Chapter Fifteen
Evander
It was very hard to take things slow. And by human definition, we weren’t.
However, by the shifter version, we were moving at a snail’s pace.
My alpha dad was visiting another pack when he laid eyes on his mate.
By the end of the weekend, my omega dad was riding back home with him, ready to begin their life together.
No extensive dating like humans. They said they’d spent their whole lives getting to know one another with no need to do it from separate places.
But I had no need to rush what I hoped would be rest of our lives.
Especially since my omega and I were spending all our free time together.
I was prepared to keep to our agreement.
My wolf, on the other hand, wanted to close the deal.
Mark our mate. Move him into our den where we could keep him safe and warm and well-fed.
Hudson had been so traumatized in his previous relationship, it was amazing he wanted as much as we did have together.
My wolf was just going to have to chill, and I was going to have to pretend that he was chilling.
Because if I pushed him, Hudson was going to close down completely.
From our nights together in bed to our time at the club, I felt as if so much was being left on the table. And it wasn’t just my wolf who wanted more, who wanted it all.
So I took what he offered freely and didn’t insist on more. But I still had other things to deal with, primarily the possibility of accepting the offer to buy into the clubs. My attorney had let me know he saw no issues with the contract, but I needed more than his feedback.
I needed to talk with someone who could help me think it through on a personal level. But I was bound by an NDA and a promise, and until I resolved that, my hands were tied. So, with that in mind, I left the kitchen and went in search of Gatlin.
At this time of day, right before opening, I hoped to find him in his office. The halls were anything but deserted, with employees bustling around, and when I poked my head into the kitchen, you’d have thought I was the health inspector.
“We didn’t expect you tonight, Chef,” Jenna said. “Everything good?”
“Are we doing anything wrong?” a sous chef blurted out. “We can fix it.”
“You tell me. Are you?” I couldn’t resist.
Before anyone else could panic, Jenna, always the voice of calm said, “We’re great. What’s up?”
“Just saying hello and seeing if you needed anything. I’m here for a few minutes and out of here.” I did take a quick walk around, tasting sauces, checking fryer temperature, and probably annoying everyone before enough for one night.
Gatlin was indeed in his office, on the phone, but he waved me in and I took a seat across from him to wait. He finished quickly, telling whoever he spoke to that he’d get back to them in a couple of days before disconnecting and setting his phone on the desk. “Just the man I wanted to see.”
“Since it’s my night off, you got lucky.”
“What did you do, come in to check on the kitchens and torture your staff?”
I chuckled. “Not a sadist, unlike some around here.”
“So you didn’t poke your head in and see how they were doing?” Gatlin’s gaze would have any omega admitting crimes they didn’t even commit.
I was not immune. “Maybe for a minute.”
“Sadist.” He leaned back in the tall-backed chair. “But that’s not why I hoped to see you.”
“Good. Kitchen torture is just for my staff.”
“That was Talon, asking if you’ve had a chance to consider our offer. And you heard what I said.”
“You’d get back to him in a couple of days. I take it you’d like an answer by then?”
“It’s not a deadline, but yes, if possible.” Straightening, he cocked his head. “Is there any reason you’re holding back? No is also an acceptable answer, although we’d be disappointed.”
“My problem is, I need to discuss it with someone and you made me sign an NDA.”
“Your attorney? You already spoke to him, I believe?”
“Yes, and he didn’t see any big concerns, but I need to speak to someone else before I make a life-changing decision.”
“Your omega.” Gatlin nodded. “I’m glad you’ve sealed the deal.”
“I haven’t, but we’re close and if all goes well, this will also affect his life. I need permission to have that conversation.”
“You’ve got it.”
“Need an NDA from him?”
“No, just get his word. I’ll wait to hear back from you.”
I just needed figure out how to say, “this will affect you too,” without acting as if he’d been marked.