Mag-log inThe restaurant hummed with quiet conversation, the soft clink of silverware against fine china creating a gentle backdrop as Otto followed the host through the dimly lit space. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over polished wood and plush leather seating. The scents of seared meat and rich wine filled the air, but Otto barely registered them, too focused on what lay ahead.
"Will your guest be arriving shortly?" the maître d' asked as he showed Ot
The restaurant hummed with quiet conversation, the soft clink of silverware against fine china creating a gentle backdrop as Otto followed the host through the dimly lit space. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over polished wood and plush leather seating. The scents of seared meat and rich wine filled the air, but Otto barely registered them, too focused on what lay ahead."Will your guest be arriving shortly?" the maître d' asked as he showed Otto to a secluded booth nestled against the back wall."Yes, within the next fifteen minutes or so," Otto replied, sliding into the booth. The high, curved walls provided privacy while still allowing him to see the entrance. Perfect for watching Nora arrive without being immediately spotted."Excellent. Your server will be with you momentarily. Would you care for a drink while you wait?"Otto ordered a whiskey, neat, liquid courage for the conversation ahead. A
Otto hesitated, considering how much to reveal. "Something like that."The weight of Noah's message still pressed on his mind. A muted fated mate bond. It explained so much, the lingering connection he'd felt to Nora despite years apart, the way her scent had hit him like a physical blow at the reunion."Look," Luke said, his voice dropping so the others couldn't hear. "About what I said regarding Nora, or Crystal, whatever she goes by now, I was out of line. If she's important to you...""She is," Otto said simply, shouldering his gym bag. The admission felt both terrifying and freeing.Luke nodded, something like understanding crossing his features. "Then I'll do better. We all will."Otto studied his friend's face, searching for any hint of the mockery that had been there last night. Finding none, he gave a short nod. "I appreciate that."As they walked back toward the pack house, Otto's p
His phone chimed from an unknown number: Good to see you worked out who my sister is and I did stop her from getting your letters for one reason for her to have time to grow into her own nothing more, it was my idea to bring you two together because the men in her stories always had a guy that was hard to miss they had a bit of you in them so it made sence that you were likely fated mates but with a muted contection. You're welcome.Otto stared at the phone screen, reading the message three times before the words fully registered. Noah Stirling. Nora's brother. The Alpha Heir who had intercepted his letters.His thumb hovered over the reply button as a storm of emotions crashed through him. Relief that Noah hadn't kept them apart out of malice. Anger that the man had made that decision without consulting either of them. Confusion about what "muted connection" meant regarding fated mates.And beneath it all, a flickering hope
Once inside his suite, Otto closed the door and leaned against it, exhaling slowly. The moonlight streamed through his windows, bathing the room in silver. He pulled Nora's business card from his pocket, running his thumb over the embossed lotus.Crystal_Lotus. The name suited her, beautiful yet strong, rare and precious.And soon she would be joining him at his pack, the shared living room between his suite and the Luna suite, which she soon would be moving into, for him to court her properly.The thought of her moving in so close to him sent a rush of heat through his body. Otto loosened his tie and tossed it onto the dresser, trying to process everything that had happened tonight. Five years of searching, of regret, and now Nora would be just on the other side of a shared living space. Close enough to catch her scent every day, yet still separated by walls and the weight of their complicated past.He crossed to the large windows overlooking the forest that surrounded the pack house
Luke and Marcus exchanged glances, visibly processing Otto's words. The tension in the SUV remained thick enough to cut with a knife."So you're saying there's a chance this Nora isn't the Lady Stirling?" Luke asked, his voice unusually subdued.Otto sighed, rubbing his temples where a headache was beginning to form. He didn't want to lie outright to his friends, but he couldn't betray Nora's confidence either. The weight of her business card pressed against his thigh through his pocket, a tangible reminder of their connection."What I'm saying is that regardless of who Lady Stirling turns out to be, our pack needs to make a good impression at the birthday celebration. The Moonlit Falls alliance is too important to jeopardise with immature behaviour."The car fell silent again. Otto turned back to the window, watching the familiar landmarks of their territory slip past. The moon hung heavy in the sky, nearly full, calling to his wolf. His tattoo seemed to burn beneath his sleeve, the
Now, as he moved to one of the passenger seats and the driver returned to the driver's seat, his friends started to file out of the Club one by one.Luke was the first to approach, his eyes narrowed as he took in Otto's rigid posture."Hey, you just disappeared after talking to the book nerd," he said, sliding into the seat across from Otto. "What's going on with you tonight?"Otto's jaw tightened at the dismissive term. Five years ago, he might have laughed along. Now, the casual disrespect made something protective flare in his chest."Her name is Nora," he said, keeping his voice even. "And she's accomplished more in five years than most of us will in a lifetime."Luke raised his eyebrows, exchanging glances with the others as they climbed into the vehicle. "Whoa, when did you become her biggest fan? Last I checked, you were dreading seeing her again."The memory of their earlier conversation in the car made Otto's stomach twist. How quickly things had changed in just a few hours.







