Emma's pov

　　My lips curl into an involuntary smile upon hearing Matthew's confession of his jealousy. I stop putting the new bandage on his leg and lift my eyes to meet his. The vulnerability in his gaze touches something deep within me, a recognition of how much we mean to each other.

　　"Matthew, my life before you… is one I no longer recognize. I lived that life without knowing what true love was. What it's like to have a family that loves you, supports you, takes care of you," I declare with sincerity and tenderness. "You've given me a life so much better than the one I lived that I will never forget it."

　　Matthew grabs my arm and pulls me up, seating me next to him. My heart races at his touch, as always. His fingers search for mine, and when they find them, his touch is soft and comforting. The closeness between us creates a bubble of safety and love that seems impervious to the world outside. I always feel safe when I'm with Matthew.

　　"Emma Smith, alpha of the Stonehaven Pack, holder of my heart and soul. I love you with all that I am and all that I have. I will always be yours, and you will always be mine. With the Moon Goddess as my witness, do you accept to be my wife and mate for the rest of my existence?" Matthew's voice comes out with such a soft, gentle, and caring tone that I feel my eyes fill with tears. His words are a sacred vow, a commitment that transcends time and the hardships we face.

　　I am being proposed to, and above all, Matthew is formalizing our mate bond. I never thought this would happen to me again. My heart overflows with emotion, each beat a testament to the immense love I feel for my mate.

　　My eyes meet Matthew's face, and I caress his cheek with love and desire. The texture of his skin under my fingers anchors me to my reality, a physical reminder of the man I love most in this world.

　　"I accept," I whisper the response with my lips close to his. As the words leave my mouth, I feel our bond strengthen, and as we kiss, I feel the mark of our partnership forming within my heart.

　　The kiss, sweet and soft, is a seal of our destiny, a fusion of souls that the Moon Goddess witnesses in this room tonight.

　　"Matthew Anderson, alpha of the Night Howlers Pack, I love you for all eternity. My mate, my love, my most unexpected and most desired fate." My words echo his promise, a reflection of our immortal love.

　　The smell of burning charcoal mingles with the delicious aroma of meat grilling on the barbecue. The smoke swirls through the sky, creating a beautiful contrast with the rocky plains of my territory. The crackling fire adds a rustic touch to the environment, evoking the peace and joy of today. The shouts of excited children running around the yard fill the air, accompanied by pop music blaring from the radio speaker, creating the perfect soundtrack for our gathering.

　　"When will we have our pups?" Accalia asks eagerly inside me, watching the children of some of our wolf pack families running and playing. Her voice is full of anticipation and tenderness, reflecting the maternal instinct within her.

　　I widen my eyes at the question and almost choke on the soda I'm drinking. The fizzy sensation in my nose is a sudden reminder of the seriousness of the question.

　　"If the Moon Goddess permits, only when I'm thirty," I affirm with seriousness and calm. My mind fills with images of my future pups, but that future is not near.

　　I sense Accalia's disappointment at my response, but Eldra sides with me, "Emma just got engaged, they'll want to enjoy a long honeymoon. Besides, Charlotte is still eight years old. Bringing another child into this period will be too much for Matthew and Emma to handle."

　　"Charlotte isn't our pup. I want pups, our pups," Accalia retorts in a pouty manner that makes me laugh. Her words have an almost childish tone, but I know there is genuine love and desire for babies.

　　"It won't be now that we'll have pups, Accalia. But one day we will, I promise," I respond with sincerity and humor. The certainty in my voice serves as a consolation for Accalia, who simply huffs in response.

　　"Alpha Emma, your lamb ribs are ready, come and get them!" Brunno shouts excitedly from the side of the barbecue he's in charge of. The smoke around him creates an ethereal, almost mystical veil.

　　I'm sitting on the wooden bench with Matthew by my side, Faylen, Amélia, Kylian, and Liam scattered around the wooden table filled with food. My wolf pack and Matthew's decided to gather here at Stonehaven Pack after the help Night Howlers Pack received, to formalize our alliance between the two packs. The tables were decorated simply, with a few plant pots and sunshades, reflecting the union and strength in each pack.

　　It's been a few weeks since the terrible ambush, and I almost lost Matthew. The memory is still painful, but the present brings us hope and renewal. I hope Matthew forgets the idea of turning our continent into a kingdom of monarchs and doesn't continue wanting to war with Moonshadow Pack, but we haven't talked about it lately.

　　"Two weeks since you two got engaged!" Eldra sings inside me, animated and passionate. Her joy is contagious, a constant reminder of the happiness the four of us share.

　　The news that Matthew proposed to me spread everywhere. I touch the thin ring with an emerald stone, feeling the cold metal against my warm skin. The engagement ring Matthew gave me after I said yes is a beautiful symbol of our eternal commitment and love.