Page 25 of Alpha's Claim

“Yes, my love.” I agreed, following her and getting into bed. I crawled in first so she could arrange herself on my chest like she liked. I wrapped my arm around her and made sure that the blankets were on the bed next to her. We tended to sleep without them so we didn’t overheat sleeping tangled up like we liked, but occasionally she got cold. That’s why we had the contingency blankets. “I love you, Cora.” I said softly, leaning over to turn the lamp off.

“I love you too, Weston. I’ll see you in the morning.” She whispered back, nuzzling into my chest to get comfortable. I loved this time of night. Just being together in the chill of the night, so close and completely content in one another’s arms. So far we had both slept through the night, reassured that we were loved. It was the life of my dreams.

Waking up was made better for smelling her. I felt so much more refreshed waking to the scent of sandalwood. Cora was already awake, trailing her fingers over my chest slowly. I took a deep breath and moved to pull her closer, nosing into her hair.

“You smell amazing.” I’m pretty sure I told her daily, but it was true daily.

“You do too.” She smiled. We lay still for a while, just enjoying our morning until we needed to get up. I made breakfast that morning while she moved around me, doing small chores that would be better done now than later after we had our day out. She grabbed the plates and utensils we would need and we ate at a leisurely pace.

“I thought we could go to the grove today,” I said, and she tilted her head curiously. “We haven’t been back yet and it’s a great place for us to just take a day of peace,” I said, standing and helping her up to her feet.

“Sure, I like that idea. We can pack a picnic and just stay there all day if you want,” she suggested and I nodded. “I’ll get lunch prepared since you did breakfast. You get the rest ready.” I nodded and stood, leaning down to kiss her.

“I’ll make sure everything is perfect,” I said, and she laughed.

“You always do, Weston.” I grinned at that, proud of myself. Apparently, I was doing well. That was especially important to me. I grabbed a bag I could carry as a wolf and packed up the blankets, drinks, and a simple promise ring I had bought. I wanted Cora to pick her own engagement ring, but proposing seemed incomplete without a ring. That I slipped into an easily accessible pocket on the bag. Once I was done I moved into the kitchen, helping Cora pack our meal.

“I’m ready when you are,” I stated, and she grabbed our phones and tossed them into the bag.

“Just in case. We have a lot going on.” She was right, and I zipped the bag up with plenty of space for our clothes.

We ran through the woods, chasing one another through the trees as we went. It was so much fun just playing together and not worrying about anything. I nearly lost myself with her. The morning light playing through the falling leaves, the smell of burgeoning winter, and the sound of rustling leaves all went together perfectly to create an atmosphere that was light and playful. We had earned this day, I thought, and I was going to make the most of it. Once we made it to the grove I dropped the bag and shifted, stretching. She laughed as she shifted as well, immediately making her way to the water.

“I miss swimming. Come on in,” she beckoned me, and of course, I had no choice but to go to her. She was a siren song to me. I would follow Cora anywhere. I made my way down the grassy bank and into the water, letting out a soft sigh at the warmth of the water. I took her hands and moved out to meet her, kissing her softly. “I miss swimming with you especially.”

“We’ll have to make a monthly thing of it, then.” I smiled at her. I kissed her softly and pulled her close. “I love this place.”

“I do too.” She mused softly, tilting her head. “It’s so strange how I was nearly killed here, but I’m truly happy here with you.”

“Maybe. But this grove chose us before that happened.” I reminded her, pressing a soft kiss on her forehead. “And after.”

We spent a while in the water, playing and having fun until the noon hunger took hold and we were ready for lunch. I got out and got the blanket set up while she toweled off lightly. I made sure that everything was absolutely perfect. The blanket was settled softly on top of the grass. It was the softest one we had so nothing would scratch or itch against our bare skin. I set out the bottle of wine and the sandwiches Cora had packed for us, making sure that all of it was just right.

She was drying her hair off while I was unpacking the ring. I opened the bottle of wine and poured it into the stemless glasses we had packed, settling them to where they wouldn’t tip. I set the bag aside and watched as she tossed the towel aside. By the time she turned, I was on one knee with the ring in my hand. She stopped, probably absolutely confused because this was a crazy thing to do after a month, but we were mated. It was simple to me.

“Cora,” I said softly, and she stepped forward. “I can’t live without you. This place has proven that. I don’t want to live without you. I love you, I need you, and I want you every single day for the rest of our lives.” I said softly. “All I can offer you is myself, and I pray that’s enough. I love you. Will you marry me?” I asked, and she fell to her knees as if in slow motion. On her face was a beaming smile and I returned it, tearing up a little.

“Yes, Weston. Of course, I’ll marry you.” She said softly, pulling me in to kiss me with all of the passion of a wildfire. I slid the ring on her finger, interlocking my fingers with hers in a moment of perfect joy we’d remember for the rest of our lives.

THE END

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