Rejected Luna's Comeback

chapter 8

Lola's POV

I pulled my phone away from my ear as Chloe screamed so loud I chuckled and placed it back. Chloe could be dramatic sometimes and that was what made her so fun.

"Did you actually agree to go on a date with him? I am so proud of you, baby girl. This is a baby step," Chloe said, and I chuckled, playing with my fingers. The nail paint had almost chipped off and I needed to get a new one as soon as possible.

"It doesn't mean anything, Chloe. I don't know why you're making such a big deal out of this," I said, and I heard her sigh.

"I am because this might turn out really nice. I'm so annoyed I wasn't there to dress you up. Make sure you wear something good — eye candy clothes. I'm sure you packed some," Chloe said and I laughed.

"You are way over your head," I replied and she giggled.

"Just let me know how the date goes. Best of luck, baby girl," Chloe said before ending the call. Since she was in the middle of a shoot we couldn't talk for long.

I sighed and dropped my phone on the bed before walking over to my wardrobe, my eyes darting around.

Since this was going to be our first date, I needed to look good. Maybe a classy look with a touch of seduction would do for the night.

I finally settled on a sundress that stopped above the knee. I loved the red dress and it looked perfect on me.

Satisfied with my choice, I left the room and spent the whole day roaming the pack.

Evening came sooner than expected. I was honestly excited to see how the night would unfold in Valen's company.

This wasn't the first time I had gone out with a man, but it still felt surreal.

Back in the city I had attended business dinner dates.

After taking my shower I quickly got dressed and stood in front of the mirror. I looked at myself and smiled, satisfied.

I styled my hair and applied minimal makeup.

I was finishing up when my phone began ringing. I picked it up and saw the name Alpha Valen light up on the screen. I had saved his contact after our call, so I knew immediately who it was.

"Hello, beautiful," he said, his voice warm and magnetic. "I'm outside your home," he added, and my eyes widened. I was surprised he knew where I lived.

"I'll be down in a minute," I replied, schooling my reaction before ending the call. I grabbed my bag and walked out of my room. My father and mother were in the sitting room and they both raised their brows when they noticed me.

"Where are you going?" my mother asked, and that was when I remembered I had forgotten to mention Valen's invitation.

"I'm going out with Alpha Valen. He's waiting outside," I said, and my mother's eyes widened.

"A date?" my father asked, sounding less than pleased, though after catching a sharp glance from my mother he looked away.

"Why didn't you invite him in?" she asked, excitement dancing in her eyes.

I could tell she already had a hundred versions of what was going on between Valen and me playing out in her head. She would be disappointed to learn this wasn't some grand romantic dinner but simply a friendly outing.

"Maybe another time. I have to go," I said with a smile and started toward the door. Gael's voice stopped me.

"Be careful," he said, and I smiled, nodding.

"Thank you," I replied and walked out of the house.

I found Alpha Valen standing outside, leaning against his car.

I approached him, trying to contain the excitement building inside me.

"Lola," he said softly, his eyes taking me in with quiet appreciation.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting," I said, and he smiled kindly, opening the passenger door like the gentleman he was.

I didn't forget to thank him for the gesture.

"Don't apologise. I didn't wait long," he replied, and I nodded as he closed the door and walked around to his side. The engine roared to life and we pulled away from the compound.

"How is your family? I hope no one minds me taking you out," he asked and I chuckled.

"No one does. And I'm not a child anymore," I replied, and he nodded. Although my father hadn't looked thrilled, I understood. He was probably worried Valen would turn out to be another scoundrel like Hunter.

"What kind of music do you listen to?" Valen asked as he turned on the car radio.

"Why do you ask?" I found myself saying.

"I downloaded a few songs on the way over so you'd have something to listen to while I drive," he explained, and I couldn't help but smile at how considerate that was.

"You didn't have to do that. Honestly, I'm not much of a music person. I'd rather appreciate nature — watch the trees blur past. That became a habit from childhood," I said, and we both laughed.

It was nice how quickly we had settled into easy conversation, like old friends who had known each other for years.

From the little time I had spent with Valen, I could tell he was an easygoing person. Humble too.

We chatted about nothing and everything until the car pulled up outside a beautiful restaurant.

We both stepped out. He tried to be a gentleman and open my door, but I was too quick for him. I looked around in quiet awe — I had no memory of this place from five years ago. It must have been built after I left. Five years wasn't a short time after all.

"The inside is even more beautiful," he said, making me even more eager to see it.

We walked in together and true to his word, the interior was magnificent.

Valen had reserved a table for us. We settled in quietly and a waiter appeared almost immediately, a bright smile on his face and a bottle of wine with two glasses in hand. He set them on the table and poured gracefully. "On the house," he said.

"Thank you," Valen and I said at the same time.

"I'm here to take your orders. What would you like?" he asked. We looked over the menu.

"I'll have number seven," Valen said. The waiter turned to me and I, having no idea what to pick, decided to follow Valen's lead.

"Same," I replied. The waiter nodded and walked away. I lifted my wine glass and took a small sip.

"I heard you just came back to the pack after five years away. What happened?" Valen asked suddenly. I raised a brow at him.

"Are you spying on me?" I asked and he burst out laughing.

"No. I'm interested in you, so naturally I did a little research. Besides, I did say I wanted to get to know you better," Valen explained and I smiled.

"Did I mention how beautiful you look tonight? That dress is perfect on you," he added and I laughed softly.

"Stop it, you're making me embarrassed," I said, a shy smile tugging at my lips.

"You shouldn't be embarrassed. You are an extremely beautiful woman, Lola," Valen said, and my heart skipped when I noticed how sincere he looked.

My phone beeped suddenly, breaking the quiet moment between us.

I unlocked it and read the message quietly.

“You must be having a great time in that restaurant with him.” My eyes darted around the room instinctively but I couldn't see anyone. My heart began beating wildly against my ribs.

"Are you okay?" Valen asked and I forced a smile.

"I'm fine," I replied. The waiter arrived with our food at the same moment. After serving us he left. My heart wouldn't settle as my mind replayed the contents of that message.

Only one person could have sent something like that. Alpha Hunter.

My phone beeped again. I was almost afraid to look, so I kept eating and pretended not to notice. It beeped once more and I sighed. He clearly wasn't going to leave me alone.

What I couldn't understand was what his problem was.

He was the one who had publicly humiliated me and declared I wasn't worthy of him.

So why was he watching me the moment I was with another man?

I thought I had made it perfectly clear that I despised him.

Despite cursing him inwardly, I discreetly opened my phone under the table, not wanting Valen to notice.

“What are you doing with him? Are you ignoring my texts? Should I tell him we are mates?”

I felt a flash of irritation surge through me.

Was he seriously threatening me? Did he honestly think I would be frightened into running back to him just because he might tell Valen about the mate bond?

I couldn't understand why Alpha Hunter was determined to be such a thorn in my side.

He had rejected me. I had every right to move on. He couldn't expect me to keep coming back to a man who only ever hurt me.

I turned my phone off and slipped it into my bag.

"Are you okay?" Valen asked again.

"Yes, I'm fine," I chose to say. "Tell me about yourself," I said, and he chuckled, setting down his cutlery.