“Did you know one of my uncles owns this place?” She tilted her head. They hadn’t delved into the specifics of family much. Maybe they’d talked to her uncles.
“No, if I had, I definitely would have used that to help get a reservation.” Gable pulled into a parking spot and turned to face her. “Are you good with eating here, or did you want to go somewhere else?”
“I like eating here. I just wondered if you knew and that’s why you chose this place. We really should talk more about our families.” She brushed her fingers over his cheek.
“But that might cut into touching and tasting you. I’m not sure I’m ready to make that sacrifice yet. Can’t we just talk about them right before we meet them?” Micah grinned.
“I think we would miss a few important facts, and you’d probably be mad at me.” She grinned. Especially if they didn’t get around to discussing her brother Brent more. Her brother could be intimidating.
“I wouldn’t get mad at you for that. It’s hard to know what to tell people. I think we already know that the person we really need to impress and look out for is your brother Brent.” Maddox glanced at her over the back of the seat before he pushed the door open.
Micah opened the door and slid out. She unbuckled and followed him. He held out his hand and helped her out. She leaned into him. He guided her to the restaurant. She stepped inside. Light gray walls provided a neutral backdrop, and the dark beams provided a rich contrast. Colorful pictures offered bright splashes across the wall.
“This is a nice place.” Maddox nodded.
“How did you choose O’Donnell’s? I know you’ve been in the city for a while. Have you been here before?” She glanced over at him.
“No, we haven’t eaten here. We asked for some recommendations and were told that this was a good place to eat.” Maddox strolled up beside him.
The smell of steak and grilled meat wafted through the air. Her stomach growled. The food was definitely delicious here. Light reflected off the polished surfaces of the tables. Gable led the way to the hostess station.
The woman smiled. “Hello, Dixie, I didn’t know you’d be in tonight.”
“I didn’t know I’d be here today.” Dixie smiled. “Hi, Sharla. They have reservations.”
“They’re under Gable Bere.” Gable stepped forward.
“Wonderful.” Sharla swiped her fingers over the screen. “It will be a few moments. We’re a little backed up. Why don’t you go into the bar and wait? Someone will come get you when your table is ready.”
“So, how is the food here? I heard it was good, but since you’re related to the owner, you should know.” Maddox guided her into the bar.
“It’s delicious. You won’t be disappointed.” She smiled and led the way to the bar.
They sat at the bar and ordered a drink. She turned to Gable. “How’s the search for your office?”
He smiled. “We’re closer to what I want. There are still a couple things missing, but I have more hope that I’ll find it now.”
“Did you get the things you needed, Maddox?” She reached out and put her hand on Maddox’s. He’d been waiting for a couple things to arrive before completely opening the dealership side.
“Yes, they arrived, and the distribution side is now open.” Maddox nodded.
A waiter came and escorted them to their table. Once they settled, he took their drink order and left them alone to peruse the menus.
Micah smiled. “And how are you doing, honeybear?”
“You know I’m good. You saw me the other day when you came to see your patient.”
The waiter returned and took their order. It wasn’t long before their appetizers were brought out to them.
“Are you back on your old ward now?” Maddox asked. “I thought you’d switched.”
“I did switch, but there was a woman on that ward who needed to switch this week. She had some problems with a patient’s family. Since they’re a prominent family, they went to the board. The board went to the head of nursing, and she came to see who could be moved.” She shrugged. Not that she minded. It beat waiting for an opening. “So I’m back, and if he has patients there, he’ll see me.”
The waiter returned with their main course. She leaned back so that he could place it on the table. The delicious aroma of beef drifted up to her. Her stomach rumbled. They began eating.
“What kind of problems could she have with the family of a patient and not the actual patient that had her moved?” Gable frowned.
“I don’t know, and I didn’t ask. Sometimes, it’s better to remember to keep my eyes on the monkeys in my circus. It could be anything from a high school grudge or maybe she dated one of them and it ended badly, but it wasn’t because of anything to do with her skills as a nurse.” She picked up her glass of wine. That kind of idiocy drove her nuts. If the person was good at the job, let them do the job.
“Basically politics in the hospital.” Micah lifted his shoulder. “I don’t know the specifics, but the gossip among the doctors is that it was entirely personal.”
“How’s your office, Micah?” She raised her brows. He’d mumbled something about one of his staff when he came in the other day. After a kiss, he’d distracted her, and she didn’t get anything else out of him.
“I have to find a new receptionist.” He grimaced and cut into his steak.
“You just hired that receptionist. Not two months ago. Why would you need a new one now?” Gable frowned.
“Well, yes, but when I hired her, she was apparently under the impression that I was single. She heard that we met our mate and that she was living with us. She’s quitting. Gave me two weeks to find someone to replace her.” Micah scowled.
“Um, sorry about that. I didn’t mean to cost you a receptionist.” Dixie laughed. Apparently the receptionist had been looking for a doctor to date.
“Honeybear, I’d gladly lose my entire staff.” Micah reached over and squeezed her shoulder. “Now, are you ready for some fun?”
She nodded. Definitely. This night couldn’t get any better.
