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their table. How could such a short woman manage to loom so threateningly?
    “Hey, Ma,” Alex said. When did it get so hot in here? He pulled at his shirt collar. Damn thing was trying to throttle him. Where did all the air go?
    “She is your mate, right?” his mother narrowed her eyes. “I know that my son would not be wining and dining some other floozy when he has a mate.”
    “Floozy?” Tara objected weakly.
    “She's not a floozy,” Alex said. “She is my mate. We were just talking. Sorting things out.” His eyes darted around, looking for escape routes. How fast could Tara run?
    “Talking?” his mother asked, her eyebrows raised. “Since when do true mates sit around talking?” She sniffed the air. “You haven't even claimed her yet!” Her voice was getting louder, drawing curious looks from the other diners.
    Tara's face was bright red. His own face felt incredibly hot. He fought the urge to squirm under his mother's gaze. Tara had tugged her hand back and was practically shrinking into her seat.
    “Ma!” he hissed. “You're embarrassing my mate.”
    “Are all mice so timid?” his mother asked. “I'll need to know for when the grandcubs arrive.” She pulled out a chair and sat down next to Tara. His mate's eyes were huge, and she looked a hair's breadth from panic. He knew the feeling.
    “This is our first date,” he whispered furiously. “We are not discussing grandcubs. We're trying to get to know each other before... you know...” he trailed off.
    “Before you boink like bunnies,” his mother supplied, waving a hand in the air. “I know, I know, but talk fast. I want grandcubs and you're not getting any younger Alex.”
    His mother just used the phrase 'boink like bunnies'. He looked down at the floor, hoping to see a great whirling vortex waiting to suck him in. No, he was out of luck. Besides, if he ever wanted Tara to mate him, he couldn't possibly abandon her to his mother. Dammit.
    “Well, hello there, Tara,” a male voice intruded.
    Tara glanced up, caught one look at the man and paled. This must be the ex. Alex looked him over and dismissed him as a pretty, rich boy. His bear eyed him as a potential snack. He smelled like a fox, not much of a threat to his bear, but his little mate was a mouse and more vulnerable.
    “We're a little busy here, dear,” his mother said, dismissing the newcomer. “My son and his mate are just discussing their mating.”
    Barry's jaw clenched. “She's already mated. To me.”
    “Don't be silly,” his mother said. “I don't smell you on her.”
    “We've been separated but now I'm back,” he said firmly.
    Alex saw the slightest tremble in Tara's hand and his bear growled. Nobody should be scaring his mate. No arrogant upstart could come in here, scare his mate, and try to claim her for himself.
    Setting his napkin down, Alex rose from his seat, noting with satisfaction that he towered over the other man. Barry took a step back.
    “Tara is my mate. You were never mates, and she left you. She is my true mate and I will not tolerate you stalking her. Are we clear?” his voice rumbled with unspoken threat, allowing a little of the bear to peek through.
    “I think that is her decision, not yours,” Barry said. “Tara...?” he trailed off, looking around.
    Tara's seat was empty.
    “She went to the bathroom,” his mother shrugged as she tucked into Tara's cheesecake.
    Alex turned back to Barry. “You are not welcome here. Leave Tara alone.”
    Barry scowled at him. “You can't throw me out of an entire town.” With that, he turned and left.
    Alex sat back down and looked at his mother.
    “Excellent intimidation, dear,” his mother said, patting his hand. “Could use a little more growl though.”
    Minutes passed and Tara didn't come back. Suspicion gnawed at him. She wouldn't have run, would she?
    “Ma,” he said, “could you go check on Tara for me?”
    His mother shrugged and went to the bathroom. Five minutes later, she returned