Chapter 178
Chapter 178
KNOX
The smell of something delicious cooking met me at the door, along with the sound of Luca’s laughter. As I walked into the kitchen, the sight warmed me instantly: Isabella was chopping vegetables, and Luca was sitting in his high chair, pounding a wooden spoon on his little tray as if he were drumming a victory anthem.
“Looks like I’m just in time for the concert,” I said, grinning as Luca spotted me and squealed. Isabella looked up, and her face lit up in that way that always pulled me in, whether I wanted to admit it or not.
“You’re home early,” she said, arching an eyebrow but smiling. “I figured Jax or Asher would be the first one through the door.”
“Surprise,” I replied, dropping my bag and moving closer to Luca, who was already reaching out with sticky little fingers. “It’s just us three for now, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
I ruffled Luca’s hair as he babbled something I assumed was meant to be "Dad," and then let him grab onto my fingers with his tiny, powerful grip. He was so serious, so intent on showing me his spoon, that I couldn’t help but laugh.
“So,” I said, glancing up at Isabella while keeping one eye on Luca’s next move. “I hear you’ve got a fancy weekend in New York lined up. A little date in the big city, hmm?”
She gave me a knowing smile, shaking her head as she tossed the chopped veggies into a bowl. “Don’t sound so jealous, Knox.”
“Jealous?” I feigned shock, pressing a hand to my chest in mock offense. “Never. Though I do feel like everyone’s getting a romantic getaway with you except me. Jax got his time, now Asher. What about the rest of us lowly mates?”
Isabella chuckled, handing Luca a piece of cucumber to chew on. “Trust me, you keep me entertained enough. And besides, I’d hardly call it a romantic getaway… more like a working weekend with some added pressure to make sure I don’t make a fool of myself.”
“Ahh,” I said, leaning against the counter and crossing my arms. “So that’s why you’ve been scowling at your closet all week. Lack of ‘queenly’ attire, is it?”
She rolled her eyes, clearly trying to hide a smile. “You caught me. It’s one thing to stand up for you all here, but presenting myself as a queen in front of who knows how many other packs? I’m still… getting used to that.”
“You’ve got nothing to worry about,” I told her, reaching out to flick a stray curl off her forehead. “You already carry yourself like a queen. But hey, if you want a few extra clothes to boost that confidence, I’m all in. Let’s make a day of it. Just you, me, and some serious shopping.”
She smirked, giving me a sidelong glance. “Don’t you have a job?”
I leaned in, lowering my voice as I gave her my best charming grin. “Don’t worry about my job. They can do without me for a day, and besides, helping you look perfect for this gala is a very, very important task. One I’m completely committed to.”
Her lips curved, a sparkle in her eyes as she looked up at me. “Committed, huh? Well, who am I to stop such dedication?”
I leaned back, feeling a rush of pride and something a little deeper as she met my gaze. Just then, Luca decided to tug on my shirt with sticky fingers, reminding me of our audience.
“Oh, you think you’re part of this date too, little man?” I scooped him up, earning a delighted giggle, and shot a grin back at Isabella. “Looks like it’s family shopping day, after all.”
She laughed, that bright, happy sound filling the kitchen, and for that moment, everything felt perfect.
Isabella walked out of the dressing room in yet another dress—a sleek, emerald-green satin that hugged her curves and shimmered in the light. I couldn’t help but stare; this one was perfect. She caught my reaction and raised an eyebrow, amused.
“What do you think?” she asked, smoothing down the fabric, her eyes sparkling as she met my gaze.
“Think you’re going to put everyone else at that gala to shame,” I replied, shaking my head with a grin. “This is the one.”
She did a little turn in front of the mirror, eyeing her reflection thoughtfully. The green brought out the depths in her eyes, highlighting that mischievous glint I knew so well.
“Couldn’t agree more,” she murmured, taking another glance in the mirror.
Just then, a thought popped into my mind, and I couldn’t help myself. “So… I guess we need to find you something underneath it too, right?” I asked, giving her a playful nudge.
She turned to face me, leaning in close as she lowered her voice. “Actually,” she said, a wicked smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, “with this dress… I don’t think anything underneath is necessary.”
The thrill that shot through me was instant. “You really know how to make it impossible to wait until we get home, don’t you?” I whispered, stepping closer, my pulse picking up. She laughed, the sound rich and full of promise, and for a moment, I could practically feel her warmth against me.
She slipped back into the dressing room to change out of the dress, and I took a breath to collect myself. As much as I wanted her all to myself, I couldn’t help feeling a pang of disappointment. Seeing her so radiant in this gown, knowing she’d be standing beside Asher at that gala, presenting herself to everyone… and I wouldn’t be there. I was happy for her and proud of the woman she was becoming, but it was hard to ignore the longing.
When she came out in her regular clothes, holding the dress delicately, she must have caught something in my expression. She slipped her hand into mine, giving it a comforting squeeze.
“Thank you, Knox. For everything.”
I just pulled her close, savoring the moment. She was going to stun the entire room at that gala, and I’d make sure she knew just how much I adored her when we got home.