20. Spike

Gray and I spent the next few days in bed, and I wasn't complaining one bit.

Waking up when it was nearly noon, tangled up in Gray, binge-watching old movies, and only getting up when we were hungry. Tommy and Nitro also hosted dinner a couple of times.

Gray and I were in paradise. Eventually, though, we needed to face the world again.

A week after the events in Blue Vale Valley, I asked Gray to go on a road trip with me.

"Where are we going?" he asked me that morning, wearing an appreciative smile as he watched me dress.

Knowing he liked the view, I took my time. He even laughed when I blew him a kiss.

"Now give me a real one," my mate demanded, and I leaned in close and slanted my mouth over his.

Then I remembered his question.

"Haven Brook," I said. "I want to show you off to Austin."

Gray got up from bed and hugged me as if he knew that was exactly what I needed.

He didn't even remark how odd it was that I wanted to introduce him to my dead friend, but that was Gray for you—considerate and understanding, and definitely more than I deserved.

Too bad Gray was officially stuck with me.

"Won't the grizzly shifters there think we're trespassing?" Gray asked.

He was probably thinking of the last time we were in Haven Brook and Juan's warning.

"Don't worry, I cleared it with Katherine," I assured him.

Gray bit his lower lip. "And Juan?" he asked.

"Katherine says it's fine," I assured him.

"Alright then," Gray said. After we finished dressing, we got my Harley and rode to Havenbrook.

Memories flooded my mind as the road stretched out before us. I couldn't help but recall the last time I took this trip.

I felt so lost and angry. Little did I know then that fate was leading me to my mate.

As we arrived at the cemetery in the late afternoon. We stopped by a nearby florist, and I carefully selected roses to honor Austin's memory.

Placing a single stem on his tombstone, I shared with him the story of Gray—how he had come into my life and changed it forever. Gray's blush only deepened as I told Austin how awesome he was.

Lost in our moment, I noticed someone observing us from a distance. Turning, I saw Katherine standing beside Juan.

As my gaze locked with the leader of the Haven Brook bear clan, Juan gave me a curt nod before turning away.

Katherine had assured me over the phone that Gray and I being here wouldn't be a problem.

Apparently, their clan had better relations with the Blue Vale Valley wolves now that Amelia was in charge.

Amelia had initiated some discussions with the MC, most of it peaceful talks, but that I would leave to Venom's capable hands.

Katherine flashed me a smile before retreating as well. That smile told me I was welcome to come by and visit Austin again.

Gray followed my gaze, then kissed me on the cheek. "I'm glad this was all sorted out," he said.

"Me too," I said, returning the kiss with a smile.

Gray and I took the long way back to Moon Burrow, savoring every moment of our journey.

Along the road, we stumbled upon a charming bed and breakfast run by an elderly couple and decided to spend the night there.

The cozy ambiance and warm hospitality lifted our spirits, and we woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and ready to continue our journey home.

As we headed back to the compound, I couldn't contain my excitement. I had a surprise waiting for Gray, and I was eager to see his reaction.

However, it seemed my unusual behavior didn't escape his notice.

"Spike?" Gray asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "You're acting a little odd. Do you have a fever?"

I chuckled, relieved that he hadn't figured out my plan yet.

"No fever, I promise," I reassured him, placing a gentle kiss on his hand.

Gray eyed me suspiciously. "What's going on?"

"You'll see," I said with a grin, taking his hand and leading him towards the clubhouse.

Inside, my MC brothers were eagerly waiting to surprise Gray with a party. After everything we had been through in Blue Vale Valley, I knew in my heart that being mated to Gray wasn't enough.

I wanted to ask him to become my husband.

As we entered the clubhouse, anticipation surged through me, expecting the familiar uproar of my MC brothers' cheers and yells.

But instead, an eerie silence enveloped the room. Confusion gnawed at me as I scanned the surroundings.

Everything appeared to be in order – Nitro and the others had done an amazing job of decorating, and there was a mouthwatering spread at the center of the area.

Yet, no one seemed to be in a party mood.

The only voice cutting through the silence belonged to Colin, who was seated at a nearby table next to an unexpected guest.

Draven, whose attention was initially on Colin, abruptly stood as he caught sight of Gray and me entering.

