The Alpha’s Fated Phoenix

Wine and Dine

Tyler POV

The ride downtown is uneventful but far from boring as Ivy and Lily chatter between themselves, and I inwardly grin watching the smitten expressions on Derik’s and Austin’s faces as they are soaking up every moment with their mates. Eva is quiet beside me, so I run my fingertips down her arm and watch as she closes her brilliant eyes and unknowingly releases a sigh of contentment before her exterior hardens again. 

I lean to her and gently whisper, “I know you still do not trust me, but please allow yourself to enjoy this night and give me a chance to dote upon you.” I plead.

Eva looks into my eyes for a moment then nods, softening her expression. I rest my hand on her thigh, palm up, and watch as she hesitantly places her hand in mine before I intertwine our fingers and begin stroking my thumb against her ivory hand, enjoying the sparks of our bond flowing through our contact.

The limousine pulls up in front of the Bellagio, the driver gets out and opens the back door for us to exit. I bring my mate’s hand up to my lips and kiss her knuckles before releasing it. I then step out of the limo, and hold my hand out to Eva as she takes it once more and gracefully steps out of the limo. I wrap her hand around my arm, before escorting her inside the Bellagio.

Once Austin and Lily reach us, with Derik and Ivy behind them, I lead everyone towards the elegant steakhouse. Upon arrival, Gloria greets us with a short bow before she guides us through the dining room of deep chocolate brown decorated with delicate Tiffany blue accents. The girls gush over the ocean-themed canvas along the walls, before we step outside onto the garden patio to a round table overlooking the Bellagio fountains with the lit-up replica of the Eiffel Tower of the Paris hotel.

I pull out a chair for Eva, and assist her in taking her seat before I sit to her right, Austin helps Lily into the seat beside Eva, then sits down to her left, with Ivy across from Eva, and Derik to my right. 

“I hope you have a delightful experience.” Gloria says as she hands us our menu before she steps away. 

Our young, male server arrives promptly, filling our water glasses before asking if we would like anything else to drink. 

“We’ll take two bottles of moscato.” Austin orders before the server steps away to give us a chance to review our menus.

“Order anything you like.” I tell Eva as I see her looking at the prices in hesitation. “Tonight is all for your enjoyment.” I add. Everyone discusses the appetizer options and their meal choices before the server returns. He places two bottles of wine on the table, opening one, then pouring into a glass which he offers Austin, who hands it to Lily. 

“Oh yes, this is perfect.” Lily approves, before the server opens the other bottle and pours glasses for each of us.

“Are you ready to place your order?” The server asks politely. 

“Yes, we’d like a few appetizers, the oysters, bacon wrapped shrimp, and crispy salmon sushi.” I begin before adding, “I’d like the bone-in ribeye, medium-rare.” Then I nod to Eva.

“I’ll take the filet mignon, medium-well.” Eva orders, then Lily with the peppercorn New York strip, Austin with the braised short ribs, Ivy with the parmesan crusted chicken, and Derik with the porterhouse. 

Ivy and Lily begin chatting animatedly while Eva sits quietly beside me, I take her hand in mine and begin caressing her palm with my thumb, watching as she visibly relaxes to my touch. Before long our appetizers our brought out.

“Oh my goodness, this sushi is to die for!” Ivy exclaims excitedly. 

“Mmm these oysters are so good.” Lily moans. 

“Be careful with those noises you’re making, mate.” Austin winks to Lily who blushes but smiles at him, before downing another oyster with a moan.

Eva rolls her eyes and shakes her head before she bites into one of the bacon-wrapped shrimp. “Oh my goodness! This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.” She lights up with glee.

“I’m glad you enjoy it.” I smile at her pleasure.

As soon as our appetizers are devoured, our main course arrives. Everyone fawns over their dishes then there is some swapping around of taste-testing before each of us has a little bit of everything on our plates, except Eva who avoided the rare meat cuts that I and Derik ordered, another sign that she’s definitely not a wolf, or any other true carnivore breed. I hope to get her to open up to me, it’s strange to have a mate and not even know what is the other half of her soul.

After our main course is completed, we order every dessert on the menu to share amongst our group. Soon we are digging into an assortment of dishes including warm chocolate cake, blueberry cheesecake, white chocolate creme brûlée, mixed berries topped with whipped cream and drizzled with honey - this one was Eva’s favorite. 

Watching my mate’s eyes light up over the flavors on her tongue has my heart racing, and I find myself having to get a grip over my wolf. Just witnessing the simple pleasures she experiences has me wanting to claim her fully. It’s too soon to release that side of me, however so I fight back the urge to kiss the whipped cream from her perfect lips.  

Once everyone is satisfied with full bellies, the girls stand from the table and watch the fountains while Derik and Austin talk about pack-related concerns. Their voices are drowned out by the overwhelming beauty I’m watching as Eva stands with her hands on the railing of the garden patio as she gazes out over the fountains. I abruptly stand and move gently behind her, placing my hands on either side of hers, on the rails. She doesn’t flinch, and instead leans back against me slightly. After a moment she rests her head back against my chest, and I wrap my arms around her. I notice the other two men have moved to embrace their mates as well as we stand in comfortable silence watching the dancing water. 

Eva leans more heavily against me, “Are you tired, my sweet?” I whisper in her ear to which she nods her head. I kiss the top of her head before announcing that we should take our sleepy mates back home.

I turn and toss a stack of cash on the table before I escort Eva back through the dining room, towards our awaiting limousine. Once we are all seated comfortably inside the limo, I reach down and remove Eva’s heels, and pull her legs over my lap, before I begin to gently massage her soles. Eva rests her head back against the seat and closes her eyes, drifting away to sleep on our ride back to her apartment.