Chapter 216
Elle’s POV
we Alpha
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Brad’s fingers intertwined with mine as we stepped out of the room, his touch warm and reassuring after the tension we’d just left behind. I could still feel the weight of Lucas’s envious stare and Mary’s calculating gaze, but Brad’s presence beside me made it all feel manageable.
“Come on,” he said, and I caught the hint of excitement in his voice that he was trying to suppress. “I want to show you something.”
His amber eyes held a warmth I hadn’t seen in weeks, and despite everything we’d been through, my heart did that familiar flutter. “Show me what?”
“My room,” he said simply, but there was something significant in the way he said it. “My actual room here at the estate.”
I blinked in surprise.
“You’ve never brought me here before,” I said softly.
“No, I haven’t.” His thumb traced across my knuckles as we walked down a corridor lined with portraits of previous Rayne Alphas. “But things are different now. We’re different.”
He was right. The mate bond that had once felt overwhelming and confusing
thrummed between us
with a warmth that felt like coming home. After everything we’d weathered – the cruise, the confrontations, the family politics – the barriers between us had finally crumbled.
“As the Alpha, I have my own wing,” Brad explained as we climbed a grand staircase. “Third floor, north wing. Best views in the entire estate.”
I smiled at the pride in his voice. “Of course you do.”
“Hey,” he protested with mock indignation, “I didn’t choose the location. Blame generations of Alpha
privilege.”
We reached the top of the stairs, and Brad led me down another corridor, this one quieter and more private
than the rest of the manor. The late afternoon light streaming through tall windows cast everything in
golden hues.
We stopped in front of a heavy oak door.
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Chapter 216
He pushed open the door and gestured, “please–he said with a slight bow,
I shot him a chiding look that made him grin.
I stepped inside and immediately understood why this was his sanctuary.
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The room was nothing like the classical luxury of the rest of the manor. Here, Brad had created something that was entirely his own – modern and minimalist, but with carefully chosen elements that spoke to werewolf heritage. Dark hardwood floors gleamed under soft lighting, and floor–to–ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the estate’s forest and the mountains beyond.
But it was the details that captured my attention. A sleek bookshelf held what looked like first editions, and scattered throughout the room were objects that clearly held personal significance.
I walked over to a stunning silver sculpture of a wolf in mid–leap, my fingers trailing over its surface. “This
is beautiful.”
“A gift from the Frostclaw Pack, Brad said, moving to stand behind me. “Pure silver, crafted by their master
artisan.”
I looked around at the other pieces – a carved wooden eagle that seemed to glow with inner warmth, a set of ancient–looking crystal formations, and several items that looked personally crafted.
“These are all from different packs?” I asked.
“Some. Others I designed myself.” There was quiet pride in his voice. “Each piece has meaning, a story. This room is where I come when I need to remember who I am beyond the corporate boards and family politics.”
I turned to face him.
“I had no idea,” I said softly. “All this time, I thought I was getting to know you, but there was this whole
side-
“You were getting to know me,” he interrupted, stepping closer, his hands coming up to frame my face. “Come on, there’s more.”
He led me through a doorway into what appeared to be a loft–style space with soaring ceilings. In the center of the room sat a grand piano, its black surface gleaming under strategic lighting. Nothing else occupied the space – it was like a temple dedicated to music.
“I want to play for you,” Brad said, his voice carrying an unusual note of vulnerability. “I liked that song
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Chapter 216
you were humming that morning.”
I smiled, remembering. “The morning I was watering the plants on your balcony?”
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“The second day after you moved into the villa,” he nodded. “You were singing this little melody, and I…”
He paused, looking almost shy. “I’ve never played for anyone before.”
“I’d love to hear you play,” I said.
He guided me to sit beside him on the piano bench, his arm settling around my waist. “I’m going to play the song you were humming, but the way I hear it in my head when I think of you.”
His fingers found the keys, and the melody that filled the air was hauntingly beautiful. It was indeed the simple tune I’d been humming, but transformed into something rich and complex, layered with harmonies that spoke of longing and discovery and something deeper than either of us had words for.
Then he began to hum along, his voice low and resonant, and I felt tears prick my eyes. In his interpretation, my simple melody became a love song – not just any love song, but our love song.
When the last note faded, he turned to me, his amber eyes intense and searching. “Elle,” he said quietly, “you are my mate. My only.”
“I know,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “I feel it too.”
at fate brought you to me. From this moment forward, I promise you – no matter where life takes us, I’ll be by your side. Through
everything.”
He leaned forward, resting his forehead against mine. “I’m so fucking gra
–
“I’m not going anywhere,” I assured him, my hands coming up to cover his where they cupped my face.
He smiled then, brilliant and joyful, before pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “God, I love you,” he murmured against my mouth. “I love you so much it terrifies me sometimes.”
“Brad,” I started, but he silenced me with another kiss, this one deeper, more urgent.
“Come here,” he murmured, lifting me effortlessly and carrying me toward what I assumed was his
bedroom.
“You’re insatiable,” I complained, though I was laughing
“Blame it on the pregnancy,” he said, nuzzling my neck. You’re glowing, and it’s driving me crazy. Plus, he
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Chapter 216
added with a wicked grin, “I only have about a month left before we have to stop doing this.”
I nearly choked on my laughter.
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“You’re ridiculous,” I said, but I was melting under his touch, under the weight of his focused attention.
He was careful with me, mindful of my condition, but no less passionate for his restraint. When he gathered me against him afterward, both of us breathing hard, I felt a peace I hadn’t experienced in
months.
“I missed this,” I admitted, my fingers tracing patterns on his chest. “I missed you.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
