Page 31 of Stripe for the Picking (Paranormal Dating Agency #92)

"I love you," she whispered against his skin.

His lips brushed her temple. "I love you."

The water cooled around them, but neither moved. Today had been a battle, a test—but they'd won. Together.

Several hours later, Wren smoothed her hands down the silk of her red evening gown, the fabric hugging every curve as she and Rylan approached the grand ballroom's entrance.

The dress had been a last-minute purchase from a boutique near their apartment—crimson silk that pooled elegantly at her feet and showcased just enough cleavage to make Rylan's eyes darken with possessive hunger every time he glanced her way.

"You're going to cause a riot in that dress," he murmured against her ear, his hand warm and steady on her back.

She tilted her head to admire his perfectly tailored black suit, the red tie that matched her gown making him look devastatingly handsome. "Says the man who looks like he stepped off the cover of a magazine."

The grand ballroom stretched before them in a symphony of polished metal and soft golden light.

Holographic banners celebrating the Protocol Trials shimmered from the vaulted ceiling, casting colorful patterns across the assembled crowd.

Council members mingled with distinguished guests, their formal attire creating a sea of elegant silhouettes against the backdrop of floor-to-ceiling windows that offered breathtaking views of Nexus under the twin moons.

Wren took it all in, marveling at how surreal this moment felt.

Seven days ago, she'd been sitting on Earth, bored out of her mind and yearning for adventure.

Now, she stood here as the fated mate of Nova Aurora's most respected military commander wearing an engagement ring that caught the light with every gesture.

Seven days. It felt like a lifetime—every moment packed with intensity, danger, and discoveries that had reshaped her entire world.

The cyber attacks, their flawless teamwork during the Trials, the terrifying confrontation with Arvox in that abandoned warehouse.

Their bond had been tested under the most extreme pressure imaginable, and they'd emerged stronger.

"There's Kael," Rylan said, guiding her toward their table.

General Kael stood near the head table, resplendent in his dress uniform, his weathered face breaking into a genuine smile as he spotted them. "Now there's a sight worth celebrating. You two clean up rather nicely."

"We had good motivation to," Wren replied, accepting his offered arm as he escorted her to her seat.

The Council leader approached the podium, his voice carrying easily across the hushed ballroom. "Distinguished guests, we gather tonight to celebrate not just victory in the Protocol Trials, but the exemplary leadership and courage displayed during this week's unprecedented challenges."

Wren's pulse quickened as all eyes turned toward their table. She reached for Rylan's hand beneath the crisp white tablecloth, their fingers interlacing naturally.

"Commander Rylan Kaedor," the Council leader continued, "your skill, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to protecting Nova Aurora have been demonstrated beyond question.

Your partnership with Wren Calder proved not only victorious in the Trials but instrumental in exposing and eliminating a serious threat to our planet's security. "

Applause thundered through the ballroom as Rylan rose and walked to the podium, his posture radiating the quiet confidence that had first captivated her. He accepted the ceremonial medal—a gleaming crystal pendant suspended from midnight blue ribbon—with the gracious humility she'd come to adore.

"Thank you," Rylan said, his voice carrying that commanding authority she'd grown to love.

"This victory belongs to more than just me.

I want to publicly acknowledge my partner, Wren Calder.

" His eyes found hers across the room. "She is not only the most brilliant cybersecurity expert I've ever worked with, but she is also my fated mate and fiancée. "

The ballroom erupted in surprised murmurs and enthusiastic applause. Wren felt heat creep up her neck as hundreds of eyes focused on her, but Rylan's proud smile steadied her nerves.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the Council leader continued as the applause died down, "tonight brings an additional honor. Commander Kaedor, it is my privilege to announce your promotion to Security High Commander—a position you have more than earned through a decade of exemplary service."

Wren's heart soared as she watched Rylan's carefully controlled expression crack, revealing genuine surprise and deep satisfaction. This was the promotion he'd coveted for years, the recognition his dedication deserved.

General Kael leaned over, his voice warm with paternal pride. "About damn time. I've been waiting ten years to see that boy get what he's earned."

As dinner commenced, Wren found herself caught up in the celebratory atmosphere.

Toasts flowed as freely as the Sidaii wine, each guest praising not just Rylan's individual achievements but their unprecedented partnership.

She caught fragments of conversations around them—speculation about their whirlwind romance, admiration for her role in saving Defense Nexus, and curiosity about her plans to remain on Nova Aurora.

"Feeling overwhelmed yet?" Rylan whispered, his thumb tracing her wrist under the table.

"Surprisingly, no." She turned to study his profile, still amazed that this incredible man was hers. "I keep thinking about that first day when Gerri dragged me through that wormhole. I was so nervous about stepping into the unknown."

"And now?"

"Now I can't imagine being anywhere else." She touched the mate mark on her shoulder, still tender and warm. "This feels like where I was always supposed to end up."

His smile could have powered the entire ballroom. "Good. Because I have plans for us that extend far beyond tonight."

"Oh really? Care to share?"

"Patience, beautiful. All will be revealed in due time."

The orchestra began playing as dinner wound down, couples drifting toward the dance floor. Rylan stood and extended his hand. "May I have this dance?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

He led her to the same spot where they'd shared their first dance seven nights ago—when she'd been nothing more than a mysterious human consultant and he'd been fighting his attraction to her.

Now they moved together with the perfect synchronization that had carried them through the Trials, their bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces finally finding their match.

"Thank you," he murmured against her temple as they swayed to the soft melody.

"For what?"

"For saying yes to an impossible adventure. For trusting me. For saving my life in ways you probably don't even realize."

Wren leaned back to meet his gaze, seeing her own love reflected in those brilliant blue eyes. "Thank you for being worth the leap."

As the music swelled around them, she marveled at how perfectly this moment encapsulated everything they'd fought for.

Nova Aurora was safe, Arvox was defeated, the Trials were won, and Rylan's promotion was finally secured.

But more than any of those victories, they had each other—a bond forged in crisis and strengthened by trust.

Her engagement ring shimmered in the light as she traced the strong line of his jaw, and she knew with absolute certainty that she wouldn't trade a single minute of the wild adventure that led her to this exact moment.