Soren
He’d told himself he’d stay away, but it was like a car accident, you couldn’t help but slow down to watch or a sore tooth you can’t help but prod. At first, he’d sat down the street on a park bench. He could see into the cafe through the large lit up windows. But as the traffic picked up, it got harder and harder to see. Next, he’d hidden in the store directly across the street watching through the window front, but that became impossible as people stopped to talk to him or got in the way of his sight by window shopping. Didn’t the assholes know they were blocking his view?
Now he’d fallen so far as to hiding in the alcove of the bathroom inside the cafe and watching without being seen. He felt like an idiot, at least Pixie didn’t give him crap about it. That was something. He just needed to make sure Sypher and the others didn’t see him too. They’d never let him live it down if they did. Plus, it could be considered stalking.
“What are we doing?” Sypher whispered in his ear, making Soren jump and spin around to face his Alpha.
“How in the hell did you sneak up on me?”
“The more important question is why you are hiding here and why you don’t give in and join us for some coffee or dessert or something.”
“No. You know I can’t do that. Stop pushing for something I can’t give. Besides look at him, he’s doing great. He’s having fun. He doesn’t need me.”
Sypher let out a long breath, “You keep telling yourself that.”
Soren watched as he left him to go back to the table where Slate, Cade and Baine were laughing and having a great time. Part of him was jealous as hell to see his mate so happy, but for the most part he was just relieved to see him smile.
“Sypher, will you walk me back to my hotel. I need to discuss something with you please. Daegan, you of course are welcome to come.” Gerri announced loudly as she stood. “Boys I’ve had a wonderful time and I will be seeing you all again soon I promise.”
Soren jumped back so the matchmaker wouldn’t see him lurking, but it was too late. She was already marching his way. She narrowed her eyes at him with an evil smirk of triumph. “That went better than I expected. I think Cade is perfect and Baine, well something tells me he’ll have his heart soon enough. Slate on the other hand is going to be a bit of a challenge, but no worries I’m up for it. Sypher, I need to meet more of your pack while I’m here so I can find more matches.”
“No problem.” Sypher said as he held open the cafe door and escorted her out.
Soren didn’t care to listen to any more of their conversation even if he could. Her comments about Baine finding his heart was destroying his. He glanced around the corner to make sure the three men were still sitting there engrossed in conversation before he pulled a chair over to sit on. At his angle he could be comfortable, keep an eye on them and still be hidden by the cafe counter.
It took all he had not to storm over to the table and yank them apart as he watched the three of them laugh and touch each other. It wasn’t sexual, but it didn’t matter. They were getting too friendly with his mate and it was driving him and his gargoyle insane with jealousy. If Cade winked at Baine one more time, the man was going to lose an eye. Slate was in jeopardy of having his arm ripped out of its socket and being beaten with it if he put it around Baine’s chair one more time. Innocent my ass, they were flirting with his mate and earning themselves one hell of a beating over it.
As time passed he worked to control his temper, but it was getting harder and harder. Especially when he could see the exhaustion weighing on Baine, he was still laughing and having a good time. But if you knew him well enough you could see the tightness around his eyes, the way he’d scan the room looking for threats. He was pushing himself too hard.
“Hey Pixie. Can you do me a favor please?”
“Sure, hun. What’s up?” She asked quietly so she didn’t draw attention to him cowering in the corner. “I already promised I wouldn't say anything about your spying habits.”
“It’s not that. I trust you.” Soren pulled out a ten-dollar bill and passed it to her. “Can you get Baine a slice of your chocolate cake and maybe hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. He’s starting to …. He needs a pick me up….” He trailed off with a bashful shrug.
“Sure, I can do that.” She paused before leaning closer and whispering, “And for the record I think this is the sweetest and creepiest thing I’ve seen at the same time. It’s only because I know you and why you’re doing it that I’m not throwing you out and telling him what’s going on.”
He didn’t reply, he wasn’t sure what he could say to her words. He had his reasons and that’s all that mattered. She wouldn’t understand.
“He’s going to ask questions, what do you want me to say?”
“Just tell him he looked like he could use the pick me up, especially since he had such a hard day. That it’s comfort food and to take it and enjoy.”
“So, it’s not because the little green monster called jealousy has sunk its teeth into you and you’re wanting to stake your claim, even if you won’t do it for real. Sounds like a cop out to me, but to each their own. I’ll take it over and give them all your message.”
He glared at her as she laughed, nodded and move to the back to prepare the items. Within moments she was carrying them both to the table and setting them down in front of him. He couldn’t hear their words, but he could see him blush and glance around the room and street outside.