Author's note: this is from Cristina's point of view

- - -

​​

Now that we were sitting close, I had a feeling I can read Luca's expressions. Those small movements of the muscles of his face, the way his jaw tightens and his eyes narrow, are speaking volumes, and one only needs to pay attention.

I could feel his emotional turmoil.

Luca is stuck between his sister and his best friend, wanting them to be happy, yet no matter if he tells the truth or stays quiet, someone will get hurt. I was glad that I'm not walking in his shoes.

This brief interaction made me feel closer to Luca, maybe enough to call him a friend.

I wanted to use this opportunity to clarify one thing with the hope he will believe me.

"I don't know what Zoe told you but… I was supposed to be in the team with Zoe for the scavenger hunt. She suggested that I team up with you so that she can be with Ash without leaving you or me hanging. There is nothing more to it."

Luca's chin twitched for a moment, telling me that he understood and that he didn't approve of what Zoe did.

"I should have known.", his voice was barely audible.

Relief swelled inside me. This won't change the fact that I was rejected a few minutes ago, but at least one thing was cleared up.

I didn't want Luca to feel weird about this. It was Zoe's fault and I will scold her later but for now, I wanted to change the topic.

"Will you go to the scavenger hunt?"

He looked at me suspiciously and I gathered my courage to say, "I never went on a scavenger hunt, and I will regret it if I don't go tonight, but it seems that I am a teammate short, and so are you."

Luca regarded me for a moment before responding with a stiff nod.

"Good. Let's meet up before the game starts.", I said with relief obvious in my voice. "I heard that we won't be allowed to shift into wolf forms in order to make it fair for everyone. Serina and Mona will give us maps and explain the rules. We can discuss strategies at that point."

I took his silence as an agreement.

I glanced behind him at the crowd that was gathered around Serina and Drago. "I think you should go back to where you were, or people will assume that something is going on between us."

Luca gave me a half-smile that made me blush, and I held my breath as he stood up.

I can't believe that I spoke with a boy, and I ended up being a chatty one.

Luca stalked away and I noticed that his footsteps didn't make sounds and he barely disturbed the sand and pebbles under his feet. No wonder I didn't notice when he approached me. He is moving stealthily, and everything smells like barbecue.

I looked at the meat on the plate I was holding, and my appetite returned. I stabbed a small sausage and ate it with delight. I had a feeling that tonight will be eventful.

- - -

Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

- - -

I was worried about how kids will interact with Duke after his fight in the gym, but it seems that they all approved of how Duke held his ground against Lazarus. Werewolves.

At that time, I was petrified that Duke will end up disabled, but after the adrenalin subsided the only thing left was admiration toward this man who treats me gently enough not to disturb the water surface, yet he is capable of such a powerful show of speed and strength. I can't help myself from falling for him more.

At the pool, only a few words were spoken between Duke and the kids, but when we descended to the beach, Zoe started to fill her plate with the food, and the others looked at Duke apprehensively, silently asking him if it's OK to approach the food.

It reminded me of how Zoe, Luca, and Ash treated me in the beginning, and I realized how much Duke's fight with Lazarus affected the kids. They see him as someone worthy of admiration, fear, an Alpha.

My three adorable teens said that they want me to be their Luna (or is it Alpha?), and now my king is here as well. I shook my head while smiling at that thought.

Duke didn't understand why kids are looking at him with reverence. He waved at them to come closer.

"Come and get what you want to eat.", he encouraged them. "There is plenty and it's not good if it gets cold."

"You should pick first.", Hugo said while looking into Duke's chest, obviously avoiding eye contact.

Eye contact with an Alpha is a challenge to his authority. I thought that Hugo was super-cute, and I wondered what Duke would say if he understood his behavior.

Duke chuckled while encouraging kids to start grabbing food. "There is no such thing. I bought all this for you. Look, Zoe's plate is nearly full. Do you want her to get all the good stuff?"

I rolled my eyes at the scene. Duke obviously thought that kids are being awkward because he bought most of this meat, however, they were only showing respect.

I pushed Ash and Emilio to step closer. "Go on or Zoe will get the best pieces."

Ash was first to grab a plate and start picking, probably because of his previous interaction with Duke. Other kids joined in as well, relaxing and turning into a chattering crowd again.

A warm and fuzzy feeling filled my chest when I saw that Zoe gave the full plate of carefully selected pieces to Luca.

Luca looked at Zoe in confusion for a moment, but then he smiled and accepted her offering.

Luca definitely didn't expect it, and I didn't expect it either considering how much Zoe was talking about her deal with Duke and how she will get first picks. I thought that she wanted them for herself, who knew that she was thinking about her brother (aka the birthday boy)?

I wondered where Mona disappeared. But considering all the grinding and squeezing that happened on the dancefloor between her and Julian, I had a good idea.

Lazarus was on the side, waiting for everyone to grab food so that he can make his picks in peace. He didn't want to squeeze with kids and there was plenty of food for everyone.

"Here you go, my dear…", Duke's singing voice got my attention and I glanced at the plate filled with meat that hovered in front of me.

We found a spot on the beach and sat next to each other.

"Can we join you?", Chiara asked, and Violet was next to her.

"Sure.", I responded, and Hugo and Emilio sat with us as well.

"Ash says you have a big company in London.", Hugo said while looking at Duke.

Duke nodded. "It's a finance company."

"Will Ash work there?", Emilio chimed in.

Duke confirmed. "As an intern."

"What's an intern?", Violet asked.

"It's something you do after school, to learn the skills on the job and you get paid.", Ash responded proudly while taking a seat with us.

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