Chapter 16 : The Date

Ren’s Point of View

Ren stood outside the café, the warm glow of its lights spilling onto the cobblestone street as the cool evening air surrounded him. He glanced at his watch - 6:58. He had arrived ten minutes early, unable to help himself, and now every passing second felt like an eternity.

She’ll be here, his wolf rumbled, its voice a mix of confidence and impatience. She wouldn’t have asked you out if she didn’t want this.

I know, Ren replied, though the tension in his chest remained. Tonight wasn’t just any date - it was his chance to connect with Elena, to truly get to know her, without the weight of his secrets hanging over them.

A soft breeze carried a familiar scent toward him - lavender and something warm, something uniquely hers. His wolf stirred immediately, growling in satisfaction.

She’s close.

Ren turned just in time to see her approaching, and the sight of her stole his breath. She was stunning. Her dark hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, framing her face perfectly. She wore a blue blouse that brought out the depth of her eyes, paired with dark jeans and heeled boots that gave her an effortless elegance.

His wolf growled appreciatively. Beautiful. Perfect.

Ren’s lips curved into a soft smile as she reached him. “Elena,” he said, his voice warm. “You look incredible.”

She flushed, her cheeks tinged with pink, but her smile was steady. “Thank you. You’re not looking too bad yourself.”

Ren chuckled, opening the café door for her. “Shall we?”

She nodded, stepping inside, and he followed, his wolf settling slightly as they entered the cozy space.

The café was quiet, with just a few other patrons scattered across the room. They chose a small table by the window, where the soft glow of the streetlights created an intimate atmosphere.

“So,” Elena said as they settled in, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of her menu. “What’s your drink of choice?”

“Whiskey, usually,” Ren replied with a small smile. “Though I’m open to suggestions.”

She tilted her head, considering him. “Hmm. You strike me as the type who might enjoy a good Old Fashioned. Want to give it a try?”

Ren’s smile widened. “Why not? What about you?”

“Red wine,” she said. “Something rich and smooth.”

The server arrived, and they placed their orders, the ease of their conversation surprising Ren. He had expected to feel more on edge, more uncertain about how to approach this evening. But with Elena, everything felt… natural.

“So,” she said, leaning forward slightly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “I feel like I’ve been doing most of the talking every time we meet. Tell me something about you, Ren.”

He hesitated for a moment, considering how much to reveal. Careful, his wolf warned. Keep it simple.

“I grew up in a small, tight-knit community,” he began. “It’s… more of a family than anything else. Everyone knows each other, works together. It’s different from this world, but it’s home.”

Her brows lifted slightly, her interest clear. “That sounds nice. Do you still live there?”

“I do,” Ren said, his voice softening. “It’s a big part of my life. A lot of responsibility, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Elena nodded, her expression thoughtful. “It must be fulfilling, knowing you’re part of something so close-knit.”

“It is,” Ren admitted, a small smile tugging at his lips. “What about you? Have you always been drawn to mythology and folklore?”

“Oh, absolutely,” she said, her eyes lighting up. “Even as a kid, I was obsessed with stories—fairy tales, myths, anything with a touch of magic or mystery. It’s what led me to study anthropology. There’s so much we can learn about ourselves through the stories we tell.”

Ren listened intently, captivated by the passion in her voice. The way her eyes sparkled when she spoke, the way her hands moved as she explained her thoughts - it was impossible not to be drawn to her.

Their drinks arrived, and they toasted lightly, their glasses clinking softly.

“To new beginnings,” Elena said with a smile.

“To new beginnings,” Ren echoed, his voice low and sincere.

As the evening went on, the conversation flowed effortlessly, weaving between lighthearted banter and deeper, more personal topics. Ren found himself opening up more than he had expected, sharing stories about his childhood, his family, and his love of the outdoors.

Elena, in turn, shared tales of her university days, her close bond with Sara, and her dreams of one day publishing a book on shifter myths.

“You’d be the perfect person to write it,” Ren said, his tone earnest. “You have a way of bringing these stories to life.”

She smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. “That means a lot, Ren. Thank you.”

The moments stretched and blurred, the café slowly emptying around them. By the time they realized the hour, they were the last two customers, the staff beginning to clean up for the night.

“I think we’ve overstayed our welcome,” Elena said with a laugh, glancing at her watch.

Ren chuckled, standing and offering her his hand. “Then let’s not keep them waiting any longer.”

She took his hand, the warmth of her touch sending a jolt through him. His wolf stirred, growling softly, but he forced it to remain quiet as they stepped outside.