The Righteous Path

Dinner Date

Lilith set the polished silver fork on the white linen napkin, standing straight to examine her work. The table was set with four place settings, the white dishes reflecting the recessed lights above them. Lilith had tried to make the space feel warm and homey, had tired to settle into the old home she had been moved into. Beyond the table was the kitchen, warm and inviting with dark walnut cabinets and grey granite countertops veined with black and white and silver. She liked it, the space reminding her of her home in Oregon. Even so, it had been a difficult transition. She didn't enjoy living with other people, let alone three men that could bring her to her knees with a few simple words. She didn't like that the old home didn't really feel like a home, and the way it creaked and groaned made her jumpy. But tonight she would put those dislikes aside because tonight she had forced the men to agree to a dinner.

It was nearly 5:30 and Lilith was placing the tray of salmon filets on the table, anxiety nagging the back of her mind. Then the door bell rang, her stomach clenching into a ball at the sudden sound that broke the silence. Drawing in a quick breath, she rushed to the door and cracked it open just enough to peer outside. The man at on the doorstep was not one she was expecting to see. A mix of emotions washed over her, giddy excitement, guilt, nervousness, all competing for center stage. Lilith opened the door wider, her breath thin in her chest.

"Papa Emeritus, I-I wasn't expecting you this evening." Lilith spoke with a formality that made him cringe. She was so anxious, so ridged with him. Only on rare occasions did she let that mask fall and he caught a glimpse of what was beneath.

"May I come in?" he asked and Lilith's cheeks flushed slightly, quickly stepping aside to give him entrance. Her eyes took him in as he moved, so breathtakingly elegant that her body sighed. This evening he wore a black collarless button up with black slacks and Lilith couldn't help but gawk. His snowy white eye was bright within the black that surrounded it, but it was his green eye that flared when he turned back to her. His gaze traveled her body and her heart hummed.

"Can I help you with something?" she asked as her stomach sank. He is here for my answer, isn't he. The thought stopped her daydreaming and fawning.

"Alpha is tied up with the Oracles. Omega and Air are both...unavailable." Papa said, clearly catching himself from divulging information that he ought to not. "Alpha asked if I could come to dinner in his stead." Papa finished with the same sweet smile but his gaze was weary. Lilith stared at him, a pang of disappointment tightening her throat. She had not been with all of them at one time since coming back and she had planned for this dinner all week. That disappointment washed away any excitement she had, replacing it with a sorrow that felt so childish. Like not getting something for Christmas.

"I see." Lilith nodded. "Well dinner is at the table. We'd better eat before it gets cold." She smiled and walked through the cased opening to her left, Papa a step behind. They sat opposite each other, Lilith serving herself salmon and asparagus in silence. He watched her, and even through her anxiety and sadness, she was graceful and gentle and pure. Clearing his throat, his surveyed the food once more.

"Did you make this?" Papa asked, filling his plate.

"Yes." She replied, glancing up from her meal to him.

"You are quite the chef."

"Try it first, then tell me if you still think I'm a good cook." Lilith chuckled. Papa laughed softly, taking a bite of his dinner.

"I stand corrected. You are a marvelous chef." Papa grinned, Lilith's cheeks warming.

"Thank you." Lilith dared another glance, their eyes meeting. The warmth in her cheeks grew, spreading over her neck and ears. His grin was lopsided, white teeth shining and a wicked glint in his eye. Lilith had to force her eyes away, looking out the window beside them to the quiet street beyond the white picket fence.