The Alpha's Mate

Chapter 29

Manon's POV

Dinner at Mamá and George's house passed really quickly.  George bar-be-qued and Mamá bickered with him about burning the steaks.  Besides that, last night was fairly uneventful.  

Turning off the shower, I wrapped a towel around myself, walking down the hall into the guest bedroom.  Locking the door behind me, I went to the dresser and picked out some workout shorts and a tee shirt.  I pulled on the clothes before running a brush through my hair, taking out any tangles.  

Once satisfied, I left the room to go downstairs for breakfast.  I didn't know what Ronan was cooking, but it smelled divine.  I walked down the stairs to see Ronan by the stove in an apron.  I chuckled at the sight, making him turn towards me.  

"Good morning!"  He turned to face me, holding a pan in his oven mitt covered hands.  This made me smile.  "Good morning."  He turned back towards the stove.  "I made you some coffee, I left it in the pot so it would stay hot."  I walked to the pot, grabbing a mug out of the cupboard.  "Thanks."  

He continued cooking, humming a song.  I sat on a stool, resting my cup on the island.  I rubbed my face, removing any sleep from my eyes. Ronan continued cooking, but the silence made me want to speak.  

"What are you making?"  He turned to face me, flashing me a smile before continuing.  "French toast and bacon."  I chewed my lip.  "I've never had french toast before."  "Really?"  It's true, I haven't, but by the way it smells, I can already tell I'll like it. 

I nodded in response.  He flipped the toast off the pan and onto two plates.  He placed one down in front of me before sitting across from me.  "Try it."  He studied me as I cut off a corner with my fork.

I plopped it in my mouth, involuntarily moaning at the taste.  He chuckled, pulling me out of my heaven.  "These are sooo good."  He nodded.  "My mom used to make them for me when I was a kid."  

I smiled, returning my attention the food in front of me.  Ronan nibbled at his, not devouring it like he usually does.  I could tell something was on his mind, but I was never one to pry.  I continued eating, but when Ronan swirled his piece of toast in the syrup for the thousandth time I decided to ask.

"Is something on your mind?"  He nodded before letting out a sigh.  He reached across the table, grabbing my hand.  I put down my fork, turning my attention to him.  

"Your heat is coming Manon."   I nodded.  It's supposed to happen today.  He continued.  "You're not stuck with me; you don't have to be."  I opened my mouth, but he continued to speak.  "I want you to choose, Manon.  I don't care if you want someone else, I just want you to be happy."

I could feel my face heating up, even after I adverted my eyes from him. 

He looked genuine, keeping his eyes, which are full of concern, glued to me.  "We talked about this before, Ronan."  "I know."  I sighed.  "I'm grateful that you want to give me choices, but I already decided, and besides it's a little late to change my mind."