Chapter 196: Chapter 196 Midnight Promise
Author
Midnight found Alpha Dominic pulling up to Park Manor in his black Maserati, engine purring as he cut the ignition.
According to ancient werewolf tradition, mates were supposed to spend the night before their bonding ceremony apart.
It made both wolves hungrier for the claiming, made the bond stronger when it finally snapped into place.
Light rain misted down as he stood on the gravel drive, hands shoved deep in his coat pockets, staring up at the second-floor window he knew was hers. Warm amber light glowed through the sheer curtains of the grand estate.
[Still up?] Alpha Dominic ’s thumb hovered over send. He already knew the answer.
Sure enough, the moment his message delivered, those three dots appeared immediately.
[Couldn’t sleep. Bachelor party over?] Elara was curled in the window seat of her bedroom when she replied, watching the grounds below.
Then her screen lit up with: [Yeah. I’m outside.]
Her heart stopped.
Without thinking, she grabbed her oversized cardigan and typed back: [Don’t move. I’m coming down.]
They’d made a pact to spend tonight apart. No contact. Keep some anticipation for tomorrow’s ceremony at the Sacred Grove.
Apparently, they were both terrible at following their own rules.
She padded down the grand staircase barefoot, her heart hammering against her ribs. The manor was quiet, everyone else long asleep.
When she slipped out the front door and found herself face-to-face with six-foot-three of perfectly disheveled Alpha under the porch light, her breath caught.
His amber eyes held that wicked gleam that always meant trouble.
She crossed her arms, trying to look stern. "Pretty sure we agreed on radio silence until tomorrow."
But she was fighting a smile, and they both knew it.
Alpha Dominic ’s mouth curved into that panty-dropping smirk she’d fallen for. "Figured my little wolf might have trouble sleeping without me around."
"Came to tuck you in. Community service."
Elara snorted. "How noble of you."
She was wearing her favorite pajama set—soft cotton shorts and a tank top that hugged her curves just right. Her chestnut hair was twisted up in a messy bun with strands framing her face. No makeup except for cherry lip balm that made her mouth look like temptation incarnate.
Alpha Dominic ’s gaze went molten.
His hand found her waist like it belonged there, steering her toward the privacy of the side garden. The moonlight filtered through the old oak trees, casting everything in silver shadows.
Elara tilted her head, studying the slight flush creeping up his neck and the way his pupils were just a little too dilated.
"You smell like top-shelf whiskey." She wrinkled her nose, but there was no real judgment in it.
Alpha Dominic stepped closer, invading her space in the way that made her nerve endings light up. "Just a couple drinks. Want to taste for yourself?"
Elara’s palm connected with his chest in a playful shove. "Down, boy."
The sound was muffled by the night air and distant cricket song.
"Careful there, sweetheart." Alpha Dominic ’s voice dropped to that gravelly whisper that did dangerous things to her resolve. "Keep putting your hands on me like that and I’m going to have a problem."
Elara’s gaze automatically dropped south, then snapped back up when she realized what she was doing. Her cheeks flamed scarlet.
His black dress shirt was perfectly tailored, charcoal slacks fitting him like they’d been made for his body. Which they probably had been.
Alpha Dominic chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "See something you like?"
Elara’s green eyes went wide and slightly glassy. "You’re impossible."
"And you’re beautiful."
He moved closer, backing her against the rough bark of the ancient oak. His breath was warm whiskey and mint against her ear, making her shiver despite herself.
Alpha Dominic ’s attention zeroed in on her glossy mouth. His thumb traced her jaw as he tilted her face up.
The kiss started soft.
Then his other hand tangled in her hair and the kiss turned hungry, demanding.
Elara’s pale skin flushed rose-pink, her lashes fluttering closed as she melted into him.
Her phone started buzzing insistently in her cardigan pocket, but she couldn’t bring herself to care.
Her phone started ringing in her pocket. The sound got louder in the quiet night.
She tried to step back and reach for it.
Alpha Dominic opened his eyes and saw what she was doing. He caught both her wrists and held them above her head against the tree.
Elara lost track of time. They kissed until she felt dizzy and needed air. Only then did he let go of her lips.
Alpha Dominic smiled softly. His fingers slipped under her cardigan and rested on her waist. He didn’t try anything more. Just held her there, his thumb moving in slow circles.
"Baby, let’s forget about staying apart tonight. I know you want me here too."
"Hannah can sleep in your room. We’ll take the guest room."
Elara caught her breath. Her eyes showed clear annoyance.
"I’m going back upstairs."
"Wait." Alpha Dominic grabbed her wrist.
She looked impatient. "Stop it. I need to get up early for the mating ceremonytomorrow."
"I’m serious." His voice got quieter than usual. "Tomorrow will be crazy. Too many people around us. Making noise, giving speeches, congratulating us. But I want to say something when it’s just us."
"Think of it as practice?"
His eyes sparkled as he took her hand. He looked at her with so much love. Then he got down on one knee.
"I’ve waited for this day forever. I want everyone to know you’re my Luna. That my Luna is Elara."
"You’re the person I love most."
"So," he pulled out a small red box from his pocket. His eyes filled with emotion. "Elara, will you marry me?"
Elara’s eyes started to water. She looked from the ring to his face.
She nodded quickly. "Yes. I will."
Alpha Dominic put the ring on her finger. Then he stood up and wiped her tears.
"Okay, practice is over. I need the ring back now. I’ll give it to you again."
