The Alpha and His Hunted Kitsune Princess

First Date Pt.1

Piper felt eyes on her everywhere. Every single door was cracked watching Preston and I leave. I glanced at his outfit. We oddly matched fairly well and MAN could this man wear a shirt. I should, quite frankly, be criminal to look as good as he did.

A wave of sadness hit me because nothing answered my internal thoughts. Good lord, Piper. Who would answer your internal thoughts? No answer came, but a deep part of me felt like there should be one. Like someone was missing from this momentous moment.

I spotted several of my teammates taking pictures. A few waved while everyone was gathered around an insanely nice car. That turned out to be Preston’s. God, he was so rich. I really needed someone to talk to me about this. Texting Remi was an option, but I wish there was an easy way.

Another pang of sadness I didn’t remotely understand hit me. It’s just a first date, Piper, calm down. The man even opened my car door. He closed it and I muttered, “That was sweet.” I hadn’t dated but I had listened to my teammates at practice.

Holding the door open on cars and buildings was apparently the bare minimum according to Remi. The girls on the team said you had to choose your battles. I didn’t want to do that though. I wasn’t surprised Haley Conners raised her son right though. Nope. Not a single part of me was shocked.

Preston got in the car and butterflies filled my stomach. God, he was so dang handsome. We took off and I got the whole ‘I have a traumatic brain injury’ conversation out of the way. Preston’s reaction nearly brought me to tears.

He didn’t try to make me feel better or act like he knew what I was going through. Not many people did, but my date understood that instantly and didn’t try to act otherwise. The idea of sparring with man practically made me gush.

Great. Now my underwear was a mess. Calm down, uterus and ovaries. You don’t get to jump out and make decisions. Unsurprisingly, my body did not respond in any other way than getting wetter. It was as if my ovaries were flipping me off. I rolled my eyes.

I teased Preston about a second date based on his comments. The look on his face told me I was right. We drove for a bit to some private property complete with security. Was there a resort out here? I’d never heard of it.

Duh, you haven’t heard of it Piper. This is a rich person’s place. Like fancy, fancy word of mouth kind of place. They handed my date a tablet. They just give those to people? My god, the other half lived in a whole other way than I did.

Well, maybe. That I remember. Nathan McD seemed rich, rich too. He probably knew about this place. We were driving all over and I couldn’t help but love the hidden paths. I giggled, “This is so exciting.” God, I should probably be terrified this is how I get murdered sometimes but no part of me was.

I gasped when we came to a water fall. The GSP said, “Continue straight.” I asked, “Is that thing serious?” Preston smirked, “The computer would appear to be quite serious. Are you feeling daring?” His grin was infectious. I found myself agreeing, “Let’s do it.”

Preston took my hand and drove forward into a private parking area while I took a picture and sent it to Remi. I gasped, “Wow.” Preston got to my door before I managed to open it myself. I really was gawking. Preston took my hand and helped me out of the car.

There was a giant blue security phone and arrows to where we should walk. Preston led me to follow the red arrows. We came out of the underground garage into a sea of lanterns hung in trees. I gasped, “Oh my god.” This was the most stunning sight I could remember. Hell, even if I had my memories I wasn’t sure what could compare to what I was seeing right this very second. I sent another picture to Remi from my phone.

A waiter in full garb appeared, “Welcome, Mr. Preston and Ms. Hazel. Your table is this way.” The guy walked us to an actual dock with a beautiful but intimate table and a bigger lantern on the dock. There was a blanket laid out next to the lantern where we could clearly sit and look around us.

Lightning bugs lit up the area and I snapped and sent another picture. I snorted, “My god, this is like a movie scene.” Preston chuckled, “You’ll find that was likely intentional.” The waiter handed us menus. I was shocked by the variety given that I didn't see a building where they cooked.

The waiter told us, “I’ll be back shortly to take your order. If you need me sooner, you may call on your tablet.” The man popped the champagne sitting in a bucket and poured it for us, then walked off the dock.

