Rise of the Underdogs: KADEN

First Date Frustration

At the outset, I was completely at a loss. I couldn’t shake the sense of uncertainty that hung over me as I tried to figure out what to do next. Each option seemed as confusing as the last, and I hesitated, unsure of how to move forward. The lack of direction left me feeling adrift, with no clear plan or confidence in my choices.

As I prepared to visit my Mate, the process was anything but smooth. Every step seemed to come with interruptions and distractions, and I found myself repeatedly pulled away by people and circumstances beyond my control. The mounting frustration became palpable, a steady and ominous presence that only intensified with each moment lost. I couldn’t help but glare at both my closet and my dresser, silently willing them to offer up a solution.

Despite my best efforts to put together an outfit, nothing in my wardrobe felt right for the evening I had planned. Every option seemed to fall short, leaving me dissatisfied and questioning my choices. The anticipation of the night was overshadowed by the nagging sense that I simply didn’t have anything suitable to wear, making it even harder to move forward with confidence.

Lana held up another shirt, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. “This will look so good on you,” she assured me, clearly invested in helping me find the right look for the evening. Her confidence was almost contagious, and I felt a small flicker of hope that maybe, with her help, I would finally settle on something.

I glanced over at my brother, who was still doubled over in laughter after I explained what was about to happen. Raising an eyebrow, I reminded him, “You know I’m pranking you, right? If I have to, I’ll bring my bestie in on it too.” My words were half warning, half playful threat, underscoring the lighthearted nature of our sibling rivalry.

Neil was Dreson’s best friend, and Colt was mine. Colt and I had grown up together and, from the moment we met, our connection was effortless. We just clicked, and the sense of understanding and camaraderie never faded, keeping us close over the years.

Lana scrutinized my wardrobe choices, her gaze moving from a shirt that clung tightly to my muscles to another that hung loosely and failed to flatter my physique. She shook her head in mild frustration and offered a candid assessment: “You know, with your build, you really shouldn’t be buying clothing off the rack.” Her tone was matter-of-fact, underscoring her point as she evaluated the fit of each garment. “Yeah, you should totally get tailored suits for a better fit,” she insisted, confident that custom tailoring would be the solution to my ongoing struggle.

Her advice, both practical and encouraging, made me reconsider how I approached my wardrobe and inspired a moment of reflection about the importance of fit and personal style. I reached for my phone, pulling up Colton’s number and hitting the button.

Instead of his usual greeting, a playful and irreverent voice came through the line: “You’ve reached the clown.”

For a moment, I pulled the phone away from my ear, puzzled by the response and wondering why Jasper was answering Colton’s device. I didn’t have to wait long for the answer when Colton’s unmistakable shout came through next.

“Hey! Gimme back my phone, asshole!” The sound of their banter made me shake my head, the amusement clear in their ongoing antics.

Unfazed, Jasper continued to taunt him, his laughter ringing out as he challenged, “Come take it!”

The playful exchange between Jasper and Colton served as a much-needed respite from the earlier frustrations of the evening. Their banter, light-hearted and familiar, provided a welcome distraction, momentarily easing the tension that had built up while I struggled with my wardrobe.

Seizing the opportunity, I called out to Jasper, “Jas, I need the name of a tailor and Colt’s like a freaking phone book with legs and a heartbeat.”

The request came half in jest. A nod to my best friend’s encyclopedic knowledge of local contacts and his willingness to help out at a moment’s notice. Colton’s immediate reaction was one of mock indignation, his gasp clearly audible over the line. “User!”

Jas’s tone was playful, matching the energy of the conversation, and it was clear that their dynamic thrived on these quick-witted exchanges as much as mine and Colt’s did. As Beta and Gamma, they were the only other two in the crew that outranked me within the pack.

Without missing a beat, I responded. My enthusiasm undiminished by the teasing. “Right now? Absolutely.” His willingness to help was never in question, and with that, it seemed my search for a solution—and the perfect tailor—was finally on track.

