Page 78 of Sight of Fate

Inside, the smell of fresh pastries and sweets makes my mouth water. Chocolate and sugar and spice…everything nice. “I’ve tried the banana bread, Biscoff cupcake, and a croissant. All three were good, but the cupcake was the best. Definitely getting one of those.”

His brows form a V. “Breakfast first.”

“Hmm. Okay,” I reply, letting him think he’s won. I look at the lady waiting to take our order. “I’ll have the cinnamon roll and croissant for breakfast. And I’ll take one Biscoff cupcake, one Banoffee cupcake, and one triple chocolate fudge brownie with walnuts to go.”

Macklin scowls. “And a fruit bowl.”

“No fruit bowl,” I tell the lady. “Are you going to order, or stand there and glare at me?” The lady hands me a plate with my breakfast pastries and the box of delicious goodies for later. I motion to the open table in the corner. “I’ll grab a table. Will you also order me a large Campfire Coffee?”

Leaving him standing there, I make my way to the table and watch round eyes flick from me to Macklin. Normally, I’d shrink from their stares, but not this morning. I’m out on a date with an incredibly handsome man. Instead, I smile and say hello, sprinkling in a couple of comments like, “Isn’t he handsome?” and “I’m a lucky woman.” They chuckle, and my confidence blooms.

Several people stop Macklin when he passes and congratulate him on finding his mate. I almost choke. Oops. An inscrutable expression settles on his face. He reaches our table and sets my coffee down, along with his food. Sitting, he stares at me, obviously waiting for me to explain.

Ignoring his silent demand, I wrinkle my nose at his plate. “A coffee cake and fruit? That’s it? I must say…I’m kind of disappointed.”

He looks bewildered. “Why? I usually eat oatmeal and a protein bar. This is a treat.”

“You’re immortal,” I say dryly. “Does it matter? I mean…it’s not like you have to worry about cholesterol or calories or the million other bad things that can slowly kill you. What happens if you don’t work out?”

“We’re warriors,” he says stiffly, as if that’s all he has to say. He takes a bite of his coffee cake. “They didn’t have this the last time I was here. It’s incredible.” Spearing a bite, he holds the fork out.

Instead of taking it, I lean forward and open my mouth. He places the bite inside, and I close my mouth around the tines. Rich coffee with a sprinkling of cinnamon and a pinch of glaze makes me moan.

“This might have been a bad idea,” he murmurs, gaze fixated on my lips.

I rear back. “What? I love this place.”

“I’m not going to be able to walk out of here without everyone seeing what you do to me,” he grumbles, his voice low and husky.

“You can hide behind me,” I offer with a laugh. “They already think we’re mates. Which I didn’t mean to imply. I swear. I said you were handsome, and I was a lucky woman.”

He looks pained. “What if we were mates? Would you mind?” There’s a seriousness to his expression that makes me pause mid bite.

“I’ve held your hand. Nothing happened,” I remind him, watching as he shakes his head.

“Our hands must be palm to palm,” he explains, finishing his breakfast. “I’ve been careful.”

The implications of what he’s saying finally penetrates and it’s as if all the puzzle pieces start to make sense. Not only have I been comfortable around him since I got here, but I’ve been sketching all three of them for the last two years. Although I never saw their faces until I came to Greystone.

“You’re my mate too. All three of you.”

I guess the question is…do I mind? A week ago, I freaked out over Teague asking me if I thought about having two mates. But a lot can happen in a week, and while the idea of Andros as my mate freaks me out, Macklin feels right.

Hiding doesn’t seem his style. “Why didn’t you say something?” I’m a little bit hurt.

“Our entire world was new to you. You were already skittish when you first arrived; I didn’t think telling you I was also your mate would go over well,” he explains. “When I came so close to losing you, waiting was no longer tenable, but I didn’t know how to bring it up. Plus, I wasn’t sure how you felt about me. Last night gave me my answer.”

A blush steals over my cheeks as I think about the two of them touching me, tasting me, and I lick my lips. “What are you waiting for?” I hold my hand out.

“Charli!” a young man calls out.

I turn to see Alex Larsson standing at the counter. With a sigh, I tuck my hand under my leg, not wanting a repeat of what happened last time. He comes over and respectfully nods at Macklin, who’s now leaning back in his chair, scowling.

“You were right! We found my sister,” he happily informs me. “In fact, we’re having a welcome party for her at the Wolf’s Den. Tomorrow night.” He flips through the envelopes in his hand. “Your invitation. I was going to drop it by your apartment later, but this is better. My family really wants you to be there. To thank you.”

I look at Macklin and see the pained expression on his face, but I ignore it. There’s no way I’m missing this party. “I can’t wait. Is there anything I can bring?”

“She’ll be bringing her mates,” Macklin inserts smoothly, making me roll my eyes.