Chapter 0118

I spin around and there he is—Adrian.

He hasn’t spotted me yet, but I see his nostrils flare as he catches a scent.

I dart behind a towering fern, pulse quickening.

Let him hunt us. Selene’s laughter echoes in my mind.

Peering around the planter, I search for him—only to yelp when strong arms encircle me from behind.

"Found you." His breath is warm against my ear.

Laughing, I twist in his grip and loop my arms around his neck. "Selene thought it’d be entertaining to make you work for it."

"Theron was already sharpening his claws," he murmurs before claiming my lips. "What brings you here?"

"Flowers for Mother. You?"

He laces our fingers together, leading me toward Theodora, who’s wrapping my bouquet. "Picking up the arrangement I ordered yesterday. For your mother."

I slant him a look. "When you were supposedly here just for my tulips?"

"Guilty." His grin is unrepentant.

"Do these blooms carry secret meanings I should decode?"

"Only one woman gets flowers chosen by their symbolism." He brushes a kiss to the tip of my nose.

"Perfect love?"

"That’s what you are." His smile lingers as he turns to Theodora. "Afternoon."

"Oh, Alpha!" She nearly drops the ribbon. "Let me finish the future Guard— I mean, Miss Sinclair’s order, then I’ll fetch yours."

"No rush. I came to collect this vision before Ivy’s memorial. Saved me a trip."

"I drove here, Adrian. My car’s outside."

He tugs me closer. "I’ll send someone for it. Unless you need to leave?"

I glance down at my dress. I’d planned to fuss over my appearance, but he’s already seen me. "No—"