The Alpha’s Mate

Chapter 9- Jealousy

My thoughts drifted as we navigated through the mall, entering practically every shop. Despite my reluctance to be here, Jasmine had a point. With my dad not returning until tonight, going home would only lead to driving myself crazy with thoughts about the looming secret. However, staying here didn't seem to offer much relief either. Seriously, what did my dad do that everyone knew about but me? Why relocate us to a place where all his secrets could be unveiled? The questions echoed in my mind, demanding answers I didn't yet possess.

"Angel! Angelique!" Jasmine's voice pierced through my thoughts, bringing me back to the present. I looked around, noticing that the boys had vanished. Damn, I was dissociating so intensely that I hadn't even noticed their departure. We were in Charlotte Russe, the girls engrossed in trying on clothes while I waited for them to finish. Although this was my favorite mall shop, my mood had taken a nosedive, and all I wanted was to go home and confront my father.

"What do you think about this?" Jasmine asked, twirling around to showcase the red dress she was trying on. The mid-length garment complemented her curves perfectly. "It's gorgeous, you should definitely get it," I replied with a sincere smile. She beamed back at me, clearly pleased with my approval.

Peach came out in the tightest dress I had ever seen. She strutted out in a black leather dress that barely extended past her thighs, and her cleavage was accentuated as if she were wearing a bra two sizes too small. It was evident that she was holding her breath; one sudden move, and that outfit would likely burst open. Reluctantly, I had to admit she looked stunning in it. "Jaz, how hot do I look in this? You think Dante will be impressed?" she asked, adjusting her boobs to press closer together.

The hot sensation I had felt all over my body earlier returned. The harsh reality was that I could never compete with her; she could effortlessly capture any guy's attention. And without a doubt, she would win Dante over.

Jasmine rolled her eyes. "Oh yeah, I'm sure he'll just explode in his pants." She glanced at me, feigning a gag. I forced a laugh. Peach grinned triumphantly and retreated into the dressing room.

Mya came out next in a cream sweater that hung off one shoulder and a cute pair of denim jeans with black boots. Jasmine clapped, "Yes b***h, yes!" she exclaimed.

"What do you think?" Mya asked, focusing her gaze on me. Surprisingly, she had initiated a conversation with me after my earlier outburst. I couldn't say the same for Peach; she appeared to be in her own little world, but that was fine. She was after Dante, and I wasn't comfortable with that. I suppose we'd just continue as rivals.

"I think the entire outfit is perfect," I commented, a bit shyly. Despite my efforts to be more outgoing, my introverted nature persisted. Nevertheless, it felt nice to be included. Mya returned to the dressing room to change and purchase the outfit.

"Where did the boys go?" I asked Jasmine, attempting not to sound overly interested in their whereabouts.

She raised an eyebrow. "You don't remember?" she asked. I shook my head. "Oh, they just went to the food court to fill their fat faces." She suddenly got up. "Wait here, I'll be right back." She returned a minute later with an outfit in her hands. "Go try this on right now!"

"Jasmine-" I started, but she pushed the clothes into my hands. I rolled my eyes as I went into one of the dressing rooms. When I came out, Jasmine had the biggest grin on her face. Mya gave an encouraging smile while Peach scoffed and went on her phone. I looked in the mirror, loving what I saw. Jasmine had picked out a black halter bikini top with a long-sleeved mesh cover and black jeans that made my ass look pretty good. "Oh my god, you're going to have guys falling all over you on Friday!" she exclaimed.

"Damnnnn Ang, that ass is popping!" a masculine voice said from behind me. Glancing over my shoulder in the mirror, I realized the guys were back. Rashaad looked on with wide eyes and an open mouth, clearly impressed. Dante's expression was stern, his eyes dark and unreadable. Meanwhile, Akira seemed unfazed, as if he couldn't care less; I hadn't even heard him speak before. My cheeks flushed in response to their attention.

"Shut the f**k up Rashaad, you're ruining her confidence!" Jasmine shouted, her eyes ablaze with frustration.

He put his hands up defensively. "Sorry, just speaking the truth. You look sexy as hell in that. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing you all dolled up on Friday!"

She scowled at him. "Ya'll are such dogs, stay away from her."

I squirmed uncomfortably beneath Dante's penetrating gaze, feeling a tingling sensation in my stomach. The intensity with which he studied me was both unsettling and oddly exhilarating.

"That's nothing, just wait until you guys see what I'm wearing," Peach chimed in, her attention still fixed on her phone. The room fell into a momentary hush, met with no immediate response.

"Turn that ass around, we need a better view of the front," Rashaad ordered, breaking the silence.

I shook my head, hesitating.

"C'mon, we're going to give you a more honest opinion than these girls over here," he urged.

Sighing, my cheeks still tinted with embarrassment, I turned around. His nod of approval was swift. "Damn, I didn't know you had the boobs to pull that top off, look at you...looking like a whole meal!" he exclaimed, a mix of surprise and admiration in his tone.

I didn't think it was possible to blush any deeper. He playfully slapped Dante's arm.

"What do you think, bro?" he asked.

His eyes devour every inch of me, in a gentlemanly way, of course.

"She looks beautiful," he commented quietly.

Peach's head snapped up, and she shot me a piercing glare. I bit down on my cheeks, attempting to maintain a poker face, but internally, I was screaming. Did he really think I was beautiful with Peach sitting right there?

Rashaad barks out a laugh. "Dante, she doesn't want that corny s**t, tell her how badly this outfit makes you want to f**k-"

"Rashaad, shut the f**k up, you're disgusting!" Jasmine snapped, interrupting him.

My body blazed with embarrassment, and I felt on the verge of combustion. "I-I'm going to change now," I mumbled, hurrying to the dressing room. Upon reemerging in my original clothes, Jasmine eagerly took the outfit from me. "I'm buying this for you right now!" she exclaimed. "There's no way I'm letting you put this back."

I knew there was no use in arguing with her; she had already made up her mind. After leaving the shop, we strolled around for a while. I couldn't help but notice that after Dante complimented me, Peach was pursuing him even harder. She kept whispering to him, or casually reaching out to touch him. Each time, it boiled my f*****g blood.

As we exited the mall, the night had deepened, and everyone dispersed to their rides. Despite sensing Dante's gaze on me, I refrained from turning around. My focus had shifted to a more pressing matter, one that demanded my attention. I climbed into my car and retrieved my phone.

Dad, I'm heading home. We need to talk ASAP.