I watched him go to a tent type area. Was that where they cooked? Preston asked, “What’s your favorite thing about volleyball?” I answered, “That I feel more like myself in the gym than I do anywhere else. Since we can’t do the whole tell me about yourself for me, let’s do you.”

Preston laughed, “Well, I am child number six for my parents. They have twenty total for now. I’m a triplet. Julian and William were born just minutes after I was. The three of us are quite close, which has caused problems in the past.”

I gasped, “What? Why? I think that’s kind of beautiful. Remi is like my sister, according to everyone. I don’t have any siblings though. I kind of hope Nathan and mom have some.” Preston smiled at me.

I urged, “Tell me more.” Preston laughed, “Our family is close in general. My older brother, Alexander, wife has certainly stepped up the crazy in our lives. Which was not a low bar. Our family recently found out we have Royal ties.”

I teased, “Ohhhhh, royalty. Fancy. Yet you’re slumming it with me.” Preston replied, “You make the place fancier. You are the bright star here, not the other way around.” I blushed furiously and I was a little worried my skirt was going to have a damp spot.

The waiter came back and I ordered the chicken parmesan while Preston ordered a steak with potatoes. I urged, “Tell me everything else, Preston.” Preston smirked, “That would take a long time. I can tell you recently our family discovered my Grandpa had a child we hadn’t known about.”

Preston chuckled, “It’s kind of amusing because my Aunt is younger than me and dating my friend.” I gasped, “Drama! We clearly fit well together. From what I gathered I’ve had a bit of a dramatic time myself.”

Preston asked, “Oh?” I hummed, “Yeah, I’ve got a missing in action dad.” Preston’s jaw tightened. I continued, “It sounds like my mom and I saved Remi’s life once. A creepy athletic director kidnapped her, but we saved her.”

I admitted, “I looked that up. The F.B.I got involved and everything. In finding Remi, we found all these other girls who had been missing, some for over a decade.” Preston growled, “I heard about that as well.” Wow. That growl.

I actually felt my ovaries jump. Jesus, my body needed to find some chill. Maybe I had some left in my pinky toe. The waiter came back with our food and put down water as well. I grinned, “This place is quite literally stunning.” Every part of me felt relaxed here.

Preston said, “I'm glad you like it.” I admitted, “I more than like it. I thought I was relaxed in the gym, but that’s comfort. I’m relaxed here. It’s like this hidden little treasure, just for us.” Which I loved for some reason.

Well, mom did say I liked to find obscure places. This palace was definitely obscure. Preston chuckled, “I do like this a lot. I can see why my sister in law had this place created. It’s private but there are people around. It’s beautiful but safe while being secluded.”

I teased, “Your sister in law is very security conscious.” To my surprise Preston threw his head back and laughed. Wow. I didn’t think it was that funny. Preston grinned, “You have no idea.” I shrugged, “I would if you told me.”

Preston said, “She’s a bit of a genius and very into technology. She owns multiple security companies.” I grinned, “Well, she sounds like a girl boss. That’s what Remi calls other women.” Preston nodded, “That’s exactly what she’s like.”

We finished our food while the conversation kept flowing. It was never awkward with Preston. Most people didn’t know how to talk to me after my TBI, but it didn’t seem to faze Preston one bit. I loved it.

The waiter came back with dessert menus. I ordered a chocolate brownie ice cream deal while Preston ordered dimsum. My ovaries were practically aching as I watched the man eat them. Why? I had no idea but my lady bits seemed ready to take over my body.

Preston asked, “Would you like to sit on the blanket?” I answered, “Yes, I’m not ready for the night to end.” Preston said, “There’s a boat waiting to take us to the house around here. There's a hot tub we can soak in. We are welcome to stay the night, but we don’t have to.”

