Chapter 0092

I didn't realize I'd pressed closer to Adrian until his lips brushed against my hair. "My little Guardian," he murmured, his breath warm against my scalp. "I'd give anything to know what thoughts are swirling through that brilliant mind of yours. But perhaps we should focus on something else before our fathers walk in and catch your scent."

His words hit me like an ice bath. I jerked away as Adrian chuckled darkly. "Dinner," he suggested smoothly. "Tell me how I can help."

My cheeks burned, but I forced myself to survey the kitchen. The macaroni bubbled on the stove, nearly ready. "Salads next," I managed, grabbing vegetables from the fridge. I thrust silverware at Adrian. "Set the table."

Father and Alistair returned with sizzling steaks. Their sharp eyes flicked between us, and I suddenly understood Adrian's warning. If they'd caught even a whiff of my arousal...

I topped each steak with truffle butter before we settled around the table. Alistair and Adrian sat opposite Father and me, putting me directly across from my future mate. "Everything looks incredible," Adrian said, though his gaze never left mine. "Thank you for having me."

I ducked my head, focusing on my plate.

Father cleared his throat. "So. The mysterious Adrian Grey."

"Yes, sir," Adrian responded politely.

Father's grin turned wicked. "Did your father ever tell you how he convinced Seraphina to date him?"

My head snapped up. "You had to win Luna Seraphina over?" Even Adrian looked surprised, his attention shifting to his father.

Alistair glared daggers at Father, who smirked. "Like Ivy was eager to be with you either, Grant."

Father nodded. "True enough." He turned back to Adrian. "Neither of us had reputations for... restraint."

Alistair snorted. "Calling what we did 'dating' is generous."

"Fair point." Father leaned forward. "So, Rik—"

"Adrian," I corrected automatically.

Father waved a hand. "Right, Adrian. Your mother and Ivy were inseparable. One day, your father spots Seraphina at school—"

Alistair interrupted, voice softening. "The world just... clicked into place."

Father continued, "Exactly. So your father, future Alpha and all, struts up to them—"

"I did not strut."

"Oh, you absolutely strutted," Father teased before resuming. "He asks Seraphina out. Now, your father didn't usually ask—girls just flocked to strong pack males." His eyes flicked to me, but Adrian wisely kept silent.

"Imagine his shock when your mother flat-out refused," Alistair took over, shooting me an amused look. "I stood there dumbstruck while they walked away. And your father?" He jerked his chin at Grant. "No help at all. Just laughed and said 'better luck next time.'"