Chapter Sixteen
After dinner, Gable curved an arm around her and led her out of the restaurant. They piled into the car and drove. She smiled as they pulled up in front of the Wild Beat.
The red sign flashed. Yes! Are the girls here tonight? She frowned. Probably not. This wasn’t a normal girls’ night.
Gable led her toward the line. She shook her head and grasped his hand tighter. Why the hell would she stand in that line when it wasn’t necessary? Time to reveal yet another bit about her family.
“We really have to talk about family. Come on. All three of you follow me. There’s no need to wait to get in.” Dixie smiled and strode along the side of the line.
“What are you doing, Dixie?” Micah asked.
“We’re going into the club.” She tugged Gable along behind her.
He could stop her if he really wanted to. With as big as he was, all he had to do was plant his feet, and she wouldn’t be able to budge him. He followed willingly. What about Micah and Maddox?
She glanced over her shoulder. The other two trailed after them. They looked confused. Ah, well, it would be clear soon enough. At the front of the line, she stopped by the barrier.
“Hey, Sam!” Dixie put a hand on the rope divider.
One of the men at the start of the line turned and smiled. Blond and muscled, he had just enough intimidation to do the job.
“Hi, Dixie!” He stepped forward.
“I’d like to introduce my mates to my uncle. Can you let us in?” She tapped a finger on the rail. No real chance he’d deny her. She’d had access to this place since she reached legal age.
“Sure thing, Dixie.” He pulled the barrier aside, leaving an opening.
She tugged Gable’s hand. He trailed after her.
He leaned close. “Is this the same uncle that owns the restaurant or a different one?”
“Same one. I told you we should talk about family. The
n you’d know the Wild Beat is my uncle’s bar and that it’s a common hangout for me and my friends.” She led them through the crowd.
“Do you know if your friends are here?” Maddox asked.
“No, this isn’t a regular night that we’d come here. The only person who might be here is Chloe, and that’s only if she decided to come with Tony. Occasionally, she’ll do her work in his office.” Dixie lifted a shoulder.
“Well, we know where your friends are.” Maddox leaned in and nipped her neck.
“How would you know where my friends are?” Dixie glanced over at him.
They neared the black-and-silver bar. People crowded in front of it, and the bartenders worked behind it. Looked like another busy night. Only one of the red-cushioned bar stools was available.
“Because we talked to John. He informed us that one of your best friends was his wife, and we arranged to meet them here along with the rest of your friends.” Gable laughed. “He forgot to mention the uncle part. Come on. They’re at a table near the dance floor.”
Dixie squealed and bounced. She jumped into Gable’s arms. Joy flooded through her, and laughter bubbled from her lips. Wonderful! They are the sweetest men.
“Thank you! That’s the best surprise I’ve received in a long time.” She hugged him tight.
He framed her face and pressed his lips to hers. Warmth spread through her. She fell into the kiss, running her hands over his shoulders.
“Hey, you do remember you’re out in public?” a sweet voice singsonged behind her.
“Chloe.” Dixie lowered her head to his shoulder. Heat washed over her cheeks. Damn, caught lost in her mate’s arms and not even on the dance floor.
“Dixie, do you plan to join us or just maul him some more?” Chloe stepped around them.
“I’d go for more mauling.” Gable tightened his hands on her ass.
“I’ll maul you some more later. Right now, I think I want to go after my friend here.” Dixie narrowed her eyes on the redheaded woman.
“Hey, I believe you pointed out the same thing about me, but I happened to be on the dance floor where it’s sort of socially acceptable to get lost in a partner’s arms rather than just standing in the way near the bar. Come on. Carry her this way.” Chloe grinned. She whirled, her red hair flaring out.
Micah laughed. “I think I like her.”
“Sometimes, I think I do, too.” Dixie held onto Gable as he carried her through the club. “You can put me on my feet, you know. If you didn’t guess, that’s my friend Chloe. She’s also married to my uncles.”
“Was she your friend first, or did you meet her after they mated her?” Maddox tilted his head to the side. “I’m sure that Gable is just fine with you in the position you’re in now.”
“I knew her first. She met them after.” Dixie grinned. In the end, trouble precipitated her first meeting one of them. “We tried to introduce her to whyr before she met them, but something always seemed to get in the way.”
“She looks like she’s happy.” Gable tightened his arms around her.
“She’s very happy.” Dixie nodded. “Sometimes, it was enough to make a single girl jealous.”
They stopped at a group of tables near the dance floor. Someone had arranged them close together. Red and white lights splashed in patterns across the dance floor and the people dancing.
Penny sat on one of the stools with her mates around her, and Leslie stood near one end with two of her mates. Archer spoke, but too low to hear the details. Leslie and Penny laughed. Gable put her on her feet. She turned fully around.
“Dixie, you’re here!” Shonna rushed over and hugged her.
“Hey, Shonna, what’s up?” Dixie tightened her arms around her friend. That greeting was a little unusual. Shonna wasn’t usually so exuberantly demonstrative.
“Just glad to see you. It’s been a while since we’ve gotten together.” Shonna lifted her shoulders.
“No, what’s really up? Because that greeting was a little over the top.” Dixie raised a brow. No way would she buy that bland explanation.
