Chapter 21: First Date

Thea’s POV

Two weeks after being discharged from the hospital, I’d finally gotten back into my normal routine. The toxin had cleared from my system, and I’d returned to teaching. A lot had changed during this time; my unexpected friendship with Iris had grown stronger, and Kane kept visiting regularly. A few days ago, he’d asked me out. After some hesitation, I’d agreed. The bombing had made me realize life could end at any moment. Maybe it was time to give myself a chance.

“Should I wear my hair up or down?” I asked Iris through video chat. This was actually my first real date ever. During my seven years of marriage to Sebastian, he’d never taken me on a proper date. As the unwanted, wolfless Luna, I was rarely even allowed to attend important pack events.

“Up, definitely!” Iris grinned. “You have such an elegant neckline, you should show it off. I bet Kane won’t be able to resist kissing it.”

My face instantly flushed. Even though I’d been married and had a child, such suggestive talk still made me shy.

“You’re exaggerating,” I mumbled.

“That’s your problem right there, Thea,” Iris sighed, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. “You always undervalue yourself. Sebastian’s prejudices have deeply affected how you see yourself. You’re beautiful.”

“I’m not.” It was almost a reflex. Growing up, everyone always talked about how gorgeous and graceful Aurora was. Pack members constantly compared us. Under the shadow of her radiance, I had zero confidence in myself.

Iris let out another sigh. “Trust me, even the pickiest Alpha would be drawn to you looking like this tonight. You just need more confidence.”

I pulled my hair into an elegant updo and chose a well-tailored black dress—one of the few formal pieces I’d kept from my Luna days. Paired with matching heels and subtle makeup, I hoped I wouldn’t look too out of place.

When the doorbell rang, I caught the scent of roses. Kane stood at the door with a huge bouquet. He looked dashing in his black suit.

“You’re stunning,” he said, his gaze intense as he studied me like he was seeing me for the first time.

I put the roses in a vase, trying to suppress the emotions welling up inside me. Sebastian had never given me flowers. To him, I was just an accident, a tool to birth his Alpha heir. Even after Leo was born, he rarely came home, always claiming pack business.

“Ready to go?” Kane asked gently.

Following Kane to his car, I felt both nervous and excited, completely at a loss for what to say. How should I act? What should we talk about? Who should speak first? As someone who’d never dated before, I was terrified of messing everything up.

“To be honest, even though I’ve dated quite a bit, I’m incredibly nervous right now,” Kane broke the silence.

I couldn’t help but laugh, feeling some of my tension dissolve. “Me too. I’ve been overthinking all day. Could barely focus during class.”

“I messed up my reports several times today.” He laughed too. Knowing I wasn’t the only nervous one made me feel better.

We chatted about our work. Being with Kane felt easy and natural, completely unlike walking on eggshells with Sebastian.

At the restaurant, the waiter respectfully led us to our reserved table. I knew this place often hosted pack business dinners, with its luxurious decor. Without my Luna status, I definitely couldn’t afford this restaurant now. After I “betrayed” Aurora seven years ago, Father had cut off my financial support and removed me from the family. He decided I no longer deserved anything from the Sterling family. So yes, I hadn’t taken a single penny from the Sterling household.

“Can a police salary afford a restaurant like this?” I half-joked while discreetly scanning our surroundings. Various pack members were already scattered around the dining room.

Kane started to answer, but the waiter arrived with an expensive bottle of red wine. After pouring for us, he withdrew with a bow. I noticed the hint of respect in his eyes when he looked at Kane. Perhaps that meant Kane’s presence meant safe nearby?

Kane and I ate and talked. However, as night fell, more werewolves filled the restaurant. I could feel their stares. Some recognized me, the “unwanted” former Ashworth Pack Luna.

“That’s Derek Sterling’s younger daughter, the wolfless one.” “Heard she stole her sister’s mate…” “At least Ashworth Pack finally has a proper Luna candidate now…”

I could catch these whispers. My hands trembled slightly under the table as the food lost its taste. This feeling was all too familiar, just like every public appearance during my pack days.

Kane quickly noticed my discomfort and reached out his hand. “Since this place is making you uncomfortable, let’s go somewhere else. I know a great lookout spot in the suburbs with an amazing view, far from any pack territories.”

I looked at him gratefully. He could have despised me like everyone else here, but he didn’t.

I placed my hand in his warm, strong palm, feeling secure.

“I’m sorry for ruining dinner,” I said apologetically. “You don’t have to change locations, just take me home.”

He leaned closer, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear before placing a soft kiss on my forehead. “Don’t worry. The moonlight’s beautiful tonight, perfect for that spot. The view is absolutely worth seeing.”

The suggestion made me smile. I’d always been drawn to the moon. As a child, I’d secretly watch my family shift under the full moon from my bedroom window.

I nodded in agreement, and Kane took my hand, ready to leave.

Just then, a powerful wave of Alpha energy hit me, making the back of my neck tingle. Following that dangerous sensation, I met Sebastian’s burning gaze. He stood at the restaurant entrance with Aurora, but his attention was completely focused on my hand joined with Kane’s.

A storm of fury brewed in his eyes. I quickly looked away. He was on a date with Aurora too, and I’d never questioned them. I hadn’t done anything wrong.