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“I’m taking Celeste to dinner tonight. Is there anything pressing that needs to be dealt with before we go?” Markus asked, helping me into the robe.
“No, we cleared the day for you to spend with her. Ruby will be moving to the pack house this afternoon. Dr. West wants to see her twice a week as she still has a few health issues, and the wolfsbane isn’t leaving her system as quickly as he hoped.”
“Put her in Maya’s old room. Make sure Kelly buys her some proper clothing since Ruby isn’t able to leave the pack grounds yet….” I put my hand on his arm. “What’s wrong, Tuli?”
“Maya and I already prepared her room. We also put a lot of the clothing we outgrew as we gained weight in the closet for her. It’s only lightly used, and we can buy proper clothing when she’s at her ideal weight. Ruby said she wants to become a warrior after all her health issues clear up,” I explained.
“Well, it seems like the luna has handled everything for now,” Markus said proudly.
“Indeed, should I have your assistant make a reservation?”
“Yes, that Italian place, please.” Markus turned to me. “Let’s go up and change,” he suggested, taking a leaf out of my hair with a smirk on his face.
I had never been to such a beautiful restaurant. It had this old-soul romantic feel to it, making it feel like something straight out of the romance books I loved to read. The restaurant was divided into the main level on the left and a raised level on the right. There was low light all throughout, the dark wood and brick of the walls making the entire inside take on an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. We were led to the raised level, and I could feel several people looking our way as we passed by. I could only imagine it was because Markus was an alpha, and his presence demanded attention. I was surprised it was empty, with only one table by the open balcony set up for two.
“Do you like it?” Markus asked when he led me to the balcony and wrapped his arms around my waist from behind.
“It’s so beautiful,” I breathed out in awe. From the balcony, we could see the start of the forest and the river a little ways out.
“Markus! I’m so happy to see you! Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?! I would have joi—” The very pretty blonde making her way to us stopped, finally noticing me. She took in the arms Markus had around my waist and raised an eyebrow. I already didn’t like her.
This bitch is looking at our man like she wants to eat him, Kara growled in the back of my mind.
“Marcie!” Markus said, and I could tell he was a little uncomfortable and surprised. “I thought you returned to your father’s restaurant in Italy.”
“Oh, I could never stay away from here for too long. Too much history.” She batted her lashes seductively, and I cleared my throat.
“Where are my manners? Marcie, this is Celeste, my soon-to-be luna. Love, this is Marcie, an old friend,” he introduced.
“Oh, Markus, don’t make me feel old. I’d like to think I am more than an old friend,” she said, deciding to ignore me.
“Nice to meet you,” I said politely, putting a hand possessively over Markus' arms on my waist and extending the other to shake her hand
“I’ll let the chef know you’re here. I take it you want the usual?” she asked, ignoring my hand.
“We’ll have two tasting menus if you don’t mind. It’s Celeste’s first time here.”
“Of course. I’ll have someone come over with drinks.” She walked off with a smile for Markus, still ignoring me.
A pretty brunette came by after we were settled and poured us some wine. I couldn’t take my mind off the familiarity with which “Marcie“ treated Markus, but I didn’t want to ask questions. Markus lived a life before me. I knew this, but I was having trouble reconciling what Marcie insinuated in my head and my heart and that she was everything I wasn’t: elegant, educated, self-made.
“Tuli, are you okay?” Markus asked. “You’re very quiet.”
I smiled and took a drink of wine.
“I’m fine,” I answered. He still looked concerned but didn’t push. We ate through the sampling menu, and it was honestly delicious. I managed to relax and was beginning to enjoy dessert and my date when I heard her coming up the steps again.
“Markus, how would your little girlfriend like to see the chef? I’m sure someone like her would love to see what goes into the delicious food we’re serving tonight.” The fake smile plastered on her face didn’t fool me, and the way she phrased her words had me clenching my hands under the table.
Markus frowned slightly, finally catching her tone. “Celeste is actually an amazing cook, but love, would you like to talk to the chef?” he directed his attention completely on me as he asked
“Sure, I can ask him what that last ingredient in the souffle is. I can’t figure out if it’s anise or fennel,” I said, getting up and not trying to be rude to our host. I expected Markus to come with me, but Marcie held him back when he stood to follow.
“Stay a moment. We need to catch up,” she purred. Markus looked at me as I was led out by a waitress with a frown on his face.
I chatted with the chef a little. He was very pleasant, but the entire time I felt uncomfortable, unable to completely focus on our conversation. I didn’t trust Marcie. Finally thanking the chef for his time, I made my way back to the dining area and started up the steps. The raised platform came into view, and I saw Marcie rubbing Markus’ arm. When she noticed me, she pushed up against him and kissed him. I saw the surprise on Markus’ face, and he stiffened at her actions, grabbing her hands and pushing her away.
A loud growl escaped from my throat as Kara tried to push forward and claim what was ours, but the pain of seeing them together was bigger. I knew Markus rejected her, but seeing her slathered against him was too much. All of my previous doubts about being worthy came flowing through me, crashing and invading every cell in my body. Seeing that beautiful woman who was graceful and seductive at Markus’ side, I couldn’t help but notice that she was probably more suited for him than me, a lowly slave servant who didn’t even know how to use proper silverware two months ago. With my heart in pieces, I turned around and ran out of the restaurant.
