24. Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

Aria

A soft knock at the door wakes me from sleep.

“Luna, breakfast is ready,” a voice calls from the other side.

“I’ll be down shortly,” I reply, my voice still groggy from sleep.

After a quick bath and dressing in a soft dress, I make my way downstairs. The moment I step onto the main floor, the sound of bustling activity hits me. Maids move hurriedly through the halls, carrying trays of food, arranging tables, and whispering among themselves. The faint smell of freshly baked bread and roasted meat wafts through the air, making my stomach rumble.

Curious, I stop a young maid who is rushing past me, a basket of flowers in her arms.

“What’s going on?” I ask gently. “Why is everyone in such a rush this morning?”

The maid pauses, her cheeks flushing. “Oh, Luna, it’s the event,” she says, her voice hesitant.

“Event?” I repeat, frowning. “What event?”

She seems to hesitate as though she’s said too much. “You’ll see, Luna.” she says hurriedly before darting off down the hall.

Before I can press further, a familiar voice calls from the stairs.

“Mom!”

I turn to see Elias bounding down toward me, his dark curls still a mess from sleep and his wide grin making my heart swell.

“Good morning, my little one,” I greet, kneeling to catch him as he throws himself into my arms.

“I’m not little anymore,” Elias protests, his tone serious. “Dad said I’m a strong wolf now!”

I laugh, ruffling his hair. “Oh, is that so? Well, you’re going to need a big breakfast if you want to be as strong as your dad.”

Elias puffs out his chest proudly. “I’ll eat everything, promise!”

“Let’s see if you can keep that promise,” I tease, leading him into the dining hall.

The long table is filled with steaming plates of food—fluffy eggs, crisp bacon, fresh fruits, and pastries glistening with sugar. Elias’s eyes widen as he climbs into his seat, already reaching for a stack of pancakes.

“Slow down,” I say, laughing. “You’ll choke if you eat too fast.”

Elias grins but doesn’t slow down much. “Where’s Dad?”

I glance around, realizing Bane is nowhere in sight. “I’m not sure,” I admit. “Maybe he’s busy.”

“Busy with what?” Elias asks through a mouthful of pancakes.

I shake my head, trying not to smile. “Chew first, questions later.”

Elias giggles but obeys.

Halfway through our meal, the dining hall doors open, and Rook steps in. His sharp eyes immediately find Elias, and he smiles.

“Alpha Bane sent me,” Rook says, his voice calm but firm. “Elias, come with me. Your father wants to see you.”

Elias looks at me, his face alight with excitement. “Can I go, Mom?”

“Of course, sweetheart. Go see your dad.”

Rook extends his hand, and Elias eagerly takes it. “See you later, Mom!”

“Be good,” I call after him as they leave.

Once they’re gone, I sit back in my chair, my appetite suddenly diminished.

I finish my tea, but my mind keeps wandering to the event everyone seems to be buzzing about. Unable to sit still, I decide to return upstairs, hoping to distract myself.

As I step into my room, my breath hitches. Sitting in the center of the bed is a white box, tied with a delicate silver ribbon. The elegant simplicity of it immediately draws my attention.

“What in the world…” I murmur, stepping closer.

The box seems to radiate importance, and for a moment, I hesitate to touch it. My fingers graze the smooth ribbon when my phone buzzes on the bedside table. The sudden noise makes me jump, and I grab the phone quickly.

“Hello?”

“Luna,” Bane’s deep, gravelly voice comes through. “Did you see the box?”

I glance at it, my curiosity growing. “I did. What’s this about?”

“It’s part of the surprise,” he says, his tone holding a hint of mischief.

A wave of déjà vu washes over me. “Bane… what’s going on? Why does it feel like you’re planning something?”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” he says. “The maids will be up shortly to help you get ready.”

“Help me get ready? For what?” I press.

“Aria,” he says softly, but firmly, “trust me.”

I sigh. “That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the only one you’re getting for now,” he replies, and I can hear the smile in his voice before hanging up.

I stare at the phone, shaking my head.

