Chapter 7

Charlotte Sanguinite

Robert Montgomery is a strange, strange man.

For an Alpha, he's a little too easy-going. Or is it a facade?

I can't really tell.

However, he's nice to me. I like him because he adopted Zeno on the spot, simply because he wanted to give the dog a home.

"You daydreaming?" Jazz snaps her fingers in front of me, making me blink.

"What?" I look at her.

"I've been calling your name for two minutes." Jazz hands me a slip. "One choco frappe and a cappuccino."

"Sorry," I wince.

I can feel her eyes on me as I get to work. "You've been in a weirdly happy mood these days. Found a boyfriend?"

I flush. "No! One of the puppies at the shelter I volunteer at got adopted three days ago."

Jazz looks unconvinced. "You're so giddy because of that?"

It's mostly that. Zeno has found himself a good home. Mixed breed dogs like him don't usually get adopted that easily. With the way Robert was asking so many questions, I know he'll take good care of the puppy. And I saw the joy in Zeno's eyes. It was love at first sight.

"Leave her alone," Gina chuckles. "You know how Charlotte loves her animals. Although, I did hear an interesting tidbit from Shelby…"

I slide over the drinks to Jazz. "Here. If it's about loan sharks, Gina, I don't have any chasing after me. You know how Shelby is."

Jazz grins. "I don't think that's the little tidbit she's talking about. The one we have in mind is about to walk in."

I lift my gaze, and I can feel the heat spread across my face as Robert Montgomery opens the door, a small, familiar puppy tucked under his arm. His shoes have drool all over them and are partly chewed.

"Good afternoon," Jazz says cheerfully. "My break just started. Charlotte will take your order."

"Wha-" I gape at Jazz, who shoves me—without an ounce of remorse—in front of the cash register, directly across from Robert.

"Hi." He smiles at me, the cerulean blue of his eyes lighting up and making my heart flutter.

"Y—You brought Zeno," I murmur, cursing myself silently for the stutter.

"I took him to work." Robert looks proud, patting the happy little puppy on the head. "My housekeeper is on vacation right now, so I can't leave him alone. He's quite well-behaved."

My eyes are drawn to his chewed shoes. "I can tell."

He laughs. "He got bored."

The sound surprises me. I quickly look away, trying to calm my traitorous heart. It's not like I haven't had crushes before. I know they simply fade away very quickly. But with Robert, it's almost ridiculous.

Why does his presence make me feel like this?

A giggle from the side has me looking over to see Jazz grinning at me. She makes a kissy face, and I quickly avert my gaze.

"What can I get you?"

"It's cold outside, so a hot chocolate for me and one of those meat buns for Zeno." Robert glances in Jazz's direction, making me wish the Earth would swallow me whole. My colleagues are having the time of their lives right now.

He's not just a wolf shifter, but an Alpha. I shouldn't even be looking at him, and yet here I am, feeling and behaving like a fool.

"Sure." I pack up the meat bun and start preparing the hot chocolate.

As another customer walks in, Jazz jumps to her feet. "I'll take your order."

I give her a narrow-eyed look. Did she happen to forget she was on an impromptu break?

"What are you doing today?" Robert asks me.

"My shift ends at seven, and then I'm going to go home," I reply, glancing over my shoulder at him. "Why?"

"Well…" His grin makes the scars on the left side of his face crinkle, but they don't bother me. His scars have never stood out to me. His smile is wickedly charming even with them. "I was thinking that you owe me a meal."

"What?" I gape at him. "But we had Chinese—"

"Yeah," he shrugs, "but technically, it was my treat. You still owe me. I was thinking we could go today."

I stare at him. What is he doing?

I pick up his cup and put a lid on it before placing it before him. My voice is low as I ask him, "You do remember what I am, don't you?"

"I do," he says simply, grabbing a sleeve for his hot cup.

"This is—Whatever you're up to, I don't think it's a good idea, Robert. I don't want to get dragged into—"

He just smiles at me. "You'll be fine."

"No, I won't," I insist. "I don't—"

It's hard to speak the words when they feel so harsh toward myself. However, I have to get them out.

"I really don't think you're a bad person, but toying with me or painting a target on my back is cruel, Robert," I say slowly. "If your people attack me or decide I'm being a nuisance to you, I can't defend myself. I don't have that kind of strength."

