Ivy

I'm anxious because Ryder won't tell me where he is taking me. We are going on our first date, and I don't know what to expect or how to prepare.

Sure, it's not a real date, but still...

"Where are we going?" I asked for the twentieth time.

"I told you it was a surprise," he barks.

"But Ryder, this isn't a real date, so why can't you just say it?" I whine.

Ryder's eyes sparkle mischievously. "Because surprises are half the fun. And besides, just because it's not a real date doesn't mean it can't be a memorable one."

I roll my eyes but can't help the flutter of excitement in my stomach.

He parks his car and urges me to get out then we start walking

As we turn a corner, I gasp in surprise. We are standing in front of an old-fashioned carnival, complete with a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a row of brightly lit game booths.

"Welcome to the carnival," Ryder said with a grin.

I snort. "Really?"

Ryder almost looks offended. "What? I thought we could have fun and be kids for a day. I don't get to come here with my friends or teammates because..." he pauses.

"Because what?" I ask.

"Because they think it's carnivals are for dorks. I don't know what their problem is," Ryder grumbles.

I can't help but laugh. "What if I think it's dorky too?" I wink.

"Pfft...I don't care what you think because you are a dork already," Ryder chuckles.

I push him playfully. "I am not!"

Ryder grins and links his arm with mine. "Come on, let's go ride the Ferris wheels."

When we arrive at the Ferris wheel, Ryder points to the top. "Let's aim for the top and see the view from up there."

I gulp as we climb into the seat and the ride starts to ascend. "I don't know if I like heights," I admit, my knuckles turning white as I grip the safety bar.

Ryder laughs and pats my head. "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you."

I keep my eyes closed as we reach the top, my stomach turning.

"You are missing out, Ivy."

My heart leaps as I hear his voice near my ear. When did he sit down next to me?

I open my eyes and gasp as I see how high we are and then shut my eyes again. "I...I can't look. We are going to die."

Ryder chuckles and I feel his arm sliding over my shoulder. "We are not going to die. Now stop acting like a coward and enjoy the view with me."

I'm not convinced.

My heart is still pounding with fear, but his warmth spreads through my body as he pulls me close, making me feel safe. I open my eyes and look down.

The entire carnival is spread out beneath us, the lights twinkling like stars. It's a magical sight. "You were right," I admit, leaning against Ryder. "This is worth it."

"Told you so," he grins.

As the Ferris wheel descends, Ryder and I get off and head over to the gaming booths.

Ryder grins mischievously as he hands me a handful of tickets. "Let's see how good you are at these games," he says, his eyes glinting with excitement.

I smile and follow him to the first booth, where we both try our luck at popping balloons with darts. I manage to pop a few, but Ryder beats me with his sharp aim.

At the next booth, we try to win stuffed animals by throwing balls into a basket. Once again, Ryder beats the game and wins a teddy bear as a prize.

Ryder suddenly stops and turns to face me at the end of our date. "You aren't a terrible company, Brookstone."

I smirk. Are you trying to tell me you had fun on our date?"

He grins, looking almost bashful. "Sure, I guess. But don't look so pleased."

I chuckle at his response. "I can't help it if I'm happy we had a good time."

Ryder shakes his head, his grin widening. "You're impossible, Brookstone."

I raise an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means you're always so cheerful and positive. It's kind of annoying," he teases.

I playfully push his shoulder. "Hey, positivity is a good thing. You could use some more of it."

Ryder rolls his eyes but doesn't argue. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say."

I smile at him, feeling content. I suddenly remember something. "Hey, so next week is the Lunar Ball."

Ryder raises an eyebrow. "Yea, so?"

"Well...I was thinking...we could go there and we could put on a show to pretend we are mates," I suggest. Gosh, I'm a genius for thinking of this.

"In front of all the Packs? Fuck no," Ryder growls.

Ah, that's right. The Lunar ball is when all the wolf packs from different territories show up to dance and have a good time. "Yes, duh! Everyone will be there, so it's the perfect time to do it. Of course, Alpha Maurice will be there too!"

"That's great, Ivy. And what about my reputation?" Ryder barks.

"Your reputation?" I look at him with confusion.

"Yes, Ivy. I have to maintain my image as an Alpha. No one will believe that someone like you..." He stops as if he isn't sure if he should continue to insult me or not.

I deflate a little. "Oh, right. Someone like me. A wolfless loser who can't possibly be with Your Highness."

Ryder looks at me, his expression softening. "I didn't mean it like that."

"Sure you did."

I don't mean to seem emotional, but I can't help but feel a bit hurt. But what did I expect since I blackmailed him into doing this in the first place?

We walk towards the exit of the carnival, and he drives me back home.

 I turn to look at Ryder when we arrive at my house. "Thanks for tonight, I had fun," I say sincerely even though he was mean to me toward the end.

Ryder nods. "Me too."

I smile at him. "Okay, goodnight, Ryder."

"Goodnight, Ivy," he says, and I step out of his car. "Hey, wait a minute," he calls out to me.

I stop in my tracks.

Ryder sighs. "How about you meet me in the middle? We can start with a smaller crowd."

I narrow my eyes. "What do you mean?"

"You can be my date to Sirius's birthday party tomorrow," Ryder offers. "This way, we can practice being a couple before going in front of the entire town."

He makes a good point.

"Okay, fine. But are you sure it's not too embarrassing to be seen with me in front of your friends?" I say dryly.

Ryder snorts. "Of course it is. But I'll get over it since this is a temporary arrangement."

I nod. "Okay, I'll take it."

Ryder grins, and I can't help but smile back. "Great. It's a plan, then."