Fiona’s Chapter
Fiona:
Exiting my bedroom, I ran a hand down my dress to smooth away the imaginary wrinkles.
I’d taken extra care with my appearance.
I knew everyone had already seen me in my everyday work clothes, so they knew what I looked like most days, but I wanted to look nice.
It wasn’t often that we went out to eat at a great restaurant.
Plus, I wanted to see Keir’s reaction to me all dolled up, even though I shouldn’t care what he thought.
The kisses we shared last night had haunted my sleep and popped into my head at the craziest times today. One was when I was examining bananas and grapes in the produce aisle. My mind went to our kisses, then to a dirty place, causing me to blush and walk away.
My hair was down. I wore subtle makeup. I might not wear much of it to work, but that didn’t mean I didn’t like it or that I didn't wear more on occasion. I even had on heels, which I didn't often wear. They added what I considered a much-needed three inches. I felt tall at five feet five.
The place Brax and the others had picked was a much-recommended, upscale steak-and-seafood restaurant. No surprise on the steak part. We were carnivore shifters. We liked our meat. However, unlike when I let Danu out, I preferred mine cooked medium, not raw.
I made sure my bank card had enough for our meals by transferring funds. It was a constant juggling act in our family with money. But it had been ages since we’d treated ourselves.
Walking up the hall, I thought of missing work for this, making me recall the call I’d received from Jasper around noon to tell me that he’d cover my Saturday, but he was busy on Sunday.
I thanked him profusely for his help. That only left Sunday, and none of the others I’d called were taking it.
I planned to send Daniel a message when we left for the restaurant, so he’d have over a day to cover the shift.
I had no idea what I’d walk into on Monday, but I had already updated my resume this afternoon after I got home from town.
I was making a list of places to send it to tomorrow.
I walked into the living room. That was where I heard everyone’s voices.
Gunnar and Keir volunteered to drive us in Keir’s Expedition.
The others would meet us there. I had a small handbag I used on special occasions.
My good coat was in the closet by the front door.
A whistle brought all the conversation to a halt.
The one who whistled was Gunnar. He gave me a big smile.
“Damn, Fiona, you’re always gorgeous, but you’ve done the impossible and added to it. We'd better make sure we have our weapons at hand and lots of extra ammo.”
I blushed at his compliment and waved it off. “You’re too kind, Gunnar. You guys all look so dashingly handsome tonight. I think I’m the one in need of my gun and extra ammo.”
While I pretended to address them all, I was covertly checking out Keir. Though the men looked really good, Keir was the one to make my heart speed up, tingling to shoot through my body, and my knees got weak. All of them wore dress slacks, dress shoes, and long-sleeved, collared dress shirts.
Keir wore black pants and shoes. His shirt was a dark green, which made his hair and green eyes stand out more. The top two buttons were undone, and he had his shirt cuffs rolled up twice, above his wrists.
As I met his gaze, I saw the hunger raging inside of him.
My temperature shot higher. God, I didn’t know if I could resist him.
As I wondered that, he came forward. That’s when I caught not only the pheromones he was emitting, but a spicy, tantalizing cologne that made me want to nuzzle into his neck.
He took my hands. Everyone else faded into the background. “By the Gods, you’re so magnificent it’s hard to be a mere man and look at you. That dress, the color, your hair, everything is perfect on you.”
Then he leaned closer to whisper so softly that there was no way the others heard him. “I could kiss you right now, but I won’t. That royal purple color is your color. Don’t let go of my arm tonight. I won’t risk you being taken from me.” His tone was deep, almost guttural.
“We’ll protect each other. How does that sound?” I teased.
“Deal.”
Granddad and my brother came over, and our private moment was gone.
They hugged me and told me how beautiful I looked.
I returned the compliments to them and Gunnar.
As soon as those were through, we were on our way.
Keir acted like a gentleman by holding my jacket when I put it on and opening doors for me.
At the Expedition, Keir tossed the keys to Gunnar so he’d drive, leaving Keir free to sit with me. We took the second row, with Granddad riding in front with Gunnar. Young, spry, non-high-heeled-wearing Gal went into the third row.
It was a twenty-minute drive, but traffic made it closer to thirty.
