The Rejected Mate’s Dark Rise

8

Jane

“Jane, let’s go to the mall and then hit the club,” Amira murmured suddenly, her eyes bright with excitement. “I don’t want you feeling sad after telling me your story about your mate.”

“I don’t feel like going, Amira,” I said quietly, pulling my hands up to my chest. “I want to stay home.”

I knew she was trying to make me feel better after I shared my painful experience with her. But honestly, I was already feeling good about my decision to leave all that hurt behind me and start a new, beautiful life.

A life far away from my father, from my old pack, and from that terrible alpha who was supposed to be my mate.

“No way, you need to have some fun, darling,” she said firmly, grabbing my hand and pulling me up. “Come on, let’s go to the mall. It’ll be good for you.”

“Okay, I’m ready for it,” I replied, letting her excitement start to lift my spirits. “Let’s go.”

We got ready quickly, and she drove us to the mall in her bright red car. Ella, who was Amira’s best friend, came with us too.

I was getting to know Ella better, and she was becoming my friend as well. Ella was the Beta’s daughter in the pack, and she was always full of energy and laughter.

Soon, we reached the big shopping mall. We parked the car and walked inside together. The mall was alive with so much energy, filled with the happy sound of people talking and the soft clinking of shopping bags as people walked by.

Bright, colorful lights and pretty store windows lined the long hallways, making everything look exciting and welcoming.

The wonderful smell of freshly baked pretzels floated through the air, mixing with the sweet scents of different perfumes from the nearby shops.

We started walking around and looking at everything until Ella suddenly screamed with joy, “I want that sexy dress!” she said happily, running into a clothing shop and pointing at a short, stunning dress in the window.

“I need to try this on right now. Can you get it down for me, please?” She turned around and asked the friendly shop worker to check if they had it in her size.

“Yes, ma’am,” the shop worker replied with a big smile before carefully taking down the dress from the display.

Ella took the dress from her hands and rushed into the dressing room like she was running to win a prize.

“Wow, you look absolutely amazing,” I muttered, my mouth dropping open in admiration when she stepped out of the dressing room.

The dress fit her perfectly, and she looked like a model. I knew I would never look that beautiful even if I wore the exact same dress.

“Really?” she asked excitedly, her cheeks turning pink with happiness. “Do I look smoking hot in it?” She started turning around and checking herself out in the mirror from every angle.

“Yes, you do,” I said, unable to take my eyes off her. She was so naturally beautiful, even when she wasn’t trying to be, and she looked absolutely gorgeous in that dress.

I could never look that stunning, no matter how hard I tried or how much makeup I put on.

“Thank you so much,” she smiled, but I could tell she was still not completely sure as she kept looking at herself in the mirror. “Jane, what do you really think?”

“If you don’t want the dress,” Amira said with a mischievous grin, “you can always give it to me.”

“No way, I’m keeping this dress,” Ella said with a smirk. “Go find your own dress, Amira.”

Ella bought the dress, paid for it with her credit card, and we moved on to look at other stores in the mall.

“Jane, look at this. Do you like it?” Amira asked, holding up a backless, short red dress that looked like it was made of silk. It had a very low V-shaped neckline that would barely cover my chest.

I nodded slowly. “I like it, but it’s way too revealing,” I answered, feeling my cheeks get hot just thinking about wearing something like that.

“Who cares about that?” she said, waving her hand like it didn’t matter. “You are buying this dress, honey. And you will be wearing it to the club tonight. No arguments.”

I was forced to try on the dress even though every part of me wanted to say no. When I put it on, I felt so shy and exposed, like everyone could see right through me.

It was the first time I had ever worn something this revealing. I felt awkward and nervous and a little bit... dangerous.

Amira’s eyes looked over my whole body before she let out a loud gasp. “This is absolutely breathtaking. Oh my god, girl, you look so hot and sexy. You really should have more clothes like this in your closet.”

“All the guys at the club are going to be staring at you with their mouths open when we get there tonight,” she added with a huge grin. “I can’t wait to see their faces.”

“Are you sure I really need to wear this dress?” I asked nervously, knowing deep down that it didn’t suit my personality at all. “It’s so short I can barely move without worrying about showing too much.”

“Whether you like it or not, you’re wearing this dress to the club tonight, Jane,” Amira stated firmly. Just then, Ella walked into the dressing area to see what was taking us so long.

“What the heck?! Girl, you look absolutely incredible,” she cheered loudly, clapping her hands. “I’m already getting excited just looking at you.”

“I really don’t think so,” I said, desperately trying to change their minds. “This dress really doesn’t suit me at all. I look silly.”

“We are definitely buying this dress,” Amira and Ella said at the same time, making the decision for me.

Amira picked out her own dress too, and I reluctantly agreed to take the short, revealing outfit that made me feel like a completely different person.