Chapter 206 Kaden's POV

Chapter 206 Kaden's POV


I stood in Damian's office feeling like a teenager asking for dating advice.

"I need help, tonight is the date with Elara and I have no idea what I'm doing."

Damian looked up from his paperwork. "You are the Alpha of a major pack. You have led armies, fought ancient evils, rebuilt your entire territory from ruins. And you are nervous about a date?"

"Yes! Because fighting is easy, fighting has rules. Dating? I have no idea what I'm doing."

"Well, first you need flowers. Women love flowers, get her roses, red ones at least three dozen."

"Three dozen? Isn't that excessive?"

"Trust me more is better and chocolates. Expensive ones in a heart-shaped box."

Marcus walked in, overhearing the conversation. "Don't listen to him, that is too much you will look desperate."

"Then what do I do?"

"Keep it simple, pick her up on time, compliment her appearance, hold doors, be a gentleman."

"That's it? That's your advice?"

"Sometimes simple works best."

Damian shook his head. "No. You need grand gestures, book the most expensive restaurant in the territory, get her jewelry, make it memorable."

"Now you are just describing a marriage proposal, not a first date," Marcus argued.

"It is not technically their first date, they are already mated, married, have a child, the rules are different."

They kept arguing while I stood there getting more confused by the second.

Finally, I held up my hands. "You know what? I'm just going to do my best, I hope it works out."

"That is a terrible plan," both of them said simultaneously.

But it was my plan and I was sticking to it.

I spent the afternoon making arrangements. Booked the finest restaurant in Blue Moon territory Le Clair de Lune, which usually had a six-month waiting list but made an exception for their Alpha.

Reserved a private viewing room at the cinema for after dinner. I checked the schedule at the amusement park near the border.

I bought flowers, not three dozen, but one dozen beautiful white roses. And a simple necklace with a moon pendant that reminded me of her.

By evening, I was dressed in my best clothes: dark slacks, button-down shirt, jacket. I had even gotten a haircut that afternoon.

I waited downstairs, checking my watch every thirty seconds.

Seven o'clock came and went. Then seven-fifteen. Seven-thirty.

Kira appeared on the stairs. "She's almost ready. Kara says she's changed outfits four times and is extremely nervous."

"She is nervous? I'm terrified."

"You both need to relax, it is just dinner."

"It's our first real date after everything we've been through. It needs to be perfect."

"Nothing is perfect, just be yourself."

Easy for her to say.

Finally, at seven forty-five, I heard footsteps on the stairs.

I looked up and forgot how to breathe.

Elara descended the staircase wearing a deep blue dress that hugged her curves perfectly. Her hair was down, falling in soft waves around her shoulders. Simple makeup that highlighted her natural beauty.

She looked absolutely stunning.

"You... I... You look..." I couldn't form a complete sentence.

She smiled, blushing. "Thank you, you look very handsome too."

"I got you these." I handed her the roses. "And this." I pulled out the necklace box.

"Kaden, it is beautiful." She opened it, her eyes lighting up. "Will you help me put it on?"

I fumbled with the clasp, my hands shaking slightly. Finally got it secured around her neck.

"Perfect," I said. "You are perfect."

"Now you are just being nice."

"I'm being honest."

Kara appeared with Adrian. "You two have fun. Don't worry about anything here. I will take good care of him."

Elara kissed Adrian's head. "Be good for Aunt Kara. Mama loves you."

"Mama!" Adrian reached for her but Kara distracted him with a toy.

I led Elara to the car, opening the door for her. Drove to the restaurant with her hand in mine.

Le Clair de Lune was everything I had hoped for. Elegant, romantic,private.

They seated us at a table overlooking the forest. Candles flickered, soft music played in the background.

"This is beautiful," Elara said. "You didn't have to go to so much trouble."

"You deserve so much more than this. I wish I could give you the world."

"You have already given me everything that matters: a family , a home , love."

We ordered food and talked, really talked about things that had nothing to do with pack business or war or trauma.

She told me about her childhood before the Silver Moon Pack was destroyed. Happy memories of her parents of being loved and safe.

I told her about growing up as the Alpha heir. The pressure, the expectations. How I'd always felt like I had to be perfect.

"You don't have to be perfect," She said. "You just have to be you, that is more than enough."

"I wish I had understood that before I rejected you, before I hurt you."

"We can't change the past, we can only build a better future."

Dinner lasted three hours. We talked and laughed and enjoyed being together without any crisis interrupting

Afterward, we went to the cinema. I had reserved a private viewing room playing one of the romantic comedies Elara had mentioned wanting to see.

We sat together in the plush seats, her head on my shoulder, my arm around her. It was perfect, comfortable, right.

"This is the best date I have ever been on," She whispered during a quiet moment.

"It is the only date you've ever been on."

"Exactly, you set the bar very high."

After the movie, I drove to the amusement park. It was mostly empty this late, which gave us privacy.

"I haven't been to an amusement park since I was a child," Elara said, looking around with wide eyes.

"Then let us make up for lost time."