Chapter Four : Confrontation.
It had been a quiet morning. All the regulars stopping by for breakfast, than the usual break as he got thing prepared for the lunch hour rush. Over time he had thought himself to single out all the smells around him. And then it hit him, that sweet smell he so longed to drown himself in. Adam twisted around. Smelling the air again, he wasn't sure he could believe this. She's here! Forgetting all about the food, he raced up front, stopping just in time to see her entering his tavern behind Mia.
What in heaven's name made her decide to come here for lunch he thought angrily.
Looking around he motioned for Katie to come to him. Restless as his wolf was, Katie was the safest choice as not to rile up the other staff, she was the only human working here.
"When they're seated can you ask Mia to come talk to me, Katie? You can tell her she's got a call waiting for her. She'll understand," Adam told her then he turned and went back to his kitchen.
He cursed loud when he saw several pans had burned food in them. As he kept on mumbling to himself he restarted the dishes that had gotten burned. So occupied with correcting things he didn't notice Mia stepping into his kitchen.
As she said hello to his, he startled and turned around abruptly, almost dumping the contents of one of his pots over her.
"Mia, are you out of your freaking mind? Why did you bring her here?" he spoke in an accusing tone. His wolf was close, pacing back and forth.
"Get a grip, Adam," she shot back at him, "And think for a change. Sure I admit, I haven't told her this is your place and whether she finds out or not is up to you. I hoped you would realize what it means for her to go outside already."
Mia tapped her foot impatiently, giving Adam the time to process everything.
"Mia, I've read her story, the first one. You have no idea how hard it is to contain myself. I just want to swoop her up and lock her away, making sure she's ok," Adam said with a pained voice. He paced angrily in front of Mia trying to gather his thoughts as if making up his mind on what to do, how to handle this, how to cope.
"You know you can't do that."
"Of course I know, I'm not that stupid!" Adam practically growled at her, his wolf's behavior taking over more of him than he was happy with.
He let out a grunt and turned back to his stove, trying to rescue some more food. His wolf was getting agitated, knowing their mate was up front and they couldn't really go near her. She would only back away from him and he didn't want that, couldn't endure that right now.
He felt a small hand on his back.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. My wolf is losing it and it's hard sometimes to push him back," Adam apologized.
"Relax Adam, take a breather. Think again what this means for her. Think how this can help both of you, even if you don't come out and say hello to her today," Mia soothed him.
"It's not that I don't want to say hello to her. You have no idea how badly I want to be around her. I'm afraid my wolf won't cope with it as well as I can. I've been having a hard time reading her story. That night in the 'The Viper' was perfect for us and that memory got tainted with her assault. I know, I got my revenge for that one. Sadly it's nothing compared to what I want to do to that piece of shit that abused her all those years ago. I want to rip him apart!"
"I understand."
"Do you?" he asked as he turned around, startling Mia with his sudden movement. "You only met me recently, you know me as the joker and the fun guy, but trust me, I have my own demons as well. To some level I was as bad as the ones that did this to her, but for totally different reasons. I did some bad things, things I'm not proud of, but I did them anyways. Reading her story has woken those up. I thought I had put it all behind me, guess I was wrong."
"What do you mean?" Mia asked in a concerned tone.
"Just leave it be for now, maybe one day, but not today. I've got to work through this. I think I get why you brought her here of all places, but I wish you hadn't. You only made me more determined to settle things once and for all for all those involved."
"Adam, what are you talking about? Don't start talking shit to me, you know I won't have any of that!"
"Just some things I have to go and take care of. I wasn't sure of it first, but seeing Bronwille…" he sighed. He pulled Mia in for a hug.
"I don't know how things will go, but I promise I'll let you know when something is up. But for now trust me, I've got to do this on my own, for me, for us. She may thank me for it later or maybe she won't. Just be there for her, ok?"
"Adam, you're talking in riddles here. I don't know what's up with any of it, but I don't like the sound of this one bit!" she said, getting out of his hug.
"You don't have to like it, just respect it and know it's something I just have to do on my own. It's like you at first, you didn't want us all to know what really was going on, but you see now it all worked out in the end. Mine is similar. Just promise you'll be there for her? Despite my anger I am happy to see her outside of her flat. It means there is hope. I won't be gone just yet, as I said, I promise to let you know. I owe you too much already."
