Chapter 143: Forever and Always

ARIEL

We hardly leave the bed for the rest of the day, even calling down to the kitchen to leave some food by the door.

We eat, we talk…and most importantly, we make love.

Even though nothing really has changed much between us, being with Alex now feels ten times better than before.

We know that no matter what happens we’re...unbreakable.

As the sun starts to dip, we finally decide to get out of bed and head downstairs.

I wear a simple, pure-white summer dress, complementing my bronzed skin.

Alex wears black slacks and a button-down shirt with an open collar.

We’ve got dinner plans with Mateo and Isabella, and spy them wandering arm in arm by the royal gardens as we descend the stairs.

They look so cute together, like two teenagers with their first love.

Joining them, we walk side by side for a while, enjoying the gardens together, the colorful flowers, being with our chosen mates.

And the palace looks more beautiful than ever with the mating ceremony decorations.

Floral wreaths in different colors and shapes run all the way from the tallest tower to the main gates, creating a beautiful, vibrant canopy toward the main hall.

Gazebos are already set up, too, ready for the upcoming guests.

“We could still sneak you onto the list,” Isabella says. “I am sure I have a few great aunts and uncles that I can disinvite.”

“We would love to,” Alex says, “but we have to get back to our own royal pack.”

“We wanted to give you a parting gift before you go,” Isabella says. “Once we are mated, we are going to move to Mateo’s old palace. We are about to start rebuilding it…”

“So, since we are not going to be using it,” Mateo says, gesturing to the palace, “We would like to give this place to you as a holiday palace.”

“A what?” I screech. I look at Alex, who’s staring up in awe at the palace.

“Are you serious?” he says to Mateo and Isabella. They grin in response.

“You have done so much for us, and no matter how much we give you, it could never match the debt we owe you,” Isabella says, cuddling up close to Mateo.

“It seems like too much,” Alex says. “This is ~your~ palace.”

“Honestly, I want to get away from this place, get away from that tower and all the things that remind me of Esmeralda,” Isabella says. “I want a new beginning, with my chosen mate.”

I look up at the palace with a whole new set of eyes.

~This is…ours?~

I swear we’ll be coming on holiday here until we die.

Staying in our own Spanish palace, and coming to see Mateo and Isabella.

We may not be related, but they’re part of our family now.

I can’t wait to see them again.

***

The warriors and Jo flew back before we did, but Isabella loaned us the use of the Spanish Royal Pack’s private jet.

I look out the window and see the plane start to climb, leaving the Spanish mainland. Soon we’ll be flying over the ocean, back to our home.

I look over at Alex and see a gentle smile on his face.

We’ve been holding hands ever since the plane took off.

I lean over and whisper to him.

“I didn’t tell you, but the Moon Goddess spoke to me when we were getting intimate.”

“Which time?” Alex laughs. “We’ve spent a lot of time between the sheets together.”

“Just before you marked me,” I say. “She told me that she would protect our bond—and Isabella and Mateo’s. Fate won’t mess with us anymore. Our bond lasts for life.”

Alex smiles before speaking.

“I also have a surprise for you, waiting at home.”

“What is it?”

“You know how I’ve been messaging back and forth with Vivian?”

“Yeah, about the new delegations and treaties you want to sign with Isabella?”

“With the passing of Dave, we read his final notes and letters. He had given a recommendation of who should take over his role if he died or retired.”

“Well, who is it?” I ask.

“Dave nominated you to be our next general. I’ve spoken with my advisers, my beta, the warriors. They’re all in agreement. ”

“Are you serious?” I gasp.

“Well, that’s if you want the job?” Alex says with a laugh. I punch him in the arm.

“Of course I want the job!” I say before kissing him.

“Good, I’ve already organized the ceremony,” he says. “I’m appointing you tomorrow!”

Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be a pack warrior...

And now I’m becoming a ~general~! My dreams are coming true!