Leonard was not a man of sentimentality. He had spent years building walls around himself, ensuring that emotions—especially the vulnerable kind—never dictated his actions.
But tonight, something within him shifted.
Maybe it was the way Eila looked at him, hesitant yet trusting. Or the way Zade, his wolf, had been restless since claiming her as their mate. Whatever the reason, Leonard decided he wanted this evening to be different.
A private dinner—just the two of them.
He didn't need grand gestures or elaborate settings. Just her.
With a quick mind-link to his butler, he issued the order.
"Prepare a light but hearty meal for two. I want everything to be perfect."
His butler's response was swift, laced with barely concealed amusement. "Finally."
Leonard ignored the obvious smugness in his tone. The man had been serving the Blackwell family for decades, patiently waiting for the day Leonard would stop running from his mate.
Turning to Eila, he said smoothly, "We'll have dinner at my home tonight."
Eila's brows lifted slightly, surprise flickering in her golden eyes. "At your place?"
He gave a firm nod. "Yes. My parents are away, and the manor is quiet. It will be private." He said taking a hesitant pause.
Her lips parted slightly as if she wanted to object, but then she nodded. "Alright."
As evening settled in, the sky was bathed in warm hues of amber and crimson, the sun slowly dipping below the horizon. Tonight was a full moon. Zade was eager to run, to let loose in the wild. Leonard had half a mind to invite Eila along, but he wasn't sure if she was ready.
Would she run with him?
Would she accept every part of him?
For the first time in years, he felt the unfamiliar stirrings of anticipation.
They arrived at Blackwell Manor, a grand yet solemn estate that had stood untouched by time. Unlike the pack house, which was always buzzing with life, Leonard's home was silent, almost eerie in its emptiness.
Eila's eyes widened as she took in the vast gardens—untamed yet oddly beautiful, illuminated by the silver light of the approaching moon.
"I thought you'd have a more.." She hesitated, searching for the right word. "Refined garden."
Leonard smirked. "I let nature take over. I prefer it that way."
In truth, he rarely spent time in the manor's gardens or orchards, but they thrived on their own. This year, the apple and orange trees had been generous, their branches heavy with ripe fruit. He made a mental note to send some home with her.
Zade stirred restlessly.
She belongs here.
They stepped inside the dimly lit hallways, the scent of aged wood and lingering spice welcoming them. As he led her toward the dining hall, he asked, "Would you like to freshen up before dinner?"
Eila nodded. "Yes, please."
At his silent command, the butler signalled a maid over, who led Eila toward the guest quarters.
With her momentarily out of sight, Leonard let out a slow breath, running a hand through his dark hair. The evening would be memorable, he was certain of that. But whether it would be for the right reasons or not.
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.
Before he could respond, it swung open.
Two figures strode in, their presence unmistakable.
Leonard's jaw clenched. Of all the people he didn't want to see tonight.
Zois and Lukas Baldwin.
They grinned as they stepped inside, casual yet predatory, their silver hair catching the candlelight.
"Missed us, Blackwell?" Lukas smirked, his steel-grey eyes glinting with mischief.
Zois crossed his arms, tilting his head as he scanned the room. "Having a private dinner, are we?" His voice was teasing, but Leonard didn't miss the sharp curiosity beneath his tone.
Leonard exhaled slowly, resisting the urge to throw them both out.
Tonight was supposed to be about Eila.
And now, it seemed fate had other plans.