His Abandoned Luna Chapter 91

|| Lilac’s POV ||

The drive was quiet but comfortable, the hum of the engine and the soft music playing in the background creating a soothing rhythm. Alaric’s hand rested lightly on the gearshift, his fingers tapping in time with the music. I found myself stealing glances at him, my eyes tracing the sharp lines of his profile, the way his jaw tightened when he focused on the road, the faint smile that seemed to linger on his lips.

“Done staring?” he said suddenly, his voice breaking the silence.

I quickly looked away, my cheeks burning. “I wasn’t.”

He chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. “It’s okay, dove. I don’t mind.”

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my embarrassment. “You’re impossible.”

“You are the one cutting me out on and off and you think I'm impossible?” he said, his tone light but his words carrying a weight that made my heart skip a beat.

I didn’t respond, instead turning my attention to the passing scenery. The city gradually gave way to rolling hills and dense forests, the colors of autumn painting the landscape in shades of gold and crimson. It was breathtaking, and I found myself relaxing despite the lingering tension.

The restaurant was unlike anything I had ever seen. Nestled at the edge of the city, it was perched on a hill overlooking a breathtaking view of the mountains. The building itself was a masterpiece of glass and wood, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. As we stepped inside, I was struck by the warmth of the interior— soft lighting, wooden beams, and floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the stunning view outside. The air smelled faintly of cedar and fresh herbs, and the ambiance was so serene it felt like stepping into another world.

“Alaric, this place is… breathtaking” I trailed off, unable to find the words.

His voice low and close as he leaned in. “Just like you.”

I shot him a look, though my heart skipped a beat. “You’re such a flirt.”

“Only with you, dove,” he said, his smirk softening into something more genuine as he led me to a table by the window.

The restaurant was completely empty. Were we too early to lunch? I looked at the time. Not really. But being here alone with Alaric made my stomach flutter again, as if it was reserved for only us. We were seated at a table by the large window, draped in crisp white linen, a single rose in a crystal vase as the centerpiece. The view from our table was nothing short of magical— rolling mountains bathed in golden sunlight, their peaks kissed by the first hints of autumn snow.

“This is… incredible,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Alaric’s eyes never left my face as he replied, “I thought you’d like it.”

A waiter appeared almost instantly, presenting us with menus and a bottle of wine that Alaric had clearly pre-selected. The five-course meal that followed was a symphony of flavors, each dish more exquisite than the last. We started with a delicate amuse-bouche of smoked salmon and caviar, followed by a creamy pumpkin soup that warmed me from the inside out. The main course was a perfectly seared filet mignon, tender and juicy, paired with a rich red wine that Alaric insisted complemented the dish perfectly.

The meal was nothing short of extraordinary. Each course was a masterpiece, the flavors rich and complex, the presentation almost too beautiful to eat. We talked and laughed, the conversation flowing easily between us. Alaric was charming and witty, his teasing remarks making me laugh despite myself, and I found myself relaxing more and more as the meal went on.

At one point, he leaned back in his chair, his eyes studying me with a intensity that made my heart race. “You’re beautiful when you smile,” he said, his voice soft but sincere.

I looked down, my cheeks burning. “You’re just saying that.”

“I don’t say things I don’t mean,” he replied, his tone firm. “You’re beautiful, Lilac. Inside and out.”

The words caught me off guard, and for a moment, I didn’t know how to respond. But before I could, the waiter appeared with the final course— a decadent chocolate dessert that looked almost too good to eat.

As we finished the meal, I reached for my purse, determined to at least offer to pay. But Alaric stopped me with a look, his hand covering mine.

“I can’t let my Luna pay,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I frowned, pulling my hand away. “I’m not your Luna.”

His smirk returned, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Not yet. But this restaurant belongs to me. It’s part of the Blood Moon pack. So, technically, this is yours as well.”

I stared at him, my mouth falling open in surprise. “This place is yours?”

I looked around the restaurant again, seeing it in a new light. The attention to detail, the way it felt like an extension of the natural world— it was so much like *him, like his pack.

“It’s beautiful,” I said softly.

He nodded, clearly enjoying my reaction. “One of many, and not mine. Ours.”

“Alaric... stop saying that,” I replied. Every time he imagined us together made my heart shiver.

I looked up as I said again in soft voice, “I didn’t know you had such a beautiful business. But why is it empty?"

“Because I have reserved it for us. There’s a lot you don’t know about me, dove,” he said, his tone light but his words carrying a weight that made my heart skip a beat. “But you will, in time.”

As we left the restaurant, the sun was beginning to set, casting the mountains in hues of orange and pink. Alaric walked me to the car, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back. The touch sent a shiver through me, and I couldn’t help but lean into him, savoring the warmth of his presence.

“Thank you,” I said as he opened the car door for me. “For everything.”

He looked down at me, his eyes soft but filled with a quiet intensity. “Anything for my Luna.”