Chapter 70

Chapter 70
Isolde

The night air carried a subtle sweetness as Dorian led me through a path I hadn't explored before. We had left the main house behind, venturing into what he called the Moon Garden, a secluded area at the back of the estate.

"My mother created this space when I was young," he explained, his voice gentler than I was accustomed to hearing. "She said everyone needs a place where they can breathe."

As we rounded a corner, the garden revealed itself under the silvery moonlight. Pale flowers gleamed like tiny stars against dark foliage. Stone pathways wound between reflecting pools where water lilies floated serenely. The entire garden seemed designed to capture and enhance the moonlight.

"It's beautiful," I whispered, afraid to break the spell.

Dorian nodded, watching me instead of the garden. "I spent many nights here as a child, especially during difficult full moons when I was first learning to control the change."

I tried to imagine him as a young boy, wrestling with powers and instincts I could barely comprehend.

"How are you finding life among the Hawke family?" he asked as we strolled along.

"It's... intense. Some of your relatives have been welcoming. Others, like your uncle Gregory, seem less thrilled about having a human in your midst."

A darkness passed over Dorian's face, something dangerous and primal that reminded me of what he truly was. "Gregory will not disrespect you again. I've made that clear."

"I don't want to cause friction in your family," I said quickly.

"You haven't. This is just... adjustment. My kind has been conditioned for centuries to be wary of humans. Some take longer to adapt than others."

We paused beside one of the reflecting pools. The moon's image rippled gently on its surface, broken and reformed with each slight breeze.

"I used to hide here," Dorian said suddenly, pointing to a small alcove. "When the expectations became too much—being the Alpha heir, the perfect son, the future leader—I'd come here and pretend none of it existed."

The vulnerability in his admission touched something inside me. This was a side of Dorian Hawke I hadn't seen before—not the commanding Alpha, but simply a man carrying the weight of responsibilities he hadn't chosen.

"We all need hideaways," I said softly. "Places where we can just be ourselves."

His eyes met mine, amber depths reflecting the moonlight. "And who are you, Isolde, when no one is watching?"

The question caught me off guard. "I'm... still figuring that out," I admitted. "For so long, I've been defined by taking care of my mother, by my work. I'm not sure I know who I am beyond those things."

Dorian stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I think you're stronger than you realize. Braver too."

When his lips found mine, the kiss wasn't demanding or possessive as it had been before. It was gentle, questioning—as if he too was uncertain about this new territory between us.

I found myself responding with equal tenderness, my hands resting lightly against his chest. For once, I didn't overthink the implications. I simply let myself feel.

When we finally broke apart, Dorian kept me close. "I will protect you, Isolde," he whispered. "Always. Whatever comes."

In that moment, surrounded by moonlight and night-blooming flowers, I almost believed him.

---

Morning light streamed through the curtains as I finished braiding my hair. We had agreed to meet Aiden and Elissa in the main hall before departing for Crescent Bay's human district. Dorian knocked on my door precisely on time, looking refreshingly casual in dark jeans and a forest green henley.

We were halfway down the grand staircase when the front door opened, admitting Charlotte Hollis. My steps faltered slightly, but I kept my expression neutral.

Charlotte looked up, spotting us. "Dorian, what a pleasant surprise! I didn't realize you were back from the north." Her gaze shifted to me. "And Dr. Beck. How lovely to see you again."

Dorian tensed beside me. "Charlotte. What brings you to the manor?"

"I needed to discuss research matters with Evelyn," she replied smoothly. "But while I'm here—how is Ella doing? She's been asking when she'll see her daddy again."

The emphasis on "daddy" made my stomach twist uncomfortably.

"Ella is much improved," I said before Dorian could respond, maintaining my professional tone. "The silver contamination has completely cleared from her system."

Charlotte's smile didn't reach her eyes. "I heard about your adventure in Stone territory. How brave of you to go into another pack's lands."

"Isolde's contributions were invaluable," Dorian added, his hand settling protectively at the small of my back. "Luke Stone himself expressed his gratitude."

Elissa bounded into the foyer, followed by Aiden. "Are we ready? I've been waiting forever!"

Charlotte registered surprise at seeing the Stone siblings. "Elissa Stone. What an unexpected visitor."

"Oh, hi!" Elissa said cheerfully. "You're... Charlotte, right? Dorian's work friend? I remember you from that boring council meeting last spring."

"Work friend," Charlotte repeated with a tight smile. "Yes, I suppose that's one way to describe a decade of partnership."

"Anyway," Elissa continued, seemingly oblivious to the tension, "we're off to the human side of town! Isolde's going to show me all the best shops."

"How charming," Charlotte murmured. "Though I'm surprised Dorian is willing to let his wife wander with so little protection."

"I'll be with her," Dorian said firmly.

"And Aiden is the best tactical mind in three territories," Elissa added proudly. "Not that we're expecting trouble buying shoes."

"Well," Charlotte said, her smile now visibly forced, "I won't keep you. Give Ella my love, Dorian. She misses you terribly when you're away."

"We should go," Aiden spoke, his eyes assessing Charlotte with unmistakable calculation. "The traffic will be getting heavier."

As we walked toward Dorian's SUV, I glanced back at the manor. Charlotte stood watching from a window, her expression unreadable. A chill ran down my spine despite the morning sunshine.

Whatever game Charlotte Hollis was playing, I had the distinct impression we were all just pieces on her board.