“Of course.” Isaac winked, and we both looked back at the scene before us, listening to the drama.
Jamie was straightforward but gentle as he told Zane he needed to focus on himself and his own future mate instead of chasing after a memory from the past that would lead to nothing but pain for him and irritation for Jamie and me. The poor omega looked so lost; the truth that he was chasing a useless dream was finally dawning for him, it seemed. I approached the gathering.
“You know.” I placed a hand on Zane’s shoulder. “There’s this special tattoo shop that Isaac and I think you should check out.”
Chapter Eighteen
Jamie
“Have you heard anything more from that guy Zane?” Jason sat down beside me at the station’s long kitchen table. The other guys had already eaten dinner, except the two of us, who were in the middle of filling out some paperwork when Thomas finished cooking. “It seems he has been silent since last week’s visit. I haven’t even seen him in town. I was hoping that the last visit would be his final attempt at getting back together with you. Everyone else can tell you will never leave Charlie for anyone else. Those heart eyes are as clear as day to anyone who pays attention.”
“What is up with everyone saying that? I’m just looking at my mate normally.” I didn’t understand everyone’s obsession with the way I gazed at Charlie. Didn’t all mates stare at their mates in wonder?
“Sure you are, buddy.” Jason rubbed my shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. We are all just jealous and want to find what you have with our own mates someday.”
“Whatever.” I separated the noodles, meat, and cheese of my lasagna. “Anyway, I heard from a friend that Zane took his friend up to the city. They decided to follow Charlie’s advice and see if they could each get those magically charged tattoos. If lucky, they’ll find their fated mates soon and let go of their pasts. Honestly, I wish him the best and hope the witches at the parlor can help him.”
“Me too.” Jason looked down at my plate and frowned. “Why do you do that? I swear, you have the strangest eating habits.”
“It’s the best way to eat, in my opinion.” I nodded at the three different sections on my plate. Just right. “Sure, if you eat it all as one bite, it tastes good. But when you separate it all likethis, you can eat your favorite part last. For me, that is the pasta part. Those layers make the whole dish for me. So, I eat the meat and sauce first, sometimes I will let the cheese stay with it. Then I get to savor the taste and texture of the thick layers of noodles.”
“You are strange.” Jason shook his head and took his own slice of the lasagna, keeping his whole. “But I always said that the world would be too boring if everyone did things the same. It’s the uniqueness of individuals that makes the day shine bright in everyday life. So, carry on with your eating oddities, at least you’re enjoying living.”
“Besides, you’ve got your own things that make you special.” I pointed to my fire chief’s feet. “Most people in town don’t wear socks of their favorite cartoon character every single day. I swear you wore fun socks even with a suit for Victor and Simon’s wedding.”
“Yeah, I got their permission first, though.” Jason nodded, smiling. “They are fans of the show as well, so they didn’t mind my adding flavor to the formal dress code.”
“They’re actors, figures they would appreciate the flair.” I finished off my dinner and got up to rinse my plate.
“Jamie, you got a visitor,” Yuri called over to me. “He’s brought cookies. If you don’t hurry up, don’t blame me for trying to steal him.”
Jason laughed at the small growl that rolled out of me. “Don’t worry, man, he’s just messing with you. Besides, Charlie is all yours. Anyone with eyes can see that.”
“Sorry, it just slips out. I can’t help it lately. I think it’s gotten worse over the last week.” I put my dishes in the dishwasher, along with Jason’s.
“The babies are almost here, and your wolf is growing territorial. It’s natural for alphas to get more possessive when their mates are pregnant, especially at the end.” Jason gestured toward the station’s doors, where Charlie stood talking to a fewof the guys on my crew. “Go on, claim your mate. Share the cookies, though. Your mate is definitely one of the better bakers in town.”
“I won’t tell them over at Honey’s Bunz that you said that. They may ban you for life.” I walked away from my captain and approached the group surrounding my mate.
“I promise I’ll drop off some treats even when he’s off on leave.” Charlie’s smile was dazzling as ever, his white, straight teeth shining. “But have you ever tried Jamie’s Caramel Apple Salad—”
“Hey, don’t be offering up my cooking.” I pushed aside a few of my crewmates to get next to Charlie. “You get my goodies because you’re my mate. What do these guys do for me to deserve it?”
“They keep you safe so that you can come home to your mate and babies.” Charlie leaned up and placed a quick peck on my lips. “That’s worth more than anything. So, you will be making that delicious fluff when the holidays come along.”
“Whatever you say, my love.” I gripped his waist and pulled him close. “But can you give me a few more of those kisses?”
“Have mercy on those of us unmated, man.” Erik groaned, and the other guys joined in.
“Yeah. At least hand over the cookies, and we can walk away to leave you two alone.” Yuri grabbed the container from Charlie’s hands and turned to walk to the back of the station, where the kitchen sat. “Thank you, Charlie. You’re the best.”
The rest of the crew cheered in agreement, and soon only Charlie and I stood by the station doors. I smiled down at my mate and pulled him closer. “About that kiss—”
He didn’t let me finish my thought before the sweet taste of his cherry-flavored lip balm graced my lips.
I have the best mate.
Mine too, baby. Mine too.
