The Lightning Wolf Chronicles (Evelyn and Nadia) novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Let’s Prepare the Final Surprise

Lucian’s POV

Watching Evelyn’s face light up, something twisted tight in my chest. She sat there under the string lights, that blue dress catching the glow, our earrings glinting at her ears. She looked… damn.

“Quit staring,” Orion muttered next to me.

“You’re doing it too,” I shot back, catching his gaze locked on her.

“At least I’m not being obvious about it,” he said.

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Magnus dropped into the chair beside us. “Could you two be any more pathetic? Elliot’s already giving us the death glare.”

Sure enough, Elliot had that whole protective brother thing going strong. But honestly? I didn’t give a shit. Seeing Evie actually happy for

once made it worth whatever attitude he wanted to throw around.

“Lucian!” Evie’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Your steak’s burning!”

I bolted to the grill. The meat was definitely getting crispy around the edges.

“Smooth move, Romeo,” Milo laughed.

“Shut it.” I flipped the steak, trying to save what I could.

“For real though,” Milo’s voice got serious, “I’ve never seen her like this. She used to just… disappear into corners.*

“Yeah.” The guilt hit hard when I thought about how we’d basically ignored her existence for years.

“But things are different now,” Milo clapped my shoulder, “We’ve got her back, right?”

“Damn right we do.”

Evelyn’s POV

After dinner, everyone started up different games. Truth or dare got intense fast – Elliot had to admit he once ate an entire jar of honey as a kid and got chased by a swarm of bees. Milo tried showing off his “amazing” spoon-balancing skills and face-planted spectacularly.

“So what do you guys actually want to do with your lives?” Nadia asked, leaning into Milo. Those two were getting cozy tonight.

“Take over Alpha duties,” Magnus said without missing a beat. “Make the pack stronger.”

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11:35 Thu Jan B Kỹ

Chapter 19 Let’s Prepare the Final Surprise

1 want to change some of the bullisht rules we follow Orim said canching eve of quart Four tradem

Like what? Delta Griffin looked interested

Like this whole survival of the fittest crap we keep preaching Orim planted my way. Strong wishes should pre

ignore them when they’re getting torn apart.”

Silence dropped over the group. I stared at him, shocked he’d actually said it out hovudi.

“Well put,” Alpha Adam nodded. Real leaders understand when to show

“What about you, Evie?” Nadia turned to me. What’s your dream?”

The

I hesitated. Should I tell them the truth? That I used to fantasize about running far away from here?

“I want to be a warrior,” I finally said. “Not to prove anything to anyone. Jast to protect the people I actually give a down about.”

“You already are one,” Griffin said firmly. The second you started looking out for those cubs, you became a rea

His words hit something deep in my chest. I thought about the old me – that girl who desperately wanted to escape this place. But now

Now I’ve got reasons to stay, I realized. People worth protecting.

“Anything else?” Lucian pressed. “Besides the warrior thing.”

I thought about it. “I want to be able to run free someday. Without hiding or pretending to be someone I’m not.”

“You will,” Orion’s voice was quiet but certain. “I promise you that.”

The night deepened, stars popping out one by one. The party buzz was still going strong, but exhaustion was starting to creep in today

had been a marathon of emotions.

“Getting tired?’ Elliot asked.

“A little, I admitted.

“Perfect timing for the final surprise, Magnus stood up.

Before I could react, Lucian scooped me up in his arms.

“Lucian!” I yelped, automatically wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Don’t fight it, little one,’ he grinned. “Just trust us.’

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11:35 Thu, Jan 8 M…

Chapter 19: Let’s Prepare the Final Surprise

“Birthday tradition, Lucian explained, already kicking off his shoes. “You’ve got to spend midnight in the hot spring before the new day

officially starts.”

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“We didn’t bring swimsuits…” I pointed out.

“Just go in with clothes on,” Orion was already stepping into the water. “They’ll dry.”

The boys got in first, the warm water immediately surrounding them. Nadia grabbed my hand. “Come on, trust me. This is going to be

incredible.”

I carefully walked down the stone steps, warm spring water gradually covering my ankles, then my calves, then my knees. The heat chased

away the night’s chill instantly, and I couldn’t help sighing with relief.

“Feels good, right?” Milo asked with a grin.

I nodded, finding a spot to sit. The depth was perfect when sitting, the water came up to my chest. My dress floated around me, but

somehow I didn’t care.

We formed a loose circle, everyone relaxing into the spring’s warmth. Starlight scattered across the water’s surface in tiny points of light.

Elliot moved closer. “Evie, as your brother, I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you before. All those years I should’ve had your back. But I promise

I’m going to make up for lost time – not just this year, but every year after.”

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The Lightning Wolf Chronicles