Page 20 of Darius

“Okay, two chicken taco platters. What would you like?” she asked Mara.

Having not opened the menu at all, Mara checked with Carina. “Your favorite is the tacos?”

“Mine too,” Alessia chimed in. “But I want beef.”

“I’ll have the same,” Titus said.

“I can’t decide which one to order now,” Mara hesitated.

“Could she have one beef and one chicken taco?” Darius asked.

“Of course,” the server said with a nod. “Would you like that as well?”

“Sure. If she likes one more than the other, Mara can steal mine.” Darius understood that the waitress didn’t get that the men didn’t care at all what they ate. They only wished to provide more for their Little girls.

“I’ll get this in and return with your waters.”

Darius treasured his mate’s thankful smile. He loved taking care of her. She placed her hand on his thigh and scooted closer, drawing Darius’s focus away from his scrutiny of those around them. He’d rely on his senses and his clansmen to scan the crowd.

“Bourbon, Mara?” Titus said, repeating his previous suggestion.

“I actually like bourbon. It has a bit of fire, but still has flavor,” Mara said.

“Your mate has taste, Darius. I’m starting with bourbon then. What’s your favorite fruit?” Titus asked.

“I love pineapple.”

“I do too,” Alessia said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had bourbon.”

Titus dramatically put a hand over his heart as if he were in the middle of a cardiac attack. “I have sadly neglected your tasting education. Tonight, you will try the Mara if she decides my creation is worthwhile.”

“You don’t have to name a drink after me,” Mara said quickly. Darius guessed that she wasn’t used to being the center of attention. He started to explain, but Titus jumped in first.

“Of course, I do. Creating a drink for the mates is tradition,” Titus said with a smile before adding, “Besides, Darius would cut back my bottle budget if I didn’t come up with something incredible for you.”

“Now that’s the truth,” Darius agreed, and everyone laughed.

The server bustled back in with their drinks. Almost on her heels, men followed with heaping platters of food. Soon the table groaned under loads of tacos, rice, and beans. Darius watched Mara relax and enjoy herself with his clansmen and their Littles. She needed a break from the stress her job had created for her. He had a feeling she would enjoy her time at Nightfall tonight. He was tickled to see her getting along with the group so well.

Chapter

Seven

Later that evening, Mara, Alessia, and Carina occupied the stools in front of Titus’s station at the bar. Alessia sat in the middle and had gathered the trio together to take a selfie before Nightfall opened—just like they were three regular bar patrons. At a normal nightclub.

The behind-the-scenes preparations had fascinated Mara. She’d never seen how much work went into opening for the night. People dashed here and there, stocking the bar, replacing lights, putting down the chairs. Darius assisted but returned often to check on her. She appreciated his attention. This was definitely outside her normal Saturday night.

“Is he a vampire?” Mara asked. She was absolutely the worst at picking out who was human and who wasn’t.

“Nope. That’s one of the servers. Eduardo is a cutie, isn’t he?” Alessia said. Titus’s growl of displeasure made them look at the man glowering at his mate from behind the bar. “Sorry, Daddy. He’s a cutie in a ‘wow, that guy is totally a hunk meant for someone else’ kind of way.”

“Um, Alessia. Calling him a hunk might not be the best word choice here,” Carina said, watching Titus’s eyes turn red.

“Oops.” Alessia boosted herself off the stool to lean over the bar. She offered Titus her lips. Mara looked away when he cupped the back of her neck to pull her closer.

“Oh, they do this a lot. Alessia crawled over the bar to plaster herself against him her first time here,” Carina told Mara with a wink. “Hey, Titus? Do we have to wait until everyone gets in here before you concoct your Mara?”

Titus kissed Alessia on the forehead and helped her settle back onto her stool. “Of course. The Mara must be presented to the world with fanfare.”