Luca's POV
One week after the battle, life slowly returns to normal.
The pack heals. Warriors recover. Defenses are rebuilt stronger.
And Rian and I... we're finally free.
"How does it feel?" he asks one morning, holding me close in bed.
"Strange. Good. Like I can finally breathe." I kiss his shoulder. "No more threats. No more fear. Just us."
"Just us," he agrees. "What do you want to do first? Now that we have a real future?"
"Everything. Art show, travel, maybe start thinking about children..." I grin. "Live the life we fought for."
"Then that's exactly what we'll do." He rolls on top of me, eyes warm with love. "Starting now."
We make love slowly—not desperate or fear-driven, just pure love and joy. Celebrating survival and future and everything we've become.
That afternoon, the pack gathers for a victory celebration.
Rian and I stand before them, hands linked.
"We won because we fought together," Rian announces. "Because our Luna was brave and powerful. Because we're family."
The pack cheers.
"From now on, we rebuild. Strengthen. Grow." His arm wraps around my waist. "And my Luna and I will lead you into a peaceful, prosperous future."
More cheers.
That night, alone again, he pulls me close.
"Thank you," he says quietly.
"For what?"
"For forgiving me. For loving me despite how we started. For giving us a real chance."
"Thank you for being worth it." I cup his face. "For changing. Growing. Becoming the man I could love freely."
"I'm still possessive. Still controlling sometimes."
"I know. But now you listen. Compromise. Treat me as an equal." I kiss him softly. "That's all I ever wanted."
"You have it. Forever." He holds me tighter. "I love you, Luca. More than I ever thought possible."
"I love you too. Even with the kidnapping start."
We laugh together, finally able to joke about our beginning.
Later, making love under the stars in our favorite clearing, everything feels perfect.
"This is where it started," he murmurs. "Where I claimed you."
"Where you forced me," I correct. But there's no anger in my voice. Just acceptance. "But also where we eventually chose each other."
"Do you regret it? Any of it?"
I think honestly. The kidnapping, the force, the fear—all terrible. But they led here. To this love, this life, this perfect moment.
"I regret how it started," I finally say. "But I don't regret where it led."
"That's the most honest answer you've ever given me."
"You've earned honesty. Earned this." I kiss him deeply. "Earned us."
We make love slowly, the bond singing between us.
End Volume 3