Just as I’m about to untie the ribbon on the box, there’s a knock at the door.

“Luna?” a maid calls softly.

“Come in,” I say, stepping back.

Three maids enter, their arms laden with fabrics, brushes, and jewelry boxes. They move with purpose, their eyes lighting up as they see the box on the bed.

“Is this for the event?” I ask, crossing my arms.

“Yes, Luna,” one of them replies with a polite smile.

I frown. “Am I allowed to know what the event is, or are you sworn to secrecy too?”

They exchange nervous glances before the eldest speaks up. “Alpha Bane asked us not to say anything, Luna.”

I sigh, defeated. “Fine. Do your thing.”

The maids giggle softly as they set to work. The white box is opened with delicate precision, revealing an exquisite dress inside.

The gown is a stunning deep emerald green, the color rich and vivid, perfectly complementing my complexion. It’s made of a luxurious satin fabric that shimmers faintly in the light, with intricate lace detailing running along the bodice and cascading down the long, flowing skirt. The neckline is an elegant sweetheart shape, framed by delicate off-the-shoulder straps that give it a timeless, regal look.

The back dips slightly, accentuating its sophistication without being overly revealing, while the waist is cinched with a delicate satin ribbon, creating a flattering silhouette.

“Where did he even find something like this?” I ask, running my fingers over the fabric.

“The Alpha has his ways,” one of the maids says with a knowing smile.

They work quickly but meticulously, dressing me in the gown, pinning my hair into an elegant updo, and adorning me with subtle but dazzling jewelry. As they apply the finishing touches to my makeup, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and barely recognize the woman staring back.

“You look breathtaking, Luna,” one of them whispers.

I turn, smoothing the skirt of the dress nervously. “It’s beautiful,” I admit.

Once they’re done, the maids step back, admiring their work. “You’re ready, Luna,” one of them says with a satisfied smile.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the nervous energy bubbling inside me. “Thank you,” I say.

There's a knock and a maid steps in, holding a small envelope sealed with wax. “From the Alpha,” she says with a smile, placing it gently on the bedside table before leaving.

Curious, I pick up the envelope, breaking the seal. Inside is a folded note written in Bane’s strong, unmistakable handwriting:

“Aria,

Come to the gardens. Follow the lanterns.

I’ll be waiting for you.

—Bane”

My heart skips a beat as I glance at the box again.

My fingers tremble as I smooth the material, realizing just how much thought he’s put into this.

The sun is setting as I step into the garden, the emerald dress flowing around me. Lanterns light the path ahead, casting a warm glow over the stone walkway. My heels click softly as I follow the trail, my heart pounding in anticipation.

The scent of roses fills the air as I turn the final corner.

My breath catches.

Petals cover the ground in a sea of crimson, stretching toward a gazebo draped in fairy lights. In the center stands Bane, his tall frame commanding yet softened by the vulnerability in his eyes. He’s wearing a crisp white shirt, the sleeves rolled up slightly, and dark slacks.

“Bane…” I whisper, stepping closer.

“You’re beautiful,” he says, his voice low and reverent as his gaze sweeps over me.

The moment I reach him, he takes my hands, his calloused fingers brushing against my skin. “Aria,” he begins, his voice steady but filled with emotion, “when I think of everything we’ve been through—every fight, every loss, every moment we’ve shared—I can’t imagine facing any of it without you by my side.”

I swallow hard, tears threatening to spill.

“You’ve changed me,” he continues. “You’ve made me better. Stronger. And I want to spend the rest of my life proving to you just how much you mean to me.”

He steps back slightly, reaching into his pocket. My heart stops as he kneels on one knee, a velvet box in his hand.

“Aria,” he says, opening the box to reveal a stunning ring—an emerald stone nestled between delicate diamonds, shining brilliantly even in the dim light. “Will you marry me?”

For a moment, I can’t breathe. Then, through the tears streaming down my face, I nod. “Yes,” I manage to whisper, then louder, “Yes!”

Bane’s face lights up with pure joy as he slips the ring onto my finger. Standing, he pulls me into his arms, his lips finding mine in a kiss.

