“You didn’t give up. And that’s what’s important.” He paused. “You’ve found yourself a good mate.”
I blushed. “Um, thanks?” I said when he didn’t release me.
Donovan laughed, squeezing me tighter. “I was sayin’ that to Dastien.”
I laughed. “Right.”
“Get your own mate, Dono,” Dastien said.
“I did.” Donovan shot Meredith a look that was so strong, it made me blush. I couldn’t stop the stupid grin that spread across my face even if I tried.
I spotted Meredith’s family at the next table. Meredith’s mom was gushing to her dad about what a powerful mate their daughter had.
I raised an eyebrow at Donovan and he winked back.
Good thing he was taking that in stride.
I waved at Meredith’s family.
“Thank you,” Max said.
“This time, I’ll accept it.”
As I turned back to my ginormous mountain of food, I couldn’t help but think of my first meals at St. Ailbe’s and how much had changed over past two months. It wasn’t always easy, but it was good. Especially Dastien. I peeked at him. How could he be so appealing just sitting there?
Dastien leaned over, brushing my hair away from my face. The look in his eyes told me he knew what I was thinking. “Eat, cherie. Then we can be alone again.”
The way he said “alone” sent shivers down my spine.
“So, girly,” Meredith said. “You’ve got the full moon and your birthday in two days. How are we celebrating?”
Everyone at the table stopped eating to look at me. Great. Just when I was done with the staring.
“Um, actually, Dastien accidentally spilled the beans about going to see Paul van Dyk next Saturday.”
“I don’t know that trance is their kind of music,” Dastien said.
“Hey. I love dancing,” Meredith said. “I don’t really care what kind of music it is.”
“Well, that’s what we’re doing. And I was hoping to go shopping before.”
Meredith clapped her hands. “And I love shopping.”
I laughed. “So we’ve got a plan?”
“Only totally.”
“Good. Can I eat now?”
“I guess. It’s just I’ve been out of it for days, and I feel like I’ve missed so much.” She continued to talk. It was good to see her back to her usual self.
“A ghrá, let the lass eat,” Donovan said with a laugh.
Meredith poked Donovan with her fork. “Shut it, you. I accepted you a few hours ago and you’re already trying to boss me around.” She poked him again.
“Enough with the fork, you crazy girl.”
I grinned at them. “They’re kind of adorable, right?”