"Nobody will bother you," he says, refusing to budge. "Dinner, tonight. You did promise, didn't you?"

I swallow.

He doesn't seem to care about my concerns.

"What are you trying to do here?" I ask weakly.

"I just want to have dinner with you." He lightly taps the back of my hand "I'll pick you up at seven?"

"Robert—"

But he has set down the money for his purchase and is walking out the door.

Jazz and Gina are instantly by my side. "You two are going out on a date?"

They look far too pleased.

"It's not a date," I mutter.

"Sure sounded like one," Jazz snickers.

"He just wants—It's really not," I insist.

Her smile fades after a second. "If he's pressuring you to go to dinner—"

"No." I rub my hands over my face. "That's not it. It's just—"

"Is it the scarring?" Gina asks sympathetically. "If so, I can understand."

"I don't mind his scars," I blurt. "It's complicated."

Jazz shakes her head. "Things are only complicated if you overthink them. You're always so serious. You need to loosen up a little. We only get one life, you know? Go have fun, get drunk, be a little flirty. You don't have to sleep with him. Just let loose."

The idea does sound a bit appealing.

Maybe I shouldn't aim to get drunk, but I could try to enjoy the dinner. It's been a while since I went out, especially with a man. Perhaps Robert is just testing me. For what, I don't know, but he'll soon find out that I'm not much more than a human. I just have to prove that to him.

With that in mind, I spend my break searching for nice casual restaurants or dining spots. When closing time rolls around, I have a place in mind. It's not fancy enough to say "date," but also not so casual as to suggest I'm a cheapskate. I've also calmed down considerably. I really don't know what Robert is up to, but he's not romantically interested in me. He can't be. I'm a vampire. No shifter in their right mind would even look at a vampire in that way.

That's right.

There's a large chasm between us that neither of us can cross, and that goes a long way in reassuring me.

However, when the clock strikes seven, the door opens and Robert walks in. Instead of a wriggly little puppy in his hands, he's holding what looks like a small, hand-woven basket filled with beautiful, colorful flowers.

"Here." He smiles at me, handing me the basket. It's dainty enough to hang from my arm if I want, and absolutely adorable. "I got you these. Pretty flowers for a pretty lady."

It's a corny thing to say, and despite the line I keep trying to draw between us, I can't help but sniff the flowers. "I—Why'd you get me flowers?"

"I wanted to."

Jazz wolf whistles. "Those are gorgeous. And not cheap. Somebody has the hots for you."

The last part is whispered to me, but she doesn't know that Robert can hear her. He just smirks.

I close my eyes in mortification, and she elbows me. "Thank him!"

"Thanks," I say slowly, feeling shaken.

He shouldn't be getting me flowers!

"Ready to go?" he asks, his eyes laughing at me.

I know full well that if I linger one minute more, Jazz and Gina will say something else that will only serve to embarrass me.

"Yeah." I grab my things off one of the tables, and we head out.

Robert opens his car door, but I shake my head. "I'd rather walk."

"Lead the way." He gestures with his hand, but I don't move.

"Charlotte?" he asks after a minute.

Staring at him, I take my time to speak. "Why did you get me flowers? I didn't ask for flowers."

"I told you. I saw them, and—"

"You're an Alpha, Robert, of a wolf shifter pack. What are you doing giving me flowers and trying to go to dinner with me?" This whole thing seems ludicrous.

"Is giving someone flowers a crime now?" He gives me a half-smile.

I don't smile back. "It could cause an issue with a lot of people."

"Then that would be my problem, wouldn't it?" He meets my gaze, serious now. "I am more than capable of looking after myself, Charlotte. And I see no reason why we can't be friends."

There's something about the way he says the last part that has me scrutinizing him. The lack of sincerity in those words makes me wonder if he really means them.

"One dinner," I say tightly. "I can't afford to be friends with you, Robert. The whole idea is insane."

He sighs. "Pity. I don't have many friends. Being in the position I am, it's hard to trust people."

"And you think a vampire is someone you can trust?" I begin walking down the street, and he follows me.

"I feel I can trust you." He shrugs. "You're different from the others."

"Now, that's a line I haven't heard before," I say dryly before adding, in a mocking tone, "You're not like other girls, Charlotte. You're different!"

Robert bursts into laughter. "Who was it? Who said that to you?"

"A human who tried to pick me up in a bar." The memory makes me cringe.

