Chasing his Mate

Chapter Four

Their lunch was turning out to be one of the best meals she had ever had.

"How about we play a game?" Mr. Kendal said after they were done ordering.

"What kind of game?" She asked surprised about how much enthusiasm she felt.

"You answer a question about yourself, then I will." He said and she went quiet as she considered.

"I won't answer ones about my parents." She immediately stated as he frowned.

"What happened?" He tried and she sighed. She had been having such a good evening until now.

"Dad got diagnosed with a mental illness and mom refused to give up on him." She summarized as she looked away.

" I hid behind the couch the night he lost it completely." She added and was rewarded with silence as he comprehended what she told him.

"I'm sorry." He immediately said in a quiet voice. Anger flared inside her when he did.

" I don't want your sympathy." She said in a near growl.

"Now it's your turn." She demanded seconds later to distract him, and he nodded as his face changed back to neutral.

"What about your parents?" She asked and his face gentled.

"Mom and dad live back where I was born. When I got my first big check, I paid off their home." He answered and she couldn't help but smile.

"I wish I could meet them." She answered honestly. They had to be amazing people to raise a son like him. Not many millionaires were as kind as him.

"Maybe you will." He offered, intrigued by the idea. Whatever he was going to say next was interrupted when the waiter brought their food.

The food was amazing, and he laughed when she complained about not having enough room for it all.

To soon, they were pulling into the drive way. It was near sunset now and she knew there would be hell to pay next time she saw Xena.

"Thank you for taking me out today." She said as she bowed in front of him again.

"My pleasure. Just promise me you will do your best to stay off your feet until your ankle heals." He said in response as his voice changed to one of worry. She knew he felt bad for what happened.

"I will." She promised before he gave her a gentle smile, then turned towards the inside of the house and gave a big sigh.

"I hope we can get out of the house together again sometime soon." He added before he walked away to go into the house.

She followed him, then went to her room when she got inside. For the first time in forever, she was able to sleep without nightmares of the event plaguing her.

The next day, she was nervous but felt better, that was until she realized she had slept in. Her first final was today, and she was going to be late.

When she barged into the kitchen, Rhetta immediately commented.

"Aren't you supposed to be at school?" She immediately asked as Denali quickly threw a bagel into the toaster.

"I overslept and a have a final today." She whined as she reached in and tried to grab her bagel. It was still hot and burned the tip of her finger.

"I will give you a ride, so you don't have to wait for the next bus." Mr. Kendal offered, and she couldn't help but jump at the noise. He was never here when she got up. She had never got up this late though, she reminded herself.