Rian's POV
Three months married. I have plans.
"Where are we going?" Luca asks as I blindfold him.
"Surprise. Trust me?"
"Considering you kidnapped me once, that's a complicated question."
"Fair. But trust me anyway?"
He sighs. "Fine. But this better be good."
I lead him through the forest, hands steady on his waist. The pack worked all week preparing this.
When we reach the clearing, I remove the blindfold.
Luca gasps.
Thousands of candles illuminate the space. Flowers everywhere—his favorites, roses and jasmine. A table set for two, covered in his preferred foods. Soft music playing.
"Rian," he breathes. "This is—"
"For you. For us." I pull him close. "Three months ago, you agreed to marry me. To bond with me. Best decision of my life."
"You're going to make me cry."
"Good tears?"
"The best tears." He kisses me softly. "You're ridiculous and romantic and I love you."
"I love you too." I lead him to the table. "Hungry?"
"Starving. But not just for food."
His eyes promise everything. My wolf growls approval.
We eat slowly, talking and laughing. He tells me about his latest painting—a portrait of us. I tell him about pack business, actually asking his opinion.
"You've changed," he observes. "You actually listen now."
"You make me want to be better." I take his hand. "Make me want to deserve you."
"You deserve me. Even with the kidnapping."
"Generous."
"I'm feeling generous tonight." His smile turns seductive. "Want to find out how generous?"
I stand immediately, pulling him up. "Absolutely."
Under the stars, surrounded by candles, I worship him slowly. Every kiss deliberate, every touch reverent. Showing him with my body what words can't express.
"You're beautiful," I murmur against his skin. "Perfect. Mine."
"Yours," he agrees, arching into my touch. "Always yours."
When I finally claim him, it's slow and deep and overwhelming. The bond flares between us, souls intertwining further.
"I love you," I breathe, moving within him. "So fucking much."
"Show me," he demands. "Show me how much."
I do. Thoroughly. Repeatedly. Until we're both wrecked and satisfied.
Later, wrapped in blankets under the stars, he traces my mate mark.
"This was perfect," he says quietly.
"You're perfect."
"We're perfect," he corrects. "Together."
"Together," I agree, kissing his forehead.
A shooting star streaks across the sky.
"Make a wish," Luca says.
"Don't need to. I already have everything." I pull him closer. "You. Us. This life. Nothing else matters."
"Sappy Alpha."
"Your sappy Alpha."
He laughs, the sound filling my heart. "Yeah. Mine."
We stay there until dawn, talking and touching and loving. No duties, no pack, no world. Just us.
Perfect.
Later, walking back to the mansion, he stops suddenly.
"Thank you," he says. "For this. For trying. For loving me."
"Thank you for choosing me." I cup his face. "For giving us a chance."
"Best decision I ever made."
"Even though I kidnapped you?"
"Even though." He grins. "But don't do it again."
"Wouldn't dream of it. You came willingly this time."
"And every time after."