Page 7 of Elusive Alpha
“Not just fruits and vegetables?” What I’d expect from a farm stand. “Pumpkins and apples?”
“It’s a fall-palooza in there. We have to come back. Do you see a sign with the hours?”
“On the door. Open seven days, nine-to-five, Monday through Sunday. So we can check it out tomorrow or Sunday if you like.”
“One hundred percent.” He gave a little bounce. “Hey, looking at all these treats is making me hungry. Do you think Franklin has any snacks we can nibble on?”
I reached for his hand again, trying to remember when I’d let go of it. Probably when he went to look through the window. “Only one way to find out.”
Ambling back along the orchard, the scent of cinnamon faded a bit, but others replaced them. Leaves and the lingering smells of tires and gasoline and asphalt. And the one that had never disappeared—my mate.
Where our hands connected, most of my attention focused, but once we were inside the inn and in the kitchen, it grew a little awkward to hang on. I’d have preferred his hand to a snack, but my omega’s hunger mattered more than my preferences.
“Do we need to ask, do you think?” Idris asked, studying the refrigerator shelves. “I don’t want to overstep after Franklin has been so nice.”
“We don’t want to wake him up, so as long as we just eat sandwiches or something, we should be fine.” At least I hoped so. We could always run to the store in the local town if we ate something we shouldn’t. “What kind shall we have?”
“There’s prime rib left?” He pulled out a plate with the remains of the roast. “And Swiss cheese?”
“Perfect. I’ll grab the bread. Any mustard?”
We laid out all the makings and put together thick roast-beef-and-cheese sandwiches on whole grain bread. “Milk?” I held up the container. “Or would you prefer something stronger?”
“You like milk, too?” Idris looked up from where he was assembling his meal. “I don’t mind a beer from time to time, but I honestly am not much of a drinker.”
With mugs of foamy, ice-cold milk, our food tasted even better. And the company put it right over the top. When we finished, we cleaned up, washed our dishes, and put everything back where it belonged—hopefully. Franklin had said he had a system, and we didn’t want to do anything to make him feel we didn’t appreciate his generosity. Of course, I could easily have afforded to pay for the weekend, but everything I’d found online indicated he would not accept. He did what he did in homage to his late mate, and to push the issue would be to insult him.
“Guess it’s time to turn in,” Idris said, closing the cabinet after placing the mugs inside. “It’s been a long day.”
“Yes.” I hung up the dish towel on its hook. “Tomorrow will be another busy day.”
“Do you know what Franklin has set up for us?” Idris linked his arm through mine, making it tricky to navigate the kitchen doorway, but worth it.
“No, he didn’t say. But I’m sure it will be nice, especially if we do it together.” We moved up the stairs, past where moonlight spilled through the stained glass window, casting shards of color on the wooden floor. “I’m glad you’re the person I’ll be spending it with.”
“Me, too.” We stopped outside his door, and he turned his face up to mine. “Thank you for a nice evening.”
I cupped his cheek, the light fuzz tickling my palm. “Sleep well, omega.” In the past, I’d have suggested we spend the night together, but this bear was not a casual conquest. So, instead, Ipressed my lips to his, savoring the sweetness of a first kiss. No rush, even if I was hard for him already. We had this weekend to get to know one another and for him to decide if I was his mate. I already knew he was mine.
Chapter Eight
Idris
I’d always been up before the sun, but I didn’t recall waking up with such a burst of energy as I did this morning. I threw my legs over the side of the bed and bounced my knees with absolute joy.
The alpha, Rook, my fated mate, had kissed me good night. No other kiss compared. He was commanding and yet tender. The man knew how to kiss.
I put on my best jeans and a light sweater and, after tending to my hygiene needs, I bounced down the stairs. Already, I could smell breakfast. Franklin had created a feast for us the night before; even the leftovers from the fridge had been delicious. My stomach gurgled in anticipation.
At the bottom of the stairs, I caught my reflection in one of Franklin’s mirrors. My smile was wide, a blush spreading over my cheeks. I’d all but given up on finding a mate, choosing to follow my career dreams instead of pursuing my mate, but now he was here—right here in the same house as me. Not my house but for this moment, it was good enough.
“Good morning,” I announced myself as I walked into the dining area. Franklin had gone all out again. The table was filled with breakfast delights. Pumpkin biscuits. A quiche with vegetables and ham. Maple sausage. And an apple-cherry coffee cake.
“Good morning.” Rook stepped toward me then glanced at Franklin and ended up sitting across from me. I wouldn’t have opposed it if he came over and kissed me good morning, but I supposed some level of decorum was needed. I had no idea why, though. Franklin was the one who asked us to come here for the sole purpose of mating.
This was new territory for us both.
Franklin looked between us. He really knew what he was doing. “It was a lovely night last night. I had my windows open, letting in the fresh air. Good for the lungs.”
