The next couple of days flew by. I spoke with Alpha early the following morning. He updated me on Langston, explaining that his injury wouldn't fully heal, but Langston had accepted it. He was being released later that day to return home to Serenity Waters with Emma to rest and recuperate. I couldn't bring myself to visit him after causing his injury.

Missy and I stayed home from school for the next two days, enjoying some much-needed downtime. Sol dropped off our missed assignments—my stack was significantly larger than Missy's. We started working, but we spent more time just being together.

By Friday night, I felt much better. Guilt lingered over abandoning Langston and Missy, but I was beginning to cope. I knew we needed to escape the heaviness surrounding the pack and our normal lives.

First, I called Luna for help with my plan. After finalizing details with her, I texted our friends to meet us early the next morning. I made all the necessary arrangements and then secured Alpha's permission to forgo a chaperone. He was far more difficult to convince than Luna, but he ultimately agreed. Then I told Missy.

"I have a surprise for you tomorrow," I whispered, cuddling with her in bed. We lay on our sides, watching TV, her back pressed against my chest.

"Surprise?" she asked, turning her head slightly.

"Yes," I said. "We're going somewhere tomorrow."

"Where?" she asked.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you," I replied. She pouted and turned away. I nuzzled her neck, raising goosebumps along her shoulder. Her scent was strongest there; it was my favorite spot.

"What do I wear?" she asked.

"Something casual," I answered. "But bring a change of clothes—something nicer—for later."

"How nice?"

"Hmmm," I pondered, trying to avoid revealing the surprise. "Maybe like a first date with a guy you really like." She giggled.

The next morning, I woke much earlier than Missy's alarm. I dozed off for a few hours, but once awake, I couldn't sleep. Watching Missy sleep peacefully filled me with a sense of peace. We were mates, living together. The "I can't believe she's mine" feeling still hadn't worn off. Looking at her sent warmth through me. I considered brushing her hair from her sun-kissed cheek until she rolled onto her back, causing the blanket to slip, revealing more of her, and arousing me.

I sighed and chastised myself, "Not now."

After carefully covering her again, I took a cold shower and changed into comfortable clothes. The sun hadn't risen, and Missy was still asleep. Luckily, she hadn't noticed me getting up. She looked content. I quietly put on my shoes and slipped out the door. My heart felt lighter; I knew this would be a memorable day. I was going to make sure of it.

I went to our local store to pick up my grocery order. I had everything I needed. I was grateful for the early pickup option. As I mentally checked my to-do list, the image of Missy watching me cook filled my mind, and I smiled. On my way home, I stopped by the florist and picked up my pre-arranged order. The kind older woman had placed the bouquet, in a pretty white and gold vase, outside her door as requested. I'd ordered white roses, symbolizing true love and, I'd learned, young love as well. It seemed perfect.

Humming happily, I soon arrived home. The sun was rising, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. I quietly opened the front door, avoiding a creak. I brought in the groceries, placing them on the counter. I never realized how loud plastic grocery bags can be until you need to be quiet. I found the waffle maker—the most important item for the morning.

Soon, I was mixing batter as the waffle iron heated. After buttering it, I started making waffles while preparing the raspberries and blueberries. In no time, everything was ready, including a basket for the later part of Missy's surprise. I silently placed her flowers on the dresser and then returned to the kitchen.

"Mmmm…" she purred, waking up. "What's that smell?"

"Stay here," I said, rushing to the kitchen before she could protest.

I warmed an ice cream scoop under running water and added two scoops to each of our warm waffles, topping them with chocolate syrup and berries. I placed the plates on trays and grabbed the orange juice before returning to Missy.

She was sitting up, a playful grin on her face. "You got me flowers?"

"Well, I get to look at you all the time. I thought you deserved something almost as beautiful," I teased.

Her face flushed, and I knew I'd hit the mark. I placed her tray in her lap as her eyes widened. Taking advantage of her momentary silence, I kissed her. If heaven had a taste, it would be Missy.

"Is this ice cream?" she asked incredulously, still grinning, tracing where our lips had met.

"So, I have a plan," I said, evading her question.

"What is it?" she asked, looking into my eyes.

"We're still young, but we need to act like adults. You're the Alpha's daughter, with all the responsibility that entails, and I'm a warrior. You know what that's been like lately…" I trailed off. She reached out, but I shook my head. "No, I'm fine. What I mean is, today we're going to act our age. We're going to have fun. We're going to do silly things. And today, we're going to eat ice cream for breakfast."

Her overwhelmingly happy expression showed she was on board. She moaned with delight as the ice cream melted in her mouth, and I couldn't blame her; it was almost as good as the kiss.

"I think I could get used to this," she said, scooting closer. "I like when you cook for me."

"I'm happy to feed you anytime, my love," I replied.

"So, what else are we doing today?" she asked excitedly.

"I'm not telling," I said with a wink.

Her frustrated growl/moan might become my new favorite sound. With nervous energy, she finished her waffles.

"I'm done," she declared. "You have to tell me soon."

"Not a chance," I insisted, grinning.

She pouted adorably, her puppy-dog eyes making me notice chocolate syrup on her lip. Leaning forward, I gestured for her to pause and then licked the syrup from her lip. She shivered and flushed. I kissed her softly under her jawline, enjoying the goosebumps. I had to stop before she combusted, so I sat back with a wink.

"I think I'm going to get dressed," she announced, standing. "Want to help me pick an outfit?"

"I can say yes or no," I offered, wanting to avoid revealing too much.

She shrugged, laid out two outfits—athletic shorts and a tank top, or leggings and a t-shirt—and said, "Pick one." I chose the leggings and t-shirt; it would be more comfortable if she fell. She nodded, then held up flip-flops and shoes. I chose the flip-flops.

I chose to clean the kitchen instead of watching her dress, wanting a blissful escape from reality. As I finished the dishes, her strawberry scent reached me as she hugged me from behind.

"Thank you for the flowers and breakfast," she whispered.

"Just the beginning," I said, burying my face in her hair. "Ready?"

The drive passed quickly as she peppered me with questions. I smiled, enjoying her hand in mine.

My phone buzzed. Missy noticed me checking it. Our friends were ahead of us, waiting. I silently thanked Luna for arranging for Sol to bring everyone to the city outskirts and for the improved date idea for tonight.

We pulled into the driveway of a nondescript building. I opened the door for Missy, taking her hand and leading her inside. Her eyes widened as she saw the floor covered in trampolines.

"Ready to be a kid today?" I asked. Her excited smile was dazzling.