Page 84 of The Alpha's Forbidden Heir

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.”

Epilogue

Bane

The Silver Howl Pack’s Hall is alive with noise—clinking glasses, scattered laughter, and the soft hum of a string quartet in the corner. The air is heavy with the scent of roasted venison and the faint, earthy musk of wolves mingling.

It’s a pack gathering to mark a year of peace and prosperity, a year of strength. My year as Alpha, with Aria by my side as Luna.

“Alpha Bane,” someone calls, drawing my attention. It’s Tobias, holding out a glass of wine. “To another year of strong leadership.”

I take the glass, nodding my thanks, but my gaze drifts back to Aria. She catches my eye and smiles, a private moment in the midst of a crowd.

“Excuse me,” I murmur to Tobias, making my way to her.

Before I can reach her, a small blur zips past me, nearly knocking over a server. “Elias!” I bark, though I can’t keep the laughter out of my voice. “Slow down!”

Elias skids to a halt, turning to face me with a sheepish grin. He’s clutching a wooden sword—no doubt a gift from one of the warriors—and his cheeks are flushed with excitement.

“But, Dad, I’m practicing!” he protests.

“You can practice without taking out half the pack,” I reply, crouching to his level.

Elias pouts, but his eyes are full of mischief. “Fine,” he says dramatically before darting off again, weaving through the crowd like the little whirlwind he is.

Aria stands by my side, her gown a deep shade of emerald that clings to her like it was painted on. Her hair catches the dim light, gleaming like the moon itself blessed her tonight. She’s smiling, small and polite, at the couple who can’t seem to stop talking about their newborn.

I glance at her glass. Still untouched.

I’ve been watching it all night. A fine red wine, poured perfectly to the rim, just like everyone else’s. Except hers hasn’t moved an inch.

“You’re quiet tonight,” I murmur, leaning in just enough to catch her attention without making it obvious.

She glances up at me, her hazel eyes sparkling under the chandelier light. “Just soaking it all in.”

I raise a brow. That’s her way of dodging something.

Another Pack Alpha steps forward to greet us, some grizzled wolf from the east with a handshake that tries to crush my bones. He’s wasting his strength. I grip his hand tighter, keeping my expression neutral as his knuckles crack.

“Alpha Bane,” he grunts, pulling his hand back and giving me a look that says he’s already regretting trying to assert dominance. “Congratulations on the ceremony. Your mate is stunning.”

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