10. Peter
Chapter 10
I stand near the entryway, adjusting the cuffs of my powder blue dress shirt, the fabric crisp beneath my fingers. The house feels quieter than usual, even with Nate and Calvin in the living room, murmuring to William as they settle him down for the evening. Tonight is the first time since Daisy arrived that one of us will have her alone, without her heat or the lingering haze of instinct clouding the moment.
Calvin was the easiest to convince to watch William, always supportive, eager to make sure Daisy feels valued in every way. Nate took longer, but eventually, he had relented with a knowing smirk, teasing that I needed a proper date to prove I wasn’t just a cold businessman. I let the jab slide. This isn’t about proving anything. It’s about giving Daisy something steady, something real.
I regret how I treated her at the start. It made me realize I may have a prejudice against betas, something I need to work on. Regardless of whether or not she ended up being our omega, it didn't give me the right to be an asshole. Now, I have to make up for that.
Footsteps on the stairs draw my attention. I turn and breath catches as Daisy descends, a small overnight bag slung over her shoulder. The deep blue evening dress she wears hugs her figure, the fitted bodice accentuates the curve of her waist before flowing into a soft, knee-length skirt. Thin straps rest on her shoulders, leaving the graceful line of her collarbone and neck exposed. Her light blonde hair is pinned back in a simple updo, a few loose strands framing her face.
The faint scent of her, fresh and subtly floral, fills the space between us. My dick twitches, and I have to look away to keep myself composed before the evening begins. Every time I'm around her, I want to pin her down and make love to her, but there's a time and a place for everything.
I step forward, keeping my gaze on her eyes. "You look beautiful." My hand extends toward her bag, in a silent offer. She hesitates, then hands it over, her fingers brushing mine for a moment before she lets go.
Her lips curve into a small smile as she smooths a hand over the fabric of her dress. "Thank you. You look very handsome."
She glances past me toward the living room, where Calvin bounces William gently in his arms while sitting on in the corner of the sectional. Nate leans against the back of the couch, arms crossed, watching them both. Daisy goes to them, brushing her fingers over William’s tiny hand before glancing at the two Alphas. "You’ll call if you need anything?"
Calvin grins. "He’ll be fine, Daisy. You’re allowed a night off."
Nate nods, but his voice is softer. "Enjoy yourself."
She hesitates a second longer before nodding. She leans down, pressing a quick kiss to Calvin’s lips, then straightens to do the same for Nate. He smiles, his fingers brushing over her wrist before letting her go. She steps back toward me, and I place a guiding hand at the small of her back, leading her out the door and toward the car. The night air is crisp, the scent of damp pavement lingering from the earlier rain. My car black Mustang waits in the driveway, sleek and polished, reflecting the glow of the porch light.
I open the passenger door for her, watch as she settles in, then close it before rounding to the driver’s side. My leg is already acting up, but I try not to show it. Tonight needs to be the best for her. To show her I'm not all prickly. The car is quiet as I start the engine. The low hum fills the space between us. She relaxes against the seat, her fingers tracing the hem of her dress.
I glance at her as I pull onto the road; the streetlights cast fleeting shadows over her features. "I made reservations at a French place downtown. Hope that works for you."
She tilts her head, meeting my gaze. "That sounds nice."
A soft smile plays at the corner of my lips before I refocus on the road. The city stretches before us, lights flickering against the skyline, buildings loom in the distance.
I rest one hand on the wheel, the other draped along the gear shift. "It’s been a while since I’ve done this."
She looks over, a smile tugging at her lips. "You’ve gone on a date?"
My fingers tighten around the wheel. "Something like that."
She doesn’t press, instead she shifts her gaze out the window, watching the city blur past. The steady rhythm of the road beneath us fills the space where words don’t need to be. I glance at her again, taking in the way the passing lights reflect in her eyes, how her posture has softened now that we’ve put some distance between us and the house.
