222
Peter
We stopped in front of the Estate, and I got out, hoping that today would be better than the last. As I walked up to the entrance, I took a deep breath and knocked.
The guard let me in and had me wait in the foyer as Michelle was coming down. Soon, Michelle was coming down the stairs. My breath caught in my throat as I took in her appearance. She was radiant, her smile lighting up the room. She wore a simple dress, but I knew how rare it was for her to reach for one. I felt incredibly lucky that she felt I was worthy of seeing her like this: vulnerable and more feminine than she was used to being.
"Peter," she greeted me. "Sorry for keeping you waiting."
I shook my head. "Not at all. Shall we?"
She nodded, her eyes sparkling as I walked her out to the car. When we arrived at Castle Gowns, I helped her out of the car. The contact sent sparks through me, and I intertwined our hands tightly. It felt right, even as my head started to pound.
I led her into the back of the shop, where the clerks were ready for her, and waited outside. The tailor came out with a wrist of pins on his arm and a smirk.
"Queen of the Night is with you, hm?"
I smirked up at him. "I know. Lucky, aren't I?"
He laughed. "It's rare we get someone in here that really means that."
Michelle came out in the gown, and I stared a bit dumbfounded. The gown had been adjusted to her frame, and even the small changes they had made seemed to make a world of difference.
"You're absolutely stunning, Michelle."
She turned to the mirror, and I walked up to stand beside her.
A blush colored her cheeks, and she turned to her reflection.
"About the shoes..."
I cocked an eyebrow, and she stuck her foot out, showing me. I almost laughed at the shoes that looked as if they were made out of glass.
"Queen Cinderella?" I asked. "It has a certain ring to it."
"I didn't pick them out. The clerk did, and--"
"Do you like them?"
She bobbed her head. "But they're--"
"They're perfect," I said. She blinked.
"Peter, I can't let you pay that much for a pair of shoes."
I smirked. "I'm sure we can work out some way to make sure... we get my money's worth out of them."
Her face turned bright red, though her eyes grew dark with want. I felt my blood heating, reacting to her desire.
"Don't look at me like that," I whispered. "We might be working that out sooner than is appropriate."
She bit her lip. "... but eventually."
I smiled and lifted her hand to kiss. "So long as you're agreeable."
She ducked her head. "Okay."
The clerk led her back into the dressing room to help her out, and the tailor grinned, tapping away on his tablet to finish up the charges. I paid for the gown and the shoes as well as the dry cleaning. When she came back, her eyes were bright, and she seemed at ease.
"Would you be more comfortable having your gown delivered to the Blood Moon Estate or..."
Her eyes widened. "Or?"
"Mine."
She bit her lip. "I would... stay the night, I guess."
I could see her spread out in my bed and pushed the thought away. "In whatever capacity is most comfortable for you."
"I'll... have to check with David."
"Of course," I said. "Or... you could let me."
Her eyes widened. "But, I'm--"
"His ward. Though that may be strange for you since you are older, it is the truth, and there is a bit of a procedure to these things."
"If... you want."
I could see how much the idea pleased her. I reached out and gently cupped her cheek.
"It would be my honor and pleasure," I replied, my voice soft.
Our gazes locked, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. She nodded again. I took her hand and finished the order sheet before leaving.
"Are you hungry? How about dinner?"
"I'd like that."
I had my beta drive us to a nearby restaurant with a dancefloor on the balcony. It was an elegant little place. We were seated near the balcony.
The evening air was warm and inviting as we settled into our seats. The view was breathtaking, with the city lights sparkling below and the stars overhead. Soft music played in the background, and the scent of delicious food wafted from the nearby tables.
Our dinner was filled with laughter, and none of the unease that had plagued us the last time was there. The pain in my head was almost negligible. We talked about her classes and everything that had been happening lately, including the incident at the racing track.
A pang of guilt went through me. I had found the message I sent about Lucy being the Moon Goddess in my phone records.
The thought that it was affecting Michelle made my blood run cold.
I had to beat this curse, one way or another.
Soon, the music turned to a soft waltz. Michelle looked out on the dance floor with a longing that drew me to my feet. I extended my hand to her with a gentle smile.
"May I have this dance?"
Michelle's eyes lit up, and she placed her hand in mine.
"I've never danced with anyone before," she said. "I'm sorry if I step on your feet."
"Consider it practice," I said. "And I'll take note to take you dancing often if you find that you like it."
She hummed, leaning into my chest with a soft sigh. I held Michelle close, my heart pounding in time with the furious pounding in my head, yet I didn't pull away or stop.
I could endure it a little longer.
"I'm so glad I met you," I whispered, my voice filled with sincerity.
Michelle looked up at me. "I'm glad I met you too, Peter."
I leaned in closer to Michelle.
"You know," I began, my voice barely above a whisper, "I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since the day we met."
Michelle's eyes met mine, and her gaze was filled with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.
"Really?" she replied, her voice soft.
I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "You're unlike anyone I've ever met, Michelle. Being with you feels like a dream come true."
A smile tugged at the corners of Michelle's lips, and she rested her head against my chest. "Peter, I feel the same way. After everything that's happened... I can't believe all this supernatural chaos has been one of the best things to ever happen to me."
I chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Life has a funny way of surprising us, doesn't it?"
"In the best of ways."
We danced until the restaurant was closing down. Then, we returned to our table, hand in hand. I paid the tab and checked the time. It was about time that I had been warned to get Michelle back by, but this had been by far the best date we'd had. I couldn't have asked for it to go any better.
Now, so long as I could get her home without incident, the night would be perfect.
"I should get you home before your guardian sends his forces after us."
She giggled as I helped her into the car. "I don't think it will be that bad. The Escort has been following us."
I smiled. "Never underestimate how seriously a Blood Moon wolf takes his duty."
I climbed in. The drive back to the Blood Moon Estate was quiet and peaceful. I stroked her hair as Michelle leaned into my arms.
My phone rang, and I glanced at the screen, noticing Vasil's name.
"Just a moment," I said, answering the call.
"Peter, anything out of the ordinary?" Vasil's voice crackled through the phone.
I winced and glanced down at Michelle. "No."
"Your head?"
"Worse, perhaps. More persistent."
"Are you still with Michelle?"
"Yes."
"It was smart to tell her. I'm still managing your calls, but there haven't been any updates on the hairpin."
I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the headache starting to get worse.
"I understand you're working as fast as you can. Have you found anything else?"
"No." There was a brief silence before Vasil spoke again. "Is it getting worse?"
I blinked, the headache intensifying. "A bit."
Vasil's voice held a hint of concern. "You've been pushing yourself too hard lately. Remember to take care of yourself. You're no good to Michelle or the pack if you're exhausted."
"I know, Vasil. I'll try."
I gripped my fist tight, my knuckles turning white. My head throbbed with an intensity that made it difficult to think clearly. I felt the urge to end the call and get away from Michelle, so I tightened my grip on her a little more, nuzzling her and breathing in her scent.
As Vasil continued speaking, I struggled to maintain focus. The world around me started to blur, and I fought to stay upright. The headache intensified, a searing pain that throbbed behind my eyes.
I could feel the darkness closing in around me as I struggled to stay conscious. My vision blurred, and I fought to keep my eyes open.
"Peter?" Vasil's voice sounded distant as if coming from a faraway tunnel. "Peter!"
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