The restaurant was close to the entrance and there was a long line to get inside. Everyone groaned at the sight of the line, but to my surprise Kaiba kept walking and went straight to the front where the hostess was standing behind a podium. At the sight of Kaiba the man quickly straightened his posture and gave a big smile. Even with my enhanced wolf hearing I couldn't tell what was being said due to all of the other sounds around me, but I figured Kaiba was telling the hostess that he waited a premium table immediately. The hostess shook his head in understanding and Kaiba walked back to us.
"Come on, I got us a table." He said and motioned for us to follow.
We walked to the front of the line and the look on everyone's face was of disgust because we just cut the line. A few girls saw Yugi and began to scream and try to get his attention. Yugi blushed and just waved, I don't think he was used to having girls attracted to him. A few took notice to Joey and he just took in all the affection they were practically throwing at him. Even Kaiba had some fan girls, but he acted like he didn't know they were calling to him. I just smiled and a laughed at all the different reactions I was seeing to attention. Then suddenly a smell hit me like a brick. Everything in my body suddenly went full wolf and I began searching for the smell, I couldn't place it but I had to find it. It was delicious and it was coming from inside. I quickened my pace so I could catch up to my brothers to see if they smelled what I smelled. When I caught up to them the look on their face was telling me they smelled it too.
"What the hell is that?" Corey asked hungrily
"It's like someone wrapped a Kobe steak in sunshine and rainbows." Caleb said practically slobbering over the words.
"Whatever it is it's not USDA beef, it's something better." I said smelling the air frantically.
"Hey Mokuba, what kind of meat does the chef use for his hamburgers?" I asked greedily
"Mostly beef, but he has some specialty burgers that come with meats like venison, elk, buffalo, even alligator." Mokuba replied.
I've had all of those meats before and none of them smelled that delicious. This was something more, something better. I turned back to my brothers. "Whatever we smell it has to be supernatural, something tells me our chef might be using something. You guys go sit down I'm going to see if I can talk to the chef."
Corey and Caleb followed the group and I excused myself and said I needed to freshen up. I walked towards the back of the building and instead of turning into the lady's room I walked into the kitchen. The moment I opened the doors it took everything I had not to turn full-fledged werewolf. The smell was heavenly and strong inside the kitchen; I had to drop my head quickly because I knew my red eyes were out for everyone to see. Once I got in control I requested to pay my compliments to the chef. I was I directed towards the back where there was an office and I bee lined for the door. I knocked twice and I heard a soft voice inviting me in. I opened the door and stepped inside quickly shutting the door behind me to stop the smell from following me; I couldn't focus with that strong of a smell under my nose.
"I'm sorry to bother you sir, I just came to give my utmost respect, your food it's…."
The man turned around and it stopped me in my tracks. I was right there was something supernatural, but it was not the ingredients that were supernatural it was the chef.
"You're a witch…" I growled becoming incredibly defensive
"Wicken actually… what gave it away?" He asked ignoring my sudden change in tone. He was a short portly man; he was wearing a chef's jacket, grey trousers, and black clogs. His hair was a light brown and slowly turning grey, and his eyes were a deep brown and bland.
"I see your aura, and the pendent around your neck is a well-known symbol in the supernatural communities." I said as I clinched my hands into fists to control the building rage. "So that is why everything in here smells like heaven and sprinkled with Gods graces; it's all magic, dark witches magic."
"You mistake me, I do not practice dark magic, and I am one of the very few wickens left that still use the light magic. I just use a few ingredients to enhance the flavors of my dishes; I do not seek to harm anyone. From your reaction and the sudden change in attitude you must be a werewolf. Am I correct in my assumption?" He asked still completely calm.
"Yes." I growled and relaxed my hands to expose my claws. Suddenly my canine fangs and red alpha eyes appeared. "I haven't had any good encounters with witches, so forgive my change in looks."