Thankfully, we had plenty of time. The drive was filled with light conversation.
When asked about work, I told them I had coverage for tomorrow but not for Sunday, and I planned to send an email to let Daniel know.
When they heard my plan, they egged me on until I sent it to him.
They allowed the valet to take the vehicle rather than look for a parking spot.
The restaurant was bustling with people, but that wasn’t a surprise.
It was Friday night after all. We all went to the hostess stand.
Keir was the one to speak. “The reservation is for Christou. The rest of our party is already here,” he stated.
A quick scan, and the woman behind the stand gave us a head nod and a faint smile. She grabbed five more menus and then said, “Follow me.”
Instead of taking us to a table in the central area, we were taken to a private room.
They had them along the perimeter of the dining room.
She opened the door and waved for us to go ahead of her.
Seated at the table were the two couples.
They smiled and called out to us. The men stood to shake hands.
Cerys and Akiva stood, but they hugged us instead.
I took the chair Keir pulled out for me.
I was getting used to him doing that and opening doors.
He ended up in the empty seat next to me.
“How was the traffic? It took us a bit longer than expected. Phoenix traffic is something, but it still doesn’t hold a candle to Los Angeles,” Brax stated.
“It’s so good to see you. How was your day?” Cerys inquired of everyone.
“Have you ever eaten here? It has great reviews,” Akiva asked.
“I’m starved.” Fen groaned with the other guys moaning in agreement—typical men.
Answers flew around and across the table on every question. It was somewhat chaotic and at times loud, but it was fun, felt like family, and made me forget the things bothering me.
The same atmosphere continued as our waiter came to take drink orders, then later appetizers, before a third visit to take our entrée orders and check for refills.
I enjoyed watching the Sentinels joke and razz each other.
It reminded me of what Gal and I did sometimes.
Their mates weren’t left out, and neither were we.
Their tales of the other Sentinels I hadn’t met made me want to meet them.
Before I knew it, an hour and a half had flown by.
We’d placed the final order of the night—dessert.
While we waited, I excused myself to use the ladies’ room.
Akiva and Cerys said they needed the same.
We were fortunate that there was no line, so we all got a stall at the same time.
It was while standing at the sinks, washing our hands and checking our makeup in the mirror, that Cerys brought up a subject that made me stutter.
“It sure looks like you’ve slayed Keir’s heart. He’s so into you. What do you think of him?” she asked.
“I-I, uhm, I don’t know what you mean. I haven’t done anything to Keir. He’s a smart, fierce, and protective man. Clearly, he’s very sexy. But he’s merely flirting and having fun. I’m not reading anything into it. When he leaves soon, we’ll probably never see each other again.”
Both women frowned.
“You think this is for fun only? That he does this with a different woman whenever he goes out on a Sentinel assignment?” Akiva asked.
“I’m not trying to be insulting toward Keir. He’s a single, handsome, alpha man. He no doubt has his pick of women. What guy wouldn’t play the field? I’m saying that I know this and won’t read anything into it,” I partially pleaded.
“He is those things, but I can assure you, he’s not a manwhore. He’s looking for his mate. Are you not interested in finding someone?” Cerys asked.
“No, that’s not it. I’m just—”
Akiva cut me off, but not unkindly. “Hang on, Cerys. You have to remember not everyone is raring to go. I wasn’t looking for a mate, a man at all, when Fennick and I met.
It took some convincing. Fiona is more like me than you.
You’re not trying to use him for sex, then throw him away, breaking his heart, are you?
” Akiva’s candidness wasn’t that shocking after sitting through dinner with her. I felt I knew her.
“We’re not trying to gang up on you. We just want you to know Keir is acting unlike anything I’ve seen in the two years I’ve known him.
We’d hate to see him get hurt. Please, don’t think we’re causing trouble.
We’re not. Our guys aren’t the only ones who see the other Sentinels yearning for a true mate,” Cerys added.
“You’re mistaken. Sure, he’s kissed me, but I’m not expecting a mating ceremony or marriage. He’ll leave soon. I’m one of the shifters who doesn’t jump into bed with someone every time they get a bit heated. He shows me he has manners with the doors and chairs, so he’s not without charm.”
They were both groaning when I finished.