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"Isolde Morgan," he began, his deep voice sending shivers racing down her spine. "Three months ago, you changed everything. Not just for this research facility, but for me."

Her eyes widened as he reached into his pocket. The world seemed to slow around her as he lowered himself to one knee, the gesture oddly vulnerable for a man who commanded an ancient pack.

"You walked into the ocean and into my life," he continued, opening a small box to reveal a ring that caught the sunset's glow—an enormous blue diamond surrounded by smaller white ones. "The ocean brought us together, and now I'm asking you to let me be your anchor for all our days to come."

Gasps rippled through the audience. Isolde's hand flew to her mouth, emotion flooding her chest. She'd known they were mated for eternity in the eyes of the pack, but this—this was Nereus embracing her human traditions, claiming her publicly in a way her human side had never expected.

"Will you marry me, Isolde?" His voice soared above the space, commanding yet somehow tender. "Be my wife in the eyes of all worlds?"

The double meaning wasn't lost on her—the carefully chosen words that spoke truth to both her identities.

"Yes," she whispered, then louder as confidence surged through her. "Yes, Nereus Varon. I will marry you."

His smile turned predatory as he slid the ring onto her finger, then rose to his feet with fluid grace. Without warning, he pulled her against his hard body, one hand possessively cupping the back of her neck as his mouth claimed hers in a kiss that teetered on the edge of propriety.

The applause around them barely registered as his lips moved against hers, marking her as thoroughly as if they'd been alone. When he finally released her, his whisper was for her ears alone.

"Now everyone knows you're mine in every possible way."

The drive back to the castle was a blur of heady anticipation and lingering euphoria.

The full moon hung low in the November sky, casting silvery light over the landscape as Nereus's truck raced along the coastal road.

Isolde kept glancing at the ring on her finger, the blue diamond catching the moonlight.

It felt surreal like a dream she never wanted to wake from.

His hand rested on her bare thigh, his thumb tracing lazy circles that sent a shiver through her.

When they reached the castle garage, Nereus wasted no time. He was out of the truck and around to her side before she could even unbuckle her seat belt. The door swung open, and he reached for her, his movements deliberate and possessive.

"What are you—" Her question was cut off as he scooped her into his arms effortlessly, one arm beneath her knees and the other cradling her back.

"My future wife deserves to be carried into her castle," he said playfully.

Isolde laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You're so dramatic," she teased, though her heart swelled at the gesture.

"Dramatic?" He raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with mischief as he carried her through the castle doors. "Wait until I show you what I've got planned next."

She didn't have time to respond. He moved with purpose, his long strides carrying them through the grand halls and up the sweeping staircase.

The castle staff wisely scattered, giving their alpha and Luna privacy.

By the time they reached their royal chambers, Isolde's pulse was racing and her body humming with anticipation.

Nereus kicked the door closed behind them, his gaze locked on hers as he set her down gently on the plush rug in the center of the room. His hands cupped her face, his touch both tender and commanding. "You’re mine in every way now," he said, his voice a growl.

He kissed her then, deep and consuming, with the kind of intensity that left her breathless.

His hands moved to the zipper of her dress, tugging it down with practiced ease.

The fabric pooled at her feet, leaving her in nothing but her lace underwear.

His eyes darkened as they raked over her body, and she felt a heat bloom in her core at the way he looked at her—like she was the only thing that mattered in the world.

"On the bed," he commanded, his voice rough with a hungry need. "Hands and knees this time."

Her breath hitched at the directness of his tone, but she obeyed after she removed her lace panties without hesitation.

She climbed onto the massive four-poster bed, the sheets cool against her palms. She could feel him behind her, his presence overwhelming, and his scent filling the air.

His hands gripped her hips, and she arched her back instinctively, presenting herself to him.

"God, you're perfect," he growled, his fingers threading through her hair before tugging gently, tilting her head back.

He didn't waste time. She felt the tip of him press against her, and then he was inside her in one smooth, relentless thrust. She gasped, her fingers clutching the sheets as he began to move.

His rhythm was primal and unyielding, each thrust driving her closer to the edge, his fingers digging into her hips hard enough to leave marks.

"Nereus," she moaned, her body trembling as he hit that spot inside her that made her see stars.

"All mine," he growled, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through her. "Say it."

"All yours," she gasped, the words spilling from her lips as she felt the tension in her body coil tighter and tighter.

He leaned over her, his chest pressing into her back, his breath hot against her ear. "Again."

"All yours," she cried out, her voice breaking as the first wave of her orgasm crashed over her.

He followed her over the edge, burying himself deep as he spilled inside her. The force of his release was enough to send her spiraling into another wave of pleasure, her body shuddering with the intensity of it.

When it was over, he collapsed beside her, pulling her into his arms. Her head rested on his chest, the steady thud of his heartbeat beneath her ear. His fingers traced circles along her back, and she sighed contentedly.

"That was... so hot," she murmured, her voice still a little shaky.

"Just the first of many hot nights," he replied, his lips brushing against her forehead.

She glanced up at him, her eyes meeting his. "You're insatiable."

"Only for you," he said, his tone softening as he cupped her cheek. "My future wife. My Luna."

Her heart swelled at his words, and she pressed a kiss to his chest. "I wouldn't want it any other way."

As they lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, Isolde couldn't help but think about how far they’d come. That tidal wave had turned her life upside down, but it had brought her to Nereus—to this moment and to this love. She smiled, her fingers brushing over the ring on her finger. It wasn’t just a promise of marriage, it was a symbol of everything they’d built together.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"For what?" he asked, his thumb brushing against her lower lip.

"For saving me," she said, looking up at him. "For not giving up on me. For waiting for me."

His gaze softened, and he pressed a kiss on her forehead. "I'd wait centuries for you, Isolde. You're worth every second."

The full moon shone through the tall windows, bathing them in its silvery glow, and she snuggled closer to him. In that moment, she felt a peace settle over her.

Not only was Isolde where she was meant to be, but also where she chose to be—in Nereus's arms.