Chapter 0018

Theodora produces a black tablecloth that looks straight out of a five-star restaurant and drapes it over the cafeteria table. She sets a single place with crisp linen napkins and polished silverware. I take my seat as she places the domed plate before me.

"Your beverage options include coffee, tea, or soda," she announces with professional grace.

"Soda, please, Theodora."

Her lips curve as she pours me a glass of sparkling soda, then adds a smaller dessert plate to the setting. "Complimentary sweets," she explains before asking, "Anything else I can get for you?"

"Was there... a note?"

Reaching into her apron pocket, she hands me an ivory envelope. "When you're finished, just leave everything. I'll return to collect it." With a nod, she exits the suddenly silent cafeteria.

"Thanks."

The entire room has gone still. Every shifter has stopped mid-motion, their attention locked on me. The lunch line remains empty. From the back, someone shouts, "Well? Show us what you got!"

I lift the silver dome.

The aroma hits me first - seared filet mignon and butter-poached lobster tail, accompanied by truffle mashed potatoes and charred asparagus. My jaw drops as the scent washes over the room, eliciting simultaneous groans from every shifter present. A ramekin of clarified butter sits beside a perfect quenelle of herb butter - for the potatoes or asparagus, I'm not sure which.

Nathaniel's voice comes out unusually breathless. "What does the card say?" Meanwhile, Genevieve - who hasn't blinked at my plate - reaches over to physically close my gaping mouth.

I snap my teeth together and unfold the heavy stationery.

Evelyn,

Soon, I hope you'll allow me the honor of a proper courtship -

To indulge your every culinary desire and romantic whim.

Providing for our mates is the wolf's most sacred privilege.

Thus, I present this humble offering,

As proof of my honorable intentions.

Yours in devotion,

Your Secret Admirer

I read it three times. Selene surges forward in my consciousness - this message isn't just for me, but for her. For a male wolf, demonstrating the ability to provide is the ultimate declaration of serious courtship. This isn't just lunch; it's a statement.

Holy hell. Sebastian was right. Whoever sent this is making his intentions crystal clear.

Nathaniel whistles low, reading over my shoulder. "Damn." He drags out the word as I keep staring at the elegant script.

"Sweetheart, if you're not eating that, I will," Genevieve threatens, practically salivating. "And if you are, for the love of the Moon Goddess, eat it before it gets cold!"

"You can't touch it, Gen," Nathaniel murmurs, still focused on the card in my hands.

"What? Why?" She snatches the note, her eyes widening as she scans it. "Moon's blood! That's... intense. Even Phoebe's vibrating right now." She means her wolf spirit. I meet her gaze. "Right?"

Genevieve arches an eyebrow. "Selene? Thoughts?"

I can feel my eyes glowing with my wolf's presence. Selene's voice purrs through me, "I intend to savor every bite of this courtship gift."

Silverware in hand, I take my first bite. My eyes flutter shut of their own accord, a moan escaping my lips.

"Really? Rub it in!" someone yells across the room.

"Sorry not sorry," I call back. "This is too incredible not to react."

"Gonna share?" another voice pleads.

"Not happening," I declare as Selene strengthens my voice. "And before anyone gets ideas about challenging me for it - remember who you're dealing with."

Grumbles fill the air as shifters edge closer than necessary, nostrils flaring. "Goddess above, is that from Celestia?" a wide-eyed sophomore asks. "It looks like Celestia's signature plating."

I glance at her. "No idea - never been. But I can confirm it's divine."

A senior I don't recognize steps up. "Definitely Celestia. Whoever sent this dropped serious cash to impress you. And unless I'm mistaken, that was Theodora Laurent - she owns the place."