Every part of me ached to, but the girls on the team said to wait three days. I bit my lip while we moved to the blanket and I naturally curled up into his side. I admitted, “I didn’t bring a swim suit.” Preston assured me, “They have them there.”

I asked, “Do they have a laundry service? I don’t think I could find my way back here.” Preston laughed, “You can keep the swim suit if you want. If it’s not to your liking, you leave it and it’s tossed.”

I said, “Wow. Your sister in law just goes all out.” Preston agreed, “She does. My mother also deeply loves clothes.” I laughed, “Your mom is involved?” Preston replied, “I’m sure she is now.” Huh? I waved, “So, you’re saying your mom is a wife, mother to twenty kids, a world renowned psychologist AND does stuff in fashion?”

Preston answered, “Yes.” I laughed, “Your mom is officially my idol, that's amazing. Let’s go see these swim suits and the house. I’m thinking of a quaint cottage on the lake.” Preston laughed, “I would think more mansion.” I asked, “Around here?” Preston smirked and used the tablet to call the boat.

My jaw dropped when the boat pulled up and I found myself snapping yet another picture for Remi. I turned, “I don’t know but I thought you meant like a little speed boat or a row boat. That is…” I trailed off because words failed me. It was some kind of pontoon boat.

The pillows were immaculate. There was a table set with plates for some reason and candles on the tables. There were even heart shaped balloons on the back. The driver docked and Preston helped me on.

My date quickly got a blanket for me. I nearly moaned. Preston asked, “Do you like the blanket?” I admitted, “This is the softest most comfortable blanket known to man. I love this blanket. I may steal it.”

The driver laughed, “Anything on the boat is able to be requested. I’ll note you took the blanket, it’s included in the experience.” I loved this place more than words could say.” The driver poured us more champagne then pulled out single service bite sized treats. Some fruits and crackers.

Preston put his arms around me and we watched the sun set. I whispered, “This is all so stunning.” I turned to look back at Preston and my eyes locked on his lips. My date leaned in slowly giving me plenty of time to turn away.

Instead, I met his lips halfway. It was like a livewire was stuck directly into us. The blanket dropped and I practically flew into this lap as our kiss deepened. Thank god Remi gave me an outfit with a slit.

Preston’s hands on me felt like heaven. He pulled back, with what looked like great effort. Then presented a tasty dessert to me. I was being fed by the man whose lap I was currently in. I wondered if I’d ever done something this sexy in my life.

Preston’s mouth was back on mine, his tongue slid into my mouth sharing the dessert. Ok, I officially knew with every fiber of my being nothing this hot had ever happened to me. Because the thought of sharing a dessert this way would not have sounded hot. It was though.

Then my date growled. Like a guttural full on growl that sent shivers throughout my entire body. Preston’s leg was probably soaking wet from the gushing I was doing. My god, my body needed to get itself under control.

Preston’s hands were on my sides. It felt like my n*****s were actually aching for his touch. The boat slowed and I eased back then gasped. I asked, “What the actual hell is that place? It could fit like twenty people. Oh, that seems intentional given the amount of siblings you haven.”

Then the rest of the house came into view and I subtly took a picture for Remi. I was sure our chat was full of responses, but I hadn’t checked. I snorted, “I lied that place can easily host fifty people.” Preston laughed, “I have a very large family. On my mom’s side I have ten uncles.” I shouted, “TEN?!” Preston winked, “One is by marriage. Nine are blood related to my mom.”

I said, “So you mom has ten siblings.” Preston laughed, “No, she has nine brothers on grandpa’s side of the family. On her mom’s side she has two brothers.” I scoffed, “ELEVEN TOTAL BROTHERS?! My god, your poor mom. Mike is my adoptive brother and he’s been in full big brother protective mode. God, he probably left me a voicemail about this date.”

Preston smirked, “I actually know Mike.” I smacked my head, “Duh, his sister is married to your brother.” I rubbed my face, “She’s my stepsister actually. I’m on a date with my stepsister’s husband’s brother. We should tell people that and watch their faces explode with confusion while they try to figure it out.”

