Page 20 of Edward’s Bunny

Pursuit of a Rabbit

Edward

The salt-laden breeze flowed through my open car window as I stared at the beachside restaurant—The Pavilion, where Brian worked. As the sun began to dip beneath the horizon, it cast a golden hue across the sand, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air.

A flurry of activity surrounded the side deck of the restaurant, making the place come alive. I glanced toward my passenger seat and snatched the manila folder sitting there, knowing full well that I was stalling. Although I had already memorized the content, I couldn't help but take another look.

Stan, my P.I., had hit pay dirt and pulled together all the information about Brian he could find. My eyes scanned the neatly typed dossier. "Brian Bondar. Age Twenty-four. Top of his class. Graduating at the end of this term." It was more detailed than I expected, but it was just what I needed to understand him better.

As I continued flipping through the file, something caught my eye. Stan had even managed to obtain elementary school pictures. A smile crossed my face as I looked at the little boy in the picture. Brian was undeniably cute. His hair was brown back then, but he still sported the same smile.

My phone buzzing pulled my attention away from the folder, and I grabbed it from the center console. I quickly answered without bothering to check the caller's I.D.

“Majesty,” Walter’s deep voice greeted me, and I knew he was worried. I had told him to take the night off, something I had never done before, which caught him by surprise.

“Walter, I’m fine,” I reassured him.

“Are you sure? Did you go in? Did you have any problems with Linda?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.

I shook my head. “I just got here five minutes ago. Hell, I just left you ten minutes ago. I’m fine. I haven’t gone in yet.”

Walter let out a heavy sigh, his worry palpable through the phone. “I know you said you’re going alone, but you’re the king of the Satchel Pride, and you’re going on another shifter’s territory. You know how Linda can be. She can be a hard-ass bitch.”

I understood Walter's concern. The Tampa surfeit, or skunk pack, was infamous, especially Linda, the alpha. She was a no-nonsense ball buster who had once gone to war with a convocation of eagles that had disrespected her. She emerged victorious and they left town.

“Sire?” Walter asked, breaking the silence.

“I know how she is. It’s why I’ve stayed away from her and her surfeit for so long. It’s why most shifters avoid her. Hayden’s gotten to know her a bit, and she tolerates him. Owen’s practically a member of their surfeit. I think I’ll be okay.”

“But—”

“No buts, Walter. I can handle things, and I need to do this. I need to woo Brian. I need to try. Now let me get in there. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I disconnected my phone before Walter could reply.

Looking back up at the restaurant, I noticed the crowd on the deck seemed to have doubled in size. A shiver of doubt rushed through me. Maybe I should wait. But I shook my head, determined. No, I had to do this. Even if it were just a moment of time I got with Brian, it would be worth it.

Stepping out of the car, I opened the door and made my way toward the front entrance of The Pavilion, not giving myself a chance to chicken out. The restaurant was a fascinating place, considered one of the top hot spots for both locals and tourists. Boasting an aquamarine facade and a nautical-themed interior, it was rumored to have some of the best food in town, especially its seafood. Today, I was about to find out for myself.

My pulse raced with excitement and anticipation as I approached the entryway. I had to remind myself of why I was here, I couldn't let my nerves get the best of me.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the doors and stepped into the bustling restaurant. With fishing nets stretched across the walls and porthole-shaped windows providing vistas of the pounding waves outside, the maritime motif was much more magnificent than I had imagined. The aroma of fresh seafood and grilled delicacies wafted through the air, instantly making my mouth water.

The restaurant was hopping with laughter, conversation, and the clanging of plates filling the air. I couldn’t see an empty seat as I scanned the room. I froze, and my breath hitched as I caught a glimpse of Brian’s familiar face. It was almost hidden in between the throngs of patrons and staff. My Bunny, I thought, and my lion roared with excitement within me.

He was even more gorgeous than what I remembered from two days ago. His face was bright with his radiant smile as he placed a plate in front of a guest. His blue polo shirt and khakis were a stark contrast to the skinny jeans he had worn before. He still had the punk rocker air with a studded leather strap adorning his wrist and a matching belt around his waist.

I straightened a released a breath. It was now or never. I took a step forward with a bolt of determination. I’d win Brian. I had to. I came in with the goal of getting him to agree to speak with me and possibly a date, and I wasn’t leaving with at least one of those. I’d be on cloud nine if I achieved both.

Before I could make my way to Brian, though, I was intercepted by a little slip of a woman. She had stringy gray-brown hair that was pulled back in a ponytail and leathery skin that the sun hadn’t been kind to. What’s more, she had eyes of steel, and I recognized her.

“What do you think you’re doing here, lion?” She rasped, the years of smoking clearly evident in her voice.

I stood tall and met her gaze. I was the king of my pride and just as much alpha as her. “Linda, it’s good to see you,” I said.

She squinted and studied my face. Recognition flashed in Linda’s eyes, and her mouth hung open for a moment before she hesitantly whispered. “Edward, is that you?”

I tilted my head in acknowledgment. “It’s been a long time. How’ve you been?”

“It has been a long time. It’s been nearly twenty years since I last saw you. You’ve always kept to yourself and us to ourselves. Well, with the exception of your son. I can’t seem to get rid of him.”

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