Chapter 302: Kiss Me

Three heads turned in my direction. Seraphina's smile faltered when she saw my expression. Aurora took an instinctive step back.

I slipped my arm through Tristan's, my fingers curling possessively around his bicep. The muscle tensed under my touch, and I felt a small thrill of satisfaction.

"Didn't you say you wanted to help me stretch before the relay race?" My voice dripped false sweetness as I smiled up at him. "I'd hate to pull something during competition."

Shock flickered across his features, followed by something that looked dangerously like hope. His free hand moved to cover mine where it rested on his arm.

"Of course, Lyss," he said softly. "We should probably get started."

The nickname sent warmth spiraling through my chest.

Tristan shifted position, his arm dropping to capture my hand instead. Our fingers intertwined naturally, fitting together like puzzle pieces. The familiar gesture sent electricity racing up my arm.

I heard Seraphina's sharp intake of breath. Aurora's face had gone pale with understanding.

"Ladies," Tristan nodded politely to the two women, his tone dismissive. "Enjoy the evening."

He guided me away from them, our joined hands swinging slightly between us. Behind us, I could hear Orion and Lyra's excited squeals.

"Mommy and Daddy are holding hands!" Lyra practically shouted. "Look, everyone! They're holding hands!"

"Yes!" Orion pumped his fist in the air. "Phase two complete!"

I shot a look over my shoulder at my scheming children. They gave me matching thumbs up before racing to catch up with us.

"Phase two?" I asked Tristan quietly.

His mouth quirked in amusement. "I'm afraid to ask what phase three involves."

We reached a quieter area near the tree line. Ancient pines created natural privacy screens, muffling the sounds of the main gathering. Tristan released my hand, and I immediately missed the contact.

"Thank you," he said simply.

I crossed my arms, suddenly feeling foolish. "For what?"

"Rescuing me from those two." His smile was soft, grateful. "Aurora's been persistent since the charity auction. And Seraphina..." He shuddered slightly. "Let's just say subtlety isn't her strong suit."

"You didn't seem to mind the attention." The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Tristan's eyebrows rose. "Jealous?"

"Hardly." I lifted my chin. "I was protecting our children from witnessing inappropriate behavior."

"It's okay," he said gently. "I know this is complicated. Being here together, pretending to be partners for their sake."

Pretending. The word stung more than it should have.

"We should focus on the children," I said stiffly. "They've gone to a lot of trouble to orchestrate this evening."

Something flickered in his eyes—disappointment, maybe. But he nodded and stepped back, giving me space.

"You're right. The relay race starts in twenty minutes. We should probably strategize."

I was about to respond when Lyra's voice rang out across the clearing.

"Attention, families! Time for the Moonstone Relay! Parents and children, please gather at the starting line!"

The Moonstone Relay had been a pack tradition for generations. Parents and children worked together to find luminescent stones hidden throughout the forest, then raced back to the finish line. Most families sent one parent with their child for safety reasons.

Of course, our children had other plans.

"We need both parents for protection," Orion announced to the race coordinator with perfect seriousness. "The forest can be dangerous for small wolf cubs."

Lyra nodded solemnly. "Uncle Varian said there might be bears. And Daddy said Mommy is the best tracker in three packs!"

The coordinator looked between Tristan and me uncertainly. "Well, I suppose if both parents want to participate..."

"Actually—" I started.

"That would be perfect," Tristan cut me off smoothly. "Extra protection for the children."

I shot him a look that promised retribution later. He responded with an innocent smile that didn't fool me for a second.

Minutes later, we stood at the forest's edge with several other families. The coordinator explained the rules while children bounced with excitement.

"Remember, teams must stay together at all times. The moonstones are well-hidden, so you'll need to work as a unit. First family back with their stone wins the relay!"

A whistle pierced the evening air. Children shrieked with delight as families plunged into the forest.

Orion grabbed my hand while Lyra latched onto Tristan's. We moved deeper into the trees, following a narrow path marked with glowing arrows.

"This way," Tristan said, pointing toward a cluster of boulders. "The stones are usually hidden near significant landmarks."

I nodded, falling into step beside him. In the forest's green shadows, some of my earlier awkwardness faded. This felt natural—moving through the wilderness as a family unit, using our enhanced senses to navigate.

Astrid stirred with satisfaction. This is how it should be. Pack hunting together.

We searched systematically, checking hollow logs and rocky crevices. The children chattered excitedly, their young voices echoing through the trees.

"Found it!" Lyra's squeal drew us to a mossy boulder. A pale blue stone glowed softly in a natural depression, casting ethereal light on her delighted face.

"Perfect!" Orion snatched up the moonstone. "Now we run!"

The race back to the clearing was pure chaos. Children stumbled over roots while parents tried to guide them safely. Laughter and competitive shouts filled the forest air.

We were making good time when disaster struck.

My foot caught on a twisted root hidden beneath fallen leaves. I pitched forward with a startled cry, the moonstone flying from my grasp.

Before I could hit the ground, strong arms wrapped around my waist. Tristan's momentum carried us both down in a controlled tumble, his body twisting to cushion my fall.

We landed hard in a patch of soft earth, him beneath me. For a moment, the world went silent except for our ragged breathing.

I found myself sprawled across his chest, our faces inches apart. His eyes were dark with concern, scanning my features for signs of injury.

"Are you hurt?" His voice was rough, breathless.

I shook my head, suddenly hyperaware of every point of contact between us. My palms pressed against his chest, feeling the rapid thump of his heartbeat. His hands still gripped my waist, fingers warm through the thin fabric of my athletic top.

Time seemed suspended. Forest sounds faded into background noise as we stared at each other.

His gaze dropped to my lips. I saw the exact moment his control wavered, the way his pupils dilated with unmistakable want.

He's going to kiss me, I realized with a mixture of panic and anticipation.

"Alpha! Are you alright?"