Chapter 0115

This night couldn't have been more perfect. The candlelit dinner, the soft music playing in the background, the way Evelyn's laughter filled the space between us—everything was flawless. Now standing at the cliffside overlook with the stars stretching endlessly above us, I've never felt more alive. The crisp night air gives me the perfect excuse to pull her tighter against me.

Selene's constant purring intrigues me, but when Evelyn playfully refuses to explain, I let it go. There's something far more important I need to discuss with her. I've been turning it over in my mind since yesterday, and now, with just the two of us under the moonlight, it's time.

I lean back against the oak tree and pat my thigh. "Come here," I murmur. All evening, I haven't been able to keep my hands off her, and now the distance between us feels unbearable.

She moves to sit beside me, but I catch her waist and pull her into my lap instead, facing me. I need to see those storm-gray eyes when I say this.

She gasps as she settles over me, her thighs bracketing mine. Probably the first time she's ever been in this position without pinning someone down in combat training.

"I want to talk about last night," I say, my voice low. "About what it means for us."

Her brows knit together as she remembers, so I don't give her time to question me.

"When you thought my father would punish me, you stepped between us. You acted as my Guardian instinctively, even when I didn't need protecting." She opens her mouth to protest, but I press a finger to her lips.

"Let me finish." She nods, and I trail my hands down her arms to rest at her hips. "I've had time to think about what happened in the woods with Victor. To imagine what would've happened if you'd..." My throat tightens. "Evelyn, I can't live with myself if you take a bullet—or an arrow, or a damn nuclear warhead—for me. I don't know how my parents bear that weight, but I won't."

I take a steadying breath. This next part is everything.

"I want us to be partners, not Alpha and Guardian. I know I'll never keep you from a fight, but I need you beside me, not in front of me. If we fight together and something happens, that's fate. But never—never—throw your life away for mine."

I take her hand and press it over my pounding heart. "I'm strong, Evelyn. Strong enough that I probably don't need a Guardian. But since the Moon Goddess blessed me with the fiercest warrior alive, who am I to argue?" My grip tightens. "Your life means more to me than duty ever could. Promise me—when the time comes, you'll stand with me, not for me."

A storm of emotions crosses her face—defiance, understanding, reluctant acceptance. Her free hand rises to my chest, fingers splaying over my heartbeat.

"I can't promise I won't protect you," she says finally. "Being a Guardian is like being Alpha—it's in my blood. But..." Her thumb brushes my collarbone. "I do want to be your partner in every way."

My grin could split my face. I surge up to capture her lips in a searing kiss, pouring everything I can't say into it.

"Thank you," I growl when we break apart, foreheads touching.

She nuzzles her nose against mine, eyes closed in quiet contentment. "Can I tell you something?" she whispers.

"Tell me everything, Evelyn Sinclair. Every thought, every secret—I want it all."

Her answering smile is my undoing.