The restaurant comes into view, nestled on a quiet street just off the main downtown stretch. It’s an intimate place, the kind where conversation lingers over candlelight, and the waitstaff move with quiet efficiency. I pull into the valet lane, cutting the engine as an attendant steps forward. Daisy turns to me, a small flicker of curiosity in her expression.
I smirk, unfastening my seatbelt. "Figured we should do this right."
She huffs a quiet laugh, shaking her head. Before she can move, I step out, rounding the car to open her door. She hesitates for only a second before placing her hand in mine, letting me help her out. Her fingers are warm against my palm, the brief contact sending a subtle tingle through me.
The valet takes the keys, and we step onto the sidewalk, the soft glow of the restaurant’s lanterns casting a warm light over the cobblestone entrance. I watch as she takes in the sight, her lips part slightly, before she glances up at me.
"This is really nice."
I nod, leading her toward the entrance and bringing her hand up to kiss the back of her knuckles. "Only the best for you."
She follows, and for the first time in days, I feel like we’re starting something new—not dictated by instinct, but something real, something intentional.
I hold the door open for her, and she steps inside. I follow close behind, ready to see where the night takes us.
The ma?tre d' greets us with a polished smile the moment we step inside, his gaze flicking over our attire with silent approval. The soft murmur of conversation blends with the gentle clinking of silverware against fine china. The restaurant’s lighting is warm and intimate, casting golden hues over crisp white tablecloths and elegantly set tables.
"Welcome to Le Jardin Privé. Do you have a reservation?"
I nod, adjusting my jacket. "Yes, under Peter Sinclair."
His eyes scan the ledger before he inclines his head. "Of course, Mr. Sinclair. Right this way."
He leads us through the softly lit space, past tables adorned with flickering candles and fresh flowers. The scent of butter, wine, and seared meats lingers in the air, promising an exquisite meal. Daisy walks beside me, her eyes taking in the atmosphere. She belongs here, poised and elegant.
We arrive at our secluded table near a window with a view of the softly glowing city. I pull out her chair, and she settles gracefully before I take my seat.
"This place is beautiful." She runs her fingers along the edge of the linen napkin before unfolding it and placing it on her lap.
"Only the best. I wanted tonight to be special."
Her lips curve into a soft smile, appreciation flickering in her eyes as she glances around once more.
The server approaches with a practiced grace, setting down two leather-bound menus in front of us. "Welcome. Our specials this evening include a seared duck breast with blackberry reduction, a saffron-infused seafood risotto, and a filet mignon prepared with truffle butter. Let me know if you have questions or need recommendations."
I glance up at the server's name tag. "Thank you, Ken. Please give us a moment to decide."
He inclines his head politely and steps back, leaving us to our menus.
I glance up from the menu, watching as she scans hers with genuine interest and wide eyes. "All of this is so expensive."
I shake my head. "Don't worry about the price. Order whatever you would like."
She licks her lips and nods. "Okay."
We look at the menu for a few more minutes before she puts hers down, looking like she's ready to order. I glance over my menu at her. "So, how did you get into childcare?"
She tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I graduated high school early and went for my bachelor’s in college. I have degrees in child development and early childhood education. I always knew I wanted to work with kids, and being a nanny felt like the perfect way to apply everything I learned while still making personal connections. I love watching kids grow, seeing their personalities develop. It’s rewarding in a way I can't really put into words."
The passion in her voice is evident, her expression softening as she speaks. Its clear being a Nanny isn't just a job for her, it’s something she truly cares about. I admire that.
"That makes sense." I pick up my water glass and take a sip. I'll order wine once I know what kind of protein she wants. "You’re a natural with William. He’s lucky to have you."
A faint blush dusts her cheeks. "Thank you. He’s a sweet baby. He makes it easy."
I lean back, watching the way she lights up when she talks about him. "And before this? You mentioned working for the Millers. What was that like?"
Her smile turns wry. "Busy. They traveled constantly. I got to see some amazing places, but the stability was nonexistent. I loved the kids, but when they let me go, I realized I needed something different for my next family."
"You don’t miss the travel?"
She shakes her head. "Not really. I like the idea of putting down roots for once."
