Evelyn

The Garden was exactly what I’d expected – a monument to wealth and privilege. Crystal chandeliers hung from high ceilings, casting prismatic light across tables draped in spotless white linen. The seats were upholstered in genuine leather, and even the air smelled expensive – a subtle blend of rare spices and aged wine.

The maître d’ practically fell over himself when Devon walked through the door.

“Mr. Hall!” The man bowed so low I thought he might touch his forehead to the floor. “Your VIP room is ready, sir. Right this way.”

I suppressed a snort of disgust. Another Alpha wolf enjoying his power and privilege. These are the worst kind – thinking they own everything and everyone.

As we followed the restaurant manager through the main dining area, I noticed how other patrons stared at Devon with a mixture of awe and envy. The manager himself walked with such deference that he was practically bent double the entire time.

Devon, for his part, seemed completely unfazed by the special treatment. He walked with the casual confidence of someone who had never questioned his place in the world – never had to.

Once seated in our private room, a waiter immediately appeared to take our orders.

“I’ll have the T-bone, rare,” Devon said without opening the menu.

“Make that two!” Lily chimed in cheerfully. “Extra bloody for me, please!”

When the waiter turned to me, I said, “The same steak, but well-done. And a side of garden salad, please.”

Devon raised an eyebrow. I could feel his intense gaze studying me as the waiter left.

“You don’t like rare meat?” he asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp with interest.

I shrugged, deliberately avoiding his gaze. “I prefer it well-done.”

“That’s unusual for…” He paused, his eyes flicking to the closed door before continuing, “for our kind.”

“I’ve adapted to human dietary preferences.”

Devon leaned forward, spearing a piece of bread from the basket between us. “Raw meat gives us strength. It’s in our nature.”

“My nature has changed,” I replied flatly.

When our meals arrived, Devon’s and Lily’s steaks were indeed bloody – the red juices pooling on their plates like something freshly hunted. Mine, by contrast, was thoroughly cooked, with no trace of pink.

Devon cut a piece of his steak, the meat so tender it barely needed pressure from his knife. He extended his fork toward me. “Try this. Your wolf will appreciate it.”

I shook my head. “No, thank you. My stomach has adapted to well-done food.”

Lily looked up from her plate, curiosity brightening her eyes. “But all wolves like rare meat. It’s in our DNA.” She leaned closer, sniffing subtly. “I can barely smell your wolf. Were you injured?”

I smiled tightly, not answering. The truth – that I’d been trying to awaken my wolf for years with specialized herbs – wasn’t something I wanted to share.”

“What pack are you from?” Lily asked, dabbing at the corner of her mouth with a napkin. “I don’t think I’ve seen you at any of the gatherings.”

“I don’t belong to any pack,” I replied, my voice cool and even.

Lily’s eyes widened. “No pack? But everyone needs a pack!” Her expression brightened with sudden inspiration. “You should join ours! The Seattle Bloodfang Pack! My uncle is the Alpha, so no one would dare bully you!”

“Making sure you get to your room safely.”

I stepped out of the car, keeping my distance. “Mr. Hall, why are you doing this? Why approach me?”

Devon leaned against his car, his tall frame silhouetted against the motel’s flickering neon sign. “The night you saved me, you were marked. Those men had silver bullets. That’s dangerous for a lone wolf like you.”

My pulse quickened. “How are you so sure they were targeting me and not you, the Alpha?”

“Either way, I owe you my life.” His voice dropped lower. “At least let me make sure you’re safe tonight.”

I stood at the motel entrance, keys clutched in my hand. “Thank you for dinner and the ride back, but this is where we part ways.”

Devon shook his head, his expression resolute. “I need to check your room. Those hunters might have tracked you here.”

Reluctantly, I led the way, my mind racing with questions. What does he really want? Is he genuinely concerned about my safety, or is there something else?

In the cramped elevator, Devon’s powerful Alpha presence filled the small space, making it hard to breathe. His scent – pine and something wild – wrapped around me, stirring parts of my wolf I’d worked hard to suppress.

Walking down the hallway, I quickened my pace, desperate to end this uncomfortable proximity. Standing before my door, I fumbled with my key, my hand trembling slightly.

“Here we are, Mr. Hall. I’ve reached my room,” I said, trying to sound casual.

Devon made no move to leave. “Open the door. I need to make sure it’s safe inside.”

I gripped the key tightly, my mind a whirl of conflicting emotions. For three years, no one had cared about my safety, my well-being. Why now? Why him?