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She took in my appearance as I knelt there on one knee — my hand holding a blue velvet box that was open as I presented the one-of-a-kind prism diamond ring that almost didn’t get here on time.
I fought long and hard to get something I knew would fit Selene’s personality, vibe, and standards in the realm of jewelry, and clearly from the way she admired the sparkling jewel with a blue cobalt band she wholeheartedly loved it.
The incantations engraved on the fine metal were even more important than she’d realize at first sight, but I’d explain that to her later.
That was…if she accepted my proposal.
Her speechlessness only encouraged me to smile back at her as all that tension in my body only seemed to spike with nervousness because I couldn’t predict how this next segment in my life was going to go.
If she’d accept…or reject my proposal.
“I’ve been delaying everything because I wanted to formally ask Midnight Sun and Midnight Frost’s permission to marry you, Selene,” I revealed. “But it looks like me sending Tobias to Faerie gave my intentions away and that’s why we’re being pushed to a corner.”
She was trying to comprehend the meaning of my words while her eyes began to look around and acknowledge the many who now surrounded and witnessed my intentions.
Many shifters, young and old, carried smiles of compassion and love at the sight of the woman who had been but a child when they were still a part of the land of the living.
“These people… they’re… from my past. Our packs… before they were killed,” she whispered, sounding out of breath as she returned her eyes to me as if my eyes held all the answers she sought in this moment.
I understood her confusion. I’d experienced it myself when I finally was able to tap into this world.
“They are,” I affirmed. “Our mate bond is one thing, but I vowed with blood that I’d only speak of the truth to the woman I’m bound to marry.”
There was one piece of the truth that I could finally let out.
“Before your father and the Howling Shadowborns of Midnight Frost and Midnight Sun, I ask for your hand in marriage, Selene Everly Bleu,” I began, and my eyes began to water at the revelation spilling from my lips.
I was sharing what I’d craved to tell her. I’d sworn it would be something I’d share with one who was deserving and who’d protect this grand secret with their life until the time was right.
“The enemy fears our rise, fears the true power you and I carry with our love, and that’s why they’re doing everything in their power to make us enemies.”
I reached for her hand at that moment, noticing how it shook before I gripped it lightly so she’d feel the warmth of reassurance.
“I won’t let them have you. I won’t let them destroy our Syndicate or kill the people we love. I knew this might happen, so I ensured everyone we care about would be out of North Syndicate. Your best friends are safe with Queen Tempest, and Diana, Guardian, Braxton, and Paxton are already on their way to the East with Azu and Mercury.”
My revelation was making her mind spin.
“All that’s left is you and me, baby.” I spoke as quietly as possible as if to ensure this moment was just for the two of us. “The moment we get back, we’re gonna hop on our bikes and ride into the sunset until we reach the secret portal entrance to East Syndicate.”
“Our?” she breathed while tears streamed down her flushed face.
I was sure my eyes lit up in amusement as I proudly nodded my head.
“I promised I’d get you a bike, didn’t I?”
I’d called every motherfucker in Shifter and Tainted Syndicate to get me a bike that would be perfect for my mate. Negotiations, money, and a bit of bribing got me exactly what I desired, and this was what I’d yearned to witness.
To see the appreciation and pure happiness in my mate’s eyes.
“But…eighteen zeros,” she whispered, and her voice cracked.
“No amount of money will replace the pure happiness I feel when I see you thrive in all aspects of life, Selene,” I confessed, and I meant every word. “So let me make you happy. Let me help you so we can finally free our loved ones from their captivity.”
“Free our loved ones?” She didn’t understand, and that was alright because I’d help her grasp the truth before us.
“Everyone here is alive, Selene,” I revealed. “And you’re the cure to their salvation. You’re the key to the rise of the Howling Shadowborns.”
That was the reality of why so many were after her. To kill her, to destroy the only one left who could give us salvation.
