Chapter 0212

Beatrice's blatant disregard for Seraphina set my blood boiling, but I swallowed my anger. Causing a scene wouldn't help matters. From now on, no one disrespects my mate—she's their future Luna, and they'll damn well act like it.

I made sure Seraphina wore one of her new outfits. No more hand-me-downs from pack teenagers. Even in sophisticated clothing, her youthful glow remained untouched. When I took her hand, relief flooded me. She'd given me a second chance when I didn't deserve one.

"What's this song?" She tilted her head. "Doesn't seem like your usual taste." A playful smirk curved her lips. "Unless your secret playlist is full of... romantic ballads?"

I feigned offense, pressing her knuckles to my lips. Her scent—vanilla and wildflowers—wrapped around me. "Made this for you while you slept. Saw me with earbuds in? That's what I was doing."

Her fingers tightened around mine. "Why these songs? They're... different."

"Words aren't my strength." My thumb traced circles on her wrist. "Thought music could say what I can't. About you. About us. What I want us to be."

She hummed along to the lyrics, voice soft:

"Full is not heavy as empty,

Not nearly, my love..."

"True, isn't it?" Her eyes met mine, understanding passing between us.

"Didn't know what 'full' felt like until you." The steering wheel creaked under my grip. "Always been empty. Now? I'm lighter than air."

Her smile lingered as I parked outside Celestia—the only upscale restaurant near our territory borders. Twinkling fairy lights draped over the entrance like captured stars.

"Gorgeous," she breathed.

"Worth a shot without reservations." I squeezed her hand. "If not tonight, we'll come back."

Theodora, one of the owners, greeted us at the host stand. "Alpha Sebastian! Let me check..." Her gaze flicked between the seating chart and the crowded dining room. "Patio okay? More private anyway."

Seraphina nodded eagerly.

"Perfect." Theodora led us to a secluded corner table draped in ivy. Candlelight flickered between us, the night breeze carrying the scent of jasmine.

"Come here often?" Seraphina teased, tracing the rim of her water glass.

Theodora vanished with our drink orders as I leaned closer. "Only with someone special."

Her blush matched the sunset. Exactly as I'd planned.