Page 77 of Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf

His thumb strokes over my knuckles in a slow circle.

"Julia Schroeder, will you marry me?"

The tears I've been holding back spill freely now. For a moment, I can't find my voice past the emotion tightening my throat.

"Yes," I whisper, then louder as joy bubbles up through me. "Yes!"

My hands tremble as Adrian slides the ring onto my finger. The moonstone catches the sunlight, sending prisms dancing across my office walls. The pack responds with wild, loud howls of celebration, filling the space with sound.

Adrian rises, drawing me into his embrace. His lips close on mine and the world ceases to exist as we lose ourselves to the kiss, to each other. I’m breathless when he finally frees me, but I don’t let go. I don’t think I could, even if I wanted to.

I sink against him, feeling his solid warmth, the steady beat of his heart against mine.

Then Meredith steps forward, her regal bearing commanding attention as effectively as any alpha's growl. The pack parts for her as she approaches us. She clasps my shoulders, her grip firm but not threatening. Then, to my surprise, she delicately sniffs at my hair. Her lips curve into a sly smile as she turns her gaze to Adrian.

"I expect you’ll want to hold the ceremony before she shows."

My hands fly to my stomach, eyes widening as her words register. I look up at Adrian, questioning, heart racing with a possibility I hadn't even considered.

Adrian's arm tightens around my waist, his laugh gentle and full of wonder.

"Wolf noses never lie," he murmurs close to my ear, his expression a mixture of pride, joy, and awe.

The pack's reaction is immediate and enthusiastic. Deputy Chemko clumsily offers congratulations, nearly knocking over a vase in his excitement.

"A baby," I whisper, the word both foreign and familiar on my tongue. I'm surprised by the surge of joy that follows the initial shock.Adrian and I haven't discussed children beyond vague someday plans, but the reality settling over me feels right.

Another piece clicking into place.

"I told you the appointment was important," Seraphina calls from the doorway, looking smugly pleased with herself. She saunters into the office, wings folded elegantly behind her. "Though I had no idea we'd be celebrating two announcements instead of one."

"You knew about this?" I ask, gesturing to the ring on my finger.

She shrugs, scales shimmering with the movement.

"Of course. Who do you think helped coordinate everyone's arrival? Your wolf may be the alpha, but organizational skills are clearly not his strong suit."

Adrian growls playfully at her, but there's no heat in it.

I look around at the faces of my new family, Adrian's steady presence beside me, Meredith's careful approval, Jeremy's open warmth, the pack's enthusiastic support, even Seraphina's dramatic smugness. All these people who have become essential parts of my life in such a short time.

I rise on my toes to kiss Adrian again.

"I love you," I whisper against his lips.

His arms tighten around me.

"And I love you, my mate. Forever."

My gaze drops to the ring on my finger, then lifts to meet Adrian's loving eyes. For someone who has spent her career orchestrating other people's perfect moments, I'm surprised by how unprepared I feel for my own. Yet I've never been more ready for whatever comes next.

So, is this what happily ever after feels like? Because I love it!

The End