The Chef's Sick Mate (Book 17 of the Regal Eclipse Pack Series)

Chapter 39

Lincoln stared at that message for a long moment, thinking about his reply. You might not want to unpack.

What? Why?

Because you'll probably be moving again soon. In with me.

She didn't respond to that one for a while and Linc suddenly wished he hadn't been so forward with her. He sighed softly, and began to think of a way he could backtrack that message. He cursed himself out under his breath. Aidan had told him she was nervous about meeting him. He'd jumped the gun. 

You think so, huh? What if you don't like me?

Her response made him breath a small sigh of relief and he smiled, deleting out the response he'd started to type and then typing another. I suppose that's possible, but you're my perfect match. The other half of me. I'm looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you, Genevive. But only when you're ready.

It took her a couple more minutes to respond to him again. You're sweet, Lincoln. We might have to meet very soon. I'm sorry I'm so nervous. This is all new to me.

He wondered if she just meant being a werewolf or dating in general. It was possible she hadn't dated much because of her being sick. He didn't know enough to make that call though. Don't apologize. I know you haven't been a werewolf for very long. How often do you shift?

I was shifting almost every night, but I haven't since we got here. I don't know the area and where I'm allowed to go.

His eyes widened at her response to that. She seemed to love it. I'd like to go out with you if that's okay. When you're ready. I can show you around our territory.

I'd like that. Jules really likes that idea.

Linc smiled. Is Jules your wolf? He knew she was, but he wanted to hear it from her.

Yes. She's my best friend. And then a few seconds later. What's your wolf's name? Followed by: Am I allowed to ask you that?

Linc chuckled. He was starting to really like this girl. Of course you're allowed to ask. I'm your mate after all. I'll tell you anything you want to know. His name is Maddox.

Her response was almost immediate. Seriously?

Yeah? Why?

I had

Linc frowned at the left off text. Maybe she hadn't finished typing and accidentally sent it. But after a moment, he responded. You had?

It took her a long moment to respond. When I was really young, I had a stuffed wolf, and his name was Maddox. I still have him.

Lincoln smiled at that. We were always meant to be.

But I wasn't always a werewolf.

It doesn't matter. Sometimes werewolves mate humans. When your sister and Aidan met, she was human, but Aidan still knew she was his mate. If you and I had met before you became a werewolf, you would still be my mate. Like he would have cared. He wanted her. Now that the bond had been established between them, he wanted to go to her and claim her as his own. She was his, and he was hers.

I'd be sick, Lincoln. I don't know if you know that about me, but I've been sick most of my life. The only reason I'm not now, is because of what my father did.

Linc's heart broke as he read that text. I'm aware that you were sick, but I don't know any details. I'd want you anyway, even if you still were. I'd bring you back here and get you taken care of, Genevive. I'd make sure of it. It wouldn't stop me from wanting to be with you.

It took her several moments to respond to that. We'll meet tomorrow. I think I need to just to make sure that you're real at this point. Ana would call you a book boyfriend.

That text caused him to laugh. He wasn't sure what a book boyfriend was, but whatever. I'm very real, Genevive. And I'm looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you.

I am too, Lincoln. Thank you for texting me tonight.

He smiled. I enjoyed our conversation.

Me too.

I'll let you get some sleep. I know you've had a busy day. Hope to meet you soon. Good night, Genevive.

Good night, Lincoln.

He sat his phone down, happy that he'd the conversation with her. He liked her already even though he really hadn't met her. She was sweet and had a sense of humor. He was really looking forward to getting to know her.

His dream of her that night was different. She was there, looking as beautiful as always. But this time, she approached him, looking up at him shyly. "Are you going to reject me?"

"Never. I want you," he responded, reaching out and cupping her cheek. She was so perfect.

"I don't think you do," she said, and turned and walked away from him.

"Wait!"

Gen turned back to him slowly, a sad expression on her face.

"I want you, Genevieve. Let me prove it to you," he called.

She pursed her lips as she stared at him. "Okay, Lincoln. Prove it." Then she disappeared.

Lincoln's eyes snapped open, and he groaned. He wished he could make sense out of his dreams. Why couldn't he just dream of mating her like a normal werewolf? Instead, she just seemed to think he was going to reject her. He sighed. He had absolutely no plans to reject her and after their conversation last night, he was sure of it.

His gaze darted over to the bedside clock, and he saw that it was already after 6am. He might as well get up. He didn't work this evening, and he was really hoping that Genevive would talk to him today. He wanted her to. If she didn't, he'd text her again.

He slipped out of bed and into the bathroom, then into his closet to dress before heading downstairs and into the kitchen. He stopped just inside the door at the sight in front of him. "Sorry."

Landon was seated at the island, Brianna between his legs as he kissed her. A deep kiss that Linc wished he hadn't interrupted. Those two were so in love, and it gave him hope that it would be him and his mate doing that soon.

"You're early," Brianna said, moving away from her mate.

"I can come back later," he told her.

"Nope. Let's get going." She turned back to Landon and kissed him once, then headed over to the stove.

Landon gave him a smile as he left the kitchen, and Linc nodded to him, then turned and grabbed an apron off a hook, before setting to work on making biscuits.

The routine settled him and helped him to relax. He liked the easiness of it all. He was half tempted to tell Brianna, yes, he would cover for her when it came time for her to give birth, but at the same time, he had a mate to think about now. He needed to talk to Genevieve and figure out his relationship with her first.

He hurried through cooking and once he was finished in the kitchen, he headed to the dining hall, eager to scope out his mate and hopeful that she would join him.

After making his plate, Linc sat down at his usual table. She wasn't there yet. He glanced around. Neither was Aidan and Ana. Hardly anyone was in there yet. It was still early.

Finally, about ten minutes later, he caught her scent. He watched her walk inside and over to the buffet line. Her gaze darted over to him very briefly. She was wearing a sweater, leggings and boots this morning. Purple and gray. She looked good. Her gorgeous hair was up in a messy bun.

He watched her make her plate and turn back to the dining hall, looking around. Aidan walked up behind her and said something, and she glanced up at him. Linc noticed the stark difference in height between the two of them and pursed his lips. She was tiny. It made him want to protect her.

Aidan turned and walked towards a table to sit, his usual table. Ana was already waiting for him. Linc expected Gen to follow him, but to his surprise, she turned and stared at him. He held his breath as he stared back.