Page 154 of A Chance at Redemption for the Alpha

“Benji, yes,” she moans. “That’s it! I am coming.”

She arches her back, her walls around my cock clenching while her body trembles. I only take three more thrusts to come, closing my eyes when I feel my orgasm washing over me. It’s such an amazing feeling. I never knew sex could be so awesome, though, I bet it’s only awesome because it’s with Lori.

Lori pulls me into a deep kiss while our bodies come down from our lovemaking. “Marry me,” I whisper.

Lori gasps, drawing back. “What?”

“Ah, shit!” I groan. “I am sorry. I actually wanted to ask during a romantic candlelit dinner and-“

“Fuck the romantic candlelight dinner,” she exclaims. “I am ready!”

I gently slip out of her, before leaning over towards my nightstand and taking the small, black box out of it. Lori sits up immediately, her eyes sparkling in joy when I open the box, revealing the ring I chose for her. Well, I did it with Julianus and Silas’ help – these vampires know quite a thing about jewelry and gems – but the final decision was mine. The stone I went for is a pink diamond, a gentle and warm color just like her personality.

“Goddess, Goddess, Goddess! This is really happening, isn’t it?” she squeals.

I have never heard her squeal before. The sound makes my heart warm. Not all shifters marry, as our mate bond and marking each other is what truly binds us together, but I had once heard Lori talk to Nova about the topic, telling her that she never thought she’d meet her mate and instead had dreamed of a wedding.

I want to make her dream come true, and very selfishly, want her to carry my name. I didn’t plan on asking her right after we had steamy sex, but I guess it doesn’t matter. Taking her hand, I slip the ring onto her finger. “Will you marry me, Lori?”

“Yes, of course!” she exclaims.

The pack makes a huge fuss about Silas’ birthday, and while he pretends it’s all too much and his birthday is notall that important,I know it is. Marcellus’ mother is attending too, but to all our surprise, his father and Eugene decided to stay home and let her have this moment alone. I have heard from Micah that they said they know that Marc is still not feeling comfortable around them, and they don’t want to push their luck too much. Eugene said something about rebuilding bridges, and how it needs to be a new bridge, and they need to do it how Marc wants it to.

Self-realization goes a long way, I guess, but apparently it is possible. Marc was relieved when he heard that, happy to be able to focus on his mate and little family, instead of constantly being distracted by his estranged brother and father.

As for Silas, he is probably even happier not to have them around.

“Look, Sheila is already waiting for us,” Lori points out. “And she is with some of the others.”

She is right. Sheila stands in a group with Micah, Lucian and Alex, who has visited us for the party. I take Lori’s hand, happy to see and feel the engagement ring on her finger, as we approach the group. Micah has his arm around Sheila, keeping her close. He recently asked her if she would become his chosen mate, and she agreed!

Micah was the first friend I had in this pack, so knowing he has found his happiness also, makes me so happy.

“Where is our birthday boy?” Micah asks with a grin when we reach them.

“I will tell Silas you called him that,” Lucian says dryly.

“As an OG member, I don’t fear his wrath,” Micah chuckles.

Sheila nudges him softly. “Yeah, I guess us OGs have a special standing.”

“I am just so glad Marc’s father and brother aren’t coming,” Lucian confides. “His mom is a different issue, but the other two are just a bit much sometimes. Might sound mean, but the atmosphere is always heavy when they are around.”

“That’s why they aren’t joining today,” I tell him. “They are visiting next week for dinner, instead.”

Lucian nods contentedly. “It’s better that way.” His eyes light up. “Oh, here they are!”

I spot Lily dashing out of the house with Marc hot on her heels.

“Lily,” Marcellus calls out, catching his daughter and throwing her in the air. Lily stretches out her arms, a wide grin on her face. She is such a joyful kid. Meanwhile, Silas follows them, holding Milo’s hand. Milo is a very soft-spoken and shy young boy. He kind of reminds me of myself when I joined the pack. But Marcellus and Silas are the two perfect people to take in these two kids – I know from experience. “Look, who is already here!”

“Oh!” Lily’s eyes shine happily when she spots me. “Benschi!”

“The kids just love you,” Silas chuckles. “It was the same with Maddie.”

“Yeah, I am kind of envious,” Alex says with a grin.

Lori wraps her arms around me.I love how family-oriented you are,she links me.I never had a real family. That’s why I want to build one for myself.