Chapter 24

Noah arrived at the training session searching for his brother and his mate Kathy, who were expected, but absent, so he approached one of the men to ask a question.

"Do you know where Anthony is?"

"He said he was going to shower in the training building bathroom, but really he wanted to be alone with his mate."

"I'll go see it with my own eyes," Noah replied.

“Alpha says he doesn’t want to be disturbed,”

Noah knocked the young man to the ground, snarled, and then departed toward the structure where his brother was located. Before he had the chance to open the door, Noah probably catch them; Anthony and Kathy exited, holding hands and smiling. It was strange because Noah entered the room by himself, without his brother; Noah had never trained before since he had always been a baby, and now he desires the throne.

"What's brought you here, Noah?" Anthony asked.

Noah lied and said, "I'm here to take you to lunch."

“No, I don’t think so we are going to be busy all day. Now I think your mate is looking for you,”

Anthony's passing by caused Noah to become angry.

"Once we've had lunch, the moving truck is available to transport all of your possessions from her father's residence. Do you want to go somewhere?”

"Let's go to Nightowl; they serve seafood and meat. I've never been, but I want to check it out. Can we go?”

"Miles will bring the car, I will arrange it."

“Yay!”

Wanting Kathy to be happy, Anthony plans a special outing, keeping the news of his possible travel a secret; he's hopeful she can join him, though he must first await further information. Miles arrived, and Anthony opened the car door for Kathy to enter, then they both got in, and Miles drove away.

“Where you two are going?” asked Miles

“We are going to Nightowl. After lunch I want you and my men at Kathy’s father house to be ready to pack her things. I don’t trust her family at all,”

“Yes, Alpha,”

Kathy's father, Edward, went with his family to the Nightowl, the same location where Kathy was going, and Skye, next to her fiancé Asher, was showing off the ring he had given her. When the waitress approached, she presented them with a menu, and Edward selected an expensive wine, Moonlit Wine, a lighter variety that complements common foods, especially seafood.

“I never been at the Nightowl before. Dad how did you know about this place?”

“I know the owner, and everything is on the house for us. Come on pick something I am starving,”

Each person will choose their preferred meal. Edward glanced up and saw his daughter, Kathy, holding hands with an unfamiliar man, smiling as they headed towards a private booth. Everyone is watching what Edward is looking at. Skye was enraged and nearly rose from her chair; however, her mother prevented her from doing so by touching her hand.

“Skye, don’t let your father handle this situation,”

Edward stood up from the chair without moving, biding his time until the moment was right because he had to make sure his plan was perfect.

Anthony and Kathy held hands after they made to their table in the private booth the waitress hand them a menu with smile on her face, Anthony put his hand on her waist and pulled her close to her. Then rubbing his nose on her neck making her giggle.

“Stop, we are in public,”

“I don’t care, you smell so good,”

“Down my love,”

Kathy looked around, her gaze sweeping over the cozy glow of softly lit tables, families laughing over shared desserts, friends raising glasses in easy celebration, and couples leaning in close with secret smiles. The Nightowl pulsed with warmth and the gentle clatter of cutlery, every table a small universe of delight.

She let herself relax, enjoying the hum of life around her—until her eyes fell upon a familiar figure across the dining room. There, not far from the edge of the room, sat her father, Edward, and the rest of his family, basking in the same golden light. For a brief, breathless moment, Kathy froze, her hand tightening in Anthony’s.

Anthony noticed the change immediately. He turned, his expression softening with concern as he followed her gaze. “What is it?” he murmured, voice low, but Kathy couldn’t answer. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears as she watched her father’s table, hoping they hadn’t noticed her yet. Anthony’s arm slid protectively around her, anchoring her in the midst of the sudden storm of nerves.

“It’s my dad,” Kathy whispered finally, struggling to keep her voice steady. “He’s here—with everyone.” She glanced at Anthony, fear and uncertainty flickering in her eyes, and wondered what would happen now that their worlds had so unexpectedly collided.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let him or anyone else near you. You are with me plus I have my two men here guarding us. Let get something to eat you must be starving,”

The waiter came over to ask them what they want to eat and drink.

Kathy said, "I want Fish and Lamb Kebab and a Strawberry Mocktail."

“What about you, sir?” said waiter

“I would like Scallop and Salmon pasta, my drink is going to be Brandy Blaze,”

“Let me take your menus, and I will return with your drinks and food,”

She took their menus and went to place the order. Kathy sank back in her chair, the tension lingering on her shoulders but eased slightly by Anthony’s reassuring presence. The gentle melody of laughter and clinking glasses tried to reclaim her attention, but her thoughts circled restlessly around her father’s table.

Anthony leaned closer, his voice calm. “If you want, we can leave before the food comes. Or we can stay. Whatever you need, I’m right here.” His steadiness offered her a lifeline, and she clung to it, exhaling slowly.

“No, let’s stay,” Kathy said after a moment, her voice gaining strength. “I don’t want to run—not anymore.” She tried to focus on the promise of good food, the comfort of Anthony’s warmth, and the flickering candlelight dancing across their table, willing herself to belong to this place and this moment, no matter who else was in the room.

Skye stood up, followed the server to where the drinks were made, placed the food order, and noticed Kathy's table number. While the server was briefly turned away from the drink, Skye retrieved an item from her pocket, poured something into the drink, and stirred it. She acts as though she's returning to the table after using the restroom. Skye saw the server place the drinks and just watched the events unfold.

Kathy lifted her Strawberry Mocktail, the glass cools against her palm, and took a tentative sip. The sweetness burst across her tongue, bright and almost candied, coaxing a small smile to her lips as she licked away the lingering flavor.  Across the table, Anthony raised his Brandy Blaze, swirling it gently. The scent of brandy rose strong and confident, tinged with a smoky edge, filling the air between them. He inhaled, appreciating the drink’s warmth, letting it settle him further into the moment.