Chapter 42 The Promises He Meant
Grayson:
I had never wanted to finish a council meeting so fast in my life. Every minute felt like a stone dragging through time: heavy, pointless, in a way I had never experienced before.
Usually, I could sit through hours of political talk without blinking. It was what I was trained for.
The heir to Silverbourne didn’t fidget.
Didn’t lose focus.
Didn’t rush.
But today?
I couldn’t stop checking the time. Couldn’t stop imagining Evie waiting for me, smiling with that soft little hope in her eyes. The memory of her leaning into my arms this morning… The way she shivered when I kissed her neck… The way she blushed when I teased her…
A smile tugged at my lips before I could stop it.
A real smile.
A stupid one.
Masson, the sector head of defense, paused mid-report, frowning.
“You seem… unusually cheerful, Grayson.”
I cleared my throat. “No. I’m fine. Continue.”
He continued. But I didn’t hear a word.
When the meeting ended, I was out of my chair before the last sentence finished. I didn’t run... Alphas don’t run, but I walked fast enough that two councilmen had to step aside quickly to avoid being run over.
My wolf was pacing, tail high, ears perked.
Mate.
Mate waiting.
Go back. Go now.
Yes. I agreed.
For once, we wanted the same thing. Getting back to her as soon as possible.
The drive felt too long. Every turn, every street, every guard bowing slowed me down. I ignored everything except the thought of her, Evie waiting at the Luna Wing this morning, the soft sunlight on her hair, her eyes lighting up when she saw me.
And when I reached her mother's place, she was already standing outside the Wing, talking with a young girl from the staff, something warm and sharp twisted inside me.
She looked… happy.
Soft.
Relaxed.
Hopeful.
My chest tightened. She turned at the sound of my steps, and her expression brightened, just a little, enough that my wolf surged forward with pride.
I felt lighter. Ridiculously lighter.
“How long have you been waiting here?” I asked, offering my hand.
She just shrugged, "Not long," and slid her fingers into mine.
It felt right. It felt like home.
When we reached the door, I hesitated. I’d hurt her daughter deeply, and no parent forgives that easily.
Evie looked back at me nervously.
“You don’t have to come in,” she whispered.
“I want to,” I said gently.
She frowned. “But....”
“I want to apologize.” Her breath hitched, but she didn't say anything. So I followed her up the steps.
Vivian opened the door before we even knocked, probably heard the steps through the wards. Her eyes flicked to me instantly, cold and hard but not cruel.
“Alpha Grayson,” she said, voice polite but guarded. “You’ve healed quickly from your… grief.”
I deserved that. Every syllable.
I bowed my head slightly. “Lady Vivian… I owe you an apology.”
Her eyes narrowed, assessing.
“For how I've treated Evie,” I continued. “I failed her. I let grief blind me. And I hurt your daughter. I’m not asking you to forget that. I’m asking… for a chance to allow me to do better.”
Vivian looked at Evie first. The softness in her eyes told me everything. Then she looked at me again, longer this time.
Weighing my words. Studying my face. Searching for lies. She found none.
Finally, she nodded slowly.
“I will give you that chance,” she said. “But understand, if you ever hurt her again, I will be the one you answer to.”
I bowed my head again. “I understand.”
Evie’s fingers tightened around mine, gratitude shimmering in her eyes.
After tea with Vivian, Evie hesitated by the car, fingers brushing her bracelet.
“Grayson… could we visit my father?”
I stopped. Not because I was surprised she asked, but because she asked hesitantly, like she wasn’t sure she was allowed.
“You don’t have to ask me that,” I said quietly. “Tell me where we’re going, and I’ll take you.”
Her eyes softened. The cemetery was quiet, lined with old silver-bark trees that rustled like whispers. Richard’s grave was near the top of a small hill, tucked beneath an ancient crescent-shaped stone arch.
Evie knelt beside the headstone, fingertips tracing her father’s name.
My chest tightened. I remembered Richard’s laughter. His firm hand on my shoulder. His belief that leaders should build, not break.
I swallowed thickly.
“Sir,” I murmured, stepping closer, “I owe you an apology too.”
Evie glanced up in surprise. I knelt beside her.
“I failed your daughter,” I said to the grave. “I failed everything you taught me. I won’t make that mistake again.”
My voice cracked. Evie’s breath hitched.
“I swear on my honor,” I whispered, “I will protect her. Cherish her. Earn her trust. Earn her love. I won’t let anyone harm her again... including myself.”
Evie’s hand found mine slowly, reverently. My wolf settled with a hum of approval.
And for a moment… It felt like Richard was giving his blessing.
We drove to the most exclusive restaurant in Silverbourne, Moon & Ember, perched at the highest level of the Crescent Arc Tower.
Evie had never been here. I could tell by the way her eyes widened at the floating lanterns and violet-glass walls overlooking the entire glowing city.
People noticed us immediately. A few whispered. But unlike before…
“Look at them....”
“Finally united....”
“She’s truly the Luna....”
“They look so good together....”
It wasn’t poison. It wasn’t judgment. It was wonder. Hope. Admiration.
Evie’s cheeks turned pink. I felt ridiculously proud.
We were seated in a private alcove overlooking the moonlit skyline. The waiter placed glowing crystal orbs on our table, warm, enchanted light that made her eyes gleam like stars.
She ate slowly, savoring every bite. Her laughter came easily. She teased me once, gently, and I almost forgot how to breathe.
At one point, she looked out at the city and whispered, “It feels like I have my life back.”
I swallowed.
“You do,” I said softly. “And I’m going to spend the rest of mine proving you never lost it.”
Her eyes flicked to mine, wide, glassy, shining.
“Grayson…” she whispered.
I took her hand across the table.
“Evie,” I murmured, “I will never hurt you again.”
She didn’t speak. She didn’t need to.
But the way she looked at me… like I still hung the moon… broke me and healed me all at once.
Because I had been a fool to think she didn't deserve me, because in reality...
It was I who wasn't worthy of her love and devotion....