Wolf's Claim (The Royal Heir #3) - Jen L. Grey Page 0,13

hostess desk where a familiar young woman resided. Her wolf scent hit me once I got close.

She bowed her head at me. "Queen Elena." Her eyes then went to Mason. "King Mason." She pulled some menus out and glanced at the rest of the party. "Please follow me." She turned and headed toward a set of stairs.

Our group followed behind her, and she placed us right next to a window that overlooked Central Park. It was near the same table as last time. "Here you go." She placed the menus on the table in front of the four chairs. "Is there anything else I can get you right away?" Her gaze was directly on me.

"We have seven tonight." My guards needed a place to sit as well.

"No. No you don't." Kassie moved so she was sitting at a table next to us, and Mona sat at the table behind us. "We aren't eating, and we are separating to keep an eye out. Tommy will be watching the back door to this place as well.”

"But ..." I hated that they wouldn't be eating with us.

"My Queen and King." Matteo appeared at the steps and hurried over to us. His golden eyes shone even more in the dim light and contrasted starkly against his dark olive skin. He had to be at least in his fifties. His eyes then went to Louis and Ella. "And of course my prince and ..." A smile played at the corner of his lips. "Dare I say his mate?"

"I may be his mate, but I have a name." Ella arched her eyebrow and turned to face him. "And it's Ella."

"Yes, of course." He smiled and nodded his head at her. "It's nice to see you again, Ella. Hopefully, this time, it’ll be an altogether different experience." He then turned his focus back on me. "I'm glad you were able to make it this time."

"Me too." And that wasn't an understatement.

"Well, let’s get your order started. What do you all want to drink? I can get that while you look over the menus." Matteo smiled.

We all quickly ordered and soon were alone at the table.

"I'm going to run to the bathroom." I stood, and both Kassie's and Mona's eyes landed immediately on me. "I'll be right back."

"Let me go clear the area first." Kassie stood and glanced at Mona. "I'll be right back."

"Should I go with her?" Ella stood right across from me.

"It wouldn't hurt." Mona turned her head from side to side, keeping track of everything going on around us. Her phone dinged, and she pulled it from her pocket. "Kassie says it's clear."

"Come on, girl." Ella looped her arm through mine before we headed down the stairs to the bathroom. Kassie stood at the door and nodded as we entered.

I went straight to the counter.

"Hey, I thought you needed to use the bathroom?" Ella tilted her head and walked over to stand beside me.

"No, I just needed a minute." It took till now to realize how freaked out my guards were. Granted, I knew they were concerned, but not to this level. "It feels like I can't breathe."

"Girl, please." Ella reached over and ran her fingers through my hair. "You're probably the strongest person I'll ever meet. It's okay to feel overwhelmed every now and then."

"Thanks." She was trying to comfort me, but damn. . . There wasn't much more I could do right now. I had to get my shit together.

"How about I head out and give you a minute alone?" Ella smiled at me.

"Sounds good." I needed a minute.

"All right. Kassie and I will be right outside." She walked out the door. Once I was alone, I took a deep breath.

I turned the water on and thought about splashing it on my face. Dammit, I'd mess up my makeup. I turned it off and placed my hands on the countertop.

A stall door creaked open.

Spinning around, I found that all three doors were open and it didn't appear that anyone was in them. I glanced around, looking for an air vent or anything that would explain the noise. I took a step toward them, and there was no indication that anyone was in the bathroom. I had to be losing my mind.

When I turned back around to the mirror, my aunt was standing directly in front of me.

"What the ..."

Her makeup was dramatic as always; she wore way too much, and it looked thick and heavy. Every time I saw her while growing up,