Preston laughed, “Yeah, my older sister is married to our Uncle’s nephew by marriage.” I cackled, “Please tell me that they tell people they are cousins.” Preston smiled at me, “My sister’s husband makes everyone aware they aren’t actually related. My sister has more fun with it.”

I grinned, “She sounds like my kind of people.” Or the kind of people I now thought were fun. Though Remi was my people and she was a time and half. I realized, “So, one of your Uncle’s is gay then.” Progressive family, I liked it.

Preston grinned, “He’s actually bi and married to my Uncle Gunner and Aunt Cali.” I cooed, “Awww, that’s so sweet!” Preston seemed relieved by that thought. I didn’t know about my past self, but my current self felt love was love. That was really all there was to it.

The driver docked literally by the hot tub on the lower deck that had a large couch and a fire pit going. A man that appeared to be a butler appeared. He greeted, “Good evening, I’m Jenkins the house butler. Ms. Piper, Shantelle will show you where you can change if you wish to use the hot tub.”

I grinned, “I do wish to do so.” Jenkins nodded and a woman appeared. Shantelle led me to where a secret passageway that led into the house. I whispered, “Wow.” Shantelle pointed, “Right through there is the dressing room. Are you staying for the evening? I’ll prepare the clothes options for the evening and morning if you are. Along with food preparations.”

I bit my lip, “My friends said I had to wait three dates to have sex.” Shantelle asked, “All your friends?” I admitted, “No, actually.” Shantelle smiled softly, “Why don’t you call your best friend and see what she says? I’ll wait out here and you can let me know what you decide.”

Shantelle turned around then called over her shoulder, “You can also change your mind at any time. Nothing is set in stone.” Well, she was very nice. I went back into the changing area and gaped at the swim suit options.

I took out my phone and called Remi. Remi screamed, “GGIIIIIRRRRLLLLLLLL! When I tell you I got answers to where you were and had Karl IMMEDIATELY book time for us there, I mean it with my soul.”

I snorted, “This place is so utterly fancy. When are you coming?” Remi said, “Well, thanks to your hook ups, I got in over Christmas break. We are spending the evening there then heading home. The views!”

I whispered, “I can spend the night and keep whatever I want apparently.” Remi screamed, “GGIIIIRRRLLLLL! DO IT! I will shun you if you don’t. “ I sighed, “Our teammates said the three…” Remi cut me off, “Spending the night, doesn’t mean you have to have s*x. It doesn’t not mean that, but it doesn’t guarantee anything.”

I disagreed, “I’m sleeping with him if I stay. The chemistry between us is off the charts. I was near ripping my clothes off on the boat.” Remi asked, “Who could blame you? That was the most romantic boat set up I’ve seen in my life.”

I whispered, “We watched the sun set together.” Remi cooed, “Awwww, now we’ve established you’re staying because you want to. What’s up?” I snorted, “I don’t think we established that.”

Remi urged, “Pipes, I can tell you want to stay. If you want to jump the man’s bones, do it. Don’t force it but if it happens it happens.” I snorted, “I bet they have condoms here.” Remi said, “You’ve got the implant in your arm. Just ask if he’s clean, you are.” I did? No one mentioned an implant for birth control in my arm. It must have slipped their minds. That had to be it, but it felt wrong. Like Remi was lying for some reason.

I laughed, “Do you have any advice on which swim attire to pick?” Remi shouted, “FACETIME ME RIGHT NOW!” I used my phone and video called her. Remi demanded, “Show me.” Then gasped, “GGGGIIIIRRRRLLLL!” That was her reaction to everything today.

Remi asked, “Do any call to you?” I replied, “They are clothes.” Yet my eye landed on two of them. Remi shouted, “I saw that! Show me.” I pulled the black and gold, technically one piece and the red and black polka dot bikini.

