Page 82 of Alpha Dragon's Mating Contract
“Why?” Raptor asked, scandalized. “Sweetheart, I can make you any food you want! Even if it’s just some blanched leafy vegetables, or a salad.”
Walren blushed. “I didn’t want to bother you; you’re busy out there.”
Raptor frowned deeply. “You’re my priority. I willhappilydrop everything to cook you lunch.”
“I don’t want to cause a disruption.”
The alpha crossed the tiny room to loom over Walren, who was seated in his office chair.
If Raptor were any other alpha, Walren’s senses would be screaming at him to flee. But right now, all he felt was an expectation—that Raptor would say something disapproving, but he was ultimately no threat to Walren.
“I want to make food that will make you smile,” Raptor said quietly, curling his hands lightly around the chair’s armrests. “Will you let me?”
“You could be serving other customers,” Walren mumbled.
Raptor sighed. “This restaurant is a hobby, sweetheart. I can afford to let a few customers wait a lil longer.”
Walren waited for the alpha to change his mind, but Raptor didn’t. He kept watching Walren expectantly, hope glimmering in his eyes.
“Okay,” Walren finally said. “I’m hungry.”
Raptor lit up. “What do you feel like eating?”
“I... don’t know.”
“Why don’t you come with me to the kitchen? If you see a dish that you like, point it out, and I’ll make it for you.”
“Is there a limit on what I can ask for?”
“Nope. As many dishes as you want, as crazy as you want, until you’re full.”
It was an incredibly generous offer. Raptor looked sincere, and Walren had been hungry too many times to pass it up. “Okay.”
He gathered Zebbie into his arms and followed Raptor out of the office. The alpha had Walren sit at a tiny table out of everyone’s way, where he could see all the delicious dishes being prepared.
Raptor went back to his station. There, he became a flurry of spatulas and fire, his movements quick and practiced. A different chef, Big Bob, stepped into Walren’s line of sight. Bob grabbed a cup of savory egg custard from a steamer rack—there had to be a hundred of the same in there.
The egg custard looked really good. And it was already cooked, so Raptor wouldn’t have to spend extra time on it for Walren.
Walren fidgeted when he realized he couldn’t approach Raptor—the other chefs were moving around the kitchen, and Walren would only get in their way.
Raptor had good hearing, though.
Walren wet his lips and said quietly, “Can I have an egg custard?”
Raptor turned toward him with a smile. “Of course.”
He finished plating his dish, then came over to grab a cup from the steamer tray. With his bare hands.
“The Japanese call thischawanmushi,which translates to ‘steamed in a tea bowl’. It’s a delicate, savory egg custard, with pieces of shrimp and mushroom. Careful, it’s hot.” Raptor set down the teacup along with a spoon.
“Thank you,” Walren said gratefully.
“Anytime, sweetheart.” The alpha leaned in to nuzzle Walren’s hair. Then he grinned and returned to his cooking.
Walren was so hungry, he almost inhaled the steamed egg. He expected it to burn his tongue.
But his taste buds were still intact, even as he ate the final steaming mouthful.
