Page 40 of Edward’s Bunny

Date night

Edward

Iglanced at the dashboard clock as I pulled out of my driveway, trying to quell the mixture of nerves and excitement bubbling inside me. I had twenty minutes to pick up Brian for our date. I was excited at the thought of having alone time. In all our interactions, there were some outside players in the mix, be it Hayden and Owen or Linda from his work. This was my opportunity to be with him, one-on-one, and with no one there to interrupt.

I pressed the accelerator and weaved in and out of the traffic. The roads were busy. It wasn’t surprising. Black Friday deals were still happening around the city. As I drove through the streets, I thought of life up until this point, my first wife, Ellen, her death, everything. I’ve been doing a lot of introspection since meeting Brian.

It was different with Brian. I loved Ellen and always would, but with Brian—I couldn’t put our connection into words. It seemed deeper. I guess that’s part of us being fated mates.

My phone rang as I turned on a side street, and I quickly pressed the steering wheel control to answer. “Hello.”

“Sire,” Walter’s tired voice filtered through the car, and I groaned.

“Good evening, Walter,” I said, already knowing what this conversation was about. I must’ve been the only leader to have to sneak out of their own house.

“Don’t good evening me, Majesty. Where are you?” He asked, annoyance dripping on every word.

I growled. “Who is king? If I want to go out alone, it’s my prerogative.”

“Sire, we’ve been through this. You need at least one bodyguard. Where are you even going?”

“I have a date with Brian, and I definitely don’t need a bodyguard tagging along. You’re just going to have to trust I can take care of myself, or are you challenging my strength and position?” I replied, matching Walter’s tone.

Walter released a heavy sigh. “You know I’m not. It’s my job to provide security for you and the pride. It’s alright. I hope you enjoy your date.”

I narrowed my eyes. Something was off. “Why are you giving up so easily?”

“I don’t know what you mean,” he replied quickly, too quickly.

“Walter, why aren’t you more upset?” I demanded.

“Did you really crawl out the den window? I’m looking at the footage now,” he said, ignoring my demand.

“Yes, now answer me, Walter. Why are you okay with me going on my date alone? This is a command from your king,” I growled.

Walter’s sigh was louder this time. “The truth?”

“Yes.”

“Ever since you admitted that Brian was your mate, I’ve had a security detail watching him on the down low.”

“You what? How dare you put guards on him without my knowledge? Who are they? Do they know who he is to me?” My lion roared within me, and my vision hazed. I clenched the wheel tightly. If it didn’t make me late, I’d go kick my best friends out.

“Majesty, please—”

“Cut the majesty crap, Walter, and explain it to me now.”

“Fine. They aren’t members of the pride. They’re some of Stan’s men, and they don’t know who he is to you. The moment you told me Brian was your mate, he became my responsibility to protect. He became the king consort of the pride, no matter if you're bonded or not,” he replied.

I released a long breath. “Call them back.”

“Edward—”

“I want to have a normal date and not have to worry about bodyguards. Call the back,” I ordered.

“I can’t do that, Sire.”

“You’re defying my command.”

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