Nikolai's pov

I parked my car outside the fifth pet shelter for the day trying to find someone perfect for Astrea.

Today is her birthday. The one when she was born not the one when she woke up in the hospital. Ryan told me that they didn't knew her real birthday so decided to celebrate the day she woke up after the coma as her birthday.

So she doesn't know today is her birthday but we are gonna celebrate it anyway.

It has been three weeks since our first date and we hung out a bit and shared a few kisses since then but that's about it.

I am taking her out on a date today and I plan to ask her to be my girlfriend. The only problem is I haven't yet found the perfect dog to gift her. She told me she had always wanted a pet but couldn't get one since Ryan was allergic.

Walking into the shelter, I am greeted by the owner.
"Mr Dimitriev how can I help you?" He asked politely
"I need a dog preferably younger. No breed preference " I told him.

He guides me through the shelter but I didn't find anyone suitable enough.
Just then, a little black and white puppy quietly observing in the corner of his cage caught my eye.

"What about that one?" I asked the guy that has been rambling non stop about the dogs.
"That's not a dog. It's a wolf actually. He was separated from his pack" he said

"Is he dangerous?" I asked just to make sure Astrea will not be in harm
"I don't think so. He is just 4 months old right now and if he is trained , groomed and taken care of properly then he won't be a problem."

" I will take him" I said remembering how she told me on our date that wolves are her favourite animal because of their fierceness and loyalty to their pack and it certainly suits her personality.

Filling up all the paperwork required, I set the pup in my passenger seat and drove to my warehouse deciding I would just ask Ronan to get me all the other necessities. The pup just staring at me all the way almost in a guarded way.

Reaching the warehouse, I placed it in my office leaving Ronan to take care of it before leaving to set up my date.

I decorated the gazebo in the middle of the rose garden I rented out for a night with fairy lights and candles. I brought chocolates and cookies and a blueberry cupcake before leaving for my penthouse.

Reaching my penthouse, I prepared a homemade meal for her. My grandma used to tell me that a girl likes men that can cook. After Packing up the food, I took a quick shower and wore a suit. I sprayed my cologne and tucked my gun on the back of my pant.

Checking the clock, I noticed that it's about 6:30.
I placed everything in the back of my car including the wolf which I placed in a little basket with holes to breathe.

Reaching her apartment, I picked up the cute bouquet and chocolates I brought for her before ringing the doorbell and waiting in anticipation.

The door opened and I expected Astrea to open the door except another girl stood there.

"Oh hi. I am Diana" she said and I remembered Rea telling me about her bestfriend. Looking at her, I decided that I don't like her just because of the way she was eying me.

"Where is she?" I asked blankly
"She will be here in a minute. Why don't you come in and let me give you company till then?" she asked flirtariously trying to touch my bicep.

Shrugging off her hand I grabbed my gun pointing it at her head
"Why don't you leave and give us some privacy" I said leaving no place for arguments and I watched as she picked up her bag and left practically shaking with fear.

I tucked the gun back in it's place quickly when I heard the sound of a door opening, watching as she walked down the stairs, my eyes bulging out at her beauty. She is wearing a light green short dress and her hair is open. She looks like temptation.

Closing up the distance between us, I pulled her to me and kissed her lips softly, pulling away after a bit.
"You look gorgeous" I said honestly
"You look handsome" she complimented back before noticing the absence of her friend

"Where is Diana?" She asked

"She said she had something important to do" I said scowling at the thought of her
"Let's go"

...

I removed the blindfold from her eyes staring at her as she took in the rose garden and the gazebo we are standing in.

She gasped loudly turning towards me.
"Oh my god Nico this is so beautiful" she said hugging me tightly
"So you liked it " I asked
"I love it. Did you decorate it yourself?" She asked
"Yes" I replied pulling out a chair for her

"Let's have dinner first then we can walk around the garden" I said serving her the food I made before fixing a plate for myself

I wait in anticipation as she takes the first bite.
"Wow. This is delicious" she said with a smile on her face "did you cook it?"

"Yes" I said smiling back at her
"Can I move in with you?" she asked jokingly
"Sure. I always have space for one more in my house and bed" I replied seriously
There is nothing more I would like more then coming home to her everyday and sleep with her in my arms

We spent the rest of the dinner laughing and talking about anything and everything.

When we are done with our food, I take out the big cupcake I brought
"Since you like it, I brought blueberry cupcake for dessert " I said causing her to smile

"Speaking of it. How did you know my name when we bumped in the cafe?" She asked making me freeze. What am I gonna say? We knew each other from childhood, not that you remember and you are my betrothed?

"I knew your brother" I said lying before handing her a knife
"How about you cut it in half since I brought only one" I asked.

Nodding she took the knife and cut it in half as I recited happy birthday in my mind.