“Let me ask you something. What would you have said to me and the guys if we’d told you we needed to wait three days before going to rescue Mia from the Cartel?”
Max bit out a curse. “Honestly? I’d have told you to go fuck yourself, and I’d have gone without you.”
“Uh huh.”
“I’ll move heaven and earth to try to get there in a day,” Max said.
Taking a deep breath, Carter’s eyes drifted to Emily, who sat on the edge of the bed, her expression a mix of concern and understanding. “Thank you,” Carter finally conceded. “Look, I know how important that job is. I can wait forty-eight hours. But if you’re a second longer, I’m going in there alone. Ihaveto.”
“Understood. Chin up, we’ll be there as quick as we can.”
Ending the call, he placed the phone on the table, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.
The mountain lion within him rumbled,Trust friends. Trust mate.
When did you become the logical one?Carter replied.
His lion chuffed.
For a moment, Carter just stood there, absorbing the wisdom of his inner beast. He then turned his attention to Emily, her presence like a beacon of light in his stormy world. A suddenidea formed in his mind, one that could perhaps bridge the agonizing wait.
“Emily,” he began, his voice softer now, “I was thinking. While we wait, maybe there’s something we can do together. Something...normal.” He ran a hand through his hair, a touch nervous. “How about I take you out to dinner? Our first official date? There’s a local Steakhouse near here, one of the best. I think it could be good for both of us. A brief escape, you know?”
Emily smiled gently, her eyes twinkling with warmth. “I think that sounds wonderful. It’s a chance for us to truly get to know one another.”
Carter grinned at her, reaching once more for his cellphone. “Great. I’ll call and make a reservation.”
The Steakhouse was abuzz with activity, a haven for hungry people seeking solace in delicious food and good company. The rich aroma of grilled meat wafted through the air, blending seamlessly with the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and mellow background music.
As Carter and Emily stood at the entrance, waiting for their table, Carter’s gaze skimmed the crowd. Amid the sea of unfamiliar faces, one familiar one stood out.
“Brett?” he called out, pleasant surprise evident in his voice.
His friend turned, his face lighting up with recognition. “Carter! Man, it’s been years!” The two men closed the distance, clapping each other on the back in a warm, friendly embrace.
Emily watched, a hint of a smile on her face, as the two old friends exchanged greetings.
“You look good,” Brett said, pulling back to take a good look at Carter. “But hey, where’s Megan? Maria’s been trying to reachher for days. She’s freaking out in Hawaii and threatening to cut her anniversary trip short. She said something feels off.”
Carter felt a prick of anxiety but quickly masked it. “Megan’s cell phone been acting up. She’s alright, just technical issues. Tell Maria not to worry and to enjoy her trip. Send her my regards.”
Brett looked a little skeptical but nodded. “Okay, I’ll relay the message. Maria’s probably just being her usual dramatic self.” He laughed softly, a touch of fondness in his eyes.
Carter cleared his throat, attempting to divert the topic, “Brett, I’d like you to meet someone.” He placed a protective arm around Emily’s waist, pulling her closer. “This is Emily, my mate.”
Emily’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, a bemused expression on her face. She evidently hadn’t expected such a direct introduction.
Brett’s eyes widened for a split second, and then a big grin split his face. “Yourmate? Well, hell, Carter, congratulations! She’s beautiful.”
Emily blushed, offering a shy smile. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you.”
After a few more pleasantries, Brett excused himself to get back to his friends. As he departed, Emily turned to Carter, a playful pout forming on her lips. “Mate? Does everyone around here know about you?”
Carter chuckled, his eyes dancing with mischief. “Brett and his family are shifters too. I told you how sacred the mate bond is to our kind.”
She nudged him lightly, her eyes sparkling with humor.“Well, next time, maybe give a girl some warning?”
He leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, “Where’s the fun in that?” They both laughed, the moment shared between them lightening what had been an incredibly stressful few days.
