Addicted To Her The Alpha'S Irresistible Contract Mate novel Chapter 63

63 Chapter 63 Fate doesn’t feel like a cage

Lucy’s pov:

I fidgeted with the hem of my dress in front of the mirror, the soft fabric swishing against my thighs as I turned side to side. It was one of the new ones from that shopping trip with Elias and Naomi, a simple black number with a subtle flare at the skirt, elegant but not over–the–top.

My vanilla scent seemed stronger tonight, probably from the nerves buzzing through me like a swarm of fireflies.

Why was I so worked up? It was just dinner. Well not just dinner. I would be lying if I say I’m not excited.

A promise I’d made to Ronan after the whole engagement fiasco, a way to apologize properly for running out on him. Not a big deal.

Except my heart wouldn’t stop racing, and every time I thought of his teasing texts, a silly grin crept onto my face. Ronan with that easy confidence and those piercing blue eyes that always seemed to see right through my bluster. He wasn’t the forced match I’d dreaded; he was… intriguing. Annoyingly charming. And tonight, I was finally following through.

“Lucy, you look great, ” Naomi said from the doorway, leaning against the frame with a knowing smile. She’d helped me pick out the outfit earlier, her green eyes sparkling with encouragement. “Stop second–guessing. It’s just dinner.”

“Yeah, just dinner, ” I echoed, but my voice came out higher than usual. I smoothed my hair one last time, loose waves cascading over my shoulders, and grabbed my clutch. “Wish me luck?”

She laughed softly. “You don’t need it. Have fun.”

The drive to the restaurant felt eternal as I gripped the steering wheel. Ronan had chosen a cozy spot downtown, shifter–friendly with private booths warded against human eavesdroppers.

My phone buzzed with a text from him: *Waiting outside. Don’t keep me waiting too long, escape artist.*

I rolled

my eyes but smiled, the teasing already starting.

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63 Chapter 63 Fate doesn’t feel like a cage

When I pulled up, there he was, leaning against the brick wall under the warm glow of the entrance lanterns, looking effortlessly handsome in a dark button–down shirt that hugged his alpha frame, sleeves rolled up to reveal corded forearms. His dark hair was tousled just right, and those blue eyes lit up when he spotted me, a grin spreading across his face. He pushed off the wall and strode over, opening my car door before I could unbuckle.

aid, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down my spine. “You made it.

ute escapes?”

out, trying to

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ackled, offe ted alread

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espite the flush creeping up my neck. “I wouldn’t dinner, after all.”

ke a gentleman from some old romance novel. “Apology ke it a good one.”

rapped around me as I lo omega instincts hum wi

as intimate, dim lighting kground, tables draped nan pulled out my chai he touch was innoc

is gaze.

I teased, sett

le space.

replied

m through his, strong ed comfort.

sconces, soft jazz

linens. The host led us to a sh, his hand brushing my ked warmth through me, my

he seat across from me, his broad

e eyes twinkling. “Figured I’d start wn engagement party.”

air. But in my defense, that was a disaster

onan ordered a bottle of red wine without You like cabernet, right? Bold, like you.”

ered from one of our brief chats. As the wine was

ws on the table, giving me his full attention, like I was

sity thing. I heard

ou’re applying.”

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63 Chapter 63 Fate doesn’t feel like a cage

I blinked, caught off guard. “How’d you know?”

“Pack gossip travels fast,” he said with a shrug, but his smile was genuine. “Sounds exciting. Literature, right? What drew you to that?”

We dove into stories as appetizers arrived, bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, the flavors bursting on my tongue. I told him about my love for books, how dissecting characters‘ choices helped me make sense of our world, with its fated mates and pack loyalties.

“It’s like… why do some fight fate, while others embrace it? I want to explore that, maybe write my own twists someday.”

He listened intently, nodding thoughtfully, his eyes never straying from mine. No interruptions, no alpha posturing, just genuine interest.

“That’s cool,” he said, popping a bruschetta bite into his mouth. “I’ve always been more of a history guy, learning from past pack wars, strategies. But stories? They shape us too. What’s your favorite book?”

”

“The Great Gatsby, ” I admitted, sipping my wine. “All that longing and illusion hits close to home with arranged stuff.”

He grinned, leaning back. “Fitting. Though I’d say you’re more Daisy than anyone, beautiful, but with way more spirit. No one’s trapping you in a golden cage.”

The compliment warmed me, but I deflected with a laugh. “Flattery? Already?”

“Truth,” he countered, his voice dropping playfully. “But seriously, Lucy, you’re brave. Running from that engagement? Took guts. Most would’ve just gone along.”

Our mains arrived, steak for him, rare and sizzling, pasta primavera for me, vibrant

with veggies. He cut into his steak with precision, but his focus stayed on me.

“Tell me more about your family.”

I twirled my fork, sharing lighter stories. Ronan shared too, growing up in Silverfang, the pressure of being next in line, but with a supportive family that encouraged choices.

“My parents mated for love,” he said, eyes softening. “Taught me to value that over politics.”

His alpha charm wrapped around the conversation like a warm blanket, gentle

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63 Chapter 63 Fate doesn’t feel like a cage

touches, like refilling my wine glass without asking, or laughing at my jokes with that deep, rumbling sound that made my stomach flip.

He teased lightly: “So, university girl, planning to ditch pack life for campus parties?”

I swatted his arm across the table. “Hardly. But if I do, I’ll invite you. You could use some fun, Mr. Serious Alpha.”

“Me? Serious?” He feigned offense, clutching his chest. “I’m the life of the party. Ask anyone.”

As dessert came, chocolate lava cake to share, he scooped a bite and held it out to me, eyes mischievous. “Open up. Can’t let you miss this.”

I hesitated, blushing, but leaned in, the chocolate melting rich and sinful on my tongue. “Mmm. Okay, that’s amazing.”

“See? I know how to treat a girl on a date.” He said it casually, popping his own bite, but the word hung in the air.

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