I’d asked Rissa to set up the local dinner, which I’d booked out from old man Jonathan for the night. Though the place is owned by the McGruff family, Jonathan has been running the place since he was a young man, and it’s where the pack members usually hang out before leaving for a hunt or when they need to unwind after a long day of work in Hope.
“Where are we going?” Aurora asks when we near the lower part of town where the diner lies. It’s quiet in the outlying areas this time of night, but it feels nice having her arm in mine as we stroll through the streets of Girdwood without inhibitions.
“We’re right here,” I say, pointing to the diner. Aurora turns her head and gasps.
The diner isn’t surrounded by its usual, casual atmosphere. Tonight, it’s been decorated with hanging fairy lights to greet us, the soft yellow lights already twinkling from inside when I open the door. Aurora sees the floor adorned with candles set out in a path that leads to a designated table that’s prepared for us, and she turns to me with eyes glowing as bright as the fairy lights.
“Elias, what is this?” she whispers.
I take her hand and lead her inside, and we walk down the path made of candles until we reach the table where more candles in the polished silver candelabra glow and spread flickering light across the table. The sweet ambiance is followed by a chivalrous gesture when I pull out Aurora’s chair and leadher into her seat. She appreciates the act with a sweet smile, and her eyes shine with wonder.
“I thought we’d enjoy a private dinner tonight,” I say as I get into my seat and lift the wine to pour out two glasses. “We can’t travel out of town right now, so this was the closest thing to a dinner date I could arrange.”
Aurora catches my sheepish grin and giggles. “It’s perfect,” she praises as she takes her glass and clinks it to mine before taking a tiny sip while eyeing me over the rim.
Her suggestive smile tells me all I need to know—she’s pleased, and I’ve succeeded in doing what I set out to do. Making Aurora happy brings me great joy, and as the night rolls on and we feast on the delicious food prepared by the pack’s kitchen, she tosses coy glances at me, and I know the night will end with rewards of her choosing, even if that’s not what I set out to gain.
When we’re done with dessert—a simple custard pudding to finish off the feast of meat and roasted baby potatoes—I reach over the table for her hand. There’s a soft fondness in her eyes when she stares at me that seems to mirror how I feel right now. Though she hasn’t voiced that I’m forgiven for the past, I have every reason to believe that I am and that it will no longer hang over us like a dark cloud.
“There’s, um—” Aurora shifts uncomfortably. “There’s something I wanted to tell you.”
I nod encouragingly. “What is it, Aurora?”
She lowered her gaze before admitting, “I spoke to Alpha Thane about—”
“Finding a way to successfully trap the demon dog using your powers?”
Aurora gasps as she looks up. “How did…never mind. Of course, you’d know,” she sighs, hanging her head once more. “You’re the leader of this pack. Nothing gets past you.”
Chuckling lightly to let her know that I’m not upset, I squeeze her hand gently. “And since nothing gets past me, I also know that you’re adamant about proving yourself to this pack.”
Aurora pursed her lips thoughtfully. “It’s not about proving myself to them, Elias. I know there’s so much more I can do, and Iwantto do everything I can to keep the pack safe. I am the luna now, and I want to lead by example.” She lifts her head and meets my eyes with conviction. “By your example, of course.”
Accepting her determination, I know there’s little I can do to convince her otherwise. Aurora has proven that while she’s reserved and introverted, she’s also strong and determined to do what she considers right. I cannot stop her, and all I can offer right now is a reassuring smile when I ask her if she’d like to go home.
Our walk back to the cabin is pleasant, riding on the gentle wave of how our date went. She has her arm linked with mine, giggling at my silly jokes and occasionally pressing her cheek on my arm. My inner wolf feels complete, and beyond that, my heart feels whole, swollen with the warmth of making my mate happy,
“You know…” I begin thoughtfully as we both notice the moon in the navy blue sky. “The Winter Solstice celebration is next week. I would like to announce the pregnancy to the pack then.”
Aurora slows down and turns to look at me curiously. “You’re gonna announce the pregnancy to the pack?”
“I mean…it will become common knowledge eventually.” I chuckle as I step closer, placing a hand on Aurora’s lower belly. “But making the official announcement during the solstice celebration will only help lift their spirits. On its own, the pregnancy is a cause for celebration.” I smile.
Aurora returns the smile and stands up on her tiptoes to press a gentle kiss on my lips. “Thank you, Elias.”
“No,” I shake my head firmly, finding the dimple on the left side of her cheek and poking it gently as I’m about to lose myself in its warmth. “Thank you, Aurora. You make me the hap—”
Just as I’m about to profess what I’m feeling inside, I’m rudely interrupted by the sound of urgent banging against a wooden door.
Aurora hears it, too, and snaps her head in the direction of the loud knocks.
“Do you hear that?” Aurora asks, to which I nod as I step in front of her protectively.
“It could be the demon,” I murmur through gritted teeth, my heart rocking with a flash of panic. “I’m gonna send out a warning to my men.”
As I open up the pathways to the mind link that connects me to everyone in the pack—something I’d blocked out consciously for the sake of wanting some privacy during my date with Aurora tonight—I hear the panicked cry of a female werewolf.
“Alpha Elias! Thank Goddess! We’re snowed in at my gran’s house! Look! I’m waving! I can see you!”