I nod, understanding more than she probably realizes. "I get that."
She tilts her head slightly. "What about you? I know you handle the business side of things now, but you were a hockey player too, right?"
I sip my water before answering. "Yeah. Played professionally for years. Hockey was everything to me."
Her curiosity is clear, but I steer the conversation away from the details I’d rather not discuss. My injury, the forced retirement; I don’t want to bring the mood down.
"Do you miss it?"
I consider my response. "Parts of it. The adrenaline, the team. But life moves on. I’ve found other things to focus on."
She studies me for a beat, as if sensing there’s more I’m not saying. Before she can press further, the server steps back to our table, offering a brief reprieve from the conversation.
Ken gives us a polite nod. "Are you ready to order?"
Daisy offers a polite smile as she hands him her menu. "I’ll have the seafood risotto."
I hand my menu over as well. "Filet mignon, medium rare. And a bottle of Chateau Margaux to go with it."
Ken acknowledges the selection with an approving nod. "Excellent choices. I’ll have that out shortly."
As he leaves, Daisy rests her arms on the table, fingers lacing together. "Do you ever skate anymore? For fun, I mean?"
I exhale a short laugh. "Not as much as I should. Maybe I’ll change that."
"I’d like to see that," she muses, a playful gleam in her eyes.
Her gaze lingers on me a little longer than necessary, and for a moment, everything else fades away—the restaurant, the people, the past. Right now, it’s just us, and it feels right.
After dinner, I drive us to the hotel I booked, a four-star luxury retreat that guarantees privacy and comfort. The moment we pull up to the entrance, a valet steps forward, greeting us with a polite nod. I hand over my keys, grab our overnight bags, and place a hand at the small of Daisy’s back, guiding her inside. The hotel lobby is refined, with marble floors, soft lighting, and the quiet hum of well-dressed guests moving about.
She takes in the surroundings, eyes flickering over the grand chandelier and the elegantly arranged floral displays. "This place is beautiful."
I give a small smile as I check us in. "Only the best."
The receptionist greets us with a warm, professional smile. "Welcome. Do you have a reservation?"
I nod, resting a hand on the counter. "Yes, under Peter Sinclair."
Her fingers glide over the keyboard as she checks the system. "Ah, here we are. A luxury suite for the evening. Everything has been arranged per your request. Here's your room key." She hands me the sleek card with practiced efficiency.
I take it and place a hand at the small of Daisy’s back again, guiding her toward the elevator. The ride up is quiet and comfortable, but an unspoken anticipation lingers between us. When we reach the suite, I swipe the keycard and push the door open.
Soft ambient lighting glows from the flickering LED candles that I asked the hotel to arrange. Rose petals are scattered across the bed and floor, their delicate scent mixing with the crisp, clean fragrance of the hotel’s linen. The large windows showcase a breathtaking view of the city skyline, its lights twinkling against the night sky.
Daisy steps inside, her lips parting as she takes in the setting. "Peter, this is…" She trails off, turning toward me, her expression unreadable.
I watch her closely. "Do you like it?"
Her fingers graze over the petals on the bed. "It’s beautiful. I wasn’t expecting all this."
I step closer, reaching for her hand and bringing it to my lips. "I wanted tonight to be special."
Her breath catches as I lower her hand, my grip steady but gentle. The air between us thickens. I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, my fingers trailing down her jaw, guiding her gaze back to mine. She doesn’t pull away.
I lean down, capturing her lips in a slow, deliberate kiss. Her hands move to my chest, gripping my shirt before sliding up to my shoulders. I deepen the kiss, coaxing her closer until there’s no space left between us.
My fingers skim down her back, over the fabric of her dress, feeling the warmth of her beneath it. I find the zipper and tug it down with measured precision. The dress slips from her shoulders, pooling at her feet, leaving her in nothing but a black lace set and her heels. My breath hitches at the sight of her, standing there in the candlelight, curves bathed in a soft golden glow.
