One Night

Chapter 179

Audrey

I twirled in front of the full-length mirror, admiring the outht Edwin had made for me over the past couple of days. The skirt swished around my ankles, the fabric soft and flowing. It was a vast improvement over our drunken attempt on

Christmas Eve..

Edwin it’s perfect,” I breathed, ning my hands over the intricate pleats

The tartan pattern was exactly what I had envisioned-deep greens and reds with subtle gold threading, tailored to my exact size. The skirt wrapped around my waist, held secure by two rich leather buckles.

And to make it even better, there were pockets.

“I can’t believe you made this.” I turned to him, beaming. “It’s even better than I imagined.”

Edwin stood nearby, looking even more handsome than usual with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, exposing his forearms, and his hair slightly mussed from working. A pleased smile played on his lips, his eyes warm in the light of the sun streaming in through the large window as they followed my movements.

“I’m glad you like it,” he said. “I wanted to make sure you had something special for the

party.”

It wasn’t just the skirt that he had made; he had created an entire ensemble. A matching vest hugged my curves perfectly. dark buttons securing it all together. Underneath was a sweet long-sleeved blouse, its scalloped collar peeking out just so. It was exactly the sort of thing I adored wearing, and I hadn’t even had to ask. Edwin just knew what Hoved.

“Your sewing skills are amazing.” I said as I ran my fingers along the perfectly even stitches of the vest. “I’m so glad to see you doing this again. I’ll cherish this outfit forever.”

Edwin’s smile widened, and he closed the distance between us, wrapping his arms around me. “With a model like you, would happily sew clothes for you for the rest of my life. You make everything look beautiful.”

I

I felt my cheeks heat up at his words, a warmth spreading through my chest. But then I noticed his expression falter slightly, a shadow passing over his face.

“But Audrey,” he said, his tone more serious now. He leaned back a bit to look at me, his hands coming to rest on my arms. “Are you sure you want to go to the party tonight? You can make an excuse if you want. I can go alone if you’re not comfortable.”

For the thousandth time over the past days, I shook my head firmly and reached up to cup his face. “How many times do I have to tell you that I want to be by your side?” I chided gently. “You’re my mate, Edwin. We face things together, remember? Besides, I want to show off this beautiful outfit you made the.”

Relief washed over his face, and he pulled me close once more to press a soft kiss against my lips. “What did I do to deserve you?” he murmured against Any mouth.

I grinned, trailing my fingers along the taut lines of his exposed forearms. “Keep making me all the clothes I want as repayment for my services.”

My touch sent a shiver down my mate’s spine. Edwin growled and picked me up, twirling me, before showing me just how easily that skirt could be pushed up around my hips for easy access against the worktable.

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13:14 Sun, Sep 22

Chapter 179

As evening fell, we got ready for the party. I carefully put on the outfit Edwin had made, feeling like a princess in a fairy tale. When I emerged from the bedroom, my hair in soft waves down my back, Edwin’s breath caught audibly.

“You look stunning,” he said, his eyes roaming appreciatively over me. “Absolutely breathtaking.”

“You don’t look so bad yourself.” I replied, taking in his tailored tweed suit, underneath which he wore a sturdy cream knit sweater. The dark fabric of the jacket accentuated his broad shoulders, and the deep forest green of his tie peeking out from under his sweater perfectly matched the hues in my own outfit,

Outside, snow was falling gently, coating the world in a soft white blanket. Edwin pulled me close before we got into the car, his cold hands cupping my face as he kissed me deeply. I melted into him, savoring the warmth of his lips against the chill of the night air.

“Remember,” he said as we parted, our breath forming little white clouds between us, “we can leave anytime if things get bad. Just say the word, and we’re out of there.”

I held his wrists as he cupped my face, looking into his eyes. I could see the concern there, the protective instinct that always shone through when it came to me. He tried to hide it, but I could always see it. Sense it.

“T’ll be okay, Edwin. I’m the future Luna of this pack, after all. I should learn how to handle stuff like this. I’m not afraid of a few people.”

Edwin smirked, his fingers raking through my silver streak that was on proud display everywhere we went these days. “Now, now,” he cooed. “You’re not the Luna quite yet. Don’t let all that praise in town the other day get to your head.”

I felt my cheeks flush again as we climbed into the car. As we drove to Edwin’s family home, I tried to quell the butterflies in my stomach. I had faced Linda, Fiona, rogues in the woods, and my own newly awakened powers. I could handle a family party.

Still, I couldn’t help but fidget with the bow around the gift I’d brought-a lush fruitcake that I’d made myself earlier that day. Edwin had insisted that I didn’t need to, but I’d wanted to make a good impression anyway.

As we pulled up to the imposing mansion, which was all wrought iron gates and brick walls, my nerves returned full force. The house was even larger than Edwin’s mansion, with grand columns and expansive windows. Bright yellow lights blazed, from every room, and I could hear the faint sound of music even from here.

Edwin pur

the car in park and turned to me. “Are you sure

But I was already out of the car, box in hand, my jaw set hard with determination. Edwin shook his head and followed me. Peter was already waiting for us at the front door with a mischievous grin on his face, as if he’d been watching for Edwin to pull up. As we approached, he sketched an exaggerated bow, his hand flourishing in the air.

“Welcome, dear Alpha and even dearer Silver Star,” he said, his voice dripping with mock formality.

I rolled my eyes at him and shoved the box into his hands. “Knock it off. Here’s some fruitcake.”

His grin widened, eyes twi**g as he pulled the bow off the top of the box and peered at the cake-inside. “Oh, I like her, Edwin. She’s got fire, and she can bake? You better watch out, or might steal her away.”

Edwin’s arm tightened around my waist, a low growl rumbling in his chest. But before he could say anything. Peter laughed. holding up his hands in surrender. “Relax, I’m just teasing. Come on, everyone’s waiting.” He winked at me. “Especially for

you

As we entered the house, the grandeur took my breath away. The foyer was impressive, with a grand staircase and glittering chandeliers. The smell of pine and ci**on filled the air, minding with the sound of voices coining from the other room.

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Chapter 179

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Peter ushered us toward the parlor, his demeanor suddenly growing a bit more serious. “Father has been waiting to meet you,” he said, his voice low. “Just… be prepared.”

My heart raced as we stepped into the room. It was warmly lit, with a roaring fire in an ornate fireplace. Expensive-looking paintings of various men and women in regal attire adorned the walls, and a long mahogany bar sat at the far end.

ago, was already

Eliza, I assumed based on the fact that she looked exactly the way she had in that picture all those months ago, mixing a drink behind the bar. She looked up as we entered, eyes flickering, and grinned. “Eddie!”

Two other men who looked eerily like Edwin lounged on a plush sofa. One of them, sharp-jawed and clearly not much older than me, eyed me up and down and sipped a martini. The other face stubbled like Edwin’s but sporting a head of brown hair instead of black, didn’t even look up from the loose thread he was picking on the arm of the chair.

My eyes flicked to the right, and I met the gaze of a beautiful woman sitting cross-legged in an armchair by the window. Edwin’s mother, Stella. Her blonde hair was cropped to her sharp chin, high-bridged nose holding up a pair of thin glasses that did nothing to hide the appraising look in her blue eyes.

And there, standing by the fireplace, was a tall, handsome man with broad shoulders. He turned as we entered, his -so similar to Edwin’s-cold and assessing as they looked me up and down. This had to be Edwin’s father. Erik.

50, 10

you are the Silver Star.”

gray eyes