One Night

Chapter 178

Audrey

After our training session, I was breathless but exhilarated. My muscles ached pleasantly, a reminder of the progress I had made so far. Edwin had finally taught me some basic punches, and I was eager to learn even more.

“You did a good job today. Audrey,” he said, wiping sweat from his brow with a towel. “You’re picking this up quickly. Your form is improving, and your strikes are getting stronger.”,

1 beamed at him, my chest heaving from the exertion. “Thanks for teaching me. I feel… stronger already. Like I could take on the worldTM

Edwin smiled and shook his head good-naturedly. “Don’t go getting c**y on me now, Miss Klein. You’ve still got a long way to go.

I stuck my tongue out and giggled.

As we started cleaning up the training room, putting away equipment and wiping down surfaces, Edwin turned to me. “Why don’t you go take a bath and put on something nice? I want to take you out for breakfast today.”

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Out? Like, in town? Are you sure?”

“I think it’s time we showed our faces a bit. Plus, I want to spoil you. You deserve it after all your hard work.”

I rushed upstairs, excited for a day out together. I had spent so long craving days like this, craving the freedom to walk hand- in-hand down the street, that every time we did it felt like a reward.

I took a quick bath, letting the hot water soothe my tired muscles, before blow-drying my hair. After some deliberation, I chose a warm sweater dress in a deep burgundy color, paired with thick black tights and knee-high boots. My black and silver hair peeked out from beneath a soft beanie, and I threw on a little eyeshadow and mascara for good measure.

When I came out of the bedroom, Edwin was waiting in the hallway, dressed in a smart charcoal sweater and dark trousers. He looked like he had stepped out of a fashion magazine, and I felt my breath catch in my throat upon looking at him.

Turning to me, his eyes flicked appreciatively over my body, their gray hue instantly flashing golden with desire. Before I knew it, he surged forward and had me pressed against the hallway table, his lips hot on my neck and his fingers trailing fiery paths on my skin, even through the thick fabric of my sweater dress.

“Edwin,” I gasped, half-heartedly pushing my palms into his chest even as my body arched into his and my wolf yipped excitedly. “Breakfast, remember?”

He growled lowly and pulled away reluctantly. “Right Breakfast Let’s go before I change my mind and keep you here all day.”

The drive into town was pleasant, the winter landscape beautiful in the morning light. Frost glittered on tree branches, and patches of snow still clung to the ground. Edwin took me to a cozy restaurant, the smell of coffee and pancakes making my

mouth water as we entered.

The host led us to our table, a booth situated right in the window. I sighed contentedly, scooching into the shaft of sunlight there and letting it warm my chilly face.

Our waitress, a young werewolf with bright blue hair, did a double-take when she saw Edwin. “Alpha Edwin! What a surprise!” Her eyes landed on me, widening with recognition. “And this must be our new Luna. What can I get for you both?”

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Chapter 178

I blinked, startled by the title. “Oh, I’m not-

“We’ll have two specials, please,” Edwin interrupted smoothly. “And coffee for both of us.”

As the waitress walked away, I turned to Edwin, my cheeks burning. “Why did she call me Luna? We’re not married.”

“Not yet.” my wolf said excitedly, but I pushed the thought back down.

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Edwin shrugged. “News travels fast in a pack. Everyone knows I’ve found my mate, and they’re… assuming things. I’m sorry, I should have warned you but I honestly didn’t even think about it.”

As we ate our breakfast (which was delicious-fluffy pancakes drowning in syrup, crispy bacon, and perfectly scrambled eggs). I couldn’t help but notice the glances and whispers from other patrons. It was clear that their Alpha didn’t often come into town like this

After breakfast, we decided to take a walk through the town. The streets were bustling with post-Christmas shoppers, and I found myself enjoying the lively atmosphere. Colorful decorations still hung from lampposts and shop windows, giving the

town a festive feel

“Good morning, Alpha! Luna!” an elderly man called out as we passed, tipping his hat respectfully.

A group of young werewolves bowed their heads as we walked by “Alpha Edwin, Luna,” they murmured in unison.

With each greeting, I felt my face grow hotter. Edwin greeted them for me, his hand slipping around my waist comfortingly

as we walked

“You handling this okay?” he asked softly after a trio of women waved and greeted us from a park bench.

I nodded, trying to appear more confident than I felt. “I’m okay. I just… I’m not used to this kind of attention. Do they always treat you like this?”

“It’s part of being Alpha. But you’ll get used to it, I promise.”

I wasn’t so sure if I ever would, if I was being honest.

I supposed, during my days here, that it hadn’t occurred to me that I would be more than the lady of Edwin’s mansion.

Someday, unless something horrible happened, I would actually be the Luna of this pack. Whenever I stepped into town, people would recognize me. Love me. Respect me The thought made me shiver.

But it was a different sort of recognition than what I had seen in those news articles. I didn’t feel so much like a spectacle. The main town of Crescent was fairly small and quaint, cozy clusters of neighborhoods surrounding a bustling downtown with lots of little shops and restaurants. People seemed to move more slowly here, more contentedly. Even though people recognized us as we walked, they didn’t bother us or throw shade our way like the socialites in the city might.

Here, Edwin was just an Alpha; he was their Alpha. And they respected him.

And thus they respected me. Their future Luna.

Luna.

The word kept echoing in my head, bringing with it a flood of images. I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to truly become Edwin’s Luna, to have a beautiful wedding surrounded by our friends and family and packs. The thought was surprisingly appealing, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest.

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Chapter 178

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Suddenly, no doubt feeling my thoughts through our bond, Edwin stopped in front of a jewelry store window. “Let’s look. Just for fun,” he said, a mischievous glint in his eye.

I rolled my eyes but allowed him to pull me closer to the display. The window was filled with glittering engagement rings, each more extravagant than the last. Diamonds of increasingly ridiculous sizes sparkled under the bright store lights, set in bands of gold and platinum.

“See any you like?” Edwin asked.

I scanned the rings, but none of them appealed to me. They were all too gaudy, too shiny, too… much.

“Not really,” I admitted. “They’re a bit… overwhelming for my taste. I prefer something simpler, I think.”

Edwin nodded, not looking disappointed. “You’ve always had good taste. Let’s keep walking.”

As we continued down the street, we passed an antique shop. Something in the window caught my eye, and I stopped to look closer.

There. nestled among various trinkets and old jewelry, was a beautiful antique ring. It was delicate and unique, with a small ruby surrounded by intricate silver work. The band was thin and elegant, with tiny floral engravings.

I found myself drawn to it, unable to look away. It was perfect-not too flashy, but still elegant and special. I could almost imagine how it would feel on my finger…

“What are you looking at?” Edwin’s voice startled me out of my reverie. He had come up behind me, his chest pressed. against my back, his breath warm on my ear,

Suddenly shy, I shook my head, stepping away from the window

“Oh, nothing.” I said quickly, my cheeks flushing, “Let’s keep going.”

“Mhm,” Edwin replied with a smirk. “Let’s.