I hadn’t told Yvonne about our findings when I returned, wanting to protect her from the horrors that lurk out there, especially since she’d been able to tap into her powers. Justice may have been served to the group who’d wanted to hurt both her and our son, but the danger the demon poses still exists now more than ever.
What we used to believe is no longer true. The demon dog doesn’t just attack lone werewolves in the forest. It murdered a group of ten, and though they’re not as strong as Snehvolk wolves, it’s cause for concern, prompting tighter security measures around Snehvolk territory and no traveling during the nights.
That’s why I’d set up our date night in my house, lighting the candles on the dinner table and letting the warm ambience flow through the dining room with a fire crackling in the fireplace. I head out only to pick Yvonne up from the cabin behind my house, taking a deep breath to control my nerves before I knock.
I’d never courted a she-wolf before, and none of those females who readily threw themselves at my feet were important enough to pursue. Yvonne is different, and she reminds me of this when she opens the door and takes my breath away.
“Wow…” I breathe in awe when she’s standing before me in a breathtaking off-shoulder number. The contrast between the bronze of the dress that hugs her curves to perfection and the silver of her eyes is a stunning match. I gulp when arousal stirs between my thighs, wanting to keep things decent even if we’re on our own tonight.
I arranged for Gio to spend the night with Rissa, even though I have no intention of pursuing Yvonne for sexual gratification. Tonight is meant to be easy-going; just me, her, and some good food to give her a break from cooking.
My plans are almost thrown out the window because of how appealing she is to my inner wolf, and it takes every ounce of self-control to greet her properly and offer out my hand, remaining completely chivalrous.
“You look beautiful tonight, Yvonne,” I praise sweetly as she slips her hand into mine.
She blushes cutely as she closes the door behind her. “You clean up quite well yourself, Dawson.”
Bemused by her compliment, my heart skips a beat as I lead her through the path cleared from today’s snowfall back to my house. As soon as we enter, I hear Yvonne’s audible intakeof breath as she pauses to take in the sight of the dinner table prepared for tonight.
I pulled out all the stops for this one, taking care to ensure that I’d set up things in a romantic way, much like it’s described in the books Yvonne enjoys reading. The candle-lit dinner table is set with the finest silver cutlery to match the unique color of Yvonne’s eyes, and crockery to match the smoothness of her porcelain skin.
Then, there’s the bouquet of bright red roses as a centerpiece, with more petals strewn across the table.
“Dawson…” Yvonne gasps as I lead her inside and pull out a chair for her. “This is…”
When she becomes speechless, I chuckle lightly and proceed to my seat across from her. “Is it too much?”
Yvonne reaches out and lightly brushes her fingertips across the roses in the vase. “No, it’s perfect.”
Our eyes meet, and I can see that my efforts have affected her in ways that sparkle the silver pools with warmth and appreciation. I find myself falling the longer I remain staring into her eyes, realizing in that moment what I’ve known all along.
I snap out of my daze, reminding myself to take things slowly instead of blurting out the words that might come on too strong. I’ve taken the time to get her to open up; the least I can do is let us both enjoy the night and finally break it to her when the time is right.
I go on to being the perfect host, pouring wine and serving the meal I’d prepared tonight, my heart swelling with pride when every gesture is appreciated through Yvonne’s sweet blush and the warmth in her eyes. We talk about things, simplethings, and she opens up about how she spent the past five years in Sunrise, cooking meals for the Moonshine Pack in exchange for a place for her and Gio.
“It’s nice that I didn’t have to cook tonight, or any night since I got here,” she giggles shyly. “Compliments to the cook. The pack is lucky to be getting such tasty meals.”
She gestures to her empty plate, and I wince.
“Actually, I cooked for us,” I admit. “I—”
Just then, a distant, faint ringing in my eardrums alerts me that one of the pack members is trying to reach me through my mind. I’d blocked out all telepathic communication from the pack, not wanting to be disturbed. But this must be important since it’s persistent, even if it interrupts me from enjoying Yvonne’s amazement at learning that I cooked for her.
I let out a bothered sigh. “It appears the other alphas are trying to get hold of me,” I tell Yvonne, and her brows lift as she nods.
“Please, go ahead. It must be important.”
I let down my mental walls as I nod, noting that Yvonne isn’t the type to put her own needs in front of others. She knows what my duties are as an alpha, and that’s why when Alpha Elias’s message comes that I’m needed in the pack den for a meeting with the elders, an idea springs to mind.
Getting to my feet, Yvonne frowns when I offer a hand across the table.
“I hate to have to do this, but there’s a meeting I must attend with the council,” I reveal smoothly. “Will you join me?”
Yvonne’s frown deepens. “J-join you? Why?”
I shrug nonchalantly. “No reason,” I chuckle coyly. “Perhaps I don’t wanna travel alone to the pack den.”
Yvonne still appears confused even as she takes my hand, but I don’t plan on clearing up my intentions until we’re there. The others seem surprised, too, when I arrive with Yvonne, and I can sense her trepidation as she timidly follows me inside. I show her to a chair around the fire pit, where private ceremonies between the council members usually take place, and I take a seat beside her.