He exhaled slowly. His wolf was a bit calmer now.
"I'm an emotional mess right now. Think Bronwille and I can compete about that. When the time is right I'll talk to you. Just let me deal with this?" he pleaded again.
At some level Mia understood there had to be a lot more to this outburst then he let on, she didn't like it, but if he had to fight his demons, then so be it. She remembered how adamant she was about keeping the rest of the Whelan-pack out of everything. She could only try to be the best friend possible, for either of them.
"Fine! Just read her other story before you do anything else? I'd hate to see you jump into things that would only drive you two further apart than is needed."
"That is on my to-do-list for when I go upstairs after work today. And Mia?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you and sorry. I shouldn't snap at you, none of this is your fault and in your condition. I should know better than to piss of a pregnant wolf," he chuckled with the last few words.
"Just cut it out already. We're wolves, we don't break easy, pregnant or not. Just sort your stuff then sweep this girl of her feet and show her how charming you can be if you set your mind to it."
Adam had to laugh. "I'm glad you're a friend, Mia. It's best you go back now before she gets agitated about being left alone. I'll bring you your usual, anything in particular Bronwille likes or dislikes?"
"She's got the same appetite as me, she's small, but she enjoys her food as much as I do," Mia answered with a wink.
"Just tell her the boss will make something special then, ok? On the house."
"Will you bring it?"
"Think it's best I don't, at least not at this moment. I can sense her anxiety, I don't want to make it worse. Remember she doesn't want to see me or talk to me. One step at a time."
"You may have a point there. I'll be off then. Whatever it is you need to do, try to sort it out fast and keep me in the loop."
"I'll do my best. You keep an eye out for her too, ok?"
Mia nodded and with that disappeared from his kitchen.
"Oh and Adam, remember one day you will tell me," she said winking at him as she turned. A small smile graced her face as she had gotten the last words.
Mia you little… Adam shook his head.
Closing his eyes he had to take a few deep breaths. He had his wolf under control, albeit barely. If he would go up to her right now, he couldn't be held accountable for the reaction of his wolf. Not having read her ordeal. Not after having his own demons being brought back.
He understood he probably sounded like a complete idiot, but he felt he was put in a position he didn't want to be in. At least not forced. If he wanted to make things better with Bronwille, it had to be on her terms.
Absentmindedly he put together the plates that had been ordered, adding an apology for any delays and then started working on a dish for Mia and Bronwille. He smiled to himself as he remembered Mia's word, telling him his cute little redhead had the appetite that could easily compete with that of a wolf.
When he was done dressing the plates he wanted to add another personal touch. Looking around his eyes fell on the huge bouquet of flowers that stood on the bar. Luckily for him Katie was just behind it, pouring out some drinks.
"Katie?" he whispered, trying to get her attention.
"What's up Adam?" asked the young girl.
"Think you could hand me two of them roses from that vase?"
Katie gave him an odd look.
"Anything wrong with you?" she questioned him.
"Just give them roses already," he grunted a bit more impatiently now.
Katie smiled, something must have happened to him in such a twist. He'd been grouchy for weeks on end now. She knew it was something important because every time she saw Mia come back from her visits to Adam he always seemed to be in a better mood.
"You making a pass at another man's woman? He's not going to like that?" Katie couldn't help but tease him.
Adam just gave her the evil eye.
"You know our kind doesn't do that!" Adam said in a strained voice. "Just do as you're told already."
Clearly annoyed that her attempt to tease him failed she turned around with a huff and selected two nice looking roses and handed them over. She knew all too well how "his" kind was. She walked amongst them every single day. There had been a time she had hoped she would catch his eye, but she had long given up on that and welcomed his everlasting friendship.
Her family had figured out there had to be something about him since he started working here when her mom was just ten years old. Her grandmother never questioned him always staying the same, barely aging. Once word got around they had a new cook things started going better for them. Mom had gone to college and there found her love for the law.
It left her grandmother with little choices. When her mom Katie, yeah she was named after her mother, graduated they held a party at the tavern and it was at that party that Katie told them she'd be moving out of town to start her career as a lawyer.
