Page 42 of Mike's Assistant

Mike chuckled, nodding in acknowledgment. “Evening, Tim. This is Jake.”

I offered a shy smile, and Tim’s eyes lit up in recognition. “Ah, the newcomer. Linda mentioned you. Mike’s assistant. Welcome back to The Pavilion,” he said, emphasizing the word assistant. “Can I get you two started with something to drink?”

“I’ll take a cold beer. Whatever you've got on draft is fine,” Mike replied, still holding onto my hand.

Tim glanced at me expectantly, and after a brief pause, I said, “I’ll try the house red wine, please.”

He scribbled down our orders on his pad, then flashed a friendly grin. “Great choices. The house wine pairs wonderfully with most of our evening dishes. Be back in a sec with your drinks.”

As Tim retreated, I looked back at Mike. “You’re really a regular here. You know everyone. Why did he say ‘assistant' like that?”

Mike grinned and leaned close. “Linda and most of the staff here are skunk shifters. Linda knows you're my mate.”

“Skunk shifters, really?” I asked, my eyes wide.

“Yes, skunks. Welcome back.” A rough voice said.

I turned to see Linda step up to our table. But this wasn’t the Linda I had met. It seemed The Pavilion wasn’t the only thing to change. Gone was Linda’s uniform and pulled-back hair. Her eyes, however, held a mischievous glint, and she now wore a beautiful flower print dress with black and silver hair cascading over her shoulders.

“Linda!” Mike greeted warmly. “I see your ears were burning.”

“Naturally.” She smirked, taking the empty seat next to ours. “Tim might be a good waiter, but he’s terrible at keeping secrets. Besides, I can sense when another is in my territory. You know how our kind is.”

I swallowed hard. “I didn’t… I mean, skunk shifters?”

Linda chuckled, “It’s not as glamorous as wolves or tigers or even lions, but we have our charms.”

Mike squeezed my hand reassuringly. “Linda is the leader, the alpha of the skunk surfeit. Everyone knows not to mess with her. Even the king of my pride, Edward, stays friendly with her. She’s no nonsense, but fair.”

Linda barked a laugh. “You better believe it. I protect what’s mine. Even though Edward is on my shit list, he and his son stole two of my best people.”

Mike was the one to laugh now. “I think Fate had a hand in that, too. You can’t pin the blame solely on them.” Mike looked at me. “Owen and Brian used to work here and were honorary members of the surfeit.”

“They’re still members and a part of my family. If anything happens to Red or Cottontail, look out,” Linda clarified.

I grinned at the nicknames she had for Owen and Brian; they suited them. Owen with his red hair and Brian being a rabbit. A rabbit. All of this was so incredible. And unbelievable.

Linda focused on me. “So, Mike told you about us. How are you holding up?”

I stared back at her, a whirlwind of emotions churning within me. “Honestly, it’s a lot to process. I never could’ve imagined, and now…skunks.” I shook my head in disbelief.

Linda tilted her head, her expression softening. “Take your time, Jake. It might be overwhelming now, but you’ll find that our community is tight-knit and supportive. And quite unlike any other.”

“Thank you, Linda,” I murmured, feeling a bit more at ease. The night had taken an unexpected turn, and I realized there was much more to the people around me. Did I really know them?

Linda turned to Mike before looking back at me. “Do you mind if I steal Mike for just a few moments? I want to get his input on a legal business matter.”

I shook my head. “I don’t mind.”

Mike squeezed my hand before letting go. “I’ll be right back.”

The music's gentle rhythm filled the air, a soothing contrast to the earlier revelations. I took a moment to scan the bustling boardwalk patio. A couple was dancing in one corner, a group of friends laughing at a shared joke, and a family with kids clapping to the beat of the music. The Pavilion had its own magic at night, a haven of gentle lights and joy.

A soft glow illuminated our table as Tim returned, placing our drinks with practiced ease. The golden liquid in Mike's beer reflected the twinkle lights, and my wine sparkled with a deep ruby hue.

"I'll return for your dinner orders when Mike gets back," Tim assured, his smile warm and inviting. And with a swift pivot, he blended back into the restaurant’s activity.

I sipped my wine, letting the music wash over me, its mellow tones inviting me to sway in place. Just as I began to get lost in the melody, a shadow fell across the table. My gaze was pulled up to see Dominic sliding smoothly into Mike’s seat. His chiseled jaw, high cheekbones, and piercing green eyes could make anyone’s heart race. But those very eyes had an edge that always put me on guard.

---