Rose POV
He eventually decided to take the Strawberry Panna Cotta and the peanut butter cup ice cream cake. I wrote everything down and left to the kitchen, there was a bell somewhere In the vip room which is gonna ring when they are ready.
While we waited for the food to arrive he broke the silence making some casual conversation:
- So is your first time in the VIP section?
I nodded my head shyly.
- What do you think until now?
He said with a glimmer of amusement.
- Is actually very nice, I like the paintings and the decor on the door and fireplace.
Above the TV was a wonderful carved wolf howling on a Crescent moon just like the one from the outside of the door, I noticed it as I was admiring the room again taking in as many details as possible. The vase on the table had white roses completed by purple lupines, dark cobalt blue stars flowers, yellow daylilies and yellow Jessamine, it literally looked like the night sky with the moon abd stars shining brightly. I couldn't help but look at the flowers in awe, such a beautiful mix of colors.
Then I moved to look at the wonderful painting and he joined me, we stared a few moments at the painting with the 2 wolves fighting, whoever painted it was very skilled, I could see and feel the emotions coming from the expressive eyes of the wolves but the weirdest thing was I could notice some human traits? Is hard to explain but it seemed like they weren't just ordinary wolves they hold a human vibe like werewolves, the wolf shifters,and I thought to myself "Are they just simple beasts or are they werewolves? They don't seem human but neither completely beast as they seemed to be fighting for a purpose, to protect something, someone but also to show their power and that they shouldn't be taken lightly.
- The eye of an artist?
He asked breaking me from my train of thoughts and I turned my head to look at him, he was still looking at the image analyzing the details.
- What can I say? I really love art and this one is a very amazing one.
- What makes you think so?
He said trying to get my opinion about the image in front of us as he turned to look at me. I shifted my attention back to the image once again analyzing.
Gabriel POV
Her eyes sparkled while she seemed deep in thoughts, all her focus on the image in front of us. It was indeed a great masterpiece showing a battle between 2 strong wolves, in fact it was the image of a battle between Anthony's grandfather and his grandmother as she was also an alpha. She was the only pup of her alpha parents pack and she took over after proving them she's worthy of the title, she was a great warrior and ruler and her mate was another alpha from another pack with which they were in conflict, his grandfather pack. Alpha Balthazar used to be quite a stubborn and reckless wolf in his youth while his mate Alpha Adira was more patient and calculated, this was their first meeting when he was reckless enough to think he can step on her pack territory without being in troubles. Their eyes were very expressive, the anger in Xena's, Adira's ginger wolf, and the surprise and nervousness mixed with anger of Hunter to meet his mate in such a situation. They balanced wach other perfectly just like a soulmate is supposed to.
- Well their eyes are certainly very expressive, there are so many emotions swirling in them.
She said after a few moments of close inspection.
- Is that so? What do you see in their eyes?
I was very curious if she was really able to pick up those small details that made the image come to life.
- Well the red wolf seems very angry and vigilant if we take a closer look at the face, her canines are frozen in a growling pose while the fur hair is up. It seems to be a female in a defensive pose. The other wolf seems to be more shocked like it was caught doing something he shouldn't and it seems to be a male. There's also something else in his was but i can't quite pinpoint what it is, like some kind of tenderness.
I turned to look at her, she was on point and that was impressive. I couldn't help the proud smile that spread on my lips, there was definitely something more with this girl then I thought, her observing skills and fast thinking were incredible traits beside her fair nature, strong determination, kind heart and integrity.
- Like new found love?
I asked giving her a subtle hint. She turned to look at me with a confused expression.
- Love? Is that how love looks like? To be someone's whole world?
She asked me and I felt bad for the girl in front of me, is there really no one that looked at her with such affection before? Like she matters and she's actually important for someone? I couldn't help the question that followed.
- Didn't anyone looked at you like that before?
She averted her gaze looking to the floor then she moved to look at the 2 lovely wolves that snuggled each other tenderly. Suddenly her aura felt gloomy like sadness took over and she tried her best to hide it but I could feel it clear as daylight it even glimmered in her turquoise blue eyes.
- Well my sister and Lucy love me so I guess they do.
I sighed, that's not what I meant and from the look in her eyes she knew but she tried to avoid a direct honest answer. There was hurt in her eyes and I was even more determined that I have to find out what actually happened between this girl and her family and how she ended up in this state. I had a feeling I wont like what I will discover, only if I knew how right I was going to be.
