Maddox

Her enthusiastic nod made me laugh, and then, suddenly, our friends appeared. Missy was laughing and smiling in a way I hadn't seen in a while, and that was exactly what I wanted. We got our grippy socks, and off we went. We zip-lined into a foam pit, played dodgeball, and Emmett had an awkward moment, ending up on top of Sol, who became so embarrassed she suggested we play something else. We jumped until we were exhausted. For a few hours, I forgot about everything that happened with Langston. It was just Missy and me, and everything felt right. I didn't care what happened afterward. No one could ever take away this day. I hoped I could give her days like this, and I would, as long as the Moon Goddess allowed.

Missy collapsed into my arms, utterly exhausted but elated, as we watched Emmett and Sol use pugil sticks to fight on the balance beam over the foam pit.

"Today has been perfect," she panted. "I can't believe you got everyone here."

"Of course I did," I told her. "We all love you, and they loved the idea of getting away with you, too."

"When do we need to leave?" she asked, looking around for a clock.

I looked at my watch and realized it was late afternoon. We still had one more place to go before showering, and needed time to get to dinner. "We still have time to do the wipe-out game you wanted before we go."

"Yay!" she clapped and jumped up.

I asked an employee to activate it, and we went to the enclosed ring where a giant arm tried to knock people over as they jumped over or under it. Hilarity ensued as we all struggled to stay on our feet, mostly exaggerating since the game was designed for humans. I briefly wondered what a similar place for wolves would look like, and it was funny to imagine Alpha and Luna doing the same things.

"Alright guys, I've gotta kidnap her now," I announced, to everyone's dismay. Groans of disapproval followed, but after hugs and goodbyes, we were back in the car.

"I bet I still don't get to know the next place, do I?" Missy teased.

"Nope." We pulled into a shopping center, and this time it was obvious where we were: The Rage Room.

"What the hell is a rage room?" Missy asked incredulously.

"You'll see," I smiled.

Inside, a friendly man led us to a large room in the back. It was lined with steel sheets and filled with furniture, a TV, glass vases, and other items. He gave us protective goggles and laughed at Missy's expression as he handed her a metal bat. Her confusion turned to glee as she understood we were there to destroy everything.

"I'm going to leave you now; just remember to have fun!" he said before closing the door.

"Time to get out all our frustration from the last few months?" I asked, gesturing to the room.

"Goddess, yes!" she said excitedly.

"There are no cameras, and they won't come in until we're done. You can fully let loose," I assured her, enjoying the widening of her eyes as she realized she didn't have to worry about the humans.

She tested the TV with the bat, then swung hard, splitting it in half. Her look of bliss was worth the price of admission.

"Your turn!" she yelled, offering me the bat.

"I think this is more my speed," I said, picking up a sledgehammer.

I smashed the oversized couch. Pieces exploded around us, showering us with stuffing as we laughed and destroyed it together. About an hour later, we'd reduced the room to dust. We were spent. I tossed the hammer and took the bat from Missy. Pulling her into my arms, I lifted her, and she wrapped her legs around my waist.

"Feel better?" I asked, my forehead against hers.

"So much!" she exclaimed. "You might have to let me do this more often."

"Anything for you," I laughed, and kissed her passionately. Joy flowed through our bond, and I wanted to be close to her.

Luckily, the rage room had showers. The front desk guy looked astonished at the state of the room, but he directed us to the locker rooms. I showered and changed quickly, putting on a light pink button-up shirt and dark-washed jeans. I combed my hair. My heart was pounding—this was our first real date. I packed my dirty clothes and waited for Missy. Her scent reached me before I saw her. She wore a knee-length dress that hugged her curves. I gulped, trying to find the words to compliment her.

"I think you're looking for 'you look beautiful,'" the guy at the counter called out.

"Yeah," I said, sheepishly. "Sorry."

"It's okay," Missy said, smiling sweetly as she took my hand. "I'm following you."

"You two have fun!"

I led Missy to the car, opening the passenger door for her and helping her with her bag. Soon, we were off to our final destination.

The drive to Luna's inn was short. As the stadium loomed ahead, the sun had set. The parking lot was lit, empty of other cars. I parked and grabbed the basket and bag I'd packed, carrying the basket and taking Missy's hand. She wrapped her arm around mine, her head on my shoulder, her scent carried on the breeze as we walked to a special entrance.

We went through the athletes' entrance, and I found a candlelit path to the field. The stadium lights were off, the candles casting a romantic glow on our spot. She looked surprised as I led her to thick blankets laid out in front of a large screen on the grass. A small projector and laptop were set up for the movie I'd chosen. Luna had done everything perfectly. I sat down, placing the basket beside us.

"Maddox, what is this?" Missy asked, overwhelmed.

"So…" I began. "I wanted us to feel like kids today, but I also wanted to show you how much I love you. When I think of the life I want to give you, I think of your parents. I want to love you the way Alpha loves Luna."

Missy looked like she was fighting back tears. "Why are we here, though?"

"When I told Luna about my plans, she reminisced about her first date with your dad. It was here—a candlelit dinner and a movie on this field. So, I thoughtwhat if I gave you that night, too?"

Tears streamed down Missy's face. I worried I'd messed up and leaned forward to wipe them away, but she pulled me in for a deep, passionate kiss. Her hands tangled in my hair.

She pulled away, her lips close to mine. "This is the sweetest thing you've ever done, Maddox. Thank you. I love it."

Relief washed over me. I smiled and kissed her again. "Are you hungry?"

She rubbed her belly. "I'm starving!"

"Good, I brought plenty of food."

I pulled out sandwiches I'd made, meats and cheeses, popcorn (with her own salt shaker), and a glass bowl with a purple heart lid. She'd bought the bowl for me, and it was my favorite.

"Mmmm, can we have dessert first?" she purred, leaning over to peek inside. Her dress slipped forward, giving me a better view of her chest, and I stuttered my agreement.

"Uh… I… Sure," I said. "Close your eyes," I instructed, opening the lid.

She closed her eyes as I grabbed a candied strawberry. I knew strawberries weren't her favorite, but these were different. She opened her mouth, licking her lips. I pressed the strawberry to her lips. She chewed slowly, moaning slightly. She opened her eyes, surprised.

"Oh… my Goddess, Maddox. That was so good!" she exclaimed.

"Well, you gave me the idea," I admitted.

"What do you mean?" she asked quizzically.

"Your scent. This is what you smell like to me, and I wanted you to experience how pleasurable it is to smell you all day," I admitted, my heart fluttering. Being away from her reaffirmed how much I never wanted to be away from that scent again.

Her lips found mine again. She pushed me onto my back, climbing on top of me. Her scent overpowered my senses as the taste of strawberry melded with it, and I closed my eyes in euphoria as my arms wrapped around her. I never wanted this night to end.