---Elaine---
Carla somehow managed to get herself invited to dinner, and of course she ended up planted right beside Kave. On his other side sat me, his mate, trying to appear composed while irritation bubbled beneath my skin. As he entered the dining room, he leaned over and pressed a quick peck on my cheek, and my heart fluttered despite myself. But then, when Carla stood there staring at him expectantly, Kave absentmindedly pulled out a chair for her.
I had to roll my eyes. Really? He could be so completely clueless sometimes. I tugged my own chair in and sat down without help, perfectly capable of managing myself, thank you very much. I wasn’t some helpless damsel who needed rescuing.
Kave, of course, seemed oblivious to the tension simmering between Carla and me. He asked politely
