My Stepfather's Mate

Aileen.

“We are over, Aileen! I don’t want to look at your face any longer. You grew jealous over Layla. She’s my old childhood friend. I can’t cope with your jealousy any longer.”

Wait, please listen to me, Jack.

I won’t get jealous any longer. Don’t break up with me. I can-

“No, there’s nothing left between us. I was never into you anyway.”

This is not true right? Jack. You are breaking up with me?

Jack! Jack!

The vibration on my legs made me snap open my eyes.

I looked around me to find myself in a taxi.

I took out the phone from my jeans,

“Hello?”.

“Aileen, where are you dear?” my mom spoke from the other end of the phone.

“Um…”.

“Where are we?” I asked the driver.

“20 minutes from the destination.”

“You heard him.”

“Give me a call when you get out of the taxi.”

“Dave will come and pick you up by the car.”

I blinked for a second in disbelief. “What?”.

“Come again?”.

“I said Dave will come and pick you up with a car. Give me-“.

“W-why’s he coming to pick me up?” I stuttered. “He could send any servants or a driver!”.

“Yes, I was planning on doing that. But, one of the drivers is absent today. And that’s why he said he’ll go and pick you up himself.”

My heart started beating loudly when I heard this news.

“Anyway, take care. I’ll see you after you arrive.”

“W-wait, Mom-“ she had hung up on me before I could finish my sentence.

Why is she sending him to pick me up?

Gosh! I need to mentally prepare myself for that.

Meeting him after two years…..I wonder how much has changed in him.

I, myself have changed a lot.

I’m not the little girl that he used to see me as.

The taxi stopped by the side of the road, and I got off standing with my luggage in hand.

I called Mom, but she wasn’t picking up the phone.

Where is she at? Do I have to stand here on this hot afternoon?

I roam my eyes here and there while dialing her number several times.

The sound of a car horn drew my attention.

And as I turned around a black car arrived in front of me.

I stepped away in fear.

“Did you wait long?” a voice asked from inside the car.

“What?”.

The window came down, and I saw Dave staring at me with a warm smile.

I felt my heart racing at the sight of him smiling at me.

God, why did you have to make him look so handsome and charming? I can’t take my eyes off him.

The noise of the traffic and everything didn’t bother me any longer. And I felt like there were only the two of us in the world, looking into eyes each.

A moment felt like an eternity.

“Aileen!” he raised his voice, calling towards me.

I snapped back to reality, looking at him in shock.

“Did you wait long?” he asked again for the second time.

“Uh…um…” I lowered my gaze feeling embarrassed for looking at him like a creep.

“No….not that long….”.

“Good to hear that,” he replied, opening the door.

He got out of the car and took my luggage in hand.

“Come and sit at the front. I’ll put your luggage at the back,” he suggested.

At front? I’ll be sitting next to him.

Should I tell him I’ll sit at the back?

Well….I looked up at him.

He got into the driver’s seat right away.

I heaved a sigh. Let’s face my fears.

I opened the door and kept sneaking glances at him from the corner of my eyes, sitting down.

His perfume is so strong. I can smell it right from here.

“The seatbelt,” he mentioned, putting on his seatbelt.

After I had put on my seatbelt, he started the engine.

As he drove, I kept looking in his direction without letting him notice.

The man that I had been in love with since two years ago, the first man I had a crush on, and fell for, the man of my dreams is now here sitting right next to me.

But, I’m not supposed to have these feelings for him, as he’s my stepfather. And there’s a 7-year age difference between the two of us.

Yet, no matter how you look at it, he looks just like me—only having a mature aura surrounding him.

My father and mom got a divorce when I was very little. My mom was left traumatized since then. she would hardly smile, or show any happiness.

a couple of years have passed since then. and then we met David McGarten. My mom is a nurse, and she had taken care of his dad when he was severely ill, helping him recover.

He was so grateful to her that he used to reach up to say hi whenever he would bump into her. And like that Mom and he started talking.

He was the only heir of his pack in Seattle, The Sabertooth pack which is well respected and known by everyone there.

They have a good real-estate business and are practically one of the richest people in Seattle.

After dating my mom for several years, they got married in my 2nd year of high school. And my mom came to live with him in Seattle, but I refused to come.

So, that I won’t have to face him.

“So, when are you starting college?” His question made me startle in my seat. “Your high school is over I guess?”

I nod, avoiding his gaze. “Yes, last month.”

“Mom said that she doesn’t want me to live on my own any longer. So I should come and live with you two in the packhouse.”

“I guess, I’ll be joining a college in Seattle then.”

I was reluctant about coming here first, but….

Now, when I got such a treat right after coming here, I didn’t mind it at all.

“There’s a college in 30 minutes' distance from the packhouse.” He remarks drawing my attention. “And I know the principal. Do you want me to come with you for the admission process? I’m your legal guardian after all.” He added with a smile.