Robert's laughter, though, makes me glance at him.

He really is handsome. I know his flaws should make him unappealing. I wish they would. It would be easier to despise him or fear him than feel this illicit attraction that refuses to die down.

"Either way…" Robert falls into step beside me, shamelessly tucking my arm around the crook of his elbow. "I am in need of a friend, and I don't see why you can't be it."

"Do you hear yourself? We—"

"If you point out the differences in our species again, I'm going to start showing up with flowers every day, at your workplace." He beams at me.

I snap my mouth shut. Is that a threat?

It sounds like one.

It even feels like one.

******

I didn't choose a restaurant per se.

It's an open-air BBQ eatery near the edge of the woods. The place is decked out with bright fairy lights, mismatched but comfortable, colorful chairs, and several barbecue pits around which the chairs are gathered.

"What is this place?" Robert looks delighted.

"It's a DIY barbecue spot," I tell him, enjoying the stunned look on his face. "I found it online. We buy the marinated meat from over there."

I point to a long stall that has stacks and stacks of iceboxes.

"They have all kinds of meat, and then we barbecue it ourselves. Everything is self-serve except for drinks. A couple of college students started this venture, and it's slowly taking off. The reviews are very good."

I walk over to the long stall that has the iceboxes. "It's no three-star restaurant, but this seemed more interesting."

Robert tucks his hands in his pockets and looks around, intrigued. "It is. I love a good barbecue."

The marinated meat area really does have everything, from seafood to chicken to lamb and beef cuts. Robert and I select quite a few items, and when I see him reaching for his wallet, I instinctively slap his hand away. His eyes widen, and I snap, "Not so fast. I know what you're doing. I'm paying."

He puts on a rueful expression. "It doesn't seem right to let a lady pay."

"Oh, and it's okay to scam me into dinner dates, then?" I raise a brow at him, not at all buying his little act.

"Fine." The Alpha raises his hands, palms out, in defeat. "You can pay. But I pay for the alcohol. What will you have?"

"I don't think we should dri—"

The man behind the counter is already handing Robert a laminated menu. "Somebody will be right with you to start up your pit, and they'll bring you your food."

"I really don't think I should be drinking, Rob—"

However, my concerns are ignored as Robert nudges me over to one of the pits. He doesn't really listen to me as one of the servers starts pointing things out on the menu. "We have these beers on tap and several different kinds of cocktails."

I don't usually drink alcohol. I tend to get drunk easily. The last time I drank, it was at a bar, and I passed out after three or four beers.

"I'll have a Long Island iced tea," I say quickly, peeking at the menu and knowing if I don't speak up, Robert will saddle me with something that is bound to knock my socks off.

Robert gives me a strange look. "You sure?"

"Yes," I nod firmly. "I'm not going to have any alcohol. Tea works for me."

"But a Long Island is—"

"Just order what you want," I interrupt him. "I've already decided."

He presses his lips together as if to suppress a smile and points to something on the menu. "I'll have one of these beers."

"Should I bring you your drinks now?" the server asks politely.

Robert glances at me quizzically, and I nod.

Once the server leaves, Robert leans back in his chair, grinning. "So, I take it you've never worked in a bar before."

"What kind of question is that?"

He shrugs, snickering to himself. "I also bet you don't have a habit of going out to bars."

I shoot him a suspicious look. "What are you getting at?"

"Absolutely nothing," he chuckles. "But I'm right, aren't I?"

"I've been too busy working. Besides, getting drunk can be quite dangerous. And I'm not fond of alcohol in general."

"I see. But you like iced tea?"

The way he seems to be holding in his laughter makes me want to hit him over the head with something. "What is so funny?!"

"Nothing!" he insists.

"Liar."

"They're coming to set up our pit," he points out, sufficiently distracting me. Two young men arrive and light up the coal that is already in the pit. They teach us how to keep the coal burning, and then one of them brings over our meat. I'm quite excited by this whole barbecue process.

"I've never been to an actual barbecue." I smile broadly, unable to contain myself. "I've seen so many videos. This looks like a lot of fun." I catch Robert glancing at me, and I ask, "What?"

He smiles—a little softly, it seems to me. Holding out the tongs, he says, "Want to kick-start this?"