“Ready for the next part?” he asks, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“What next part?” I ask warily.

He holds out his hand, his lips quirking into a smirk. “Our first dance, Luna.”

I stare at his outstretched hand, my heart fluttering. “You planned this too?”

Bane’s hands grip my waist as we dance, pulling me closer than I thought possible. The warmth of his body and the intensity in his eyes have my pulse racing. His thumb brushes over the bare skin of my lower back, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.

The music fades into the background as I feel his lips graze the shell of my ear. “I want you,” he murmurs, his voice a husky growl that sends shivers down my spine.

I tilt my head up to meet his gaze, and the sheer want burning in his eyes steals my breath. Without hesitation, I close the small distance between us and kiss him, pouring every ounce of love and desire I feel into the kiss.

Bane responds immediately, his mouth capturing mine with a passion that borders on desperate. His hands tighten around my waist, and I can feel the barely restrained strength behind them. He kisses me like I am the air he needs to breathe.

“Let’s go,” he says, his voice low and commanding as he breaks the kiss, his forehead resting against mine for a brief moment.

He takes my hand and leads me out of the hall. My heart pounds with anticipation as we make our way up the staircase, the world narrowing to just the two of us.

By the time we reach our new room—the one Bane had designed for us to share as a family—the tension between us is unbearable.

He backs me up against the wall, his body pressing firmly against mine. “You’re everything, Aria,” he says between kisses, his voice raw with emotion. “I need to show you how much.”

I reach up, tangling my fingers in his hair, pulling him even closer. “Then show me,” I whisper.

Bane groans at my words, lifting me effortlessly as I wrap my legs around his waist. His mouth never leaves mine as he carries me to the bed, laying me down gently before covering me with his body.

His hands roam over me, sliding under the fabric of my dress. He pauses, his eyes searching mine. “Are you sure?”

I nod, tugging him down to me. “I’m yours, Bane. I always have been.”

His eyes darken with something primal, and he kisses me deeply as he begins to remove my dress, his hands reverent as they bare my skin.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispers, his lips trailing down my neck and over my collarbone.

My fingers find the buttons of his shirt, undoing them with shaky hands. He shrugs the fabric off, revealing the hard planes of his chest. I let my hands wander, tracing the muscles that flex under my touch.

Bane’s lips move lower, leaving a trail of fire down my body. When he reaches the apex of my thighs, he pauses, his eyes meeting mine. “I want to make you feel how much I love you.”

Before I can respond, his mouth is on me, his tongue working with a skill and precision that leaves me trembling. I grip the sheets, my back arching as he brings me closer to the edge.

“Bane…” His name leaves my lips in a broken moan as I shatter, the pleasure washing over me in waves.

He kisses his way back up my body, his lips capturing mine in a kiss so I can taste myself. I can feel him against me, hard and ready, but he holds back, his gaze searching mine.

“I need you,” I whisper, wrapping my legs around his waist, urging him closer.

He enters me slowly, his movements careful and deliberate, giving me time to adjust. The sensation is overwhelming, and I moan.

“I need you,” I whisper, my voice trembling as I wrap my legs around Bane’s waist. My fingers trace the hard lines of his jaw, pulling him closer. His eyes darken, a primal hunger flashing in them.

“You don’t just need me, Aria,” he murmurs, his voice a low growl. “You own me.”

His lips crash against mine, claiming me in a kiss so deep it leaves me breathless. His tongue parts my lips, tangling with mine in a sensual rhythm that has heat pooling low in my belly.

Bane pulls back, his hands cupping my face. “Do you feel that, Aria?” he whispers, his thumb brushing against my trembling lips. “That’s what you do to me. You make me lose control.”

“Then lose it,” I challenge, my voice barely above a whisper.

He doesn’t need to be told twice. His lips return to mine, fierce and demanding, while his hands begin their exploration. One slides down to the small of my back, pulling me flush against him, while the other tangles in my hair, tilting my head back to give him better access.

