Chapter 6

We arrived at Sylvi’s place, pulling in we could see our dinner date waiting in the front of the building on one of the benches. I had a bad feeling about this man. I was trying my hardest to just keep rolling with the punches as they came. We parked the car, before getting out Kilian took my hand in his and informed me the reason why he stunk of cologne was because my scent was tainted by my morning activities. He said Lex warned him that this man would be able to smell a different scent mixed with mine. They figured if he just over did it with the cologne, he wouldn’t be able to tell.

I briefly introduced Kilian to Joseph on our way in. They shook hands and followed me. We were greeted by the hostess with a squeal and she embraced me in a hug. “HIIIIIIIIIII,” Kristen said, “Sylvi said you were coming for dinner tonight, I have missed you the last few times you were in…” She looked over at Joseph and stiffened. “Who is that?” She turned to Joseph, “I am sorry sir that was rude. I just haven’t seen you around before and Astrid is my favorite customer.” She winked at me, “Well it’s not like you’re some serial killer or anything, please let me stop blabbing and set you guys up. Sylvi wanted to make sure you guys weren’t seated with all the families since it’s an adult dinner.” She continued walking and talking pointing towards the side of the establishment that was filled with families. Sylvi always tried to make sure that the adults that were here without children were separate. We noticed a while ago that putting adults only on one side and the families on the other resulted in less complaints. There was always at least 1 person that would request to be moved because of nearby child.  

Joseph just smiled and sat down at the table like he was watching us more than interacting with us. Kilian made small talk for a moment with the hostess then handed her a $20 and she bounced away to greet the next group walking in the door.

“That was kind of you, she was… over the top.” Joseph stated still watching the hostess.       

“She is a hard-worker,” I defended, “She has grown into a beautiful woman. I remember when she would babysit our daughters for us until she turned 18 a year ago. Sylvi was more than happy to give her a weekend job as a hostess while she commutes to her classes during the week. Poor thing lost her father young, she tries to help her mother when she can.” Looking at Joseph he could sense the pride in my voice.

“It’s nice that she had such luck in life.” He replied.

I wasn’t sure what he met by the statement, so I just smiled. Our waitress came over with our bottle of wine and glasses. While we waited for the food Joseph asked us questions about our lives. We expected him to fish for information, whenever he asked about the children Kilian and I both gave vague answers and changed the subject. Around 8:15 PM we were finished eating and Sylvi was headed over with a carafe of coffee and mugs. I smiled as she took a seat in the empty chair and began to pour.

“Hi Joseph, my name is Sylvi. I am Astrid’s close friend. I hope you enjoyed yourself tonight, when Astrid called to tell me she was bringing a lost family member to dinner I was ecstatic. Where are you from?” Sylvi was such a great actress, you would never know she was not letting him leave without giving her information.

“It’s nice to meet you, you have a nice establishment here. I am from Europe. I will be in town for a few days, how is your breakfast menu? I am not a fan of the hotels.” He forced himself to be cordial.

“That is a little vague, but I am not one to pry.” She said calling him out. This is why she is my best friend. “Dinner is on me tonight, I know you don’t need a reminder, but tip your waitress!” She said with a wink and headed back into the kitchen.

“She is quite the little spit fire, isn’t she?” Joseph asked, admiration is his eyes. He shook his head and turned back to Kilian and me. “It was nice of you to meet on such short notice. I have plans tomorrow but maybe Monday we can do lunch?” The question seemed to be directed towards me. My bones told me not to accept gracefully.

“I am so sorry, but Monday is impossible for me.” I was sure to fill my eyes with regret.  “I am not sure which day you plan to leave; Tuesday I have some time in the morning. We could meet her for breakfast?” I was hoping the alternative option would keep out any suspicions he had and possibly he would be gone already.

“That sounds wonderful, I plan to leave Tuesday afternoon so a good breakfast before I travel will be acceptable.” After confirming for Tuesday, he stood and nodded to both of us before walking out.

“Well that was beyond weird, you were awesome.” Kilian said with a smile. He stood up and set $40 down on the table. “What, we didn’t pay for the food, we might as well make sure we pay it forward.” He shrugged but couldn’t deny the grin he held.

“Okay high roller, let’s get back to the house and get ready for our fire of truth with the scooby gang.” I joked as I linked my arm with his heading for the door.

We pulled up to the house and we could see the fire was blazing in the back yard. We went into straight out back from the driveway. We saw Freya roasting a marshmallow in front of a chair covered in Hershey wrappers. Ingrid was sitting on a blanket reading a book while Helga was setting up a table that had a few bottles of whisky and some cups, next to it was a big ice bin with various sodas and beer.

They all smiled at us as we approached. “Where is Lex, did you guys scare him off already?” I giggled, “Seriously though, why are you out here, I don’t want you three to worry to much but it’s not exactly safe.” I was trying to be gentle but firm. Just then Lex popped his head around from the other side of the fire.

“We are fine princess. I have wolves around your borders, nothing will get past them. But I appreciate the concern for my whereabouts…” He wiggled his eyebrows at me.

We chatted for a few minutes and the girls expressed their excitement that they would be able to shift into wolves in a couple more years. Kilian was taking it all so well, his face never faltered the whole time. He really was okay with everything that was happening, and he is putting his best foot forward.

When Sylvi showed up she brought her husband, Luke. Now that I am watching them together again, I can see the mate bond before my eyes. The love that they share is infinite. I know they always wanted to have children, Sylvi was in a bad accident when she was 15 and that choice was taken from her. I know she cared for my children like they were her own, she was the best godmother you could hope for. Luke was of course upset when he learned the truth, but his love for her never wavered.

I stiffened when I saw 2 men walking up. One was taller, around 6’3 with brown hair and brown eyes. He was nice-looking, with only one scar on his right arm. It looked like a burn as if his skin was on fire. I shivered and tried not to stare. The other man was short 5’8 with brown hair and green eyes. They both looked in their late 20’s. I could sense that they were wolves. Instantly I went into a defensive position, as I was about to speak, I felt a hand cover my mouth while the other arm wrapped around my waste to hold me in place. I was about to shove my heel into my attacker’s foot when I recognized the touch. It was Lex.

“Calm down princess, they are with me. Hey guys, Tristan and Shane meet Sylvi, Luke, Kilian, and my princess, Astrid. He slowly released his hand from my mouth. The guys both smiling looked at me and extended their hands one by one, continuing until they were acquainted with the group.

“Well now that we are all old friends, everyone grab your poison and take a seat. It is going to be a long night and we are going to take turns. Alright Kilian and Lex, I don’t care which of you wants to do the honors but let us start with your morning tea with the goddess.” They had to have known I would start there.