His powerful Luna

Elara's Pov

My heart pounded within my chest, a wild rhythm amid the lively city scene. Today was Kai's birthday, and I had arranged the best surprise.

A weekend escape to the Whispering Pines resort, located in the heart of Redwood National Park.

Kai love nature, the aroma of pine needles and wet soil, the serene isolation of the woods.

I imagined us walking together, exchanging soft secrets beneath the star-filled night sky.

It was a significant difference from our small apartment in the city, where the only glimpse of nature we had was the drooping basil plant on the windowsill.

I grasped the tiny velvet case in my pocket, a nervous fluttering teasing my stomach. Inside was a silver wolf pendant, finely detailed with Celtic knots. It represented our bond, a vow of eternity.

Kai was consistently intrigued by werewolf myths...the instinctive bond with nature, power, and fidelity within a group.

He would even make jokes about being one himself...a playful sparkle in his eyes.

Naturally, I simply dismissed it with laughter. I had no idea...

I checked the time on my watch. Almost there. I informed Kai that I was working a late shift at the bakery...a needed falsehood to arrange this surprise. He would never imagine anything.

He was familiar with my extended hours and my commitment to my job.

He frequently grumbled...or at least teased...about my "flour-covered" kisses, yet I was aware that he privately appreciated my enthusiasm.

I halted in front of our apartment structure: an unremarkable, brick edifice located in an unremarkable area of the city.

The elevator was not functioning...as it often wasn't...and I huffed my way up the four flights of stairs while the scent of cinnamon and sugar clung to my clothing from the nearby bakery.

Arriving at door-4B, I retrieved the spare key hidden beneath the welcome mat and entered the house.

I crept in quietly, grasping my breath. The flat was unsettlingly silent. "Kai?" I whispered gently, partly anticipating him to leap from behind the sofa with a "Surprise!"

No reply.

I scowled. He ought to have arrived home by now. He finished his shift at the bookstore hours ago. Perhaps he had taken a break for a drink with his companions? I attempted to calm the increasing discomfort in my chest. I was acting foolishly. He was likely just delayed.

I chose to utilize the time to prepare. I prepared a small cooler filled with champagne and a selection of his favorite snacks.

I quietly entered the living room and started to organize everything on the coffee table. I lit several aromatic candles, filling the space with a cozy, welcoming light.

I even played his favorite jazz album; the soothing saxophone sounds floated through the apartment.

While I was organizing the champagne flutes, a small red envelope on the coffee table caught my attention. My heart skipped a beat. It was not written in my handwriting.

I extended my hand and grabbed it, my fingers trembling a little. It was directed to Kai, written in an elegant, almost fragile, handwriting from a woman.

A sensation of fear tightened in my stomach. I was aware I shouldn't, but realized I couldn't resist. I carefully opened the envelope.

Inside was just a single half-folded piece of paper. I opened it, my gaze scanning the text, and my breath caught in my throat.

Wishing you a joyful birthday love. I am excited to celebrate with you this evening. Meet me at The Crimson Moon at 8. Put on that shirt I love. And remember... I'm staying a bit just to perceive your scent again.

The name started with A."

My world shifted on its axis. It felt like the room started to whirl, the gentle jazz transformed into a distorted, mocking melody.