Chapter 84 Does Alpha Killian Know His Way Around?

The groceries arrived that morning. By noon, Eira’s fridge was stocked with everything she needed for a proper American-style dinner.

Ribeye steaks. Jumbo shrimp. Asparagus. Potatoes.

Surf and turf seemed like a safe bet. Lila’s spreadsheet said Alpha Killian liked good steak, fresh seafood, and simple food without heavy sauces.

Eira texted him.

Dinner at my place. Seven tonight. Don’t be late.

His reply came at once.

I won’t.

She sent one more message.

Can you bring my suitcase?

Sure.

At six thirty, the doorbell rang.

Eira rinsed the shrimp off her hands and opened the door. Alpha Killian stood outside in a charcoal suit, holding a bottle of Napa Cabernet and a box from a local bakery.

"You’re early," she said.

"I brought wine and dessert. That buys me thirty minutes."

Eira stepped aside. His clean cedar scent followed him into the house, making her strangely aware of how quiet Number Nine was.

She looked toward the driveway.

"Where’s my suitcase?"

Alpha Killian stopped.

"I forgot it."

"You had one job."

A flicker of amusement crossed his face. "I’ll bring it next time."

Eira did not notice how smoothly he had created a reason to return.

"Fine. Make yourself comfortable. I’m still working on dinner."

Alpha Killian set down the wine and bakery box. Instead of sitting, he took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and followed her into the kitchen.

"What are you doing?" Eira asked.

"Pitching in."

"You’re my guest."

"And you’re cooking enough food for a football team."

"I didn’t know how much an Alpha eats."

His wolf liked that answer far too much.

Alpha Killian looked over the counter. The steaks were resting, the potatoes were boiling, and the shrimp still needed to be peeled.

"Put me to work."

"Can you cook?"

"I can hold my own."

Eira handed him the shrimp. "Peel and devein these."

Alpha Killian got to work without hesitation. His movements were quick and clean.

Eira watched him finish the first shrimp.

"Well, look at you."

"Try not to sound so shocked."

"Where did you learn that?"

"My dad." That was all he said.

Eira nodded and turned back to the stove.

Alpha Killian waited.

When she said nothing else, he looked over. "That’s it? You’re not going to ask?"

"You clearly don’t want to talk about it."

"I said my dad taught me. I didn’t say it was classified."

Eira gave him a puzzled look.

Alpha Killian sighed and returned to the shrimp.

His flirting was getting absolutely nowhere.

--

With Alpha Killian helping, dinner came together fast.

He peeled the shrimp, trimmed the asparagus, and handed Eira whatever she needed before she asked. They moved around the kitchen with surprising ease, almost like they had done this before.

By six forty-five, the ribeyes were resting on the counter. The garlic butter shrimp, roasted asparagus, and mashed potatoes were ready.

Only the burrata salad was left.

Eira placed the cheese in the center of the plate, then began folding thin slices of prosciutto into small roses.

Halfway through, she stopped.

She had learned that trick for Alpha Sebastian. He liked his food arranged that way, so she had spent an entire afternoon practicing until every fold looked perfect.

"Something wrong?" Alpha Killian asked.

"No."

Eira pulled the prosciutto apart and laid the slices around the burrata in a simple circle.

Alpha Killian noticed, but he did not ask.

"All set?"

"All set."

He picked up the platter and carried it to the dining room.

Eira watched him go.

In four years, Alpha Sebastian had never once helped her in the kitchen. He had never carried a plate or asked if she needed a hand.

Alpha Killian had walked in, rolled up his sleeves, and made himself useful.

Eira took off her apron and followed him.

She remembered the fruit basket and reached for it at the same time Alpha Killian did. Their fingers brushed.

Eira quickly pulled her hand back.

"I’ve got it," Alpha Killian said.

He washed the fruit and brought it back in a serving bowl. When he returned, Eira was pouring the wine.

They sat down a few minutes before seven.

Alpha Killian cut into the ribeye first. The center was warm and pink, exactly medium rare.

"Lila’s spreadsheet said that’s how you like it," Eira said.

"So that’s what she brought you. My entire food profile."

"She was very thorough."

"I’m sure she enjoyed collecting classified information."

Eira almost smiled. "How is it?"

Alpha Killian took another bite before answering.

"Worth the wait."

Eira relaxed. "Good. Then we’re even."

Alpha Killian looked up. "Who said we were even?"

"You asked for dinner. I made dinner."

"I helped."

"That was your choice."

His mouth curved slightly. "Then I guess you still owe me."

Eira stared at him, trying to decide whether he was serious.

Alpha Killian calmly reached for the shrimp.

Her phone buzzed before she could answer. An unread message from Rachel had been sitting there since earlier that day.

[Morning session finished. Everyone checked out.]

Eira locked the screen and set the phone facedown.

--

At the same time, Alpha Sebastian checked his watch.

Right on time.

He grabbed a bouquet of roses and a small jewelry box from the passenger seat, then walked into the preconception wellness clinic.

The receptionist looked up. Her eyes briefly widened at his tailored suit and expensive watch.

"Hi. Can I help you?"

"I’m here to pick up my wife." Alpha Sebastian gave her his most charming smile. "Eira Hale. I’m Sebastian."

The receptionist checked the pickup note on her screen.

"Mr. Hale. Yes, the class should be wrapping up now."

She handed him a bottle of water and pointed toward the waiting area.

"You can take a seat."

"Thanks."

Alpha Sebastian sat facing the hallway, the roses resting beside him. A few minutes later, women began leaving the classroom.

Then he spotted a familiar figure.

Long golden hair. Slim build. Face mask.

The woman glanced at her phone as she walked, then rolled her neck as if she had been sitting too long. A name badge hung against her jacket, but her hair covered most of it.

Alpha Sebastian stood and picked up the flowers.

The receptionist followed his gaze and smiled.

"Mrs. Hale, your husband is here."

The masked woman stopped cold.

"Excuse me?"

Alpha Sebastian walked toward her, his voice warm and confident.

"Eira."