My Son Before the Alpha

Chapter Five: Bribes

Axel POV

     “No we can’t do that right now!” I huffed as my PR manager ranted on and on about publicizing our current donation statuses. “I told you from the start that those ones are private and they are staying that way. So find something else for you to focus on and let me work.” I partially growled in frustration and hung up the phone. He’s been pushing me too far lately and I’m this close to firing him. All he thinks about is the money and not what I pay him to think about. 

     It’s Monday afternoon and I decided to head into the corporate office today to try and get some work done. Waking up today I felt like I could take on the world after my last few days spent with Emery and Eli. They have taken up most of my time and thoughts and I can’t seem to get them off my mind, especially Emery. 

     I’ve been trying to plan how I was going to win over her and at least get her to go on a date with me but after seeing just how blocked off she was it became even more difficult.  There was no way I was giving up though. Everything just had to be planned out perfectly. The question was how?

     I sat at my desk completely dumbfounded trying to think of a fool proof plan but each time I had something I was afraid it sounded stupid. As I was about to give up I got it.  Calling the local florist I made my order which I specified the details to the T. Now Im just grinning ear to ear waiting for any sign that my plan was working. I am so excited that I know I won’t be able to get anymore work done. So I finished what I was doing,  tucked my files into my briefcase and headed towards home. The only thought on my mind is that beautiful fiery red head.

     Emery POV

     It's around noon when I realized how long Ive been at work. The day has been going by surprising easy. All of the customers have been kind and fun. No grabby hands, no creepy men, and lots of decent tips without having to sit on anyones lap. 

     Im walking back to the bar stand when I notice a large boutique of two dozen white roses at least. It was beautiful and bold which made me wonder what they were doing at the club. 

     “Hey Anna… what’s going on?” I asked one of the other girls.

     “Omg they were just delivered for a… Miss Emery!!!” She screeched in excitement.

     Laughing nervously, “What?” I reply looking at her wide eyed and confused.

     “They came for you silly! Looks like someone has a not so secret admirer.” She giggled at me while my jaw dropped to the floor. Anna walked over handing me a note that must have came with the flowers. 

     Looking down I read the front that clearly says ‘Emery’ in beautiful handwriting. Flipping it over I read the small writing. 

     Mi Castilo, I know how hard it is for you to open up and trust someone but I can’t control myself when Im around you. After this weekend I’ve decided that I would need to pursued you. My question is simple. Friday night I ask that you give me the chance of taking you on a date? Every hour that goes by without a response I promise to send another embarrassing display of flowers until I get a yes. If you do choose to except and you don’t enjoy that date I promise to leave you completely alone and never to bother you again but know I plan on not letting that happen… 

     Please think about my offer but remember that each hour you think the more embarrassing and cheesy I get. 

     Yours Truly, 

              Axel

       My heart was completely in knots and I couldn’t seem to gather a breath. He plans on sending me expensive flowers until he gets a reply. It makes me wonder what would happen if my reply was no? He didn’t exactly put that option in the note but I know Axel even in the short time I’ve known him. He obviously gets what he wants but he is also partially giving me an out… the question is do i really want it? I like Axel a lot but am I ready to try to be with someone again after how badly that all ended the first time? 

     I decided to give myself another hour or two to think even though I knew that meant more flowers and he would continue waisting money on me that I didn’t even deserve. Honestly Im just scared. Scared of hurting myself again, of letting someone know my past, and even more Im scared of hurting Eli again. Keeping him in that position of standing by while I was beaten physically and emotionally. I weirdly already knew Axel wasn’t like that. Maybe I just needed to give him a chance. 

…..

     Its been five hours since my first order of flowers meaning Ive received a total of six embarrassing large bouquets. It's so obvious now that even our customers are starting to ask questions and talking about how sweet the gesture is. 

     I wanted to give him a reply but honestly we got extremely busy and I couldn’t bring myself to step out to make a phone call. Even-though that meant that everyones attention was on me and the ridiculous amount of flowers showing up. Finally I knew I was going to tell him yes but firstly I wanted to talk to Eli and see how he would feel about mommy going on a date. I know it sounds stupid but if Eli was uncomfortable I would never say yes. 

    Luckily I just got off shift and collected my things including some of my flowers, making my way back home. Before I went inside to pick up Eli from Rosies apartment I decided to give Axel a quick call. 

     After the first ring I got an answer. “Wow I didn’t expect to hear from you this soon.” He laughed making me sigh.

     “You know my least favorite flower is roses right?” I laughed back at him not knowing what to respond. 

     “I honestly didn’t know what you liked so I stayed simple but now that I know what you don’t like can you at least tell me what you do?” His voice was playful and sweet but also flirty.

     “Red Poppy Flowers mixed with other wildflowers, if you must know.” Rolling my eyes at his attempt to flirt.

     “I should have known, you aren’t like any other girl.” Axel hummed back in a sexy voice which made me gulp at his comment. Feeling the fire in my stomach spark. He cleared his throat after a second that I didn’t reply and continued. “So you are calling to tell me?….” Holding out the end of the sentence making me laugh until I replied.