It was at that firm she'd gotten to know her future husband, her father. It had been a whirlwind romance, both her parents traveling the corporate ladder. Both focused on reaching the top as fast as they could. Their career was all that mattered to them. Mom barely came home to visit, let alone call home.
And then her mom got pregnant, it wasn't planned. After a long debate they had decided to keep her. Her mom worked as long as she could, she practically had to be dragged away from the firm only days before she was born. As her mom got into labor things took a turn for the worse. Though her mom had always meticulously about her appointments and never missed one they still overlooked the fact she was battling with a high blood pressure in the last days of her pregnancy.
Still unaware of her problem, mom went to the hospital, called in dad, called her own mother. By the time Katie's dad arrived her mom was already battling hard for her life and that of her unborn child. Her dad got hysterical.
After a while the doctors decided it was best they switch to a C-section, this normal birth was costing her mom too much energy. They didn't even took the time to give her an epidural, they knocked her out completely. Swiftly the doctors prepared her, told dad to wait outside and then focused on trying to save the baby.
By now they had noticed her elevated blood pressure but contributed it to her stressful situation. Little did they know they were only putting her life at more risk.
The doctor proceeded with the C-section. Right away the doctor knew something was wrong as he made the cut. A lot of blood poured onto the hospital floor. Then everything went downhill. They delivered the tiny baby as fast as they could. One of the nurses took care of the little baby girl while everybody else started working in overdrive. The last effort was just too much for Katie's body as it became clear one of the larger arteries near her womb had ruptured just before they started the C-section.
The doctor tried his best to stop the bleeding, giving her several bags of O-neg. It was all in vein, no matter what they did, no matter how much extra blood and fluids they gave her, they were fighting a lost battle. Thirty minutes after the little girl was born her mother was pronounced dead.
The little girl was washed, put into some crisp white baby clothes and put into a baby trolley. As the doctor emerged from the delivery room the nurse followed quickly with the trolley with the now sleeping baby.
Katie's mom had arrived in the meantime and both her and her dad had a worried look on their face. Without stalling the doctor gave them the bad news. They were able to get the baby out in time, but an unsuspected rupture proofed to be lethal.
Her dad's face had gone from worried to disdain as he looked at the tiny bundle that lay in the trolley, completely unaware of the tragedies happening around her.
"You take her." Was all her dad had said to Katie's mother, turned and walked away. Nobody heard of him until two days later. He hadn't showed up at the firm and one of the partners was worried and went to check up on him. Clutching a picture of Katie in one hand, he lay down in a puddle of blood. A gun laying discarded next to his other hand.
He couldn't cope with the loss of his wife, his dear Katie and did the only thing right in his mind. He'd taken his own life, finding life not worth living without Katie.
Her grandmother was at a loss, not only did she loose her daughter, she also lost her son-in-law and gained the care of a newborn baby girl. Not wanting to forget her daughter she named the little girl Katie. Her grandmother was always secretive about her parents but once she was old enough had told her what had happened to her parents.
In a way she hated her dad for not loving her enough to take care of her, on the other hand she did her best to understand the love he must have had for his wife that he thought it was needed to end his life.
So little Katie grew up around the tavern. Never questioned Adam. He was always there. While growing up he kissed away her boo boo's, as a teenager he scowled at the young males trying to get her to go on a date with them.
Later she was told what Adam really was. That revelation had spurred on her search for knowledge about them. She knew he belonged to a pack yet he spend most time with them at the tavern. As time went by word had gotten around about Adam being the cook and more and more were's started to frequent the place.
Katie had no real interest in college and once she was done with high school started working at the tavern. She got over her crush on Adam and now enjoyed their easy bantering and jokes.
Katie looked at his retreating back, she wanted the old Adam back, not Mister El Grouchy that had been rattling his pots and pans for the last two months now.
She had been surprised by his request and wondered if it had anything to do with the woman that came in together with Mia.
It didn't surprise her no longer that were's aged slower and by now she knew most by name. Mia must have been up to something because the minute she entered with her companion Adam called her over, almost demanding her to drag Mia out back.
And now this odd request?
She stalled a bit behind the bars, giving Mia's friend a good once over. She was tiny, but her deep red locks made it seem like she had an aura around her. She looked tired and wary, as if she wasn't feeling too comfortable. Does she even know almost everybody in the place is a werewolf? Katie wondered.
