Rian's POV
Luca has magic.
My human mate has actual magic.
I watch him practice in the training yard, silver light dancing around his fingers. He's learning control, testing limits.
"How does it feel?" I ask, approaching.
"Natural. Like it was always there, waiting." He closes his fist, extinguishing the light. "My grandmother used to tell stories about our bloodline. Ancient magic, tied to protection and bonds. I thought they were just stories."
"They weren't." I take his hand. "The mate bond must have awakened your dormant power. You're not just human anymore, Luca. You're something more."
"Does that change things? Between us?"
"Yes." I pull him close. "Makes me love you more. You're even more perfect than I thought."
He laughs. "Leave it to you to find my magic sexy."
"Everything about you is sexy." I nuzzle his neck. "But watching you throw Kaine across the clearing? That was the hottest thing I've ever seen."
"Possessive Alpha."
"Aroused Alpha." My hands slide down his back. "Want to celebrate your new powers properly?"
"It's mid-afternoon. People can see—"
"I don't care." I lift him, carrying him toward the mansion. "I need you. Now."
We barely make it to our room. Clothes come off frantically, hands and mouths desperate.
"You were magnificent," I growl against his skin. "So fucking powerful and beautiful and MINE."
"Yours," he gasps as I lay him on the bed. "Always yours."
I worship him thoroughly—kissing every inch, murmuring praise, showing him how his power affects me.
"You're not just my mate anymore," I breathe. "You're my equal. My partner in everything."
"I was always your equal," he challenges.
"I know. But now the pack will see it too." I settle between his legs. "My powerful, magical, incredible mate."
When we join, it's intense—his magic sparking between us, amplifying sensation. The bond flares brighter than ever.
"Rian!" He arches beneath me. "What's happening?"
"Your magic is feeding the bond. Making it stronger." I move deeper. "Do you feel it?"
"Yes—god—yes—"
We move together, power and passion intertwining. When we reach completion, silver and gold light explodes around us—visible manifestation of our bond.
Later, wrapped together, both glowing faintly, he laughs breathlessly.
"That was insane."
"That was us. Fully bonded. Magic and wolf and love." I kiss him softly. "We're unstoppable now."
"Good. Because Kaine's coming back."
"Let him." I pull him closer. "We'll be ready. Together, we're stronger than anything he can throw at us."
"You really believe that?"
"I know it." I cup his face. "We survived his first attack. Next time, we'll end him."
"Together?"
"Always together." I kiss him deeply. "You and me against the world, baby."
"And we'll win."
"We already have. We have each other. That's the real victory."
He smiles against my lips. "Sappy Alpha."
"Your sappy Alpha."
"Yeah. Mine."