Lycan's Mate (His Claim) Chapter 32

Fiona's POV

I stared at myself as I examined my outfit on the full length mirror. Biting down on my lower lip, I let out a soft sigh. I can't believe I'm actually wearing this for the party tonight. Rolling my eyes, I couldn't help but curse myself for this to happen. I had, unfortunately, allowed for Sara to buy me an outfit this afternoon after school for the party. She didn't dare allow me to tag along, claiming that she knew exactly what I should wear and it should not only be a surprise to the pack, but a surprise to me as well. Isn't she just a great friend? Again, note the sarcasm. I mean, I appreciate her doing this for me, especially since I am not much of a shopper nor a fashion expert, so having her buy a complete outfit for me and do my makeup as well as my hair was something I appreciated more than she realized. I owed her big time

She had left an hour ago and I was left staring at myself with a nervous expression on my now painted face. Okay, so I didn't look like a clown or anything, but I wasn't used to wearing makeup, let alone a dress that hugged my body in all the right places. It was a one shoulder attire that had large black and white horizontal stripes. It reached just above the knees, not exposing too much skin. Sara had decided to accompany the dress with a bright, thick red belt that hugged my waist perfectly. Along with the belt, she bought me a pair of red stilettos with a red bracelet, red earrings, and a ring with a large red jewel on top of it. This girl had seriously gone overboard with the red thing. My nails were even painted the same shade! Her answer to all the red accessories was that it matched the same shade of red my cheeks always seemed to be around Blake. And of course, I had to blush for that.

I turned my body slightly, analyzing my figure. I had to admit, I really did look good in it. It showed off my figure a little bit more than I had anticipated, but it was still proper for a party where you'll be meeting your mate's parents for the first time in person. Well, his mom for the first time and dad for the second. You know what I mean

I fixed my hair a little, which was now falling flawlessly over my shoulders, covering any exposed skin the dress gave off. Sara had decided to put it in soft curls that fell effortless along my back. When it came to the makeup, she had settled for a smoky eyed look to make my hazel green eyes 'pop', like she had put it, and painted my lips a similar shade of red as my accessories. For this, she didn't over emphasize it, meaning she only brushed my lips ever so lightly with the lipstick, not making them seem like I had drunk blood hours earlier and had forgotten to clean it off. All in all, I looked stunning, if that was even possible. Okay, I admit, I have a horrible self-esteem and barely bother to dress up for occasions like this. Not like I have ever been invited to places anyway.

"You ready there, kiddo?"

I jumped at the sound of my dad's voice coming from downstairs

"Yeah, I'll be down in a minute!" I called out, giving myself a once over before grabbing the small clutch that lied on my bed. And, you guessed it, it was red as well. I was beginning to think that was Sara's favorite color.

Making my way downstairs, I tried my ultimate best to be careful not to slip and fall and ruin my attire (which I might actually do due to my clumsiness). I stopped on the bottom step, staring into my dad's eyes who were opened wide as he took in my appearance. A small smile played on his lips as I noticed his eyes glisten under the small light that hung over our heads in the hallway. I couldn't help but blush and look down at my feet under his gaze. Why was he looking at me like that? He's seen me dress up before for Christmas and New Year's. What was so different about this time?

"What?" I asked, looking back up at him

He shook his head, allowing the smile to spread across his lips.

"My baby's all grown up."

I rolled my eyes playfully as I took the final step to stand in front of him. "I'm just going to a party, dad.

"Exactly my point. I thought I'd never live to see the day where my baby will start going to parties and dating boys."

I felt my cheeks brighten as I looked down at the floor, Blake's face immediately appearing on my mind. "We're not dating dad."

"Sure you're not," he muttered before pulling me against him as he wrapped his arms around me in a tender embrace. I stood there, frozen at the gesture before mimicking his actions and pulling him close. It's not everyday where my dad would hug me. I mean, we are close and all, but he is rarely around for us to do things like this. And whenever we do head down to the cabin by the lake, we mainly do our own thing and allow ourselves to do whatever we like without question. So seeing my dad like this, in his vulnerable state as he hugs his only daughter (only child for that matter), makes me feel all warm inside. It had been a long time since I had last seen him this unguarded. Ever since my mom had died, he had closed himself completely to the outside world. Even me. It wasn't until a few years back that he allowed me to enter his now hollow shell. It was weird at first, but we grew closer with every year that passed. And hugging him like this like I used to when I was just a little girl made me feel just that, like daddy's little girl.

"I'm so proud of you, honey."

"I know," I whispered, releasing my hold as I looked into his eyes. He had a small tear escaping his right one and I couldn't help but smile as I wiped it away

"Just one thing though," he said, his voice serious all of a sudden.

"I don't want any nonsense from that boy."

I rolled my eyes. Well, he's back.

