A Challenge

*Noel*

My mate's so cute. She looks so adorable when being possessive. And right now, all I wanted was to just be alone with her. But now's not the right time. She hasn't even seen my wolf side yet. I really hope she wouldn't be afraid and outright reject me. It will be devastating; my life will be meaningless.

I took her to the other side of the beach with less water. This is where guests go who would rather enjoy the sun rather than the beach itself. There were beach chairs or blankets everywhere. There were also hammocks attached to trees with wide leaves, creating that ideal shading under the sun.

I could've taken her to our room and cuddled with her but I remembered switching with Ebony so the girls can have a room for themselves. And I'm not really sure if Jenny is ready for that kind of intimacy. I've learned to live with humans before and from what I've seen, they took time before getting there.

I shouldn't rush myself unto her, she might push me away. My advances to her during our previous dates seemed to be a little too much so I'm taking my time. She isn't a wolf; she wouldn't feel the strong pull of our mate bond but I know it is there. Her actions earlier gave me hope.

Though I wanted to smother her with kisses because of what happened earlier, I decided not to pursue it as to savor this cute reaction from her. I just picked a hammock that is big enough for us both and laid there. She's on top of me with her head laying on my chest and her scent lingering under my nose. My wolf being extremely happy with the proximity nearly howled in delight.

With a comfortable silence between us, this is my little piece of heaven…

I felt a slight movement, I opened my eyes and met hers. "I'm sorry, did I wake you up?". She asked.

"Not really, I'm not really asleep. Is something wrong…?" She just made herself slide beside me so we can face each other more comfortably.

"Nothing… Say, do you find Miss Vicky… Well, beautiful…?" What? Why is she asking me that now? Yet her face is like telling me to say no.

"Beautiful, yes…" Heh, as expected she cutely pouted her lips. I then amended my answer by giving her a kiss on her forehead and whispered to her, "But not as beautiful as you…".

She smiled then hugged me by the waist and made my chest her personal pillow. I hugged her too as my wolf danced in happiness, I wish we could stay like this forever.

"Hah! Found you!" An awfully familiar voice somehow ruined the mood. We glanced up and saw Kyle leaning down on us. "Come on lovebirds, lunch will be ready in a few minutes. You know Olive doesn't like to wait." Tsk. He could've just mind-linked me those! There was a hint of teasing in his eyes so I knew he was clearly messing with me.

When we reached the lunch house, it was packed with people. Apparently, Johnny had called everyone in for the meal and also had prepared a separate table for the six of us. Though we still need to line up for the buffet.

Jenny spotted her friend Ebony from afar so she tried to go to her but then a stray ball for volleyball came straight for her. Luckily, I was fast enough to prevent it from hitting Jenny by shielding her with my arm. Jenny had to sit on the sand due to the shock of the incident.

"Are you alright, Jen?" Ebony hurriedly went to Jenny and helped her up. She was fine, but I glared at the man jogging towards us, who I believe was the ball's owner.

"My bad! Are you okay…? Sorry about the ball." This man is not part of our staff, maybe he's another guest of this beach resort.

"What are you doing? You couldn't hurt her." I'm actually restraining myself from beating him up for trying to hurt my mate.

"Whoa chill, the ball got hit pretty hard, alright...? And it strayed away." The guy explained then he added, "Besides, who would want to hurt such a pretty lady like her." He glanced at Jenny and purposely winked. I can't help raise a brow, is he doing what I think he is…? I don't like the way he smiles at her.

"Oh… Um, thanks…" Jenny replied shyly then got nearer to me, subtly touching my arm. She's clearly uncomfortable, "It's okay Noel, I'm alright, let's go back…".

"You know what, I feel really bad about the ball, why don't you ladies play with us? I got my boys over there waiting for some pretty ladies to come and join us." Bastard, he's clearly eyeing Jenny, even ignoring the fact that she's this close to me.

"Nah, we're good." Ebony replied instead, "Maybe next time.".

"Really...? Come on, who doesn't want to play beach volleyball? Plus, it'll be fun.".

"Persistent, eh… cute but we're not really interested.".

"Oh, don't be like that, it's just one friendly game and maybe after that, I don't know we could get down and dirty –".

"That's enough." I interrupted while Ebony expressed her disgust at the man, "She already said we're not interested and she isn't like that.".

"Okay, okay sorry… You can't blame a man for thinking something like that, I mean look at her, she's clearly asking for it.".

"What the hell did you say?" Ebony said angrily, but then I stopped her from getting near him and faced the man, "I won't tolerate you for insulting my guests. Fine, if you want to play then let's play.".

"Huh, we don't want you –".

"Okay, then let's make a bet. If you win, I'll upgrade your accommodations to VIP and pay it fully.".

"Heh, alright." He scoffs confidently, "And if you win…?".

"You and your buddies pack your things and leave at once.".