The bell rang and our moment came to an end, I wanted to hug and comfort her but she left the room instantly leaving me behind to stare at her retreating back. Soon she came back with the tray of food, her expression blank like she just covered her emotions with a mask and I felt a nagging feeling of displeasure knowing she hides her true feeling even from me. I took a deep breath and I told myself we just need to give her time, so I softened my expression and went to sit down as she was placing the tray ready to put the plates on the table when I hugged her from behind and I took the plate from her placing the other plate in front of the chair next to me. She stiffened and blushed nervously under my touch but soon she relaxed after I hugged her. I was glad I was able to break through her barrier and get a honest reaction, this girl is going to continuously keep me guessing.
After a few minutes I let go of her, after I helped her to sit on the chair beside me i took my own sit and started with the shrimp and potato, so did she. We ate In silence while I kept my gaze on her, she was very confused at first but I after I motioned her to dig in she shyly took a bite looking at me like I was pulling a bad joke on her and like I would take it from her any minute. Once she was sure I wasn't going to take it away she relaxed and started munching happily, that made me smile and i felt satisfied to see her relax. Why would I even take the food away from her? Did someone done that before to her? I knew she won't tell me but maybe her friend will.
- Do you like it?
I asked her while looking at her sweet face, she looked adorable like a squirrel or a bunny while munching her food. Her eyes meet mine and I can swear I saw something glowing in her eyes something similar with stars but it happened so fast that I wasn't sure if I saw well. But she nodded her head excitedly saying:
- Is delicious! I think shrimps are going to get on top of my favorites list.
Her smile was so honest and bright that I felt my heart skipping a beat, I couldn't help but reach her soft hair and pat her head. She looked at me confused but didn't flinched, that was a good sign.
We ate the lobster tail and she seemed mesmerized by the food, I chuckled amused, she definitely never had expensive food that was for sure well this was going to change while she is in my care i'll make sure she has only the best things.
After we finished I helped her put the plates on the tray and she went to bring the dessert but then i had this nagging feeling like something bad will happen I thought maybe is not really that bad but I decided to not ignore my intuition and I got up.
Rose POV
Eating with Gabriel was so pleasant even the few meals we shared together before were so nice and pleasant, I didn't felt weird, I didn't felt agitated, I felt like I can be myself and he's a great company and then I recalled the way he looked at me while patting my head like I was someone dear to him, someone precious, there was such a tenderness in his eyes that made my heart fluster in delight. It felt so oddly good when he looked at me like that, I felt my cheeks warming up thinking about that moment while i walked this golden hallway when i felt a weird energy and I came back to my senses.
There was this guy with olive skin, dark slightly ruffled hair and he had olive green eyes that roamed over my body with interest. He was tall with broad shoulders wearing a black expensive t-shirt with the pattern of a golden bear head and some golden chains above and under the beast head and a pair of brown ripped jeans, honestly he gave off the aura of a warrior and he didn't seemed human. He was coming towards me but I thought is just a coincidence and he was probably a vip guest judging by his expensive watch on the wrist, I calmed myself down saying in my head that is alright I was just going to pass by but with each step he made approaching I felt that something stirring inside me again like his aura just gave this unsettling feeling and then I heard a faint female voice whispering "danger" I was confused and I looked behind me, it sounded so close but there was no one else around.
There were only a few steps between me and that guy and I noticed the smug smile on his face so I told myself "Great another one of that weirdos" I wanted to roll my eyes but I restrained myself. He stopped 2 steps away from me with that sick smug and lustfull eyes like I was just next prey, it annoyed me every tine when a guy looked at me or any other girl like we are a piece of meat they can do whatever they want with and devour it.
- Hello there beautiful, are you alone here?
He said in a fondle tone that I instantly disliked
- No I'm not alone but I'm busy, now if you'd excuse me sir my client is waiting for me
I said trying to pass him but he blocked my way, his smile was sinister and I felt the hair on my back rising.
- Is that so? But I don't see anyone with you. Why don't you come with me? We're gonna have so much fun.
He said in a fake affectionate tone that annoyed me even more, I knew exactly what kind of fun this guy has in his dirty twisted head, I could feel his intentions and let me tell you they weren't pure nor gentle.
- No thank you I'm not interested
I told him in my polite tone plastering a fake smile as I tried to pass him again but she stepped in front of me again.
- C'mon sweetheart you can't refuse me, I'm a client here and you're supposed to give me anything I ask for
He said trying to manipulate me.
- My apologies sir but you're not my client and we are supposed to offer you anything you ask from the menu not other services, we are a restaurant not a brothel.
I told him trying to keep the venom out of my words. His expression changed to anger and he was about to grab my hand but I made 2 steps backwards.
