(Ryan POV)
I had fought rogues.
Kings.
Demons.
Even fate.
Yet none of those made me restless the way Hazel did.
After Kyle left, something changed in me.
Not because a rival was gone.
Because I had watched my mate close the final wound of her old life with her own strength.
And I knew—
I was done waiting.
I wanted forever.
That evening I took Hazel away from the office before anyone could interfere.
No Bella.
No Nick.
No Klara teasing.
Just us.
I drove beyond the city to a private estate overlooking the sea.
One I owned.
One no one knew about.
Hazel looked out at the water as moonlight silvered the waves.
"You own too many places."
I smirked.
"Get used to it."
She laughed.
God, I would destroy worlds for that sound.
We walked along the cliff garden, wind tangling her hair.
She looked peaceful.
And I realized I wanted to see that face every morning for centuries.
Not as Alpha and Luna.
As husband and wife.
The thought hit like instinct.
Absolute.
Ralph approved.
Blade too.
Even the demon in me was unnaturally quiet.
A miracle.
Hazel stopped by the stone balustrade.
The ocean crashed below.
"What are you thinking?"
Everything.
But I said—
"That I've been patient."
She arched a brow.
"With what?"
"With not claiming every thought I have when it concerns you."
Her cheeks flushed.
Beautifully.
She looked away.
Dangerous move.
I stepped closer.
Too close.
My hand found her waist.
And for once—
I did not joke.
My voice dropped.
"Hazel…"
She looked up.
"Yes?"
I reached inside my coat.
And withdrew an old black velvet box.
Her breath stopped.
Mine nearly did too.
I opened it.
Inside—
an ancient ring forged in obsidian and moonstone.
Luna heirloom.
Passed through generations.
Hazel whispered—
"Ryan…"
"This belonged to my mother before Veronica."
Her eyes widened.
"I'm giving it to you."
Silence.
Only waves.
Then I said the words I had been carrying for weeks.
"Be more than my mate."
"Be my wife."
Hazel looked utterly stunned.
For one terrifying second—
she said nothing.
Then—
tears.
Actual tears.
And panic hit me.
"Was that wrong?"
She laughed through tears.
"No…"
She touched the ring.
"It's too right."
Relief nearly made me weak.
Then she whispered—
"Yes."
Ralph nearly howled.
I slid the ring onto her finger.
Perfect fit.
As if destiny had measured her long ago.
She stared at it.
Then at me.
And suddenly—
she launched herself into my arms.
I caught her, laughing.
"You said yes rather aggressively."
She buried her face in my neck.
"I'm trying not to scream."
I lowered my forehead to hers.
And for a moment…
I almost kissed her.
Almost.
Again.
But I held back.
Because when I kissed Hazel—
I wanted the earth to remember.
We returned late.
Naturally everyone was awake.
Bella saw the ring first.
And screamed.
Klara screamed louder.
Sera nearly knocked over a lamp.
Nick muttered—
"The Alpha finally did it."
Hazel blushed so hard I nearly lost control.
Bella grabbed her hand.
"Show me!"
"Oh my God!"
"She's engaged!"
Liam grinned.
"I owe Nick money."
Hazel looked mortified.
I enjoyed every second.
Then a colder voice cut through.
"Well."
Lucifer.
Of course.
He appeared as if summoned by drama.
Veronica beside him.
Melissa too.
Hazel whispered,
"Why are our parents always appearing at important moments?"
I murmured—
"Punishment."
Lucifer looked at the ring.
Then at me.
"You finally act intelligently."
High praise from the devil.
Veronica hugged Hazel.
Melissa cried.
Bella cried because Melissa cried.
Chaos.
Absolute chaos.
And in the middle of it—
I only watched Hazel.
My future wife.
My mate.
My peace.
But later that night…
Lucifer stopped me alone.
His red eyes unreadable.
"There is one final rite before marriage."
I frowned.
"What rite?"
His smile was almost sinister.
"The mating mark."
And suddenly—
I knew peace had been short-lived.
Very short-lived.