He was handsome, standing around five foot seven. Silky blond hair with a friendly smile. He was lean, but attractive. Paige glanced at him enjoying his looks until she met his eyes. Her body tensed as she fought to breathe normally. His eyes were slit reminding her of an animal.
“I’ll take a ginger ale as well as a cup of hot cider.” She gave her order with a smile.
“I’ll have the same.”
The waiter nodded. “I will be back for your orders.” He walked away heading towards another table.
“I like the way you handled coming face to face with an unknown entity. I barely picked up on your distress.”
“What is he?”
“He’s a shifter, his kind are more animal than anything else. They seem to prefer the wilderness or areas like this that are not densely populated.”
“How many aliens are there in Newburg?”
“More than you can count. This region seems to draw the alien population. The humans living here are aware of us to a certain extent. As long as we cause them no problems, they leave us alone and pretend we don’t exist. Just the way most of us like it.”
She could understand that, it was live and let live. It was the way she spent most of her life until she met Cal.
“How do they ignore the waiter’s eyes?”
“They can’t see them. You saw them because glamour is no longer working on you. This is also a sign of your talents pushing to the forefront.”
“So I will see all the creepy things I used to be unaware of?”
“I’m afraid so.”
This was definitely a double edged sword. On the one hand, she would know who she was dealing with and if they presented a threat to her, On the other hand, walking through life with blinders on had a certain appeal to it.
Cal reached out to place his hand over hers sending little shock waves through her fingers and up her arms. His smile made her heart flutter.
She was on a date, the kind she dreamed about when she was young with her prince charming. Cal certainly fit the bill with his height, charm, and physique. He was more than sigh worthy.
“Paige, I would like to give you something.” He reached into his pocket. In his hand was a beautiful ring. He took her hand and slipped the ring on her finger.
“It’s beautiful!” The emerald was perfect to her untrained eye. The color, cut, and clarity were divine.
“It was my mother’s ring; she wore two and sent them with us when we came to earth. One for Victor’s soul bond and one for mine. The ring will offer you protection as well as help to increase your talents. It is said part of the essence of the wearer is trapped within the ring. If you ever need help call on my mother.”
“Cal, I can’t take this, it’s a link to your mother.”
“It is and now all three of us are linked. If I haven’t said it yet, I am so glad to have you as my soul bond, as my mate.”
She couldn’t control the smile on her face or the way her heart opened a little more. A warmth flowed through her starting at the ring and covering her body.
“Cal, I am honored to be one with you and humbled that you would trust me with your mother’s ring. You amaze me constantly, thank you.”
She dabbed quickly at her eyes, there was no way she was going to cry.
He reached out and brought her hand to his lips, kissing her palm. “Paige, you will forever be in my heart.”
She wanted to reply in kind, but her throat closed. She cared, but a battle raged on inside of her, caring meant risking her heart and she wasn’t ready.
She curved her lips slightly wrinkling her nose, “Cal, I do believe I more than like you now.”
“You’re not sure?” he said with a twinkle in his eyes.
“I’m sure I more than like you.” She kept a smile plastered to her face as she dealt with her disappointment in the answer. She cared for him deeply. Why couldn’t she force the words out?
“Sounds like progress to me.”
The waiter came back carrying their drinks. “Are you ready to order?”
“I am. Paige, have you decided?”
“I’ll be ready by the time you’re done.”
“I would like a T-bone rare, baked potato lots of butter, as well as a side of broccoli.”
The waiter stared at her with his odd eyes. She refused to flinch under his gaze as she gave her order.
“I’d like filet mignon, medium well with a baked potato and a side of glazed carrots.”
“What type of dressing would you like on your salads?”
“Light Italian.” A pang of guilt touched her before she shook her head determined to enjoy her first date with her soul bond.
“Ranch.”
The waiter left assuring them their food would be ready soon.