His Arrogant Human Mate novel Chapter 40

I put a hand on her lower back to guide her towards the small restaurant. It appeared small, at least, but inside it opened up into a beautiful, dimly lit dining hall. There were booth seats lining the walls with small tables in the middle of the room, all of the chairs were upholstered with dark, blood red fabric and structured with a black wood. The floors were even a dark marble, with golden accents and streaks through it.

"Reservation for two, under-"

"Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, please follow me," the hostess interrupted, smiling brightly. All of the staff had on white button up tops with black pencil skirts or slacks, but you could tell that the managers and other higher ups apart by their red button ups.

Caroline was giving me a slight scowl. "Mrs. Hughes?" she repeated.

I moved my hand to rest at her waist, shrugging. "It's only a reservation, Caroline. Relax."

The hostess held a couple menus to her chest as she guided us towards our seats. Just as I had asked, we were in the farthest booth in the quietest corner. I helped Caroline into her seat first, then took mine beside her. Our menus were dispersed and I requested a bottle of wine.

"Which would you prefer?" the hostess tested before listing off about half a dozen.

I gave Caroline a small smile, sizing her up to guess what kind she would like. "Surprise us," I answered. Caroline also ordered a Dr. Pepper and a glass of water, then we were left alone again.

"Dominic, I'm not twenty-one," she whispered.

With a laugh, I shrugged. "What does it matter? And as if you haven't ever drank alcohol before."

"I have. I won't deny it. I have had drinks before, but I don't do it in public where I could get in trouble. You would too, especially for giving it to someone who is underage."

I playfully nudged her side. "Live a little with me, Caroline."

"Thanks," I said dryly.

Nina saw me and beamed. She had ombré hair that went from black to a maple brown color, and it bounced as she strolled towards me. "Caroline, I've heard so much about you! It's a pleasure to meet. I can't wait to have some girl talk and-"

I scoffed, cutting her off with a roll of my eyes. Her face fell slightly, but she was still holding it together when I slipped past her towards the stairs. "I'll be in my room," I told Dominic as I passed him. He gave me a pleading look, but didn't say anything. He had no right to, not when he promised me that I wouldn't be meeting her.

Maybe I was being bitter and cruel. But I don't do "girl talk" or shopping. I'd kept up hope that she wasn't like the girls in my old pack, but it was obvious she was.

"Nina, don't take that to heart. My last beta and his mate were really close to her, so she's struggling with the shift. Give her some time, please."

"Do you mean the-" And then she used the f-word for homosexual men. Towards Alfie and Andrew. Dominic went silent, but I could feel the air around us become thick with tension. Dominic could hold himself together at a time like this, but no one said something like that to anyone, let alone my best friend.