Chapter 26: Chapter 26

SLADE

After climbing into the truck, I gave her a blindfold and told her to put it on. She gave me a sideways look before tying it around her eyes.

I drove down the road and then turned off the road and into the long grass, Addison bracing herself as the path roughened. It was a bit bumpy, but I knew it would be worth it.

“Slade Black, are you kidnapping me?” she joked.

“With you in that dress, it’s definitely a possibility.” She laughed at me, swatting at my arm before resting her hand on my thigh.

It was electrifying, and I picked it up and kissed her palm before setting it back down in its place again.

“Okay, we’re here. Don’t take it off yet.” I got out of the truck and jogged around to the passenger side. Opening the door, I helped her down and then took her hand and moved her in front of the truck.

“Ready?” I asked, eager in anticipation.

“You’re not going to murder me or something, right?”

“Oh, shut up,” I said, rolling my eyes as she giggled. I took the blindfold off Addison’s eyes, and she threw her hands up to her mouth and let out a gasp.

I had driven her out into the prairie. The long grass had been cut in a large circle. Candles in vases lined the perimeter, giving enough light to see through the dark of the evening.

In the center was a table with a white tablecloth with candles and a vase of sunflowers in the middle.

“Slade, you did all this?” Her hand was on her chest above her heart.

“I wanted to do something special for you. I know I haven’t made things very easy for you. But the last few months have been amazing. Come, sit.”

I grabbed the two large, thermal bags out of the truck and held her hand, leading her to the table.

After helping her into her seat, I unzipped one of the bags to reveal two covered plates and a basket of warm bread. In the second bag, I pulled a bottle of wine and some glasses.

As we sat and ate, I couldn’t help but stare at the beautiful woman before me. She was warm and glowing in the candlelight.

She would occasionally touch my hand, and I lived for the smile that was set on her face. I would do this every night if I could.

After we finished eating our meal and shared the extremely decadent chocolate cake that had been packed as well, I leaned back a bit.

“Addison, I need to talk to you about something.”

“Hmm?” she said, curiosity in her eyes.

My nervousness caught up to me. I didn’t want to ruin this perfect night. She was enjoying herself so much.

~I’ll tell her tomorrow, first thing~, I thought to myself. I could feel my wolf roll his eyes and call me a sissy.

I ran my fingers through my hair. “Just that you’re beautiful.” I grinned at her, and she rolled her eyes at me.

The rest of the evening was magical. I even stole a hot minute of kissing in the truck before we drove back home.

I helped Addison out of the truck, and we walked hand in hand up to the house. Before we stepped on the porch, Addison turned to me.

“I don’t know how to thank you for tonight, Slade. It was wonderful.” She smiled up at me and gave me a soft kiss before walking up the steps.

“I can think of several ways you can thank me,” I teased as I opened the door. She laughed and grabbed my arm, looping hers through mine. As we entered, Hannah rushed up to us white as a sheet.

Addison gave a concerned look. “Hannah, what’s wrong?”

She turned her face to me. “Where the ~hell~ have you been?!” she whispered, but she might as well have yelled at me seeing the anger and fear in her eyes.

“Sorry, my phone was on silent. What is the matter, Han?”

But then I looked up at a figure that had their back toward us. She slowly turned toward us with a grin. “Hello, Slade. It’s been a long time.”

My eyes went dark. Addison pulled on my arm. “Slade, who is that?”

I growled. “Vanessa.”