I snorted in amusement. Fate really did seem to be playing games with us mythical shifters. I'd heard through the mythical shifter grapevine that a gryphon shifter who lived on a faraway island also found his fated mate in a human omega.
But maybe it made a lick of sense. Since humans outnumbered the few mythical shifters, this was a good way for fate to ensure we all found our one true mate in the end. Besides, it didn't matter that my mate was a human. None of that mythical shifter purist crap interested me anyway.
"...Roshan? My word, I think he's died," Ulysses mumbled.
I snapped back to the conversation. "Oh, shut up, I'm not dead. Anyway, are you busy tonight? I need someone to watch Zoey for a while."
"Isn't thatyourjob?" Ulysses said wryly.
I ignored him. "Bring Andrew and Elizabeth, too. The kids can all play together. And Ryan, of course."
"My mate has plans for a self-care spa night, complete with mint-chocolate chip ice cream," Ulysses said. "But I'll bring my little colt and filly."
"Great. Come over around six."
"We shall be there."
After hanging up, I dialed Chris's number. My heart raced with excitement. This was really happening.
Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I heard his voice. "Hi, Roshan! What's up?"
"Hi, Chris. I know it's short notice, but would you and Zoey like to come over to my place for dinner this evening?" I asked.
"Oh!" Chris paused. I wondered what was running through his mind. Hopefully not thinking he was imposing or being a burden. "That... that sounds really nice, actually. Sure! We'll be there. What's your address? And what time?"
I gave him all the relevant info. "By the way, don't worry about getting here. I'll send a ride to pick you up."
"A limo?" Zoey cried. Chris must've put the call on speaker.
"Shh, Zo."
"If you want a limo, I'll send a limo," I promised.
"...Can it be a pink limo?" Zoey asked.
"I'll do everything in my power to find a pink limo."
"WOOHOO!"
I heard some shuffling, as if Chris was moving the receiver out of reach, then he chuckled. "Sorry. You don't have to send a pink limo. A normal, non-pink one is fine."
"Hey, I won't break a promise to my favorite girl if I can help it. Anyway, I'll see you both tonight."
"See you."
I hung up with my heart beating in my throat.
Tonight was the night I'd tell Chris everything.
* * *
I showeredand prettied myself up nicely, then told the chefs about the big dinner. The three rules they had to follow were no peanuts, no custard and no meringue, but aside from those items, they were free to create a delicious feast fit for a king—because Chris was the king of my heart.
Ulysses and his kids, Andrew and Elizabeth, arrived first. I said hello to the little ones, then gave my old friend a hug.
"Good to see you, man-eater," Ulysses teased.
I smirked. "Same goes for you, grass-muncher."
