"He told me something about hiking in your underwear," I said, wanting to see if West had simply been teasing me this morning.
"Yes, then covering us in honey and leaving us for the bears!" he finished. "It would have been funny if he wasn't so damn scary. That man ispowerful."
"That he is," I said, shaking my head. "He's always kept me safe, though."
"I'm glad he did," Avi said softly, squeezing my hand again. He let go long enough to open the diner door now that we'd reached it. I walked in, hoping that more gossip wouldn't be flying around. From the look on Connie's face, I'd say I was not going to get that wish.
"There's my girl," Connie gushed in her usual fashion. She still had a Southern drawl even though she'd been here a few years. Her vibe was the epitome of Southern hospitality, always making sure everyone was fed and happy. She remembered your name after one visit and treated you like family from that moment on. "And who do we have here?"
"Her mate, Avi," my companion said without missing a beat. I choked on air, which made both of them chuckle.
"Well, good, our quiet little girl here could use someone like you. Come on in. I know her order, but what can I get you?"
Avi took a breath, studying me for a second to make sure I wasn't angry. Honestly, it was better that he admitted it to curb the gossip, so I gave him a smile that hopefully looked reassuring. "She makes amazing donuts."
"With chocolate icing?" he asked, eyes lighting up at the prospect.
"Sure do, and I have a few left today too." She grinned, waving us toward the counter. "Coffee like Farren, or would you like something else?"
"Got any hot chocolate? I'm a bit of a chocoholic," he said, giving her a charming smile that I swear made that old lady swoon.
"I make it from scratch!" she said excitedly. She boxed up two donuts, one chocolate and my favorite strawberry shortcake one, and handed it over before getting our drinks. Thankfully, the early dinner crowd had started coming in, saving us from the inquisition that would have hit us. She waved us off when we both stepped up to pay, then rushed off before we could argue. Avi was ready, mouth open to call her back and protest, but I tugged him outside.
"She's the kind of lady you don't argue with," I told him, clinking my to-go cup to his before taking a sip. Say what you wanted about diners, but Connie made amazing coffee. She knew exactly how I liked it, a mix of bitter and sweet and hot enough to have me breathing fire.
"Holy shit, this is good," he said, shocked.
"Don't doubt us small towns. We perfect everything," I teased. "We don't have any other choice, and we're all far too blunt. Someone would have told her if it sucked."
"West, most likely," he shot back, taking his donut and offering mine. I took a bite and groaned. I didn’t know how she did it, but the mix of cream cheese filling and strawberry crumble was something angels should sing about.
"Damn," Avi said. I looked over at the sound of his husky voice, my scent starting to perk up again when I saw the heated look in his eyes. We’d just totally ignore the fact that it was sparked by a donut since I was having my own religious experience.
"If you think donuts are sexy, you are definitely my mate," I said. "But seriously, try this." I shoved it in his face, giving him little choice. His pale blue eyes met mine above it as he bit down, the moment far too intimate for me not to feel like I'd combust. I was fairly sure the snow around us was melting.
"It is good," he confirmed, "but I'll stick to chocolate." He offered a bite, but I shook my head, happy with my choice. We finished our donuts before we reached the bottom of our drive, leaving us to focus on walking up the treacherous hill. It had been salted, but sometimes the Montana snow and ice didn't care.
"Will you be eating dinner in the dining hall tonight?" he asked when we finally reached the front door. It wasn't my usual routine since I liked to snag food and take it back to my room for some trash tv time, but I found myself unable to say no.
"Yeah, I'll see you then," I said. He grinned, eyes locking on mine, before he brushed soft fingers over my cheek.
"Good. I had fun today. Thanks for letting me crash. See you soon," he promised. As he walked away, I found my hand drifting to touch the spot he’d caressed. My face burned where he’d touched, like he'd imprinted himself on me forever. I missed his scent and touch the moment he was out of sight. I shook my head, bringing the lobby back into focus. Zachary was watching me intently, but I avoided him and made a beeline for my room.
I'm definitely going to need a cold shower or two before dinner.
8
Farren
Walking into the dining hall felt like it was the first day of school. It was a place I'd always been comfortable, but now I felt like I was on display. A quick scan of the room told me they weren't here yet, so I rushed forward and grabbed a tray, knowing the awkwardness was all in my head.
"Allow me." Niko's voice stopped me before I could grab a tray, making me pause.
"No offense, alpha, but I can take care of myself," I countered, grabbing a tray and moving down the serving line. There was no real fire in my words, but I needed to set a boundary now. Omega instincts said I should submit, let him take care of me, but I was far too proud for that. He simply chuckled to himself and grabbed his own tray, following right behind me.
"You're going to challenge all of my chivalry, aren't you?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. With his dark eyes focused solely on me, and that smooth scent of vanilla, bitter chocolate, and tobacco overwhelming my senses, it was hard to think. When he glanced away, it was like my brain kicked back in.
"No. Didn't you hear? Chivalry is dead," I said with a teasing smile, grabbing a dinner roll and putting it on my plate.