- You're gonna regret this little lady
He said angrily while he stepped forward to grab me again, that's when I took the glass, in which Gabriel had his champagne, from the tray, I hesitated just a moment thinking that Mister Anthony was going to be probably upset that I'm gonna ruin this expensive glass but I had no other weapon and then I gripped it tight and without a second thought i threw in his way. It brushed his cheek as he stopped dead in his track and dodged the glass, if he didn't dodged that it would have hitted his face fully, he was shocked for a moment but rage covered his eyes. The glass hitted the wall full blow and shatered with a clinking sound.
- You little b!tch! How dare you!? You're gonna pay for this!
He spitted furiously at me and lifted his hand to slap me, I thought I was done for and I closed my eyes waiting for the impact that never came as I felt a stronger energy right behind me and then his hand pulled me closer to him, my back was glued to his chest as Gabriel hold the man hand so tightly that I could see the guy expression engulfed in pain. My heart started drumming furiously at the closure as the tingles erupted and I felt that something from earlier stirring again but this time in delight.
- What do you think you're doing? How dare you try to hurt her?
Gabriel voice resounded but not in his usual warm tone, there was anger in it, his expression was also stern, his eyes seemed to be burning like lightning but even like this he was still as handsome and charming as always even though he seemed a bit scary in the same time. I mentally slapped myself at this thought. What was wrong with me? How can I be thinking at such things in this kind of situation?
Gabriel POV
I went out of the room and started walking towards the direction Anthony leaded us I already memorated the way but I just felt this nagging feeling that urged me to go faster and I'm very glad that I did. I took a corner and I noticed Rose's back, her long golden hair was shimmering just like sunshine in the morning, she was facing a tall well build guy who definitely wasn't human. He looked reckless but seemed to be a strong warrior, he was a werebear. Most of this creatures are pure muscles but no brain and think they're entitled to whatever they want, they lived after the motto "I want it I get it". I managed to catch most of their discussion and I felt my anger rising when he asked her to go with him to have some "fun" it didn't took a genius to know what he was referring to. I could feel the surpresed venom in Rose voice as she refused him and tried to stay polite, then he used such a dumb logic saying he's a client and she should give him anything he asks for. Her answer made me smile proudly and amused as she was right It was a restaurant not a brothel. He got angry and tried to grab her but fortunately she managed to make a few steps backwards avoiding his touch, then he sayd she's gonna regret it. There's no way she's gonna regret defending herself plus I was here ready to back her up at the right moment, he's gonna be the one to regret. Then as he tried to make another move her hand moved so fast gripping and throwing the glass straight into his face but he dodged it and the glass slightly brushed his cheek, he was shocked for a moment but then he got even more angry and he insulted her! He insulted her and he tried to hurt her! I felt my anger boiling and I moved like lightning stopping his hand in the air but pulling her closer to me with my other hand to protect her, fortunately she didn't fought back. I won't allow anyone to bully, insult or hurt her ever again, she is in my care and I'll make sure she's treated right. My focus was on this scoundrel now gripping his wrist tightly as he whined I pain but It didn't made me soften at all.
- What do you think you're doing? How dare you try to hurt her?
I asked him, my anger was evident and he knew it. I glanced at her making sure I not scaring her off but she stared at me with admiration so i turned back to look at the bastard who dared to even think of hurting her.
- Hurt her? She's the mad woman here! She threw a glass at me!
He roared back as my grip tightened and he whined in response.
- You think I didn't saw that you provoked her?
I was annoyed, now he tried to blame her.
- I don't know what you're talking about! Is obvious that she tried to seduce me and she got mad when I refused her!
This scoundrel was blatantly lying straight into my face acting like he was the innocent victim. I heard Rose gasp in disbelief then I heard a growl coming from her, a muffled growl but I could hear it clearly. She was pissed off as well.
- Are you for real now? Do you think I'm blind and deaf?
I scoffed at him, I wanted so badly to rip him off at the moment buy i knew there was a better way to deal with him. I'll make sure to punish him.
- You don't understand! Im innocent! Shes the snake!
Snake, he just called this innocent and kind girl a snake.
- You're the only snake here and I'll make sure you're gonna regret every single word and action.
I told him in my most serious tone and he looked shocked.
- W-what do you mean? Who the hell are you? You can't just punish me! Do you know who I am? I own the best club in this town!
He said trying to scare me off but I only smiled at him, not my usual warm smile but a deadly one.
- Who am I? Why don't you take a good sniff bear?
I asked him my tone colder then ice. He finally looked at me closer and sniffed, his eyes widened instantly and fear creeped in his eyes.