Is he trying to rub it in the face that I’m his stepdaughter?

“Aileen?” he looked puzzled, staring at me.

“Uh…well….sure, if you are willing to.”

He’s being kind enough to help me get admission. I shouldn’t reject his offer.

My grades are already suffering more than enough because of the breakup.

I need to study properly in college.

“And, how is your relationship with your boyfriend going?”

I blinked for a second, trying to figure out whether he asked me that.

“You have been with him for over two years right? How are you two? Going steady?”.

He’s not denying that he wants to know about my boyfriend!

But, why?

Is he curious?

“We broke up two months ago,” I replied.

He stepped on the break the next second, giving me a surprised look.

“You did what?”

I look at him feeling puzzled. Why? Is my break-up with Jack so surprising to him?

“Why did you break up with him? Did he try to do something funny to you?” he seemed to be quite concerned and wasn’t hiding it.

“Ah…no…it’s just….I got jealous of a girl who was acting quite chummy with him and had a fight and he said he didn’t want to look at my face anymore.”

“That’s the last time we saw each other.”

“O-oh…I see…” he seemed to be convinced by what I said.

He turned to the steering wheel and started driving again.

“Well….no need to think about that jerk. He didn’t deserve you anyway.” He comments as a smile forms on his lips.

What did he say?

“If he decided to break up with you over such a little thing, that means he’s not mature enough for you yet.”

“You deserve someone better who can match up to your temperaments.”

Like you? I wanted to say that out loud. But, unfortunately, that’s not possible.

Even if I broke up with Jake, I can’t have you, cause you are my stepfather.

We can’t be together when you are married to my mom.

Aileen.

On the way, we talked about how things were going on between Mom and him. He’s the Alpha of his pack, so everyone respects him.

Mom is now his Luna Queen and must watch over the pack alongside him. But, she had been a nurse for a while. So, she refused to quit her job.

She kept going on shifts like usual even though it didn’t suit her position at all.

And, being the kind man he is, he didn’t stop her from doing that at all.

I understand why Mom chose him over Dad. He’s such a sweetheart.

I don’t know when I’ll get over my unrequited feelings towards him. It only makes me feel small from deep inside whenever I recall Mom’s happy face.

“This is our stop,” Dave mentioned, turning to me.

I looked out and got out of the car.

I didn’t even notice how fast the time went talking with him.

We arrived in front of the big castle-like packhouse of the Sabertooth pack.

It looks like it had been created out of someone’s imagination.

“You can’t be impressed right away. There’s so much to see inside,” Dave said, patting my shoulder.

I nod at him.

“Let’s go inside.”

I was taking the lead. And seeing us entering, the maids stood at both sides of the gate and bowed towards us. it was because I was with Dave.

One of the servants took the luggage out of his hands when we stood in the big living room.

“Keep it in her room,” he ordered.

“Where’s mom?” I asked, turning to him.

“Madam is in the kitchen,” a maid replied, coming up to our side.

“Where’s the kitchen?” I asked.

“I’ll show-“.

“Come, I’ll show you,” Dave cuts off the maid, taking me by the hand and dragging me inside the house.

My heart started racing at his touch. His hand…is warm.

“Emilia, Aileen is here!” he called, raising his voice.

My mom turned around to see me standing next to him.

She was wearing an apron.

Seeing me she rushed to my side, giving me a tight hug.

“My daughter! How have you been?”.

“I haven’t seen you in years.” She exhaled a deep breath.

“Mom, I used to video call you right? What do you mean by you haven’t seen me in years.” I grunted.

She pulled away and gave me a serious look.

“What? Did I say something wrong?”.

She grabbed onto my cheeks and started pulling them.

“Eh? Mom?”.

“Seeing you in video and in person is different. Don’t you know that?” she frowned.

“Y-yes….I…k-know….”.

“Stop pulling my cheeks, it hurts!”

“You deserved it,” she said, retreating her hands.

“Have you eaten lunch already?”.

“Uh….no, not yet.”

“Then, go to the table. I made curry with meat and potatoes along with rice.”

“We’ll have it together,” she said with a smile.

Homemade food by mom, I haven’t eaten it for years.

“I’ll help you bring the plates,” I said, moving to her side.

“Thanks.”

When I went to the table along with Mom, Dave was already sitting.

I didn’t notice when he left the kitchen.

I placed the plates down and sat two seats away from him.

Mom served rice and poured the curry on top for Dave first, then for me.

“Let’s eat!” I said, digging in first.

“Mmm….it’s tasty!”.

“I’d like a second serving.”

“I made many, eat as much as you like,” Mom replied, taking a bite of the food herself.

Dave was watching me enjoy food. I didn’t notice he had been staring at me.

I feel so embarrassed.

“So, how is your relationship going, Aileen?” Mom asked out of nowhere.

