeded forward and pounced on me, pinning me down. I looked at him and was not scared. His eyes. I know those eyes. They are the same slate grey eyes I’ve been thinking about. That is Hunter. He’s our mate. My inner voice was louder than usual. Hunter leaned down and licked my cheek before giving me a nuzzle.

I

woke up and sat up in bed. What a crazy dream. I looked at the clock and it was only 3:15. I sighed and rolled onto my other side to try to fall asleep again, but seemed to toss and turn for the remainder of the night. However, after a few hours, I finally was able to doze off.

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I woke up to Jillian coming into my room.

“Jamie, you’re still sleeping! I have to leave for work.” I opened my eyes and looked at the clock. It was nearly eight. s**t. I groaned and got up.

“Sorry Jilly, I didn’t sleep well last night. I had the wildest dream and had a hard time falling asleep after that,” I said, looking at her apologetically.

“Tell me about it later. I have to leave. Bella ate already.” She replied, turning to get her things ready for work.

I met her in the kitchen and waved her off. I turned to Bella. “Good morning, baby girl!” I cheerily said with a kiss on her head. I had decided that today I would take Bella to the park that’s walking distance from our apartment.

I grabbed a quick breakfast for myself and got dressed. I threw on a tee shirt and jeans with a hoodie over it. It was mid-September, so the weather was starting to get a bit chilly. Bella was already dressed, so I dressed her in a hoodie also with her sneakers.

We made our way downstairs and the few blocks to the park. It was a decent sized park, which was one of the reasons we had picked this apartment. I had sent Bella to go play. As she started climbing up the ladder on the playscape, my phone buzzed.

When I pulled it out, I saw a text from Aiden.

Aiden: Hey, are you ready to hear about tonight?

Me: Of course!

Aiden: Can I pick you up at the diner at 5:30? I made dinner reservations.

Me: Sounds good, where?

Aiden: Nope, can’t tell you yet. It’s a surprise.

I could almost see him smirking on the other side of the phone.

Me: You’re lucky I like surprises!

Aiden: What are you up to?

I thought about how much I wanted to tell him.

Me: I’m at the park with my niece.

Aiden: Sounds like fun!

After a few more texts back and forth, Aiden said he had to get back to work. I realized I didn’t even know what he did.

I’d make sure to get to know him tonight. After another hour, I took Bella home and we played inside for a bit. I made her lunch and put her down for nap.

During nap time, I started to prep for my date. I showered and shaved. I was reminded of Jillian’s text as she reminded me to shave. It was only 1:30 now, but I started planning my outfit. I decided on black jeans and a cute beige sweater, which would bring out my eyes.. I picked out some booties to go with them. I figured casual was a better route.

I was curling my hair when I heard Bella wake up from nap. I set her up with a show and a snack while I finished my hair. I did casual makeup with just a bit of eyeshadow and mascara and a little lip color.

Jillian came back a bit later at 3:45. She gave me a once over. “Dang, girl!” I blushed a little at her response. I filled her in on the conversation today. As the time got closer, we got into the car with Bella and headed towards the diner.

I had Jillian drop me off a few minutes early. I was not ready for Jillian and Bella to meet Aiden. After all, it was just a first date.

When she dropped me off at the diner, she left quickly. Just a few minutes after she left, a sleek black Mercedes sedan pulled up. The passenger side window rolled down and I was met with Aiden’s slate grey eyes from the driver seat as he flashed a smile.

Aiden put the car in park and walked around to my side of the car and leaned forward. I took a deep breath of his rainstorm and raspberry smell as he was close to me, calming the butterflies in my stomach. He greeted me and opened the passenger door for me. And I thought chivalry was dead.

We buckled up and off we went on the date he planned.