Chapter 176. By Eighteen

The drive to the restaurant was quiet, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional sound of passing cars. Jade seemed content to let me gather my thoughts, and for that, I was grateful. 

My mind was a chaotic swirl of uncertainty and fear, but also something I had not felt in a long time—some hope. 

The restaurant came into view soon enough, a cozy little place tucked between two taller buildings. The sign above the door read Lunar Haven. Its letters glowed faintly in soft blue. 

It looked nothing like the pack-owned establishments back home—this was warm, inviting, and oddly…free. I did not expect it to be looking like this, maybe because Jade had told me that it was run and owned by omegas. 

“Here we are,” She announced, pulling into a small parking lot beside the building. “You’re going to love it. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere? It’s like stepping into a whole different world.” 

I followed her inside, the scent of fr