~ALARIC'S POV~
My arm was wrapped around Tazira as we sat on the wide couch. She leaned into me, her hair spilling over her shoulders, and for the first time in a long while, I felt… content.
I couldn't stop staring at her face. Every curve, every line which was strange.
Even my wolf, who had always hated her scent, now howled with joy inside me. 'Hold her tighter,' he rumbled. 'She belongs to us.'
Tazira shifted under my gaze, her cheeks flushing. "Why are you staring at me like that?"
"I don't even know." I smiled faintly. "I can't explain it... I just… want to be with you, forever."
Her lips parted in surprise. For a heartbeat, there was silence between us. Then, a slow smile curled her mouth.
"You're not serious."
"I am." My thumb brushed her arm. "I've never felt this before, not like this."
She blinked rapidly, clearly not expecting my words. Then she tilted her head, teasing. "Is this because of what just happened?"
