“That’s always good for business, eh?” Matteo chuckled.
"Hi, I'm Ella." She flipped her wavy blonde hair over her shoulder and reached around the front of Louis to shake Matteo's hand.
"I'd remember a face like yours anywhere." Matteo smiled and firmly squeezed her hand. "Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you." His eyes then landed back on me. "And I'd be honored if at some point I could introduce you to some members of my …" he said as he glanced around and leaned into me, "pack."
"I would love that." I smiled at him. "Maybe after we order?"
"That would be perfect." He pointed over to Mason. "And of course, the Royal Mate is welcome too."
"Wouldn't want to miss it." Mason nodded with a forced grin.
"It won't be a problem if I join, right?" Mona glanced in the direction of the kitchen.
"Of course not." He laughed and lifted both hands. "I've missed both you and Kassie these long years and expect no less from you."
A man who could have only been a few years older than me appeared in front of us. He was dressed in a white button-down shirt with a black tie and matching black slacks. He nodded at his alpha and turned his attention to us. "Good evening. I'm sorry to interrupt, but I was wondering if you would like to order any appetizers or drinks."
"Please give them three bottles of Dom Perignon on the house." Matteo patted the younger man's shoulder. "It's not every day that our queen visits us."
"Oh, of course." The waiter nodded and smiled at us. "Would you like anything else?"
"Yes, water for me and a sweet tea for her." Kassie tilted her head in Mona's direction. "We can't drink on the job."
"Got it. Anything else?" He smiled at us.
"Uh ... yeah." Ella grabbed the menu and opened it to the appetizer page. "I'll take some of the cheese sticks, alfredo dipping sauce, and bruschetta."
“All of those sound delicious.” Louis gazed at her with a grin.
“Then you’d better order your own.” Ella placed the menu on the table and arched an eyebrow. “Because I don’t share my food.”
His face scrunched in confusion.
"Uh … will do." The waiter nodded and smiled. "I'll be back shortly."
"I'm going to go make my rounds, but I'll stop back in a little while." Matteo bowed his head slightly once more. "Please let me know if you need anything."
He walked away while Ella snorted and watched his ass as he walked off. "He's something alright."
"Well, you were kind of throwing yourself at him," Louis grumbled as he kept his eyes on the menu.
I didn’t want her embarrassing us, and her antics were making Louis act weird. Also, it was odd that he took every opportunity to insult his father. When King Adelmo, Queen Elizabeth, and he arrived a few days ago, there was some tension, but I had thought it was just the formalities of the day. My father always told me that it even wore on the most experienced royal, but maybe there was true tension between the two.
"I was not throwing myself at him." Ella lifted her chin and huffed. "He may be attractive in the ‘older, distinguished gentleman’ type of way, but you don't need to worry."
"You do realize he has a mate, right?" There was no telling what she was up to. The prince needed to calm down.
“Stop trying to be the center of attention, Ella.” Mason rarely used this tone with her, but when he did, it meant she was pushing things too far.
"I’m not.” She huffed and waved her hand, dismissing him. “And yes, I know. He brought her there for your shindig." Ella rolled her eyes. "Speaking of which, why don't they call Mason ‘King’? They always call him your mate. It almost sounds scandalous."
I was afraid this conversation would come up.
"It's because they haven't performed the official mating ceremony and he hasn’t made the vows to protect Elena’s people. Once he does, the packs will then become their people." Louis placed the menu on the table and glanced up. "Even though Mason still holds some respect because of his relationship with Queen Elena. But since they haven't made it official in the royal right, he won't be called ‘King’."
"Wait ... What?" Ella tilted her head and glanced at me. "But you're mates."
"We are." I nodded, hoping that would end this conversation. The last thing I wanted to do was make Mason do something he might not want to do. Even though I desperately needed him by my side in the capacity of King, he was my mate. I didn’t want to force him to take on the formal King title and make the vow to treat all packs under us as equals. It was a lot to ask of someone. I wasn't even sure that I ever wanted the responsibility.
What have you not told me? Mason's voice was a little cold and distant.
This was not the ideal way at all to have this conversation. I didn't want to make you feel obligated or tied down like I am. I want you to have the choice.
"But he has to have a coronation of his own." Louis's voice turned tense when he glanced my way. "Which, of course, you haven't discussed yet." He cringed and mouthed 'sorry.'
It wasn't your decision to make for me.
But you never asked either. Even though the decision wasn’t mine, he needed to ask the question instead of me feeling as if I was forcing him into this life more than he already was. I was going to tell you after everything had time to settle. I'm sorry, it's just that I didn't want this responsibility for so long. I wanted to protect you for as long as possible.
He sighed before reaching over and placing his hand on my leg. I know. I'm sorry. It's just that after our conversation the other day, I want to be the strong alpha that stands beside you. You were right, I was letting you lead, and you need someone better than that. You need someone to help step in when you're tired.
If we weren't in a restaurant full of people, I'd be jumping him right now. I love you. Just tell me when you're ready, and we'll make it happen.
Then, let's get it planned. He squeezed my leg. Even though the King thing will take me a minute to get used to.
Now, that was something I understood all too well.
"With the way both of you are aroused right now, I'm assuming that we’ve got a party to plan." Ella clapped her hands as the waiter returned once again. “Just in time for a toast.”
He uncorked one bottle of champagne after another until all three were open and handed Kassie and Mona their drinks. "Now are you ready to order?"
I nodded my head, and within a few minutes, the waiter left with our table’s order in hand.
It wasn't long before Matteo headed in our direction. "If you'd like to meet them now, I can take you to the kitchen, or we can do it after you eat."
"Let’s go ahead and go now." I stood and stepped into the main walkway.
Matteo led the way with Mason, Mona, and me following behind.
The restaurant was packed, and there seemed to be a long line waiting outside. "Wow, your place is very popular."
We walked through a door in the back, and Matteo paused. "Well, that's because over half of our customers are wolves. We tend to support one another, so it helps business."