Someone clearing their throat behind her interrupted her gazing. Turning around she saw Adam standing behind her with two plates in his hands. Each had a rose decoratively placed on the side.
"Mind bringing these over to Mia and B.. her friend," he told Katie.
"Now what did I just say about making a pass at another wolf's woman?" Katie tried to tease him again.
"Don't even think about! Just take the plates to them and make sure they have everything they asked for. This is on the house also, so kindly tell that to the ladies." Adam sounded angry when he cut her teasing short, but mellowed as he said the rest of his orders.
She raised an eye brow questionably as she took over the plates. With a grunt Adam turned and disappeared into his kitchen, leaving her standing with the plates.
Katie looked at the rose on each plate. She knew he'd never done anything like that for Mia so she was convinced now it had to do with her companion. It dawned on her why he was acting the way he was. Mister Grouchy had found his mate and is now walking on pins and needles not to scare her off.
Making her way over to the table, she carefully placed a plate in front of them.
"With the compliments of the cook, he said it's on the house. If you need anything else, just let me know," Katie told them before giving a curt nod to Mia and then raced back to hide behind her bar.
She saw the smile on Mia's face and the light movement of her shoulders as if she was trying to hold back some laughter. Mia looked up, winked at her then tapped her nose, as if she silently wanted to tell her she understood.
Time will tell how this will turn out for Adam, she mused to herself and then went on with the rest of her shores and other customers.
+ + + +
Bronwille felt a bit overwhelmed, thought she didn't have a clue why. This place was small. Knowing Mia hadn't wanted to tell her where they were going she just assumed it would be one of those hippie places she tended to frequent a lot. When they stopped here she was actually surprised Mia wanted to enter here.
Obviously they must know her because they weren't even seated for a second when one of the waitresses came over and told Mia there was a phone call for her. Mia had given her a wink and a silly excuse of somebody not being able to cope without her.
Two months. She still couldn't believe the changes that occurred in Fran's and Mia's lives. Both had found the man of their dreams, those men being brothers completing their happiness. Mia had told her little bits of what happened since that evening, adding that she had one more surprise to share.
Toying with her glass she wondered when such kind of happiness would befall her. Locking herself away all this time again, made her aware of how many things that just went by her. One event, once again, fucking up her live.
Staring mindlessly at her glass of water she started going over everything again. Meeting this huge, rugged man. Having a wonderful evening with him. She smiled at the thought she had hoped once they arrived at her place she could tempt him to have a night cap. Little good that did to her. She didn't even make it to her car, let alone make it home.
She shut out the images that came next, everything happened so fast, it was all a blur and secretly she preferred it that way. The days after were hazy too until she woke that one morning, finding herself cozily cuddled up to a big warm body, strong arms holding her gently.
The feeling that washed over her was one of safety and contentment. Daring to turn around and look at who was holding her, she was hindered by those same arms holding her close in a vice like grip. She pushed against them, smiling as they parted little, giving her room to turn.
Adam.
That's who was holding her. She wanted to shake her head, but his arms pulled her in close and all she could do was rest her head on his bare chest.
Bare?
Once she had felt his arms relax a bit more she tried to back away a little. Yup, bare chest indeed. And what a chest. You could almost see the muscles stretching over his stomach and chest. Only a few hairs covered his pecks. She itched to run her hands over them. A feeling she hadn't had in years. Carefully she had tried to look up, finding him asleep, or so she thought.
Little did she know that the man holding her was having a hard battle with his wolf to stay like this. Just having her in his arms, her carefully exploring eyes on him. He couldn't take much more so absentmindedly, or so he let it appear, he pressed her head against his chest as he murmured for her to go back to sleep, that everything was going to be fine.
Bronwille remembered his low baritone voice, just thinking about it still made her shiver. Making her want to be in his arms again. At that moment she had given in to her desire and had cuddles closer, drifting off to sleep once more. The next time she woke Adam lay on his back and she lay sprawled all over him.
Bracing herself on his broad chest, she lifted herself a little so she'd be able to look him in the eyes. Eyes that weren't leaving hers, eyes that trapped hers, eyes that looked straight into her soul. It was this last bit that started to frighten her. She didn't want anyone close to her again.
