The steamy aftermath of their shower had left Rune's body thrumming with satisfaction, the memory of claiming Maple against the marble tiles still burning through his veins. But now, dressed in dark jeans and a white henley, his mind had shifted into full tactical mode—the same strategic focus that had built his empire, only now channeled toward something infinitely more personal.
"Alright," he announced, striding into his main living area where Maple, Ben, and Jackie had gathered around his massive oak coffee table. The space, normally echoing with centuries of solitude, buzzed with an energy that made his chest tight with unexpected joy. "We have eight hours to pull off the celebration this clan deserves."
Maple looked up from where she sat on his leather sofa, her bandaged wrist resting carefully in her lap. "You're really serious about throwing a party for an entire dragon clan in less than a day?" she asked, her eyebrow arched.
"Dead serious." He pulled out his phone, already scrolling through contacts he hadn't used in decades. "Ben, I need you on decorations. Jackie, you're handling the ambiance. Maple?—"
"I'm handling you," she interrupted, rising from the couch with a wince that made him want to gather her close. "Making sure you don't go completely overboard."
Ben chuckled. "Good luck with that. The man just completed a bond he's avoided for three centuries. He's definitely going to want to show off this kind of intense love and the mate that changed his life."
"Very true," Rune replied without looking up, his fingers already flying across his phone screen. The first call connected immediately.
"Travis? It's Rune Trigg. I need a full catering setup for two hundred at my mansion. Tonight. And yes, I know it's last minute—that's why I'm calling you specifically."
The conversation that followed was rapid-fire logistics delivered in the tone of a man accustomed to making impossible things happen through sheer force of will and unlimited resources. As he spoke, Maple moved to stand beside him, her good hand coming to rest on his arm in a gesture so natural it made his chest constrict with emotion.
Through their completed bond, he felt her amazement at watching him work, and her wonder at the casual way he wielded power that could move mountains—literally, if necessary. But beneath that was something deeper. Pride. She was proud of him, proud to be his mate, proud to be part of his newfound happiness.
"Done," he said, ending the call. "Travis runs the finest dragon-owned catering company in the Southwest. His team will be here in three hours with everything from appetizers to a five-course meal."
Jackie's eyes widened. "Dragon-owned?"
"Yes, I only work with our kind for events like this," Rune explained, already dialing the next number. "Security, discretion, and they understand exactly what tonight means."
The next hour passed in a blur of phone calls and rapid-fire planning. Rune coordinated with florists who specialized in arrangements that could withstand dragon fire, musicians who knew the ancient songs his people would want to hear, and decorators who understood that this wasn't just a party—it was a coronation.
"Kade," he said when his second-in-command answered on the first ring. "Spread the word. Tonight, eight o'clock, my mansion. Full clan gathering. I'm presenting Maple and our completed mate bond."
The silence on the other end stretched for exactly three seconds before Kade's voice came through, rough with emotion Rune had never heard from his normally controlled friend.
"About damn time, Alpha. The clan's going to lose their minds with joy."
"They'd better," Rune replied, his eyes finding Maple's across the room. She was helping Ben coordinate table arrangements, her face animated with excitement, and the sight made something fierce and protective rise in his chest. "She's perfect, Kade. Everything I never knew I needed."
"I can hear it in your voice," Kade said quietly. "I'll make sure everyone knows this is the celebration we've been waiting three centuries for."
When the final call was made and vendors were mobilizing across the territory, Rune felt a bone-deep satisfaction settle over him. His mansion—silent and empty for so long—would soon ring with laughter and music and life.
"I think," he announced, pocketing his phone, "we've earned lunch. And I want to show you all the town properly."
Ben looked up from his notes. "Please tell me this involves seeing more of your car collection."
Rune's mouth curved into a rare, genuine smile. "It involves that and more."
Ten minutes later, they were settled in his luxury SUV, the vehicle purring through his private garage past the collection of sports cars and vintage motorcycles he'd accumulated over the centuries. Ben's low whistle of appreciation filled the space, and Rune found himself pointing out details he'd never shared with anyone.
"The Lamborghini's replacement," he said, nodding toward a sleek black beauty. "The Ferrari's from the fifties—original everything. And that motorcycle belonged to my father."
The admission slipped out before he could stop it, but instead of the usual tightness in his chest that came with memories of his parents, he felt only warmth. Maple's hand found his on the gear shift, squeezing gently, and through their bond he felt her understanding, her love, and her quiet promise that he would never face those memories alone again.
As they drove through the hidden entrance and into the main part of his territory, Rune watched his guests take in the sight of his domain with undisguised wonder. The red rock formations rose like ancient gods around the hidden town, and the buildings themselves—a mixture of southwestern adobe and modern convenience—seemed to grow from the canyon floor itself.
"It's incredible," Jackie breathed, her face pressed to the window. "Like something out of a dream."
"It's home," Rune replied simply, and meant it in a way he never had before.
The restaurant sat in the heart of the town square, its outdoor seating area shaded by ancient cottonwoods and warmed by fire pits that would never go cold. As Rune helpedMaple from the SUV, careful of her injuries, he became aware of the attention they were drawing.
