Ready For Love?

Chapter 30

I looked at Beast and couldn’t stop my eyes from rolling… which I probably shouldn’t do at such a scary man.

“She’s already got a seat. Stop making trouble.” Viking surprised me by cutting in and pointing to the seat between him and Trigger.

“But I wanted to introduce her to our own Bear.” Beast had a full-blown smile before making a show of motioning to the man next to him.

Damn! The guy was a mac truck of a man, not a Bear. He had long dark brown hair pulled back into a messy ponytail, long brown beard with some gray starting to show and a beer belly to go with his large arms and legs.

“Well, it’s lovely to meet you Bear.” I nodded to him as Viking pulled out my chair and Trigger did the same for Fire.

“You too darlin. Heard a lot about ya.”

I smiled politely, looking away from what definitely was more of a predatory smile than a polite one and quickly sat down next to Viking. Thank you, Viking!

“Get her a drink.” Beast called out.

I had no idea who he was talking to as I wasn't looking until Telula, one of the bunnies that was helping tonight, appeared next to me and asked what I would like to drink.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that.” I gave her a warm smile and was about to get up to get my own.

“Yeah, she does.” I heard Beast and instantly narrowed my eyes on him, all intimidation out the window.

“Are you paying her or have any right to order her around? And I can’t remember you saying please or using any manners. Do you really think it’s alright to speak to a woman like that?” I stupidly kept his stare.

Damn, my over-protective nature and dumb mouth had lost control and was letting loose... but I didn't let my stare waver, refusing to back down. When you do something dumb you can either go with it or run.

The longer I kept his gaze, the more I asked myself why wasn’t I backing down again? Because, I’m an i***t, that's why. Reid has given me some sort of stupidity through his d**k.

Seems me getting some s*x means I've turned into an i***t who doesn't keep her mouth shut to scary bikers.

Bear bellowed out with laughter as Beast smirked. “Pleeaasssee.” Before he put some money on the table.

I gave him a gracious smile and finally got my neck and eyes working and looked away after saying, “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

He may not have given a full-sentence apology to Telula, but I knew that was the best we were going to get... and my nerves were already frayed and ready to hide in a dark corner.

I looked up at Telula, who looked like she had seen a ghost. “Just a lemonade would be good if that’s alright.” She nodded. “Thank you greatly.”

She then looked at Fire, who ordered some whiskey drink. She was quickly reminded she couldn’t on her meds, so she changed it to a lemonade with a huff.

Yep... remember she had the s**t beaten out of her yesterday. But you wouldn't know if it wasn't for the horrible bruising. NOTHING slowed this girl down. Bruising of the ribs? What bruising of the ribs?

Telula thanked Beast for the money but said she was happy to do it without being paid.

Beast looked me in the eye, because I was stupid enough to look back at him. “Please. I insist.”

I really wanted to roll my eyes at that, but this time made my i***t recede.

Telula thanked him profusely and grabbed the money before scurrying as fast as she could in her heels to the bar.

“I like you more and more… Mama Bear.” Damn it!

“Yeah, well remember she’s claimed, so get in line.” Fire shot back before taking a bite of her food.

“Oh, I am. I’m very much in line.” I didn’t know what to do or say to that, so shovelled some food in my mouth. “Oh, and Mama Bear. Thanks for making the meat pies. They were as good as I expected.” He quirked an eyebrow, still with that stupid smirk and I was not going to let my mind tell me that could be a double entendre.

“You really can’t help yourself, can you?” And my i***t mouth was off again. More food needs to be shoved into it to shut it up.

And it didn't help that I hadn’t missed all the eyes on our conversation. I mean like nearly every pair of eyes in the room… or how quiet the place was now.

I just concentrated on my food as Fire started talking about tomorrow’s menu, oblivious or not giving a s**t about everyone looking at us.

I gave her a few other ideas as well about what’s quick and easy and normally a hit. “My kids love tacos as well. So maybe do like a taco stand where everyone assembles themselves. You put it all out and have the shells, or wraps or soft boat things already cooked and kept warm.”

“Oh, and even different mixes to put in them. So they can choose like a spicy chicken mix,” She added with excitement.

"Exactly. Have like four different meats they can choose from."

It was good to see so many more families here tonight. Every table and even all the couches were taken up, and I saw that they even brought in some of the external ones.

Actually, they should even think about opening up that outside area out back for nice nights. So inside and outside so more room... my brain instantly going to all the possibilities like it always does.

I love that about my job at the wedding venue. The manager, wedding coordinators and I sometimes sit there throwing around ideas for what the brides might want, or what might be the next big thing so we get ahead of the game.

It's worked so well that we are normally booked out a year and a half ahead of time and now have a good selection of decorations and different layouts they can get for free or at a low cost.

“That sounds terrible.” A woman in her mid-fifties came over with a plate and sat at our table. “I think…” She started again.

“No one gives a s**t what you think, Darlene. So shhh and let everyone who has half a brain cell work this out. Some of us have tasted the s**t you try and say is food.“ Fire shivered before she pointed her fork at the woman who looked like she was about to blow her top. “So shut your f*****g mouth.”

“Fiirreee.” Trigger growled at her, but it honestly didn’t have much heat to it.

“Taco Tuesday’s always a hit.” Beast just had to put his five cents in.

Fire actually smiled and nodded to Beast whereas Darlene huffed and started eating and feeding Trigger… whether or not he wanted it.

I didn’t bother introducing myself since she didn’t seem that interested in meeting me… and she seemed more of a headache I didn’t want to deal with.

Fire and I quickly finished our food before going into the kitchen. We stopped and said hello quickly to Amy, and everyone at the family tables off to the side. It was good to see the kids liking the food as well. There was only one plate of nuggets. Always a hit for a fussy kid.

The others had done an amazing job of cleaning up the plates and setting up the desserts table ready. They really had a great team going.

I helped them bring all the desserts out. Making sure there was a LOT of ice cream… and all the extras. Fire and I had a ball when we went shopping, getting all the sprinkles and toppings for the ice cream. Seriously, they could do just ice cream Sundays for desserts with the amount of stuff they have.

Viking also found me in the kitchen before we took out the last bit. “Look, I know you can handle Beast, you’ve more than proven that, but I’m happy to step in. Your part of the family, we look after our own.”

One of their own... do they normally give nicknames and call someone they just met one of their own?