章 15: Lunch

As she stepped into the foyer, she was amazed. It looked just like what you would expect to form a plant-themed coffee shop. The floorplan was open, and their large windows allows sunlight to stream in. Wooden tables and chairs were arranged almost randomly throughout the hall. The strong aroma of coffee and various dishes filled the air. Everything was decorated with assorted plants. The overall design was simple yet elegant, which contributed to a warm, serene atmosphere.

Seth had told her it was popular, but this was beyond her expectations. The place was filled. She tried looking to see if she could spot Amber but to no avail.

Noticing people at the entrance, a waitress approached the group. She was wearing a plain white T-shirt, blue jeans, sneakers, and a plant-patterned apron. As were all the other waiters. "Hi, how can I serve you today?", Angelica was greeted by the waitress.

Angelica had been worried that she would be underdressed, as she was still wearing the casual green dress and black pumps. She was still feeling uncomfortable as her dress did get a little muddled, thanks to her jogging through the forest. She had done her best to make herself presentable, in the car ride over.

"Hi, I'm here to meet Amber Thompson," Angelica replied.

Angelica noticed an immediate change in the waitress's demeanour, she seemed angry. I just got here I couldn't have possibly done something to offend her already, Angelica thought to herself. Her defensive behaviour was unwarranted.

"Right this way, please." The waitress said quickly, before turning around and walking off. Angelica and her guard followed. As she walked past them, all the tables went silent. Angelica could feel scornful eyes following her as she was being led through.

She was suddenly thankful for Seth's overprotectiveness, and that he had insisted she bring a guard with her. She was unsure of what would happen if he wasn't there to protect her. Luckily, she didn't have to worry about it for now.

To her surprise, she was led out of the main building, into the giant, dome-like greenhouse. The guard remained at the entrance, as she proceeded deeper. She was led down a stone path, as she neared the centre, she saw a singular table with two chairs and Amber seated in one.

The last few steps felt like a funeral march for Angelica, as panic tried to set in. It's too late to run now, you can do this, she encouraged herself. Managing to compose herself, greeted Amber and sat down across from her.

"Here are your menus, I'll be back in 5 minutes for your drink order." The waitress said, showing no trace of the hostility she exuded just moments earlier. Angelica was astonished over how quickly her attitude changed in front of Amber.

Angelica had expected that they wouldn't be too welcoming towards her, but still, this was too much. She felt like she might as well go to Antarctica with all the cold shoulders she was receiving. She had no idea what she could have possibly done to offend anyone. She watched the receding figure of the waitress as her thoughts became consumed, searching for a possible explanation. It was getting her nowhere.

Although she felt a little hurt being treated like an outsider was nothing new to her. All her life she was treated differently. She was isolated and bullied throughout her school career, but the struggle she had gone through had made her stronger. They had thought her to stand up for herself.

With the waitress now gone, it allowed them to speak freely away from prying eyes. "Thank you for joining me on such short notice.", Amber said with a kind and soft tone. "No, thank you for inviting me. This place is breathtaking, it feels like we're in a fairy garden.", Angelica replied.

"It does, doesn't it? I'm glad you like it this is one of my favourite places, but I have to confess I have other reasons for inviting you here other than a nice lunch." Angelica tensed up at Amber's words. She knew there had to be something, but she didn't expect her to be so forward.

Amber continued, "I know all of this must be overwhelming, but I want you to know that I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to or want some advice." Angelica was surprised. This wasn't what she had expected at all.

"Thank you for the offer, I might just take you up on it sooner than you expect," Angelica replied with a smile. In response, Amber took her hand and looked her dead in the eyes. "I mean it. Things will only get harder from here and I know my son, he's quite stubborn.", at the mention of Seth Angelica saw an opportunity to ask the questions that were running ramped through her mind, but before she could ask, she saw Amber signalling her to remain quiet.

The waitress had returned to take their order. She didn't even notice her approaching. Since she didn't know what to get, she ordered the same thing as Amber, which she strongly recommended. A double-thick chocolate mousse milkshake with a chicken and pineapple wrap.

The waitress took the order and disappeared just as fast as she had arrived.

"Now what did you want to say?" Amber inquired politely. "I want to go back to my house, but I doubt Seth will let me leave just like that. Do you know how I can convince him?" Angelica asked. "It won't be easy, especially after what happened, but you should just try talking to him. He's more understanding than you think. If that doesn't work you can try negotiating with him, after all, he is a businessman. You know he blames himself. I know it's hard for you to understand how we wolves feel about our mates. Losing his father was the most difficult thing I've ever gone through. It nearly killed me, and with Markus still out there…" At the mention of his name, the atmosphere became tense.

"Do you think he'll come after me again?" Angelica asked. "Yes, he'll do anything to take control of the pack. You have to understand we're dealing with a mad man here. He doesn't care, he won't stop till he gets what he wants or till he's dead." Amber replied seriously.

"How did he even know about me? I don't think Seth would have just walked around proclaiming to the entire world that he had found his mate. Especially if the risk is this serious." Angelica asked. "We're not sure. It's possible that he has a spy in the pack or maybe he had someone following Seth." She replied.

It was quiet for a moment, Ambers words carried enormous weight. If there was truly a spy in the pack it would put everyone at risk, but if that were the case who could it possibly be?

They were interrupted by the waitress bringing their food and drinks. After she left the atmosphere became pleasant again as the two ate their food and talked about lighters subjects, like Amber's work as a designer and Angelica's dream to travel the country as a singer, and of course some embarrassing stories from Seth's childhood.

Time seemed to fly by as they talked and laughed together. Amber was as kind and welcoming towards her as few people had been. She came to admire her resilience, the warmth and comfort she felt around Amber reminded her of her mother.

'That's right Seth had said that she had gone for the operation and that it was successful. Things have been so crazy that I forgot to call mom. I should do it as soon as I get to Seth's home.' Angelica thought to herself.

After a wonderful lunch, the two said their goodbyes and departed. She left feeling lighter than she had when she arrived. Having had someone to talk to had made the world's difference to her. She also had a better understanding of Seth, which she was planning to put to good use later.

Since he still had a lot of work to handle, it was decided that after lunch she would go to his house to relax a bit. This would give her some time to process everything that had happened, as well as to prepare for the conversation she would have with Seth.

'What should I say to him? How should I approach the subject?' she thought about this all the way there. As they pulled up to the now familiar driveway of Seth's large cabin, she got an idea.

'It just might work' she smiled at the thought. She got out of the car and walked to the house and unlocked it. Earlier Seth had given her the keys and the security codes. The guardian he had assigned to her once again remained outside but there were more patrolling the area.

She figured he simply wanted to ensure her safety. She found it sweet that he was willing to go to such lengths. Without her noticing her heart slowly began to soften towards him.

'I hope you're ready' she thought as she began with the preparations for her plan.