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“Mmmm, Bella, where in the world did you learn to cook like this?” Maddox said in between bites. Jameson had practically swallowed his meal in one bite, so I got back up to stir some eggs l for an omelet and fry us some more bacon.
“I take cooking classes all the time at the Omega House! I’ve been there the longest out of anyone, so I’m probably the best cook ever!” I giggled as I poured the mixture in the pan and sprinkled in pieces of chopped veggies. I looked over at the two of them, wondering why they had gone so quiet. Jameson swallowed his orange juice, and I made a note to put down more items on their shopping list. I hadn’t anticipated that these alphas would eat quite this much.
“Bella, would you like to go out? We have a surprise for you.” He asked, his deep blue eyes stuck on me.
“I thought you didn’t want to risk it being so close to my heat?” I answered nervously. It was risky for me to go out now that my cramps and fevers were coming in so quickly. The heat would start soon and if anyone else smelled me, especially an alpha, they might try to take me.
Maddox leaned against the counter, his chocolate hair still ruffled from last night’s sleep. “We’re aware. Don’t worry Bella, we have our ways.” He smiled and reached over the counter to wipe a bit of batter off of my cheek, his long tan arm flexing and sending tingles down my spine. I hoped they were right. I could feel myself right on the precipice. Jameson stood and walked over while giving me a knowing look. “I know you want to go see the best of the town, don’t you?” It was too much temptation.
“Yes!” I popped up out of my chair, throwing my arms around him while he burst out laughing. “That’s not the surprise, kitten! Just wait and see.” I didn’t care. I just nuzzled into his chest as he lifted me. I was excited to see how different the Eastern Province would be, and I knew I would be safe exploring as long as I had the two of them to show me around. Jameson carried me up to my room while I buried into him, soaking up his scent. “Get dressed and meet us downstairs when you’re ready. I’d recommend wearing something nice today.” He set me down and winked at me before leaving me to get ready. The closet was still full of an excessive amount of clothing they had ordered for me, so I took my time looking through the options until I found a cool day dress with a vintage vibe and some matching shoes. They had even ordered some accessories for me, so I put a ribbon in my hair and sprayed myself down twice with descenter before heading downstairs to meet them.
Maddox and Jameson were already standing in the entryway when I reached the bottom of the stairs, turning simultaneously as they heard me approach. They had changed into dress slacks and button up shirts, both of them wearing nice leather shoes and watches as well. “You both look amazing!” I said, my voice a little husky as my eyes looked them up and down appreciatively. They looked like they were taking me out on a date.
“Well, we have to look worthy of being with someone as gorgeous as you, little one.” Maddox replied with an equally long look at me. I gulped, suddenly shy as these two handsome men each held out an arm for me, putting me in the middle. I held onto them as we walked out toward the waiting SUV. This felt so different from any of the other dates I had been on. They were so much more attentive, and it felt real in a way that had been lacking when I was courted by other packs. In my past, I always felt like I was auditioning for a role, and as if the pack was playing a part. This felt more organic and easy to handle. I didn’t worry about saying, doing, or wearing the wrong thing. Maddox opened the car door for me and helped me in before going around to the other side to sit in the back with me.
“Someday I’ll get to sit next to you!” Jameson said with a huff as he opened the driver’s side door and deftly maneuvered his large body in.
“I hope you’re ready to see the sights.” Maddox purred as he held my hand. The two of them seemed as excited as I was to go out.
“You have no idea. I never really thought about traveling before, but now that I’m in a new city, I can’t wait to see everything!” I chimed as we drove down the street toward the city center. The scenery captivated me. Everything was slightly different, from the architecture to the colors of the homes to the landscaping styles. I marveled when we passed a park that was filled with stone sculptures and an enormous fountain that sprayed water in timed patterns. As we drove on, I saw buildings with ornate design, not a single corner left bare.
“Ah, here we are. This is the nicest shopping center in these parts. But we won’t be taking you around other people right now.” I was a little disappointed, but I figured they didn’t want anyone else getting a sniff of me when I was so close to my heat. “Instead, we’ll give you the best view.” I looked over at Maddox as he held my hand. The SUV pulled into a garage as an attendant waved us in. We drove into a nearly empty parking garage, driving down two levels where we were the only car. Jameson opened the door and helped me out.
“What are we doing?” I asked, unsure of what the plan was. The two of them flanked me on either side as I took the crooks of their elbows.
“You’ll see,” Was all Jameson would offer. We walked to an elevator, and the doors opened to a grand interior of varnished wood with gold detail. We stepped inside, just the three of us as Maddox pushed a button for the top floor. The elevator slowly started moving, and I held onto them tightly. Jameson patted my hand reassuringly.