Daisy’s fingers reach for the buttons of my shirt, unfastening them one by one, her palms grazing over my skin as she pushes the fabric off my shoulders. The cool air meets my heated skin, but all I feel is her. She drags her nails lightly down my abdomen before reaching for my belt, undoing it with unhurried movements. I stop her before she can fully take them off.
I scoop her into my arms, lifting her as her legs wrap around my waist. Our lips find each other again, the kiss growing more urgent. I carry her toward the massive bed, lowering her onto the soft sheets. She stretches beneath me, eyes dark with desire as I hover over her, taking in every inch of her flushed skin, the way her breath comes in short, uneven bursts.
I trail my lips down her throat, lingering at the spot where her scent gland is. Flowers fill my senses. A soft moan escapes her as I press a kiss there, her body arching into mine. The need to claim her surges through me, but I force myself to move slowly. Tonight is about more than just passion. It’s about us.
I meet her gaze again, silently asking for permission to take this further. She answers by pulling me closer, guiding my hands over her body, giving herself to me in a way that makes everything else fade into the background.
My hands trace the delicate curves of her body, my mouth following the path of my fingertips. I press kisses along her collarbone, down the valley between her breasts. She arches into my touch, breath hitching as I reach behind her, unclasping her bra with practiced ease. The lace falls away, revealing her perky breasts, flushed and beautiful with pale pink nipples.
I take my time, my lips closing around a taut nipple, flicking my tongue over the sensitive peak. A shudder wracks her body. A moment later, I move lower, tracing the soft expanse of her stomach with the tip of my tongue. My hands slide down her sides, gripping the lace of her panties, slowly peeling them away. She lifts her hips so I can pull them off, along with her heels. Now she’s bared before me, her scent filling the air, igniting my inner alpha.
I kneel before her, my palms smoothing over her thighs, gently urging them apart. She shivers, anticipation humming in the air between us. I press a kiss to the inside of her left knee, then another to her right, working my way up the soft skin of her inner thighs.
Her breath catches when my tongue traces the delicate folds of her pussy. I savor her, hands gripping her hips to keep her still as she writhes beneath me. My dick strains against my pants, getting harder by the minute. Her fingers tangle in my hair as I lap at her, drawing out her pleasure. Her moans rise in pitch, her legs tightening around my head as she teeters on the edge. I press two fingers inside her, curling them just right, coaxing the climax from her as her body clenches around me. She comes with a broken cry, her hips bucking, back arching, as the waves of release crash over her.
I rise and take off my pants, letting them fall to the floor along with my briefs. My knot is already swelling at the base of my length. A deep ache pulses through me. Her eyes darken as she spreads her thighs, offering herself to me. The sight sends a surge of heat through my veins, her expression making my restraint unravel. I move between her legs, pressing my weight against her, bracing myself on my forearms as I position myself at her entrance, gathering her slick on the head of my cock.
I stroke my nose along her jaw, inhaling her scent. "Are you ready for me?"
Daisy bites her lip and nods.
I move over her, my hands guiding her legs around my waist. My cock, thick and heavy, presses against her slick entrance. She’s more than ready for me. I push forward slowly, the tight heat of her making my breath hitch. She gasps, her nails digging into my back as I stretch her around me, inch by inch, until I’m fully seated inside her.
The feeling is indescribable. Hot, wet, perfect.
I pause, allowing her to adjust, pressing a kiss to her jaw, her cheek, the corner of her mouth. Her fingers trail over my arms, her chest rising and falling. Then she moves, lifting her hips, inviting me to continue.
I start slow, rolling my hips, savoring the way her body grips me. Every thrust has her gasping, her legs tightening around me, her heels pressing into the small of my back. I set a rhythm, deep and measured, each movement sending sparks of pleasure. Her hands slide up my back, nails raking lightly over my skin as her moans fill the room.
My knot swells. The sensation sends a shudder through me, the primal urge to claim her surging forward, but I won't mark her until Calvin and Nate can be there and she's asking us to do it. She trembles beneath me, a fresh wave of arousal coating me as she tilts her head back, exposing the soft curve of her throat. My lips find the gland there, the spot where my scent will mingle with hers if I were to mark her as mine. I hesitate, torn between instinct and reason, but she whimpers beneath me, rolling her hips, chasing another release.
