The friend zone

Estella stepped in out of concern when she saw Lithe's jaw almost drop to the ground. 

She gave Lithe a comforting squeeze on his shoulder and was determined to confront Zen on his behalf.

This was an opportunity for Lithe to put some distance between the two and to pull himself together.

"I'm afraid Lithe isn't an option at the moment," said Estella a little too brusquely. 

"Why not?" persisted Zen, getting irritated once more.

Christine interrupted, "What Estella is trying to say is that the reason Lithe is in Allerdyce in the first place, is because he fled from Vallance to avoid an arranged marriage."

"Christina, what the f-" shrieked Estella. 

Before Estella could complete her statement Lithe intervened before the two got into a catfight because of him. 

"Ignore the sisters, they mean well. As much as I am flattered by your interest. I'm afraid we would not be a good match as I am a recessive omega. The chances of me getting pregnant are one in a million. Despite this, I want to marry for love. If that wasn't the case I would have accepted a loveless marriage to a wealthy suitor of my family's choosing. It is true that I disgraced the family when I got into an altercation with the prospective groom. Since my family disowned me I had no choice but to move on and start over fresh somewhere else. I am not ashamed of my past and I refuse to be shackled to it."

Why did Zen feel like there was more to the story than what Lithe chose to reveal. 

Since he had not meant to embarrass Lithe when he asked his question.

Zen felt he had no choice but to let the matter drop for now he could always get answers from Lithe later in private. 

"As I mentioned before, the Maximillians out of the kindness of their heart have agreed to launch you and your siblings in Polite Society. If you agree to this magnanimous offer then please sign the contracts. Then later we will go more in depth about the item that we need you to retrieve."

Zen appeared thoughtful, "I won't lie, your offer is very appealing but now it has been revealed that potential mates may not be limited to just Allerdyce Continent. So I have no reason to accept the Maximillians generous offer. Unless you give me permission to court your affections should none of Maximillian's prospective matches suit my taste, only then will I accept the offer."

"Deal."

Lithe saw no reason to hesitate since the Starke Tribe was a mercenary tribe with their own honor code. 

Everyone else would sell the information that the Maximillians lost their most precious heirloom to the highest bidder.

Besides Zen courting Lithe that would never happen.

As Allerdyce Continent had some of the most beautiful men and women across the globe surely Lithe could find Zen a suitable match. 

"Before we shake hands to cement the deal, there is one more condition I would like to add," said Zen.

"Go ahead," said Lithe.

"I'm going to need a place to stay while I'm working on your case."

"Not an issue," grinned Lithe, "and as a measure of good faith we are willing to cover all the expenses involved in retrieving our lost item."

Just then the landline started to ring, Estella answered politely then said, "Lithe, it's your call."

"Excuse me, I need to take this call."

"Hi Ashley…of course I can still make it." Lithe nodded his head some more then responded, "I'll be there in the next twenty minutes we can meet at our usual spot…. Yes, see you later Ashley."

Zen thought to himself Ashley sounds like a female name.

Lithe's face had lit up like a christmas tree and it was a lovely genuine smile that came to his face when he answered the call. 

So in Zen's mind there was nothing to worry about.

Or he would have been adamant that Lithe not go and stay for the signing of the contract.

"I'm sorry Lord Starke but I need to meet a friend. Estella and Christina are more than capable of going over the contract with you and making the necessary adjustments."

Then turning to address the older couple that looked so tired and were half asleep.

That the younger generation almost forgot that they were also in the paneled room. 

"Lady Maria and Uncle Ben, both of you should also turn in for the night, tomorrow you have a long day ahead of you."

Lady Maria looked like she wanted to stay with her daughters but Uncle Ben looked like he had reached his limit for drama and ushered Maria out of the room after saying their goodbyes. 

"If any complications arise you know where to find me," said Lithe.

"Don't worry, just go," said Estelle. "We got this."

She didn't want Lithe to be late for his date with the supermodel Ashley who was currently the highest paid runway male model in town.

Even though Lithe claimed they were just friends since they were both from the Vallance Continent. 

There was no time to change or freshen up or Lithe would be late for his brunch appointment with Ashley. 

Until recently Ashley was the only man in Allerdyce Continent Lithe met so far that piqued his interest romantically. 

Even while speeding his thoughts were on Zen. 

Only Zen had been so daring to kiss Lithe in such a bold manner.

Ashley would never, he was more cool, reserved and kept a distance whenever they hugged.

While Zen's embrace had been fiery, passionate as if he was hungry and would never settle for just the taste of Lithe's lips. 

It felt wrong since he knew Ash longer but mentally he couldn't stop comparing the two. 

Maybe because Ashley was from Vallance Continent his approach to dating was much slower paced.

Yet Lithe always got the feeling that Ashley had him in the friend zone even though he knew Lithe wanted more from him.

Maybe Lithe could use this brunch date to find out once and for all how Ashley really felt about him and if Ashley saw Lithe in his future.