     “Axel I…” I started but I could hear the sadness from the other side of the phone. “Im saying yes.” Then the other side of the line went silent.

     “Wait did you just say yes?” He asked still sounding shocked making me giggle again. 

     “Yes dummy because I couldn’t take anymore waste of money on me but under one condition.” Sounding determined.

     “Oh mi castilo, spoiling you is never a waste of money.” he whispered slightly sounding hurt making my heart hurt for him. “What is the condition?” he asked interested.

     “I would like to talk to Eli about it first before its a definite yes. If he says he isn’t comfortable with me going then its a no. No questions asked.” I knew in that moment that I really wanted Eli to be ok with it.

     “Of course, I wouldn’t ever want to make Eli uncomfortable.” He responded suddenly excited. 

     “Okay then I will be talking with him tonight and I will let you know.” Biting my cheek trying to keep my excitement at bay. 

     “I can’t wait. Talk to you later?” 

     “Okay.” Knowing the conversation is basically over.

     “Okay.” I could hear the slight smirk in his voice.

     “Okay bye Axel?” Huffing with laughter, trying to get him to say bye.

      “Okay?” He chuckles.

      “AXEL!” I giggle.

      “What?” All he says which makes me roll my eyes again.

       “Goodbye.” I giggle again at his mischievousness.

      “Okay, okay. Goodbye Emery.” He finally hangs up but just the way my name rolls off his tongue gets me excited. Plus I really need to ask him what ‘mi castilo’ means.

     After taking a deep calming breath I finally made my way out of the car and up to the apartment. Opening the door I see my little man standing on a step stool trying to help Miss Rose get dinner started. She would do that from time to time when I was working to help out and we always enjoyed the company. Distracted by the sweet sight in front of me, I was knocked out of my thoughts when I heard Eli yelling, “Mommy!” and running towards me. He rapped his arms around my legs as I leaned down to give him a proper hug. 

    “Hi baby.” Picking him up with me when we drew apart and giving him a kiss on his head.

     “Rose is showing me how to make ala-fra-do.” He tried to pronounce adorably making rose and I giggle.

     “She is? That sounds delicious!” As I walked us up to Rose. Leaning in and giving her a side hug. 

     “Evening Emery! How was your day?” Rose asked me without taking her eyes off of the cooking food. 

     “It was really… interesting…” I smiled thinking about the events from today. 

     “Oh really?” This time catching all of rose’s attention. Rose looked over and gave me that look of ‘you better start talking’. 

     “Well I actually need to talk to the both of you.” Emery mumbled a bit but she knew they both heard her. 

     “You both go wash your hands. This is done and we will talk about it at the table.” Rose demanded. Honestly this women was like the mother she never had. It was crazy to think how close they have all gotten in the short amount of time. Honestly she couldn’t be more thankful for everything rose does for them.

     After cleaning ourselves up for dinner and setting the table. Rose insisted on saying a small prayer but it was always weird because she never mentioned god or anything. It was more of a blessing than anything. She has always noticed this but never bothered to mention it. Rose was welcomed to find any form of spirituality that she liked emery thought. 

     Once they all started eating Emery looked up from her plate to reach for the glass of wine when she made eye contact with rose. Her eyes were questioning but also knowing. Like she knew what had happened today. “So Emery are you going to tell us about your ‘interesting’ day?” Rose asked with confidence. Causing Emery to slightly choke on her sip of wine. 

     “Well… Everyone noticed at work that someone kept sending large amounts of flowers. When I finally found out they were all for me…” Emery explained while playing with her food on her plate. 

     “Aaannnddd???” Rose dragged out the word with a large smile on her face.

     “I was asked out on a date for Friday.” Emery whispered quickly. 

     This time is was Eli who spoke up. “Oh my gosh mommy! Was it Axel? He really likes you mama!” Eli’s words made Emery blush uncontrollably which was a sign that her son was right.

     “Yes baby, Axel asked mommy out on a date but I wanted to check with you first before I gave a final answer. If you aren’t comfortable with it honey then I won’t go. No questions asked.” Emery stated looking Eli in the eyes for any worry or doubt but all she saw was excitement and happiness dancing in his eyes.

     “Mommy’s going on a date with Axel!” Eli yelled out loud and jumping out of his seat. “He’s so nice Miss Rose. He’s the one who took us to the pool and movie night at his house!” As Rose shook her head with that all knowing smile on her lips.

     “Oh so that Axel huh?” Rose said staring at Emery.

     “Yes, He actually sent me flowers for every hour I didn’t reply to his offer. It was kinda sweet and adorable but I didn’t want him wasting anymore money on me.” Emery shrugged while the blush continued down her cheeks. Trying to change the subject quickly she continued, “So Miss Rose are you free Friday night to watch Eli for me?” 

     “Well honey it looks like he sees what you are worth. Of course I’ll watch Eli sweetheart!” She looked over at Eli and started giggling. “What if we even did a sleep over with pizza, ice-cream and built a fort?” 

