Chapter 31 Faye #2
I swing my head up and down in response. You can’t get any better than a big, comforting bowl of carbs, right? He comes around the candle-lit table to pull a chair out for me. I’m flattered to see how much effort he’s made. This definitely beats any restaurant in Forestville.
“I guess chivalry isn’t dead,” I joke, taking a seat.
“Not when I’m around,” he replies seriously. “What would you like to drink? I have some red wine or sparkling grape juice?”
“Maybe a little of both?”
“This is a special bottle.” He pours the wine first. “I don’t know a lot about wine, but Ren’s a connoisseur, and he says it pairs well with tomato sauces.
” Cole returns to the pot, spooning out a little sauce to taste.
After licking his lips, he adds an extra crack of black pepper.
“It’s all done.” He grabs two bowls. “Are you hungry?”
“Starving.” I’m practically salivating from the rich smell filling the room.
“This is the first time a guy has ever cooked for me,” I say as he serves up the steaming pasta.
“You’d better get used to it.” Cole takes the seat opposite me. “Although we tend to eat out most of the time. When we leave SVU, we’ll probably hire a private chef. We have one over the holidays because we’re so busy.”
“Mmm,” I moan after taking my first bite. “So good.”
Cole’s adorable dimple appears as he smiles proudly. With the candles casting a warm glow over his features, he’s even more gorgeous.
“So where do you guys spend the holidays?” I ask, remembering that the purpose of tonight is getting to know each other, not drooling over him.
“For the past few years, we’ve spent most of our time in Saltwave Bay, close to the Maverick’s house.” He takes a sip of his juice. “I invested in real estate with some of my trust fund, so I have apartments and houses all over that we sometimes stay in too.”
Wow, I can’t imagine having so many options.
“I’m guessing you all lived in Saltwave Bay before coming to SVU then?”
He nods. “We’ve always liked spending time with Laz’s family, and I try to stay as far away from mine as possible.”
“So…” I sip my wine, daring to ask a question about the future. “Is that where you’d like to live after graduating?”
“That was the plan,” Cole says. “But we haven’t fully decided yet. If our pack was to expand, we’d discuss it as a group. We’d never force anyone to live somewhere they’d be uncomfortable.” He studies me intently. “Have you given any thoughts on where you’d like to live after college?”
“I haven’t really considered it,” I admit.
“Clover Hollow is great. It’s all I know, but it’s small.
I came here to start a new adventure, to see more of the world.
” I drain my glass and pour myself another.
“I know you guys are graduating this year, and I definitely want to finish my studies. Is that … going to be a problem?”
“Absolutely not.” Cole puts his fork down.
“We would never expect you to give up on your dreams for us. We’d support you getting your degree.
Laz can work anywhere with his graphic design business, Ren will always find a new course to study and could stay on as a TA.
I’ve had a few offers for graduate positions, but I’d be happy to stay here, if that’s what you wanted. ”
“Really?” I’m dumbstruck. Judging by how quick he was to answer, it’s clear that he and the guys have already had this conversation. “You’d stay here for me?”
“Of course,” Cole replies like it isn’t even a question. “Our number one priority is your happiness.”
“But what about your job offers?” I chew my lip. “I hate the thought of you having to give something up for me.”
“There’ll be other jobs.” He shrugs, unfazed. “It’s not like I need the money. I could study something else or start my own firm. What matters most to me—to us—is you. We’re serious about making this work.”
I’m overwhelmed with a slew of emotions, not used to being the center of someone’s world. I don’t know how to handle it, so I turn my attention back to the food.
“The guys were right about your Bolognese.” I slurp up a strand of spaghetti in a very unladylike fashion. “This is delicious.”
“I’m glad you like it.” The grin he gives me makes me feel all fuzzy. “So tell me more about why you chose to study health botany.”
The conversation continues to flow as we enjoy our meal.
Opening up to Cole is easy. He’s a good listener, pays careful attention to what I say, and asks questions about the finer details.
He was fascinated to hear about some of the tasks I did in Blooming Brew.
I didn’t think it was particularly interesting, but he was enthralled when I told him about herb collecting and how the change of seasons can influence their properties.
I also told him about Gram’s work for Omega Unite.
He’s the first person I’ve told about this part of my life.