Shonna shook her hand. “Just a little fed up, anxious, out of sorts, and it’s good to be somewhere I know where I stand. We’re getting a new alpha, and my nerves are a little shot.”
“What? I hadn’t heard anything about the wolves getting a new alpha. Last I heard, Stehls was the alpha and seemed prepared to remain that way until he passed away.” Dixie frowned.
No one had challenged. That would have made the rounds of even the other species. Hell, no one even mentioned a disagreement or a question of his ability to lead.
“We all thought that. Not that any of us were aware of any kind of dissension or problems either.” Shonna looked down at the table.
“Was there dissension or problems that were hidden, but you know about now?” Penny grasped her glass. Some fruity daiquiri-type drink swirled in the bowl.
“No, not that I know of or that’s been said. The only explanation given is that Stehls and his family will be retiring to Florida. Hell, it’s not like we live up in Minnesota or Montana. We hardly ever get more than five inches of snow, and most of the time get much less than that per year.” Shonna shook her head.
“So when is this supposed to happen? When will the new alpha arrive?” Leslie waved while she was holding her glass.
“Sometime within a few months. They haven’t given us a date. And it’s not just a new alpha. Apparently some men are coming with him.” Shonna ran a hand through his hair.
“How can there be men coming with him? If he’s coming to take up the mantle of alpha he can’t have a territory already or men with him.” Dixie waved at the passing waitress.
The woman stopped beside their table. They ordered their drinks. A few minutes later, the drinks were placed in front of them.
“I don’t know, but I’ve heard he and his men are coming.” Shonna sighed and took a big gulp of her beer.
“His men? They could have served with him in the military.” Dawson pressed a kiss to Penny’s cheek. “I know of some whyr who stayed close with their unit after they left the service, especially if they were the same species.”
“That makes a little more sense than some male gathering other males around him in preparation for possibly becoming an alpha. In the meantime, some of the younger males have decided now is the best time to be assholes.” Shonna exhaled heavily.
“Do you know the new alpha’s name?” Leslie asked, leaning forward.
“Nothing about him.” Shonna’s shoulders slumped.
“Has someone done something to you?” Penny straightened, tension tautening her body.
“No, no one’s done anything. Nobody has attacked me. I’m just anxious, because the pack has slipped into crazyland in the interim. I can take care of myself if something happens, but the uncertainty and the way the alpha is ignoring everything while he gets ready for his move has my wolf antsy.” Shonna shifted her shoulders.
“Lack of leadership. Your wolf senses it and wants what it once had.” Ethan wrapped his arms around Penny. “They shouldn’t have released the news this early. Hell, a couple of weeks would be too much, much less the months. It’s no wonder that some of the younger wolves are running wild.”
“And so this won’t get any better before the next alpha takes his position.” Shonna thumped her glass down on the table.
“It might get worse. If it does, the old alpha will have to step forward or the new alpha will need to come in sooner than he plans.” Ethan shook his head. “If it causes too much trouble, the council will step in and push that forward.”
“I hope it doesn’t get that far.” Shonna bit her lip. “But enough of that, how’s mated life, aside from someone coming after you?”
“Aside from someone coming after me, it’s good. The start was rocky, but I love this part of it.” Dixie smiled.
“The sexy times during the start of a mating always rock.” Chloe laughed.
“Baby, you know that we still
make you scream every night.” Tony leaned in and brushed his lips over Chloe’s cheek.
Dixie hung her head. “Maddox, Micah, Gable, I’d like to introduce you to my Uncle Tony. His partner Jason is beside him. I don’t see Logan though. They give way too much information about a sex life involving someone related to me.”
“Logan’s still working. He’ll be by a little later.” Jason waved his hand. “That last was intended solely for Chloe, but you just happened to be close enough to hear it.”
“Uh-huh, I really might believe that if Chloe wasn’t snickering.” Dixie glared at her friend.
“Hey, if we’d managed to come to Tony’s club on any of the times you proposed it and either I begged off or something happened, you might have heard this for much longer.” Chloe grinned. “Besides, it’s a little fun to torment you. You had the joys of me muddling through my transformation and the claiming.”
“Yes, and you laughed and teased and took great joy in it.” Shonna smiled.
“You teased your friend during mating?” Maddox lifted a brow. “That’s something I’d definitely do, too.”
“Yes, I did, and I totally enjoyed it, but you know there was a lot I couldn’t tease her with because Uncle Logan was in heat. I couldn’t remind her about that night when we went dancing, and she danced with a couple twins who wanted a lot more than dancing.” Dixie shook her head. It would have made Logan go ballistic at the time.
“You danced with two guys? Did they try to take you home and what are their names?” Tony turned Chloe to face him.
“Yes, I danced with them. Years before I met you. And they asked to buy me a drink and maybe more, but I said no, because I kind of got the feeling that with them if I agreed to the drinks, they’d expect the more whether I was agreeable or not.” Chloe grimaced. “Now, see. You’ve got him all possessive. This is why I had to tease you.”
Tony wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
“You never told us they came off that way.” Dixie frowned. If she had, they would have given those two an attitude adjustment.
In Her Bears' Arms Page 12
