Page 68 of Beginning Fate

“Are we okay?” Lauren asked sadly.

“Yeah, we’re fine. I just don’t want to talk about you leaving. Not tonight, okay? Just give me tonight.”

“I can do that,” she said.

I knew there was a lot that we had to discuss and some big compromises ahead of us, but this was our first date, and I just wanted to enjoy it without thinking about what the future might hold.

I put all my frustrations aside and decided to just enjoy the night. So, I offered her my arm and proudly escorted her into the restaurant.

Monica was working as hostess for the night and didn’t notice me right away. Then she did a double take.

“Denny. I heard you were coming in tonight. This must be one special lady. I don’t think you’ve ever brought a girl here before.”

“Nope, and she is very special. Monica, this is Lauren, my girlfriend. Lauren, this is Monica. We work together.”

I didn’t miss the way Lauren stiffened next to me when I called her my girlfriend. I used the term to discreetly let her know that Monica was human. Though, in hindsight, I supposed Lauren could have sensed that on her own.

She smiled and exchanged pleasantries. Nothing appeared off on the outside, but I could sense her unease.

Monica sat us at one of the most private tables in the restaurant. It was a highly sought after spot that I always enjoyed working. The tips were usually great.

The second she left us, my mate turned on me.

“Your girlfriend?”

“Sorry. I didn’t think you’d get so upset about it. She’s human,” I said. Mouthing the last words.

“I’m not an idiot, Denny. I could smell that.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else to call it.”

“Girlfriend just sounds so cheap and fleeting. You’re my mate.”

“Yes, I am. Next time I’ll go for fiancé, but trust me, she would have asked to see the ring.”

Lauren rolled her eyes.

I couldn’t hide my smile. First she’s talking about going home, and now she’s upset that I cheapened our relationship but calling her my girlfriend. One thing was very clear, my mate was extremely confused and likely fighting her feelings.

The bond made us feel a connection to each other, and it was hard to suppress. I’d been battling my own demons over it, riding that fine line between needing to claim her and terrified she was really going to leave me.

“Hey Denny and beautiful lady friend. Welcome. I’m Marco and I’ll be serving you tonight. Can I suggest some of our finest wines for the evening, or perhaps another kind of beverage?”

“I’ll just have water,” Lauren said.

“Babe, you can order whatever you like.”

She just looked up at me and blinked. “Water’s fine. Really.”

I sighed. “Two waters.”

When Marco left us to retrieve our drinks, I scowled.

“You could have gotten anything,” I told her.

She laughed. The sound instantly calmed me.

“But I wanted water. Honestly, it’s my preferred beverage with food. It doesn’t fill me up like soda or even wine. And Autumn told me this place has the best food around.”

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