7. Fake First Date

Ivy

I guess my fake mate didn't like my acting because currently, he is staring at me, scowling.

"What?" I ask.

"Did you really have to yell this loud?" he barks.

The look of annoyance on his face makes me giggle. "Okay, sorry. That was stupid. Maybe we don't have to yell the word mate at each other. We can just act like we are in love."

Ryder lets out a deep sigh before nodding his head. "Fine, but let's try to make it believable. No more of that overacting you just did."

I nod my head, feeling relieved that he's still willing to go through with our plan. "Agreed. We can start by spending more time together, maybe even going on a date or two."

Ryder looks at me skeptically. "A date? You really think that's necessary?"

I nod my head eagerly. "Yes, it'll show everyone that we're really into each other. And who knows, we might even have some fun in the process."

Ryder rolls his eyes, but I can see a hint of amusement in his expression. "Okay, fine. But let's keep it low-key. We don't want to attract too much attention."

"Agreed," I say. "So, when do you want to go on our first date?"

Ryder shrugs. "How about tomorrow night?"

"Tomorrow is perfect!" I chirp.

"I'll pick you up at your house," Ryder grumbles.

Ryder nods before turning to walk away. As he disappears into the woods, I can't help but feel nervous. I've never been on a date with a guy before. I wonder what everyone will think when they see him picking me up.

I can't wait to see their faces, especially Mindy's.

I imagine Mindy's reaction, and I can't help but smile to myself. I know she's going to be so jealous when she sees Ryder picking me up. She won't be able to stand the fact that I, a wolfless loser, am capable of having a mate like Ryder--an Alpha wolf at that!

"Well, I guess I'll have to get ready for tomorrow," I mutter to myself as I head back to my house. I spend the rest of the day preparing for our date, trying on different outfits, and practicing my makeup. 

~-~

The next day, I put on the dress I selected for the date and proceeded to study myself in the mirror. It's a light pink dress that compliments my pale skin. 

Even though this was a fake date, I still wanted to look my best. After checking my makeup for the third time, I nod in satisfaction and then walk outside.

I told Ryder to meet me by the lake near my house, so I headed there. My mood turns sour when I see Mindy and her little Barbie gang standing around, laughing. As soon as she sees me she strides toward me with her long legs and blocks my path.

"What do you want, Mindy?" I ask, trying to keep my tone neutral.

Mindy grins at me. "Getting all dressed up, I see. So where are you off to?"

"It's none of your business," I reply sharply. "Why do you care anyway?"

Mindy laughs. "Oh, no reason. Just wondering if you're finally trying to impress someone. But let's face it, Ivy. No amount of makeup or fancy clothes is going to make you any less of a loser."

Her words sting and I can feel tears starting to prick at the corners of my eyes. "Get out of my way, Mindy," I say, my voice shaking. "I don't want to talk to you anymore."

Mindy just laughs again. "What? Are you gonna cry?"

I take a deep breath and try to stay calm, even though Mindy's words are hurtful. "I don't have to listen to this," I say firmly. "You can say whatever you want, but it won't change the fact that I'm going out tonight and having a great time."

"Oh yeah? With who?" her friend Sadie asks. 

"With Alpha Ryder from Ashwood Pack," I reply, holding my head high.

Mindy's eyes widen in surprise before narrowing into a glare. "You're lying," she accuses.

"No, I'm not," I say, feeling a sense of satisfaction at the shock on Mindy's face. "He's picking me up tonight for our first date. Why? Do you know him?"

Mindy narrows her eyes. "Of course I do. A lot of people do because he is on the baseball team. I hear he is going to nationals this season."

"Oh that's great. I should go to the game to support him," I chirp.

Mindy snorts. "As if. Ryder would never go out with someone like you."

"Well, he is," I say, feeling a sense of confidence growing within me. "And you know what, Mindy? You can say whatever you want, but you can't bring me down. I'm going to enjoy my date tonight, and there's nothing you can do about it."

"Poor girl. You must be so delusional if you think Ryder Black would date you," Sadie taunts me.

Just as Sadie finishes talking, a car pulls up in front of us. It's a sleek black sports car, and the driver's window rolls down to reveal Ryder's handsome face.

"Ryder!" I cry out. Thank goodness he showed up!

I look at Mindy and Sadie. They look like they've just seen a ghost, their mouths agape in shock.

 Ryder steps out of the car and walks towards me, his eyes fixed on mine. "Hey, Ivy," he says. He doesn't smile, but his eyes trail my body from head to toe. I feel my cheeks heat up.

"Hi," I say, my heart racing with excitement. Will he rescue me, or will he deny everything?

Ryder glances at Mindy and Sadie, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Hey," he says, nodding at her. Mindy seems to snap out of her shock at the sound of Ryder's voice. "Hey, Ryder," she says, her tone surprisingly friendly.

 Ryder furrows his brows. "Sorry, do I know you?"

Ouch. That has to hurt.

"I...I'm Mindy Barns. We went to high school together," Mindy says. I can tell by the look on her face that she is insulted. Serves her right...stupid bitch!

"Oh, okay." Ryder turns his attention back to me. "Let's go, Ivy."

I nod eagerly, practically jumping into the car. Ryder holds the door open for me before getting in on his side. As he starts the car, I can't help but feel relieved. Mindy and Sadie can say what they want, but they saw me with Ryder Black, who apparently is very popular.

As the car pulls out onto the road, Ryder turns to me. "What were those girls saying to you back there?"

"What do you mean?" I play dumb.

"They were saying mean things to you, weren't they?" Ryder asks.

"It's okay," I reply. "I'm used to it."

"Well, don't be," he says firmly.

"It's better this way. Besides, they are only bullying me because I don't have a wolf yet. Once she comes out, they will stop teasing me or making fun of me."

Ryder's stare suddenly softens. "It's really important to you, isn't it?"

I nod, feeling a lump forming in my throat. "Yes, it is. I want to belong, to be a part of something. I want to know what it feels like to shift, to run with a pack."

Ryder doesn't say anything else. He simply nods and then keeps driving.

"So, where are we going?" I ask curiously. Ryder never told me where we were supposed to have our fake first date.

Ryder looks at me and grins mischievously. "You'll see."