When we finally reached the top floor, the doors opened and we stepped out into a very upscale looking restaurant, the type I’d only ever seen in photos. Only the entire place was empty. I looked around. “Where is everyone?” I looked up at them and they smiled at each other.
“We booked it out for the day. Only the chef and a server are here with us, and both of them are mated betas. We can relax and enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants in the city with no worry about you perfuming or having other alphas nearby. If you feel it coming on, we can get you home safely with no worry.” My mouth dropped open. They did all this just so I could have a meal out in the town? My eyes welled up a bit as they led me further into the restaurant. “We haven’t shown you the best part yet.” As we turned a corner, a large patio deck came into view. It was circular, lined with hanging vines, and had a marble floor. The large windows that looked out to it were actually sliding doors that had been opened, and we walked further out to the table that was set for us. As I looked out, I saw the view - it was the entire outdoor shopping center, which was structured around a main pathway that led out to the rest of the town. I could see the entire city from up here, looking down on every person walking about like I was up in the clouds. After I took in the view, Jameson moved next to me and leaned down a bit.
“See? We can give you the entire city, all from the privacy of your own private balcony.” His low murmur made me lean into him, and I slid my hand into his.
“Jameson, I love it.” It was the most romantic thing I had ever experienced. Maddox pulled out a chair at the table, which was lined with a white tablecloth and place settings for three. “Have a seat, little one.” I sat at the table, looking out at the amazing view while they sat next to me on either side. I marveled at the city below us. We had privacy up here, but I could see the store names and the people buzzing about down below as they shopped. I saw other restaurants with people sitting together in patios, families walking about, and further away I saw cars on the road. But I could barely hear anything up here, only the faint echoes of voices from the shoppers. I felt like I was a queen looking down at her kingdom.
A beta server appeared, politely telling us about the specials as she poured water for us. It was a five course lunch, which sounded like a lot to me. But I had never been to a restaurant this fancy before. Maddox and Jameson nodded at the list of courses and looked at me when she asked if we wanted any substitutions. “No, I want all of it! But we might need extra for these two.” I patted their hands, and they chuckled at me. The server nodded and left to get us the appetizers.
Each course was a regional delicacy, and I hadn’t tried most of them before. Maddox and Jameson took turns explaining where each ingredient came from, why the dishes were popular, and took turns giving me bites from their forks. We made it all the way to dessert and I was still feeling well. “Really, Bella? You haven’t had even one of these dishes?” Maddox asked incredulously. I looked over at him, unable to concentrate with the way his dark lashes framed his eyes. “No.” My words were muffled as I chewed my food. It was all so good. I felt a hand on my thigh. Jameson was looking at me as I ate. “Would you want us to take you to see the city? The whole city? Perhaps after your heat is over?” Despite his dangerous appearance, his eyes looked at me with a hopefulness I’d never seen.
“You mean, you’d keep me around after?” I asked carefully, not wanting to overstep. His hand squeezed my leg under the table.
“We’d like you to stay as long as you want.” I nearly choked on the sponge cake I was eating.
“You - you mean you want to officially court me?” I asked, and he cracked a smile.
“Is what we are doing not considered courting in the Western Province? Tell me what else you would like. We’ll do anything, Bella.” Maddox reached to grab my free hand. “He’s right, Bella. However you would like to go about it, we’d be honored if you would allow us to continue seeing you. I know things are complicated, and you probably want to go back home, but-”
“Yes!” I blurted out. “I mean, yes, I want to stay with you. I do want to go back for a bit to see my parents, but I‘ve never felt safer anywhere. And I’m getting really attached to all of you. Even Kian!” Maddox smiled as he looked between Jameson and I. “Whatever you are comfortable with. We’ll make it happen.” I was so happy to finally hear from them what I’d been secretly wanting this whole time.
Maddox reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet pouch. “We also have something for you - it’s from all of us.” He opened it and pulled out a gold chain necklace with a small pendant on it. I gasped as he showed it to me. “It’s a symbol that was used in the Eastern Province hundreds of years ago. It means ‘courage’. We think it fits you.” I looked between them both, my eyes misting.
“I love it!” Jameson leaned in and grabbed my hand.
“Would you like us to put it on for you?” I nodded at his question, my throat tight with emotion. Maddox opened the clasp and reached around my neck to attach the necklace. It was simple and gold, but perfect. I already knew I would never take it off. I was about to tell them my feelings when a shooting pain surged through my abdomen.
I gasped, dropping my fork as I curled over in my chair. Jameson and Maddox immediately stood and put their hands on me, trying to soothe me. “What’s wrong Bella? What is it?”
I looked up at them, perspiration breaking out on my forehead. “It’s time. We need to go home now!”
