Chapter 123: Casual Date, Big Feelings.

Alessandro’s POV
“Phee... phee... phee…” I whistled as I tried out different shirts in front of the mirror.
I didn’t know why I was this excited, but I just couldn’t stop whistling as I scattered my wardrobe, searching for the perfect shirt and jeans to wear for the date.
Then I paused, staring at myself in the mirror.
“Hold up!”
I muttered, shaking my head.
“I literally told Aurora this wasn’t an actual date. Just a casual outing to help her forget all the drama in the pack.”
So why was I acting like a teenage boy getting ready for his first date?
I groaned and ran a hand through my hair, tossing yet another shirt onto the growing pile on my bed.
“Alright, Alessandro,” I told myself.
“Relax. It’s not that deep. Just pick something and go.”
I grabbed a simple black fitted shirt and a pair of dark jeans. Nothing too fancy, nothing too casual.
Just enough to look effortlessly good.
As I was fixing my sleeves, Rafael walked into my room, leaning against the doorway with an amused smirk.
“Damn,” Rafael whistled as he stepped into my room.
“Was there an earthquake in here? Because, seriously look at this mess.”
I rolled my eyes, tossing another shirt onto the already massive pile on my bed.
“Hahaha, very funny, Rafael.”
He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.
“No, seriously, what’s going on?
Why are you tearing your wardrobe apart?”
I hesitated.
After everything that had happened Leonardo confronting Alpha John, Aurora being forced to stay away from him things had been tense.
And now this?
Telling Rafael I was taking Aurora out, even if it was just a casual date, might not go over well. It was sudden. It was unexpected.
But I decided to tell him anyway.
“I’m… going on a date with Aurora,” I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck.
“It’s not an actual date, just something casual to help her forget all the drama for a while.”
Rafael’s eyes narrowed slightly, and then his gaze drifted to the mess in my room.
“Hmm…”
He stroked his chin dramatically.
“Not an actual date, huh?”
I nodded. “Exactly.”
He snorted.
“Right.
Because, you know, casual dates totally require scattering half your wardrobe and obsessing over the perfect outfit.”
He pointed at the disaster zone behind me.
“This? This is not the work of a guy going on just any casual outing.”
I sighed.
“Look, I just want to make sure she has a good time. She’s been through a lot.”
He smirked.
“And that’s why you’re acting like a high schooler before prom?”
I shot him a glare.
“Are you done?”
He chuckled. “For now. But don’t think for a second that I don’t see what’s happening here.”
I ignored Rafael’s amused expression as I grabbed a dark blue button-up shirt and a pair of jeans. Not too formal, not too casual. Just right.
“Whatever,” I muttered, throwing on my jacket and adjusting the collar.
“It’s not an actual date, Rafael,” I insisted, checking myself in the mirror.
I ran a hand through my hair, smoothing it down, then ruffling it slightly to make it look effortlessly styled.
Rafael leaned against the doorframe, smirking.
“Uh-huh. Sure. Not a date. That’s why you’ve changed outfits, what? Five times already?”
I shot him a look through the mirror. “Three times.”
He chuckled. “Still proves my point.”
I rolled my eyes, but my grip tightened on the edge of the dresser.
Why was I even this nervous? It wasn’t like I hadn’t been around Aurora before.
But tonight felt... different.
“You’re acting like a man going on a first date with the girl he’s been in love with for years,” Rafael continued, clearly enjoying himself.
“Rafael,” I sighed, turning to face him.
“Drop it.”
He raised his hands in surrender but had that same knowing smirk on his face.
“Fine, fine. But when you come back looking like a lovesick fool, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
I shook my head, ignoring his teasing as I grabbed my keys.
“Whatever you say, big brother,” he added just as I stepped past him.
I didn't bother responding. Instead, I took a deep breath and made my way out.
Because no matter how much I tried to downplay it, this felt like more than just a casual night out.
I stepped out of the pack house, the cool night air hitting my face as I made my way toward my car.
My hands instinctively slid into my pockets as I leaned against the hood, waiting for Aurora.
This has never happened to me before.
I’ve faced battles, led warriors, stood my ground against my father’s harsh rules but nothing, absolutely nothing, had ever made my heart race like this.
And the worst part? I didn’t even understand why.
It was just a casual date. I had told myself that repeatedly. This wasn’t about romance it was about distracting her, giving her a break from all the chaos happening in the pack.
Then why the hell was I this nervous?
I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair as I checked my watch. She should be out any minute now.
A thought crossed my mind What if she regretted saying yes? What if she changed her mind?
I shook my head, pushing the doubt away.
Just then, I heard the front door open. My gaze snapped up instantly.
And then I saw her.
Aurora stepped out, her movements hesitant but graceful. The porch light cast a soft glow on her, highlighting the way her loose waves framed her face.
She was wearing a simple yet stunning outfit a fitted black dress, casual but effortlessly beautiful.
For a second, I forgot how to breathe.
Damn.
She walked toward me, her arms crossed, looking a little nervous.
“Well…” she said, stopping in front of me.
“Are you just going to keep staring, or are we actually leaving?”
I blinked, realizing I had, in fact, been staring.
Clearing my throat, I pulled open the passenger door for her.
“After you.”
She smirked slightly but slid inside without another word.
Ensnared by My Stepbrothers' Realm
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