33

Tino's POV

I'm literally pacing back and forth as I wait outside Koa's house by the car. I am also in a suit, a fucking suit. With a tie and dress shoes and everything. I wore my glasses because I knew Koa liked when I did, and I got my hair tapered around the sides but left the curls as he liked.

I texted him to go home and put on something nice but didn't tell him anything else. And with the help of Q, I was able to plan this date, and I was nervous and hoped that he liked it.

I had a bouquet of tulips in my hand, Kona had informed me that they were his favorite. Now here I was waiting outside for him to walk out and we can go. But I was nervous, to say the least.

The front door swung open and I stopped in my tracks. He walked out with his hair pulled back into a sleek bun, and he changed his nose ring to a stud. He was wearing a white button-up and black slacks that were perfectly tailored to his body.

He held a smile on his face as he walked closer to me and his eyes lit up as he saw the tulips in my hand.

"Dolcezza? What's going on?" He asked as he approached and I handed him the flowers.

"We are going on a date." I tried to stay as confident as I could. But he looked so good that it was hard to speak. It made me want to forget all these plans and just jump his bones right here and now.

"You planned a date for us?"

"Yes, Koa." I huffed out. "Is that so hard to believe?"

"I didn't know you were such a romantic." He walked forward and pulled my flush against him. His hands were on my waist and my arms immediately wrapped around his neck. "I am excited to see what you planned. I know I'm going to love it." He leaned down and sat a chaste kiss on my lips, and I wish it was longer.

We pulled away from each other and for a moment I didn't know what to do. Should I open the door for him or not? By the time I decided he was already in the car on the driver's side. Next time. I will get the door next time. I hopped in the car and I began driving.

Koa was comforting my nerves the whole time, he even put his hand on the back of my neck as I drove.

We pulled up to the place pretty quickly. It wasn't too deep into the human town, the restaurant sat on the outskirts of it. It was closest to the house I had reserved for the night on our territory. It was a fancy-as-shit steakhouse, I was surprised that even got a reservation here. It's booked up months in advance. But someone cancelled five minutes before I called and I was able to take it.

Koa's eyes lit up as he looked at the small place. I quickly got out of the car and ran around to open the door for him before he could. He looked confused at first but then a soft smile covered his face as he got out.

"You're such a gentleman." He teased. I closed the door and rolled my eyes. I noticed the eyes of the humans as we walked into the restaurant. I tried to ignore it because tonight I was going to keep my cool and have this night be about us.

I grabbed Koa's hand and interlocked our fingers as we approached the host stand. The guy behind it seemed bored, and he wore all black.

"Name?" His voice was very flat and he barely even made eye contact.

"Valentino,"

He nodded and muffled a quick 'follow me' and we did. We sat in the restaurant's back corner in a corner booth that made a half circle. I had asked for something a little more private because there were things that I wanted to tell Koa.

We both shimmied into the seats, Koa more than me.

He is huge.

The host sat down on the menus and quickly left us. I found myself leaning into Koa's side wanting his scent to wrap around me. His hand went to my thigh, and I wrapped my arm around his.

At first, I thought, maybe I shouldn't have got this booth. I know it can be cringy when couples sit next to each other but it's gotten to a point where I can't not touch him. So I don't care how it looks, I just need to constantly be in Koa's arms.

"This is very nice, you picked good." Koa's voice was low as he spoke directly in my ear. Neither of us moving to grab the menus just yet.

"I wanted to do something special for you. For us. I think it's long overdue." I could feel my cheeks heat up from my admission.

"I agree, this is definitely needed for us. I want to know everything about you."

That made Zay purr in excitement, and for once someone knowing me in that way wasn't a scary thing.

"Well, we have the rest of our lives to figure out all the details." The words flew out of my mouth too quickly. I turn to look at Koa and he had a look of admiration towards me. He gently squeezed my thigh.

"We do because I am not letting you go." There was an emotion in his eyes that looked similar to love. And I hoped that it was, and the fact that I even thought of it was already enough for me to know and recognize my feelings for him. It was more than just like.

"So there is something I want to speak with you about." He cleared his throat but just as he was about to speak we were interrupted by the server.

"Hi there, how you doing?" The girl asked, her eyes flickered between us, and she smiled even wider.

"Yeah, can we get started with your finest wine bottle?" Koa asked nicely and the girl nodded and walked away quickly.

I grabbed the menu and held it open for both Koa and I waited for him to continue.

"I know how you feel about being Alpha and the duties that come with it. And I like seeing you like this, relaxed and free, and any time anything about being Alpha is mentioned you start to stress and I don't want that. So maybe, you should start to consider giving the alpha title to your brother and then being the Luna of my pack."

