“Why not? It’s a lovely day, the night is clear, we can lie on the beach and watch the stars.”
“I have to start work tomorrow at seven. I’d rather not sprinkle sand all over the breakfasts.” She chuckled. “Although, I could just tell Ivan it’s a fae delicacy.”
“You’ll do just fine working at the hotel. Ivan won’t be able to resist your sense of humor. Or your cooking. Just relax, be yourself and you’ll do fine.”
“Did I mention Ivan is a dragon shifter?” Elise coughed as she nearly choked on a lettuce leaf. “Your face.” She took a sip of coffee, her eyes watering as she cleared her throat.
“A dragon shifter. Did you know before we came here?” Karros asked.
“No. I’d heard of Ivan. He’s got a great reputation even in our world. Which I doubt he’d hang onto if they knew he was a dragon shifter.” Elise finished her salad and set her fork down on her plate. “It’s going to be hard to win him over. Ivan knows that fae and dragons don’t mix well.”
“What is he doing here?” Karros asked. “I’ve never heard of a dragon shifter being raised in Wishing Moon Bay. If he were an orphan, the dragon isle would have claimed him as their own.”
“That I don’t know. All I do know is he’s a great chef, hugely talented and I want to learn from him.” Elise picked up the piece of paper and took her phone from her purse. “Shall I go call my mate and ask him for help?”
“Yes.” Karros caught the eye of the server. “I’ll get the check while you make the call.”
“Thanks, Karros.” She placed her hand on his shoulder and kissed his cheek. “For everything.”
“You owe me.” He took his wallet out. “When you open your restaurant, I expect free food for life.”
“Deal.” Elise turned around and left the diner, her hand shaking as she looked at the piece of paper and dialed the number.
She’d expected to fight for a place in Ivan’s kitchen. She never expected to find her mate on the same day.
Chapter Four – Caleb
“Elise?” Aiden asked as Caleb put his phone in his pocket and sat down at the table where they were finishing their meal.
“Yes.” Normally he wouldn’t have answered a call while he was eating with his family. Not unless it was an emergency.
Our mate calling is an emergency, his bear replied. If she needs us, we’re supposed to be there for her no matter what.
“She’s not canceling your date, is she?” Valerie asked.
“No, she wants me to help her and her brother find somewhere to live.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m meeting them in half an hour.”
“Then why are you still sitting here?” Aiden asked.
“Trying to clear my head. It’s all fuzzy. How am I supposed to help them if I can’t think straight?” Caleb rested his head in his hands.
“Just breathe and relax,” Aiden told him. “This part fades, soon your head will clear, and you’ll be back to your normal self.”
“Is that how you felt when we met?” Flora asked her mate.
“Yeah. The moment I saw you outside the candy store, I knew you were the one for me. The person I was supposed to be with for the rest of my life. It was as if that one thought just pounded in my head over and over again, like a drumbeat, pushing all other thoughts away.” Aiden reached for her hand. “Then it cleared because I knew you needed me.”
“I did.” She caressed his cheek. “I do.”
“Goodness, when I see the two of you together and hear Caleb talking about his mate, it’s enough to make a man cry.” Rift shook his head. “I want this. I want the head-exploding, heart-pumping knowledge that I have a mate.”
“It’ll happen for you, Rift,” Valerie assured him.
“I sometimes wonder. I’m not getting any younger and with four brothers already mated, it feels as if my luck has run out.” He glanced at Milo. “I guess I’m just hoping to be the best uncle ever instead.”
“That was going to be my job.” Caleb half-raised his hand.
“That’s true. Caleb was feeling just like you a couple of days ago. Now, look at him.” Aiden glanced at his brother. “We should get going. Elise and her brother aren’t the only ones who need a place to live.”
“Of course.” Caleb stood up. “You’re welcome to use the apartment until you get yourselves settled. I could move back in with Valerie. If she’ll