Page 46 of Wolf's Mark

She’d had enough of me. I was ready to think I’d had enough of myself. As the traffic started to slow, I tossed my phone onto my seat.

Since the gruesome group of six had left only a couple of hours before, all I’d been able to think about was what I’d gotten myself in the middle of. What was next? Was one of the agents going to erase my memory like in the movies?

At this point, I wouldn’t put it past them.

I’d loved living in Chicago when I attended the university, but I hadn’t needed to drive anywhere. I’d been fortunate enough to find a little place I’d shared with a roommate within walking distance of most of my classes as well as alternative dining and even a couple of grocery stores.

Driving in the crazy conditions was something else altogether.

My teeth were gritted the entire time. Even my knuckles were white from gripping the steering wheel.

Maybe I should have allowed the man to order up his driver. Then I could have sat back drinking champagne while being chauffeured. The thought was luxurious but impractical.

I need my car in case anything happened with Britney.

She adored Mattie. The two of them played games and watched kids’ movies. Yet after the last couple of days, I was certain my luck wasn’t going to change.

At least the office and examination room were back in order, the one door replaced while the hinges on the other had been repaired.

I checked my GPS, thankful I was close to the exit where the secret location of our dinner festivities would occur. Jax had refused to share with me any details other than to wear a nice dress and heels.

I’d splurged, racing into one of the dress shops where I knew I could find something, thrilled I’d discovered the perfect dress on sale. To say I was eager was an understatement.

Needing a break had never been my objective, but I was still having creepy crawlies. Daphne had worked magic, able to clear up the photographs. They were even more terrifying.

Whatever was going on wasn’t just about national security.

The exit was clogged with traffic, but I zipped along, weaving past a couple of vehicles. All I knew was that the place was on the water.

When I finally make the turn, I was surprised at the beautiful setting even from the front of the restaurant. There were white string lights crossing the entire front of the building, twinkling lights in the trees.

The bright moon set it off nicely, although it was another reminder of what I’d seen. As I stepped out, I immediately heard music. I was also able to gather a scent of food. Finally, my stomach was rumbling. I hadn’t been able to eat for a full day.

Hopefully, I wouldn’t make a fool of myself and eat like a pig.

I laughed as I smoothed down the dress. He’d also been cryptic about where he planned on meeting me, simply saying to provide the hostess with my name.

When I did, her smile was immediate.

“I’ll take you right there. Mr. Wolf is waiting. And not so patiently I might add.”

I was five minutes late. Five. I thought that was pretty good. My nerves were kicking in. I wasn’t good at dating. I hadn’t dated in years and the last time before Daniel had been awkward at best.

The restaurant was crowded and I could see a bar on the other side, catching a quick glimpse of an empty dance floor. There was band equipment placed on a small stage. I could only imagine this place got lively later in the evening.

What I also noticed was how loud it was inside. We certainly wouldn’t be carrying on a big conversation.

That was fine. I’d sit and stare at him.

I didn’t see any open tables and for a few seconds, thought he might have left. When she led me through a set of doors onto an incredible deck with a gorgeous view of a huge body of water, all I could do was smile.

The moment I noticed there was a table near the back with a single person sitting and waiting, I was floored.

Jax.

“Your party rented out the entire deck for your evening. I do hope you enjoy.” She led me to a table, waiting as Jax slid my chair out, motioning for me to sit.

“Are you ready for your champagne now, sir?” she asked.

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