Adam cut the truck engine after we pulled up in front of the diner.

"Last chance to bail on the fifty questions," I announced looking to the glass windows.

He just grinned and got out of the truck, giving me a hand down too. He interlocked our fingers, and we strode through the front doors.

"Welcome to... oh hi Elise," Sarah gave a shocked smile and then her eyes traveled down to our intertwined hands.

"Hi Sarah. This is Adam. Adam this is Sarah."

Adam pulled his hand from mine and set it to her, "nice to meet you, Sarah."

She gave a hesitant look to me and then placed her hand in Adam's. "Nice to meet you too." As her hand came from his she bowed, and I realized it was a submission to Adam's beta title. My dad called her a rogue now, but maybe wolves could always sense another's pack position.

"I think we're going to get lunch to go." I looked around and luckily the diner wasn't too full of late lunch customers. "Would Marjorie be free enough to chat for a minute? Could you take the grill?"

She nodded. "Of course." She raised her voice to the back. "Marjorie, Elise is here!" She scampered away.

"Elise!" Marjorie called out and instantly I was engulfed in a hug. "You poor thing! I saw in the paper about your house and tried to call!"

"Oh, sorry," I hugged her back. "I only checked my phone late last night and forgot about returning your call this morning. But I've got everything set right now. Insurance and all have been notified."

"Sweets, if you need to come back to live with me, you know you're welcome always." Her eyes trailed over to Adam.

"Well," I spoke delicately, "that's what I'm here for. Meet Adam." His glacier eyes met mine and I smiled. "We're dating." Engaged? Promised? Maybe I should have said something stronger.

"Aaaack!" She screamed and leapt at him, entrapping him in a hug.

He stepped back in surprise and when the hug continued, he patted her back. He sent a smirk my way.

She pulled away and tapped at his cheek, pushing his face side to side. "Oh, well he's quite handsome, now isn't he?"

I gave a breathy laugh. "Well, I think so."

He stepped back and wrapped an arm around me, "it's wonderful to officially meet you, Marjorie."

She looked to me with a full aura of delight. "I'm so happy you finally found someone!"

I looked away bashfully and Adam gave me a simple kiss on the cheek.

Marjorie made a high pitched squealing sound. "And you two just make a darlin' couple."

"Thank you," I forced my lips together to hold the smile in.

"Now Adam," Marjorie pressed, "how did you manage to steal her away from that Nate character?"

He squeezed my side. "Well, I believe Elise here only gave out her number that day because I was in the room." He winked at me. "I think she really wanted to give it to me instead. He just had the cash."

Marjorie howled with laughter.

But me, I realized he could be right. I probably wouldn't have given out my number even if someone else had given me that much cash. I had never wanted to date anyone, invited out or not. Maybe it was just because I was more receptive because he was there.

Maybe it was just fate playing with my life.

"I guess after that I was a little embarrassed that she might like him more and let her get away for a few days before I stepped up."

Marjorie grinned. "And look at you two now." She eyed around the dining room. "Well do you two need something to eat? I can make something up."

"We'd love a couple burgers to go," I paused. "But Marjorie there is something I wanted to ask."

She gave me a questioning look. "Yes Dear?"

I looked up to Adam for confirmation. He nodded. "I'm going to go stay with Adam and Nate's family. I was hoping I could ask for my two weeks' notice?" But then I rushed my words. "But it doesn't have to be two weeks--I can go as long as you need until you find someone--I don't want to leave you empty handed..."

"No," she stated with an air of finality.

"No?" Adam and I asked at the same time.

She grinned up to Adam then placed a hand on my shoulder. "I don't think I need notice. If you'd like to collect your last check today, we can manage."

"Marjorie! I can't leave you without someone! I've already been gone so long."

"We can manage," she reiterated. Then her eyes sparkled back to Adam. "I can already see how much you two mean to each other. It's like there's no one else in the world for either of you. If they've opened a place in their home and hearts, I want you there instead. I can't stand in the way of love. You need it Sweetcheeks."

"Oh Marjorie," my eyes watered, and I stepped forward to hug her. "I really am happy with Adam. I want to be there with him."

"I know Dear. I can see in your eyes a light I've never seen before. You two are perfect for each other."

