Page 25 of Her Shifter Babe

Will that horrible zappy, tingly thing happen every time she touches me?

I seriously hoped not, and for my sanity I had to assume it wouldn’t. My cousins didn’t hit the deck every time their mates touched them, and Tommy didn’t seem to have a problem with it at all.

I quickly redressed, slicked my hair back, and walked into the restaurant smiling and waving at the patrons who immediately lit up, seeing the owner out of the kitchen. I made a bee line for the booth I’d organized Stacey and Tommy to be seated in. The booth was dark compared to the others and the most private, which suited our unique situation best.

They were both chatting and eating, laughing as she sipped water and he on wine. Stacey’s skin glowed in the low mood lighting and her hair shone like she’d been moon-kissed.

With more courage than I felt, I stepped up to the table and cleared my throat.

Stacey looked up at me and smiled as bright as the sun. She was literally radiant. The rest at Nancy’s had clearly been much needed.

My wolf howled in my mind, and I lost my ability to talk. I’d always hoped that when I met my mate, I’d know. That the recognition would be instantaneous, and that we’d fall together, in love and into bed.

Stacey leaned back in the booth, pressing a hand to her belly, which was swollen with Tommy’s growing child.

My ability to speak came back immediately with that cold dose of reality, and I slid into my professional role, the easiest of my personalities to choose. “Are you enjoying your meal?” I asked, offering my mate a polite smile in return.

She nodded. “Oh, yes, thank you. It’s perfect. Are you going to sit with us?”

I was halfway toward changing my mind about that, but Anthony was already walking our way from the kitchen with my plate in hand.

“Ah, yes, if that’s all right? I thought I’d take a short break.”

“Of course! Please, sit,” she said, sliding along the bench seat in a quick move I wasn’t expecting, given her current condition.

“Oh...” I glanced over at my brother, who hadn’t moved, whereas Stacey had made room for me beside her. “Thanks.”

What else could I say? I slid into the booth alongside Tommy’s pregnant mate—our mate—and took up the knife and fork that Anthony had placed down for me. “Thanks, Anthony.”

The waiter nodded and took his leave, dutifully returning to the kitchen for the next round of orders.

I took a moment to glance around the restaurant, which was still full and thankfully running well. At least I’d make a good impression with my business.

Good.

“So, how was the rest of your day?” I asked the table, trying not to stare at Stacey even though I was aching to do so.

“I called Tony and bought a new SUV,” Tommy announced.

I chewed on my steak, barely tasting it.

Tommy traded in his beloved sports car for a family van?

“Nice,” I said casually when I couldn’t think of anything more to offer. I turned toward Stacey with my eyebrows raised. I needed to make a real connection with her and every chance to do so precious, even if I was still uncomfortable about how this had all unfolded. “Stacey?” I prompted.

She toyed with the stem on her wine glass that was filled with sparkling water. “I had a chat with Nancy, which was good. It’s nice to have someone to talk to. Then I had a nap—I needed it.”

“I can imagine,” I managed to say. But truthfully, I had no idea what went on during pregnancy, nor how tired she must be, but creating another human being must surely be a hell of a lot of work and a lot of strain on the body. “I’m glad you got some rest.”

“What did you talk to Nancy about?” Tommy asked.

I glared at him for a moment for interrupting before turning back to Stacey. I’d tried to purposely ignore that part of her answer. A part of me didn’t want to know, and she was so tantalizingly close... I could so easily just brush against her arm or her thigh.

No! Don’t touch her. She’s not yours.

“Oh... ah, well, the perfect pairs thing mostly,” she said, her gaze moving furtively from me to Tommy. “I had some questions.”

I inhaled sharply, hating the feeling of being so far out of the loop. My ears had been burning this afternoon while I’d prepared for this evening’s dinner service. I should have known they’d been talking about me. “Tommy told you about how we’re supposed to share a mate?” I asked.

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