Mates Conquer Everything, Right?

There he stands, next to Joe who does not compare to his masculine energy. He is wearing a dark blue suit and looks amazing in it. He is talking to Joe, giving me a wink when he sees me.

Joe gives him a father-like talk and the big Beta is nodding his head and promising him to take me back safely and unharmed.

“Violet, he looks very handsome,” Rose whispers in my ear and I can’t help it and blush. He is handsome. His green eyes meet mine again and a smirk appears. I know he heard us talking.

“He is also a bit arrogant,” I whisper back to Rose and catch Igétas looking unsure. I step away from Rose and decide I am going to rescue him. Joe is raising his hand and pointing a finger at him and says, “If she wants to go home, you take her home. Don’t even think about…” I cut him off.

“That is enough Joe, I think you scared the big bad wolf a bit too much.”

I take Igétas hand and get the fuzzy warm feeling that I missed the whole day. He squeezes gently and stares deeply in my eyes.

“Let the young man go, Josef, let them have some fun.” Rose also enters the kitchen and Joe lets his shoulders relax.

“Okay, I’ll back off. Have a fun night sweetheart.” He hugs me goodbye and Rose follows.

Outside I see a nice, very nice, black car. That is as far as my car knowledge goes. Like the gentleman he is, he opens the passenger door for me, and I take a seat. As soon as my door closes, the door on the driver’s side opens. I look swiftly and watch Igétas entering the vehicle.

“Are you excited?” he asks and starts to drive.

“I am, where are we going?”

“Well, I can tell you if you don’t like surprises.” I look at him and can’t help but smile.

“I am not the type that likes surprises.” His eyes meet mine and he smiles back.

“Looks like we are getting to know each other already.”

He looks back at the road and doesn’t answer my question. “You aren’t going to tell me?”

“Maybe, but what do I get if I tell you?” He smirks, and I like his playful side.

I smile seductively and blink my eyes when he swiftly looks at me.

“Igétas, what do you want from me?” I whisper and lean in, hearing the engine growl. Watching the road, I see that we are entering a village.

“Violet, I like you very much and I like your playful side...”

Wait, that was what I was thinking a moment ago.

“But I don’t want to crash, so stop the little seductive thing you’re doing. Vasil is running around in my head and I need to concentrate on the road.” He is sounding stern.

I like this game. Maybe it is a little dangerous, but I trust him not to hit a tree. “Well if you tell me, I’ll give you your concentration back.”

He growls and says the words: “miniature golf and dinner.”

I lean back and smile satisfied with my accomplishment.

“Don’t be so content with yourself missy. Two can play that game.” He says while staring at the road ahead. “For now, you have your little win.”

It surprises me how easily we can communicate. It must be the mating bond. Tonight he will explain it to me. I can not wait.

“Don’t be sad, I know you will beat me with the miniature golf, so you can have your revenge.”

“I wasn’t planning to play against you,” he said.

“What do you mean? Aren’t we keeping score?”

“We are, but because this is our first date I didn’t think it was a good idea to do an activity that might drive us apart. So I asked Oliver and Ela to play with us.” He isn’t sounding like he wants them to join us.

“I mean, two more people can be helpful to make the competition fun.” I don’t know if he is trying to convince himself or me. Something in me tells me that it isn’t the reason why they are coming along. I stay quiet.

“You like Oliver and Ela, right?”

I see the trees flying by and try not to think about what Logan and Ethan told me.

“You… Do you want me to tell them not to come?” Igétas asks, unsure.

“No, I just thought that... This is our first date and…” I am unsure on how to start. “We don’t need conversation starters. Just being with you without any activity is enough.” I don’t see how he reacts.

We drive another ten minutes and he isn’t trying to talk to me. Did I mess up our date? I want his playful side back. I want him to be more open to me. Suddenly he is so tight-lipped. It isn’t sitting right with me.

“So, are we going to kick some Gamma ass?” I ask and he laughs.

“Yes, we are. There it is.” He is pointing to a restaurant with a little park attached to it.

He lets me out of the car, then he parks. Oliver and Ela are already waiting at the cash register, smiling at me. Ela pulls me in for a hug and almost takes my breath away.

“Careful,” I hear Oliver say, “Purple is very fragile and you are crushing her.”

“Oh true, I am so sorry!” Ela’s eyes are wide open when she releases me.

“It’s okay, I am not that delicate.”

“Yes you are,” Oliver says and picks me up in a hug.

I hear a low snarl behind me. Sounds like someone just parked the car.

I roll my eyes at the two of them as an apology, but they don’t look surprised. A large arm covers my waist, and Igétas is standing left of me.

Oliver and Ela don’t greet Igétas as a friend. Weren’t they friends? Why are they here if they aren’t friends?

“Well, let’s play!” I say, trying to sound excited. The wolves are nodding, and Igétas pays for us.

Oliver is taking in the surroundings and Ela is staring, shamelessly looking at people’s faces. Now I know that my earlier suspicion is true.

They are on guard duty.