"Please my dear, nothing good can come from fighting, I swear to you I do not harm others; supernatural or human. I have had many werewolves in here, they all are drawn to the smells and all of them have walked out completely unharmed. I believe you would know if any wolves in the area turn up missing. I just make food to make people happy I swear on my life." He said comfortingly.
He wasn't lying to me, nothing in is body changed so I relaxed slightly and retracted my claw and teeth, but kept my eyes unchanged.
"An alpha I see. Its quiet uncommon for one to be around without a pack, or at least a few betas." He said
"You know nothing of werewolves, witch." I hissed still not completely convinced of my safety.
"You are right, please dear allow me to serve you tonight to prove I am not of harm." He said and approached me.
I took a step back away from him, "Fine, only because we are here with the owner of the amusement park and I know you could not risk displeasing him or his brother, therefore you would not harm me or my siblings. I still don't completely believe or trust you witch." I said staring threatening into his bland brown eyes.
"Excellent! I will show you I am no threat. Please lead the way ma'am." He said and gestured to the door.
We exited and we headed out to the main dining area where my group was sitting. I spotted them quickly; I noticed an open seat for me beside Tea, across from my twin, and also next to Kaiba who sat at the head of the table. Once I spotted Caleb I quickly sent a vibe of danger; I knew the moment he felt the vibe because his head shot up and quickly found my gaze. He then took notice to the man following closely behind me and his eyes became sharp and threatening; he knew the man was a witch. I didn't want to involve Corey, he hasn't had the displeasure of dealing with witches and I didn't want to scare him. I took my seat next to Tea and gave her a smile that hopefully convinced her that nothing was wrong. I then faced straight and looked at Caleb so he could see in to my eyes; I needed to show him that the chef promised he was not threat to us or to anyone. Caleb stared into my eyes for a moment and then relaxed a little; he saw what I wanted him to and I shook my head.
"Good evening Mr. Kaiba, it's great to see you in here again." Said the chef. Kaiba didn't look up from the menu just grunted to show he heard the man. "I am Chef Andre, the head chef here at the restaurant, and I will be cooking for you all today." Directing his attention to the rest of the group.
"Wow special treatment by the head guy! This is great! What you say chef, what the best burger you got?" Joey said excitedly.
I looked down the table to see if Corey had taken notice to the aura around the chef. It seemed he noticed something different, but it didn't seem to concern him so I left him alone to talk with Yugi. I then too began scanning the menu to pick something that I deemed worthy of possibly being my last meal. I settled on what was called a Colorado's Elk Burger; it was an open faced bacon cheeseburger made of elk meat smothered in Colorado's famous green chile. We lived in Colorado for a while when we began the changes and I fell in love with their green chile and wild game meats. Our main waitress came and took drink orders and when she returned and distributed the drinks Andre returned with her for the orders and to explain anything on the menu. Everyone ordered a specialty order and when it came to my order Andre put on a giant smile and the aura around him changed to bright and warming colors; he was trying to reassure me that I was completely safe. I gave him my order with a stern voice that express if this meal kills me you won't be too far behind me. Andre seem to be completely unaffected by my infliction, instead he just smiled more and continued to Kaiba.
"Do you have it in for the chef? The way you ordered sound more like a death promise if he didn't provide a good meal." Tea asked quizzically.