- M-my L-lord! P-please f-forgive m-me!
He started stuttering and begging for my mercy and forgiveness.
- Is not me the one you should apologize to
I stated firmly and his eyes shifted to the girl in my arms, but as he looked at her I saw that lustful gaze roaming all over her body and for an unknown reason I felt pissed, pissed badly and I felt possessiveness over her as I tightened my grip on Rose but not to the point of hurting her and I heard myself letting out a muffled growl, I threw him hard onto the floor and he looked up at me in fear and confusion, I must be wearing a really angry expression now because I saw him cowering in fear. He bowed his head until his forehead touched the tiles and mustered a trembling stuttering apology:
- F-forgive m-me m-miss, I-I d-deeply a-apologize!
Rose looked at him with disdain, this kind of people don't deserve to be left off the hook they need to be teached a good lesson.
- Yeah whatever
She said after a few moments coldly. I mindliked 2 of my guards and they appeared instantly in the hallway looking at the scene unfazed waiting for my orders.
-Your Highness
They greeted me with bowed heads and Rose attention snapped at them then at me, she was confused. They noticed the girl in my arms and looked at me with slight confusion but before they could say anything I simply told them:
- Take him away
They moved instantly taking the werebear away by the arms dragging him as he struggled to get free and continuously begged me to forgive him calling out for me but I turned a deaf ear, I knew he wasn't actually sorry I could feel it and I knew he would do it again again if he had the chance.
I turned to look at her, I still felt angry at that guy and she seemed to notice my bad mood because her expression softened and she started patting my hand frok her waist gently comforting me. I felt the anger cooling down and slowly dissipate as she stroke my hand tenderly, those spark were doing wonders to me and I left out a deep sigh and I calmed down. I took the tray from her, checking her for any potential wounds but I found nothing, she looked at me confused yet her cuteness made me smile.
- Um my lord you do know that I still need to take the tray to the kitchen to bring the dessert right?
I left out a displeased hum and she looked puzzled while taking the tray from my hand.
- Gabriel, just call me Gabriel not "my lord"
She looked at me confused trying to figure out if I was being serious at which I gave her a determined look to let her know I meant it. For an unknown reason I liked it more when she called me by my name then by my title. Her expression changed to shock and It made me desire to lean closer and pinch her cheeks but I only stroke them while smiling softly as I felt the sparks dancing on my skin. She blushed slightly and nodded, I let go of her cheeks and accompanied her the rest of the way to the entrance door.
- What are you doing?
She asked me confused
- I'm accompanying you
I stated simply as she blushed slightly averting her gaze.
- There's no need you know, I'm safe now. There's no need to disturb you.
She said still looking away with nervousness
- There's no disturbance, I want to accompany you
I stated firmly but keeping my tone warm. She left out a sigh but didn't object further.
I waited her at the entrance as she left with the tray and returned soon enough following another waitress with a tray with salmon. The other girl seemed a bit older then Rose, she seemed 22 or so with a wavy above waist length red hair left free and Spanish green colored eyes who glowed avocado green for a moment, she was wearing a white shirt with 2 open button that gave you a slight view of her chest and a black above knee skirt. She looked straight into my eyes fluttering her lashes seductively at me, was she a pretty girl? Yes, but did she attracted me? Nope. I looked at her unfazed, she was a fox. Seeing her attempt didn't worked she brought the tray closer under her chest making her chest pop up more but still didn't affected me. I kept my serious expression not even bothering to mind her presence that much but then I glanced at Rose and I noticed something different in her eyes, a glint of anger and jealousy flashed very fast in her turquoise blue eyes but then the mask was on once again.
- Ah great you're back!
I decided to greet her happily and her attention went from the fox girl to me, she plastered a polite smile and nodded her head while the fox huffed annoyed that I ignored her. For whatever reason seeing that short glimpse of jealousy made me quite happy and I went beside her keeping my hand amicably on her shoulder as we passed the fox girl.
- My Lord
The fox girl called and we bith stopped as I turned my head to look at her. My expression changed drastically back to neutral and she didn't seemed to like that.
- What is it?
I asked her keeping my irritation out of my tone.
- I could be your waitress if you wish, I'm almost done with my client and I have more experience with vip clients then Rose here.
She said putting on her sweetest smile but I wasn't very affected by her attempts, I wasn't one to get involved in relationships or hook ups with girls and i wasn't planning to start now. Rose seemed annoyed at first but then she turned gloomy even though her mask was still on I could feel that the fox words affected her.
