Secretly Mated(20)

Cutting through the lobby, she could see the lights to the dining area were already turned off. She glanced at the clock behind the registration desk. Barely 7pm. Where was everybody?

She tiptoed through the darkened room because it seemed necessary with the nothing-but-moon lighting. It made the place feel quiet and secretive.

The dimmest stream of light shone through the round window of the door that separated the dining area and the kitchen. Doc eased it open, expecting to find the place empty as well.

Instead, she found Owyn.

It took her breath away, knowing he was right there, and remembering the way he’d left her earlier. With the evidence of their secret right out in the open.

He was seated at the counter, a plate in front of him and another plate across. Two settings, complete with wine goblets and cloth napkins. One for him and one for...?

Doc stepped inside and his head jerked around to face her. Quickly, he stood, causing the stool to squeal against the tiled floor.

“I knew you’d be hungry after work,” he rushed out before she could say anything. “Eagan made uh…” He reached up to scratch his ear. “What did he call it? Well, I dunno. It’s chicken with some kind of sauce and it goes on top of the pasta. Said it goes good with this wine.”

The extra setting was for her?

Doc approached as Owyn lifted the lid from the platter and began dishing delicious smelling food onto both plates. Then he came around the counter and pulled her stool out just enough for her to slide on.

“What is this?” she laughed, unable to make herself sit.

Owyn shrugged, pouring her drink. “Just dinner.”

Just dinner? This was all off. He hadn’t been himself since he’d returned from Cedar Valley. She couldn’t help feeling like something bad was coming. Dread worked its way through her chest until she could finally ask the hard question.

“Is something wrong?”

Owyn frowned, taking a drink of his wine before he answered. “No. Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know.” She kept her voice low, nearly a whisper. “You didn’t seem yourself today. And then this. We don’t share dinner. Someone might notice.”

“I don’t give a fuck,” he snapped.

Doc stared at him, trying to understand. “Did something happen with Tana? Or the pack?”

“Yes, but that’s not what this is about.”

“Tell me. Is she okay? Surge? Gracie?” If anything happened to Tana or her family—

“Doc.” His voice was dominant and her cougar jerked to attention. “They’re fine, okay? I just wanted to have dinner with you. Now, please. Sit.” His gaze was unsure even if his tone was commanding.

“They’re really okay?” she asked.

“Yes.”

Doc breathed a sigh of relief, her shoulders sinking. She slid onto the stool, still not sure what this was, but glad it didn’t mean anything bad.

“You had me worried,” she said, taking a sip of her drink. “Where is everybody? The kitchen isn’t usually empty this early.”

“I don’t know. Mason was here earlier, helping Eagan and Bailey clean up.”

Wait…

“Have you been here long?”

His eyes flicked to his plate. “I wasn’t sure when you’d be done and I didn’t want to miss you.”

He’d planned this, even though he knew everyone would see. What did that mean? Doc’s heart pounded as her thoughts ran wild with possibilities.

He’d left his scent on her earlier, and even though her animal reveled in it, she’d brushed it off as a rushed mistake on his part. But he’d known—they’d both known—others would notice.

She didn’t know what to make of this.

“Eat,” he urged.

Doc cut a bite of chicken, twirling it on the fork with some noodles while she tried to calm her nerves. She snuck a glance at Owyn as she took her first bite.

He’d showered and shaved since she’d seen him last, and he was dressed in a fresh t-shirt and jeans. His hat was gone, and she was glad. Normally he wore it so low over his brow, it hid his eyes. Now she could see them clearly.

“Do you remember….” He hesitated, a frown forming between his brows. “Do you remember when you learned we were mates?”

Doc let out a small laugh at the memory. “Of course I remember.”

“It was in a kitchen like this.”

She nodded. “But much, much smaller. Cleaver’s little kitchen was a cracker box compared to Eagan’s.”

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “Wasn’t much space to run, was there?”

Doc laughed full out. “I was so afraid of you back then. If there had been any space I probably would’ve just ricocheted around like a stray bullet until something solid made me stop.”