Chapter 0055

Everything unfolded exactly as I'd envisioned. I anticipated her initial anger, but unless she caused a scene by storming off the dance floor, I had precisely four and a half minutes to bare my soul.

The transformation in Selene was immediate when I began recounting her parents' sacrifices. Her lips parted in shock as I detailed everything her family had done for mine.

Theron surged forward in my mind, desperate to join this moment. He needed Evelyn to understand his gratitude too. The effect was instantaneous - I felt Selene pressing forward, engaging with us both.

The jewelry was absolutely perfect. When Selene emerged, those sapphire eyes that haunted my dreams matched the gems perfectly. Though completely absorbed in her, I maintained our dance effortlessly. To my delight, she followed my lead without hesitation. Flawless.

I confessed how I'd yearned to meet her at every pack gathering for years. This was crucial - she needed to fall for me before her eighteenth birthday when the mate bond would awaken. I wanted her to choose me freely, without supernatural compulsion.

Her shock was palpable as she struggled to reconcile this revelation with her lifelong perception of me. Drawing her closer sent electric currents through my body, even through layers of fabric. When our foreheads touched, skin to skin, I made sure she couldn't look away. This was just the beginning of what we could be.

The moment became overwhelming for her. She deflected by asking about my song choice, clearly startled when I admitted choosing it for her. Her blush when I mentioned "50 Shades of Grey" was adorable, though she ignored my teasing question about her preferences.

When I revealed I'd purchased her dress and jewelry, I was ready when her steps faltered, smoothly adjusting to maintain our seamless dance.

As Selene and Evelyn both expressed gratitude, Theron answered alongside me. After years of longing to hold her, he was finally content, practically purring in my mind.

Her question about the jewelry confirmed someone recognized my gesture. Not surprising for anyone who'd seen Selene's striking eyes. I took a risk, admitting I'd dreamed of her, praying she wouldn't press for details. That mischievous smile suggested she might have dreamed of me too. Goddess, I hoped so.

When her tongue darted across her lips, every fiber of my being ached to kiss her. "Do it! Now!" Theron demanded. But I resisted - she wasn't ready yet. Instead, I teased that I'd save our first kiss for our second date, ensuring she'd see me again.

Her playful grin when she asked if this counted as a date reminded me why I nearly chose "All of Me." Those clever lips would soon learn their reckoning when she sassed me - but not today.

I needed her to see me as Adrian first - her lover, mate, and partner - not just her future Alpha. When I take her out properly, there'll be no question it's a date. Other girls fell at my feet, content with empty promises of being Luna. Evelyn deserved so much more.