- Also I'm sure I can give your Highness the best service that royalty deserves as I have more experience. What do you think my lord? Would you like me to be your waitress? Im sure you won't regret it, I'll be there in a few minutes.
She said with a triumphant smile being very sure that I would agree, Rose was quiet, her hands slightly trembling on the tray as she tried her best to keep professional and not fight with this girl.
- There's no need I already chosed miss Harmony here to be my waitress, you should go back to your client instead of worrying about her services, if you really want to know she's doing a great job already.
I stated simply as the fox girl jaw dropped open, she couldn't believe that I turned her down while Rose looked up at me I astonishment, she didn't thought I'll be chosing her over the fox well she was dead wrong. I motioned her to keep going and we went back to my room leaving the pissed off fox behind us.
Once we got back to the table we started eating the dessert. Rose kept quiet but I could feel she wanted to ask something.
- What's on your mind Rose dear?
She looked at me for a few moments debating if she should open her mouth but then she mustered the courage and put the question:
- Why did you turned her down? Shes kinda right you know, she is more experienced with vip clients...
I could see the glimmer of sadness in her eyes as she looked down in her plate waiting for my answer.
- As I said I already chosed you and you're doing a great job.
I told her with a smile gently patting her head. She smiled shyly and soon we finished eating. I checked the time on my phone, it was already 17:20 her shift ended and I was glad I'm going to take her home with me.
I was now waiting for her outside the restaurant, it was more empty now that I left and I saw Lucy and Rose coming out the front door it was the perfect time to ask Lucy what I was planning to so I walked in their direction as they passed a bit the restaurant and I was sure no one would be watching my conversation with her.
- Rose dear can you please go with Lucas inside the car? I'd like to talk with Lucyla for a few moments.
I said softly as the 2 girls looked at me surprised then they looked at wach other then back at me, she nodded her head and Lucas accompanied her to the car, fortunately Elijah was patrolling the zone making sure is safe enough so they won't have to see each other until we leave.
- Is there anything I can help you with my lord?
Lucy asked me with curiosity once we were alone.
- Actually yes there is.
I answered her warmly
- Well if I can help then sure I'll try my best.
She said smiling with confidence, she was the total opposite of Rose, chatty, confident, sociable. I was wondering how did they became friends in the first place but that's a question for tomorrow when she'll visit the mansion.
- Tell me Lucyla dear was Rose ever bullied by customers here?
Lucyla face fell instantly like I dropped a bomb and she became quiet for a few moments looking down debating then she sighed and looked at me again.
- Firstly please you can call me Lucy and second I know she won't be happy that I tell you this but first I'd like to know what made you curious about such a subject?
- Earlier today I made sure to order fir her what I ordered for me too but at first she looked at me like I was pulling a joke on her like I was hoping to take her food at any moment. I wanted to ask her but I have the feeling she won't tell me.
I told her sadly remembering the image of her expression at that time. Lucy sighed again and made a step closer making sure no one else can hear us.
- Well you're right she wouldn't have told you if you asked her but yes she was bullied by some of the clients.
I felt the anger from earlier surfacing again. How dare they bully the poor girl? She doesn't deserve to be treated like that, I saw how polite and nice she is with everyone. Lucy looked at me curious then a soft smile appeared on her lips.
- You really care about her a lot don't you my lord?
- Of course I do, she's a kind souls and she deserves to be treated rightfully.
I told her firmly and her smile widened then she continued:
- Well you see there were some jerks that used to come before and they would often play nice offering her some of their food only to make fun of her and embarrass her by taking it back before she could even taste it. Since then she never accepted any food offered by the clients well is not like many of them even bothered to offer some. Sometimes Mister Anthony had to step in to stop them from mocking her.
- I see, do you know who they are or where are they now?
I said after I took a deep breath to calm down
- I'm afraid not, they didn't showed up this month and I only know some of their names
She said with sadness.
- Would you be able to recognize them if they show up again?
I asked trying to keep my cool but my dislike for them was obvious in my voice. She nodded her head vigorously:
- Of course! How could I not recognize that jerks who always bullied and tried to embarrass my best friend? Next time when I see them I'll give them a piece of my mind!
Her voice was full of determination and venom. Seeing how protective and carrying her friend is I couldn't help but smile knowing that Lucy is a very loyal and amazing human being.
I invited her with us, we were going to drop her home and she accepted wholeheartedly. We made our way to the car when Elijah also arrived and i saw the look Lucy threw him, she didn't liked him very much and I could understand after the way he behaved with her best friend. There was one thing very clear about Lucy If you mess with her friend you mess with her and she won't take it lightly.