Page 97 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

"Yes."

After Marcus left, I stood and walked to the window. The setting sun was sinking west, painting the sky gold and crimson.

I took out my phone and called a florist.

"Prepare a bouquet of lilies," I said. "The best ones. Deliver them to Windsor Fragrances tonight."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

I hung up, thought for a moment, then dialed Elena's number.

A few rings, then she picked up.

"Hello?" Her voice came through, tinged with fatigue.

"Elena." I smiled. "Free tonight?"

"What's up?"

"Wanted to take you to dinner," I said. "As a celebration. To celebrate your shop reopening, business booming."

She was quiet for a few seconds.

"Just... just the two of us?"

"No," I laughed. "The four of us. You, me, Liam, and Anya."

"Oh." Her voice sounded a little disappointed, but quickly recovered. "I mean, sure."

"Seven o'clock. I'll pick you up." I pretended not to notice.

"Okay."

I hung up. My wolf stretched lazily inside me, tail wagging slowly.

Soon. Our mate is coming back to us. I can feel it.

At seven sharp, I stood at Elena's door.

I rang the bell. The door opened quickly. Anya rushed out and wrapped herself around my leg.

"Daddy!"

I froze—this was the first time she'd called me "Daddy."

I crouched down to her level. "Anya, who told you to call me Daddy?"

Anya tilted her head. "You're Liam's daddy, so you're my daddy, because Liam is my brother. Mommy said so!"

I couldn't help but look up at Elena. She was coming slowly down the stairs. My eyes lit up. She wore a trench coat, her figure as upright as a tree. She tugged at her hair self-consciously. I noticed she was wearing pearl earrings.

"How do I look?" she asked.

I was completely sincere. "Beautiful."

"We're going to dinner!" Anya said happily. "Mommy said you're taking us for yummy food!"

"That's right." I ruffled her hair. "You're going to love it."