It seems like something is bothering Xavion during breakfast, so I do the unthinkable and reach out to his shoulder to soothe him. He slightly jumps at my sudden action but quickly relaxes in my touch.
"I'll talk with my colleagues on Monday," I whisper in his ear as he slithers his hands around my waist to hug me from behind.
Xavion perks up at my statement and drops his head on my shoulder with a smile, clearly content with my words.
"How about we all do something fun together to get to know each other? The town doesn't have a lot to do but I'm sure we'll come with something," I broadcast to the rest of the visitors.
"I love that, otherwise I'll faint by being in such close proximity with my brother for much longer," Tasia speaks up as Jay takes another batch of toast.
"Or we could just leave those two alone," Rae suggests with a cheeky grin.
"I don't mind," Kao shrugs and continues with his food.
"Yeah, the alpha is actually scaring me," Finian joins with sarcastic fear as Xavion pulls me closer while I gather the empty plates. Seeing my struggle, Imelda takes it upon herself to help out and I throw her a grateful smile.
"Now that you mention it," Rae agrees and the two sarcastic commenters stare each other down in pure enjoyment.
"Finian, Rae, out. The rest of you will clean up," Eloy ushers the two outside before starting on the dishes.
"Thank you," I plead as I gesture towards Xavion who I'm pretty sure is currently falling asleep while standing upright.
"No worries" Royce smiles and offers me a sympathetic look.
"I'll just... go to my room. See you in a bit," I throw them a sheepish look before dragging Xavion with me up the stairs.
"Come on, wake up," I shrug my shoulder to get him moving.
"I am," he answers with a soft tone.
He sure is happy and peaceful.
"It's because you smell great," he responds to my thoughts and I look the other way in shame, forgetting he can hear my thoughts.
That's when I remember the sense of smell of wolves.
"What do I smell like to you?" I ask him out of curiosity, guessing that my smell triggered the fact of knowing I'm his mate.
"Like pomegranate, sweet musk and flowers," he blurts out and opens his green eyes to stare into mine.
"That actually makes sense," I think out loud.
"How so?" he takes my hand to draw circles on with his fingers.
"Between my body wash and the fact that I'm living on the edge of the woods would most likely make that combination," I rant, unable to release myself from his trance.
His own smell of grass and fur entraps me and the way he gently holds me makes sure I don't escape any time soon. His deep voice is somehow so soft as he whispers beside me and I can't get enough.
"We'll be back tomorrow night!" Royce suddenly panics and everyone scurries out of the house, breaking my trance.
"Did you just chase them away?" I pull away from Xavion and I can see it looks like he is about to whine just like Koray.
"Why not?" he tries to step closer again but I hold out my hand.
"Not now, go shower first before we go out for lunch," I chase him into the bathroom, afraid of how fast I'm falling.
A slight breeze ruffles my hair as I make myself comfortable on an outside table. Xavion takes the seat across from me after pulling out my chair.
"Can I get you started on drinks?" A waiter pops up with a notepad and a big smile.
"Yes please, I would like your homemade lemonade, thanks. And You?" I turn to Xavion after ordering, waiting while he still scans the menu.
"Mm, make that two, thank you," Xavion answers, making the waiter smile and leave.
Silence falls upon us as we scan the menus for appropriate lunch. Xavion doesn't take long to decide and places his menu to the side. Since I am quite indecisive, I continue searching, despite feeling Xavion's eyes upon me.
"Can't decide?" Xavion interrupts my thinking and rests his head on his hand.
"I'm stuck between the Cowboy burger and Chunky Burger," I admit out loud before looking up to catch Xavion's eyes.
He throws me a smile before suggesting, "How about I take the Cowboy then you can take the Chunky Burger."
"It's fine. I don't want you to order anything according to my wishes," I wave him off but he reaches out for my hand.
He takes my hand into his own and with his thumb, rubs circles on the back of my hand. The look on his face tells me he doesn't want me to continue and let him have this one.
All I can do is blame the werewolf in him and agree. "Fine, do whatever you want."
Upon hearing my words, Xavion's smile returns but he still doesn't let go of my hand. The warmth makes me glance down and observe our intertwined hands.
When the waiter arrives with our drinks, I try to pull away unconsciously but Xavion doesn't let me and orders for the both of us. I let him have his moment despite the human inside me freaking out at the intimacy I have with someone I barely know.
"Sorry," Xavion seems to come to a realisation and releases my hand, most likely after listening to my thoughts.
"No, I..." I keep my eyes on my empty hand. After he let go, I immediately noticed not just in feeling but emotionally as well. "I'm just not used to it."
I look up after a second, ignoring what just happened and look Xavion in the eyes with a light smile.
"I should have realised you weren't used to it. I'm sorry," he apologises again and I shake my head before offering him a reassuring smile.
Wanting to move past it, for now, I nod towards his lemonade.
"Why don't you taste the lemonade?" I ask while slightly tilting my head.
His face relaxes as he understands what I'm trying to do and complies.
As he sips on the lemonade, his look turns into surprise as he picks up the glass to take a big gulp from the straw.
I laugh at his reaction as something in me stirs again.