Chapter 0124

Mom's gaze shifts between me and Evelyn, her face lighting up with joy. "That's fantastic! And with your father back training the warriors, perhaps we can convince him to stay home more often. I've missed having both of you around."

"I'll do my best," Evelyn replies, waving at my father before we step outside. The evening air is crisp, the last remnants of daylight fading fast. "You cold? I can grab you a jacket." A thought strikes me. "Better yet, come with me. I'll give you one of mine."

I tug her back inside, leading her upstairs to my room—a place she's never seen before. It's decently clean, I think. But more importantly, when I return tonight, her scent will linger here.

As we enter, I release her hand and head to the closet.

"So this is your room?" Her voice holds a note of wonder.

I pause, seeing my space through her eyes for the first time. It's just always been my room—filled with trophies from school and Alpha tournaments, a few personal touches here and there. But if she doesn’t like something, I’ll change it. The only thing that matters is that she’s happy here with me.

I turn back to her.

"It's enormous!" she breathes, eyes wide.

I shrug. "Never really thought about it. One day, it’ll belong to my Luna too, so it had to fit both of us."

If I hadn’t been watching her closely, I would’ve missed the way she stiffens. She doesn’t know she’s my mate yet, and I can only imagine what’s running through her mind.

Before she spirals, I hand her a hoodie—one that carries my scent. She takes it, subtly inhaling, her eyes fluttering shut for a brief second. Pure bliss crosses her face.

Gods, her birthday can’t come soon enough.

She slips it on, and I zip it up for her, pulling the hood over her head. "Ready?"

"Ready."

The walk to her house is quiet, but it’s a comfortable silence. Just being near her, breathing in her scent, settles something deep inside me—a calm I’ve never known before.

But as we reach the forest’s edge, emotion swells in my chest, impossible to contain. It’s too soon, but I don’t care.

I stop, turning her to face me. Cradling her face in my hands, I stare into those emerald eyes.

"I love you, Evelyn Sinclair." The words spill out, raw and honest. "I know it’s early. I know you’re waiting for your birthday before making this kind of commitment. But I need you to know—what I feel for you is real. I love you. That will never change."

Shock flickers across her face, followed by something softer, warmer. Then, without warning, she leans in, pressing her lips gently to mine.

"I think I’m falling for you too, Adrian."

Ever heard how the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes? Yeah. That’s exactly what this feels like. My chest threatens to burst.

She’s falling for me.

I respond the only way I can—pulling her close and kissing her with everything I have.