“A mistress? Isabella, what are you talking about? I want you to become my Luna,” he declared and I was too stunned to speak.
“You know that it is not going to happen, Luke. As I have told you, I am already engaged with someone else . So, what should we do?”
“Cancel the engagement,” he suggested.

“Again? No, I am not going to do it. My reputation is on the line right now. You know very well that it was Dad who vouched for me this time, Luke.”
“But I am your mate!”
“Who cares about that now? Come on, Luke. Let’s be mature about this,” I asked him.
“How? Do you think I will be able to send you away to another man? I want you to be mine. Only mine, Isabella,” he declared.
“Hmmm hold on. Since we both wanted to be with each regardless of the situation, I propose that we will be together for one month. Doing things like lovers would do, just like what we used to in the past. What do you think, Luke?”
“No strings attached, you say?”

“Yes, no strings attached. We will just go on dates, or even become intimate, but as I have mentioned before, we can be friends with benefits. That’s all I can offer. So, what can you say?”
For a moment, Luke stayed silent as if was considering my proposal. I already proposed to him before but he didn’t agree. However, instead of responding to my question, his eyes darted elsewhere.
“Luke?” I asked.
“Can we talk about your weird proposal later? Let’s enjoy our picnic for now,” he suggested, and I had no choice but to agree.

We spent the afternoon lounging on a blanket, eating sandwiches, and watching the birds fly by. It was simple, but it felt perfect. We continued our conversation, cherishing every moment of our picnic. As we finished our meal, we leaned back on the blanket, holding hands and gazing up at the clear blue sky.
"Luke, I feel so grateful for this beautiful day and for having you by my side,” I said while staring at the horizon.
"I feel the same way, Isabella. Today has been perfect, just like you,” he responded with another cheesy line.
“You know what, you have changed into someone else after your recovery,” I remarked.
“Oh really? What makes you say that?”
“Your lines are always cheesy. I am not sure, but it isn’t like you. You used to be so prim and proper,” I reminded him.
“Even in bed?” he asked, but I wished he hadn’t asked that particular question because it reminded me of the last time we were intimate.
“You are not a gentleman in bed, and you know that,” I told him.
“Because you are so naughty and you like rough and wild darling,” he said.
“So, are you saying that it was my fault?” I snapped at him.
But then, as we continued to argue, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness knowing that our time together was limited. I wanted to hold onto these moments forever, but I knew that wasn't possible.
Eventually, the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the lake. We sat in silence, watching the colors change in the sky, lost in our own thoughts. Finally, I broke the silence, telling Luke how much these moments meant to me. I confessed that I didn't want him to leave, that I would miss him terribly when he returned to Lancaster.
Luke listened quietly, his expression softening as he reached out to hold my hand. He assured me that he would miss me too, but that he had to go back to his pack. It was his responsibility.
“But don’t worry, I agree with your proposal. For one month, we will be together,” he told me.
“Oh really? Thank you, Luke! I am glad you have come to your senses,” I mumbled, but deep inside, I was worried.
What would happen during the one month period that we would be together as friends with benefits? Would it change a damn thing? Or would I still end up with a broken heart? Damn it! What should I do now?
“You look sad again,” he noticed.
“I don’t know. I mean, we both know that we are engaged to someone else, but I just couldn’t let you go. Not yet. Not now,” I admitted even if it was embarrassing to confess.
“Don’t think too much about it, Isabella. You said it yourself that we should be so serious about these matters,” he reminded me, and at the moment, I wanted to yell at him for reminding me of that part.
“Right. So, any plans for tonight?” I asked as the sun started to go down.
“Not yet, hmmmm, what about dinner? Shall we go somewhere fancy tonight?” he proposed.
“Why not?” I agreed without thinking about the risk and dangers lurking outside the territory.
Should I tell the truth about myself? Should I tell him the truth that I came from the future? That he was just a friend there? That my husband was Aric Stormheart? And speaking of Aric, I haven’t heard anything about him yet. Even for Vanessa, I had no news about her.
“But then, on second thought, I think we should just stay at home tonight,” I changed my mind when I thought about the dangers outside the territory.
“Then, what about dinner? Shall we do it at home?”
“Why not, Luke? You know how to cook and I know how to set the table,” I reminded him and he laughed.
“Really? Okay,” he agreed, and I was excited to see him cooking again.
So, after thinking about it, we chose to have our own cooking adventure at home. And while we played house, Mom and Dad went to dine out. It was fine though. I didn’t regret my decision to just stay at home and enjoy a home cooked meal with Luke. Anyway, we could still go to a restaurant some other time.
Just like in restaurants, we set the table nicely with pretty white tablecloth, delicate plates, and candles that gave a soft, flickering light in the garden. Then, Luke and I went into the kitchen and put on aprons. Instead of letting him cook alone, I decided to help him.
First, we gathered all the ingredients we needed for the meal we planned, and the smell of fresh herbs filled the air as we chopped, diced, and cooked everything together. We laughed and joked while cooking, and then, I realized that being in the kitchen was not bad at all.
With each passing minute, we grew more excited because we were getting closer to enjoying the food we made, and when everything was ready, we carefully put the food on plates to make it really nice.
Then, Luke and I carried the tray with our food to the garden where we set up the table. As we sat down at the table, we looked into each other's eyes and felt the love and excitement between us.
“I suggest that we should just go to the restaurant next time,” I said after the first bite, and Luke’s jaw dropped because of my comment.
“Why? Is the food not to your liking? Does it taste bad?” he asked while tasting the food I put into my mouth first.
“No, it’s not about the food, but our smell. I mean, our outfit! Look at us, Luke! We are a mess! You even forgot to take off the apron you wore earlier, so I don’t think this is a good idea,” I complained, and then my nose caught something in the air. “I can smell the garlic on your body,” I added, but instead of being offended, he just laughed.
“Well, I agree with you. But Missy, it’s not just me who is a mess right now. I just noticed that you have something on your face. Wait, was it a sauce?” he asked while trying to clean my face with his finger. “Anyway, what’s your plan after dinner?”
“Hmmm take a shower? I mean, I really have to clean myself before doing anything else,” I told him and he wrinkled his nose while probably thinking.
“How about a shower with me?” he proposed and my jaw dropped at his dirty proposal.