"Oh my goddess, oh my goddess, oh my goddess—" Lenora whisper-yells at the window like she’s narrating a nature documentary.
I’ve been hearing that on repeat since we got here. Safe to say she likes my present.
From my spot on the chair, I glance over and see what’s caught her attention this time—a zebra, calmly grazing just a few meters from our balcony.
Well, it is a wildlife resort. The whole point is that wild animals wander close enough for you to take a hundred blurry photos and brag to your friends later.
Me? I’ve just been sitting here with this ridiculous smile I can’t seem to get rid of. Despite complaining about being so exhausted, Lenora has been glued to that window like it’s broadcasting her favorite drama, giving running commentary on every creature that passes.
I stand, cross the room, and wrap my hands around her waist, pulling her gently but firmly away from the window. With my other hand, I tug the curtain shut. It’s well past ten p.m., and the animals aren’t going anywhere.
"Cameronnnnn..." she whines, drawing my name out like it’s some kind of plea for mercy.
I almost give in. Almost.
She’s just... so damn cute —pouting, barefoot in one of my shirts, hair mussed from leaning against the glass too long. I have to bite back a smile because if I let it show, I’ll lose the tiny bit of resolve I have left.
"I have a big day planned for us tomorrow, okay?" I tell her, steering her toward the bed.
"But, but, but—" she protests, like I’ve just told her she’s banned from oxygen.
I swear, I’ve never seen this side of Lenora before. She’s normally sharp, quick-tongued, and more than capable of putting me in my place—but right now? She’s all soft whining and wide eyes, and I honestly want to keel over from how cute she is.
It’s unfair, really. She has no idea how close she is to winning every argument in our future if she just keeps doing this.
"I know, my beloved, but we need to rest for the big day tomorrow," I murmur against her ear.
She freezes mid-step. Then, in the most dramatic display I’ve ever seen, she goes completely limp and starts to drop toward the floor. I catch her instantly—because of course I do—and she stares up at me like I’ve just announced I’m giving her the moon.
"You called me your beloved," she whispers, almost accusingly.
I help her back to her feet, my hand lingering just long enough to make sure she’s steady. My other hand comes up to rub the back of my neck, because suddenly I’m the one feeling warm under the collar.
"I liked it," she says, almost shy, but with this spark in her eyes that makes my chest tighten.
"I know you’re kind of just going along with the bond, and it’ll take time for you to feel for me the way I feel for you, but... this feels like a sign you’re being more open to it. To us?" she asks, and there’s this tiny wobble in her voice.
I take her hand, turning it over in mine. "Look, I know we started off on the wrong foot. It was all new to me—finding out I’m a wolf, this bond—everything. But I do care about you. A lot." I squeeze her fingers, holding her like she’s the one thing keeping me anchored.
"I actually can’t picture my life before you anymore. You’re... like the missing piece I didn’t know I was missing." The words feel raw, too honest, but I can’t stop now.
"If anything, I feel like you deserve better than me. Way better. When we mated, I left. I didn’t know it was real, but that doesn’t erase the fact I left you vulnerable. I’m sorry. I have no pack, no family. I can’t even fucking shift." My other hand covers hers completely now, caging it between both of mine.
"I don’t deserve you, Lenora. I hate that I make you unsure. I’m trying to adjust to this life, but you, my beloved—" the word rolls off my tongue like it belongs there "—you’re the one I’m sure of." I bring her hand to my lips, pressing a slow kiss to her skin.
She takes a step closer to me, placing both hands on my face, her palms warm against my cheeks as she tilts her head up to meet my eyes.
"And I’m afraid I took you from your life," she says softly, her voice trembling. "When the pack and Alric did that to you... I regretted it so much. If I hadn’t searched for you, you’d still have your life—safe, untouched, not in pain. But I brought you there. I did that to you."
Her thumbs brush along my skin, tender and almost hesitant.
"I look at this life you had in the human world... and I think, what do I bring you now? Nothing. All I have is a high school diploma, and you—you’re this important man. And look at me."
I close my eyes, leaning into her touch like it’s the only steady thing in the room. "You’re wrong, Lenora. Had you not come for me, I would have stayed with this gaping emptiness in me—something nothing and no one could fix."
Her lips part, her breath uneven. "We have to trust the goddess didn’t make a mistake. She never does. I already loved you before I met you... and I love you even more now."
"I..." I start, but the words I want to say catch in my throat.
She smiles faintly, though it’s laced with sadness. "That’s okay. We have our lives ahead of us. You’re bound to fall in love with me at some point. I’m just... relieved you’re open to our bond."
"I’m sorry," I murmur, the apology feeling small compared to everything I want to give her.
Her hands slide down from my face to rest on my shoulders, grounding me. "Don’t be. Just promise you won’t let go."
And I don’t answer with words—I just pull her closer, holding her like letting go has never been, and will never be, an option.