It's Tuesday afternoon. I have just picked up my son from school, who is now playing video games inside the playroom of the pack house.

Stephano and I talked for a long time until it was time for dinner. Then he left the pack house with a promise to return the next day. Now that he is on vacation and not traveling like he was supposed to be, he has all the time in the world.

In the days that followed, my son and I started to get our bearings in this new town and routine. He faced some difficulties at school being the new kid in town, but I hope he will rise above it. Unfortunately, it is not something I can help him with. Though I am willing to go to his school to square any animosity towards him.

‘Are you crazy? No, I don’t want you in my school!’ He protested loudly.

I frowned at his attitude, but I am young enough to know that having a parent inside the school for whatever reason does not help at all. It didn’t help me in high school, just like it wouldn’t in middle school.

Still, he wouldn’t shut up about this new friend he made, a female friend that is. There were some mean kids - there always is, unfortunately - but there is nothing I can do about it. I talked to the vice principal and he told me that he would keep an eye out for Charlie.

I hate that I had to uproot my son from his life back in our hometown, but there was no way in hell that I would ever put my own kid at the mercy of someone like Richard, especially after he ignored his son for all his life. I did try to get him to visit, believe me. *sigh*

On Saturday, Charlie was invited to a birthday party of one of his classmates - I don’t know how he pulled that off, to be blunt - so Stephano volunteered to drop him off since he knew his way around town and he is friends with the parents of the birthday girl.

There is an advantage to be mated to a man from such a prestigious family like the Cortez. Besides his money - which apparently comes from his grandmother, different surname - it does pay to be the Beta of the pack.

“Are you sure my son will be safe there? Did you see the girl’s parents in the house?” I double checked with Stephano once he returned to the pack house after dropping Charlie off at the birthday party.

“Carlisle, her brother and father are both warriors. No, I did not see them inside the house because I wouldn’t want to embarrass Charlie with my presence there, but I know that family. They would never leave eleven year old children alone inside their house.” He argued in a fierce tone, putting me at ease.

I guess I will always be nervous about my son’s safety. Even though there is no reason to believe Richard would be able to track us down here in this pack. Unless he has people in the FBI… who knows?

We are in a different state for crying out loud… *sigh*

“We have the night to ourselves now, what do you want to do?” He proposed, looking into my eyes with a curious stare.

“I haven’t thought about it, to be honest. What do you suggest?” I said, unsure of what to do next.

“We could go out for a drink or see a film at the cinema. Charlie won’t return before ten anyway.” He suggested. I could watch his gorgeous face close to me forever. The way he looks at me whenever we are together, it takes my breath away.

“I could use a glass of wine or two. I won’t say no to drinks.” I told him, feeling thirsty right about now. Maybe even too thirsty... for my man.

I am not going to lie, I have dreamed about this for so long. I have been waiting to find my mate for eleven years. I was almost losing hope that it would ever come to pass. But my mate is dreamy.

“Perfect. I know just the place, let’s go.” He motioned me to follow him, so I did. At this point, I was already dressed decently, though I did not expect him to take me out tonight. I am so happy that he is taking me somewhere, I am thrilled to have someone looking out for me for a change. I mean, outside of my parents of course.

Stephano asked one of the warriors on shift at the pack house to drive his car to the bar and bring it back here. He wanted us to be free to drink and not worry about driving back, though we still had to pick up my son from the party.

On second thought, we cannot drink if one of us has to drive later on. I should have thought this through before I said yes to him. What was I thinking?

“Don’t worry, mate. I have already arranged for Mr. Michaels to drive Charlie home when the party's over. It’s taken care of.” He surprised me the most tonight, clearly wanting us to have the evening for ourselves.

“You’re so crafty. Are you sure it’s not an imposition?” I asked him, a bit unsure of this.

“No, his house is fifteen minutes away from the pack house and Charlie won’t be the only kid he has to drive home afterwards.” He reassured me while the warrior parked the car in front of the beautifully decorated place.

“I cannot believe I’m going to a wine bar. I don’t think I have ever gone to one of these before, to be frank.” I commented, legitimately impressed by my mate bringing me here.

“It is not much of a bar, to be honest. It’s the only place in town that sells imported wine and they let you taste it too.” Stephano informed me as we got out of the car. He thanked the warrior for driving us here and off he went back to the pack house.

“Are you sure about this? I don’t want to drink too much tonight in case something happens and my son needs me.” I said, apprehensively.

“Nothing is going to happen to Charlie. He is in safe hands, but you can drink as much as you want. There is no pressure. But they have a Cabernet Sauvignon here that is simply divine.” He countered, playfully.

Oh I see where this is going. My Goddess, it is like he was made for me. This is much more than I could ever bargain for. He has thought of everything, covered all sides. I can see now that he had planned this ahead. Sneaky Beta… *swoons*

“Good evening, Beta. We have a selection of wines for you to taste tonight. They were chilled, just the way you like it.” The sommelier greeted us as we took our seats at one of the tables. My mate introduced me to him, who was polite to me as well.

By the time I had my third glass of wine, I was sold. Is this heaven? Because I could get used to this. A man who takes care of my son and me. I am onboard with this idea. Oh my gosh, the wines here are fantastic!

“Is it okay if I kiss you?” Stephano tempted me with his natural, magnetic charm.

“By all means, mate, take my breath away!” I flirted, playfully. Then he laid it on me and I was truly in heaven. *swoons*

A|N: Woof!

It is interesting to me to write from an adult’s perspective.

This is my most grown up book so far. The next phase of my challenge as a writer.

And I am here for it, as always.

I honestly had no idea what to name the chapter, but I wanted to use this flashback for so long.

Next comes a little twist to keep you on your toes. It's called "The Only One".

Love,

Léo.