17. Chapter 17

Chapter 17

No Holding Back

Axel

As I walk hand-in-hand with Lila through the moonlit forest, I can't help but marvel at the way the silvery light dances across her beautiful features. Her newly heightened senses seem to be absorbing every detail of the night, from the gentle rustling of leaves to the distant hoots of an owl. I give her hand a gentle squeeze, my heart swelling with pride and affection for my brave, resilient mate.

"I know today has been overwhelming," I say softly, breaking the comfortable silence between us. "But you've handled everything with such grace and strength, Lila. I'm in awe of you."

Lila turns to me, her hazel eyes shimmering with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without you, Axel. Your support and guidance mean everything to me." She leans into my side, and I instinctively wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

As we continue our walk, I can sense Lila's wolf stirring within her, content and at peace in my presence. The bond between us grows stronger with each passing moment, a testament to the deep connection we share as fated mates.

My own nerves begin to flutter as we approach the special clearing I've prepared for tonight. I've been planning this moment for days, wanting everything to be perfect for Lila. She seems to notice my slight unease, her curious gaze searching my face for clues.

"What's on your mind, Axel?" she asks, her voice gentle and coaxing.

I smile down at her, my heart racing with anticipation. "It's just one more surprise," I whisper, leading her forward. "Trust me, Vanilla Bean."

As we step into the clearing, Lila gasps, her eyes widening in wonder. The space is adorned with twinkling fairy lights and soft, plush blankets, creating an enchanting and intimate atmosphere. As the lights flicker, a soft, enchanting glow dances across her face, highlighting the wonder in her eyes. The picnic blanket is spread out invitingly, surrounded by flickering candles and delicate flower petals.

"Axel," she breathes, her voice trembling with emotion. "This is beautiful. You did all this for me?"

I take her hands in mine, my thumbs gently caressing her skin. "Of course, Vanilla Bean. I wanted to create a special moment just for us, a place where we can forget about the world and focus on each other."

Lila's eyes shimmer with unshed tears as she looks up at me. "I can't believe you went through all this trouble. It's like something out of a fairytale."

I pull her closer, my arms wrapping around her waist. "You deserve nothing less than a fairytale, Lila. I want to make all your dreams come true."

She reaches up, her fingers lightly tracing the contours of my face. "You already have, Axel. Just by being here with me, you've made my dreams a reality."

My heart swells with love and adoration for this incredible woman in my arms. I lean down, capturing her lips in a tender, passionate kiss. As we melt into each other's embrace, the rest of the world fades away, leaving only the two of us in this enchanted moment.

Lila's eyes shimmer with unshed tears, and I can feel the rapid beat of her heart through our bond.

"I never imagined I could find a love like this," she whispers. "You've shown me a world I never knew existed, and you've been by my side every step of the way."

I brush a stray lock of hair from her face, my fingers lingering on her soft skin.

"Lila, you are the most incredible woman I have ever known. Your strength, your compassion, and your unwavering spirit never cease to amaze me."

I take a deep breath, ready to bare my soul to her.

"I can't imagine my life without you, Lila. You are my mate, my partner, and my forever love."

I reach into my pocket and pull out a small velvet box, sinking to one knee before her. Lila's eyes widen, her hands flying to her mouth as I open the box, revealing a stunning ring with a crescent moon and diamond design.

"Lila Taylor, will you make me the happiest wolf in the world and be my wife? Will you stand by my side as my Luna, my queen, and my forever love?"

Tears stream down Lila's face as she nods, her voice choked with emotion. "Yes, Axel! Yes, a thousand times yes!"

I slide the ring onto her finger, my own eyes glistening with tears of joy. As I rise to my feet, Lila leaps into my arms, kissing me with a passion that sets my soul on fire.

"I love you so much, Axel," she whispers against my lips. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

"I love you too, Vanilla Bean," I murmur back. "You're my everything."

Our wolves howl in unison, their joy echoing through our bond. I can feel Lila's happiness radiating from her, mingling with my own in a symphony of pure bliss.

Her lips are soft and warm, and as I kiss her, it's like the world falls away, leaving nothing but the two of us in this perfect, moonlit clearing. My Lila, my mate, I think to myself, her heart beating in sync with mine.

"We're going to have such an amazing life together," Lila says, her eyes shining with love and excitement.

"The most amazing life," I agree, pulling her closer. "I'll always protect you and cherish you, my love. Forever and always."

The scent of vanilla and cinnamon fills my senses, and I'm consumed by her - by the strength of her spirit and the sweetness of her kiss. Her fingers thread through my hair, pulling me closer, and I growl low in my throat, a sound of pure possession and desire.

I turn to Lila, her eyes reflecting the moonlight, shimmering with a mix of nerves and anticipation. My heart swells as I reach out, gently cupping her cheek. Her skin is soft, warm, and I can feel the faint tremor of her pulse beneath my touch.

"Lila," I whisper, my voice barely audible over the rustling leaves. "I want to make love to you. Here, under the moon, where it all feels right."

Her breath hitches, and I can see the struggle in her eyes—the hesitation. But I also see the trust, the love that's blossoming between us, stronger than any doubt.

"Axel," she breathes, her voice a soft caress against my senses. "I...I want that too. I want you."

"You're mine, Lila," I say, my voice rough with emotion. "Mine to love, mine to protect. Forever."

She nods, her eyes filled with tears, her voice choked with emotion. "Yours, Axel. Always yours."

A low growl rumbles in my chest, a primal sound that echoes the depth of my need. I lean in, capturing her lips in a slow, sensual kiss. Her mouth is sweet, welcoming, and I take my time, exploring every curve, every soft moan that escapes her.

