Thor's POV
Contrary to my kind of personality, my mate is a joy to be around. I see from the way she relates with the Gammas and how they respond to her when I stop briefly by the gate that being a Queen comes naturally to her. She didn't need to put effort into the act.
While driving with the top down inside my convertible, she was indeed a joy for me to behold when she forgot about her status, raised her hands, and shouted with excitement as the wind blew her hair around her face
"This is exhilarating! Wheeeeee..."
My men laughed as they drove past us on the highway since I wasn't speeding that much. I also haven't stopped laughing or smiling ever since we left the mansion. I must have looked like a simp to anyone who might be watching us at the zoo which was the first place we went but who cares.
After we left the zoo we went to one of the best aquariums in California. The moment we entered one of the aquarium tunnels, she exclaimed in astonishment and immediately left my side to move closer to the transparent wall. Her eyes are as big as saucers
"Wow, man!" Eric exclaims with a chuckle beside me and I nod in agreement.
"Yeah... I never knew she would also love this place so much. Just look at her. See how happy she looks. I'm glad I can make her happy after everything she's been through." I say.
"Yeah she does look happy but I'm not talking about her. I was referring to you."
"Me? What happened?" I ask, briefly turning to look at him before returning my gaze to Ash.
"I noticed that the way you laugh and smile has changed a lot. Your smile is now more– what's the word– humanly! Yes, the way you laugh and smile is now warm and lively rather than cold and deadly like a dangerous predator that it used to be. Ash has changed you a lot in the little hours that you spent in her company.
"Why, thank you, Eric, for the observation," I say, showing him more of my now human-like smile. I know what he's trying to do and I won't give him the satisfaction to have the upper hand this time around.
So while he triumphantly smiles back at me, I swiftly change the topic to the one that will wipe the smile off his face.
"We will be going to the beach once it is five and I'm thinking of taking her to a private beach."
"Private beach? I'm not sure if that will be possible, especially at the time you mentioned. Even though the public is not prohibited from enjoying most of these private beaches, it’s only accessible to residents of the beach houses which makes it practically private and close to the public."
"Yeah, I know that already. That is why I want you to check the real estate market for any agent that has a secluded beach house for sale." I say and watch with satisfaction as his eyes become wider
"Right now? You want me to do that right now?" He asks in disbelief
"Well, yes!" I reply as my smile becomes brighter while his own reduces.
"It's not like you're doing anything important right now anyway. You also aren't here for the fishes. Isn't that why you have the time to notice my smile is no longer cold and predatory?"
"C'mon, man! You don't mean I should really..."
"I'll get on to it right now if I were you." I smilingly cut him off mid-sentence before checking my watch for the time.
"It's almost noon, Eric. You have just five hours to get me a secluded beach house here in California. And what are you frowning for? You're my assistant and Beta, what I asked you to do is within your job description, isn't it?"
"Okay, I'll get on to it, sir..." He says sarcastically with a fake smile plastered on his face. He knows I got him good. As his boss, he had no other choice than to do what I asked.
"Oh, what else would you like me to get you, sir? Would you also like a romantic dinner set up for two on the beach?"He's being sarcastic again but unknowingly to him, he just gave me another great idea that will make my mate feel special.
"Oh, yes! That's a very good idea! Thanks, man!" I say, slapping him heartily on the shoulder before going to meet my mate where she's standing.
"Asshole!" I hear him say behind me and I laugh out loud.
"Five hours Eric, Five hours!" I turn back to tell him while tapping on my wristwatch.
After he leaves, I look around me and don't see the rest of my men anywhere. Apart from Eric who stuck to us like a tick, the rest drifted apart from us when we were making the decision on which of the aquarium tunnels to see first.
"I'm glad we are finally alone," I say, wrapping my arms around Ash from behind, drawing her closer to me.
"Oh, are we? Where's Eric?"
"He left just now to attend to some pack business," I say, nuzzling behind her ear.
"Your beard tickles" She giggles and turns in my arms to face me.
"You don't like my beards? Should I take it off then?"
"Don't you dare! I love your beards. I love your hair. I love everything about you. I love you, Thor. Thank you for a wonderful day. I've really enjoyed myself so far." She says. She didn't even need to tell me she enjoyed herself. It's written all over her face.
"I'm enjoying myself too, babe. I can't remember the last time I was this happy and the day is not over yet. We have still not seen the beach, remember?"
"Oh, you'll still take me to the beach when we leave here?" She asks, her eyes widen with surprise and I nod.
"I have a surprise for you,"
"Really? What's the surprise?" She eagerly asks, her grip on my hands tightening with excitement.
"It won't be a surprise anymore if I tell you now, would it? You'll have to wait till the time comes" I reply, kissing the top of her head.
"Okay then, I'll wait," She says, wrapping her hands around my waist.
We turn our attention to the aquarium around us
"Just look at this, babe. So big! Isn't it beautiful?" She says, her eyes looking upward at a big shark swimming on top of us."
"Yes, it is," I replied.
We walk around for a while, enjoying the scenery around us. Later, I check my wristwatch and see it's already afternoon
"It's past one already, let's go get you lunch. You hardly have breakfast this morning." I say
"I took cereal."
"Yeah, like two spoonfuls of cereal. That's not breakfast." I reply as I lead her out of the tunnel
She frowns and protests sweetly
"No, babe! But we just arrived minutes ago. I'm not ready to leave yet. I haven't even seen the other tunnels."
I laugh
"We arrived like two hours ago, not minutes. Besides, we're not leaving yet so relax. We're just going for lunch, we'll come back after lunch."
"Alright." She says, brightening up.
I want to surprise her with the beach house. Even though I know the task I gave Eric might seem a bit difficult. I know he's up to the task. I have never seen him fail at anything.