180 The proposal … L Everyone on the Festival grounds parted like a wave , creating a path as Nathan approached me guiding the wooden tform that held the proposal .


    Around us , people murmured , pointing excitedly at us .


    My heart pounded in my chest as he drew closer .


    His usual confidence was reced by an endearing nervousness that made him look younger and more vulnerable .


    He carried a bouque of night blooming jasmine , the rarest of flowers youd ever see in our world .


    I cant believe he remembered .


    Of course he had .


    Wed spent countless nights in the garden as teenagers , where Id told him how the flowers reminded me of the sweet memories of my childhood .


    Finally , the tform rolled to a stop and Nathan stepped off as he came to stand directly before me .


    The bouquet trembled slightly in his hands as he extended it toward me .


    For you .


    he said , in a tone softer than Id ever heard .


    I epted the flowers , burying my nose in it .


    He inhaled deeply , his gaze still holding mine .


    The he lowered himself onto one knee .


    Gasps rippled through the crowd , but my world had narrowed to just the two of us .


    L , he began , his voice was steady despite the nervous smile he shed me .


    I know we agreed to keep our rtionship private , but I cant contain my heart any longer .


    Every day , I wake up thinking of you .


    Every night , I dream of our future together and I cant hold it in anymore .


    Not when every fibre of my being screams , youre my mate .


    My knees weakened at the sincerity in his tone , so much so that I was trembling .


    Ive dreamed of you every day … he continued … of what it would be like to wake up beside you to share my life with you , to be the one you turn to in everything .


    I know its not perfect , but L , I dont want it any other way .


    Youre my heart , my soul , my everything .


    Tears welled in my eyes as my grip tightened on the bouquet .


    As my mate , you would never know a day without love , without protection , without absolute devotion , his voice grew stronger , more certain with each word .


    Ive seen your strength , your kindness , your fierce spirit .


    Ive watched you ovee every challenge fate has thrown at you , and I fall more in love with you each time .


    He reached into his pocket , producing a small wooden box carved with the same ancient symbols as the proposal tform .


    I promise you , L , that I will never hurt you or break your Trust .


    I will never let you face your battles alone .


    I will cherish every moment we have together , whether in joy or hardship .


    So please … He flipped open the box to reveal a ring that sparkled like the Harvest Moon above us .


    Holding it towards me , his eyes locked on mine .


    C 150 The proposal .


    Please , give me your heart , as I give you mine .


    Be my mate , my partner , my everything .


    My lips parted , but no words came .


    My emotions were all over the ce joy , disbelief , and overwhelming sense of love for the man before me .


    I think I may have fallen in love with Nathan .


    I know how devastated I had been when rissa had said I wouldnt marry him .


    It had taken him several assurances from both him and rissa in the end to assure me it was just a tease .


    Even then , my heart had been uneasy .


    But with this proposal , every seed of doubt had disappeared .


    Slowly , I nodded , as tears spilt freely down my cheeks as I extended my trembling hand toward him .


    Yes , I whispered , then louder .


    Yes , Nathan ! I will .


    The crowd erupted in cheers as Nathan slipped the ring onto my finger .


    Rising to his feet , he cupped my face in his hands , his touch as gentle as a summer breeze .


    Our eyes met , and in that moment , nothing else mattered .


    He leaned in , and our lips met in a passionate kiss .


    The intensity of our kiss blurred the world .


    around us , conveying everything we felt .


    The crowds cheers and ps became a distant hum as we melted into each other .


    When we finally pulled apart , Nathan rested his forehead against mine .


    His smile was so wide it lit up his entire face .


    I smiled back , my cheeks were stained with tears but my heart was fuller than it had ever been .


    A few Alphas came to congratte us , alongside other pack members .


    I tried to keep up with congrattory words and warm embraces from all the well wishers .


    But then , amid all the joy , something tugged at me .


    A half remembered moment from just before Nathans arrival .


    Ramsey he had been about to say something .


    I turned toward the stage .


    expecting to see him waiting his turn to speak .


    But it was empty .