"Hey beautiful," he had said.
Only now did she notice the feint scratches and bruises, tentatively reaching out to touch one. He'd grabbed her hand.
"Don't worry about them, they'll heal. What matters is I got you out and unharmed. Just rest," Adam said in the low seductive voice of his.
Only this time the nearness of him made all her alarm bells go off. With lightning speed she had scrambled off of him and stood next to her bed.
"I guess I should be thankful for everything, but saving me doesn't give you any rights. I'm wide awake now, so you can leave." Those words left a bitter after taste in her mouth, but she couldn't take them back anymore.
She walked straight to her front door, followed closely by a confused Adam. Only then did she notice he still had his boots on. One arm trapped in the sleeve of his T-shirt he was trying to put on as he followed her.
"Bronwille, what's up? You know you can talk to me," he had pleaded.
"Let it be, Adam. Just go!" and with those words she had opened her front door and had silently waited for him to leave. He tried to talk to her, but she wasn't having any of it. An old too familiar fear was battling it's way to the fore front and she desperately wanted to be alone when she lost that battle. "Just go," she had pleaded a last time.
The second he stepped outside she had shut the door behind and made a bee line for her bedroom, ducking into the bed and letting the tears she held back flow freely.
She felt like a mess thinking back at the emotional roller coaster she had already been in today. Early this morning she read that poem left by "Atlas". That one really shook her to her core, acted like an honest, soul touching wake up call. Only because she felt lost afterwards, felt so confused did she accept Mia's invitation for lunch. She had thought once or twice about calling her up in those thirty minutes, wanting to cancel everything, but something deep inside of her kept nagging her that it was time to move on, to go outside.
Aimlessly she showered, got dressed, noticed how much weight she had lost, and she didn't have much to begin with and then sat there waiting for the telltale ringing that someone was downstairs. She chewed her nails hoping this would steady her hands.
And now she was sitting here, waiting for Mia to return to their table. On their way over Mia had told about Fran getting together with Nick and that things for them was serious. She went on with telling the same had happened for her when she met Chris, Nick's youngest brother. Both of them had already moved in with said brothers and both were over the moon with their new relationship.
She put on a fake smile as she saw Mia returning. In a way it pained her but on the other side she felt jealous of their happiness, she wanted it too, and just when she was getting back on her feet, meeting an awesome man she felt she could trust, everything shattered.
"And we're back. Someone needed some advice, but that's all cleared up now," Mia said. "I also ran into the cook of this place and he's starting on ours in a bit. I'm sure you're just going to love it. He's awesome in the kitchen."
Bronwille just let her chattering wash over her. At least this freed her of a tedious task of gazing upon a menu while she knew it wouldn't matter much what they brought out. All she wanted to do was scream and tell her friend to drop her back off at her flat. Just breath, I can do this. I have to get through this. It's just lunch she scolded herself mentally.
"I'm sure whatever is on our plates will be delish if you're freaking out over him like this," Bronwille tried to sound cheerful. She didn't want dampen her dear friends mood with her own dark thoughts.
"You're going to love it, trust me. I've never let you down before when it comes to food," Mia went on in a cheerful tune. She was trying hard to uplift her friends mood. Her wolf wanted to slap her, make her wake up to all the wonderful things around her, a very willing adorable man at her doorstep to complete it all. Yet she struggled.
Mia took this opportunity with both hands when Bronwille had called back and accepted her lunch invitation. She didn't know why but something inside of her had compelled her to call Bronwille and ask her. She was glad her friend had accepted, even if it was clear she wasn't comfortable. Even if Adam didn't show himself she hoped at some level to show him Bronwille had taken another step, albeit it felt a bit like trickery on her part.
"Besides I've some wonderful news to share," Mia went on, keeping up her cheerful bantering. She hoped this news could evoke an honest reaction out of her friend, instead of that fake smile she had plastered on her face since they entered.
Just as she wanted to tell her, the waitress from before walked up to their table, two plates balancing dangerously on one arm.
She set a plate in front both of them and then said, "With the compliments of the cook, he said it's on the house. If you need anything else, just let me know."
