Luca's POV
I wake to sunlight and soreness.
My entire body aches—particularly my throat and backside. But it's a good ache. A thoroughly-claimed ache.
Rian is wrapped around me, still asleep. He looks younger like this—peaceful, vulnerable. The Alpha mask completely gone.
Through the bond, I feel his contentment. His deep satisfaction at having me in his arms.
I should be freaking out. I just permanently bonded myself to a man who kidnapped me. This is textbook Stockholm syndrome.
But I don't feel trapped anymore. I feel... settled.
Maybe it's the bond. Maybe it's genuine. I don't know yet.
Rian stirs, golden eyes opening. "Morning."
"Morning."
His hand slides to my hip. "Sore?"
"Very."
Guilt flashes through the bond. "I should've been gentler—"
"I didn't want gentle." I touch his face. "I wanted what we had. It was perfect."
Relief replaces guilt. "Yeah?"
"Yeah." I shift carefully, wincing. "But I might not walk normally for a week."
He grins, unrepentant. "I'll carry you everywhere."
"That's ridiculous."
"You're my mate. I'll do what I want."
Before I can argue, he lifts me effortlessly, carrying me toward a door I hadn't noticed last night.
"Where are we going?"
"Bath. You need to soak."
The bathroom is huge—marble everywhere, a massive tub already filled with steaming water and flower petals.
"When did you—?"
"Pack staff prepared it. They know the morning after a bonding requires care."
He sets me in the water carefully. The heat stings for a moment, then soothes. I groan in relief.
Rian strips and joins me, settling behind me so I'm cradled against his chest.
"This is nice," I admit.
"Glad you approve." His hands slide over my body—not sexual, just caring. Checking for injuries, soothing sore muscles.
We sit in comfortable silence. The bond hums contentedly between us.
"Can I ask you something?" I finally say.
"Anything."
"Do you regret how we started? If you could go back, would you do it differently?"
He's quiet for a long moment. "Honestly?"
"Honestly."
"I regret forcing you. Taking your choice. Causing you pain." His arms tighten. "But I don't regret that you're mine. If I had to do it again—even knowing how much you'd hate me—I'd still claim you. Because losing you isn't an option I can survive."
"That's really unhealthy."
"I know." He kisses my shoulder. "I'm fucked up, Luca. Broken. But I'm yours. And you're stuck with me now."
"Stuck with you," I repeat. "That's one way to describe eternal bondage."
"Prefer another description?"
"How about 'permanently partnered with a possessive Alpha who has boundary issues'?"
He laughs. "Accurate. But you knew what you were signing up for."
"Did I though? You could've warned me you'd be this clingy."
"I'm not clingy."
"You haven't let go of me since last night."
"That's different. You're freshly bonded. You need proximity."
"Admit it. You're clingy."
"Fine. I'm clingy." He nuzzles my neck. "But you like it."
Annoying thing is, he's right. I do like it.
"What happens now?" I ask.
"Now we announce the completed bond to the other packs. Make it official."
"Official?"
"A wedding. Human-style ceremony so your world recognizes our bond too."
My stomach flips. "A wedding? Like, with vows and rings and—?"
"Everything." His smile presses against my skin. "I want the world to know you're mine, Luca Carter. Or—" He pauses. "—Luca Blackwood. If you'll take my name."
"That's very traditional."
"Humor me."
I think about it. Luca Blackwood. It sounds... right.
"Okay," I say quietly. "I'll take your name."
The joy that floods through the bond nearly overwhelms me. Rian turns me in his arms, kissing me desperately.
"Thank you," he breathes against my lips. "Thank you."
"It's just a name."
"It's not just a name. It's acceptance. Choice." His eyes shine. "You're choosing me. Genuinely choosing me."
"Don't make me regret it."
"Never." He kisses me again. "I'm going to spend the rest of our lives making sure you never regret this."
"That's a long time."
"Forever." His smile is soft. "And I can't wait."