I could feel his nervousness as he spoke. Koa was always so careful with me and my feelings, it was something that I appreciate from him. I never had to tell him to speak kindly to me, or to be soft with me. He just did. He knew because he paid attention.

Though, I never thought about completely giving up the title. I didn't even think it was a possibility. Vin would be a great alpha, he has been rising to the occasion a lot more than I have. And in these past few months, it feels like we have switched places. I also didn't think I would even have the option of being Luna, but now that I know that it's a possibility it seems more like a viable option.

"Would that mean we would move back to your territory?"

I remember that Koa's pack had moved here because of Cristoff and the rogues. They weren't meant to be here for as long as they have. And now that just being a Luna is an option, that would mean we wouldn't have to merge our packs. That would mean we would move back to his territory. Which was about two hours North of here.

"Yes, it would. We only brought half of the pack when we moved here. And Mom and Dad have been spending half a week here and half a week there and it's taking a toll on them. Plus lycans weren't meant to be around werewolves for this long."

I nodded in understanding and let him continue.

"I think you would make a wonderful Luna if you choose to be it. The pack would love you, and I think you would like my home. Which you can come in and change whatever you want to make it ours. You don't need to make a decision tonight, think about it and let me know what you decide."

Koa leaned over and kissed my cheek and I melted into him even more. Luna Valentino...I don't know why but that sounds...perfect.

'We would be a great Luna.' Zay chimed in.

'It's given me something to think about that's for sure.'

'I think you already know the answer, Tino.'

'But I can't just leave Vincent and Victoria. I don't know life without them.'

'You're only two hours away. If you miss them that much, just drive down the street and spend a weekend together.'

"What do you want to order, dolcezza? You want seafood, steak, or both?" Koa's deep voice pulled me from my daze.

I knew I shouldn't go all out and eat too much. I knew what I was wanting to happen later...and in case it did, I don't want to be too full.

"What are you thinking about? You usually know what you want." He chuckled.

"Hmm...nothing."

"Tell me, Valentino."

I huffed in annoyance knowing that I wasn't going to get out of this. Koa could see through me easily.

"Well...if we decide to--" I could feel my cheeks heat up as I began to speak. "If the vibes are cool and you know things are...heavy. But also I just don't want to be full--for the chance--you know?"

I was word-vomiting and rambling. I don't know why I couldn't say it now, or why I was so shy. Koa sat there smirking at me as I sat here flustered from what I was thinking. And what I was hoping for.

"I see. Well, if you talking about what I think you're talking about then perhaps we should stick with seafood. Some salmon or lobster and some vegetables yes?" His voice held a playfulness and I could feel my cheeks warm up even more.

Koa had this weird way of not doing anything other than being himself it made me want to smother him. I don't know what it is, but even now. Just him helping me pick out my food and knowing what I want to say.

The moon goddess knew exactly what she was doing giving me him.

The server returned and took our order, poured our glasses, and left us again. The lighting was dark in the restaurant and it seemed like everyone was in their world which I was grateful for. Which made me start to think about everything I was grateful for. Everything that Koa has done, and will continue to do.

"I'm grateful for you." I turned my head to fully meet his eyes; that look similar to love was in his eyes yet again. "I know I'm not the best with my words, but I want you to know that I'm glad you didn't let me push you away."

"I am too." Koa leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine. Though it was a quick kiss there was so much emotion behind it. It was us saying everything that we couldn't at the moment. It was also clarifying for me. To know that Koa was a part of my life now and forever. That these feelings I had were much more than just like. It was love.

I loved Koa.

"You want to know something?" He asked pulling me from my thoughts. "You haven't had another...episode since the fair."

"I guess you're right. I didn't even realize." I shrugged as the server came back and she placed our food down and we started to eat.

"How does that make you feel?" He asked continuing the conversation.

"I can only assume it's because our bond has gotten better." I shrugged.

"I disagree." I turned my head to look at him, confusion was evident on my face. "You did this all on your own Tino. You're so strong. I admire you for it."

My heart leaped at the words and I couldn't argue them at all. Since being with Koa I felt myself change. My confidence has grown, in myself. And I've started to put myself and my needs first. Doing things I want because I want to.

"Yeah, I suppose so."

Koa smiled widely as he leaned over and pressed a soft kiss on my nose. I looked deep into his gray, silver eyes. He had a light blue ring that surrounded them, some days it was more apparent than others. Perhaps it was the low light that made it more prominent.

Or the fact I was literally centimeters away from his face.

"You also look so good in this suit," His hand reached up and gripped my tie as he played with it in his hands. "I also love a tie." Koa's voice dropped and I felt my breath catch in my throat as he looked at me with lust swimming in his eyes.

"Let's leave." I spat out quickly but Koa just laughed and went back to his plate.

"Eat, you'll need the energy."

That's what I'm talking about.