Hidden Mate

26

“For this to be a date, you have to ask me.” I needed to be clear that we weren’t on one. “I came here for schoolwork.”

“But you didn’t bring your stuff either.” He motioned to the purse I’d brought.

Dammit, I hadn’t even considered that I needed the backpack. I’d been too wrapped up in seeing him that it hadn’t crossed my mind. “We talked about this.”

“We did,” he agreed. “But every time we’re together, I forget why we shouldn’t try to make this work between us.”

God, those words sounded so damn good. “Then maybe …”

“I know you feel it too. You wouldn’t have come without your backpack otherwise.” He reached across the table, and I placed my hand in his. “I’ve never let anyone in, and it’s scary. But maybe … it’ll be worth it.”

“My dad …” I let his name hang in the air. “He won’t—”

“You’re strong and gorgeous,” he said and leaned across the table, captivating me. “Why don’t we take it slow and see if there’s anything to consider fighting for?”

I should have removed my hand from his, but I couldn’t ignore whatever brimmed between us. “Fine. But just friends.” That’s all I could give him, and even that was a risk.

“I’ll agree to that …” His eyes twinkled. “… for now.”

“All right, here you two go.” Chad set our appetizers and drinks down in front of us. “I’ll go put your to-go orders in now.”

I had too much fun at dinner. We laughed, and Donovan told me stories about his and Axel’s shenanigans growing up. The night felt perfect in every way.

Of course, that was when fate decided to be a b***h.

A sickening sweet smell filled the air and pulled my attention away from him. My eyes landed on a girl with almost translucent skin, dark hair that hit the small of her back, and eyes that were dark and soulless. My bones chilled.

I linked with Roxy. There’s a vamp here.

She stood in the hallway, surveying the area like she was on the prowl. She was looking for trouble, and I was the only other supernatural here.

Do you think it’s the one we’re after? Roxy paused. Wait … you’re still at the restaurant with him?

Waiting on your steaks. It was a good thing she wasn’t around to catch my lie. Yes, I was waiting on the steaks, but that wasn’t why I’d stayed so long. Ask Egan if her skin was so translucent it glowed?

Chad hurried past her toward us with the steaks I’d ordered to go. He set them down on the table. “Here you go. You two are set.”

“Uh …” I focused on the waiter. “I haven’t paid yet.”

“He took care of it,” Chad said and gestured at Donovan. “Dude, you gotta get better at this.”

“You paid for the steaks to go?” The fact he was short on cash and had still done this both upset and flattered me.

“Okay, this is awkward, so I’m going to go.” Chad saluted me. “It was nice meeting you.”

“It’s no big deal.” Donovan shrugged. “Besides, I was a d**k to you, especially about your eating habits. Consider this my big apology.”

“Not again.” I couldn’t be mad at him, but I didn’t want to take advantage of him. “But thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he said tenderly.

He said yes. Roxy connected back with me. That’s what stuck out in his mind as odd.

Then it’s her. I should have been relieved I’d found her, but not here and not now. Not with Donovan. I’m at Haynes Steakhouse.

We’re already in Egan’s car and heading that way.

“Hey, you,” the vampire cooed at Chad. “I’m having car problems, and I was hoping I could use a phone in here or something. There wasn’t anyone at the front, and you’re the first person I’ve come across.”

The rotten stench wafted off her, hitting me hard several tables away. She was lying.

“Sure, let me go look at your car.” Chad grinned. “I’m on break now anyway.”

“It’s behind the restaurant.” She motioned toward the back exit.

“Oh, okay.” He huffed. “They won’t let us go out back, though. We’ll have to walk around from the front.”

“That works,” she purred and strolled to the front of the restaurant with Chad following dutifully behind.

I jumped to my feet, refusing to let Chad out of my sight. “Let’s go.”

“Are you okay?” Donovan grabbed the bag and stood behind me. “You seem upset.”

“Nope.” I glanced at my watch. s**t, time had flown with him. It was eight-thirty, and I was supposed to be at the game, which meant it was getting dark outside. “I’m just late meeting up with my friends.” I didn’t waste time hurrying to catch up with the two of them.

“It’s odd that June isn’t up here.” Donovan scanned the hostess desk. “She’s not supposed to disappear without someone covering for her.”

The doorman turned our way. “Yeah, I went to the bathroom and when I came back she was gone.”

My stomach revolted. Maybe I’d caught her scent too late. Could she have feasted on the girl? The thought made me walk even faster.

When we got outside, Chad was about to turn the corner with the vampire.

“Chad!” I yelled, desperate to catch his attention before it was too late. I cursed Roxy as I ran toward them in these dumbass high heel shoes. Donovan followed right behind me.

Chad paused and turned around. His forehead creased as he watched me approach. “Do you need something?” Surprise rang in his voice.

“No, I just …” s**t, what did I want? I couldn’t really say, “To save your life.”

The vampire spun around, and she scowled.

A red ring around her pupils indicated she’d recently fed. It had to be June. “Your boss was asking for you back there.”

“What?” He glanced at his watch and looked at Donovan. “Really?”

I hadn’t even considered Donovan might rat me out.

“Yup. Said you didn’t tell him about your break,” I interjected, hoping to God that Donovan would follow my lead.

“s**t, she needed help with her car.” Chad’s shoulders sagged. “I forgot. Do you two mind helping her?”

“No, man.” Donovan sounded a little off, but he was going along with my lie. “We’ve got this.”