"Samuel ..." I looked down at our intertwined hands and mumbled, "Do we really have to go? I-I don't think I'm ready yet." "Naomi." Samuel gently placed his hands on my shoulders and turned me to face him. "Why are you so anxious?" "I just don't think your parents will like me. And you ended up in the hospital because of me last time. It feels like I've only ever brought you trouble." I couldn't deny it—fear was bubbling in my chest. I was scared to face him and terrified to face his parents. "Sweetheart." Samuel cupped my face with such tenderness that my heart trembled. "Look at me." I bit my lip and lifted my gaze to meet his. He pulled me into his arms, his fingers stroking my hair with the gentlest touch. "Why are you blaming yourself for everything? You haven't done anything wrong." "But ... " He cut me off before I could finish. "No buts, Naomi. I love you. I'm with you because I want you to be free—to live your life without fear, to be happy every day. Not like this, carrying all this worry." His voice was low and calm, like warm water soaking into all the cracks in my heart. "It hurts me to see you like this. Did I fail to make you feel safe? Is that why you're hesitating now?" I reached up and pressed a finger gently against his lips. "You've done everything right. I just ... I haven't figured out how to face all of it yet. I'm not quite ready." "I'm sorry for rushing you," Samuel said softly. Then he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. "But tonight, you'll have to meet them." "Why?" I blinked, caught off guard. "I'm taking you to a party tonight. My parents will be there too," he explained seriously. "A party?" My breath caught. I couldn't help wondering—was it his family gathering? "Don't worry. It's actually the Eclipse Pack's celebration. Tonight is the Alpha's birthday, and we were invited as guests from Meteor Pack. Come with me, okay?""Alpha Richard's birthday ... with Eclipse Pack?" I was stunned. Samuel must have read my thoughts, because he added, "Your boss, Rosaline, will be there too." "So ... we're going with your parents?" I asked, blinking nervously. He shook his head. "We'll just see them at the party. No pressure." Then his tone turned a little playful. "Still, even the most bashful bride has to meet her future in-laws eventually. Think of this as a rehearsal." I let out a shy laugh and gave him a light punch on the chest. Samuel caught my hand and pressed a kiss to my palm. "I'll wait—until you're ready." My heart melted. I nodded. "Come on, let's go find you a dress." Samuel took my hand and led me out of the studio. Rosaline's POV: I stood in front of the mirror, sorting through outfit options for Richard's birthday party that evening. Caden came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder. He kissed the side of my neck gently. But I wasn't really in the mood to get intimate with him. I rubbed my belly and looked at him, pouting. "Do I look like I've gained weight?" He playfully pinched my waist and teased, "Maybe it's not weight gain. Maybe you're pregnant." I blushed furiously and pinched his arm. "Don't say that! If anyone's to blame, it's you. Your cooking is way too good, and I'm gaining weight because of that." "Well, a baby needs nourishment, right?" He teased with a straight face. I raised my hand to smack him again, but there was a knock on the door. Caden's assistant stood outside holding a huge gift box. Caden nodded and took it from him. I eyed the box curiously. "Is that the gift you're giving Richard?" He shook his head, set the box aside, and scooped me up into his arms before laying me gently on the bed. "It's for you.""For me?" I blinked in surprise. At his urging, I opened the box and found an absolutely stunning, luxurious evening gown inside. "Try it on," Caden said with a soft laugh. "Wear it tonight." Warmed by his thoughtfulness, I took the gown into the dressing room. I had to admit—his taste was impeccable. The deep burgundy color set off my fair skin beautifully, and the sleek fit hugged my figure just right. The cutout at the waist added just the right touch of elegance and allure. When I stepped out, Caden's eyes lit up. "What do you think?" I tilted my head, smiling. He stared at me, awe in his eyes, and said in a low, earnest voice, "You look gorgeous." Since the party was still a while away, I carefully changed out of the dress. Caden left to help prepare for the event, and I'd been planning to go with him—until my phone rang. It was Jasper, he said without preamble. "We found him, and he told me everything."