I felt my cheeks get warm.

She patted my back. "Now you two go find a booth. I'll get lunch and your check ready."

"Thanks Marjorie."

"You are quite welcome, my sweet girl."

Adam and I sat down, and he gave me a chaste kiss. "That went well."

I grinned and kissed him again. "I think she likes you."

Sarah slid nervous steps over and hovered around our table. "Elise? Can I, uh, talk with you? Privately?"

"Okay?" I said, giving Adam a questioning look.

"I'll wait for our food." He gave my hand a squeeze. "Go talk."

I followed her into the girl's bathroom, which wasn't all that big of a room, barely a single stall. "What's up?" I asked.

She locked the door, then turned on the sink faucet and let the water run. She leaned up to me, whispering close. "I'm sorry. I heard your conversation."

"Yes? Is there a problem?"

"Yes," her eyes went wide. "There is a problem."

"Okay, shoot." I was perplexed.

"Adam and Nate. They're not good for you. I don't think you should go live at their house. It would be dangerous for you. You should stay with Marjorie, there's things you don't understand about them."

"Huh? ...Oh," I realized and then laughed. "Sarah, it's okay. If this is about them being werewolves, I already know."

Her eyes went wide. "You do!?"

"Yes," I grinned. "And I'm Adam's mate."

Her face turned to a smile. "Wait, you are? Oh my goodness! That's why you two looked so happy! What has he said? Tell me everything!"

I laughed. "Well, I don't want to be here all day, but yes. I know about wolves." I made a quick attempt to tell her about the last few days between Adam, Nate, and Milo. Making sure to give ample apologies for her getting tailed by my father's goons.

"That's amazing!" She looked away. "And all because he rejected you ten years ago. Wow."

I nodded. "Yep. Quite a story."

Her postured fell in sorrow. "I'm sorry I was never able to tell you about myself. I didn't get a chance to come to the packhouse when you were sixteen, and after that...well, Milo threatened me to leave you alone."

"It's alright," I promised. "I'm sorry my dad was like that. But I'm glad we could be friends anyway."

She looked back up a smile starting over her cloudy features.

Someone knocked on the door. "Hello? People waiting!"

"Right out!" Sarah yelled. "Sorry, I need to get back to work."

"Thanks for the warning anyhow, Sarah," I laughed.

"Glad it wasn't what I was thinking. See you later Elise." She slipped out and I followed after turning off the water. The older woman looked confused seeing us both come out of the room together, but then just went in and closed the door.

Adam was standing near the outside door, to go bags in hand, waiting. "Have a nice chat?"

Sarah spoke something from across the room, but I didn't catch it.

He laughed and said in a conversational tone his eyes her way. "I will not Miss Sarah. Again, it was nice to meet you." He looked back to me. "Ready?"

"Yeah." I turned and yelled to the kitchen. "Bye Marjorie! I'll miss you!"

"Miss you too, Girl!" She called back and I heard the sizzle of the grill flaring up. "Come back anytime!"

When we got out to the truck, I had to ask. "What did Sarah say? I don't have wolf ears."

He grinned and put the bags off to the side, then helped me up. "She was just watching out for you. Told me I would have wished I died of rejection if I hurt you again. And then threatened my manhood."

Red embarrassment flared over my chest. "Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry."

He laughed and jumped in the truck, starting it up. "No. It's alright. I get it. I messed things up bad in the beginning. I'll take all the threats anyone wants to give me."

My brows came down. "Just don't get yourself actually hurt."

He snorted. "I could take her. I kept your dad off."

I grumbled.

"I'll be fine. Don't you worry. It's always just words. I've gotten lots of talking tos the last few days."

"What?"

"Well, pretty much anyone who has met you at the pack has told me to be good to you." He kissed my forehead. "I think you get everyone to love you wherever you go."

"Really?" I blushed, then I swiped at his arm. "Eyes on the road buddy. Stop giving me kisses."

"Alright, but just for now," he smirked. "Where we going to eat?"

I thought a moment and then beamed my thoughts. "Let's go back to my old home. The forest is free property now. We can go to the frog pond!"

"Frog pond it is. Just tell me how to get there."