I slide a hand between us, finding her clit, circling it as I continue to thrust into her. Her breath stutters, hands gripping my shoulders as she comes apart again, her body clenching around me so tightly it nearly undoes me. I groan, burying my face against her neck as my control shatters. With one last thrust, I let go, spilling into her, my knot locking us together as pleasure crashes through me like a tidal wave.
I hold her close, our bodies tangled, our breaths mingling in the dim light of the suite. The intensity of the moment lingers between us, heavy and electric. My hand brushes over her side, soothing, grounding both of us as we come down from the high.
Her fingers trace lazy patterns over my back, her lips pressing against my shoulder in a soft, lingering kiss.
"Tonight has been wonderful. Thank you. I look forward to more of these dates, getting to know you has been fun. There's more to you than just analytical businessman."
I roll us while we remain locked, so that we can be on our sides and a bit more comfortable. "I'm glad I could make up for my previous treatment of you. Thank you for allowing to show you what I can be like when I don't have a stick up my ass." She lets out a loud laugh at that. "Yes, I suppose that's a good thing to no longer have."
After a bit, I'm able to pull out of her and her eyes flutter as sleep takes hold. Tonight went exactly how I wanted it to, and I'm glad.
Morning light filters through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the luxurious hotel suite. I’ve never been one for lingering in bed, but with Daisy curled against my side, her fingers tracing lazy patterns across my chest, I don’t feel the usual restlessness to get up and start the day. Her body is warm, her scent soothing, and though I’ve never considered myself a touchy-feely person, I don’t mind this. I might even enjoy it.
Her fingers skim over my collarbone, trailing lower, mapping out the contours of my muscles.
I press a kiss to the top of her head, breathing in the soft floral scent that’s become so familiar. I always dreamed of the day my pack would find our omega.”
Eventually, the pull of the day makes itself known. With a reluctant sigh, I shift, pressing one last kiss against her forehead before rolling onto my back. “We should get up. The others will be waiting.”
She stretches, catlike, before nodding. “I’ll hop in the shower first, unless you want to join me?”
I arch a brow. “That’s an easy choice.”
She laughs, slipping out of bed, and I follow, my muscles stiff from the night before. Without the usual relief of my massage chair, the lingering ache in my right knee flares the second my feet hit the floor. Pain shoots through the joint, sharp and unrelenting. I shift my weight to my left leg, inhaling through my nose as I steady myself. It’s nothing I haven’t handled before.
But Daisy notices. Of course she does. Her gaze flicks down to my knee as I favor my uninjured leg, a crease forming between her brows. “You’re limping more than usual. Are you okay?”
I turn toward the bathroom, keeping my tone even. “Didn’t have my massage chair last night. No big deal.”
She follows, stepping in front of me before I can turn the water on. “You don’t have to tell me, but… what happened?”
I hold her gaze, debating whether to brush it off or give her the truth. It’s not a secret, but I don’t like dwelling on it either. But this is Daisy, and she deserves to know.
“Two too many ACL tears.” My voice is steady, but the weight behind the words lingers. “First one healed. Second one ended my career. Forced me to retire earlier than I planned.”
Her expression softens, her fingers brushing over my forearm. She doesn’t pity me, that much is clear, but there’s an understanding in her eyes that eases the tightness in my chest.
“That must’ve been hard.”
I nod once. “It was. But I pivoted. Had to.”
She steps closer, tilting her head. “Do you miss it?”
A loaded question. I exhale, running a hand through my hair. “Every day.”
She doesn’t press further. Instead, she reaches for the shower handle, turning the water on. “Come on. Hot water helps with sore muscles, right?”
I smirk, appreciating the shift in tone. “Among other things.”
She steps in first, holding out a hand. I take it, letting her pull me in after her. Whatever the day holds, at least I know I won’t be facing it alone.