Chapter 45

We’re in an office. Just standing there, and I can’t help but feel the awkwardness. I don’t know if Roman feels it too.

He’s looking at me, while I’m staring at the wall.

I’m trying to keep my breathing steady, trying not to fall apart. Because after everything, I’m hurt.

I’m hurt that my own mate sent me away. And I know it hurts so much because I love him. I love him so much.

I love him so much that when he died, it felt like I was dying too. Now, standing here in silence with his eyes on me, I feel broken.

Broken and scared of what’s coming next.

“Katelynn...” His voice is laced with pain. I finally turn to face him.

“Roman, I’m so sorry about your father. I swear on the Goddess I didn’t know. I didn’t know about the spell. And I’m sorry you had to lose him because of your own mate, but I’m not sorry that you’re alive.”

I bite my lip to stop myself from saying more.

I can feel the panic rising, and when I panic, I tend to say stupid things. So, I stay quiet.

He takes a step forward. I hold my breath.

He takes another step, and another, until he’s so close that all I can smell is him.

All I can see is him. He reaches for my hands and looks down at me with a sad smile.

“It’s not your fault. I don’t blame you. I lost my memory. I forgot... I forgot who you are. I should be the one apologizing for every time I let you walk away with a broken heart.

“I meant what I said to your father. My life has always been a struggle. My father was tough on me, and when I saw him watching you, I knew he was up to something. I was trying to protect you. I shouldn’t have let you walk away...”

Tears are silently streaming down my face. Roman lets go of one of my hands to gently wipe them away.

“I thought... You said you didn’t want me here.” My voice sounds so weak, so different from the strong girl I was before I found him.

Somewhere along the way, I’ve broken down, and now I don’t even recognize myself anymore.

I used to fight for everything I wanted, but Roman... He made me feel so weak.

As if he can hear my thoughts, he hangs his head in shame.

“I’m so sorry. I’ll apologize a million times, and I’ll never let you go again. No matter what comes our way, I won’t run. I won’t run, but I’ll fight, Katelynn.

“You once told my father that a king and queen must protect each other, that they’re stronger when they both fight. I was so caught up in my own fears and ego that I didn’t see.

“But the truth is, you’ve saved me more than I’ve saved you. And I’ll always be grateful for that.”

The way he says that last sentence makes me think of a goodbye, even with the words he added before that.

“But..?” I don’t want to ask, but I need to know. I need to know what I’m up against.

I need to know how much longer I have to carry this pain inside me. Because honestly, I don’t know if I can take any more.

“There is no but. I love you, Katelynn. I love you so much it scares me. Every day I woke up afraid I’d lose you. But in the end, it was me who pushed you away.”

“I see why the Goddess gave you to me. I see why you have the power of fire in your veins. You are fire, Katelynn.

“You are a fire that burns brightly in the dark, lighting every step of my way. I’m sorry... I’m so sorry I didn’t see.”

I press my head against his chest, my nails digging into his back to keep him from moving away.

I know he must be having trouble breathing from how tightly I’m holding him, but he doesn’t say anything.

He just hugs me back with the same intensity.

More silent tears fall, soaking Roman's shirt, but these aren’t tears of pain, they’re tears of happiness.

Everything that I wanted to happen, everything I needed to happen, it’s happening right now.

He wants me, he loves me, he was trying to protect me in his own foolish way and even though it hurt, I understand because I understand him.

Wolves and their big egos. I giggle at my own inside joke.

I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off me.

Roman pulls back a little to look at me, and I look right back at him with a huge smile on my face.

“What are you thinking, Little Firecracker?” The teasing tone in his voice makes my heart race. I missed this, I missed him.

“You male-wolves with your huge egos and all.” I flash him a big grin. He mirrors my reaction before his face turns serious again.

“There’s more I need to say.” He steps back, letting go of me. I immediately feel the loss of his body against mine.

“Remember how we met?” I nod. How could I forget? I wasn’t wearing any shoes, I ran away and fainted. Roman marked me when I was unconscious, and my aunt scared the shit out of him. I smile at the memory.

“I have to apologize for how I marked you too. We never had an official ceremony. And the way you marked me to save me again... We’ll never have a wolf ceremony.

“I want you to know I love you, you’re the reason I get up every day despite the fact that my world has become a dreadful place to live. You’re the reason my heart beats, quite literally.

“You’re a lifesaver, a fighter, a warrior. You’re the best mate any wolf could ever ask for, and I’ll thank the Goddess on my knees every day for giving you to me. Katelynn?”

He kneels down on one knee. His hand goes into his pocket, and he pulls out a black square box. A jewelry box... The kind humans use for... Oh my Goddess.

“Will you marry me?” Roman’s question hangs in the air, and my eyes are glued to the ring he’s holding. It’s a simple band, adorned with tiny diamonds that twinkle like stars. But it’s not the diamonds that have me captivated.

In the center of the ring is a red stone. It’s the color of a roaring fire, outshining the diamonds with its vibrant sparkle.

“Will you...?” Roman’s voice pulls me back from my thoughts. I drop to my knees on the floor and pull him into a kiss.

It’s a kiss that’s both fierce and gentle, sending a shiver down my spine. The love I feel for him, amplified by our bond, threatens to consume me. I pull back, tears welling in my eyes.

“YES! YOU BIG IDIOT!” I shout, my voice echoing in the room.