Page 48 of Blood Pearl

“What is it? Are you ok?” I step toward him and he stares at me with eyes that huge and round, like an owl’s.

“Alpha Aurora. I don’t know what to say. You are nothing short of a vision of beauty. Forgive my forthrightness. I have always thought you attractive, but tonight you are simply stunning.” Without a thought, I give a twirl and a small curtsey.

“Why thank you. You look extremely handsome yourself. The suit is tailored to fit, is it not?” His suit does indeed fit in all the correct places and accentuates his physique perfectly.

“It was when it was made. It is far from new, I’m afraid. Can I get you a drink? I forgot my manners there for a moment.”

“Ha. It must be the day for it. I was reminded of mine today. I’ll have a white wine, please.” Before I know it, the wine waiter appears from the corner of the room and offers me a glass of chilled white wine from a tray. I hadn’t even seen him there.

Sitting at the table, Gerry having held my chair before the waiter had even thought to do it, we began looking over the menu that Ivy had provided. Gerry was transfixed by the dishes on offer.

“I don’t know where to start. It all sounds amazing.”

Smiling at his indecision, I decide to put him out of his misery. “Gerry, you don’t have to choose. It’s a fixed menu. Cook Ivy has prepared everything on the menu. You get to have it all. You don’t have to choose and you don’t have to miss out on anything, either.”

Seeing realization dawn, his grin takes on mammoth proportions. His eyes take on his owl impression again, and I wonder how many females can say that their main competition is food.

“You have a smile going on that suggests you’ve just thought of something. What are you thinking?”

“You had the same look on your face when you looked at the menu just now, as when I walked into the room.”

“And you’re wondering which I would rather devour?” He laughs aloud, and it is a deep, hearty laugh. The kind that has you laughing along with him and not realizing it.

“That was certainly NOT what I was thinking. I did wonder how many females had to compete with food.”

The first starter arrives and thankfully ends that line of conversation.

“Alpha Aurora, may I ask a personal question?”

“Gerry, I think in private, we are past the ‘Alpha’ or ‘Council Warrior’ titles, don’t you? And yes, you may ask. You may not get or like the answer, though.”

“Would you take a chosen mate, Aurora?” The question shouldn’t bother me, but it catches me off guard somewhat, I have to admit.

“I had my fated mate. He was attacked and killed by rogues when Taria was a pup. He was an excellent mate and would have made a wonderful father. Later, the Goddess gave me a second chance mate. You already know how that went. It has to beg the question, should I have a mate, ever? I don’t know if I would have the courage to take a chosen mate with my track record.” Placing my knife and fork on my empty plate, I take a few deep breaths and I regain my composure. I have told few people of this, but never experienced the sense of loss while telling Gerry. It was very much more personal, almost intimate.

“And you, Gerry? Would you take a chosen mate?” I rest my elbows on the edge of the table and rest my chin in my hands while studying his features.

“Without a second thought. For the right person, I feel I have so much to give. The feeling of a mate to share life with is something that I would give my right arm for. It would have to be soon, though. Flint has asked me to become a Council member. That would hinder my life with a mate. I have to give all or nothing, and I fear being a member of the Council would take too much of me.” He has a faraway look in his eye as he relates this.

“So. What did you think of the game pie? It’s my all-time personal favorite, hence why cook Ivy put it on the menu.”

Laughing with that deep, glorious laugh, he raises his glass. “To the game pie! Enough of deep and meaningful conversation. Back to the food!”

Finishing the meal and after a last glass to end the evening, we take our leave. Undressing in my bedroom, I have to admit to myself that I haven’t felt this relaxed and ‘comfortable’ in a long time.

And, damn it, Raina was right about the dress. It’s been too long since I felt so feminine.

Chapter 26

GERRY

This morning I feel better than I have in years. I can only describe it as rejuvenated. Ten years younger doesn’t do it justice. I’m up, showered, dressed and in the dining area waiting for the food to be brought to the serving area. Cook Ivy has been out once to check if everything is ready for the food to be served, and I complimented her on everything she had prepared for last night's meal. I was being completely honest when I said that I had never enjoyed any meal as much as I enjoyed the one she had put together. Every dish complimented the one that followed. I have to agree with Alpha Aurora too. The game pie was to die for.

Having eaten a breakfast that would have suited two warriors, I head back to my room. I need to contact Flint and discuss the events surrounding Eve Planter's suicide. He has my written report, but I glossed over certain points that need not be ‘common knowledge’ among the Council.

Making the call from my phone, Flint picks up at the first ring. He must have been expecting my call. “Morning Gerry. How did it go?” There’s to be no pleasantries then. Straight to it.

“Morning, Councilman Flint…”