Rian's POV
Twenty-five years since I claimed Luca.
Our kids are grown—Kai twenty-one and in university, Luna nineteen and training as a healer, Asher sixteen and causing typical teenage chaos.
"Twenty-five years," Luca says, getting ready for our anniversary party. "Can you believe it?"
"Best twenty-five years of my life." I zip up his shirt from behind, kissing his neck. "Though you're even more beautiful now than then."
"Liar. I'm old."
"You're distinguished. Sexy. Perfect." I turn him to face me. "And all mine."
"Always yours."
The pack has planned a massive celebration—everyone gathering to honor our twenty-five year bond.
"Speech time," Damon announces, now graying but still strong as Beta.
I take Luca's hand, standing before our pack—our family.
"Twenty-five years ago, I did something terrible. I forced a bond with a human who didn't want me. Claimed him without permission. Kidnapped him."
Murmurs ripple through the crowd. This story is legend, but I rarely speak of it directly.
"I did it out of fear. Out of desperation not to lose another mate. And it was wrong." I look at Luca. "But somehow, this man forgave me. Chose me. Loved me anyway."
"Because you were worth it," Luca says softly. "Worth the fear. Worth the risk. Worth the love."
"We built this life from terrible beginnings. Three children. A strong pack. An unbreakable bond." I address the crowd. "If we can turn force into choice, darkness into light, captivity into freedom—anyone can find love."
The pack howls approval.
Luca speaks next. "Twenty-five years ago, I was kidnapped by a werewolf. Sounds like a horror story."
Laughs ripple through.
"But it became a love story. Because this Alpha—" He squeezes my hand. "—loved me enough to change. To grow. To become a partner instead of a captor."
"We're not perfect. We've made mistakes. But we've made them together." His eyes meet mine. "And I'd choose him again. Every time. Forever."
More howls. Cheers.
Our kids come forward—Kai carrying champagne, Luna with a cake, Asher with flowers.
"To the best parents ever," Kai toasts. "Who taught us that love isn't perfect. It's chosen."
We cut the cake, drink champagne, celebrate with our pack—our family—until late into the night.
Finally alone in our room, Luca and I collapse together.
"Twenty-five years," he murmurs. "And you still make my heart race."
"Twenty-five years, and I still can't believe you're mine." I pull him close. "Love you. More every day."
"Love you too." He kisses me deeply. "Here's to twenty-five more."
"To fifty more," I correct. "To forever."
We make love slowly—twenty-five years of practice making us perfectly synchronized. Each touch familiar but still exciting. Each kiss deep with history and promise.
Afterward, wrapped together, both sated and content, I realize something.
I'd do it all again. Every terrible choice. Every wrong decision.