     Now that really made Eli excited as he jumped up and down yelling about how he has the perfect idea for the fort while running to his bedroom. That left Rose and I alone in the kitchen laughing at his silliness until Rose broke it. “Are you sure you are ready for this sweetheart? I just don’t want you getting hurt again. You know how much I care for you and Eli.” She stated looking into my eyes like the protective mother she is.

     “I think I am Rose. I don’t know what it is but I feel this constant pull to Axel. He makes me feel things Ive never felt before, not even with Eli’s father. Honestly Im hesitant because I didn’t notice the signs before with Damion but now that I know I think I can make a decent judgement before I let things go too far. Plus I have this feeling that Axel would never hurt me.” I finally stated honestly. It scared me saying those words out loud but now it felt freeing knowing that someone else knows of my feelings and fears.

     “Im so happy for you love, you deserve this. You need to have some fun and happiness for yourself for once.” Rose laughed while starting to continue to eat as she yelled for Eli to come back to the table to finish dinner. 

     I didn’t have the heart to reply. I just sat up in my chair thinking about my upcoming date with Axel. The idea of going on a date is crazy since I hadn’t been on a date since high school and honestly a trip to the Pizza Hut, a walk in the park and a quickie in the back seat of his truck counted. Even though it did bring me, my little Angel. Everything I thought about just seemed to leave me in a daze. I now will be going on a date Friday. My body was giddy, electrified and oddly enough horny but I just planned on ignoring that last part.

     After saying good night to Rose and putting Eli to bed, I made my way to the living room for some privacy as I hovered over the call button. I was completely nervous but I didn’t want to let that stop me. I hit the button quick and brought the phone to my ear.

Axel POV

     I was pacing my office back and forth just waiting for that phone call. Honestly I didn’t know what I would do if she ended up saying no. I know she said it was already a yes on her side which made me smile ear to ear, plus I knew I already had Eli’s vote because I know how much he likes me but that doesn’t stop my nerves from completely taking over.

     -She will say yes Axel, she’s our mate. Even if she is human she feels the bond- My wolf reassures me. 

-I know but she doesn’t feel it as strongly as we do. If she did she would know how hard it is to keep my hands off of her.- I huff back. It’s so hard holding back my wolf from taking her the second we see her. She’s a mesmerizing goddess that seems to cloud all of my thoughts and judgment. My love, my strength, my mate, my everything. Now if I could just get her out on a date with me like any normal humans.

     Before my wolf could respond my phone finally started ringing. I didn’t even need to check the caller ID I already knew who it was. My heart skipping a beat. I answered after one ring which might have sounded desperate but truthfully I was. There was silence on the line but I could hear her nervous breathing on the other side.

    Finally breaking the silence, “Hello Emery.” I chuckled with a sexy voice. It seemed to shake her out of her trance.

     “Hello Axel.” She giggled back.

     “Im so happy to hear your voice, glad you called.” I sighed in contentment. 

     Which made her giggle more. “We just spoke a couple of hours ago?” Emery questioned but more teasingly.

     “You could call me every minute of the day and it still wouldn’t be enough.” Weirdly it sounded too lovingly but it came out of my mouth before I could stop it. 

     She was suddenly silent again eventually breaking it with changing the subject. “Well I thought you would like to know the final decision for Friday.” I could just imagine the blush that over took her features.

    “And what would that answer be emery?” Her name like sweet candy on my tongue.

    “What time are you picking me up?” I was shocked, making my breath hitch. Did she just say what I think she said?

    -Yes you i***t now answer her before she changes her mind!- My wolf howled in my head shaking me out of my trance. Now the real problem is how was I going to be able to wait till Friday? 

     “I uh… Wait so is that a yes?” My shock evident in my voice. The giggle from the other side of the phone made the butterflies in my stomach go crazy. All my confidence was gone, its just what this women did to me.

     “Do I hear some nervousness their Axel?” She asked chuckling still. Making me the one blushing.“Yes, it’s a yes.” She finally answered putting me out of my misery. 

     I couldn’t handle my excitement anymore. I pressed the phone into my chest while pumping my hand in the air with victory. Wanting to howl out loud but I knew that would be a bad idea. 

      After my little show I finally brought myself back to the phone trying to gain my confidence again. “So what about seven?” You could hear the happiness in my breathy answer.

     “Seven sounds great, what should I wear?” Right then my dirty mind brought me to the image of a sexy lingerie piece tightly pressed into her gorgeous body. My imagination was getting the best of me while my wolf growled in my head at the image. 

     “Something cool and comfortable. I’ll pick you up, just send me your address.” I stated while still trying to hold back my wolf.

     “Ok, I’ll see you then.” The words sound like she’s trying to end the call but her voice is saying the complete opposite. 

     “Sweet dreams mi castilo…” I whisper into the phone. “Goodnight.” 

     “Goodnight Axel.” She whispered back which made my entire insides shiver. 

     When the call finally ended I plopped myself down in my office chair throwing my head back in relief. Friday night Emery is finally all mine. Now to plan the most romantic and perfect first date known to man.