Chapter Thirteen
Remi
My omega was distracted ever since he had some texts come through. His scent changed as well. Something was up but he didn’t want to tell me.
We’d been walking all day with the exception of lunch at the restaurant. We’d even taken a trip back to the car where I dropped off the bulbs and other things I’d bought instead of carrying them around any longer
Bowen had gone quiet. Sweet omega. Whatever was bothering him, I wished I could take it from him and make him smile again.
“Are you ready for dinner?” I asked as the streetlights around us came to life. The town took on a whole other personality with the sun setting and the nightlights flickering on around us.
“Sure. I’ve been eyeing that place over there. The sandwich place. Unless you want something else?”
“A sandwich sounds really good. Simple fare, unlike lunch.”
We went into A Sandwich Apart and placed our orders. Bowen got a steak-and-cheese flatbread, while I got the roasted vegetables on sourdough. The ambience was perfect and lent itself to a date. Soft battery-operated candle-lamps flickered on the tables, and the overhead lights were turned down low.
Bowen sat across from me at the small round table.
“Tell me about you,” he said in between bites. He snuck a sweet potato chip from my plate, and my panther purred. It showed trust. My mate was comfortable around me.
“I was about to say the same thing. You first. What made you want to become a park ranger?”
“My parents worked in corporate. They actually enjoyed their jobs but, on the weekends, we went camping and hiking and kayaking, spend the whole weekend outdoors. But I saw how torn they were about going back to work. I wanted to have a job and a life that I didn’t need a vacation from.”
It was like he was telling my story from when I was younger. We were so similar. Fate knew what she was doing.
“And you love being a park ranger?”
His brown eyes sparkled. Without saying a word, it was clear that he did. “I do. There are some downsides, but the good parts far outweigh them. If I am affected by the cutbacks, I’ll find something else that gives me some adventure. Outdoors. An omega needs his sunshine and fresh air, you know?”
I chuckled. “Alphas need it too. I love being around plants and flowing with the seasons. I can smell now when they are about to change. Even stepping into a warm greenhouse in the summer gives me joy, and let’s not start about the smell of tomato plants.”
“You know, one time I saw a tomato-leaf-scented candle.”
“There’s nothing like it,” I answered. “What else do you like to do when you’re not outdoors?”
“I used to go to dance clubs in the city, but, over time, I found myself staying in my cabin for the weekend. The quiet is soothing.” When he said city and clubs, my heart sank, but he lit up talking about staying home. Nothing but sincerity in his voice.
“I have a cabin. I bought a piece of land big enough to have a cabin and a nursery on. My sister lives in a cabin on the edge of my land. Do you have sisters and brothers?”
“I don’t. I was an only child. It was nice though. My parents encouraged me to be independent and rely on myself. It must’ve been fun to have a brother and a sister.”
“It was. Noel is more of a fly in my ear now. Mostly buzzing about me finding my mate. She’s mated to a bear shifter. He’s a good guy. My brother Seth lives and works in the city, but there is space for him to build a cabin on the land if he ever wants.”
Bowen reached for my hand and scooted his chair closer. One simple act, but it started a fire within me. No way I could let this weekend go by without tasting him—feeling him skin to skin next to me. “You’re very generous. Most people would keep the land to themselves.”
I shrugged. “There’s no point in having things if you can’t share. Noel works at the nursery too and Seth is helping her watch it for the weekend while I’m here. We help each other. That’s the way it should be.”
“That’s a great way to live.” We finished off our food and passed on dessert. My panther scratched inside me.
I had to be bold again.
“Are you ready to get back to the inn?” I said.
“I am. It’s been a long day.”
“Franklin was right,” I blurted before my courage fled. “You’re my omega. All of this…I don’t understand it but I really don’t care to. You’re mine and tonight I want you in my bed. I want to make you mine. If you’re not sure yet or if you need time…”
He squeezed my hand and leaned in. His lips grazed my earlobe, sending goose bumps along my skin.
“Alpha, I’ve been waiting since last night for you to make me yours.
I don’t need any more time. I knew you were mine since the first second I laid eyes on you.
My wolf howled. Take me back to the inn… as fast as you can, Remi.”