Courtship Day 2: The Proposal

Kiaria

Last night was really bizarre. I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or living in an alternate universe. At first, I was like any other person, common, ordinary. Then when I hit eighteen I become a big wolf and have a mate to boot.

I had a mate. A handsome, rich playboy for a mate to be exact. Maybe I was dreaming. Maybe all of this was a figment of my imagination. I bet you when I go downstairs for breakfast and ask for him, my mom will probably send me to see a therapist because of my delusions.

Well, it's time to get ready for school. I open the door to my bathroom slash walk-in closet, pick out a comfortable outfit since today I had my majors which meant I'd be stuck in class with boring teachers and hyperactive classmates all worked up on caffeine. Baggy jeans, a cute spaghetti strap tank top and a sweater will do just fine. Pair them up with sneakers and my outfit could pass as pajamas.

I take a quick shower, brush my teeth and style my hair in a messy bun. I kind of wanted to fit in with the whole student body, the "lack of sleep, didn't shower" look. I didn't want my classmates to think I was smart. I wanted them to think I put in the effort like the rest of them. I wanted to blend in.

I groom my eyebrows and put some lip gloss. That I guess would be good enough. I exit my bathroom, fully satisfied at my "dorm look" when I saw him seated on my bed. I screamed.

"What is wrong with you, Io? Don't you know that this is MY room?" He was real and he was looking as his usual handsome self. His hair was still damp from his shower and he had a tight ribbed blue shirt on, black jeans and boots. Did he always have to show his muscles on his chest?

"I'm sorry, Kiaria. I didn't mean to scare you. You know you are the first person I need to see or my world falls apart," he said.

"Stop being so melodramatic. It doesn't suit a man wearing a tight shirt." I point at his chest. I start gathering my school work and books so I could put them in my black leather tote.

"So, that's what you're wearing to school?" I look down at myself. Yeah, I had a bit of cleavage and belly showing, but it was totally fine. Some girls in school wore much less.

"Yeah, is there a problem with what I'm wearing?"

"You look like your going to bed not school," he said.

"Ha! That's the look I was going for. Most of my majors land on this day and my professors are all so boring. I need a comfortable outfit so I can sleep through class if I want to," I try to explain.

"Well, I can sit in class with you so it isn't boring." I looked at him like he must be out of his mind. He must have better things to do with his time than go to class with me.

"Don't you have to work?" I look in my bag to see if I got everything. I check my desk and my calendar. Yup, I have everything. Before I could hoist my bag on my shoulder, he takes it from me.

"I'll carry that. And yes, I have work, but I have people who can take my place for the time being. My courtship for the hand of my future Luna is more important." I shake my head like he's gone bonkers.

"Well, come on. Let's have breakfast before going to school. Tomorrow is my free day. If I get all my schoolwork done today, I'll show you around town." It's the least I could do for him.

"Like a date?" I hear the enthusiasm in his voice.

"Sure, if you want to call it that. Now let's go downstairs and have some breakfast. I grab his hand and lead him out of my room. I have to make sure I lock the door to my bedroom from now on.

My mom, dad, my Aunt Yumi and her husband were already downstairs in the kitchen having breakfast. I had Io put my bag on the table at the foyer and guided him inside the kitchen.

"Good morning everyone!" I kissed my mom and my dad. "Yum, bacon." I try and grab one, but my mom slaps my hand away.

"Kiaria, get the plates and utensils and set the table. Io, you must be hungry." My mom is suddenly into Io? When did that happen? Io sits down next to my dad and they start discussing business. Poor guy. He hasn't had his coffee yet.

I grab the plates from the countertop and put them on the table. Then I place the forks, spoons and butter knives on the sides of each plate.

"Io, do you want some coffee or juice or both?" He smiles at me for asking him that simple question.

"Coffee please." I nod my head, grab a mug and pour him some coffee from the pot. I place it on a saucer with cream, sugar and a small spoon on the side, then I serve it to him.

"Thank you, Kiaria. Do you want me to help?" He politely asks.

"It's ok. It's faster if it's me. I don't want to be late for class." I pour myself a cup of coffee and add some cream and a bit of sugar. Then I sit next to him.