Remi said, “Ok, bikini tonight gold knock out in the morning. You can kick off his morning with a woodie.” I snorted, “Remi!” Remi asked, “What? Both suits will get the man hard as a rock. The black and gold one is totally a shock to the system for the morning. He might not even need caffeine.”

I heard Karl laughed, “What are you doing, Remi?” Remi sweetly asked, “Who me? Nothing. Go back to your pillow mistress.” Karl growled. I laughed, “Was he taking a nap?” Remi snorted, “Yes, because he loves his pillow mistress. Who naps after sunset? Men with pillow affairs. That’s who.” I heard another growl.

I asked, “Do you really think I should stay? Would the old me stay?” Remi said, “The old you wouldn’t have called me to ask. You’d just have done it. The new you wants to stay but wants permission. You are allowed to want things, Piper.”

I sighed, “Everyone said…” Remi scoffed, “You can’t live your life based on what everyone else says, even me. You have to go with your instincts. What are they telling you? Because we don’t have practice tomorrow.”

I groaned, “Because we start classes soon.” Remi answered, “Yes, this whole start early so athletes have the same amount of class days is so utterly fair of this university to all students.” I laughed, “Was that the argument for it?” I thought it was really smart actually.

Remi hummed, “The owner of the college’s wife thought it was the smarter way to go about things since athletes were already here. It keeps us out of trouble and gets us the same amount of class days as regular students, which is fair.”

I needed to look up who owned the college. Did I already know that? Maybe I did. Ugh. Was my memory getting worse? Remi pressed, “What do your instincts tell you, Piper?” I admitted, “That I want to stay with Preston, and that my ovaries may find a way to take over my body if I don’t have s*x with him.”

Remi’s resounded laugh came through the phone. My friend eventually asked, “Who could blame you? He’s easy on the eyes.” Karl growled, “HEY!” Remi said, “I’m married, not dead. He’s not my type but Preston is a FINNNNEEEEE man.”

I agreed, “That ass, man.” Karl huffed, “Aren’t girls not supposed to talk like that about guys?” Remi snorted, “We don’t cat call to your face. We talk about you with our friends. We’re classy like that. Go back to your pillow mistress.”

Karl warned, “Remi.” Remi giggled. I said, “Ok, so black polka dots with red accents bikini tonight and black and gold one tomorrow morning.” Remi shouted, “Yes! Keep sending pictures. That place is TO DIE for.”

I admitted, “I love the way it’s like this secluded hard to find spot probably too much.” Remi disagreed, "Nonsense, you’ve always loved places like that. I sent the pictures to your mom. Nathan is going to take her there too. There are several houses, I guess.”

Karl agreed, “There are.” Remi said, “So, your mom and Nathan are going to a different one.” I snorted, “They should stay here for a bit. I know she’ll want to come to our scrimmages, but it’s right in town. Maybe they could rent it for a week or something for their honeymoon.” Since they didn’t go.

Remi gasped, “BRILLIANT! I’ll call people and make that happen. It can be your gift to them. I’m all over it.” I whispered, “I do not have the money for…” Remi cut me off, “Connections, Piper. You have connections. It will be handled. Ok? I’ll talk to Grandpa Ralph.” I calmed down, “A joint gift could….” Remi snorted, “It’s from you. I’ll handle it. It was your idea, own your brilliance.”

I groaned, “You are impossible.” Remi replied, “It’s good you know that. Now, get all sexified in your bikini and ride that man until kingdom come, rock his world again in the morning, and then come here and tell me LITERALLY EVERYTHING! I will be spared no details. TMI does not exist between us.”

I laughed, “I love you, Remi.” Remi giggled, “As you should, I’m the actual best. I love you too though. You deserve to be treated like the QUEEN you are. Enjoy this and don’t second guess yourself. If you want to leave at any point, call me, I’ll find you.”