The surprise came on a quiet evening after putting Alex Jr. to bed.
Xander led Claire to the balcony of their shared wing, the moon casting a soft silver glow over the gardens below. He had been more attentive lately — small gifts, lingering touches, and quiet conversations that slowly rebuilt the trust between them. Tonight, his emerald eyes held a spark of excitement he couldn’t quite hide.
“I have something for you,” he said, pulling a small envelope from his pocket. “We’ve been through so much. We deserve time to just be us again. No pack duties. No responsibilities. Just you and me.”
Claire opened the envelope with trembling hands. Inside were two first-class tickets to a private island resort in the Maldives — a secluded paradise with overwater villas, white sand beaches, and crys
