Demetria had always believed in the quiet beauty of the simple things in life, the kind of things that didn’t need to be loud or grand to be meaningful.
Tonight was supposed to be one of those simple joys; an evening with her mates.
She had agreed to join them for a relaxed night out, a date of sorts after they had a long week of being away from civilization.
As Demetria stepped out of her apartment, she adjusted her coat and smoothed down the soft fabric of her dress. It was simple, pale blue, soft and flowing but it made her feel good. She liked the way it swayed when she moved, the way it hugged her waist just enough to make her feel feminine, but not too much to feel self-conscious.
The drive to the restaurant was a short one, but it carried a certain excitement with it, and she found herself smiling at the thought of the evening ahead.
When she arrived at the restaurant, the trio was waiting outside, looking effortlessly handsome, each in their own way. Gideon was standing by the door, his easy smile welcoming her without a word. Peter, ever the playful one, flashed a grin as soon as he spotted her, raising his eyebrow in that cheeky way that always made her laugh. David was leaning casually against the wall, his face lighting up as soon as their eyes met. His energy was always contagious, and tonight, it was no different.
“Hey, beautiful,” David said with a wink, his voice smooth. “How’s my favorite girl doing tonight?”
Demetria laughed softly, her cheeks warming at the compliment. “I’m good. You guys are looking great.”
Gideon stepped forward, offering her a gentle hug, his touch warm and steady. “You look lovely,” he said, his voice deep and calm, always so sincere.
“Thanks, Gideon,” Demetria replied softly, her voice almost a whisper as she pulled back from the embrace.
Peter, who had been waiting with an almost mischievous look in his eyes, smiled brightly and pulled her into a light hug. “You’re looking perfect as always, love. Ready to have some fun?”
She smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest at the way they made her feel...seen, appreciated, and cherished in their own unique ways.
They made their way into the restaurant together, the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses filling the air. As they found their table by the window, Demetria felt the evening unfolding like something out of a dream. The soft candlelight reflected off the glasses, and the warmth of the room surrounded them like a cozy embrace.
David immediately took the lead in the conversation as he began to talk animatedly about the most ridiculous things he’d ever ordered at a restaurant. Peter, always the joker, added his own twist to the conversation, laughing at David’s over-the-top descriptions. Demetria couldn’t help but smile as she watched the two of them. Peter’s playful energy and David’s infectious laughter were a constant source of amusement in her life.
And then there was Gideon, who didn’t need to say much to make his presence known. He was calm, steady, and thoughtful, the kind of man whose mere presence brought a sense of peace. As David and Peter talked, Gideon often leaned back, a soft smile on his face as he let the conversation flow naturally around him.
Demetria found herself feeling so at ease in their company. The men were all different in their personalities, but somehow, they complemented each other perfectly. Gideon’s quiet wisdom, David’s warmth and exuberance, and Peter’s lighthearted spirit all balanced her own more reserved, soft nature.
“So, Demi,” David said, leaning forward with that impish smile of his. “If you could go anywhere in the world, just pick one place, no questions asked, where would you go?”
The female thought for a moment, her hand resting on her chin as she pondered the question. The three of them watched her expectantly, and she felt a light blush spread across her cheeks. “Hmm... Thergred,” she said softly, her gaze drifting out the window as she imagined it. "I want to know where you are from, what it is like, what will likely surprise me, and what I could expect; I want to see it for myself."
Gideon’s expression softened, his eyes thoughtful. “That sounds like a perfect place to be.”
Peter’s grin widened. “You’re just saying that because you want us to come with you, aren’t you?” He teased, nudging David, who let out a soft laugh.
Demetria giggled, shaking her head. “No, I’m serious. It has become the greatest wish I’ve had for a while.”
David leaned in with a grin. “Well, now I’m planning our trip to Thergred. Can’t leave you to go by yourself, can we?” His tone was light, but there was an underlying sincerity that Demetria appreciated.
Although their father and Alpha had explicitly ordered them to keep her out of Arken, they did not care because she was their mate.
They were going to defy him.
They ordered their drinks and food, and as the evening went on, Demetria felt herself letting go of any lingering tension. The food arrived, and the laughter continued to flow easily, with each of them sharing stories, inside jokes, and comfortable silences.
“Alright, Demetria,” Peter said, his eyes glinting with mischief. “What’s your idea of the perfect night? Don’t hold back, we’re all ears.”
Demetria’s smile softened as she looked around the table, feeling the warmth of the men’s attention on her. “I think... I think it’s just a night like this. Good food, good company, and lots of laughter. It doesn’t need to be anything big. Just spending time with people who make you feel happy, who make you feel comfortable, that’s enough for me.”
Gideon gave her a small smile, his eyes filled with quiet admiration. “You always know how to make everything sound so beautiful.”
Demetria’s heart fluttered at his words, her fingers gently tapping against the side of her glass. It wasn’t just Gideon’s words that made her feel special, it was the way he said them, the sincerity behind everything he said and did.
David raised his glass with a wink. “To beautiful nights and beautiful company.”
They all clinked their glasses together, the quiet joy of the moment sinking in.
As the evening continued, the female found herself swept up in the warmth of their companionship. She couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. In a world that sometimes felt so chaotic, these moments of peace were the ones she cherished the most.
After dinner, they took a walk outside, the cool night air brushing against their skin. The streets were quieter now, the sounds of the city fading into the background as the four of them strolled down the sidewalk together.
“I love these walks,” she said softly, her voice a little quieter now as the night air wrapped around her. “There’s something peaceful about them.”
David slipped his arm around her shoulders in an intimate embrace, the warmth of his touch making her feel safe. “Me too. It’s the best way to end a perfect night.”
Gideon, his hands tucked into his pockets, nodded in agreement. “Moments like this, they stay with you. They’re the ones you remember.”
Peter grinned. “Well, next time, we’re doing karaoke. No more quiet moments!”
Demetria laughed, her heart light. “I’ll hold you to that.”
By the time they got back to her car, she felt a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the evening’s events. It was the kind of warmth that lingered long after the laughter had died down, the kind that made her feel like she was exactly where she was meant to be.
“I should probably head home,” Demetria said softly, her fingers lightly brushing the fabric of her dress. "Are you sure you don't want to come with me?"
They shook their heads. "There's something we need to do for our father."
“Alright but tonight was perfect. Thank you, all of you.” The female appreciated.
Peter leaned over to give her a playful squeeze on the shoulder. “Next time, we’ll do it even better.”
Gideon smiled gently, his eyes kind. “Take care, Demi, We’ll do this again soon.”
Peter gave her one last wink. “Next time, we’ll take you over to our world or at least a karaoke bar in this world.”
Demetria chuckled as she drove off while they waved goodbye
It had been a night of small moments, nothing extravagant, nothing force but for Demetria, it was the perfect evening.