Mia immediately saw the red rose on her plate and on Bron's and she had to fight not to smile at this romantic gesture. Adam, you're just a big love sick puppy she thought to herself. As she looked up at the waitress she winked at her and tapped her nose. She understood what that little devil back there in the kitchen tried to do.
"Seems you have an admirer," Mia told Bronwille.
Hearing those words had Bronwille's eyes turn as big as saucers, a dangerous chill running over her spine. No no no, this can't be happening. Not now, not here. Bron cursed silently as she felt the sings of panic attack starting to appear.
"Bron, are you all right?" Mia asked.
"I … bathroom … panic," she blurted before making a sprint to the back. Hoping being alone would get her over this faster than trying to regain control over her breathing as she sat there between all those strangers.
Closing herself in into one of the bathroom stall she bend over, her head ducked between her legs as she forced herself to even out her breathing. She was so focused she didn't hear the knock on the door, she only registered the loud crash when the stall door in front of her was ripped away, only making her breathing get worse.
"Adam?" she managed to say in between labored breaths.
Before she knew it she was pulled against his taut chest and his arms held her gently. He picked her up and carried her out.
"Katie," she heard him said rather loudly, "Call in someone to take care of that door."
Her breathing was still erratic at best but him holding her had such a calming effect on her she didn't even think about fighting his hold on her.
She felt him sit down and then cradle her gently like she was the most precious thing in the entire world. Bronwille gave up her inner battle and cuddled closer, this was what she wanted for weeks. Just being in his arm, being held, feeling safe.
"It's ok now beautiful, I got you. Can you tell me what happened that caused you to react like this?" he asked in a soothing tone as he absentmindedly started rubbing her arm.
"I don't know," Bronwille replied in a shaky voice. "When we got our meals Mia made a comment about me having an admirer as we noticed the roses on our plate. I kinda freaked and felt a panic attack about to happen. I had to get out of there."
Bronwille felt him stop caressing her arm and he went rigid.
He engulfed her in a tight hug, oddly enough she didn't feel like anything bad was about to happen. Adam buried his head in her red locks and inhaled deeply.
"I'm so sorry, if I only knew you'd react like this. I'm sorry."
Bronwille did struggle a bit now, only to get a good look at him.
"Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong? Though come to think of it, how come you are here," taking quick stock of their surroundings she added, "and where exactly are we?"
"Oh I need to apologize. I put those roses there. If only I had known you're react like that, I wouldn't have done so. I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention at all."
Adam studied the surprise on her face, together with the curiosity that lurked below it.
"As to explain why I'm here and we're now in here is simple. I'm the cook here and I own this tavern. This is my office. Nobody will disturb us here," Adam further explained.
"Oh," was the one syllable reply Bronwille managed to get out. She felt the light laughter go through his body and all she wanted to do was crawl even closer, she didn't want to give up this feeling of feeling safe and cherished.
"I knew you were here the second you stepped through that door. I quickly made up an excuse to drag Mia back here. I wanted to know why of all places she brought you here."
He gave his words some serious thought, he didn't want to tell accidently Mia knew everything that had happened and had been keeping a close eye on her.
"She comes here a lot to eat and over the weeks we've really become good friends. So eventually she poked me about why I was in such a sour mood. I didn't went into detail," he knew he wasn't lying about that, it was Mia that had told him everything and had kept him up-to-date, "but just told you weren't answering my calls and not letting me in. I was kinda surprised when I saw the two of you walk in here. If I were to guess I think she's trying to play matchmaker," he ended with a chuckle.
Bronwille just stared at him. At least part of his reasoning explained why it seemed Mia felt so at ease at this place. Thinking back at the few inviting sniffs she had of the food on her plate she could understand Mia spending a lot of time here.
"And then I heard someone bolting right past my kitchen and the slamming of some doors. When I checked and didn't see you I assumed it was you and I wanted to know if you were all right. You didn't answer when I knocked the first time. So I entered, knocked again and still you didn't answer. It's then I kinda ripped the door of and here we are," he concluded his summary of the past few minutes.
"Oh," was once again her single reply.
"You feeling better now?" he inquired.
Closing her eyes she focused on checking her breathing and to her surprise it was back to normal, all the anxiety gone from her body.
"Yeah, the worst is over now. Thanks again, I guess," she mumbled.
"It's fine. Do you want to go back up front with Mia or do you prefer going home?"
