“Emily, the growth I’ve seen in you is remarkable. You’ve gone from survival mode to thriving,” she says. She leans forward, like she’s about to let me in on a secret. “I’m proud of you. Truly.”
“Thanks, Maya.” I smile, feeling lighter than I’ve felt in a long time. Feeling proud of myself too. We end the call and I’m left with my thoughts.
I’m ready to accept that sometimes Happily Ever After is real. No more holding back.
Chapter 35
Jackson
The second I walk through the door of our home, I catch it—that sweet, unmistakable scent of Emily’s arousal. It clings to the air like perfume, heady and intoxicating. Part of me loves that she’s comfortable enough now to let herself want; to feel pleasure freely. Especially when she has told me that her arousal is always because she’s been thinking of us. But the greedy, possessive part of me? That part wants to be the reason for every slick breath, every shiver of anticipation, every drop of wetness that builds in her pussy.
“Emily, what were you thinking about during your therapy session?” I call out, kicking off my boots as I move through the cabin towards the bedroom. I nearly cream my pants when I open the door.
She’s lying on her stomach on our bed, completely naked, her blonde hair spilling over her back like silk. The curve of her bare ass makes my mouth water. Her legs are parted just enough to tempt, to tease, and when she glances over her shoulder and bats those eyelashes, any shred of control I had before evaporates instantly.
Holy fuck, my mate is perfect.
I’m stripping off my clothes before I’m even fully in the room.
“I was thinking,” she drawls as she rolls onto her back and lightly teases her nipple. Her other hand trailing towards her wet pussy. “I’m ready for you to fully claim me.”
I freeze mid-step.
My heart slams into my ribcage so hard I think it might crack. I've been waiting to hear those words for days. And fuck, days have never felt so long. At first, it was because she was still healing from everything with that monster, but then she told me she wasn’t ready. And it nearly killed me.
But she had been through so much already.
Something as monumental as committing to me as her mate for the rest of her life is something she needs to be completely enthusiastic about.
“If you are?” Emily asks, her confidence wavering ever so slightly.
A low, guttural sound escapes me. “Fuck yes.”
I lunge toward her, and she squeals in delight before I capture her mouth with mine. Her hands tangle in my hair as I press her into the mattress, my entire body aching with the need to be closer—deeper. Her skin is hot under my fingertips, smooth and flushed as her legs wrap around me.
Our usual passion notched up a few levels. Fuck, I’m obsessed with her. Her scent, her taste, the sounds she makes, the way she affects me. She’s perfect. She’s mine, and I get to keep her.
Emily’s hands move frantically, pulling me closer to her. She guides my cock to her pussy, and I groan as I sink inside her. Sweat glistens on our skin, igniting a feverish intensity. Her nails dig into my back, leaving trails of sweet agony.
“Wait, wait!” Emily gasps, panting. “Jackson, stop.” My body stills instantly. My heart stops beating. Fuck. Did I misread something?
“We need to accept each other first.”
Relief crashes through me like a tidal wave. It might have killed me if she had said she wanted to wait longer.
“Shit, sorry, baby. Got carried away.” I lean my forehead against hers and take a breath. It’s so hard not to rush this when she is my dream come true.
“I, Jackson Clark, of the Lunar Eclipse Pack, accept you, Emily Grant of the Lunar Eclipse Pack, as my mate.”
Emily smiles at me, her eyes shining. “I, Emily Grant, of the Lunar Eclipse Pack, accept you, Jackson Clark of the Lunar Eclipse Pack, as my mate and the love of my life.”
Warmth seeps through my body, starting at the tips of my fingers and toes as it moves to my core, building in intensity as it goes. Emily’s skin glows, her skin appearing effervescent and her hair floats around her as our connection and bond grows even stronger. She is lightness and wild and beautiful—like moonlight in motion.
My lips are on her neck as my hips resume their movements, sliding deeper inside her as the bond pulses between us. Her body welcomes me, clenching tight, trembling as we move together like two halves of a single soul finally stitched whole.
“I love you, Emily,” I whisper against her lips as she arches into me.
“I love you too, Jackson.” She moans, voicebreathy.