My hands trail down her body, tracing the lines of her shoulders, her waist, her hips. She shivers under my touch, her breaths coming faster, matching the rhythm of my own. I can feel the heat building between us, the bond pulling us closer, urging us to complete what fate has started.

"You're so beautiful, Lila," I murmur against her skin, my lips trailing down her neck, tasting the salt of her sweat, the sweetness of her scent. "Every inch of you is perfect."

She lets out a soft gasp as I cup her breast, my thumb brushing against her nipple through the thin fabric of her shirt. Her back arches, pressing her closer to me, and I can feel the hardening of her nipple, the quickening of her breath.

"Axel," she moans, her hands gripping my shoulders, her nails digging into my skin. "Please...don't stop."

I smile against her skin, my hands moving lower, unbuttoning her jeans, sliding them down her hips. She kicks them off, standing before me in her underwear, her body bathed in the moonlight. She's a vision, a goddess, and I can't help but stare, my breath caught in my throat.

I slide my hands up Lila's curves, savoring the feel of her soft skin beneath my fingertips. "Fuck, Lila," I growl, my voice thick with desire. "You drive me wild."

She arches into my touch, a breathy moan escaping her lips. "Axel, please...I need you."

Slowly, I peel off Lila's underwear, the scent of her arousal fills my nostrils, making my mouth water.

"You're so wet for me, aren't you, Vanilla Bean?" I rumble, trailing my fingers up her thigh. She whimpers and nods, her eyes dark with lust.

A low growl escapes my lips when she unbuckles my belt and starts to lower my pants along with my boxers. My erection springs free of its confinement, finally free to breathe and ready.

As the last of our clothes fall away, I take a moment to just look at her, to drink in her beauty. Lila's eyes are hooded, her lips swollen from our kisses, her body laid out before me like an offering. I lean down, my lips finding the sensitive spot where her neck meets her shoulder. I kiss her there, my tongue swirling over her pulse point, feeling her heartbeat against my lips.

I settle between her legs, pressing soft kisses along her inner thighs. Lila tangles her fingers in my hair, guiding me closer to where she needs me most.

"Oh god, Axel, yes!" She cries out, her hips bucking against me.

Lila comes apart beneath me, her body shaking with the force of her orgasm. I work her through it, lapping at her essence until she's a trembling, satisfied mess.

"I love you so damn much," I murmur, kissing my way up her body until I capture her lips with mine.

She cups my face, her eyes shining with emotion. "I love you too, Axel. More than anything."

I kiss her deeply, my hands exploring her body, learning every curve, every secret. She responds in kind, her hands roaming over my chest, my back, her nails leaving trails of fire in their wake.

I line myself up at her entrance. "Are you ready for me, Lila?" I ask, my voice strained with the effort of holding back.

"Yes, Axel. Make me yours," she breathes, wrapping her legs around my waist.

When I finally enter her, it's with a slow, deliberate thrust, my eyes locked on hers. She gasps, her body tensing for a moment before relaxing, welcoming me in. The sensation is overwhelming, the heat of her, the tightness, the way her body fits perfectly against mine.

With a slow, deliberate thrust, I sink into her welcoming body. We both groan at the intensity of our joining. I start to move, rolling my hips in a steady rhythm that has Lila clutching at my shoulders.

"Fuck, you feel incredible," I pant, burying my face in the crook of her neck. "So tight and perfect."

She squeezes her legs around me, pulling me deeper, her hips meeting mine thrust for thrust.

"Harder, Axel," she demands, nipping at my earlobe. "Claim me."

Her breaths are ragged, her moans growing louder, echoing through the forest. I can feel her body tensing, her muscles clenching around me, and I know she's close.

"Fuck, Lila," I groan, my hips moving in a steady rhythm, each thrust driving us closer to the edge. "You feel so good. So right."

A feral growl tears from my throat as I comply, driving into her with deep, powerful strokes.

"That's it, Lila. Take all of me," I grunt, angling my hips to hit that sweet spot inside her.

She keens, her inner muscles fluttering around my shaft. "I'm so close, Axel," she gasps, her body beginning to tense.

"Come for me, Lila," I whisper, my lips brushing against hers. "Let go. Let me feel you."

I tighten my hold on Lila as her body trembles, her core clenching around me in rhythmic pulses. "Axel!" she cries out, her nails digging into my back as her release crashes over her.

The exquisite sensation of her walls fluttering and gripping my shaft is my undoing. "Fuck, Lila!" I shout hoarsely, thrusting deep one final time as I erupt inside her, filling her with my seed.

We collapse together, chests heaving, hearts racing as one. I keep her close, our limbs tangled, our skin slick with sweat. Lila nuzzles into my neck, her breath warm against my throat. "That was incredible," she murmurs, her voice sated and content.

I hum in agreement, running my hands along the smooth expanse of her back. "You're incredible," I whisper, pressing a kiss to her temple. As we lie there, basking in the afterglow, a profound realization settles over me. This woman, this beautiful, fierce, passionate woman, is mine. And I am hers, completely and irrevocably.

"I love you, Lila," I breathe. "I love you so damn much."

She lifts her head, her hazel eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I love you too, Axel," she says softly, her lips curving into a tender smile. "I think I have from the moment we met."

My heart swells at her declaration, a sense of rightness, of destiny, washing over me. This is where I'm meant to be, with Lila in my arms, our hearts bound together for eternity. And come what may, I know I'll fight with every breath in my body to keep her safe, to keep her by my side, always.