“Wow, your gram is a total badass omega activist?”
“Pretty much!” I nod proudly. “She started her crusade after my mom died, and the momentum kept building. It’s hard for her to run everything from Clover Hollow, but the internet has made it easier.
There are Omega Unite groups all over the country.
She vets everyone who runs them, and they all report back to her. ”
“She sounds like a strong woman.”
“She is.” My heart warms, thinking of her. “She’s my inspiration.”
“I’d love to meet her.”
I smile wryly. The truth is, I’m not sure how Gram will react to the Silverwood Pack. While she knows not all alphas are evil, she’s naturally wary and fiercely protective.
“Sorry, I’m speaking too much about myself.” I glaze over it. “I’d love to know more about you.”
“I could listen to you talk all day.” He’s quick to reply. “But you can ask me anything. What would you like to know?”
“What was your home like growing up?” Stuffed, I lean back in my chair. “From what you’ve said before, I know you don’t get along with your dad.”
“My dad’s the stereotypical cold-hearted businessman with ruthless instincts.
He comes from a long line of powerful alphas, so he’s spent his life trying to prove his worth.
” Cole scowls down at the table. “He works all the time. When I wasn’t at boarding school, he’d send me to summer camps or hire nannies to take care of me. ”
“That sounds kinda lonely.”
“Actually, I preferred school to being at home. Being around my dad long enough would make anyone feel like there’s something wrong with them. Nothing is ever good enough for him.”
“Are your parents separated?” I ask cautiously. Cole’s mentioned his missing half-sister before, but I’ve never heard him mention his mom
“I’ve never known my mother.” He pushes his empty bowl away from him. “All I know is that she gave Dad a baby then left. He insisted on keeping me to carry on the bloodline. I tried tracking her down when I was a teenager, but she clearly didn’t want to be found.”
“Couldn’t your father have helped you?” I query. “He has money and influence.”
“He could have, but he’s probably the reason she can’t be found. He probably gave her enough money to disappear forever. I don’t blame her, I only wish she took me with her.” A wistful breath puffs past his lips. “I used to feel like something was missing without her, but now I have my own family.”
Cole stands to clear the table.
“Let me help tidy up.” I get up too. “You cooked. It’s the least I can do.”
He pauses with his bowl in his hand, his mouth a harsh line, telling he doesn’t want my assistance. I just purse my lips and glare back at him until he smirks.
“Okay, but just put it all in the dishwasher,” he relents. A dishwasher is a luxury I’m not used to. “We could hang out and watch a movie? I’m sorry if you were expecting more.”
“Not at all!” I hope I sound reassuring. “Honestly, I’m more of a homebody anyway.”
After cleaning, we migrate to the sofa where Cole lets me pick the movie.
I decide to push him out of his comfort zone by choosing a romance.
It’s a cheesy one with a predictable plot about an omega who fights her attraction to a pack.
Cole rolls his eyes through most of it, declaring it unrealistic and picking apart the plot while we drink more wine.
When the movie reaches its crescendo, the point where the pack finally comes to bond, the atmosphere in the room intensifies.
With Cole’s arm casually draped over the back of the sofa, I become hyperaware of how close we are. The temperature in the room seems to rise as we watch the actors on the screen and the main characters teeth grazing the love interests neck.
“Would you like a bond mark?” I ask, feeling braver thanks to the wine I had.
Bonding happens when an alpha bites an omega.
It’s common practice for an omega’s bond mark to be on display, to ward off rival alphas.
Many alphas also choose to have their omega bite them in return, as a symbolic gesture of their commitment.
Some prefer to leave their marks in private places, where no one can see—especially alphas who are afraid of looking, “omega whipped”—but many like to wear them somewhere more prominent for the entire world to see.
“Yes, and if you decide to bite me, I’ll wear that mark proudly.” It’s hard not to squirm when his smoldering gaze drops to my mouth. “I’d want everyone to know that I’m yours. And we’ll only bond, if and when, you’re ready. You bite first. Always.”
“You’d want me to…?” I swallow past the thick lump obstructing my airway. “Bite first? I thought that because an alpha’s bite sealed the bond, you’d want to go first.”
“You’re in control, little omega.” Cole links our fingers. “Always.”