**Tiana's POV**
Just then, a maid entered the room, holding an elegant envelope. She curtsied before handing it to me.
"A letter for you, Lady Tiana," she said.
"Thank you," I replied, taking the envelope with curiosity. I opened it and quickly scanned the contents. It was an invitation detailing the venue and time for my dinner with Theo.
Amara peeked over my shoulder, reading along with me. "His private dining room. Sounds fancy."
I nodded, feeling my heart rate quicken. "It does."
"Who knows what other private place he'll be inviting you to soon," she wiggled her eyebrows naughtily and then clapped her hands together. "Alright, we don't have much time. Let's get you ready!"
She led me to the wardrobe and started pulling out dresses. "You need to look stunning tonight, Tiana. Something that will take Theo's breath away."
"It's just a dinner. I'm sure he just wants to get to know the stranger in his pack more."
We went through several dresses, each more beautiful than the last. There was a deep green one with a lot of beadworks, a soft blue one that flowed like water, and a striking black one with a plunging neckline that had diamonds all over it.
Finally, Amara held up a red evening dress. It was made of silk, with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt that shimmered in the light. "This one," she said, her eyes sparkling. "It's perfect. Red is seductive."
"I'm pretty sure the purpose of this dinner is not to seduce him," I sighed, chuckling nervously.
"Well, it'll be worth a shot," she winked.
I tried it on, and the dress fit like it was made for me.
"You look incredible," Amara said.
"Thank you, Amara," I said, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.
Amara called some maids to help with my hair because, according to her, it was too luscious for her to handle. The maids helped with my hair. They styled it into a braided updo, with a few loose strands framing my face.
"These will complete the look," Amara said, fastening a silver necklace around my neck. She helped me to put in some earrings as well.
I looked at myself in the mirror, hardly recognizing the woman staring back. "I feel like a different person," I whispered.
"A beautiful, confident person," Amara corrected, giving me a reassuring smile. "Now, let's get you downstairs."
As I descended the stairs my insides were churning with so much anxiety. What would Theo think? Would he be pleased?
Would he think that I was trying too hard?
When I reached the private dining room, Theo was already there, standing by the table. He turned as I entered.
"I'm sorry, did I keep you waiting?" I asked, feeling a bit self-conscious.
Theo shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. "No, you're right on time. I just decided to sit here a bit early."
He stepped forward and took my hand, his gaze never leaving mine. "You look stunning," he said softly, raising my hand to his lips and kissing the back of it.
A shiver ran down my spine at the touch of his lips on my skin. "Thank you, Theo," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.
Theo pulled out a chair for me, and I sat down. He took his seat across from me, his eyes never leaving mine.
The private dining room was elegantly decorated, with soft candlelight casting a warm glow over the table.
"Thank you for agreeing to have dinner with me, Tiana," Theo said in a gentle voice. "I wanted to get to know you better."
"Thank you for inviting me," I replied.
Dinner was served, and as we began to eat, there was an awkward silence between us. I decided to be the one to break it this time.
"How does hunting feel like?" I asked. "I've never really had the experience."
"There's nothing quite like the feeling of hunting as a wolf," he said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "The freedom, the power, the connection to the earth beneath your paws—it's indescribable."
I listened intently, fascinated by his words. "It sounds incredible," I said. "I hope I get to experience it one day."
"You will, Tiana," Theo assured me. "I've been consulting with physicians and scholars about why some people of age haven't wolfed out. They believe it could be due to mental and emotional stress."
I looked down, feeling a pang of sadness. "Layla told you what I went through in my pack, didn't she?"
Theo nodded, his expression softening with empathy. "Yes, she did. And I'm so sorry for what you've endured. The scholars think that the trauma and stress you experienced might be one of the reasons your wolf hasn't come out yet."
I swallowed hard, trying to push down the painful memories. "Maybe."
Theo reached across the table and took my hand, his touch warm and comforting. "You won't have to go through that again."
I squeezed his hand, grateful for his understanding. "Thank you, Theo."
As we continued our meal, the door suddenly opened. A woman in a stunning red dress entered. She was extremely beautiful but also haughty looking.
Theo's expression changed to shock. He stood up slowly.
"Fiona, I didn't expect to see you today," he said.
I wondered if I was caught in the crosshairs of two lovers.
Fiona smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I heard you were having dinner, so I thought I'd join you."
Theo's jaw tightened slightly. "This is a dinner between Tiana and me. It was meant to be private."
Fiona's smile turned into a pout. "I thought we were close friends, Theo. Are you pushing me away?"
"It's not like that," Theo replied, trying to maintain his composure.
Sensing the tension, I spoke up. "It's okay. She can join us. I don't mind."
Fiona gave me a look that was anything but friendly, but she took a seat next to Theo anyway.
As we resumed eating, I couldn't help but feel awkward in her presence. She made little effort to hide her disdain, and occasionally, I'd catch her glaring at me.
"So, Tiana," Fiona said after a while, her tone deceptively sweet. "How are you finding our pack so far?"
"It's been welcoming," I replied, trying to sound confident despite the undercurrent of hostility. "Everyone has been very kind to me."
"I'm sure they have," she said, her smile turning cold. "Theo has always been such a gracious host."
"He is."
"Well, don't get too comfortable here," she said in a sickly sweet voice. "Theo's father's return from his travels will determine if you can stay here or not."
Theo cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable with the turn the conversation was taking. "Fiona, perhaps this isn't the best time for—"
"Oh, come on, Theo," Fiona interrupted. "We're just getting to know each other, right, Tiana? And I'm trying to let her know what can be possible."
"Right," I agreed, forcing a smile. "It's good to get to know everyone.”