Read Online TerrIIItory by Susan A. Bliler - Free Book Online Page A

and the lines in her face smoothed out as she beamed a smile at Evander.  “Good evening, Kane.  Long time no see.”
    Evander smiled warmly at the woman and reached across the table to snag Bethany’s hand.  “Good to see you, Vi.”  He’s eyes slid to Bethany.  “This is Beth.  My mate.”
    Bethany felt herself blush, and tried to pull her hand from his, but he only tightened his grip.  The woman, Vi, turned to Bethany with shock, quickly replaced with a teary-eyed smile.  “Oh, Kane!  It’s about time.  I’m so happy for you!”  Without asking, the woman bent and enveloped Bethany in a French fry scented hug.  “So happy for you both !”  The woman beamed.  When she finally pulled back, Bethany smiled and looked from her to Evander, uncertain how to respond.
    “Th-thank you.”
    Vi clucked her tongue and stared at Bethany as if taking her in for the first time.  “Oh, but she’s gorgeous!”
    Bethany felt herself blush again and repeated, “Thank you.”
    “So, what’ll it be?”  Vi pulled a pen from her hair and a pad of paper from her apron.  “I assume you want the usual, Kane, but what about your wife?”
    Wife?   The word set Bethany on edge, and she eyed the restaurant wondering if any of the other patrons were shifters and could scent the lack of claiming.  She felt like a fraud.
    “She’ll have the same as me.” Evander spoke for her when Bethany didn’t respond to Vi’s inquiry.
    “Oh.” Vi’s forehead wrinkled as she eyed Bethany questioningly.  “I’ll go get this started then.”  She made to leave, but stopped to lean toward Bethany.  “Sorry if I embarrassed you dear.  I’m just so happy that Kane’s finally found you.”  Tears filled the woman’s eyes again as she glanced at Evander with clear affection.  “He’s such a good man, and he’s been looking for you for so long.”
    Bethany dipped her head and forced a smile.  Still unsure how to respond to the woman’s comments she offered, “Thanks, Vi.”  Hopefully, the tag-on of the woman’s name would appease her.  It did.  The woman’s face broke into another beaming grin as she nodded once in approval before turning to hurry toward the kitchen.
    “Sorry,” Evander apologized, and rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand.  “I’ve been coming here for years.  Vi is like an aunt.  She means well.”
    Bethany nodded and concentrated on studying the restaurant to keep her attention off the feel of Evander’s fingers stroking her hand.
    “So,” he laced his fingers with hers.  “What’s this ‘fooled your wolf’ business?”
    Bethany’s gaze jerked to his, and she tried to pull her hand away, but he smiled and held firm.
    “Answers,” he demanded with a cocky grin.
    Vi approached with two fountain sodas, and Bethany waited until she was gone before glaring at Evander.  “This really isn’t the place for that discussion.”  She eyed the tables around them warily.
    “The man behind me in the jean jacket is a shifter.  A lone wolf.  He won’t listen to our conversation because he doesn’t care about it.”
    “Vi?”  Bethany couldn’t help but ask, knowing she couldn’t rely on her wolf’s senses.
    “She knows what we are.” Evander eyed the woman behind the counter, smiling at her.  “But she’s not one of us.”
    “Still.” Bethany shook her head.
    “Honestly, this is the best place to have this discussion, Beth.  Because if you wait until we’re alone, I don’t think my wolf can take you denouncing us again.  He’ll feel the need to show you that you’re ours.”
    Bethany saw the truth of his words in his eyes and had to agree that, if she didn’t want a predictable reaction, then a public setting was probably the best place to explain her theory.  Clearing her throat, she focused on the table as she spoke.  “I could have escaped that bunker.”  She glanced up and just as quickly dropped her eyes.  “I didn’t, because the other women