Chapter 0097
Silver's POV
"Luna Crown, did the Alpha leave?" The waiter asked as he returned with the champagne. I stared at his empty spot across the table feeling nothing but numb. He asked me out on this romantic date, and then he abandoned me for Shirley.
I understood that Shirley was hurt and needed him, but he didn't even seem remorseful about leaving me here by myself. He was all but eager to leave and see Shirley. The waiter set the glass in front of me and poured me some champagne.
"He had a work emergency," I finally managed to get out. "You know how it is... he's the Alpha. He can never rest." I tried to appear nonchalant about the ordeal, but I knew that the waiter could see right through me.
He nodded thoughtfully.
"The fried calamari will be out soon. Would you like to put in some more food?" He asked, getting his notepad and pen ready.
I hadn't eaten much today, and I knew I probably should have a decent meal, but I wasn't very hungry right now. I grabbed the champagne and took a long and steady sip, hoping the alcohol would help numb the pain that's wedged itself deep into my chest.
"Would it be possible to take the calamari to go?" I asked him, still trying to mask the hurt. "And maybe add an order of deviled eggs?"
"Of course," the waiter said, writing it on his notepad. "I'll be right back."
I nodded and took another sip of the champagne. I continued to stare at the spot where Elliot once sat, and I felt sick to my stomach. I knew I wasn't going to be hungry later, but I figured I would order extra food just in case.
I lowered my gaze, feeling tears burning the back of my eyes. I refused to let them spill here though. I wasn't going to let anyone from this pack see my weakness. I wrapped my arms around my body as if I was trying to hold myself together, which was exactly what I was trying to do.
I'm not sure how long I sat there or when the waiter returned with my food, but I hadn't realized the to-go boxes were sitting in front of me on the table until Erik got there and broke me out of my trance. "Luna, are you okay?" He asked, narrowing his eyes and studying my face with a concerned expression.
I blinked a few times and then nodded, still feeling uneasy.
"Yeah," I lied. "I suppose you are here to bring me home?"
He nodded a bit sheepishly.
"Per orders of the Alpha," he explained.
I nodded and grabbed my to-go food. Sliding out of my seat I looked up at Erik. He was tall and buff which wasn't surprising considering he was a gamma warrior and typically they were built strong.
“Erik, do you ever tire of being the personal driver?" I asked as we headed toward the door. "I mean, you are trained for much more. Isn't it insulting that you are used as the driver?" He gave me a side glance and a smirk appeared on his lips.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
"Every gamma job, no matter how small, is essential for this pack. We all work together to ensure safety; that's the number one goal. I don't see myself as a personal driver, I see myself as a bodyguard. I'm not just driving you home, Luna. I'm
protecting you from any harm that may come to you during your travels. When I'm not driving, I'm
patrolling and doing other work
around the palace that continues to
ensure your safety."
"Are you saying you have been assigned to keep me safe?" I asked him, raising my brows. "Like my own personal bodyguard."
He nodded, almost looking amused.
"Yes, exactly," he remarked. "I'm also a really good driver."
My chest warmed at the thought of Elliot caring enough about me that he would assign a personal bodyguard to protect me. But remembering how he ditched me in the middle of our date because Shirley called him, made that warmth turn frigid and I suddenly couldn't get myself warm enough.
He opened the back door of his car and motioned for me to get inside. I did as he requested and waited for Erik to slide into the driver's seat before he took off.
The ride back to the palace was silent but it wasn't awkward. There was nothing for either of us to say and I needed to gather my thoughts.