Chapter Twelve

Archer

Not that we were like “bunnies” or anything. My pack brothers would faint at the implication, but in fact, my new mates and I spent so much time in bed that by the end of our first full day together, we lay there tangled in the sweaty sheets, too tired to cook and too hungry to skip a meal.

“I don’t suppose you can get anything delivered here?” I peeled the sheet from my thigh, grimacing. “And I hope you have another set of sheets.”

“A couple, but I can buy more if this keeps up. I haven’t put in a washer and dryer here yet, and we don’t want to be going to the laundromat in town every third day.”

“Are there hookups?” I grabbed my phone. “I can order them now.” There had to be a good use for the money I’d saved up while being too busy to spend any of it. “Gas or electric.”

“Yes, but you don’t have to do that.” Heath tumbled to the floor next to the bed. “The laundromat isn’t that bad.”

“Maybe not, but having the machine here would be handy.” I tapped on the screen. “I can get an electric set delivered overnight. And no arguments.” And no explaining that I was paying a delivery fee almost the cost of the machines.

Oren grinned at us both. “I agree that it would be handy. And we’re mated, so it’s not like anyone is going anywhere, that is unless we all do. Is electric okay, omega?”

Heath sighed. “Perfect, and I can’t be a complete hypocrite and not admit it will be a relief. Hauling all my clothes and the soap and everything has kind of sucked.”

“Of course it has.” I reached down and pulled him back up and in between the two of us. “Now, I’d like to go another round, but without nutrition I’m going to have performance issues. About delivery?”

“Nothing really,” Oren said. “Particularly at this time of year. The tourists are all gone so there aren’t even any gig workers to speak of. Let’s go to the Grizzly and have some of Stefano’s food.”

“Stefano?” Heath was already up and headed for the bathroom. “Friend of yours?”

“Don’t be jealous, omega. He and his brother own the Grizzly. It’s a kind of bar and restaurant out on the highway, and they met their mates via the app too.” He frowned. “Come to think of it, rumor has it most people around here did. Stefano was a chef at some fancy place in the city, and Giorgio talked him into coming here to open the place with him.”

“Sounds good to me.” I started to follow Heath then stayed where I was. “I suggest we all shower separately to be sure we actually do get to the restaurant before they close.”

“They’re open pretty late, having a bar and all, but the full menu won’t be available too late.”

We took turns showering and dressing then piled in Oren’s vehicle, me behind the wheel, and headed down the highway. It was gorgeous country around here, all the beautiful trees and mountain slopes in the distance. Autumn was showing its first licks, and there were some colorful leaves visible as the last of the sunlight disappeared and shadows took its place.

“Is it very far?” Heath asked, peering into the distance. “My stomach is rumbling.”

“No.” Oren leaned forward from the back seat and pointed. “See the lights up ahead? That’s the Grizzly. Social hub of the whole area, and, now, mostly all locals. You’ll love it.”

We parked in a half-full lot and made our way into the rustic building. A dining room off to one side was full of families finishing their meals, but Heath steered us toward the main bar area. “It’s late enough, they’ll be wanting to shut down the other area soon. We can get everything in the bar.”

As we sat at a table, a bear shifter approached. “Oren, nice to see you. Are you and your friends here for dinner or drinks tonight?”

Oren smiled at him. “Giorgio. Please meet Heath and Archer. I’ve been bragging about Stefano’s food, and we’re all starving, so what are the specials tonight?”

Giorgio shook our hands and rattled off a list of several items that sounded amazing, then he stopped. “I’m sorry I said these men were your friends. Heath, when were you going to tell us your news. Hang on. I have to get Stefano.” He left the table and disappeared through a doorway beside the bar, reappearing with a man who looked a lot like him but dressed in chef’s whites. They were both tall and brawny and likely the grizzlies the restaurant was named after. “Here’s my elusive brother. Stefano, Oren is—”

“Mated.” The chef clapped his hands. “Congratulations!”

“We are going to comp your whole bill tonight.” Giorgio seemed just as excited as his brother. “Tell us how you met.”

“Can’t you guess?” Oren took both our hands and squeezed them.

“The app.” Giorgio nodded. “Another success story. So what will you have?”

“What do you suggest?”

Stefano rubbed his hands together. “Leave it to me. Any allergies or dislikes?” Shifters rarely had allergies, but it did happen.

We assured him we would be happy to try anything he brought, and soon the table was laden with an array of dishes the likes of which I would not have been surprised to see at one of the fancy restaurants where the law firm entertained clients. Other diners and staff came by the table and congratulated us, pulled up chairs, and soon an impromptu mating reception took place.

What an incredible place, the Grizzly, and everyone wanted to share their stories of meeting on the app. The few families left in the dining room came in, too, babies nodding off on their laps as we all got to know each other.

Finally, my mates and I took our leave, but we’d be back soon.