The Bloodmoon Summit was progressing without incident—a diplomatic success by most standards. Nova had done everything she could to remain in the background, quietly shadowing Jax and offering support where needed. Trying and failing to not draw too much attention.
This year, an annual ball—which traditionally marked the end of winter—landed during the Bloodmoon delegation's visit. Snow still blanketed the castle grounds in thick drifts, as if spring hadn't quite gotten the message.
Meredith, naturally, would be in attendance. And even though she hadn't spoken a word to Nova since her their first encounter, Nova couldn't shake the feeling that Meredith knew something. She didn't need her wolf's color glowing through her skin tonight.
She planned to stay quiet, polite, and unnoticeable.
At least, that was the plan… until Jax presented her with a gown.
When she opened the box, she stared at it like it was spun moonlight.
"Oh my gods, Jax—" she had kissed him so many times he lost count.
He'd chuckled, stunned by her reaction. "I wasn't sure if you'd like it this much."
She had looked up at him, eyes wide. "I love it. I'm the luckiest Luna in the world."
He tucked that moment into the vault of his heart—the pure happiness on her face, the way she twirled holding the gown to her body.
He had spared no expense. The heels were sapphire and gold, delicate enough to look barely there. He'd also gotten her dangling earrings: large sapphires lined with diamonds.
Later that afternoon, Elle and Nova were tucked away in Cael's quarters getting ready together. They were giggling and talking like old times.
Meanwhile, the men were settled in Fin's study. Jax, Cael, Fin, and—at Nova's gentle suggestion—Grant. Despite being the son of Alpha Balen, Grant didn't carry his father's arrogance. The guy looked genuinely happy to be invited.
Drinks were poured. Laughs were shared.
"You'll never guess what I found out yesterday," Cael said, swirling his glass and grinning at Jax.
"What?" Jax asked, raising an eyebrow.
"The gown you had made for Nova… she showed Elle. She was so excited about it. Guess what?"
"What?" Jax asked, already bracing.
"Same tailor. Same cut. Different color. But the same damn dress." Cael laughed. "Apparently, great minds really do think alike."
Jax winced slightly. "Seriously?"
"Elle insisted Nova wear it. She's going with another one I got her."
Jax relaxed a little. "She really liked it," he murmured, almost to himself.
Cael nodded. "She did. Almost cried when she saw it. You did good, brother."
Jax took a quiet sip of his drink, his mind wandering.
Nova never asked for anything. Never expected gifts. Her clothes had been sparse. Most of her closet now had been filled only because he had taken the initiative. He realized outside of this set of earrings… he hadn't gotten her any other jewelry. This was the first nice dress he'd given her.
That was going to change.
"You're good to Elle," Jax said, eyes glancing toward Cael. "You spoil her. I can tell you really care for her."
"I do." Cael smiled, leaning back. "Couldn't stop if I wanted to."
Jax grinned. "Nova keeps gushing about your closet."
Fin rolled his eyes, but there was a fondness in it. "Gods, you're both hopeless."
Grant chuckled. "You all make it sound like mating is some kind of fairytale."
"When it's right… it feels like one." Jax said.
There was a comfortable silence for a few seconds as the fire crackled behind them.