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Ming slid the mango pudding in front of Renner. She looked at it and wiggled happily. She picked up the spoon and looked at him. “No dessert for you?”
He shook his head and sipped tea. “No. I am not a fan of sweets.”
“Oh, points off for that.” She ate quickly and without her usual enjoyment.
She folded her napkin and set her spoon down on the plate. She finished her soda and looked at him. “So, was this a conversation or a date?”
“This was an apology for declining you as an option.”
She inclined her head. “I have been warned that my friends are actively seeking an alpha for me. So, I have other options as well.”
He stared at her. “What?”
“Yeah, apparently, the big key to any interested alpha isMust Like Cats.They aren’t wrong. My friends are pimping me out, so to speak.”
He frowned. “Rhymbia?”
“And Elspetha. Now that they have hooked up, they want me occupied in something relatively safe.”
He leaned back. “How many other alphas?”
“Not a clue, but you made your point. Family comes first. They are the only family I have, and if they want to help me find one, I will take their help.” She smiled. “As you said, this is a conversation. Nothing more.”
He sighed. “I did say that.”
“So, did you want me to pay half or what?” She looked at him and cocked her head.
“I’ve got it. I asked you out last minute, after all. So, are you convinced that I am interested in you?”
“Sure, but I knew that to start with.”
He sighed.
“The thing I am unsure of is your follow-through.” She smiled. “I’ll head home then. Are you still coming in for the cats?”
“Of course. Thera and I are very excited.” He smiled. “You would not believe the size of the cat tree I found.” He brought an image up on his phone and showed it to her.
Renner smiled. “It’s lovely. Rigor is going to be very happy.”
“That’s for Ursa. This is for Rigor.” He flicked to the next image with two cat trees connected by a wooden bridge.
“Oh, he’s going to love that.” She smiled.
“So, Achilles is your cat?”
“No. He is his own cat. I am just the one who organizes food.”
He opened his wallet and pulled out several large bills. He handed them to Ming and got to his feet. Thanatos stood next to Renner and held out his hand.
She let him help her to her feet and walked next to him out the door.
He drove her back to her place and pressed a kiss to her cheek. He waited until she was inside before he drove off. The date was over.
Chapter Three
Renner spoke to Ursa and Rigor the next morning, wearing a long-sleeved dress with a hem below her knees. Soft black boots covered her to the knee, and her hair was wrapped in a ribbon, making a very confined ponytail. “Okay, guys, you are being picked up in an hour. I promise that your community will be fine.”
The furry faces looked at her and purred. Achilles rubbed against each of them and gave them his own pep talk. She checked that two cardboard pet carriers were waiting to go and got a third and fourth ready.
