DONOVAN

It had been almost a week since our picnic date and there was a lot of tension between us that I couldn’t understand why. Piper barely talked to me and would go into his room once dinner was over or hide in the library after breakfast. It was stressing me so much that it was hard to focus on the paperwork I had in front of me. I took myself back to that day, thinking what I had done to make him uncomfortable but I didn't see anything strange.

‘It all went down when he was in snake form.’ Darius said trying to help me and I gave more thought to that, thinking about that moment. ‘When he showed his fangs, he backed away and changed back.’

‘You are right.’ Piper had reacted when I tried to touch his fangs and of course he would. He is a poisonous breed, he was scared of hurting me. I was such an idiot for not realizing it sooner. With one mystery solved, I had to think of something that would make Piper return to how he was with me. I had to think of something special we could do. ‘Dinner at a restaurant. Maybe.’ Darius suggested and I thought it was a good idea, it would be nice to take Piper outside of the house for a stroll around town and dinner at a fancy restaurant. Yes, that would be nice. Just when I was about to call for Richard, I heard a knock on my office door and after saying ‘come in’, Richard walked inside the office.

“Just in time, I was about to call you,” I said with a smile but noticed Richard’s serious expression. “Tell me everything.”

“The police found all the people involved with the auction house,” Richard explained and I frowned listening to him talk. “Another invitation arrived so the mission will take place at that time while another group goes for the remaining ones.”

“I see. If they need people, tell our betas to go with them.” I said in a serious tone. 

“Yes, sir. The wolf pack said they are helping as well.” He said and I arched my brow at him. He continued to talk. “Looks like some of them were part of the same group that kidnapped the alpha’s mate years back.”

“That’s good, we won’t let anyone escape this time,” I said, still frowning. “I’ll have to send a thank you for your cooperation gift to the Shepards.”

“Already done, sir.” Richard said showing me in his tablet what he bought already. “A toy for the alpha’s son.”

“Amazing work, Richard,” I said with a soft smile. He was the best butler and assistant.

“What about Piper? Are you going to tell him?” He asked and I sighed. I hadn’t thought of that yet. I wanted to be with him more but also I made a promise to him.

“I…don’t know yet.” I said honestly. “I know I promised I would set him free after they are found but I also don’t want to let him go yet. I want to spend more time with him.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Donovan.” Richard said scolding me like like a father would do to his son. After all, Richard was in charge of raising me and my sister when our parents passed away.

“I know, I know. I’m being selfish.” I said letting out a deep sigh. “I will think about it.”

“Okay. What did you need me for, sir?” He said going back to his professional tone.

“Ah yes, make a reservation at the best restaurant in town and also buy some clothes for Piper. Something elegant and green.” I said, remembering the plans I had to make Piper cheer up.

“Will do, sir. Anything else?” Richard asked before leaving.

“No, that’s all. Thank you Richard.” I answered dismissing him so he could get back to work and so do I.

“Anytime, sir.”

PIPER

I was having a hard time focusing on the book I had picked today. For every few sentences I read, the image of Donovan came to mind and I lost focus. The past few days I had been feeling bad for how I was treating him, ignoring him and barely talking to him. He didn’t deserve to be treated that way, he was so nice and sweet to me and here I was, being an asshole. And for nothing, I knew Donovan wouldn’t touch my fangs without asking, he barely touched me. He just took my hand when he could and left soft kisses there, caressing my cheek, or brushing some of my hair strands away. 

‘Well, it’s normal to be scared after what happened last time. But I agree with you that he would never touch us without our consent.’ Priya said comforting me. ‘And I’m sure he knows how dangerous our venom can be.’ 

‘He probably does. I know it’s just my anxiety speaking and making me think only bad thoughts.’ 

‘He will be okay. Now you have to start talking with him again.’ Priya said in a more serious tone and then sighed. ‘We were so close together, I thought we would kiss on that picnic date.’

Kissing…Wasn’t it too soon for that? Sincerely speaking, I wanted to kiss him. The bond has been pulling me more and more to him. My eyes sometimes wandered to his lips, making me wonder how they would feel against mine. I knew I would have to be the one to take the initiative because Donovan wouldn’t do it without my consent. 

‘First, talk to him about what happened. Then we kiss him.’ Priya said and I nodded, it wasn’t a bad plan. And I was not going to leave Donovan in the dark about what had happened. ‘And then we mate and bond.’

“Wow, wow. That’s too soon.” I said aloud unconsciously.

“What’s too soon?” Donovan’s voice came from behind me, I turned to see him blushing realizing I said that not only to Priya. I gasped as I saw Donovan standing there behind me, holding a big bouquet of roses in his hand. 

“Are those for me?” I asked something obvious but I still wanted to make sure they were.

“Yes, they are.” Donovan answered handing them to me. 

“Thank you, Donovan.” I grabbed the bouquet with a smile on my face and we stayed quiet for a moment. 

We both called each other's names at the same time and then laughed. I hugged the bouquet in my chest, waiting for him to say what he wanted.

“You can talk first.” Donovan said with a big smile on his lips. ‘Oh God/dess…Focus Piper, focus.’ 

“Donovan, I’m sorry for how I’ve been this past week. It’s just that…” I started saying and then sighed deeply, gathering my courage. “I was scared you would touch my fangs that day at the picnic. I’m sure you know that my venom is deadly and you wouldn’t touch them but I still got nervous.” 

“It’s okay, Piper. I’m sorry for making you feel that insecure.” Donovan said giving me a soft smile and taking one of my hands in his, caressing the back with his thumb. I was getting used to him doing that. “I wouldn’t do anything you didn’t want me to.”

“I know,” I said with a soft smile and he smiled back. “So, what did you want to say?”

“I would like to ask you if you would like to go on a date with me tonight,” Donovan said smiling.

“Of course, I would love to,” I said holding back my excitement and Priya kept saying that we were so going to kiss him tonight. Maybe we would.

“Perfect. I left a box on your bed and I want you to use it for tonight.” Donovan said with a smirk on his face and then started to walk to the exit of the room.

“Wait where are we going?” I asked curious and confused due to his request.

“You will see.”