THE LYCAN KING’S SECOND CHANCE MATE

ASHANTI'S POV.

Now I know where I've seen his face.

The media.

He's a very famous designer. He won the Fashion King Competition five years ago when he was only twenty years old.

He's a Fashion and Design genius.

"Yes, that one."

"Mr. Kirk, I'm honored to be in your presence right now." My enthusiasm is wrapped around every word that spills out of my mouth.

He's a big deal!

"I love your designs and the fact that you've achieved so much at such a young age inspired me so much! You are amazing!"

"You're making me blush right now." He chuckles shyly and his face nearly splits into two halves with a smile. "You are amazing as well. Your designs are unique and dazzling. I love them."

“Thank you! I'm honored to hear you compliment my designs. Thank you very much."

"You are welcome. Can I uh... get your phone number? I hate that I'm holding you out here when you're supposed to be in there enjoying a sumptuous dinner with your brother. I'd like to invite you out sometime."

"Sure."

He fishes his cell phone from his pocket and holds it out to me. I calmly take the phone and dial my number in it with a fat smile on my face. This is the first time in my entire life to experience this. A guy taking my contact. A handsome guy at that.

It feels so good!

When I'm done, I hand the phone to him.

"Thank you." He saves the number before sliding it into his pocket again and looking at me. "How about I walk you in? I need to return you to your brother in one piece so he doesn't bite my head off the next time we meet."

Oh, he's even got a sense of humor. He's also very charming!

"I bet he will if you don't."

"Let's be on the safe side then." He holds out his arms which I take and we both walk into the restaurant.

****************

"You're already getting admirers," Ryan remarks once the guy is gone and I'm settled in my seat.

"He's not an admirer."

"Of course he isn't!"

Sarcasm.

I shoot him a glare. He shrugs.

"How could he be?" Then buries his face in the menu he's holding.

"Did you bring me out here just so you can pick on me all through?"

"I didn't have that thought in mind, but I can't say I'm not enjoying myself. You're fun to pick on." He says without any care in the world. I simply shake my head and pick up the menu before me.

Our meals arrive about thirty minutes after placing our orders. Another banter starts when I try to steal a piece of beef from his plate.

After eating, we leave the restaurant

and go for a drive around town.

e

That's when discovered something that will kill our mum if she ever finds out. During the ride, I noticed Ryan had a good mastery of the city. We never got lost even once and when I asked him how that's possible, he refused to tell me no matter how much I begged him.

He's been coming here without the knowledge of anyone at home. Mum will pass away if she hears this.

“Wanna go for a few drinks? This seems like a good club." His voice snaps me out of my thoughts. I look outside and see that we're indeed parked in front of a club. I turn to face him.

"A club? Drinks? Really?"

"What? I turned 18 one month ago. I'm legally allowed to drink and go clubbing." He winks at me and opens his car door before I can protest. Soon, he's at my side of the car, opening the door for me.

"Ryan, this is not a good idea."

“Let's have fun. It's the weekend. The contest starts on Monday. You need to do something fun before delving into all the stress that comes with the competition. Come on!" He e holds my hand and starts pulling me towards the entrance of the club

that has got a few people lined up to get an entry.

Everything happens so fast.

One minute he's taking out his

wallet, the next, he's slapping a chunk of cash into the bouncer's hand and soon, I find myself seated by the bar counter of a club with dim multi-colored lights and people dancing and drinking and smoking.

The last time I was in a place like this was at the Lycan Harem where I had to serve Lucan men.

That memory makes me cringe.

"Here. A drink for you." Ryan pushes me a glass and I look at the liquid in it but because of the poor lighting of the room, I can't make out its real colour.

“What's this?” I ask over the loud music blasting throughout the hall.

"Espresso Martini. It's the perfect drink for a young night."

"Oh..." I reluctantly take up the glass and grimace when the smell hits my nostrils. I take a sip and roll the liquid on my tongue before swallowing it down. It tastes like a mixture of vodka and coffee.

Not bad at all.

I give a nod of approval. Ryan chuckles.

"Is this your first time coming to a club?"

My mind goes back to the Harem.

Those times don't count so I nod my head.

"Yeah."

"Oh..."

"You sound like this isn't your first time coming here."

"Oh, it isn't. I've been here a few times. That's why I was able to get us in so easily." He explains and my brows crease in confusion.

"How's that possible? You turned eighteen barely one month ago. How did you get in?" I am curious. He chuckles on his glass.

"And why should I tell you?"

"Ryan!" I call firmly. “What other naughty stuff have you been doing behind our backs?"

"Oh, you don't wanna know."

"I wanna know... wait... you do have a girlfriend, don't you?" I give him a queer look. He chuckles yet again and shakes his head.

"No, I don't."

I scoff in disbelief.