"Don't worry dad, he won't do anything stupid. Guys around here aren't that idiotic like the ones back in Chicago.

He raised his eyebrow at me as he crossed his arms over his chest. That was his sign of letting me know that he was the superior one of the house. If only he knew how to cook.

"What about that Marcus kid?"

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. I had forgotten to ask Blake exactly what it was that Marcus had told my dad the day before.

"Oh, Marcus is just a player. But he respects his friends that are girls. Don't worry about him."

"So he's your friend."

I paused, pursing my lips as I thought about it. I mean, Marcus, Sara and Anthonio and I have been getting along pretty well recently. Despite the short amount of time we have spent together, we had become very close friends. I don't know if it's because of the fact that I'm Blake's mate and their future Luna, but I couldn't help but feel close to them. They are honestly the only friends I have ever had that haven't judged me for my knowledge in school or appearance. They simply accepted what I had to offer. Which wasn't much but it seemed to be enough for them

I nodded my head after a few seconds and smiled.

"Yeah, he is. He's like the little annoying brother I never had. Despite him being older than me."

"So….you're not interested?" I simply shook my head in response.

"So what about this Blake?"

Just by the sound of his name, my cheeks immediately blushed. Darn it! Did I always have to do that whenever I was around him? Wait, he wasn't around. So now I blush just by the sound of his name? Well, that's just great.

"Well, by the shade of your cheeks, I'll take that as a yes." My dad could be observant when he wanted to be.

"But don't worry, he seems like a nice kid. Maybe he should come with us tomorrow on our fishing trip."

I couldn't help but crack a smile at the thought of having Blake come along with us. The second I thought about him and I being alone together in the cabin, which is most likely where I'll be, the usual butterflies erupted inside of my stomach.

"That'll be nice."

"Well, you should ask him. Tell him to invite his father if he'd like. Mr. Black is a very kind man." I nodded, remembering the first time I had met him. Suddenly, I noticed my dad looking down at my chest and his eyebrows pull together. "What is that?" he asked, pointing at the right side of my chest

I followed his finger, a soft gasp escaping my red lips as I realized that the dress revealed a small portion of the scars that were barely visible now. How my dad caught that was beyond me. Told you he was observant when he wanted to be.

"Oh, that was this morning that I accidentally scratched myself in the shower. My nails are growing and I haven't found the time to cut them," I waved dismissively as I tried my best to keep my voice even.

As if on cue, the sound of a car horn filled our ears and made us turn to the closed door beside us. I let out a soft sigh of relief as I reached out and turned the knob, opening the door wide to reveal an old black mustang parked behind my dad's truck. I immediately smiled at the sight of my mate exiting the car and making his way towards us. He wore a simple attire: black slacks, black shoes, and a black long sleeved, buttoned up shirt. I guess he wanted to match the shade of his hair or the color of his car. Either way, he looked extremely handsome despite of the simplicity of his outfit.

As he approached, he gave me a once over before his eyes met my father's. Reaching out a strong hand, he shook my dad's in a tight grip and I couldn't help but notice how my dad's smile seemed a bit too forced. Blake was the first guy to ever 'date' his only daughter so of course he would react this way. Hopefully my mate will get on his good side because if he didn't, I'll be totally screwed from here on out

"Good evening, Mr.

Christopher. It's a pleasure to meet you.

"The pleasure is all mine….?" my dad trailed off as he waited for him to state his name. Seriously? He just said his name not even two minutes ago!

"Blake Black, sir." He stood proud and tall as he gazed down at my dad. He was a good few inches taller than he was, and his position in his pack did not go unnoticed. I looked over at my dad and noticed how he seemed to take a cautious step back as he analyzed the young man in front of him. I could see fear, yet curiosity, swimming in the brown depths of his eyes, but he immediately hid it in an instant. When my dad wasn't looking, Blake sent a wink my way, obviously sensing the effect he had on my dad. I knew that humans were able to sense some sort of difference when they were in the presence of werewolves. And this only goes to show how true that theory was.

"Well, nice to finally meet you, Blake." He paused, giving me a quick glance before his eyes settled back on my mate.

"So, where will this 'party' be held?"

"In my parents' home, sir. The whole town is invited. You're welcomed to come if you'd like.

My dad nodded his head before replying, "No thank you. I don't think Fiona here would like her father attending a party that will most likely be occupied by her classmates." He gave me a small smile. "Just make sure she gets back home safely.

"Any curfew, Mr. Christopher?" Blake asked, placing both hands behind his back as he stared down at my dad. Man did he look intimidating when he did that. I guess that was the vibe he was trying to give off

My dad shook his head as he placed a small hand on my back.

"Just as long as she gets here before it is time to head off to our fishing trip, I am perfectly fine with her staying up late."