<h4>Chapter 473: Little Date</h4>


    <strong>******************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 473</strong>


    <strong>~Tempest’s POV~</strong>


    The soft scratch of parchment against my fingertips was the only sound that filled the library.


    Golden sunlight filtered through the towering windows, casting long shadows across rows of ancient books and scrolls.


    I sat curled in one of the deep leather chairs, flipping through old border patrol logs—reports from before the kingdom’s fracture.


    I wasn’t looking for anything in particr. Just... distracting myself.


    With Zara rising in power, alliances forming, and my father, Alpha Storm, pulling every string to prepare for war, the weight on my chest never truly lifted.


    Truth be told, reading, researching—it kept my mind steady—grounded.


    A soft knock came from the heavy oak doors.


    I nced up just as they creaked open and one of the pack omegas stepped lightly inside. She bowed her head respectfully. "Lady Tempest," she said softly. "You have a visitor."


    A visitor?


    I blinked, setting the parchment down carefully. "Please send them here."


    She nodded and slipped out just as silently as she hade.


    I brushed a few stray strands of hair behind my ear and sat straighter in my seat. I wasn’t expecting anyone. Maybe it was Zara—or perhaps Father needed something?


    A few minutes passed before the door pushed open again.


    I knew who it was even before I fully lifted my gaze.


    Koda.


    I could already perceive him, smell him even and Summer was happily yawning in her mind.


    Tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in simple ck clothes that somehow still managed to cling perfectly to his lean muscles. His dark hair was slightly messy like he’d been running his hands through it nervously—and the moment his eyes locked onto mine, he smiled.


    And it wasn’t just any smile.


    It was that particr one—warm, boyish, a little lopsided—the one that made my heart do somersaults even when I tried so hard to stayposed.


    "Hey," he said, voice low and rough in that familiar way.


    I swallowed thickly, pushing aside the rush of emotions that tried to bubble up. I nodded. "Hey."


    He crossed the room without hesitation, not like someone unsure of his wee, but like someone who had always belonged.


    And before I could even think to stop him, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek.


    Soft.


    Lingering.


    I froze for half a second, feeling the heat bloom across my face. My heart betrayed me by hammering in my chest and Summer was eager to squeal in delight.


    Ever since I made my decision and he did his, Summer hadn’t been too happy about the oue of losing her mate but when we chose to give each other a chance, she was d.


    Koda straightened but stayed close, eyes never leaving mine. "I know I said I’d wait," he murmured, "and I will. But I couldn’t stay away today. Not when I know you’re drowning yourself in old files."


    I chuckled despite myself, feeling the tightness in my chest loosen just a bit. "I’m not drowning."


    He raised an eyebrow. "You’re halfway to bing part of the furniture."


    Iughed properly this time and Koda grinned. "Come with me."


    I blinked. "Where?"


    "Out," he said simply. "There’s a little ce by the western meadow. You’ll like it. It’s peaceful. No books. No stress."


    I hesitated, ncing down at the stack of reports still waiting on the table. "Koda, I really have work to—"


    "No," he interrupted gently but firmly. He reached out and brushed his knuckles down my arm, a simple touch that left trails of warmth behind. "You’re allowed to breathe, Tempest. Just for a little while. Let me steal you away. Please."


    There was no edge to his voice. No pressure. Just quiet determination.


    "I also took permission from your mother, just so you know," he added. I knew he meant it. He intended to pursue me—even if I kept trying to build walls between us.


    "And Luna Star gave he rpermission to court you. Her specific words were, ’she needs to leave the house, do well to change that’, and I am doing so."


    I let out a slow breath, closing the file in front of me. "Fine," I said, smiling just a little. "You win."


    Koda’s grin widened like I’d just agreed to marry him on the spot.


    I stood, smoothing down my blouse, and tucked the documents neatly into a pile. As I did, Koda waited patiently, hands casually tucked into his pockets, looking so at ease it almost made me suspicious.


    Almost.


    We left the library together, walking side by side through the winding halls of my father’s estate. Servants bustled past with quick bows, but Koda barely seemed to notice anyone except me.


    The ride to the meadow was short.


    We took one of the older open-air carriages the estate still kept—no guards, no formalities. Just us.


    The road wound through the edges of the pack territory, fields of wildflowers stretching out under the afternoon sun. A light breeze tousled my hair as I tilted my face into the sky.


    For the first time in days... I felt something close to peace.


    The carriage pulled up near a shallow hill. A nket was already spread there—how Koda had arranged this without me noticing, I had no idea.


    "I had help," he admitted when I asked. "A few loyal allies in the kitchen staff."


    I shook my head,ughing softly.


    He hopped down first, then offered me his hand like a true gentleman. I took it, letting him help me down.


    The moment my boots hit the grass, I felt it.


    Magic.


    Not dark magic, or battle magic. Just... the simple, ancient magic of the earth. The way the wind tugged yfully at my hair. The way the distant river sang. The way Koda’s smile softened when he looked at me.


    "Magic?"


    "Fae kind," Koda exined. "I have a fae friend. She helped too," he added quickly before I got suspicious of him."


    "I love it," I praised him and watched as his face put on a new shine.


    We sat on the nket, side by side.


    Koda pulled out a small basket and unwrapped food—simple things. Fresh bread. Sliced fruits. A sk of chilled sweet tea.


    "I figured you didn’t eat properly today," he said, almost sheepishly.


    I arched an eyebrow. "You’re using me of negligence?"