Page 140 of Alpha Mates

“Well, in that case …” he sinks back into his seat with a massive smile. “I guess we better make the most of it.”

“I guess we should,” I reply, lifting my menu an inch higher to hide my smile.

The server comes, and we manage to order by mostly pointing at things. Once they’re gone, I sip my water and let my gaze drift around the restaurant.

There’s not a single empty table. The mix of scents is dizzying. I could smell a pair of werewolves, and by the glances they give us, they scent us as well.

This is the world I used to dream of seeing. A world I’d convinced myself I’d never see once I was chosen as alpha. I eventually accepted that the little human town and the inside of our borders was all I’d ever see of the world.

But that was before Aiden.

Before he became mine and part of my life, and showed me that there was so much out there to see, alpha or not. I glance back at him, heartfilling—only to find he’s already looking at me.

“What?” I ask, gingerly setting my cup down.

“Nothing,” he replies, shaking his head. He clears his throat and sits up straighter. “But, Jewels?”

I frown. “Yes?”

“Are we on a date?”

I don’t know why, but the question takes me by surprise. Maybe it’s because I’ve never heard the word uttered in regard to me, but it throws me for a loop. Were we on a date? I don’t even know what one looks like, but I suppose we’re at a fancy restaurant, in some of our nicer clothing, and we’re talking without fighting, so …

“I think so,” I say, because I’m too nervous to say yes.

“Okay, then let’s treat it like one,” Aiden replies, just like that, with no nerves at all as he rests his face in his hands.

I shift in my seat. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, let’s act like we’re on a date. Get to know more about each other and all that stuff.”

“… Okay,” I mumble. “But I’m pretty sure I know everything about you.”

“Not everything,” he says, almost flirtatiously, and that’s enough to hook me. “You have to be nice,” he demands with sudden seriousness.

I roll my eyes.

“See that?” He points a finger. “No attitude. I’d like Nice Julian, please.”

“Fine,” I relent—then add my own demand. “I’ll be nice if you take off your shades.”

That makes Aiden stiffen. “Why?”

“Because right now I’m staring into darkness, and if this is a date I want to stare at you.”

I’m embarrassed by my own honesty, but I ignore it as I stare at Aiden, waiting until he slips the shades from his face. He folds them carefully, sets them on the table, and glances up at me almost hesitantly.

I smile the moment I see him, all of him, and it’s impossible to miss the way he breathes a little easier.

“Okay,” he says, clearing his throat. “Date night starts now.”

I nod, giddy until he adds, “What’s your favourite colour?”

“Really?” My disappointment is obvious.

Aiden gives me that look that saysbe nice.

I sigh. “Fine. White.”