"Let's just say I've have some bad experiences with food poisoning." I lied. Tea just laughed and a laughed with her I hope she didn't pry for more. Conversation picked up around the table and it put me at ease. Kaiba just watched everyone and didn't bother talking; I enjoyed the company even if Kaiba was being antisocial. Not too long after we order the waitress brought out several baskets of appetizers; mozzarella sticks, chips and salsa, jalapeno poppers, and potato skins. Baskets were being passed around, and I noticed Caleb smelled and investigated everything before for grabbing anything; I was doing the same. I handed a basket to Kaiba and when he went to grab it from me his fingers brushed against mine. It felt like someone had lit a fire on my skin, there was a surge of electricity that went through my whole body and it made all the hair on my arms stand on end and my skin formed goosebumps. Caleb noticed the sudden change in my body and quickly shot a look at me to make sure I wasn't poisoned by the food. Caleb's eyes grew wide because my eyes had turned red for a brief second; everything that was already enhanced by being a wolf was enhanced further in that moment Kaiba's hand touched mine. The room suddenly got brighter and I was even more aware of all the smells and sounds around me. It didn't last long, as soon as he hand moved away from mine it stopped; but it was like a high, and suddenly I wondered if what I felt meant what I thought it did. I looked at Kaiba to see if he felt it too, but he seemed unaffected. Maybe it was just the werewolf inside me, and he didn't feel anything. I tried to push the moment out of my mind and focus on not dying from the witch. The appetizers were great; as much as I hate to admit it they were actually delicious, Caleb felt the same way. Andre probably made sure really put in the witches magic to prove it's just for taste and not for murder. Once I finished the food on my plate and realized that nothing was killing me I relaxed and started looking forward to my main course. Everyone talked about the great food, and then it turned into what was the weirdest or grosses food they had; Caleb chimed in about sushi and to my pleasure everyone at the table, including Kaiba, loved sushi just as much as me and Corey. Caleb just slumped in defeat and said he hated pineapple on pizza to get everyone off his back. The table unanimously agreed, except for Mokuba who said it's his favorite. I said that the weirdest thing I hate was peanut butter and everyone was completely surprised.
"But that's like, I don't know, un-American or something!" Joey said
Everyone laughed, except Kaiba of course who seemed more annoyed than anything. Our food came shortly after and we all got quiet. Everyone started eating and no one spoke. It was fantastic, the green chile was just like we ate in Colorado, and the elk was cooked to perfection, medium rare like it should be. Caleb even looked like he was enjoying his venison guacamole burger. We ate in silence for a while and then once we all started getting full conversation picked back up. Joey and Tristian started eating everyone's leftovers, and I happily passed down what was left of mine. I needed to share the wonderfulness that is green chile, Tristian thought it was too hot, but Joey practically licked the plate clean.
"Well with you around Joey they won't have to do dishes." Mokuba said a little disgusted.
"This green chile is amazing! How come I haven't had this before?" Joey said wiping his face on his sleeve.
"Well it hasn't really made it out of Colorado. Everything in Colorado is smothered in green chile." I said laughing
"Yeah it's everywhere there! But lucky for us Kenzi makes really good green chile we'll have to have you over for some." Corey said proudly. "Actually Kenzi is just a really good cook, I'm going miss her cooking when I leave for the Academy."
That totally reminded me that we were planning one last family wolf run tonight. We didn't know when the next one would be so we promised Corey one tonight as a final celebration. It brought a little sadness to my heart to think that this time tomorrow Corey would be on an island at the academy and the house will feel a little emptier. Caleb noticed the sadness and quickly started up another conversation about my cooking to change the subject. The waitress returned with a check, but I could tell she didn't know who to give it to so I pushed my chair back and stretched out my hand so I could take it. Before the girl could place it in my hand Kaiba spoke.
"It's on me."
The waitress stopped and shook her head and walked away before I could do anything.
"Thanks Kaiba." Yugi said shocked
"Yeah rich boy, you didn't need to." Joey chipped in
"This was going to be on us; for Corey." I said looking at him "Well you aren't a great host or conversationalist, but at least you shine in hospitality."
"The topic of conversation was poor and not worth my input, no one could follow my conversation topics anyways." Kaiba said coolly.
I laughed, "You'll never know if you don't try to participate with the company present. You should know you get nowhere with close minded thoughts and closed mouths Kaiba. Business 101 you should take a refresher course."
The table went silent waiting on Kaiba's reply to my jest. Kaiba looked at me and smirked, he was enjoying it again just as he had in the arena. I stared in to his eyes again and the loneliness has dissipated slightly. I had a feeling no one challenges him like this because everyone is too afraid to.
