She sealed his mark with tender kisses and slow, deliberate licks of her tongue, a gesture as possessive as it was soothing. Tyler howled in pure joy, the sound reverberating in her mind, and she heard Maddis howl back, their wolves now fully bonded. The intensity of their connection brought tears to Bella’s eyes. She could feel it all now—the depth of Luke’s love for her, his unwavering desire, his joy at having her as his Mate.
The emotions overwhelmed her, and the tears spilled freely down her cheeks. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, sobs shaking her body as happiness and relief consumed her.
“Sweetheart, it’s okay,” Luke whispered softly, his voice filled with understanding. He held her close, his hands stroking her back in slow, comforting movements. He didn’t try to stop her tears; he knew she needed this release after everything they’d been through.
Bella didn’t know how long she stayed like that, clinging to him, her emotions a turbulent mix of joy and catharsis. When she finally managed to speak, her voice was soft and apologetic. “I’m sorry,” she murmured.
Luke tilted her chin up gently so he could look into her eyes, his own filled with tenderness. “Don’t you ever be sorry for loving me the way you do,” he said, his voice rough with emotion.
He shifted their bodies so they were lying down, pulling the sheets over them. As he gently withdrew from her, she whimpered softly, and he chuckled, the sound low and playful. “Want to go again, huh?”
Bella buried her face against his chest, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself. She playfully smacked his shoulder, but they both knew he was right. She wanted to stay with him, to touch him, tease him, and be with him completely. And she knew he felt the same—his hand was already trailing along her outer thigh, a gentle caress that promised they weren’t done yet.
Luke lay on his side, propped up on one elbow, watching her sleep. A contented smile played on his lips as he took in the sight of her—his Mate, right where she belonged. Her hair was tousled from their passion, a wild halo framing her peaceful face. Her mark stood out proudly on her neck, a shimmering silver filigree against her soft skin, glowing faintly in the early morning light. He wanted to touch it, to trace the intricate pattern with his fingers, but he held back. He knew it would wake her, and as much as he enjoyed teasing her, he wanted her to rest.
He’d been lying there for over an hour, unable to tear himself away. He wanted to be the first thing she saw when she woke, to let her know he wasn’t going anywhere. This was their new beginning, and he wasn’t about to waste a moment of it.
Unable to contain his excitement, he’d already informed his parents and Alpha Unit of their Bond. His mother’s joyful scream over the mind-link had nearly deafened him, and she’d immediately begun rambling about the Luna ceremony, set for the next full moon in just ten days. He could already imagine her linking Vera, the two of them diving headfirst into plans. Their families had always been close, and it seemed everything was finally falling back into place.
Luke sighed contentedly, his eyes never leaving Bella’s face. She was his now, fully and completely, and he’d spend the rest of his life proving to her just how much she meant to him.
Luke couldn’t help the wide grin on his face as Bella’s green eyes blinked open, meeting his gaze for a moment before she quickly turned her head, burying her face into the pillow. Her movement, paired with the little shake of her head, made it look like she was both shy and embarrassed—a combination he found utterly adorable.
“Afternoon, sweetheart,” he greeted, his voice deliberately dipping into a deep, husky tone he knew she wouldn’t be able to ignore.
She bit her lip, a telltale sign of her reaction to his tone, but instead of engaging, she mumbled into her pillow, “Go away.”
Luke chuckled, his amusement clear. “Aww, gone all shy, have you?” he teased, his grin widening as he reached out to poke her lightly between her ribs, knowing full well that it was one of her ticklish spots.
Bella swatted at him without lifting her head, her hand sluggish and half-hearted. He dodged it easily, laughing softly. “Come now, sweetheart. Swatting at me like that might get your Mate all frisky again,” he teased, his tone dripping with playful warning.
Her eyes snapped back to him at the word Mate, and he took full advantage of the moment, winking at her before pointing to his mark. He watched as her gaze drifted to the shimmering silver filigree etched onto his neck, evidence of their Bond. She blushed deeply, and Luke’s grin only grew wider. Goddess, he loved that he could still make her blush, even after everything they’d shared.
“Come here,” he growled softly, his tone low and inviting.
She shook her head quickly. “No, no, no. You’ve had enough,” she protested, her voice light but firm.
“Never,” he growled again, his grin turning wicked as he reached out and yanked her across the bed with ease, pulling her into his chest.
Bella squealed, squirming and struggling against him, but it was a futile effort. Luke held her firmly, his strength far outmatching hers. “Let me go!” she huffed, though her tone betrayed the lack of any real anger.
“Not a chance,” he said, holding her tighter. “You’re mine now, remember?”
She groaned, playfully swatting at his chest, though he could tell she was suppressing a smile. Their playful banter felt so natural, so right, and he couldn’t help but revel in the ease of it.
