Chapter 16. Bizarre Phenomenon

He was the man who shot me an intense look earlier.

"Thank you," I responded as I accepted the plate, which earned a short smile from him.

"Would you mind if I joined you eating? Well, I've noticed you here alone, but it's alright if you don't want," he said, sounding very apologetic. I could only nod in agreement.

"No, it's fine."

Without further ado, we both settled down to eat.

Honestly, it feels awkward just to be eating and not know what to articulate. It felt like something needed to happen, but I had no idea what it was.

The silence between us only served to make it more discomfiting. At least the man had manners because I couldn't bring myself to start talking first.

I watched as his hand moved around the plates, taking a bite of what he had.

"Are you living here?" he finally spoke up.

I nodded. "With my mate."

"Alpha Ace?" he questioned, looking at me for confirmation.

"My name is Israel, though most call me Rael," he introduced himself after finishing his last bite