"Well when the topic is how many marshmallows Wheeler can fit in his mouth the intelligence level is not worthy of my attention." Said Kaiba
Alright he had me there that was not a noteworthy topic.
"Hey I can fit 10 of them in my mouth! 100 if I used the mini ones." Joey replied.
Joey all that tells us is that you have a big mouth, and that isn't anything new!" Tristian laughed.
We all laughed and I even heard Kaiba let out a soft chuckle. We got up and started getting our stuff and putting on coats. We walked out and the sun was beginning to set.
"Wow look at all those colors!" Yugi exclaimed.
All I could think was you should see it through my eyes, the colors were enhanced, there were more colors than what a human can see. We stood and watched the colors change as the sun continued to fall, soon the sky was getting dark and we decided it was time to head back.
"Thanks again Kaiba, that really was very gentlemen like of you." I said before we all said our goodbye to him and Mokuba.
"Don't let anyone know I did a nice gesture, it might ruin my reputation." He said jokingly.
No one was paying us any mind they were behind us talking so I felt comfortable in questioning Kaiba in a more personal way without eaves droppers.
"You know you can have a reputation outside of the brutal business world. You should maybe try being a nice guy a little more often. I like you better that way, your eyes shine more when you're nice." I said looking at him dead in the eyes to so I could watch his reaction. To my surprise his face softened like what I said made him happy, as if he had never been complimented before by someone other than Mokuba.
"I'm not afraid of you Kaiba, you don't need to flash money or status; I have everything you have; a name, a company, a business reputation, but I have a separate reputation outside of my company." I said warmly.
Kaiba just stared down at me; I could tell he didn't know what to say to someone who had an equal status as him being nice. I just smiled and hoped he took what I said to heart. I felt sorry for him because I felt the loneliness inside of him, he wants friends whether he admits it or not.
"Seto I left my backpack in your office. Can we go back up there before we leave?" Mokuba came up to us breaking Kaiba from his gaze at me.
"Sure Mokuba. Let's go." Kaiba said turning and started walking away.
I heard a chorus of goodbyes directed towards Kaiba; Kaiba just raised a hand and waved without looking back. I walked back to the group and we started heading towards the exit. Everyone was leaving at the same time so we had to fight the crowd to get out altogether. Once we made sure the group was together we headed towards the valet stand. I gave the man my number and he handed the keys to the same guy who drove off with my car earlier. I could tell he recognized me because his pulses quickened and he reeked of nervousness. A few minutes later my Escalade pulled up and the man got out; I walked around the car a couple of times to inspect it. I stopped once to pretend to inspect a spot and really make the valet guy nervous, to my delight it worked. After my third time around I approached the man with a stone cold serious look, we was visibly shaking because he was intimidated by me. I stood in front of him for a moment enjoying the feeling and then I gave him a kind smile and told him everything looked to be in order. The man probably would have fainted if he wasn't trying so hard to keep calm. I paid and left a very generous tip since I probably put the man through hell while my car was parked back there. We all got in and headed back to the game shop. It was completely dark by the time we pulled up to the little store. I turned off the engine and we all piled out.
"Thanks for letting us come with you guys. I hope we didn't interrupt any family plans." Yugi said stretching and arm behind his head.
"Absolutely not, you guys made today perfect! I couldn't imagine a better way to spend my last day in Domino!" Corey exclaimed.
"Really guys we've never had this much fun before. Thank you for coming." I said sincerely.
We gave them our personal phone number and they gave us theirs, we all promised to text each other to make future plans, and I promised to invite them for dinner as often as possible. I just wanted to have people in the house just so I didn't feel so empty and I liked their company, I felt like a normal girl around them. We waved goodbye and got back into car.
"That was the best day ever!" Corey said as we pulled on to the main road home.
"I have to agree, that was great. So this is what it's like to have friends your own age?" Caleb said in the backseat.
"We really need to make plans with them often, I really enjoyed them all." I said happily.
There was a unanimous agreement and we rode the rest of the way in silence as we reminisced about the fun we had today.
