As we walk toward the stage, Rowan offers me his arm. “I am exceptionally devious,” he grins.

“Now, repeat after me,” Griffen says, appearing on the stage and looking smarter than I’ve ever seen him.

The crowd cheers as I recite my vows first, my voice barely audible over the noise. Then it’s Rowan’s turn. He doesn’trepeat the same words. Instead, he gazes into my eyes and speaks as if there was no one else in the room.

“I promise to love you for all eternity, Willow. To protect you and our unborn child with every breath in my body. I vow to love you forever as your mate, to stand by your side when times are tough, and to celebrate with you when they’re good. As much as I can, I will help make the world a better place with you and for you.”

Tears stream down my face as the crowd erupts into cheers and applause, the music swells, and Rowan leans into me, pressing his lips to mine. His lips are soft yet firm, and I melt into him as he tastes like winter and sunshine. The kiss lingers long enough to make everyone hush before pulling back and smiling at me.

“That was perfect,” he whispers in my ear before turning to face our pack and friends.

"I would now like to introduce you all to our luna, Willow," he says, his voice booming through the room. "She is strong and kind and beautiful. She has shown me what love really means."

The room erupts into applause again as he pulls me back into his arms, holding me close. It's a surreal moment, one that I feel like I've been waiting for my whole life. As the night wears on, everyone joins in on the celebration, dancing and laughing.

Eventually, the music slows down, and Rowan leads me to the middle of the dance floor. We sway together under the stars and snowflakes projected onto the walls. It feels like we're the only ones in the world as he dips me back, his lips finding mine once more. I’ve never been much of a dancer, but somehow, Rowan makes it feel effortless. He presses me againsthis body, and I’m amazed at how, despite my curves, he makes me feel tiny.

“I think we should make our escape soon,” he whispers into my hair, sending shivers down my neck.

I giggle as I reply, my voice low, “The night does appear to be winding down.”

He chuckles, pulling me by the hand toward the door, only stopping when he sees his beta nearby. “Griffen,” he calls out. “Tell everyone I’m taking my pregnant luna home for some rest after a busy day.”

Griffen pulls a face, and I swat Rowan’s arm in mock protest, but I don’t stop him from whisking me away. We walk arm in arm across the square toward the house, desire and anticipation thrumming between us. Rowan stops me on the steps to the house, gazing down at me.

“I have never imagined a love like this, Willow,” he says. “A mate and a child. A family. You have given me everything.”

I reach out and touch his cheek, his skin appearing even more luminescent in the moonlight, making me wonder for a moment if our own child will have the same stunning appearance. “I have a theory,” I say, “it’s not particularly scientific, though. I think our families wanted us to have this. They lost their lives to hate; I think they wanted us to have this love.”

Emotion shines brightly in his eyes as he nods and kisses me tenderly before scooping me up dramatically and carrying me into the house. “It is tradition, after all,” he exclaims.

I laugh, and I'm about to tell him he’s crazy, but when I look, I see his desire burning brightly in his eyes, and I’m lost forwords. I stand on my tiptoes and kiss him, and it’s all we need to light the torch.

We barely break contact as we rush to the bedroom, his strong arms anchoring me in place at the end of the bed. He kisses me again, tasting of pure desire as he begins unbuttoning my dress. Each button pops open with a satisfying sound, and I shiver in anticipation. He slips it off of my shoulders, revealing my black lace bra. With gentle fingers, he kisses his way down my neck before taking my sensitive nipple in his mouth and sucking gently. I gasp as pleasure shoots through me, arching against him. His hands travel lower, tracing patterns over my belly before slipping under the fabric and finding my soft skin already slick for him. His fingers graze my clit, and I bite into his shoulder to muffle my moans.

“I swear you’re even more responsive now that you’re pregnant,” he says reverently.

I can only nod in response as he increases the pressure. Just as I think I’m about to come, he removes them, and I groan in protest at the loss. With unnatural speed, Rowan drops to the floor in front of me and replaces his fingers with his tongue.

“Mmm, oh my goddess,” I mumble incoherently, tangling my fingers in his long dark hair. The bed helps to hold me upright as the waves of pleasure become almost too much.

His tongue works magic on my sensitive folds, his tongue darting in and out.

"Rowan," I pant, "I'm going to come."

He doesn't stop. Instead, he licks faster and harder until I do. I feel myself gushing juices over his face. I’m almost embarrassed at the force of my orgasm, but he looks up at me with adoration as he drags his tongue slowly back up to my clit, circling it before sucking it into his mouth. My knees buckle, andhe holds me steady while he continues to pleasure me. When my body has no more to give, Rowan stands and pulls me down gently onto the bed with him. He kisses his way up my body, stopping to tease my nipples again before settling between my legs and removing the last of his clothes, his huge cock springing free.

"You are so beautiful," he whispers, his cock nudging at my wet entrance. He kisses me, and I can feel my come on his lips as he pushes forward, slipping inside of me in one smooth motion. My walls contract around him instantly, and he groans against my skin. He starts slow, thrusting slowly in and out, each movement causing more friction than the last. His hands hold on to my hips tightly as he begins to pick up speed, pounding into me with a rhythm that borders on desperation. The smell of sex fills the air as our bodies collide, and I can feel another orgasm building as his cock hits a sensitive spot deep inside me.

“You feel so incredible,” he groans, “I-I can’t hold on.”

His words push me higher. “I’m coming, Rowan,” I scream as my release hits me hard. I feel more of my juices squirt around his cock. I can feel him stiffen and grip my shoulders as he pours himself into me deeply.

We lie entwined for what seems like an eternity, his arms a safe haven around me. I can feel him pulsing inside of me as he comes down from his high. He nuzzles into my neck, "I love you so much, Willow," he mumbles.

I sigh contentedly, "I love you, too."

And with that, we drift off to sleep in each other's arms, the scent of sex filling the air around us.