Page 12 of The Mating Quest
Right now she soughtdinner.
The dining hall was large, but cheerful, with a serving line and hot dishes at the front, plenty of large windows overlooking the green fields allowing natural light. A counter with high top chairs sat off to the side, as if catering to those wishing to grab a quick meal, while intimate tables for four filled most of the space. The soft white ceiling, pragmatic brown tile floor and wood tables with cushioned chairs were practical, yet homey. A large screen television hung suspended from the ceiling near the countertop, and soft music played over a sound system built into the walls. Off to the side, another counter ran parallel to the tables, offering drinks from a soda fountain, or pitchers of water, coffee andtea.
It looked like an upscale corporate dining hall and she likedit.
She hoped it wasn’t all organic crap, she never ate that, but these were Lupines. At least she knew they’d eatmeat.
The bins behind glass windows on the food line tempted her palate, and the smells were incredible. Suchvariety!
Ilana filled up her tray with a selection of fried chicken that looked crispy and tempting, a heaping of mashed potatoes and gravy, and for good measure, a helping of green peas. For dessert she chose French silk pie. She inhaled the scent, wow, homemade. Ethan must have great cooks in hispack.
Pleased with her selections, her mouth already salivating at the treats, for she hadn’t had home cooked food in… what, years? Ilana smiled. Turning with her tray, she headed for an emptyseat.
Only to find the room fall silent. The Lupines at the table with the empty seat rose suddenly, taking their trays to the other side of theroom.
Other Lupines close to that table also stood, taking their meals in haste, leaving a wide, empty space between herself andthem.
She should be used to this. Jokes helped. Ilana pretended to sniff her armpits. “Do I offend? I showered, just for all ofyou!”
Then she lugged the tray to the empty table, and turned to her food, through her appetite had turned to dust. Still, food provided energy, and she needed plenty of that. She wondered if Ethan would make her sleep outside, guarded by hislieutenants.
Forcing herself to eat, feeling all eyes upon her, hearing the whispers and murmurs, she wanted to slink under the table. Damn, it would always be like this. Had been like this for years, so why should things change now? The Lupines probably could see her aura, laced with black, even if they didn’t know she’d tried to steal from their beloved alpha’s sisterBrianna.
I guess I’d detest me if I werethem.
She wanted to get a drink of the delicious looking lemonade on the counter, but loathed the scrutiny. Ilana swallowed a bite of chicken. It was juicy and tender inside, crispoutside.
Suddenly murmurs ceased and loud shouts of “Hey Ethan!” and welcoming cries ensued. She glanced over, saw Ethan in line making dinner selections. Grudging respect filled her. Some alphas would insist on being served. He apparently didnot.
Taking his tray, he scanned the room. Ilana saw the frown crease his handsome face as he looked at her. Probably didn’t think she’d have enough nerve to eat with the pack, but would take her tray and find a deserted spot. Like maybeIdaho.
He headed her way. She swallowed another bite, prepared for him to admonish her, tell her to get the hell out and stop making his people so damnnervous.
Shocked, she watched him plop his tray down, swing one leg over an empty seat and sit down. Right next toher.
Gasps surrounded them. A little flutter beat inside her. The alpha certainly provedunpredictable.
Mark, his head of security did not. The lieutenant came over, arms folded. “Ethan, there are things we should discuss alone. Not in front ofher.”
Ilana felt the heavy weight of Mark’s pointedfinger.
The alpha pushed peas around with his fork. “Her, she, has a name. Ilana, and she is my guest, Mark. Backoff.”
She almost choked on a bite of mashedpotatoes.
Without missing a beat, Ethan continued. “I’ll be leaving soon with my sisters. Ilana will be accompanying me, for reasons you and the pack need not know. I hope you will not break the trust I placed in you when I’m gone and you’re incharge.”
Mark drew in a breath. “Never. My loyalty is yours, always. I will not question you. However, I highly advise going with you, for your own protection and that of yoursisters.”
He glared at Ilana. “One never knows when a dagger will be placed at yourback.”
“No. I need you here, my friend.” Ethan finally glanced up. “No questionsasked.”
Scowling, Mark looked a moment more at Ilana and then nodded brusquely, stalking away, rolling his wide shoulders as if to rid them oftension.
Her appetite returned slightly. She nibbled at the edges of a drumstick. “You have a terrific cook,Powers.”
“There are several excellent cooks in my pack, Simmons. Perhaps they can give youlessons.”
