Chapter 0114

Adrian answered for both of us. "You've outdone yourselves tonight. The ambiance, the cuisine, the service - flawless. Thank you for making my evening with this extraordinary woman unforgettable." I nodded in agreement as they offered dessert. Adrian declined, saying we had other plans and requested the check.

"Other plans?" I arched an eyebrow when they left.

He flashed that irresistible smirk. "Our date isn't over yet. I hope you'll enjoy our next stop as much as dinner."

"At this point, I wouldn't doubt you. You've anticipated my preferences better than I have." My fingers traced the stem of my wine glass. "Though I suspect the company is the real highlight."

"The feeling is mutual." He brought my fingertips to his lips, sending electric currents up my arm.

Instead of heading toward Blackthorn territory, Adrian drove toward the human city's outskirts. When we stopped at an unfamiliar clearing, he retrieved a wicker basket from the trunk.

"A midnight picnic?" I asked as he opened my door.

"You'll see." His hand found mine as we followed a narrow dirt path.

The trail ended abruptly at a cliff's edge overlooking the human city's distant glow. The vantage point offered perfect stargazing - close enough to admire civilization's twinkling lights, far enough to see every constellation.

Adrian spread a wool blanket beneath an ancient oak and produced a bottle of wine. "Courtesy of Luna Seraphina."

"How is she?" I hadn't visited the packhouse in months.

"Worried about you." He uncorked the bottle with a pop. "We both are. You train with our warriors, but otherwise... you keep to yourself."

I shrugged. "Between combat drills, university, and assignments..." My voice trailed off as he handed me a crystal glass.

"That changes now." His tone left no room for argument.

The basket yielded a covered ceramic dish. Before he lifted the lid, the rich chocolate aroma made my mouth water.

"No way!" I nearly dropped my glass. "Your mother's famous triple-fudge brownies?"

His grin confirmed it. "When I told her they were for you, she baked two batches."

The first bite sent me into sensory overload. The perfect balance of chewiness and molten chocolate center. "What's her secret? Mine always turn out like hockey pucks."

When I opened my eyes, Adrian's gaze had darkened to predatory intensity. Even in moonlight, I saw his pupils dilate. Selene's answering purr vibrated through my chest loud enough for him to hear.

"Care to share that thought?" His voice dropped an octave.

I shook my head, hastily finishing the brownie. He mirrored my actions before leaning against the oak's trunk.

"We need to talk, Evelyn."