ALEX DAVALO
Let's keep playing it!
My father had called that morning. It felt surprising; he rarely ever called unless it was something important. I could feel my heart pick up its pace as I answered, “Father,” uncertain of what to expect.
“Alex, what are your plans for tomorrow?” he asked, his voice deep and steady as if he were summoning the authority that came naturally to him.
“Uhh...,” I stammered, mentally flipping through the pages of my weekend schedule. Truthfully, I had no plans, but I was trying hard to come up with something. I didn’t want him to know that I was free, as I figured he would have some task waiting for me, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to take it on. “I have basketball practice tomorrow, Father,” I finally said, the words feeling awkward on my tongue.
“Since when did you become a basketball player, Alex?” he asked eventually, the slight edge in his voice suggesting he saw right through my lie. My stomach twisted.
“Erm... Father...,” I started, but before I could explain further, he cut me off with the words that sent a chill down my spine.
“I want you to come home tomorrow. But make sure to bring your mate, Bethany.”
“Wait, what? But Father—” I tried to argue, but he didn’t let me finish.
“Do not come with your brother, Sandro,” he said swiftly before ending the call.
“f**k!” I exclaimed, tossing my phone onto the couch in frustration. My heart raced with a mix of anger and anxiety. I could already feel the knot forming in my stomach.
Just then, Sandro, who had been busy on his laptop in the corner of the living room, turned around. “Why did Father call?” he asked, his eyebrows raised in curiosity.
“Because he wants me to come home tomorrow with Bethany,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
Sandro let out a loud laugh, apparently finding humor in the situation. “Looks like you’re in deep trouble,” he teased.
“It’s not funny,” I said, glaring at him, my anger boiling over.
“I know,” Sandro said, finally stopping the laughter and looking serious. “But I mean… what do you think is going on? Why does he want you to bring Bethany along? Do you have any idea?”
“I don’t have a clue,” I admitted, running my fingers through my hair in frustration. “Maybe he wants to know more about her.”
Sandro nodded thoughtfully. “I guess that makes sense.”
“But do you really think we can keep lying to him? That Bethany and Lara are our real mates?,” I asked. My eyes were fixed on him, like his response could make any difference.
“It’s not possible to keep it up forever,” Sandro replied, shaking his head. “One day, we are going to have to stand before him and tell him the truth. But for now, we need to maintain the illusion. We have to keep making him believe what isn't.”
“Whatever it is,” I said, my voice laced with irritation, “I am not ready to get married.”
“Neither am I,” Sandro responded, his voice chilling.
Later that day, my mind was still racing as I decided to visit Bethany. I hadn’t called her in a while, and I felt a mix of guilt and nervousness as I arrived at her house. When I knocked on the door, she opened it with a bright smile that made my heart flutter.
“Hey! You finally decided to come see me,” she beamed, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
“I’m sorry I haven’t called,” I said, stepping inside and wrapping my arms around her. I leaned in and kissed her softly, trying to communicate my regret. “I missed you.”
Bethany blushed slightly and pulled back, her smile widening. “Well, you’re here now. What’s up?”
“I need a favor from you,” I said, my heart racing with the seriousness of my request.
“It will cost you money,” she teased, playful mischief dancing in her eyes.
I smiled at her, nodding my head. “Fine, whatever you want.”
“What do you need?” she asked, curiosity growing.
I took a deep breath and explained my father’s request, the weight of the task crushing down on me. As I described how he wanted me to bring her home, I watched her expression change from excitement to skepticism.
“Alex, are you sure? I don't know if I’m ready to meet your father again,” she said hesitantly. “What if he finds out about us? What if he discovers the truth you've been keeping from him?”
“I understand your concern,” I reassured her, “but I have everything figured out. As long as you play along, he’ll never suspect anything.”
She took a step back, her brows furrowing. “I don’t know,” she replied, biting her lip anxiously. “I actually have volleyball practice scheduled for tomorrow morning, and I'm really scared to be in front of your dad.”
“Please, Bethany,” I pleaded, holding her shoulders gently. “You’ll be fine. Just act like you're genuinely in love with me, and trust me, my dad won’t look deeper. He wants to believe you’re my mate.”
She hesitated, and I could see the gears turning in her mind. “What about Lara and Sandro? Are they coming with us?”
“He specifically said you and I should come alone.” I felt a tinge of relief as I said it, knowing that he wanted us to be a couple of sorts, even if it was a false pretense.
