Page 55 of Fated Alpha Protector

Mateo Alvarez and Maria Alvarez.

“Mister and Misses Alvarez…” he speaks low. He doesn't seem to hear me coming up from behind, and continues staring down at the two graves.

“... I am sorry for what happened here,” he continues. He picks up some dirt from one grave and inspects it on his palm. “But a miracle did occur that day. Your daughter, Mia, was saved.”

I can hear the smile in his voice, and it lifts my lips into a smile of my own.

“And fate brought us together,” Theo goes on. “My name is Theo Marrock, Alpha of the Nightwalker Pack of Overton, and I am your daughter's fated mate.”

When Theo rises to his feet, I expect him to turn and catch me eavesdropping. Instead, his back becomes ramrod straight as he takes a deep breath, fists curling deliberately on his sides.

“I know that I will not receive a direct answer, but I would still like to make my intentions known here, in your presence.” He glances from one grave to the next, then says, “I wish to marry your daughter in an official ceremony in my pack. I hope you deem me worthy from where you're watching over her.”

Theo's declaration sets my heart alight. From where I'm standing a few feet away, I call out to him.

“Theo!”

He turns around slowly, discreetly wiping at the tear that rolls down his cheek.

“I found–”

“It's a yes!” I exclaim as my eyes tear up.

His eyes widen as realization dawns on him. “You–you heard me?”

I nod as my feet set into motion, running into his arms. He grabs me and lifts me off the floor, holding me tightly.

“Wait…” he chuckles as he sets my feet down again. He sinks down to one knee, then stares up into my eyes. He takes my hand and lifts it to his mouth where he presses a kiss on my knuckles, never taking his eyes off mine.

“Will you marry me, Mia Alvarez?”

“Yes, Theo Marrock,” I beam gleefully. “Yes!”

I'm riding cloud nine as we leave Prairie behind us. Simultaneously leaving the past behind me, and only taking with me the pleasant memories.

Along with the powers gifted to me by the Moon Goddess, I have a leather-bound journal on my lap. Theo discovered it in what used to be the living room in the cabin.

And the urge to open it has me tapping my fingers on the cover while we ride back to Overton.

“Why don't you open it?” Theo chuckles as he glances at me.

I shake my head. “I'll do it tonight. Right now, my tummy is in knots.”

“Nervous about telling Ana?”

I giggle nervously. “You know how she is. And up until a week ago, she had no idea we were fated mates.”

“Oh, she knew,” Theo titters. “Trust me, she always knew.”

“What will your parents say?” I ask as I stare at my trembling fingers linked over the journal.

“They're arriving tonight. That's when I plan on telling them.” He reaches for my hand and laces his fingers through mine. “They're gonna love you, Mia. I've already told them about you.”

I gulp anxiously as I stare out ahead of us. We arrive back in Overton just in time to catch the sunset.

Walking hand in hand toward the house, Anastasia comes rushing out.

“You're back!” she claps excitedly before coming forward and grabbing my arm. She pulls me from Theo, oblivious to her brother calling her name.

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