"Kiaria, honey, are you going to wear that to school?" My dad looks at me like I wasn't actually dressed for school.

"Why, Dad? Does it look like pajamas? It's the look I'm after. Rolled out of bed or Woke up like this look."

"Seriously, you kids dress like that...like you just rolled out of bed?" My dad shakes his head.

" Winston, it's the "I live in a dorm" look. Those kids don't take showers. Remember when we were in college? Your roommate stank to the high heavens. He never wanted to shower. Let Kiaria be. Just as long as she doesn't wear a bikini to school, it's fine." I love my mom. She's always there to defend me.

"I guess if you want to blend in. Anyway, if the school has no problem, then I'm fine with it. You are a stark contrast though to Io here. He looks dressed up." My dad pointed at Io.

"Winston, I don't mind. She looks beautiful either way." I look at Io, stunned. He just questioned my outfit a while ago. What a brown noser. I stand up.

"Fine, I'm going to change. What should you suggest I wear? A ballgown?" I raised my chin defiantly.

"Kiaria, sit down and finish your breakfast. Nothing is wrong with what you're wearing. End of discussion." My mother eyed my father. He coughed and hid his face in the newspaper.

After finishing breakfast, Io guided me outside to his car. A Tesla will gain us a lot of attention. I didn't want my face splashed on the tabloids.

"Uhm, let's take my car. The jalopy, over there." I pointed to my car.

"No, we drive in my car. After you, young lady. He presses his car key and the door opens. I slid inside. He closed the door and put my bag in the back. He slides in the driver's seat and presses the ignition. He taps on the tablet and places our destination and off we went.

I live near the University and it didn't take long for us to get there. He parked the car and put on some sunglasses. Not even sunglasses could hide who he was.

"You don't have to come with me. I have class until 2PM. You can come pick me up then."

"What' wrong Kiaria? You don't want to be seen with me?" He asked. He reaches out and tucks a stray strand of hair behind my ear. He smelled so good.

"Not just yet. Maybe when we're married?"

"I can arrange that if you want. We can get married tomorrow." I narrow my eyes at him. He can't be serious.

"You haven't even proposed," I argue.

"Ah about that..." He takes off his sunglasses and reaches for something in his pocket. "I know I should be bending on one knee when I do this." He takes my hand and places a plastic toy ring on my finger. "I loved that story about the plastic ring from a candy vending machine from someone you love and who loves you. I wanted to make it come true because I love you. I know you wanted a courtship, but I'll tell you this. Marry me today and I will court you forever. So Kiaria, will you make me the happiest wolf alive and marry me?" I was so shocked I couldn't open my mouth to say anything. He remembered my story. And his "court you forever" line took my breath away. I can't believe he would say something like that to ME! I felt truly touched.

"Say yes, Kiaria," Selene, my wolf said. "He is our mate."

"Yes, Io, I will marry you." He grinned at me and pulled me in his arms. Before I knew it, he kissed me.

His lips were gentle at first, his tongue gently probing. Then, he deepened the kiss and all rational thought went out through the window. I just wanted the kiss to continue forever. It felt oh so right.

When he finally pulled away, I was breathless. My first kiss. It was beautiful. I placed my fingers on my lips, relishing the moment. I glanced at him. He was staring at me like I was the only woman in the world. He had eyes only for me and that made me giddy inside.

"I'm not joking, Kiaria. Tomorrow we wed. I have to leave you to make the necessary arrangements, but I will be here waiting for you at 2PM. Ok, my little she-wolf?" I nodded my head. My thoughts were still scattered. All I could do was agree to what he wanted. "Ok, my love. Off to class you go." He presses a button and both my door and his open. He steps out and helps me out of the car. He opens the back door and takes my bag out and hands it to me.

"Have a good day in class, my love. I will be here waiting for you. I promise." He gives me a kiss on the cheek.

I nod my head at him, dazed. I turn around to head to my classroom. I don't think I'll be able to concentrate.

All I could think of was my first kiss. I look down at my ring. I can't believe it! I'm engaged!