His mouth trails a line of kisses down my neck, his teeth grazing my sensitive skin. I gasp as he finds a spot that makes my knees weak. “Bane...”

“Shh,” he murmurs, his lips brushing against my collarbone. “Let me take care of you.”

He lowers me onto the bed with care, his large frame looming over mine as the fabric of my dress rides higher.

“You’ve been driving me insane all night,” he admits, his voice a low rumble. His hands skim over my thighs, pushing the fabric higher. “Every time I looked at you, I had to remind myself not to drag you away and claim you right then and there.”

I shiver under his touch, the intensity in his gaze making my breath hitch. “Then claim me now,” I say, my voice trembling but sure.

His lips quirk into a wicked grin. “Oh, I will.”

Bane moves with deliberate slowness, peeling my dress from my body. He kisses every inch of exposed skin, starting at my shoulders and working his way down. He takes his time, his lips and tongue igniting fires everywhere they touch.

“You’re stunning, Aria,” he murmurs against my skin. “Every inch of you.”

His hands roam freely now, tracing the curves of my waist, my hips, my thighs. He leans back to take me in, his gaze heated and possessive. “You’re mine, Aria. Do you understand that?”

“Yes,” I breathe, my chest rising and falling with anticipation.

He kneels between my legs, his hands spreading my thighs apart as his lips descend. “I’m going to make you feel so good,” he promises, his voice thick with need.

And then he does. His mouth finds my most sensitive spot, his tongue moving in slow, teasing circles. I cry out, my fingers tangling in his hair as he works me over with expert precision.

“Bane,” I gasp, my hips arching toward him. “Oh, God.”

“Don’t hold back,” he murmurs against me, his voice vibrating against my skin. “I want to hear every sound you make.”

His tongue quickens its pace, his fingers joining in as he brings me closer and closer to the edge. My body tenses, the pleasure building until it’s almost too much to bear.

“Let go, Aria,” he coaxes, his voice low and commanding.

I do. The climax washes over me, leaving me trembling and breathless beneath him. He kisses his way back up my body, his lips finding mine as I’m still coming down from the high.

“You taste like heaven,” he whispers, his voice husky.

I pull him closer, my hands roaming over his broad shoulders and down his chest. “It’s my turn,” I say, flipping us over so that I’m straddling him.

His eyes widen slightly, a grin tugging at his lips. “Bold, are we?”

“You bring it out of me,” I reply, leaning down to kiss him.

My lips trail down his neck, my hands working on the buttons of his shirt. I peel it off, my fingers tracing the hard planes of his chest. I kiss my way down, taking my time to savor every inch of him.

When I reach the waistband of his pants, I look up at him, a teasing smile on my lips. “Do you trust me?”

“Always,” he replies, his voice rough with anticipation.

I free him from his pants, my hands and mouth exploring him with deliberate care. His groans fill the room, low and guttural, as I work him over.

“Aria,” he groans, his hand tangling in my hair. “You’re going to make me—”

I stop just as he’s on the brink, sitting up and smirking at him. “Not yet.”

“You’re cruel,” he growls, his eyes blazing with desire.

I straddle him, lowering myself onto him slowly. His head falls back, a moan escaping his lips.

“Fuck, Aria,” he groans, his hands gripping my hips.

I move against him, setting a slow, torturous pace. His hands guide my movements, his eyes locked on mine as we find a rhythm together.

“You’re incredible,” he whispers, his voice raw with emotion. “I love you, Aria.”

“I love you too,” I reply, my voice breaking as the sensations build again.

When I tire, he flips us effortlessly, taking control. His movements are deliberate, each thrust filled with love and need. He presses his forehead to mine, his breath mingling with mine as he whispers sweet nothings.

“You’re mine,” he says, his voice fierce. “And I’m yours.”

“Always,” I reply, holding him close as we both fall over the edge together, our cries mingling in the stillness of the night.

Bane collapses beside me, pulling me into his arms. “You’re my everything, Aria,” he murmurs, kissing my temple.

Tears prick my eyes as I smile, overwhelmed by the depth of his love. “And you’re mine, Bane.”