Page 65 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

We lie there in the aftermath, our bodies slick with sweat and our hearts beating in unison. I brush a stray lock of hair from her face, my eyes meeting hers in a silent vow of eternal love and devotion.

"I love you, Lila," I murmur, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "I can't imagine my life without you."

Lila smiles up at me, her eyes shining with love and contentment. "I love you too, Axel. More than I ever thought possible."

As we bask in the afterglow of our connection, my mind drifts to the future.

A mating ceremony.

The plans are coming together, just waiting for the next full moon to start our lives as a mated pair in the sight of my pack and name her my Luna.

Lila is my mate, my soulmate, and I want the world to know it.

I tighten my arms around her, savoring the feel of her warm, pliant body against mine. Tomorrow, I will start planning the ceremony. But for now, I simply hold my mate close, reveling in the love and happiness that we've found together.

"My mate," I whisper, the words a promise and a prayer. "Forever."

Chapter 22

Celebration

Lila

I stand in the middle of The Night Owl, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. It's the day of our grand opening, and I can hardly believe how far we've come.

Can you believe it? We're finally here,I whisper to my wolf, feeling her presence stirring within me.

She responds with an enthusiastic yip.I knew we could do it, Lila. This is our moment to shine.

I nod, a smile spreading across my face.You're right. We've poured our hearts into this place. It's time to show everyone what we're made of.

My wolf paces within me, eager to showcase our hard work to the world. Her energy is infectious, filling me with a renewed sense of confidence.

Together, we've created something special,I tell her, running my hand along the polished bar top.The Night Owl is more than just a restaurant. It's a testament to our determination and passion.

And a reflection of the incredible bond we share,my wolf adds, her voice warm with pride.We're a team, Lila. Always will be.

I take a deep breath, letting her words sink in. She's right.

Let's do this,I say, squaring my shoulders.Let's make this opening a night to remember.

With a shared sense of purpose, my wolf and I prepare to welcome our first guests, ready to embrace the exciting new chapter that awaits us at The Night Owl.

When the delivery of our custom glassware is delayed, I quickly adapt and rearrange the bar setup to accommodate the temporary setback. Axel catches my eye from across the room and gives me a nod.

The pack bustles around me, each member focused on their assigned tasks. Sophie is meticulously arranging the tables, her artistic eye ensuring every detail is perfect. Elena, our newly appointed bouncer, is double-checking the security system, her keen senses alert for any potential threats.

Suddenly, a familiar scent reaches my nose, and I turn to see my parents, Sarah and David, entering the restaurant. My heart swells with emotion as they take in the transformed space, their eyes wide with wonder. I rush to greet them, my wolf feeling fiercely protective of these two humans who mean so much to me.

"Mom, Dad, welcome to The Night Owl Bar and Grill," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "I can't believe you're really here."

My mother pulls me into a tight hug, her tears of joy dampening my shoulder. "We wouldn't miss this for the world, sweetheart. We are so proud of you."

This is it,I think, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety.The moment of truth.

Axel steps forward, his hand warm and reassuring on the small of my back as he greets my parents with his signature charm. "Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, it's an honor to finally meet you," he says, his deep voice filled with sincerity. "Lila has told me so much about you both."

My father shakes Axel's hand firmly, his eyes assessing the Alpha with a protective glint. "It's good to meet you too, Axel. I've heard a lot about you as well."

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