After spending several hours preparing, which included enduring a two-hour measurement session for my new clothes and receiving a motherly warning about how to properly treat my Mate, I finally found a moment for myself at home.

No, not Dre and Leif’s place. Mine.

I lived in a rented studio apartment right in the heart of town, giving me an ideal vantage point for everything that mattered. My hearing was sharp—some would even say I had satellite ears—so I never missed a thing. Close by, just a few doors down, was Tino and Lana’s place. The location was strategic. Near enough that I could step in and offer backup whenever necessary, but far enough from the family hub to keep drama at bay whenever I wanted peace.

The anticipation in my chest intensified as the reality set in. I would have to face all five of her brothers. The thought alone sent a fresh wave of anxiety crashing over me.

Oh, double crap.

My nerves prickled, making it impossible to ignore the mounting pressure. It struck me that I had completely forgotten they would all be at home today. The oversight made my anxiety spike, the situation suddenly feeling a lot more daunting.

I called my brothers, hoping they would offer something good. Predictably, Dre and Leif didn’t miss their chance to tease me about it. Their jokes, though expected, still managed to make my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

Feeling outnumbered and in need of guidance, I hung up on them and placed a call to Colton. Part of me wanted to check if he had finally managed to get his phone back from Jasper after their earlier scuffle. The other part was quietly desperate for some last-minute advice on what I should wear. When Colton finally picked up, his voice sounded tired—a tone that didn’t surprise me after the chaos the day had already brought.

“Dating is complex.” I complained.

“It’s your first date, K. That alone is complex,” he barked a laugh. “So, what’s the issue?”

“Oh, you know, just the usual what the hell do I wear part driving me batty.”

“Comfortable-casual,” he stated. “Where are you planning to take her?”

“There’s a movie playing in town, so I was going to take her, but I gotta deal with her badass older bros, man.” I lamented, feeling the weight of the situation. The prospect of navigating her family’s protective presence made the idea of a simple outing suddenly more complicated. My nerves buzzed with the thought of the challenge they posed. Still, I considered an alternative. “Maybe I can take her as far as the Falls. She’d probably love the spot. Chaperoned, of course.”

The Falls offered a more peaceful escape from the commotion. It was a place I hoped could give us a break from the watchful eyes and allow for a relaxed, memorable experience together. The idea of sharing that scenic location felt right. Like something special amidst all the anticipation and uncertainty.

Cautiously, I reached into my closet and pulled out the first pair of pants my hand landed on—a pair of dark blue jeans, marked with factory faded patches. I examined them briefly, feeling a bit indifferent about the choice. Ultimately, I shrugged off any concerns. Eh, whatever. The jeans would do just fine for the occasion.

“Gotta watch your back, kid. Jas is okay, but his brothers are little ass hats that enjoy c**k-blocking their sister at every turn. By the way, you so didn’t hear this from me, but she’s Alpha-born.” He told me, his tone hiding a razor-edged humour.

Laughing to myself, I grabbed a tank top and pulled it over my head. To complete the look, I chose a pinstriped button-down shirt to wear on top. I stuck to Colton’s advice of casual-comfortable attire, trusting the suggestion. The recommendation resonated, so I decided to follow it. “Thanks, man, but I already knew that,” I said appreciatively, then offered, “Hey, you need anything picked up from town before I head in? I don’t mind grabbing whatever.”

Colton responded with a sudden recollection, “Oh, dude. I totally forgot to grab pull-up’s for my boys!” The sound of his palm meeting his forehead was unmistakable through the phone.

I reassured him, “No worries, I got you,” as I slid my feet into my new sneakers and let out a sigh. “What size?” I asked, ready to help.

He hesitated, “Three… I think… Lemme check.” A few minutes passed, punctuated by two yawns from Colton while I locked up my private residence. He finally returned to the line, correcting himself, “Nope, they outgrew threes. Can you grab size four pull-up’s for toddlers? Geesh, the boys are growing like weeds.”

I grinned, “Hey, no problem. Be there in thirty minutes max.”

“Great, thanks again, K,” Colton replied, grateful for the favour.