Luca's POV
Thirty years since Rian claimed me.
We're older—graying, lines on our faces, bodies not quite as fit. But still together. Still in love.
"Thirty years," I say, waking beside him. "Three decades."
"Best three decades of my life." His voice is rougher with age, but still makes my heart race. "Want to celebrate?"
"Always."
We renew our vows again—simple ceremony, just pack and family. Our three children, their partners, our four grandchildren (Luna and Asher both had kids in recent years).
"Thirty years ago, I forced a bond," Rian says, voice carrying across the gathered crowd. "Worst thing I ever did. Best thing that ever happened to me."
"Thirty years ago, I was kidnapped," I continue. "Terrified. Angry. Resistant."
Our eyes meet.
"Today, I choose him again. Freely. Willingly. Completely."
"Today, I ask him again. Not to be forced. But to be loved."
We recite new vows—promises for the next thirty years. Growing old together. Watching grandchildren grow. Living fully.
"I love you," Rian says, voice thick with emotion. "More now than thirty years ago. More tomorrow than today."
"I love you too. Forever."
The kiss is tender—thirty years of history in that touch.
The celebration is massive. But the best moment is later, alone in our room.
"Thirty years," Rian murmurs, undressing me slowly. "And I still want you desperately."
"Good. Because I still need you." I pull him close. "Forever."
We make love slowly—bodies older but familiar. Every touch practiced, every kiss deep with history.
"Thank you," he breathes afterward. "For thirty years. For forgiving me. For loving me."
"Thank you for claiming me. For not giving up. For becoming worth loving."
"Worth it?" he asks—same question, thirty years later.
"Worth everything," I answer honestly. "Every moment. Every struggle. Every fear. All worth it."
We fall asleep tangled together—thirty years of practice making us fit perfectly.
The next morning, surrounded by family—children, their mates, grandchildren—feels complete.
"Papa! Grandpa! Watch me!" Our youngest granddaughter, Maya, performs a cartwheel.
"Beautiful!" I applaud.
"Best cartwheel ever," Rian agrees.
Kai approaches, now a confident father of two. "Thank you. For showing me what marriage should be."
"Even with our rocky start?" I ask.
"Especially because of it. You proved love conquers everything." He hugs us both. "You're the best parents. Best grandparents. Best example."
Luna and Asher echo the sentiment.
That evening, after everyone leaves, Rian and I sit on our porch.
"Thirty years," I say. "And look what we built."
"Three children. Four grandchildren. Massive pack. Unbreakable love." He takes my hand. "From forced beginning to willing forever."
"Best journey ever."
"Best destination." He kisses me softly. "Here's to thirty more."
"To whatever time we have left," I correct. "Making every moment count."
"Every moment," he agrees.
We sit together, watching the sunset, hands linked.
Thirty years. Countless more memories to make.