The moment Alpha Adrian started moving toward the bar, I escaped to the dance floor. The DJ chose a fierce anthem, and my pack warriors cheered like they had planned the whole thing. Genevieve and I laughed through the song, turning the embarrassment into a challenge we could own.

When the music slowed, Sebastian crossed the room with quiet confidence. The crowd gave him space, and I felt my pulse jump when his eyes found mine. He offered his hand, and I took it.

We moved together carefully, close enough to speak over the music but far enough to keep my promise to myself. Sebastian's voice softened when he greeted me, and I reminded him that I was still waiting for my mate. He smiled like he already knew the answer, but he did not push.

For a while we simply danced. His presence was warm and steady, and I hated how easy it was to trust him. He told me I looked beautiful. I teased him back, but when his expression turned serious, I knew he was listening to more than my jokes.

Outside, the winter air cooled my face. Sebastian wrapped his jacket around my shoulders and walked me to his truck. Instead of making the moment heavier, he asked if I wanted food. I said yes, grateful for the change of pace.

The cafe was quiet. He ordered steak, and I chose apple pie because I knew he would steal half of it. For a few minutes we were almost normal, two people hiding from a loud night and pretending the future was simple.

Then Sebastian reached for my hands. "Tell me your dreams, Evelyn."

The question caught me off guard. I tried to deflect with a joke about romantic dinners, beach walks, and a man who could respect a strong woman.

His smile softened. "That sounds like me."

When the waitress left, his expression turned serious. He told me he respected my choice to wait for fate, but he also wanted me to know where he stood. If destiny did not choose him, he would still choose me. He promised respect, patience, training, equality, and a life where my strength would never be treated like a threat.

My throat tightened. "Sebastian, I..."

"Don't answer tonight," he said. "Just know I mean it."

The pie arrived, giving me a moment to breathe. We shared it in silence, and the warmth between us shifted into something gentler. It was not a promise, not yet, but it was no longer a game either.

Later, outside my door, he kissed my forehead and stepped back before either of us could say too much.

"Dream of a future you choose for yourself," he said.

As he drove away, a lone wolf howled in the distance, and for the first time that night, I wondered whether fate was already closer than I thought.