Bethany sighed, clearly torn. “Alright, I guess I can do this… but I’m really starting to feel scared about playing the role of your mate in front of your father.”
I held her closer. “I promise I’ll make it worth your while — double the money I owe you, if you want.”
“Fine,” she said, rolling her eyes but smiling slightly. I felt a surge of relief and gratitude.
The next morning, we drove to my father’s house, anticipation swirling in my stomach. The air felt thick with tension as we traveled down the winding road toward our destination. I glanced at Bethany; she looked nervous, biting her lip as she focused on the road ahead.
“Just remember, you’re my beautiful and loving mate,” I said, trying to lighten the mood.
“I hope the alpha believes that,” she replied quietly, her fingers drumming nervously against the steering wheel.
When we finally arrived, my father greeted us with an enthusiastic smile, his demeanor warm and inviting. “You made it!” he exclaimed, ushering us inside.
“Good morning, Father,” I said, trying to project confidence.
“I’m glad you brought my future daughter-in-law,” he said, his eyes gleaming with approval as he looked at Bethany. “Come in! I’ve prepared breakfast for you both.”
We followed him into the cozy dining room, the scent of freshly cooked bacon filling the air. My stomach grumbled in response. I could see my father was genuinely excited, completely unaware of the storms brewing underneath the surface.
As we sat down at the table, my father engaged Bethany in conversation. “So, Bethany, tell me more about yourself. What do you like to do in your spare time?”
I watched, praying silently that everything would go smoothly. At first, Bethany looked uncomfortable, fiddling nervously with the edge of her napkin. But as she spoke, I could see her confidence building. She shared stories about her school activities and her love for volleyball, her laughter brightening the room.
My father listened intently, nodding every so often, clearly impressed by her poise. “You seem like a wonderful young lady,” he commented, smiling widely.
Bethany’s confidence grew even more, and she answered his questions with a flair that made me smile non-stop. She held her head high, and the way she laughed was infectious. “Thank you, sir. I hope to impress you even more at the upcoming volleyball tournament,” she said, and I could tell my father appreciated her ambitious spirit.
“Hopefully, I'll be there,” he said.
After breakfast, my father leaned back in his chair, a satisfied look on his face. He reached beside him and pulled out a shiny golden box, placing it on the table in front of Bethany. “I’ve had this gift for a while,” he explained, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “I wanted to give it to Alex's mate. Open it, dear.”
Bethany looked at me in surprise before turning to the box, her hands trembling slightly as she lifted the lid. Inside was a beautiful bracelet, adorned with intricate designs that shimmered in the light.
“Make sure you don’t lose it,” my father added, his smile broadening as he admired her reaction.
“Thank you, sir,” Bethany said, her expression a mix of surprise and gratitude. She feigned a smile as she thanked him, but I could see the shock written on her face.
After breakfast, he took me for a short walk in the garden area. As we strolled among the carefully tended flowers, I felt the weight of the conversation we were about to have. His expectations hung in the air, a single thread woven through every step.
“Son, I’m proud of you for finding someone like Bethany,” he said, breaking the silence. “You’re going to make a fine pair. Do you really see her as your Luna?”
“I—uh.” My throat tightened, and for a moment, I didn’t know what to say. “Yeah, she’s great,” I said finally, avoiding his gaze.
“And you’ll take care of her, right? A mate must feel supported and honored.”
“Of course, Father. I promise I’ll take care of her,” I replied, forcing a smile.
As we walked back, I couldn't help but think about how well Bethany had handled everything and my feelings for her. She truly was incredible. But I couldn't shake the unease creeping up in my spine, wondering what my father might expect next.
On the drive back home, the atmosphere shifted in the car. Bethany turned to me, her expression serious. “Alex,” she said softly, “I’m seriously becoming scared about playing the role of your mate before your father. This could get out of hand anytime.”
I could hear the fear in her voice. “I know, but it’ll be worth it in the end. We just have to keep pretending for a while longer. I promise we’ll figure something out,” I replied, my grip tightening on the steering wheel.
“Fine, but I just want out of this before it goes awry,” she warned, her voice shaking slightly.
“Bethany, please. Look, I know it’s scary. But if you help me this one time, it can change everything. I’ll double your money, I swear,” I pleaded, hoping to reassure her.
With a reluctant sigh, she finally nodded. “Okay, fine. But if I feel I can’t do this anymore, I’m out. I'm serious about it”
“Deal,” I said, easing into the calm after a storm, grateful that she was willing to stand by me—at least for now.
For now…