However, it wasn't me he was focusing on; his intense gaze was fixed solely on Gray.

An instinctive possessiveness surged within me, and a low, rumbling growl escaped my lips as I instinctively drew Gray closer, wrapping my arm around his shoulders.

"Calm down, bear. I'm not interested in your mate romantically," Draven said.

I believed Gray when he told me Draven was simply misunderstood, but I still didn't trust him completely, not after all the damage he'd caused.

Sure, he was only following Jack's orders, and now that Jack’s pendant was destroyed by Colin’s relatives, he was harmless. Yet, I could sense that Draven wasn't entirely stable.

Approaching Gray, Draven reached out and gently took his hands in his own.

"Thank you, Gray," his voice held a sincerity that I didn’t expect.

"I didn't really do anything. It was all you," Gray said.

"But you said the exact words I needed to hear. It's partially thanks to you and the other two dragon shifters that I managed to regain my control," Draven said.

It was a good idea, having Colin and his uncle Zane to back us up at Blue Vale Valley. Their presence evened the odds, and Jack no longer had an unfair advantage.

Gray smiled and patted Draven's hand. Draven wisely withdrew, sensing the unspoken boundaries between mates.

"So..." Gray turned to me, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "What's all this?"

Before I could answer, Nitro opened his big mouth. "Engagement surprise party," Nitro announced.

I groaned inwardly, irritated by Nitro's lack of tact in spoiling the surprise. Despite Nitro's lack of tact, I couldn't let this moment slip away.

As Gray's eyes widened in astonishment, I took a deep breath. Nitro handed me the ring I’d given to him for safekeeping.

Stepping forward, I knelt in front of Gray, my heart pounding with nervous excitement.

"Gray Jones," I began, my voice soft but filled with sincerity, "from the moment I met you, my life changed in ways I never thought possible. You've brought light into the darkest corners of my heart, and every day with you feels like a gift I never want to take for granted."

I took Gray's hand in mine, feeling the warmth of his touch as I gazed into his eyes, filled with love and adoration.

"You've shown me what it means to love and be loved unconditionally, and I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else but you,” I said.

With trembling fingers, I opened the velvet box, revealing the gold ring nestled inside.

"Gray, will you do me the honor of being my husband?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Gray clasped my hand, tears glistening in his eyes as he whispered a heartfelt "Yes."

Overwhelmed with emotion, I enveloped him in a tight embrace, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. Ignoring the eyes on us, we shared a long and tender kiss.

As we pulled away, the cheers and applause of my MC brothers filled the clubhouse.

Julian and Gray began chatting excitedly. Amidst the commotion, I noticed Draven slipping away, and a pang of curiosity tugged at me.

Following him outside, I found Draven standing alone in the parking lot, his gaze distant yet somehow troubled.

"I didn't realize I walked in on such a special occasion. You have my apologies," he said, turning to face me.

I shrugged, offering him a small smile. "Nah, it's all good. Why don't you stay a little longer? There's plenty of food and drinks,” I said.

Draven hesitated, a hint of reluctance in his expression.

"I have to decline. Besides, I don't think I can be around other people for long," he explained.

Respecting his decision, I nodded in understanding.

Returning to the bustling clubhouse, I was greeted by Gray's radiant smile, his eyes lighting up as he caught sight of me.

"So, when did you plan all of this?" Gray asked.

I chuckled, running a hand through my hair.

"Right after we came back from Blue Vale Valley," I confessed. “Was the proposal too sudden?”

Gray's smile widened, and he shook his head. "I was planning to propose to you too, but you beat me to the punch," he answered.

We shared another intimate kiss. As we pulled away, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

"So, what were you and Julian talking about?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

Gray grinned mischievously. "Wedding plans," he answered.

“Do share," I said.

After spending the evening brainstorming ideas for our wedding, Gray and I found ourselves in a state of blissful anticipation.

We both agreed that we wanted an intimate and small wedding, surrounded only by our closest friends and MC family.

As we sat together, poring over potential venues and discussing flower arrangements, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with love for Gray.

His laughter was like music to my ears, and his smile illuminated the room in a way that nothing else could.

When we finally put aside our wedding plans for the night, we found ourselves wrapped in each other's arms.

“I love you so much, Gray,” I murmured.

“Love you too,” he replied.

THE END