"Honestly? I'd prefer to go home, but I guess I should go back to Mia. I'm a mess myself and I don't know how I let myself get tricked like this, but I wouldn't be a good friend if I'd ditched her. No, I'll go back. I seem to recall her saying she had some other news to tell me still. Confused as I feel I am curious enough to want to know what she still has to tell me."
"Ok, if that's what you want."
"Want and need are two different things. I need to do this, I don't want to."
"You should do what you want," he quickly shot back.
A sad look appeared on her face.
"I can't have what I want."
"What do you want then?"
"Something that's not meant for me, just leave it at that. I'm going back to Mia now," she cut of his questioning.
Struggling a bit to get of his lap, Adam relented and helped her up.
"Promise me you'll take care of yourself?"
"Yes dad," she replied rolling her eyes at him.
"I'm not joking here, if there is anything, night or day, call me or come over. Promise?" he urged again.
Staring at him she noticed the seriousness of his words and she gulped. Maybe? No he's not for me, he's just being kind. Just as the previous time. her doubt was once again creeping forward.
Bronwille simply nodded.
"Remember. Anything!" he stressed once more before he dipped his head and very lightly brushed her lips and straightened again.
She was lost for words, her hand sneaking up touching her lips. They tingled from the brief touch of his sweet soft lips.
"Come, let's get you back to Mia and I'll get you a new plate. Anything in particular you like?" he replied with a chuckle as he saw her astonishment.
Puzzled she looked up at him again, "What?"
"Food? What do you fancy? Then I'll whip up something fresh and warm," he explained.
"Oh, anything really. I like all food, you should know that," she replied, then silently cursed herself for referring back to that evening.
"Hmm I know, I'll surprise you then."
He kept his arm loosely around her as he escorted her out of his office and stopped at his kitchen.
"Seems it's my day for burning food," he sighed. "Ah well another round on the house it is. Now off you go, go back to Mia, I bet she's about to burst with curiosity at where you were all this time."
"I think she is; surprised she didn't barge in."
"She's a smart woman, she may not always now when not to stick her nose in things, but she has her moments," Adam said loud enough so he know Mia would pick up his words. It was his little pay back. "I'll be right over with your meal ok?"
"Sure. Thanks again," she said making wavy gesture with her hand, "for everything."
"That's no biggie. You just remember too, anything, understood?"
She nodded, turned quickly to hide her smile and made her way back to Mia's table.
Sitting down she couldn't help but notice the smug look on her friends face.
"Everything ok now?" Mia asked.
"Yeah I'm fine now. Panic attack," Bronwille tried to sound blasé about it, "But Adam burst in and we talked a bit. I'm fine now, really."
"Hmmm," was her dubious reply as if she wanted it to be more than it was.
"You could have told me this was Adam's," Bronwille scolded her friend next, feeling just a bit angry.
"I could have, but I knew you would be missing out on something delicious. That this is Adam's place is just a bonus, don't you agree?"
"You tricked me and you know it!"
"Uhu, I didn't, I just called you and asked you out for lunch. I'm just happy you accepted, you've been camping inside that flat of your too much. I hoped some fresh air would do you good." And even though you had a panic attack I am glad you talked with Adam, you just need to trust him and learn he'd never do anything to hurt you. He's your mate, my friend, he'll make you happy if you let him.
"Well yeah, fine… just don't mention any admirers anymore, kay? That kinda freaked me out and I really don't want a repeat of that."
Mia quickly pieced things together and felt hurt that in her honest attempt to make her friend feel better she actually caused her to panic.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize. No more talk of admirers, promise," she told Bronwille.
"But Mia, how come you didn't come out back?" Bronwille asked.
"You know that waitress from before?"
Bronwille nodded.
"I wanted to give you a moment and then come after you. Just as I got up Katie, the waitress, came over telling me you were with Adam. I know he would never do anything to hurt you so I waited."
"I see."
"Sweetie, if I had any kind of doubts, no matter how huge and strong he would be, I'd be kicking his ass to the hereafter if he would only think of hurting you. I just," Mia sighed, she didn't want to tell she knew everything, "I saw the glances you two were giving each other that night. I don't know how things went between you two, but he's been grouchy ever since that night. I'm not saying you have to jump his bones, I just hoped you'd give him an honest chance."
