Patrick took her to a locally renowned upscale restaurant, thinking it was just a casual date, she had even worn a casual shirt.
“Don’t be uncomfortable, you look beautiful just like this,” Patrick said, leading her into the restaurant.
Emma had never been here before. It was like a palace, with high-grade marble floors and elaborate geometric patterns. The lobby on the ground floor had a high dome, nearly 30 feet high, with a huge crystal chandelier hanging at the top.
They climbed a spiral staircase to the top floor, an open-air dining area where they could see the stars twinkling in the sky. There were not many people here, as if it was designed just for the two of them.
Patrick pulled out her chair. “Enjoy the evening to the fullest,” he said. When the first course arrived, she felt amazed. It was the taste she loved.
The meal was delightful, perhaps because she was eating with the right person. Before dessert, they toasted with a bottle of champagne.
“Let’s play a game,” Patrick said.
Emma swallowed her champagne, nodding. “What?”
“Ask each other questions and answer them.”
Emma’s eyes lit up, eager to start the game. “Okay.”
“You go first.”
Without hesitation, Emma asked, “What are your plans next?”
“After sorting things out here, I’ll go back. It should only take a couple of weeks,” Patrick replied.
It felt too soon to Emma. Was his vacation over?
“Now it’s my turn. Do you hate me?” she asked.
Emma shook her head. “I don’t hate you. I might even say I’m crazy about you.”
“What about you?” she asked.
Patrick laughed, his ears turning red. “I thought you knew the answer. I love you, Emma.”
“Like loving the moon goddess?” Patrick knew she was referring to the absurd pact they had made years ago. He chuckled, “Is this the second question?”
He’s really cunning, Emma thought. She had no chance at this game.
“But I will answer you, and it’s far more than that. I believe you are my mate. What about you?” Patrick said.
Thinking about Florence’s words earlier that day, Emma resignedly said, “I thought I was too young two years ago, but I haven’t been able to forget about you for these two years. I can’t accept anyone else. I think I’ve belonged to you for a long time. But it’s not fair to me.”
Why did she fall in love first, without even a chance to negotiate?
Patrick seemed relieved. “I knew you were my mate early on, but I couldn’t tell you. I was afraid it would influence your judgment. Luckily, your choice is me. I’m deeply sorry for the past hurts.”
Emma couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Did he confirm she was his destined mate two years ago? Was this true? Was this why Jennifer had been hostile towards her? Because she was destined to become the Luna of the Silver Moon Pack?
“But it’s not too late now. You’ve caught me. No matter where I go, you can catch me, can’t you?” Emma said, feeling deflated.
“No, no, no, darling, it’s not like that. You found me. You kept me from getting lost. You brought my wolf back. You are my moon goddess, my redemption.”
It was the most beautiful thing Emma had ever heard. A werewolf of ordinary birth, described as redemption by an Alpha.
There was no need for a winner in this game anymore.
“Do you believe me, that the matter of the Silver Moon Pack has been resolved, and my mother will no longer pose a threat to you? Your friends,” he paused, seeming reluctant to mention this person.
“Is it Rory?” She hadn’t had a chance to ask about his current situation.
“Yes, he’s doing well. He confessed to the elders that he took you away to provoke me, not your fault. He used you, but he genuinely regrets it. I’ve decided to give him a chance, another chance to prove himself.”
Emma didn’t blame Rory. In that environment, his suggestion had once been her only solution.
“Did you discuss this matter with Uncle Edward today? Let me go back with you,” Emma said, not doubting Patrick’s ability to act.
“Yes, I hope our love will be recognized, especially by your family and friends.”
“So Florence is one of your persuaders too?”
“Yeah, after all, I need to gain more supporters.” Patrick winked mischievously.
No wonder Florence had come to talk early in the morning. They had all planned it. Dessert arrived a bit late, and it was nearly ten o’clock by the time they finished eating.
But Patrick did not seem to be in a hurry to let her leave. They took a stroll through the restaurant’s garden, walking for almost twenty minutes until they reached the forest.
Emma didn’texpect these two places to be connected. Patrick asked her if she remembered how they first met.
Emma smiled, somewhat embarrassed. At that time, she had been heartbroken over her mother’s departure and was a rebellious teenager. After coming back, she hadn’t visited that area with the boulder for a long time.
“Take me there,” Patrick said.
When they arrived at the boulder, Patrick asked Emma to sit on top, wanting to recreate the scene from their first meeting, which made Emma giggle uncontrollably.
“Do you know why I like this rock?” Emma asked.
“Because it has your name carved on it?” Patrick remembered only that much.
“No, because when I was little, I was bullied by some boys. Right here, then… a boy appeared and helped me fend off those bullies. He made me feel safe, so whenever I felt sad or lost, I would come here.”
“It might sound childish, but I really waited for him to come back and rescue me again.”
Patrick shook his head, incredulous. “That girl was you?”
“What?” Emma was puzzled.
“My memory is hazy, but I remember my father was still alive at that time. He was on good terms with the Alpha of this pack, and he brought me here. I saw a girl, about this tall… she was being bullied, but she didn’t back down. Although my father warned me not to cause trouble here, I still picked up a stone to help her.”
“That was you?” Emma got goosebumps. Was this a coincidence? Or fate?
Patrick licked his lips, feeling everything was incredibly amazing. “I think so.”
“When my mother’s funeral took place, I was still wondering what happened to that girl. And then, I met you here!” Patrick said excitedly. Everything was a gift from the moon goddess, everything was guided by the moon goddess.
It turned out his mate had appeared long before two years ago, and their feelings had blossomed even earlier.
Patrick was half kneeling on the ground, holding out a blue velvet box. Just like in novels and movies, he raised Emma’s right hand, looking at her earnestly and affectionately. Emma’s heart was pounding so loud she could hardly hear him as he asked, “Emma, the question-and-answer game tonight isn’t over yet.”
“Emma Bess, will you marry me, become my mate, and become the Luna of our Silver Moon Pack?”
Emma saw Patrick open the velvet box, revealing a ring with a diamond the size of a pigeon egg, surrounded by a circle of small sapphires. She couldn’t even estimate its value.
Patrick always captivated Emma with his sincere and earnest gaze, making it impossible for her to refuse or do anything to hurt him. Her heart thundered as she responded, “Which Emma are you proposing to?”
“The past little girl, the Emma taken to the Silver Moon Pack, and the one standing before me. Every stage of you, the aging you,” Patrick’s words were like poetry, and Emma knew she had already agreed.
“My answer is yes.”