“The magic weavers at the shop said that it will glow for our first month after our initial meeting. Then it will only glow again if it’s been a long time since we saw each other. Basically, the first month is solidifying our connection. It will fade after that but turns back on if mates are separated and then disconnected. They added that part of the spell as a safety mechanism for forced separations so that mates can find each other once again.”
“Amazing.” Jamie let go of my hand because the waiter had brought our dishes. “I love that there are people out there whoare putting their magic to use like that. There are too many shifters who never find their fated mate; these tattoos are a gift.”
“They are.” I cut my steak and took a piece with my fork. “They are selective about who gets one, though. Not gatekeeping exactly. More like making sure the shifter is emotionally ready for mating, and that their intents are pure. I had to go through an interview process first. They explained that sometimes you need to figure out life on your own before meeting your mate. That they do provide this magic, but only if the spiritual guides and fate allow them to assist us on our way.”
“That’s understandable.” Jamie took a bite of his sirloin, a moan erupting from his lips. “Sorry, this is just good. Wanna bite?”
I took the offered forkful and held up one from my own. “Delicious. Want to try mine? I got the parmesan and garlic encrusted medallions.”
Jamie leaned over and took the bite. “Fuck. That one, too. I heard this place was top tier, but I’d never been here. I was missing out.”
“You were just waiting for me.” I winked.
Flame was known for having one of the most well-known chefs. He had once worked for many celebrities and the elite, cooking for galas and high-end events. But then he met his mate in his late forties and decided to retire in a quiet area and raise a family. Chef Henry and his mate, Theo, wanted to raise their twins, Kimberly and Alessandra, not around the spoiled and flashy but in a warm home and a town that offered peace when you needed it. Lucky for us, he couldn’t give up his passion for cooking entirely and had opened his door a few years ago. I had read about it back when it first happened and had added it to my foodie road trip plans. Although the trip never happened, I was glad I still got to try his food now.
“How was your shift?” I took a sampling of my mashed potatoes, deciding it needed a little more butter. “How are the guys?”
“Everyone is doing well.” Jamie took a sip of his wine. “Things are flowing better than they had before we made the changes. Now, when someone calls off, we can call in one of the part-timers. And everyone seems to be a good fit. The only thing is that it’s been super quiet as far as calls go. We cover the surrounding counties as well as ours; you’d think there would be a little action during this time of the season. But for whatever reason, we’ve been calm.” Jamie finished his sentence with a swift knock on the wooden table. My silly mate was a bit superstitious over certain things. I adored that about him.
“I might stop by this week and bring you all some brownies or cookies. I want to check out the station after hearing so much about it.”
“Feel free to stop by anytime. We are usually free to chat a bit, especially if you’re bearing treats. I might have to fight the guys off you.” Jamie winked as he joked then looked over at my full glass of wine. “Aren’t you going to have some?”
“Nah.” I took a sip of my water, my stomach feeling a bit off even thinking about wine. “I’m good with the water. Sorry for wasting the wine, though.”
“Nonsense. It won’t go to waste. I can drink it after this one. Good thing you drove us here, huh?” Jamie winked and took another taste of his wine. “But are you feeling okay?”
“I’m okay.” I waved away his concern. “I just feel a bit off at the thought of drinking anything besides water. Don’t worry. The food is going down with no issues.”
“Jamie?” A tall brunette omega approached our table, a bright smile plastered on his face and his eyes focused solely on my mate, even though there was an alpha trying to keep pace beside him. “I haven’t seen you in weeks.”
Jamie closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and addressed the newcomer. “Zane, how are you doing? I just saw you the other day at the grocery store, but I guess some weeks seem to drag on. Who’s this, your date?”
I noticed how Jamie stressed that last word. This was interesting.
“Oh him?” Zane looked at the giant, raven-haired alpha standing beside him now. The date was squinting at my mate like he was a threat. “This is just Ravi. So, are you doing anything next weekend? I heard that the band you love is touring the US and has a concert about an hour away. Maybe we can go?”
Oh. So, this is an ex. Okay, mate, show me how you will handle this.
Ravi seemed to growl at Zane, who showed no mind. He was intent on my mate. Jamie sighed but lifted our conjoined hands. “Sorry, I’ll be busy with my mate. Remember, I told you about Charlie when we ran into each other the other day? This is him. I don’t think he wants me traipsing around with other omegas, and he is the only omega I need or want, honestly. But hey, Ravi looks up to having some fun with you. Let’s not keep you from dinner. I think the hostess is trying to wave you over.”
“You’re so funny.” Zane laughed, and I rolled my eyes. Jamie wasn’t being funny just now. This omega was really trying too hard for a taken man. “But you are right. Ravi and I need to go find a table. I’ll see you around soon.”
With that, the couple turned and returned to the hostess stand, soon disappearing to the other side of the restaurant, to my relief.
“That was interesting.” I raised a brow at Jamie and disconnected our hands so I could finish dinner. “Ex? Or just someone who has a crush on you?”
“Ex.” Jamie shook his head and took the last gulp from his glass. “Funny thing is that we didn’t even date for that long.Maybe for a month, a couple of years ago, before he decided to go after some traveling musician. And until a couple of months ago, we just followed one another online. I like to see the different locations he went to with the band, and he would like one of my random posts about fire safety tips. But then he came back to town. I guess the guy from the band met someone else and asked Zane to stop being the band’s publicity manager or whatever he labeled him as, to get him to be able to tour with him. Anyway, since he’s back, he has been dating quite a few of the town’s available alphas, but he has been trying to get back together. I tried to turn him down gently and unfollowed him on all social media platforms. I keep telling him it won’t happen, though. And the other day, I even told him I was already mated. I thought he got the message.”
“Hey, the omega knows you are a great catch. Can’t blame him.” I stabbed the last piece of meat with my fork and looked in the direction that Zane had gone. “But he seriously must get the clue quick. Because I don’t share.”
“Don’t worry about him, babe.” Jamie waved over to the waiter so we could get the check. “I’m sure he will give up, now that he saw I wasn’t lying about having a mate.”
He better,my fox growled.
I agreed with my beast on this one.
Chapter Ten
