Isaiah and Alyara arrived at the small coffee shop near where Alyara lived. To their luck, there weren't a lot of people. They got in line and ordered their drinks; Isaiah ordered a black coffee while Alyara ordered an iced matcha tea. The two sat on a table in the corner of the coffee shop. They were face to face, and it was silent between them. 

"Is he a stalker?" Alyara asked herself.

Isaiah cleared his throat. "I want to thank you for coming with me. I know that this is last minute. We're you going to go out?"

"No, I was going to relax. So, how is work coming along?"

"It has been busy but doable. It's not easy to work in the world of business. However, it brings motivation and new challenges. How about your line of work?"

Alyara smiled. "It's not easy. Kids have their personalities, which can be challenging, but I wouldn't have it any other way."

Suddenly, the barista called out their names. Isaiah stood to get their drinks, and minutes later, he arrived back. The two took sips from their drinks. "W-Wow, this is delicious. I have tasted other teas, but this tastes very natural."

Isaiah smiled. "I told you. I have been here a couple of times and love how fresh they make the coffee and teas here. So, anything else new in your life?"

The young woman was silent for a moment. I discovered my best friend, Marco, had broken up with his girlfriend. I guess it didn't work out."

Rafael growled. "So he was with someone but broke it off! That means he's free to pursue her! We can't let that happen!"

"Oh, and you must be happy  with that."

Alyara sighed. "I thought I would be happy, but when I found out why he was with his ex-girlfriend, I wondered if I truly wanted to try my chance with him. Marco has a heart of gold. It made me wonder if Marco would be with me because he wants to or out of compassion."

Isaiah mentally smiled. "She has doubts, good." He took a sip of coffee. "Knowing all that, do you still have feelings for your male friend?"

"I don't know. At first, I knew my feelings. After he came by to visit and told me his reasoning, my heart was telling me otherwise. I often wonder if it was infatuation rather than love."

"Isaiah, this is your chance! Ask her out! Make her see that we are the right choice for her! Do it!"

The Alpha took a deep breath. "A-Alyara, I know this is sudden and may not be the right time. I took you out here because I want to know more about you."

The young woman stilled. "Wh-What are you trying to say?"

"I-I-I-I am here becauseiwanttoaskifyoucouldgooutwithme."

"Sorry, I could not catch that. You were mumbling."

Rafael facepalmed. "What is wrong with you? Be upfront, moron!"

Isaiah took a deep breath. "I wanted to ask you out. I have been interested in you ever since I first met you. I know this is sudden, but please allow me to show you that I can be the man for you. We will go slow, and you can decide if you still want to go out with me."

It was silent between the two. Alyara could not believe she was being asked out by a man she hardly knew. Many would see it as creepy, but Isaiah was well-spoken, educated, and respectable. Qualities that many men did not have in this time and era. 

Maybe Isaiah is a sign that he could distract her from her feelings. "He is kind of cute," she thought to herself. "Okay, I appreciate the time you came here and am willing to start as friends. I am still in debate with my feelings."

The older man sighed in relief. "Thank you, Alyara, thank you!"

The young woman smiled and opened the door wider. "Well, I need to go back home. Would you like to come along? Let's get used to one another."

"That sounds relaxing. Thank you." 

Rafael howled in happiness. "Finally! We will be closer to our mate! We can mark her!"

"Not yet, Rafael. I go through the first stage, but we still have a long time to go."

"Well, if I got control, I wouldn't have problems to seduce her. I can show her some moves I know."

"Shut it, Rafael."