Excited like a child on Christmas, I put the first sausages and meat kebabs on the grill. There isn't a very large surface area, so I can only fit two skewers and a couple of sausages. The drinks arrive in the meantime, and as I take my first sip, my toes curl.

"This is good!" I beam down at the tall glass. It's both tangy and sweet, and it has a kick to it.

I take another sip, and Robert puts a cautioning hand on mine. "Easy."

"Why?" I blink. "It's just iced tea."

He struggles to say something and then manages, "It would be better to have it with the food, don't you think?"

I give him a confused look. Why is he acting like this?

"I can always order another one," I say slowly. "Besides, I haven't eaten anything since this morning, so I'm starved."

His face grows red, and he mutters, "Don't say I didn't warn you."

"You can be so weird," I grumble, sipping my tea.

I turn the kebabs over, and Robert deals with the sausages. The smell is tantalizing, and when we bite into the meat, my mouth waters.

Some of the marinated pieces are quite spicy, and I'm well into my third glass of tea. I feel light-headed and happy.

"I'm so glad you didn't kick me out of Portland," I say cheerfully, watching a chicken thigh sizzle away on the grill. "Can you imagine me working on a farm?" I burst into laughter. "Overalls! I'd have to wear overalls and a straw hat!"

Robert grins. "That makes for a cute picture."

"It makes for a ridiculous picture!" I smack my hand against his arm, chortling. "Overalls make me look fat. I wore them once. My sister's. I was twelve, I think. I hit puberty early, you know. Clyde cut all my clothes with scissors. And my father slapped me when I complained."

The memory doesn't hurt anymore. It's almost as if it happened to somebody else.

"There was an event, a wedding or something, I guess. I had nothing to wear, so I stole my sister's overalls. She was really young then, so they were a tight fit. A very tight fit."

My smile fades as the memory of being taunted returns to me.

"They were cruel," I whisper, my laughter long gone. "And—And Clyde and that friend of his, Droga, they cornered me and cut the straps."

I lower my head, feeling dazed and upset. Why did I think this was a memory worth remembering?

My father had beaten me for embarrassing him, after the boys had had a go at me with their fists during the event.

"Never mind," I mumble. "I don't want to talk about it."

Robert places a kebab on my plate, his voice careful. "I think you would look absolutely gorgeous wearing overalls. But the straw hat could be hit or miss. Send me a picture when you do. We'll have to decide on the spot."

His words make my lips curve, some of the darkness abating. "I could pull off a straw hat."

"We'll have to see." He gives me a doubtful look, but I see the laughter in his eyes.

He's trying to distract me, and it's sweet.

"It's a real shame that you're a wolf shifter," I sigh, draining my glass.

The server, who is passing by, picks it up and asks with a grin, "Another?"

Robert and I exclaim "No" and "Yes" at the same time.

"Don't listen to him." I bat my eyes at the server, who keeps grinning. "I'll take another one. He's paying for it. Cheapskate."

"You really shouldn't," Robert begins, and I roll my eyes at him, feeling woozy and enjoying it.

"Jazz said—" I point my finger at him. "She said I have to loosen up. See?" I spread my arms. "I'm loose!"

Robert reaches out and lowers my hands down to my side, a helpless look on his face. "This is my fault. I really didn't think you'd go past one drink."

"It's really good tea." I beam, leaning toward him. "You should try it."

"It won't work on me." Robert's face is inches from mine, and there is a strange emotion glittering in his eyes as he gazes at me. "Human alcohol doesn't impair my senses. And it shouldn't have an effect on you, either."

"Alcohol?" I smile. "Who's having alcohol? We're having tea!"

"You're completely drunk, little vampire." Robert's voice is low. The way he's looking at me has my stomach tightening.

"You have the prettiest eyes," I suddenly declare. "And the most handsome smile. When you smile," I burrow my finger into his chest, "I want to kiss you."

His eyes widen in response. "What?"

His reaction makes me want to try. There is no voice inside me cautioning me to stop, to think about what I'm doing. I just want what I want.

And I really want to kiss this wolf Alpha whose smile devastates me every time I see it.

Putting my hands on his thighs, I lift myself up till my face is a little higher than his.

"Charlotte."

The husky sound of my name from Robert's mouth makes my abdomen contract in need. He doesn't push me away; his eyes burn into mine. His hands come to settle on my upper arms, and when his fingers dig into my skin, I smirk.

Without hesitation, I press my mouth down against his.