Chapter 22

TWENTY-TWO

T he walk back to Mari's place seemed to stretch on forever. Arden's mind raced, replaying the events of the evening like a high-stakes movie reel. He could still see Victor's face twisted in a vicious snarl, his eyes glinting with malice as he lunged at Mari. But Mari... she had been a force to be reckoned with, her magic crackling through the air like lightning, her strength and determination shining through even in the face of her greatest fear.

Arden's heart swelled with pride and awe as he glanced over at Mari. Despite the exhaustion etched on her face, her pale skin almost glowing in the moonlight, there was a steely resolve in the set of her jaw. Even now, with her energy drained and her body shaken, she exuded a quiet power that made Arden's breath catch in his throat.

As they stepped into Mari's backyard, Arden squeezed her hand gently. "You were incredible tonight, Mari. I'm so proud of you."

Mari managed a tired smile, her fingers intertwining with his. "I honestly didn't think I would make it out alive at first." She gave him a sad smile. "I just wanted it all over with. But I couldn't give up. You, Luna, and Celeste filing my mind with your positive words really helped me stay focused on what I wanted. My freedom."

They walked hand in hand to her front door, the cool night air whispering around them. Arden could feel the tension slowly leaving Mari's body as they stepped over the threshold, the cozy warmth of her home enveloping them like a soothing balm. It was a stark contrast to the chaos and terror they'd just faced, and Arden could see the effect it had on Mari almost immediately.

She walked into the living room, her steps heavy with fatigue, and Arden watched as her shoulders slumped. The soft glow of the table lamp cast a warm light over her features, highlighting the weariness in her eyes, but also the relief and peace that had settled over her.

Mari turned to face him, and the vulnerability in her hazel eyes made Arden's heart clench. There was a rawness to her expression, an openness he had never seen. It was as if the walls she had built around herself for so long had finally crumbled, leaving her exposed and honest in a way that took his breath away.

"Arden, I..." Mari's voice was soft, almost hesitant, as she took a step toward him.

"Before you say anything," he took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. "I love you, Mari. I'm happy to wait all the time you need until you're ready to move forward. I won't pressure you. I just want you to know I love you. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."

Her eyes were bright with emotion. "I don't even know where to begin." She visibly swallowed. "What you did for me tonight, what you've been doing for me ever since we met... you've given me so much strength. So much compassion and love. I don't know how to thank you."

Arden cupped her face. The feel of her smooth, warm skin made his heart thud harder. "You never have to thank me, Mari. Loving you, being here for you, supporting you... it's not a chore or an obligation. It's a privilege. You are the strongest, most amazing woman I have ever met, and I am so lucky to have you in my life."

Mari's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and she leaned into his touch, her hands coming up to rest on his chest. "I feel the same way about you, Arden. I know I haven't been easy to love, that I've pushed you away and kept you at arm's length. But the truth is... I love you. And it terrifies me and thrills me all at the same time."

Arden's heart soared at her words, a grin spreading across his face as he leaned down to capture her lips in a kiss. Mari melted into him, her arms winding around his neck as she returned the kiss with equal desire. In that moment, all the pain, fear, and uncertainty of the past faded away.

When they finally pulled apart, both breathing heavily, Arden rested his forehead against Mari's, his thumbs stroking her cheekbones softly. "We're partners in this. You're not alone. I mean it. I love you, Mari," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "I think I have since the moment I first saw you at that club."

Mari let out a soft laugh, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Even when I snuck out of your hotel room the morning after?"

Arden grinned, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Especially then. There was just something about you... I knew you were my mate from the second I saw you. I just needed to find a way to give you the time and space to come to terms with me not going anywhere."

They moved to the couch, the crackling fireplace casting a warm glow over the room. Mari curled into Arden's side, her head resting on his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her. For a few moments, they simply basked in each other's presence, the events of the night slowly fading into the background.

"I was so scared," Mari admitted quietly, her fingers tracing patterns on Arden's chest. "Not just tonight, but... of this. Of us. I've been through so much, and I didn't know if I was ready to open my heart."

Arden tightened his hold on her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I understand. After everything you've been through, it's natural to be cautious. But I promise you, I will never hurt you. You're safe with me, always."

Mari tilted her head to look up at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "I know. I trust you, Arden. More than I've ever trusted anyone."

Mari confessed her worries about their age difference, but Arden quickly put those fears to rest.

"Mari, you spent twenty years trapped in a loveless marriage, unable to make your own choices or pursue your own happiness," he said earnestly, cupping her cheek. "In my eyes, you're still that vibrant, passionate woman who never got the chance to truly live. Our age difference doesn't matter - what matters is the love we have for each other."

Tears spilled down Mari's cheeks. She surged forward, capturing Arden's lips in a searing kiss that left them both breathless. "Take me to bed, mate. Let's make it official."

He sucked in a breath and stared at her beautiful face. "Are you sure?"

"I've never been surer of anything in my life."