eting stage, but she knew that the suspicious looks, the silent judgments, had only just begun. Despite everything, she felt

ng. She can't help but feel a certain nervousness; after all, this was their first real face-to-face

probe beyond his words. "I hope the meeting didn't intimidate you too much. Som

ected this kind of reception, to be honest. But I'm re

his own way, respectful of her determination. "That's what I like to see," he murmured, almost to himself, before continuing in a more serio

they were just words at the moment. She knew that in this socie

l do my best, for you, for th

eyes shining with an almost mysterious gl

ad formed between them and was just waiting to be strengthened. But before she could

io

ime had a possessive, almost threatening glint, and Lyana felt slightly uncomfortable. He walk

ious, almost accusatory t

uneasiness rising within her. "Yes, Orion. I c

ay. "And you really think everyone is going to welcome

t here to please everyone, Orion. I am here for my children, and

you should be careful who you hang out with." Some migh

pricked her heart. "I have nothing to prove, Orion. Not to you

be careful, Lyana. The pack has expectations, and

Orion seemed to possess a need for control, a desire to place himself as an unsolicited protector, and it made her uncomfort

mile lighting his features. Ewan. Her heart made a little connection recognizing him, and a natural smile stretched h

his arms, showing sincere joy. "

iendly embrace, immediately feeling

ening the lines of his face. "You haven't changed

"Let's just say I had to

at the twins who were clinging to their mother's dres

ed fondly, looking at them

m glow in his eyes. "Well, they

For the first time since her return, she felt seen and accepted for who

r a moment, as if he were gathering his courage. "How do you sound about having dinner with me ton

sincerity. "It would be my pleasure, Ewan. It would do

t may have been a simple dinner, but to her, it was more than that. It was a ste

here for a moment, breathing deeply, feeling for the first