Chapter Seventeen

We'd crossed a line, that first night together, and it was one we could not back up from, even if we wanted to. And I did not want to for sure. I only hoped my omega felt the same. Every time we got close to one another, the clothes were going flying, so I thought it would be nice to plan an evening out, maybe a nice meal in a restaurant where our clothes were not going anywhere and we could discuss some things and clear the way forward.

If he wanted that.

He sure seemed like he did, but I needed it in so many words. Free will rather than the power of fated mating and animal attraction taking over. Since our first night together, Cicek seemed to be doing much better stomach wise, but he was still overtired, and I hoped I could convince him to let my brother Scott help out more often in the shop.

I made a small board with cheese and crackers and some purple grapes and sliced apple and headed next door. I found Cicek sitting behind the counter, taking a break, which I was glad of but made me even more concerned. The omega was a hard worker, always doing something around the place, sweeping and dusting if there was nothing else to do. To find him seated, with his hands folded in his lap and his eyes closed was unusual to say the least.

"Cicek?"

"What? Oh." He lifted his head, eyes opening wide. "Hi, alpha. Sorry, I guess I got a little tired. How are you?"

"I'm good, but I think you need a real nap. I'm calling Scott."

"You don't need to do that." He stood up and stretched out his back. "I'm fine now."

"No argument, omega. I want you rested when we go on our date tonight."

He brightened. "A date? To the taco truck?"

I pulled out my phone and texted Scott who replied that he was available and would be right over. "Good, he's on the way. Now…while I will take you to the taco truck anytime you like, I want our date to be special. Like the steak house two towns over?"

"That would be fun. I'm done arguing. I'm actually too tired anyway."

"To tired to go out to dinner?"

"I won't be after my nap."

I kissed him swiftly on the lips. "That's what I like to hear."

The restaurant was everything Godric told me. He and Tanner rarely went out because of his allergies, but the place was so careful, it was on their date-night list. They always asked him to call ahead for a reservation so they could be sure to make even the table safe for them. Talk about a trust factor. But, in addition, they gave the food five stars. I had also called for a reservation and told the host who answered the call that I'd been referred by Tanner and Godric, and he immediately asked if we had any allergies. I wasn't sure if they asked everyone or if it was because of the referral, but either way, I was able to answer in the negative. Cicek had mentioned not having any when the PBJ owners' names came up in conversation, so I had that information.

Our table was tucked away in a corner, very romantic, and they brought out bread and butter right away, along with a little silver dish of carrot and celery sticks and a few radish roses. Very old-school steak house.

We made casual conversation through the meal, holding hands and kissing between bites. But once our shared cherry cheesecake arrived along with tiny cups of coffee, we had settled into the best conversations. Somehow, we never got around to talking about anything serious, but it didn't matter. The food was great, but the company was so much better. And I had the perfect way to bring up what I needed him to know and what I needed to know myself. We just had to stay dressed long enough to talk it out. When we got back to the shops, I took his hand and led him up the stairs to my place. "Close your eyes." I opened the door and went into the bedroom to get something from my closet. "Scott had this in his storage, but I asked him for it. Open your eyes."

"Oh my goodness. It's a rocking horse." He fell to his knees beside it, stroking the smooth wood. "Is it an antique?"

"It's been in our family for generations."

"And you want me to have it when we're not even mated yet?"

"Omega, you're the only mate I will ever have, so if you don't want me, your child should have it. No pressure though."

He looked up at me, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "You are such a funny bear. How could I ever resist you." He moved to stand and I scooped him into my arms. "Mark me tonight?"

"It would be my pleasure." I carried him into the bedroom and set him down on the floor by the bed. Stroking a strand of hair back, I caressed the place I would mark him in just a little while. "And yours."

We'd made love a number of times already, but anticipation made this extra special, and I feared my omega could hear my heart thudding. But if so, he didn't say anything, and when we were both naked, I had him lie on his side while I lay behind him, my cock already at his slick hole. I stroked him off while I drove into him again and again, the angle extra tight and so good. It was indeed my pleasure and judging from Cicek's groans, his also. Getting close, I fisted him tighter and gave short jerks, bringing his creamy cum splashing onto the sheets just as I poured my load into him. My knot swelled, and I bent to sink my teeth into the side of his neck. Mated and marked.