Page 19 of Darius

“And me,” Marcus said, entering the room. “Titus and Alessia are meeting us at Olé.”

“So much for having alone time with my mate,” Darius grumbled.

“I haven’t met Alessia,” Mara said softly as she sent him a pleading look.

Darius understood how important blending in with the group was for someone new. He scooped Mara out of her chair and took her spot, then held her close on his lap. His mate had a tender heart. He wanted her to enjoy hanging out with the other Littles. “Of course, we’d love for everyone to go together.”

A few minutes later, they headed down to the garage and piled into Marcus’s SUV. Darius made sure Mara’s seatbelt was firmly secured before fastening his own. He scanned the streets as they passed the Saturday crowd gathering and noted Marcus was on alert as well. Darius wouldn’t relax until he had Mara back at his estate. He didn’t like having to wait for Bram to gather more information as to why someone had targeted Mara with the attempted abduction and the trackers on her car.

Mara and Carina made plans to dance and have Titus concoct something special for Mara. His mate was excited to hear about the Carina and the Alessia drinks. What would the entertaining bartender create for her?

Marcus pulled close to the entrance. “Carina, go with Darius and Mara inside. Stay with Darius. I will park the car and join you in a moment.”

“Okay,” Carina agreed, rolling her eyes at Mara. “Security guy all the way through.”

“Stay with Darius,” Marcus repeated in a stern tone that made Mara slide closer to Darius.

“Yes, Daddy. I promise,” Carina said quickly.

“Good girl.”

Darius opened his door and helped Mara exit through his side. He assisted Carina out of the passenger seat and escorted the two women inside. Alessia waved eagerly from the interior. Titus had chosen an isolated table where they could easily keep an eye on everything in the place.

Bowls of chips and salsa decorated the table. Titus stood as they approached. Alessia hovered by his side until Titus patted her hip, quietly giving her permission to scurry forward to greet Mara.

“Hi! I’m Alessia. I’m so glad to meet you. Carina’s told me about you,” the young, attractive woman said.

The three brunettes couldn’t have been more different from each other. Alessia, with her Italian heritage, had olive skin and the darkest brown eyes with deep brown tresses bordering on black. Raised in the dangerous Costa family, she was usually quiet and reserved. Darius was glad to note that meeting her mate had transformed Alessia. Titus’s mate was almost as animated as Marcus’s. Carina was bubbly and fun. Her light brown hair picked up the rays of sun shining through the window as she practically bounced with excitement.

And Mara? She was still cautious after the threat last night and not sure of her place in this new world. She stood straight with her shoulders back, displaying her automatic professional skills she drew on in business. Her pale brown eyes looked almost golden in the well-lit restaurant, and her shoulder-length hair flowed thickly to her shoulders. She was, of course, the most beautiful of the trio in Darius’s eyes.

The men ushered the ladies to the middle of each side of the table and took places at both ends and facing into the center of the large space. Darius never glanced at the menu. He would order whatever his mate decided on to avoid dividing his attention from the other patrons in the restaurant.

“We should have margaritas,” Carina crowed.

“No margaritas.” Marcus squashed that idea to Darius’s relief. Drunk mates would be harder to protect.

“What…?” Carina protested when Titus smoothly cut in.

“I want your taste buds completely open to a new experience when we return to Nightfall. The Mara must be tasted without tequila on your breath and in your tummies.”

“Oh, I didn’t consider that,” Alessia said, nodding.

“You could create a drink with tequila for Mara,” Carina suggested.

“I don’t really like tequila. I mean, the liquor works great in a margarita, but the flavor is harsh without the lime,” Mara said.

“Then tequila is out!” Titus said with a dismissive wave. “What is your favorite alcohol?”

“You could craft something with ouzo,” Darius said, suggesting an old, treasured alcohol from his homeland.

“Doesn’t that taste like licorice?” Mara said, wrinkling her nose.

“It definitely does.” Titus nodded and considered Mara. “What do you think about bourbon?”

“Are you ready to order?” the server asked.

“Water for everyone,” Marcus ordered. “Carina? Would you like your favorite chicken tacos?” When his mate nodded, Marcus held up two fingers to the waitress.