Desired By Three Alphas; Fated To One novel Chapter 272

Nathan's POV

I laughed properly this time, even as my heart squeezed at the idea of her panicking alone.

"I'm sorry," I said, still smiling. "The moment I stepped my foot here, my wolf went crazy. He howled and dragged me straight to you. I knew it had to be you. It could never be anyone else."

Her expression softened. Tears still clung to her lashes. But behind the tears… there was happiness.

Real happiness.

She leaned down and kissed me.

It wasn't slow. It wasn't gentle. It was passionate.

Her lips crashed into mine, her hands cupping my face, her body pressing close like she was trying to make sure I wouldn't disappear.

I kissed her back instantly, my hand sliding to her waist, holding her like she was the only steady thing in my world. My heart raced so loud I could feel it in my ears.

She tasted like salt from her tears and something sweet underneath.

Warmth spread through my body, from my chest to my fingers, to my toes, to my wolf howling in triumph.

MATE. OUR MATE. OURS.

I wrapped my arms tighter around her, and, with a small push from my ability, I shifted us gently so we were no longer flat on the ground. In one smooth motion, I stood up with her still in my arms, one hand under her thighs, the other around her back, lifting her off the grass.

She gasped softly, her arms instinctively going around my neck.

When we finally pulled back from the kiss, she was breathing hard. Her lips were swollen and pink, her eyes shining like stars.

"Hailee…" I whispered, leaning my forehead against hers.

I inhaled again, letting her scent fill my lungs completely.

Gods.

She smelled like nutmeg and honey… but there was something else too. Something warm, soft, and faint, yet impossible to miss.

The scent of her special scent. A scent only I could perceive.

Hailee swallowed, searching my face. "What about now?" she asked quietly. "What happens to us now?"

The last time she asked that question, I had no answer.

I was scared. Scared of losing her. Scared of the risk. Scared of making the wrong choice.

But now…

Now I had no doubt. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Now she was my mate.

I shifted her gently so her feet touched the ground again, but I didn't let go of her waist. I held her close, my hands firm, my eyes locked on hers.

"Now…" I said softly, "you are mine."

Her eyes widened slightly, her lips parting.

"Mine to love," I continued, my voice low but steady. "Mine to protect. Mine to cherish. Mine to stand beside. Mine to grow old with."

Emotion filled her eyes so fast I thought she might fall apart in my arms.

I leaned closer, my forehead resting against hers again.

"And I," I whispered, "am yours. Your mate. Your shield. Your idiot. Your stubborn fool. Whatever you want me to be… I am yours."

A tear slid down her cheek.

She let out a soft, broken laugh. "Idiot suits you."

I smiled.

"I know."

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