“Babe, you can just say it’s my favorite cut of beef.”
Bell wondered what the difference was, but fine. “Sure. While you eat your beef, I’ll enjoy their wine selection. Which I also hear is fairly nice.”
Alek reared back, giving him an incredulous glare, “Nice huh? Didn’t you say you’ve been to vineyards in Spain? Switzerland, and Australia.”
“I have. But, you can’t judge a winery by its location alone. Wick may’ve found us a hidden gem nestled in the heart of… of…” Bell frowned. “Where are we going, Covell?”
“Whitefield, my lord,” his driver answered.
“Ah yes. Let’s not be so hasty to discount Whitefield’s wine.”
“Oh the compromises.” Alek laughed lightly then placed a lingering kiss on Bell’s cheek. “I have a feeling there will be a lot of them… my lord.”
Wow, Alek said that so naughtily in his mind that Bell found himself pushing the button to raise the privacy partition before he knew it.
Bell felt something was wrong the moment they’d entered the posh establishment. They’d been shown to a curved booth in the back, farthest from the entrance. At first he thought it was perfect because of the dim lighting and close quarters, but then he noticed the prying glances. Regardless of the glowing recommendation the local winery received, Bell had felt Terrapin would be a safe place where he and Alek could be themselves as it was also owned by a vampire.
Alek was polishing off the last bites of the massive hunk of red meat that’d been placed on the table in front of him, along with four sides of broccoli and two baked potatoes. Bell sat in the curved booth close enough to Alek that their thighs were touching, but they still had enough elbow room.
“Do you know how sexy it is to watch you casually sip that glass of red wine while I eat?” Alek leaned over and whispered into the bend of his neck.
Bell nudged him over, then lifted the lapel of his jacket. “You’re gonna get grease on this.”
“As amazing as you make those suits look, you may have to start dressing a bit more practical until—” Alek sat up, pushing his plate away.
Bell’s heart jumped into his throat at Alek’s concerned scowl. “What is it?”
“Wolf says there’s a crowd gathering outside.”
“I don’t hear any extra voices.” Bell cast his eyes around the room, noticing the way heads darted in the other direction. He inhaled deeply then rubbed his head in frustration, “I can’t hear anything beyond the restaurant, the customers, staff, and the kitchen. But, if there’s a gathering out front, why in the bloody hell didn’t Covell tell me?”
“Yeah, me either.” Alek glanced around at the patrons. “I can only faintly hear what’s near me. And I can only smell you and the food being cooked.”
“Then how do you…?”
“Wolf and Wrath have the super enhanced abilities, remember? They’re telling me.” Alek tapped his temple. He sat up a little higher and uncomfortably adjusted the collar of his dark blue Polo shirt. “Weird, huh? Well, this is the way it has to be.”
Bell hated the miserable look his beloved wore. He had to know by now that Bell loved him and accepted him as his mate. All the complex parts of him. He almost wanted to shake Alek, he was frustrating him so much. He inched closer and took both Alek’s cheeks in his palms. “Weird does not describe my cherished.”
Alek’s sigh of relief caressed his lips. “Bell, I need you to understand. Wolf will react if you are in danger.”
Bell didn’t break their eye contact. “I know. He’s already saved my life, twice, Alek. I know.”
Alek tossed away his cloth napkin. “Okay. That’s good then. I just may not always be able to warn you first. Either one of them can break forward and I—”
“Aleksei.” Bell placed the tip of his finger on Alek’s lips. “I said I know. It may take me some time to catch up, but I’m sure I will. I’m looking forward to learning.”
Alek pressed his lips to his, probing for his tongue, but Bell wasn’t much for excessive displays of public affection. Besides, he was catching little whispers from the diners nearby. Bell tried to calm how warm his body was getting and returned his focus to Alek who still wore a puzzling frown. “Talk to me, Beloved. Tell me what my mates are concerned about,” Bell whispered.
Alek closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Bell felt Alek’s love in his mind. “I’m so grateful for you, Bell.”
Bell nodded, keeping his touch confident while Alek explained.
“Wolf says the people around us have been on edge since we walked in. Nothing bad… but they recognize us. He says the ones that are staring and whispering wear heavy burdens, sorrow.”
“Then maybe we should just go if Wolf is uncomfortable.” Bell reached into his inside jacket pocket and took out his wallet, placing a few hundreds on the table. He wasn’t interested in seeing a bill. He took out his cell and called Covell to bring the car to the door. When his driver answered, sounding half-asleep, Bell thought he’d lose his mind.