Too Late Alpha The Mate He Never Wanted (Iris and Eric) novel Chapter 97

Chapter 97

Iris’s POV

The restaurant Jasmine dragged us to was already filled with people when we arrived. I instantly regretted leaving my room.

Just as expected, immediately we walked in, heads turned, and whispers and murmurs in the air.

eyes followed me, with

But it didn’t bother me as much. Maybe it was because I was actually getting used to it. Or maybe the stares weren’t as much as before. Or maybe it was both.

Jasmine called a waiter, then she proceeded to order enough food to feed a small army.

“Don’t worry,” she said sweetly once the waiter left, grinning at me. “You’ll thank me when the food comes.”

I groaned. “You’ve been saying that all morning.’

“And I’m right,” she replied easily.

When the food arrived, I realized that she was probably right as I stared at the pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit, and more.

My stomach betrayed me with a loud growl that made Shane choke on his water as he tried not to laugh.

“Shut up,” I muttered, picking up a fork to start with the pancakes.

“I didn’t say anything,” Shane said, trying to look innocent.

The food was good. I tried to stay grumpy at Jasmine for dragging me out, but halfway

through the meal, I found myself really enjoying the meal, and that seemed to satisfy Jasmine more than anything else.

“See? Not so bad,” she said smugly as she sipped her juice.

I gave her a look but didn’t argue. She had won this time, and she knew it.

***

After breakfast, we headed out to the car waiting for us. Just as Jasmine said, we weren’t walking the whole way. The driver kept the car moving slowly enough for Jasmine to point out buildings and places like a tour guide.

“That’s the main clinic, you know that place well enough. That’s the training ground, I’m sure you must hate that place already by now.’

I released a small laugh.

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Chapter 97

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She continued. “Over there is the general pack market. It’s the best place to get anything.” she explained, her hands moving a lot as she talked.

I leaned against the window, only half-listening at first, but little by little, I found myself actually paying attention.

The market was really lively. I could see vendors calling out their products, trying to get buyers, while kids ran around, laughing and playing.

We stopped a few times. Once at the library, where Jasmine shoved me inside, insisting I see the great books inside.

As I stepped inside, a small smile crossed my lips and for a second, I forgot I was supposed to be annoyed.

Shane saw my smile and smirked. “Wow, I didn’t know you were a library person.”

I rolled my eyes. “I didn’t know you talked too much, but here we are.

He chuckled, looking totally unbothered. “Fair enough.”

>>

Jasmine was already chatting with the librarian like they were old friends. I glanced through the books. I wasn’t really looking for anything in particular, I just enjoyed the silent and serene environment.

***

We moved on after Jasmine finally finished her endless conversation. Just as we were about to enter the car, her phone buzzed. She frowned, pulling it out.

“Ugh. I have to take this,” she muttered, stepping aside to answer.

As I turned, a voice called my name.

“Iris?”

I froze, then slowly turned toward the sound. A woman stood before me, smiling warmly at me. Her kind eyes caused recognition to click.

She was the woman who had asked me about my hand the day after Chloe had crushed it, worsening it. The woman who had looked genuinely concerned.

My chest loosened a little.

“Your hands again?” she asked gently, her eyes dropping to my bandaged fists. A small smile crossed her lips. “At this rate, you’re going to run out of hands to injure.”

A surprised laugh escaped me before I could stop t. “Yeah… training accident this time.”

“Well, at least it’s progress from the last one,” she said teasingly.

She stepped closer and held out her hand. “I don’t think we’ve officially met. I’m Grace.”

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“Iris,” I said, shaking her hand awkwardly.

“I know,” she said with a kind smile. “Everyone knows.” She didn’t say it in a bad way though.

Before I could think of what to say, Jasmine finished her call and walked back over. “Oh! Grace. Hi!”

The two greeted each other like old acquaintances, and I was left wondering if Jasmine really knew everyone in this large pack.

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