Fated to the Werewolf King novel Chapter 9

"Mates." Penelope said with a gentle smile. Lily raised a brow at her, but the term wasn't lost on her. She sensed Jayce tense up when she said the word, shifting uncomfortably beside her.

"I'm assuming that is a more serious topic than what I'm thinking of?" She asked, and Penelope shrugged, swirling her wine around.

"Yes, and no. It's not so much a serious topic, but it's one that Humans can easily overlook. Unlike Humans, Werewolves have a partner that they soul link with." Penelope told her. Lily leaned forward slightly.

"That sounds romantic." She said, and Penelope nodded.

"It can be, but some Werewolves can go without a Mate." She said, sipping from her glass. Lily frowned, dropping her gaze to the table. Her eyes then darted up to Jayce, who was avoiding her gaze.

"Do you have a Mate?" She asked him. His hand gripped his slacks slightly. "I'm sorry. That was rude to ask." She said, feeling the tension radiating off of his body.

"He has time still. What do you think, Lily?" Penelope asked her.

"What do I think?"

"Humans may not have the same soul link as we do, but do you believe you'll find someone on that spiritual level?" She asked her. Lily went silent. After everything with Jasper, she wasn't entirely sure if she even wanted to try again, but the memory of Jayce's lips caressing hers sent a shudder to ripple between her thighs. She cleared her throat as she tried to block out the memory.

"I don't know." She looked at her hands, flexing her fingers a bit. "I lost myself when I was dating Jasper. I think I should find myself first before I even think about getting serious with anyone." She said, looking over to meet Penelope's gaze. The waiter brings their plates, the spicy aroma mingled with the sweet. Lily's stomach growled loudly, and she blushed brightly. Jayce let out a chuckle.

"That's the second time now. Did you not eat yet today?" He asked her.

"I had to miss breakfast. The deadline was at 10 this morning. I literally was up at 6 trying to finish things before emailing it to my manager." She looked down at her plate, her mouth literally watering at this point.

"Don't wait on us. Dig in." Penelope told her and she obliged happily.

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"That was so delicious." Lily sighed in content, sitting back in her chair. Her eyes went out the window to the busy street, watching people walk on by. Can they smell her in here? Should she return to the mansion?

"I have a meeting I need to attend to at the pack house. Will you two be alright or should I drop you off back at the house?" Penelope said to them. Before Lily could respond, Jayce spoke up.

"I'm going to give Lily the tour of the city." He looked down at her. "Aside from your appointments, you haven't really left the house." He told her. He wasn't wrong, but she felt like Werewolf fodder if she went off on her own here.

"Splendid. I'll be in contact when we get closer to the day of the festival." She said as she got to her feet.

"Festival?" Lily asked her.

"It's to celebrate the Fall Solstice. Jayce would have all the details, same with Damion." Penelope mentioned, "Have a good day, you two." She gave a small wave before leaving.

"Damn that woman." Jayce grumbled beside her. She looked up at him, his hand partially covering his mouth.

"I like her." She said to him. His eyes shifted down to her.

"Are you ready to go?" He asked her and she nodded, getting to her feet with him. The waiter walked over, collecting the empty wines glasses.

"Don't you have to pay?" She tugged on Jayce's sleeve. The waiter peered over at her, giving her a fake smile she knew all too well.

"It's on the house." He replied, returning to clean up. Lily frowned at him, extending out her hand.

"Let me see the check." She told him. He hesitated, looking between her and Jayce. Jayce only shrugged, so the waiter handed the check over. Her eyes widened at the total, but she reached into her back pocket, taking out her wallet, and passed him several large bills. The waiter stared in shock as he cautiously took the money, like it could disappear in an instant.

"You're still working your ass off. You should get tipped for it." She said to him. His fake smile turned genuine as he inclined his head respectfully toward her.

"It's a gesture out of respect for the Alpha. Here, he's showing his gratitude." Jayce informed her. She nodded, smiling kindly at him before following Jayce out the door. The sun was still high in the air, beating down on them. Jayce unbuttoned the first three buttons, showing off the tattoos on his chest a bit.

"So, where to tour guide?" She asked him playfully. He smiled down at her, extending out his hand. She hesitated, following the arm up to his face.