MY UNEXPECTED MATE

Chapter 6

Bella's pov

My room was filled with laughter and chatter as my friends and I sat around, sharing stories and enjoying each other's company. It was a rare moment of relaxation amidst the chaos that had become my life lately.

As we chatted, the doorbell rang, interrupting our conversation. I frowned, already done with my daily chores and routine, wondering who could be visiting at this hour. One of my omega friends, Sarah, jumped up from the bed. "I'll get it!" she announced, hurrying to the door.

Moments later, she returned with a small, beautifully wrapped package in her hands. The scent of roses and chocolate wafted through the room as she handed it to me. "Bella, this is for you," she said with a sly grin, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

I looked at the package in surprise, my heart quickening with curiosity. Who could be sending me gifts? I carefully unwrapped it, revealing a box of the most exquisite chocolates and a single red rose. Nestled amidst them was a folded piece of parchment, a handwritten note. My friends leaned in, equally intrigued.

As I opened the note and began to read, the words filled me with shock and disbelief. It was from Jace, the Alpha's son, a name that had become synonymous with trouble in my life lately. He was inviting me to dinner, just the two of us.

My friends erupted into teasing laughter, their voices a cacophony of excitement. Sarah nudged me playfully. "Well, well, Bella. Looks like someone's got a secret admirer. And it's none other than Jace!" she said with a wink.

I blushed furiously, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and bewilderment. "This can't be real," I mumbled, still clutching the note in my hand.

Another friend, Lily, chimed in, her voice full of amusement. "Oh, come on, Bella! It's so obvious he's falling for you. Who could resist someone as charming as you?"

I shook my head, trying to wrap my mind around the unexpected turn of events. "You don't understand. Jace and I... we've never gotten along. This is probably some kind of prank."

Sarah leaned in, her tone more serious now. "You won't know unless you give it a chance, Bella. Maybe he's trying to make amends."

I stared at the rose and chocolates, feeling torn between skepticism and a tiny glimmer of hope. Could Jace really be extending an olive branch? Or was this just another game in his never-ending list of pranks?

As my friends continued to tease me, I couldn't help but wonder what awaited me at this dinner with Jace. My emotions were a tangled mess, and the uncertainty left me feeling both anxious and strangely intrigued.

With my friends' playful encouragement echoing in my ears, I found myself agreeing to attend the dinner with Jace, if only to hear what he had to say. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and their support was reassuring, even in the midst of my doubts.

As the evening approached, my friends rallied around me, determined to help me look my best. They laid out an array of dresses on my bed, each one more stylish than the last. Sarah held up a deep blue dress, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This one, Bella. It'll make his eyes pop."

Lily chimed in, her tone teasing. "And Jace won't know what hit him."

I sighed, feeling both grateful and overwhelmed by their efforts. "Okay, let's go with the blue dress," I agreed, slipping into it with their assistance. It fit perfectly, and I couldn't help but smile as I caught a glimpse of the myself in the mirror.

My friends went to work on my hair and makeup, and in no time, I was transformed. I hardly recognized the confident woman who stared back at me from the mirror. Maybe, just maybe, this dinner could be different from all the confrontations I'd had with Jace before.

As we finished up, there was a knock on the door, and a voice called out, "Miss Bella, your ride is here."

I exchanged a bewildered glance with my friends. Jace had sent a driver for me? The surprises just kept coming. I took a deep breath, my heart racing with anticipation and nerves. With a final encouraging smile from my friends, I headed out the door, ready to face whatever awaited me at this dinner with Jace.

The drive to the restaurant at the outskirts of the pack was a whirlwind of emotions. I watched the city lights pass by, my heart pounding in anticipation, I've never been out this far before, I've always been stuck up at the pack running from one chore to another . This was all so surreal. The fact that Jace had sent a driver for me and brought me to an upscale restaurant left me beyond astonished.

After a few minutes drive we arrived at the centre of the city, As I stepped out of the car, I couldn't help but feel like I was in a dream. The restaurant was a place I could never afford, not even in my wildest dreams. The elegant façade, the valet parking, and the immaculately dressed staff created an aura of sophistication that was almost overwhelming.

I was given a first-class reception as I entered.

"This way madam". The staffs welcomed me with warm smiles. They led me through the restaurant, and I couldn't help but feel out of place in my borrowed blue dress. But their professionalism made me feel valued, regardless of my attire.

Finally, they guided me to the VIP section of the restaurant, where Jace was waiting for me. He stood as I approached, a genuine smile on his face, he looked strikingly handsome with black and white tuxedo, and for a moment, I forgot about all the tension and clashes we'd had in the past.

"Bella," he greeted me, his voice soft and welcoming. "You look stunning."

I blushed at his compliment, the unfamiliar surroundings and the atmosphere of the restaurant making me feel like I was in parallel universe. "Thank you, Jace. This place is... incredible."

He chuckled, pulling out a chair for me. "Only the best for you," he replied, his eyes holding a hint of sincerity that caught me off guard.

As I sat down, I couldn't help but wonder what Jace had in store for me. It was as if he was trying to show me a different side of him, one that left me both intrigued and cautious.

"Well, I'm here jace, what do you wanna tell me ". I asked immediately yet nicely, a radiant smile on my face.

His response caught me completely off guard. "Relax Bella you just got here no need to rush," he began, his voice sincere, "I want to apologize for the way I've treated you in the past. I was wrong, and I'm sorry."

Jace's words hung in the air, and I couldn't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions stirring within me. This was a side of him I had never seen before, and I wasn't sure how to react.

I blinked, unable to hide my surprise. This was the last thing I expected to hear from him. "Apology accepted," I managed to say, still trying to process his words.

But he wasn't done. Jace continued, his voice softer now, "And I also want to apologize for my behavior the previous night. It was inexcusable, I shouldn't have tried forcing myself on you like the way I did and I promise it won't happen again."

I felt a mixture of emotions, from shock to relief. It was as if a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I could breathe a little easier, I always thought jace was going to come after me seeking revenge after the kick I gave him to his balls. This new side of Jace was something I could get used to, but a part of me remained cautious, remembering the pains he had caused me in the past.

Knowing how cocky jace could be with girls I couldn't help but voice my concerns. "Jace, don't think that bringing me to an expensive restaurant and treating me like a queen will get you inbetween my leg's," I said, my voice steady. "If that's your reason for all this your niceness to me lately, you can forget about it. So with that being said, what's next?"

Jace's gaze met mine, and there was sincerity in his eyes that I couldn't deny. "Nothing of such Bella," he began, "I just want us to be friends, you know we have a few things in common, we even share the same birthdays, how about we turn a new leaf instead."

I hesitated for a moment, this was too good to be true, it was as if jace was a completely new person and I couldn't recognise the monster he used to be. Although considering his actions towards me lately I think he's beginning to become a better person . It was a small step, but it was a start. "Okay, friends," I agreed cautiously, offering a tentative smile.