Chapter 110

Chapter 0110

Rik walks up, smiling at my expression. I’m sure I look like I am in awe, and I am. It’s beautiful. He takes my hand and walks us inside. I’m surprised and happy to see Tamara at the hostess stand.

She smiles as we walk in. “Alpha, Lu…Cara, welcome to Ethereal.”

“Tamara.” I smile at her. “It’s so good to see you again.”

She smiles at me and gives Rik an apologetic look. I wonder what that’s about.

“Please, follow me.” She says and leads us to a private booth in the back. As we walk through, I notice that the restaurant, which wasn’t exactly loud to begin with, goes silent as diners watch us pass. Everyone nods their head in deference.

to Rik.

We are seated in a semi–circular booth giving us the ability to sit side by side and also look out over the surrounding forest. “If you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to let me know.” Tamara says as she hands us our menus.

Rik takes my hand in his as we begin to look over our menus. “Is it always like that for you?” I ask, never having spent time with Rik in public like this.

He turns to me. “Like what?” He asks.

“Like it was when we walked in here. Everyone getting quiet and watching you walk by.”

He shrugs. “I think it was for both of us, not just me.”

I scoff. “Why would people show deference to me?”

He looks at me as if I’m missing something important. “You’re a Guardian.” He says as if it’s obvious.

“But…” I’m cut off as our waitress comes over. “Alpha.” She says and while she gives me the barest of looks, just enough to not be considered rude, she makes a point of looking Rik up and down, practically salivating over him. Yes, he looks. gorgeous, but really, he’s on a date and you’re working. Have some respect.

I feel Artemis push forward. She’s feeling disrespected too and wants to put this she–wolf in her place. But before I can say anything, Rik looks up, giving her a brief glance and smile. “Hey Jessica.”

He turns to me. “Do

“Sure.”

you want wine?”

“I say. He turns back to the wine menu. “Red, right?” He asks me..

SONCES–C

“Do you drink red?” I ask, because I honestly don’t know.

He turns and smiles at me. “I do tonight.”

“Rik…” I start to tell him not to order it if he doesn’t drink it, but it’s too late.

He looks at Jessica and orders a bottle of red for us and water as well. She gives him what I assume is her best, seductive smile. He doesn’t seem to notice as he turns back to me. I see her smile slip a little as she turns to go get our wine.

It’s like there is no one else in the world for Rik, except me. It’s heady, and I feel myself getting sucked into the Rik vortex.

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