Chapter 26: Kevin’s Den
Now Freya was even more eager to learn about his ability. Honestly, she wanted to learn more about how supernatural abilities in this world worked. It seemed so interesting to her.
But before she could ask anything, Xavier added, "Now let’s get moving before someone starts wondering what we’re doing. I can answer your questions when we’re at the restaurant."
His words made Freya realize that they had stopped in the middle of the mall and the shoppers around them were beginning to give them curious glances, wondering what they were up to.
"Right... let’s go..." Freya murmured, embarrassment filling her.
She hated how sidetracked she got, so much so she forgot about her surroundings. Who knows what everyone around them was thinking, watching the pair. No doubt they thought Xavier and her were a bunch of weirdos.
A few were starting to whisper to one another, occasionally glancing over at them. Freya didn’t have beastmen hearing, so couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she could imagine it wasn’t anything good.
Xavier held out his right hand, bags sliding down his arm, as he silently asked for her hand. She gave it to him and he placed her hand just below his elbow, allowing her to touch his slightly cold skin.
"This good?" Xavier asked, gazing over at her.
"Yeah, it’s fine." Freya nodded and with that they began walking once more.
Xavier guided them to the restaurant, going slow at first so they could both adjust to Freya holding onto Xavier’s arm as they walked. It was a little strange at first, but they soon found a rhythm.
Of course, once her mind was off finding the right pace to walk so she wouldn’t accidentally let go of Xavier’s arm or worse grip too hard, Freya’s thoughts drifted elsewhere. To how Xavier’s arm felt under her hand.
It was a little weird feeling cold skin under her hand, used to guys normally being quite warm. Not that she got to hold many muscular arms. But the few boyfriends she had were always very warm whenever she touched them.
She was always the one with colder hands and limbs.
Additionally, Xavier’s skin was surprisingly very smooth and soft to touch with not a hair in sight. Guess it was because of his snake beastmen genes which she wished she had.
Then she’d never have to shave again.
Of course under that soft skin was hardened muscle with a little squishiness. That she had to absolutely resist trying to squeeze because it would make things awkward.
It’s like I’m freakin’ ovulating or something. I’m acting like I’ve never had a boyfriend or something. Freya groaned to herself. Is this because of that stupid guide ability?
She knew guideverse stories typically went the R18 route because of the whole bonding thing which her brain had conveniently forgotten about. Granted the whole thing revolved around touching to stabilize a power so it was no surprise as to where it would head.
That should’ve been her first clue. But no... She just had to forget all this. Thankfully though Xavier seemed to just limit it to arm holding and skin-to-skin contact.
Nothing more.
They soon arrived at the restaurant called Kevin’s Den where a cat beastman greeted them before he led them to one of the private booths in the back. The place was dimly lit and had a rustic feel to it with all the wooden furniture and work. Definitely living up to the whole den name.
As they walked, Freya spotted two beastwomen, one with several beastmen and three cubs and another on what looked to be a date. There were several beastmen as well.
Some were alone while others were in various groups. However, the place wasn’t too crowded since it was 3pm. Which was perfect for Freya. She didn’t really want to be around crowds right now.
Ironic when she considered where she was. But it was out of necessity. Mostly.
When they got to the booths, Freya let go of Xavier’s arm and took the booth seat against the wall. Meanwhile, Xavier set the bags down and took the seat opposite her.
They were given some menus before the cat beastman disappeared, saying he would be back soon. Xavier quickly fixed his left sleeves, straightening them before he turned his attention to Freya.
"Pick whatever you want." Xavier stated, pushing aside his menu.
Freya picked up the leather bound menu and mused, "Do you recommend anything?"
It was clear he came here often as he wasn’t even bothering to look at the menu. Meaning he had a usual order at this place. So, she figured she might as well ask him for a recommendation since he knew the food better than her.
"The honey glazed roast here is pretty good." Xavier answered. "We can order it with a few side dishes."
"Go ahead." Freya nodded her head before she placed the menu back down. "Now back to the whole power thing. How does it work?"
Before Xavier could respond to her question, the cat beastman returned with a jug of water, some glasses and a basket of breadsticks. He set them before asking them if they were ready to order.
Freya let Xavier do the talking, grabbing a breadstick and nimbling on it as the cat beastman typed into some kind of tablet. Once the waiter was gone, Xavier turned back to Freya.
"My power allows me to send things to some kind of void. And before you ask, no, I don’t know what happens afterwards." Xavier explained, removing his right glove before he lifted it up to show Freya his hand. "The pads of my fingers are where my power comes from and for the most part I can control when it gets released."
Freya gazed at his fingers for a moment, noticing the thick layer of skin covering the tips of his fingers. It looked a bit like a callus, strangely enough.
Xavier then put his glove back on and added, "That being said, it’s better if I wear the gloves. They act as a good barrier, so I don’t accidentally send something to the void if I ever lose control. It’s happened once and I don’t want it to happen again"