-Cain-
I flipped the little invitation in my hand. It was written on black paper with silver letters, and I groaned, wishing I could make it less true just by staring at it. But there was no way around it. I dashed back to our bedroom. As I entered, I heard the water running in the bathroom and smiled. I opened the door to find Willow beneath the warm spray, rinsing off. I took a moment to watch her, appreciating the sight.
She sensed my presence and turned her head, then faced me. “Cain!”
“I’ve seen everything and tasted it. Why hide?” I teased, watching her shake her head.
“Maybe don’t watch me in the shower like a creep,” she replied.
“It’s romantic because I’m your mate,” I countered, and I saw her roll her eyes before she resumed her shower. Then she noticed the letter in my hand.
“What is that?”
“An invitation to a gala,” I informed her.
“A gala?” she echoed.
“Next trial, and I think I know why they chose this,” I explained.
“Why?”
“Remember our last gala—or the last one I attend