    Hey ! Nathan murmured in my ears , snaking his hand around my waist .


    Immediately , I froze .


    I still havent gotten used to his touch .


    I bought your favourite wine .


    We could take the celebration to my room .


    As he spoke , he nuzzled my neck , pressing tiny open mouthed kisses .


    I tried not to squirm at the meaning of his words .


    In our world , an engagement is as good as getting married .


    And I know we will not stop at drinking just wine in his room .


    Sure thing , dear , I smiled woodenly , I still need to ask Mother Liora if she … She doesnt , he stopped me halfway .


    I already asked her Oh ! I swallowed hard .


    I didnt have any other excuse .


    I allowed him to lead me toward the pack house .


    Just as we almost left the festival grounds , Nanny called out to me .


    I turned to her immediately , 180 The proposal ….


    d that she was saving me and also feeling a wave of guilt at what happened between her and Nymeris .


    * Can you give me a few seconds with her ? she pleaded with Nathan , who didnt look pleased .


    For a moment , I thought he would refuse , but he simply nodded and continued towards the pack.


    house .


    Alone , I and Nanny looked at every other ce except at each other .


    Finally , she cleared her throat .


    Congrattions dear , she said , trying to sound happy .


    Are you happy about your engagement ? If I wasnt , I wouldnt have epted it , I mumbled .


    Dont worry , Nan ! Another round of silence ensued .


    I decided I was going to apologize for hiding my wolf away from her .


    Im so sorry for not … Im sorry … Both of us started speaking at the same time .


    Finally , our gazes met , and we burst intoughter .


    You first , Nanny nudged me .


    I shook my head .


    No , you first , I insisted .


    She nodded and took a deep breath .


    Im sorry for using the pearl on you .


    Honestly , I didnt do it on purpose .


    I thought I could protect you , but I was .


    Im so sorry about that .


    I nodded .


    I am sorry too .


    I should have told you .


    Is she that dangerous ? I asked .


    She stared at me for a few seconds and reached for my hands , pressing it on her lips .


    It helped us , thats what matters .


    Saved the priestesses from the attack , saved the pack … youre amazing .


    You dont need to concern yourself with the negative .


    Whats her name , by the way ? She asked , changing the topic .


    Nymeris ! I said with a bright smile .


    Shes a good wolf , Nan .


    She was just pissed that shes been kept under lock all these years .


    Nanny nodded .


    Dont worry , well talk about all of that soon .


    You should go and meet Nathan , else he might have me punished , but before you leave … she reached for my palm and pressed something into it .


    I wanted to open it and check , but she shook her head and whispered .


    Not here ? Why ? I whispered back .


    What is it ? An embarrassed blush rose to her cheek .


    In case you and him get intimate tonight , you should use that .


    Its good .


    We wouldnt want a baby in the way before the official mating ceremony .


    It was my turn to blush now .


    I dont think … I didnt finish the rest of the words as Nanny was staring at me pointedly .


    Hes not like that , Nan .


    He said well just drink wine .


    180 The proposal … And youll be the wine ss , my dear L , she chuckled .


    Have you seen the look in his eyes ? That man is ready to pounce on you .


    Fun fact , a lot of babies are made during the Harvest Moon .


    It turns everyone into a horny beast .


    I blushed to my root again .


    I have never imagined lying naked in that way with Nathan .


    Its going to be awkward , I sighed .


    Cant you help me out ? At least for tonight .


    Im not mentally prepared for this .


    Nanny stared at me for a few seconds before sighing .


    I cant believe this , giving you permission to go be with a man .


    When did you grow , L ? Yesterday , I smirked .


    Im out of practice .


    I heard Alphas are big … do you think hell fit in ? Nanny blushed crimson .


    How am I supposed to know ? I havent been with him .


    What ? I scrunched my brows , giving her a weird look .


    Thats not what I mean .


    Of course , your havent , but you always have men over every weekend … she tried to protest , but I raised my index finger at her .


    Dont lie , Nan … for a middle aged woman , youre too active .


    No wonder left the Moon Temple .


    Wanted to explore life a bit , right ?