Page 71 of The Alpha's Hunger

“Oh,” he said, straightening. “Sorry.” He cleared his throat. “Ashley Bell, I need you in my life. I need you by my side at work and in my bed at night. I need to be near you, to breathe your scent and touch your skin for the rest of my days on this earth. lf you will take me as your husband and mate, I promise I will work every day to keep a smile on your lips, to fill your home with my love, and to give you my very best. I will provide for you and protect you, I will learn to give you what you need and what you desire, and I will never, ever stray. Will you please have me?”

“Jesus.”

“What?”

“That was the best proposal I’ve ever heard in my life. I wish I’d recorded it.”

“Are you going to answer me?”

She cupped his face. “My answer is yes, wolf. I will be your wife and your mate. I will do my best to serve you, to fill your home with love and little baby wolves.”

“Pups,” he corrected her, blinking rapidly.

“Do you want pups?” she asked softly.

This time she saw actual tears pop into his eyes before he blinked them back. “I never did… but now—” He stopped and swallowed. “Yeah. I would love that.”

“Then yes. My answer is yes. I’m yours, Ben Stone. In every way possible.”

“Ashley,” he murmured, reaching for her face. He met her lips with his, kissing her softly at first, then with more force. “My forever Ashley. I love you, sweetheart.”

“And I love you,” she said, trying to impart the full promise of her words in the strength of her gaze as she moved in for one more kiss.