The next few weeks were the most difficult for me.

In all my years, I never had to persue anyone. I was always the one being courted. The one that men and women alike wanted.

I was not well versed in the art of wooing a woman. What questions would I ask her? How do I remain cool when under her intense gaze? How do I calm the overwhelming urge to touch her when I'm within five feet of that deep caramel skin?

To say I was lost is an understatement. I was truly and utterly helpless.

"Rose, maybe you should just be yourself with her," Alice stated out of the blue, lips curling up into a grin.

I simply glared at her, hating that she knew how vulnerable I was at the moment.

Rosalie Hale was not vulnerable.

Alas, I wasn't that Rosalie Hale anymore.

"Just let it come naturally. Stop thinking about the future and just get to know her as a friend. Clem's really cool."

Jealousy flooded my veins and I left in silence. Ever since I told her about the bond, we had not spoken more than a handful of words to each other. I hadn't yet gotten over my nerves around her. Seeing everyone else laugh and joke with her made me feel sick.

Begrudgingly, I decided to take Alice's advice. She was right. I always fantasized about the future, skipping the vital parts of forming a strong relationship.

I imagined someone else catching her attention. I imagined her kissing someone else, making love to them how I imagined her making love to me.

The thought alone made me growl quietly.

I had to put in the work and show my mate that I was the best option for her before someone else did.

And I had to do it quickly.

The next day, I decided it was time to stop wasting time and ask my mate on a date.

I found Clementine out hunting. When I came upon the scene, my jaw dropped in awe.

She had taken the form of a black panther. The biggest panther I had ever seen in my life. I watched in pure admiration as she took down an impressive moose with raw power and agility.

Clementine looked up at me with her massive black eyes as she held the majestic animal down. She bobbed her head at me to call me over.

Instictually, I knew that she was offering up her prey. The gesture warmed my dead heart but I didn't want to steal her meal.

"I'm fine, thank you," I said kindly, a small smile pulling at my lips.

Clementine rolled her large orbs and gestured again, adamantly this time. Hesitantly, I moved forward to accept her offer. As I leaned down, her eyes watched me intently.

My teeth sliced into the beasts neck easily and I savored the tangy liquid as it warmed my body from the inside out. From above me, I could hear a deep purring sound that almost startled me.

I stepped back once I had drank my fill, gazing at Clementine curiously.

She ignored me in favor of tearing into the moose with fervor. I looked on, enraptured, while she happily ate the meat I had left untouched.

Once her hunger was sated, she ran off into the trees to change. I braced myself for the nervousness. In her animal form I could remain calm, but in her true form she was too ethereal.

"I hope you enjoyed him. He was the biggest moose I've bagged in some time," Clementine chuckled huskily, sauntering toward me.

My tongue felt like lead as I stared unabashedly.

She wore high waisted denim shorts that hugged every curve just right. My eyes traced the smooth skin of her toned stomach that her crop top revealed to me. I wanted nothing more than to touch every inch of her.

I took in the intricate tattoos on her arms with interest. I knew for a fact that they were ancient do to the technique used, but they were amazingly well preserved. Given the chance, I would trace every delicate line.

I had never been rendered speechless by another being in all my years but here I was, mouth agape like a fish out of water.

"Thank you for sharing with me. That was very kind of you," I finally managed to speak. If I was able to blush, I would be crimson.

Clementine looked at me with one brow raised, obviously amused at my lack of self control around her. Thankfully, she chose not to comment on it.

"In shifter culture, sharing one's prey is an act of comradery," she began, speaking slowly. With every word she stepped closer.

"I figured that I would extend an olive branch. You know, show you that I'm willing to stop avoiding each other. Because, frankly, I think we could be good friends."

Clementine stopped in front of me and I blinked at her words.

"If I remember correctly, you told me I was a bitch," I said skeptically, crossing my arms over my chest.

She laughed aloud, shaking her head at herself.

"I can be harsh sometimes, I apologize. I don't think you're a bitch. I was just perturbed by your attitude towards me. Usually, I have more self control."

Her words trailed off and she smirked to herself. I silently wondered what was so amusing but I chose not to overthink it.

"You were right. I can be quite harsh at times, too." Clementine nodded pensively at my words. That insufferable smirk played at her lips.

"I really like that about you."

It was my turn to raise a brow at her. However, I couldn't stop myself from smiling. My boldness and tough exterior was the one part of me that kept me from initiating any form of relationship. For her to like that side of me made me feel like I was floating.

"You're surprised? That shows how little you know me," Clementine laughed.

Her words caused a twinge of regret but I didn't let it show. My actions when I first met her were deplorable. I was glad that she was giving me a second chance and I wouldn't let anything get in my way. Not even myself.

"Actually, that is why I came to find you," I spoke confidently. On the inside, I was drowning in anxiety.

"I would like to take you out so that we can get to know each other better."

Once the words were out in the open, I breathed a sigh of relief. It had taken so long to be able to say it.

Clementine smiled widely at me and I felt even better about my decision.

It was the first time she looked at me with that blinding smile I had seen her give everyone else. It was so much more intense when directed at me.

I felt myself falling.

"What took you so long, Rosalie Hale? That wasn't so hard was it?"