I almost choked on my food hearing her question.

“Have some water,” Dave said with a concerned look.

I gulped down the water the next second, looking at my mom.

“Why are you asking me about him suddenly?”.

She became puzzled, blinking at me.

“Why? Can’t I know about your relationship?”.

“Um…well…you can….”.

I stared down at my plate heaving a sigh. “We broke up.”

My mom dropped the spoon hearing the news, looking shocked.

“You did what?” she yelled, standing up.

“It’s not that surprising knowing he’s not the right guy for her,” Dave interrupted, continuing to eat.

Mom looked at him and just sat down picking up the spoon.

“Why did you break up?”.

“Just some minor misunderstanding,” I added. “No need to worry.”

“Let’s not talk about him.”

“Are you on your day off?”.

She nodded. “Yeah, for you.”

I heard maids standing far away, whispering and looking in our direction.

Do they like me or something?

“That reminds me,” Dave comments drawing our attention. He smiled at me. “Your birthday is coming up. Do you have any plans regarding that? If you’d like we can celebrate it together as a family.”

My birthday?

I forgot it’s March already. My birthday is in 2 days on the 6th.

How much had I been cooped up with Jack, that I even forgot about my birthday?

“We should throw a big party along with a welcoming party altogether,” Mom suggested with a giggle.

“Sounds lovely.”

“Do you want that?” Dave asked.

I felt my cheeks flustering red out of embarrassment.

He wants to celebrate my birthday. I feel so lucky.

I nod at him, lowering my head. “I have no problem with it.”

“Then, it’s final!” Mom added, moving over to my side. She hugged me. “This will be your first birthday together with us. I hope you enjoy it.”

I felt as if I was the happiest girl on earth, having a lovely mom who cared about me, and a person who also cared about me just like my mom.

I’m looking forward to my 18th birthday now.

After dinner, Dave decided to help me set up my room.

“Where do you want the study table in your room?” He asked.

“Um….around the window so I can get some sunlight.”

“OK then.”

He picked up the desk by himself.

Seeing that, I went to the other side and picked it up alongside him.

“You don’t need to do anything,” he asserted. “I can do it on my own.”

“It’s okay, I love helping.”

He didn’t protest against it and we both carried it towards the window.

“Do you want to move the drawer to the bed? All the furniture is all over the place.”

“Yes, I’d like that. Where is mom by the way?”.

“Uh…she’s out in the garden. The gardener is planting new flowers so she’s observing them.”

“I see….”.

That’s why I have to be alone with him in my room.

While he was moving stuff I noticed the cabinet which was sitting in the middle of the room.

I was about to call Dave but saw him moving stuff.

I shouldn’t bother him at the moment.

It seems light, I can carry it on my own.

I bent forward and secured it from downwards and tried to lift it.

But failed.

It was way heavier than I imagined.

What is this made of? Metal? Or iron?

I tried to pick it up again but failed.

No, I can’t give up. This is just a cabinet. I can do it!

I kept trying to lift it.

“Aileen!” Dave yelled rushing to my side, standing in front of me. “What are you doing? That’s heavy! Put that down!”.

“Uh….it’s okay. It’s not heavy at all. I need to put in more strength, I can lift it.”

I don’t want to make myself look weak in front of him.

I tried for one more time but failed.

Why the heck does it have to be so heavy?

He crossed his arms heaving a sigh.

“You don’t give up so easily, do you?” he added with a smug face. “Just like your mom.”

Was that a compliment?

He disappeared from my sight, and when I was wondering where he went to.

He stood behind me bending forward as he placed his hands on top of mine.

His chest was facing against my back quite closely.

And I could feel something brushing against my butt cheeks.

What’s that?

“W-what are you doing?” I stuttered.

“If you want to lift it so much, let me help you.”

“At the count of three, two, one, go!”.

And we managed to lift the cabinet together.

I was surprised.

“Where do you want to place it?”.

“Well…um…by the corner….”.

“Let’s go then.”

He was walking while sticking quite close to me like that.

This is embarrassing. The first time I had been so close to him.

“The cabinet is made with Iron, and quite heavy material.” He said as we walked together in unison.

“As I expected,” I heave a sigh. “That’s why it’s so heavy.”

“Hm…that’s why I told you to put it down.”

We arrived at the corner of the bed.

He was concerned for me?

“Is this okay?”.

I nod at him.

“You can let go now,” he assured.

After I retreated my hands, I saw him standing right behind me so I averted my gaze right away.

“Uh…you can do the other stuff now. I will arrange my clothes,” I said.

“Alright then.”

When he went away from my side, I felt my heartbeat rate going normal.

I can’t relax for a second whenever he’s around.

But, was it really necessary for him to come from behind to help me carry it?

He could pick it up from the front as well, just like we did with the desk.

Strange….

Maybe it’s just my imagination.