Chapter 227
Skye’s POV
“Alpha Adrian, Luna Skye,” Venus called, waddling toward us with her pregnant belly leading the way. “The children have prepared something special for you.“.
Adrian raised an eyebrow. “A surprise?”
Venus nodded, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Consider it my wedding gift to you both.”
She gestured toward the far side of the lake where several of the pack’s orphaned children had gathered. To my surprise. I spotted Ryder sitting at a portable keyboard that had been set up on a flat rock.
“Venus, what did you do?” I asked suspiciously.
She grinned. “Remember that money you set aside for renovating your cabin? Well, I redirected it.” She pointed toward Ryder and the keyboard. “The children needed instruments more than you needed new furniture, especially since you’ll be living with Adrian now.”
Before I could respond, Ryder’s fingers began dancing across the keys.
The pack grew quiet as the children arranged themselves in a semicircle. A small girl with braided hair stepped forward.
“For our Alpha and new Luna,” she announced in a clear voice. “A blessing song.”
Their voices rose in the night air, pure and sweet. The traditional werewolf blessing song had been modified with lyrics about finding home and true mates. Several pack members joined in the chorus, their deeper voices providing harmony to the children’s melody.
“Ryder will teach them music twice a week,” Venus whispered. “The piano is just the beginning. I also got them guitars and flutes. These children deserve beauty in their lives after everything they’ve endured.”
I watched Ryder. Adrian squeezed my hand, and through our strengthened bond, I could feel his emotions–pride, joy, and a fierce protectiveness toward these children who had found sanctuary in our pack.
“Thank you,” I whispered to Venus, my throat tight with emotion.
She patted my arm. “Music heals like nothing else can.”
When the song ended, the celebration continued. Pack members danced around the fire, food and drinks were shared, and laughter filled the night air. My parents, who had traveled so far to be here, were welcomed warmly, pulled into conversations and introduced to everyone.
As the hours passed, guests gradually began to leave. My parents kissed me goodnight, promising to see me before they departed tomorrow. Finally, when only a few pack members remained by the dying fire, Adrian leaned close.
“Ready to go home, Luna?” he asked.
When we reached the house, Adrian lifted me into his arms before I could protest.
“Traditional human custom,” he explained with a grin. ‘Carrying the bride over the threshold.”
“I’m not exactly a traditional bride,” I reminded him, but wrapped my arms around his neck anyway.
Adrian pushed open the door with his shoulder and carried me inside. What greeted us made me gasp.
The living room had been transformed. Candles flickered from every surface, casting a golden glow throughout the space. Rose petals formed path leading toward the bedroom, and the air was filled with the scent of jasmine and sandalwood.
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Chapter 227
“Lucy said she had a surprise,” Adrian murmured, setting me down gently. I had no idea this was what she meant.”
I walked slowly along the petal path, taking in the details. Someone–Lucy, presumably–had decorated every inch of our home with thoughtful touches. Photos of us were arranged on the mantel, including one from earlier that day during the ceremony preparations. A bottle of champagne chilled in an ice bucket beside the sofa, accompanied by chocolate–covered strawberries.
“She thought of everything,” I said, touched by the elderly woman’s efforts.
Adrian came up behind me, his arms circling my waist. “She always said I needed a mate to make this house a home.”
“And do you think she was right?” I asked.
His answer was a kiss that stole my breath. Since the marking, every touch between us seemed magnified, every sensation heightened.
Mine, his wolf seemed to growl through our link. Finally, completely mine.
I felt my own wolf responding, a purring satisfaction that vibrated through my chest.
Adrian lifted me again, this time carrying me toward the bedroom. The petal path led to our bed, which had been covered with fresh linens and more rose petals.
“I said, did Lucy bring every rose in Texas?” I laughed.
“You’re trembling,” Adrian whispered as he set me down beside the bed.
“The bond,” I explained. “It’s… intense.”
He nodded, understanding immediately. “I feel it too. Like every nerve ending is more alive.”
His fingers traced the mark on my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. The spot was sensitive, almost electric to the touch. When his lips replaced his fingers, I gasped, my knees weakening.
“Adrian,” I breathed, clutching his shoulders.
“I’ve got you,” he murmured against my skin. “Always.”
We tore at each other’s clothes, buttons popping, fabric sliding to the floor in a rush. The mark on my neck throbbed as Adrian’s fingers brushed it, sending heat straight to my core.
His hands gripped my hips, pulling me flush against him, his erection hard against my thigh. I dragged my nails down his chest, feeling his muscles tense, then slipped my hand lower, stroking him through his pants. He groaned, low and rough, his wolf’s hunger vibrating through our bond.
Candles flickered, their glow barely registering as we stumbled to the bed, rose petals sticking to our sweaty skin. H and demanding, tongue thrusting in a rhythm that made me ache.
“You’re mine, Skye,” he growled, voice thick with need. I nipped his jaw, whispering, “Show me.”
ith claimed mine, hot
He pushed me onto the bed, hands spreading my thighs wide. His lips grazed the mark on my neck, sparking a jolt that made me gasp.
“Fuck, Adrian,” I moaned, fingers twisting in his hair.
He smirked, kissing down my chest, sucking one nipple hard before moving to the other, teasing until I squirmed. Then he sank lower, tongue flicking between my legs, slow at first, then faster, relentless.
My hips bucked, moans spilling out as he worked me, fingers joining his tongue, curling inside until I was trembling, close to breaking.
Chapter 227
“Need you now,” I panted, pulling him up. His eyes burned with love and lust as he shed his pants, freeing himself. I wrapped my hand around him, stroking once, twice, watching his jaw clench.
“Skye,” he rasped, voice raw, “you’re killing me.” He positioned himself, then thrust in deep, filling me completely.
I gasped, legs wrapping around his waist, urging him deeper. We moved together, hard and fast, the bond amplifying every sensation–his cock hitting just right, my nails digging into his back.
He pinned my wrists above my head, growling, “Mine, always.”
Our rhythm grew frantic, bodies slick, hearts pounding in sync. His thrusts slowed, deliberate, dragging out the pleasure until we both shattered, crying out, bound in love and fire.