"Don't make more of it than it was. He was just being friendly." Sure that kiss he gave you was just friendly her consciousness chimed in.
"If you say so. I'm not butting in," Mia declared, theatrically throwing her hands up in the air.
"Curious as to how long you'll manage not too. It's your second nature, you can't help it, my dear friend." Bronwille had to smile now. Mia was unbelievable sometimes, though she always did everything with the best of intentions and most times things worked out fine.
Just as she wanted to Mia what her news was she saw Adam coming to their table, plates in hand. Bronwille didn't really know where to look first, so decided to focus on her glass of water.
"I think a warm meal would do you both some good," Adam said.
Bronwille didn't look up at him, afraid that if she did her cheeks would grow a bright red shine. Instead she focused on the plate in front of her. Looking closely she couldn't help herself. She let out an honest laughter. Adam had dressed her plate in such a way she had one of those funny faces smiling back up at her.
Mia didn't quite get what had Bronwille laughing like this than looked at her own plate. She recognized the smiley faces, only hers was one with little horns.
"You didn't?!" Mia squealed before she burst out and joined Bronwille.
"I sure did. Anyways enjoy the mail. You're welcome here at any time, both of you," Adam said lightheartedly before he turned and went back to his kitchen.
Bronwille just stared at his retreating form. Huge and muscled, yet moving with such graze. It was almost stealth like.
Mia snapped her fingers in front of Bronwille's face.
"Not interested, right?" she deliberately teased her friend.
Bronwille shook her head and focused on her meal. Even with the smiley face it looked and smelled delicious and she couldn't wait to savor whatever was on her plate.
Grabbing her fork and knife she attacked her plate, suddenly very hungry.
Not bothering to swallow first she looked up at Mia and said, "This is good, real good!" before she continued eating.
Mia just grinned as she saw her friend devour bite after bite. Adam will be all too pleased to know Bronwille was almost having a foodgasm.
A bit more dignified she started eating as well, just letting time go by as both of them cleared their plates. One would never have known there had been food on it.
"Now as for the other news. With everything I didn't get round to telling you yet. You're the only one who doesn't know yet and I thought it's about time we filled you in," Mia started.
Bronwille's curiosity perked up.
"What did you need to tell me?"
"You know you're like a sister to me, just like Fran and Liz. And well… you're going to be an auntie!" Mia told excitedly."
"I'm what? How? When? You're kidding? You must be kidding me?"
"No I'm not Bron. Six more months and I'll be a mommy and you'll be an auntie."
"Well I'll be damned. Isn't this a bit fast? Or was it a little accident?" Bronwille asked. She couldn't believe her friend would be so stupid as to get pregnant by mistake. Obviously it was clear Mia was thrilled about this, Bronwille just didn't understand how it all moved this fast.
"No this is not accidental. Planned? Maybe not, but it feels right. You know I always have been the broody type and Chris is going to make a wonderful father. If he can keep his hands to himself that is," Mia added trying to hide her smile.
Bronwille stared at her friend, somehow this news shouldn't come as such a surprise. Mia always had been the motherly type, she already had the butting in – skill down to a T already. She also felt guilt and a bit of jealousy battling within herself. She wanted to be happy for her friend, yet deep down she wished she could have the same things. Her inner self kept convincing her this was never anything that would happen to her.
Shaking her head, she tried to get rid of all these dark thoughts. She was meant to be happy for her friend! Not starting to wallow in her own misery. She felt like a goddam yo-yo being tugged from one extreme emotion to another. Frankly she was getting tired of it.
"If this is the case then we should meet up with the other girls and get some shopping done, don't we?" she finally said, a genuine smile on her face and grasping for Mia's hand.
"Ooh can we?" Mia squealed.
Suddenly their mood was only getting better as both women started talking in more detail. Neither noticed Adam lurking from the door way, a wide smile on his face. For the first time since that evening in "The Viper" was he able to pick up her scent without a trace of fear in it. All the while he had picked up her anger, frustration, sometimes a faint hint of happiness and longing. Finally seeing her relax made both him and his wolf happy.
He also reminded himself to thank Mia once more. Still this good outcome, so far, didn't deter him from the plans brewing in his mind.
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