My rebound is an Alpha?!

Speed Things Up

Lana's POV

I never expected to order 2 kilos of steak with a stranger in Spain. Especially not a very, very good-looking stranger.

Yesterday, I hated men. And I still did, honestly. But what was it about this particular guy that was making me feel so comfortable right away? And it's not like he'd made any moves on me. Maybe that was why. First, he helped me in the forest, and now he had suggested where to eat after I invited him out, and was even picking up the bill (except the drinks, which I insisted on paying for as per my original thank you offer). At every turn he'd only been helpful and kind. Maybe even a little TOO kind and generous.

I finished up eating when he stepped outside to take a call. Truth be told, I'd been absolutely ravenous after barely eating for the last couple of days. I was almost embarrassed about how much I'd eaten, and the only reason I felt slighly ok about it was that he'd eaten even more. I don't think I'd ever seen someone eat so much.

When Mark came back in, he had a slightly worried look in his dark eyes.

"Everything ok?"

"I think so, but I need to cut my travels short unexpectedly."

"Oh, I see."

He looked thoughtful for a moment as he picked at a few more potatoes before he added.

"Hey listen, I know we just met and this sounds a little crazy, but I'd love to get to know you more. What were your plans after Northern Spain? If you want, you're welcome to tag along and see a bit of Germany too."

I was completely stunned. It's true I had only planned to be here for a couple more days anyway, and then... and then, I had no idea. My original plans, my old life, had all come crashing down a few days ago.

The logical thing to do right now, would be to say no. He clearly had other ideas about their relationship or he wouldn't even make this offer.

He's nice and all, but I just met him yesterday.

I knew it wasn't as if he was going to take advantage of me - he could have done that while I was knocked unconscious alone in the woods.

So it should be ok... right? But even though he was being a gentleman about it so far, I knew that it would be wrong to lead him on when I absolutely was not ready for another man in my life right now. Or maybe ever.

Despite all that logic, why on earth was I feeling so drawn to him?

It wasn't just because he was very good looking. I could look around the restaurant right now and see half a dozen other very good looking men. And he who should no longer be named was also very good looking, yet the very memory of him was completely repulsive now.

Mark, on the other hand... there was something about him that was drawing me in like a magnet, a feeling that was both linked and yet separate to any s****l attraction. I just couldn't find an explanation for it. Something niggled at the back of my mind. As if we'd met before. But I would definitely have remembered him, even if we only met briefly.

Just as the pause dragged on for possibly too long, and he seemed about to speak again, I answered somewhat impulsively.

"Germany? Well, I did want to explore more of Europe..."

Afterall, I thought What do I really have to lose anyway?

"Sure." I decided spontaneously. "I'd love to come."

Mark grinned back, looking exceptionally happy.

"I promise you won't regret it, it's going to be great. And on the way, a road trip through France!"

It was impossible not to join in his enthusiasm, his smile was contagious. And hey, I have to admit, an unplanned road trip through France did sound pretty awesome.

We spent the rest of the evening walking off the feeling of fullness from the huge steak, admiring the view of the ocean and the buildings of the old town.

Just a few days ago I had hit rock bottom and was wondering what was left in my life, and now I was filled with a feeling of anticipation and excitement. I would never have guessed things would change so quickly.

I felt light. Free and unburdened from the stress of constantly doubting myself, questioning whether to believe my gut or my stupid ex's false sincerity. If only I'd trusted myself long ago, I could have saved myself so much pain.

But now... perhaps the future was brighter than I thought after all. At the very least, the next chapter seemed to have a great new friend, and an adventure around the corner. Perhaps I'd landed right where I was meant to after all.