Julian's grip on Aurelia's hand felt like a victory, the warmth of her skin against his a reassurance that order was being restored. He'd made the right choice—the only choice—by publicly choosing his Luna over Natalie. The DNA scandal had forced his hand, but standing here with Aurelia beside him felt strangely... right.
I glanced at her profile as we walked toward the waiting press. Her face revealed nothing, that familiar mask of calm she'd perfected over the years firmly in place. Her coldness these past weeks had bothered me, but now I understood. She'd been jealous, hurt by my attention to Natalie. This public declaration would heal that wound.
"We'll get through this together," I said quietly, for her ears alone.
Aurelia didn't respond, her emerald eyes fixed ahead. The slight tremble in her hand betrayed her nerves, and I squeezed gently, offering reassurance. My wolf paced with satisfaction at having our mate close again.
