Miranda's point of view

By the time I was done talking with Lorenzo on the phone, it was almost dark outside. He just kept reminding me how I should behave myself and shouldn’t bring shame to the pack.

“...Miranda is friends with the Luna Queen,” I heard Vincenzo say to someone on the phone as I entered the house.

“Who’s that?” I asked him in a whisper.

“Your father-in-law,” he replied.

“Oh.” I shook my head at how he was referring to his father.

“I have to go, Dad. I have something very important to discuss with Miranda,” he said and hung up.

I raised my brows. “What do we have to discuss?”

“Nothing. I was just tired of his endless talk and needed an excuse to end the call,” he answered.

I simply nodded. I slumped on a sofa next to his and faced him.

“You were on the phone with Lorenzo for so long,” he cleared his throat. “What were you two talking about?”

“He was just reminding me to behave myself.” I adjusted myself on the sofa.

“Right. When do you intend to tell your friend about our main reason for coming?” he asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. “We just arrived, Mr. Vincenzo. I’ll tell her when it’s the right time.”

He nodded in agreement. Silence fell on us since neither of us had anything to say, but it wasn’t an awkward silence—it was comfortable and relaxing.

But my stomach broke the silence as it growled loudly. I bit my lower lip in embarrassment, mentally cursing it.

“What do you like to eat?” Vincenzo asked.

My eyes lit up at once. “You’re cooking for me?”

“Yes, but you’ll assist me.”

“Wow! We’ll be like a real couple,” I said.

Vincenzo didn’t respond. He simply got up and headed towards the kitchen, but I saw him smiling. I sprang up and quickly chased after him.

“What are we preparing?” I asked.

“I already asked what you want to eat. We’ll prepare whatever you want to have.”

Joy erupted in my stomach. I was finally going to know what it feels like to cook with your beloved in the kitchen.

“Since we’re going by my decision, let’s have lasagna tonight.”

“Of course, my lady.”

>>>>>>>

>> One Hour Later <<

“Finally,” I groaned as I slumped on the stool near the counter. “I didn’t know cooking lasagna takes so much time.” I sighed dramatically. “I’m not domestic. I’m not meant to be a housewife.”

Vincenzo chuckled at my words. “Don’t worry, baby. I’m domestic enough for the both of us,” he said.

His words were so sweet and romantic that I couldn’t help but blush.

“You’re such a flirt.”

“I only flirt with you,” he replied, and I blushed harder.

I watched him in silence as he set the table, with Claire assisting him.

My eyes were tracing his facial features—from his eyes to his nose to his lips—and my gaze decided to settle on his lips.

Like a wave, the memory of the kiss we shared at the cemetery flooded my mind, and I found myself wanting to kiss him right now.

“Luna!” Claire called, shaking my shoulder and pulling me back from my imagination.

“What?” I asked, a bit offended that she interrupted my sweet daydream.

“The table is set. Beta Vincenzo is waiting for you,” she said.

“Huh?”

I looked towards the dining table and saw Vincenzo staring at me with an amused and satisfied smirk.

“You should take a picture—it lasts longer,” he teased me.

My cheeks flamed up as I suddenly became shy. I covered my face with my hands and shook my head.

“I don’t need a picture when I have the real person,” I told him.

He laughed. “Fair enough.” He signaled me to come over to the table. “Come on, let’s eat, or the worms in your stomach will eat up your intestines,” he joked.

Just as he said that, my stomach growled loudly again, and I felt the worms in my stomach stomping angrily on each other.

“You’re a jinx,” I told him.

I made my way to the table anyway and sat on the chair opposite his.

While we were eating, I suddenly remembered that I didn’t know the rooming arrangement yet.

“How many rooms are in this villa?” I asked, facing Claire.

“Two rooms. I checked earlier,” she replied.

“Two rooms... where are you going to sleep then?”

Claire simply twisted her lips as she shrugged her shoulders.

“How about we share my room?” I suggested, but before she could respond, Vincenzo spoke.

“Maids are not allowed to share a room with their masters.”

I frowned slightly. “Who made that rule?”

“Me,” he replied.

“You...”

“Throughout our stay here, we’re going to share my room,” he said firmly.

I wanted to argue but quickly stopped myself. His suggestion wasn’t bad. We rarely spent time together back in our pack. We could use this opportunity to spend more time together and get to know each other better.

“Sure,” I agreed readily.

Hold on, what is wrong with me? Why am I agreeing to this? Even though we’re originally mates, shouldn’t I wait until Lorenzo is out of the picture before sharing a room with Vincenzo?

Whatever! If Lorenzo can openly have a mistress and everyone is fine with it, why can’t I spend a few nights with my real mate?

Claire bent closer to my ear. “Luna, I don’t think this is right. What if the Alpha finds out?” she whispered, but Vincenzo heard her clearly.

He slammed his cup on the table and narrowed his eyes in anger.

“He won’t remain Alpha for long!” he growled, then stormed off toward one of the rooms.

Claire looked at me worriedly, and I simply smiled at her.

“Don’t worry. Everything will make sense to you soon,” I assured her. “Come on, let’s clear the table.”

We packed the plates in silence until Claire broke it with a question.

“You and Beta Vincenzo have been growing closer lately... Are you two in love?” she asked. I guess this question had been on her mind for quite some time now.