Page 72 of Knot Their Safe Haven

"Is that why?—"

"Why I went into biotech? Partially. Also because it's lucrative, innovative, and pisses off old money who think technology is beneath them."

"Rebellious even in your capitalism."

"Learned from the best rebel I know."

The courses continue—lobster thermidor, wagyu beef, truffle risotto—each paired with wines that mark moments in her history. We talk about everything and nothing. The twins' grandfather who built his fortune on "import/export" which everyone knew meant smuggling. Alexis's transition from trying to be the perfect “son” to embracing her identity as a female Alpha. My own journey from love-sick teenager to man who could actually stand at her side.

By the time dessert arrives—dark chocolate soufflé with gold leaf, because I have no shame about clichés—we're both slightly drunk on wine and proximity.

"I should hate you," she says, but she's smiling. "For watching, waiting, and swooping in when I was vulnerable."

"Do you?"

"No. I should, but I don't." She licks chocolate from her spoon, and I have to close my eyes briefly. "I'm grateful. Furious that it took nearly dying, but grateful."

"Gratitude's a start."

"What are you hoping for as an ending?"

I stand, moving around the table to offer her my hand.

"Come. I'll show you."

She accepts, rising with inherited grace despite the wine, despite the heels, despite everything.

I guide her to the deck's edge where the valley spreads below us, lights from the town twinkling like earthbound stars.

"What am I looking at?"

"The future. Where you wake every morning to this view. Where you run your expanded Haven from the office we'll build.Where you finally stop fighting alone because you have a pack that would burn the world before letting it hurt you again."

She turns in my arms—when did I wrap them around her—looking up at me with eyes that hold universes.

"That's a big promise."

"I'm good at keeping those."

We stand there, her back pressed to my chest, my jacket still draped over her shoulders, our scents mingling in the night air until I can't tell where I end and she begins.

"The first course of many," I murmur against her hair.

She laughs, soft and content.

"Seven courses weren't enough?"

"Not nearly. I plan to feed you every delicacy, show you every wonder, give you every experience you missed while waiting for men too frightened to choose you properly."

"And if I'm too difficult, old, or set in my ways?"

"Then be difficult. Be whatever age you are. Be so set in your ways that I have to learn every one." I turn her to face me, hands framing her face. "Be exactly who you are, because that's who I waited for."

Her smile could power cities, fuel dreams, start wars.

"Shall we order another bottle?"

"We shall order whatever you want. Tonight, tomorrow, forever."