Page 92 of The Alpha's Protective Mate

******

After a couple of hours, we’re both too exhausted to go anywhere for takeout. So, we decide to make some ramen that Robert finds in the pantry. Unlike the last time we slept together, I’m able to walk, and while Robert looks for seasonings, I fry up two eggs and cut some green onions. Mrs. Mallory has some chicken broth in the freezer, and I heat it up, boiling the noodles in the broth. I hand over some vegetables for Robert to chop, but I keep an eye on him as he does so. I don’t trust him in the kitchen.

Wearing nothing but his shirt, I take out two bowls and ladle the broth and noodles into them. I add the vegetables next and then the fried eggs, finally drizzling some chili oil and sesame seeds on top.

The wolf Alpha beside me watches in awe. “You’re like a chef.”

I chuckle. “This is basic cooking. You don’t just boil noodles and put seasoning on them. Any monkey can do that.”

Robert gives me an offended look. “Hey!”

I put his bowl in front of him. “Learn to fry an egg, Robert. It could save your life.”

“Why would I learn how to fry an egg when I’ve got such a beautiful chef all to myself?”

“I’m on my feet all day.” I sink into the chair, feeling my lower body ache. “The last thing I want to do is come here and cook.”

“I could give you a foot rub.” Robert kisses the side of my neck, and I can feel the heat in my face.

“I don’t trust you with my feet or any other part of my body,” I mutter. “You’re not very focused.”

He bursts into laughter at my comment. “I fixed your zipper, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, after you had your way with me,” I complain light-heartedly.

“Not my fault you went and got lingerie.” Robert pokes the fried egg with his fork. “I already have a hard time resisting you, and then you buy something that makes you look like a wrapped present. Excuse me for wanting to unwrap you.”

My lips twitch even as my face burns.

“Whatever, just eat,” I tell him.

Mano and Zeno are sleeping in a corner, huddled against each other. Zeno is mindlessly chewing on my cat’s tail in his sleep.

We have our meal in silence, both comfortable in the dimly lit kitchen, the sound of the rain outside filling the quiet.

There’s a simplicity to the time I spend with Robert, and the more I’m around him, the more secure I feel. The cracks in my heart left by my family are slowly being filled by this man. I don’t know how or when, but Robert has managed to invade every aspect of my life, and it’s hard to imagine ever going back to my lonely lifestyle.

My strange dreams have stopped.

I sleep better.

I’m happier, despite the situation with the vampires.

I look forward to being in his house and spending time with him.

My heart is completely entangled with his, and I don’t know the first thing about breaking free, or even if I want to.

Chapter 19

Charlotte Sanguinite

The thunderstorms continue for a few days.

Rainy weather usually means less business at the cafe since people don’t really like to venture out of their homes or offices with such downpours in the cards. We mostly have takeout orders and a few remote workers who’re huddled in the corner booths, fueling themselves with coffee and snacks every couple of hours.

I check the time and sigh.

Shelby is out sick, and Gina has a doctor’s appointment. Jazz just slipped out to hand in her thesis and told me to close up without her. It’s around 6:45, and I’ve already cleaned the whole place. Robert told me he’ll be in a meeting tonight, so I have to head to the animal shelter by myself.

---