Ethan pov
I observed her as she innocently relished the chicken, her eyes occasionally glancing back at me when she realized I was not touching my meal.
“Alpha Ethan, you aren’t eating,” she remarked, a hint of concern in her tone.
“Nothing, I simply prefer to watch you enjoy your food, Harper.”
Her cheeks turned a shade of pink, and she lowered her gaze to her plate, continuing to eat. I found myself unable to look away, entranced by the simple pleasure she derived from each bite.
Once she completed her meal, Harper pushed her plate aside, letting out a satisfied sigh. “That was… incredible.” Her eyes sparkled, and my heart swelled with warmth.
“I’m pleased you liked it,” I replied, my voice deep and resonant. I reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, noticing her pulse quicken as her gaze met mine.
The atmosphere grew charged with tension as I leaned closer, my face mere inches from hers. “You deserve every bit of happiness, Harper.” My breath brushed against her skin.
Harper’s eyelids fluttered shut, her lips slightly parted. I could feel her yearning, her desire to embrace the bond forming between us.
Just as our lips were about to meet, Harper’s eyes flew open, a flicker of fear crossing her features. “Ethan, I… I’m not sure if I’m ready.” Her voice quivered.
I withdrew slightly, my hands gently cradling her face. “We will proceed at your pace, Harper. No pressure. You are safe with me.” I assured her, my thumbs softly tracing circles on her cheeks.
Harper searched my gaze, and I allowed her to see the earnestness reflected in my eyes. Gradually, her tension dissipated, replaced by a delicate trust.
“Thank you, Ethan,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
I released her from my embrace with a smile. “Anytime, Harper. Now, shall we indulge in some dessert?”
Harper’s expression brightened, and I chuckled, feeling a sense of relief as her smile returned.
As we savored our dessert, the atmosphere shifted from tension to eager anticipation. Harper’s laughter and radiant smiles enveloped me, strengthening our connection.
Yet, the shadows of her past remained, lurking and ready to strike. I made a silent promise to safeguard her, to be her refuge.
Clark promptly took the driver’s seat once we finished our meal. I have always had unwavering trust in my beta. “Clark, please take us to the finest boutique in town; Harper needs a wardrobe refresh.”
His eyes met mine through the rearview mirror, a glimmer of amusement evident. “Consider it done, Alpha.” He nodded and started the engine.
As we drove, Harper’s curiosity piqued. “Ethan, why are we heading to a boutique?” She turned to me, her eyes alight with interest.
I smiled and took her hand in mine. “You deserve a fresh start, Harper. New clothes, a new life-no reminders of what has been.”
Her expression softened as she glanced at our joined hands. “Thank you, Ethan. You’re doing far too much for me.”
“There’s no such thing as too much,” I replied softly, my thumb gently tracing circles on her palm.
We arrived at the boutique, its luxurious exterior shimmering in the twilight. Clark opened the door, guiding us inside.
Upon entering, we were warmly welcomed by the boutique’s owner, Madame LeRoux. “Alpha Ethan! It is a pleasure to have you here! We shall provide the most exquisite attire for your esteemed guest.”
Harper’s face flushed at the suggestion, yet I simply smiled. “Harper, feel free to explore. Select whatever you wish.”
Under Madame LeRoux’s expert guidance, Harper ventured into a vast array of designer clothing. I observed with amusement as she reappeared, arms laden with garments, her enthusiasm contagious.
In the dressing room, Harper’s delighted gasps and laughter resonated through the curtains. I chuckled, envisioning her reactions to the extravagant outfits.
At last, she stepped out, radiant in a flowing silver gown. “Ethan?” Her voice quivered, seeking my approval.
I was momentarily speechless. Harper radiated beauty, her presence captivating. “Stunning,” I murmured, my gaze fixed on her.
Clark cleared his throat, discreetly making his exit. “I will wait outside, Alpha.”
As Harper tried on one exquisite outfit after another, each more breathtaking than the last, I realized I was in a precarious situation. My beta would undoubtedly tease me relentlessly I was falling hopelessly in love with Harper.
“Harper looks incredibly beautiful, Alpha Ethan; you are fortunate to have her,” Clark remarked, a smile gracing his face.
I smiled, my gaze fixed on Harper as she admired her reflection in the mirror. “I understand, Clark. I recognize how fortunate I am.” My voice was soft, imbued with deep emotion.
Clark’s demeanor shifted to one of seriousness. “Alpha, you are worthy of happiness. After all that you have endured, you deserve someone like Harper.”
I turned my attention to Clark, a wave of gratitude filling my heart. “Thank you, Clark. You have been more than just a beta to me.”
Clark’s smile reappeared. “That is the essence of family, Alpha.”
As Harper continued her shopping adventure, Clark and I exchanged a knowing glance, our silent agreement evident: Protect Harper at all costs.
Once Harper had chosen her new outfits, we exited the boutique, the evening sun casting a warm glow over the city.
“Where to next, Alpha?” Clark inquired, opening the car door.
I looked at Harper, her eyes shimmering with excitement. “Take us to the pack’s lake house. Harper deserves a respite from the city.”
Harper’s face brightened. “A lake house? That sounds delightful.”
Clark nodded, starting the engine. “I will prepare everything, Alpha.”
As we drove, Harper’s hand found mine once more. I intertwined our fingers, feeling a profound connection.
Upon arriving at the lake house, Harper gasped at the breathtaking scenery. “It’s beautiful.”
I smiled, guiding her to the water’s edge. “I am pleased you like it.”
As the stars began to twinkle overhead, Harper leaned against me, resting her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close.
“Thank you for today, Ethan,” she murmured, her voice drifting across the water.
I pressed my lips to her forehead. “Anything for you, Harper.”
In that moment, with the world serene around us, I resolved to protect Harper, ensuring she received the happiness she truly deserved.
As we stood by the lake, I moved closer, our lips meeting in a passionate kiss that lingered for several moments.