ANNA'S POV
When I woke up, Damien’s face was the first thing I saw. His deep, intense blue eyes stared at me with such focus that for a second, I thought I was still dreaming.
I smiled sleepily. "Good morning," I whispered, my voice hoarse.
Without a word, he leaned in and kissed me, his lips soft and tender against mine. It wasn’t rushed. It was slow and affectionate, like he was savoring the moment.
"Good morning, beautiful," he murmured against my lips.
I let out a small laugh and reached out, pulling him closer until he was practically lying on top of me.
I buried my face into the crook of his neck, inhaling his masculine scent. I could stay like this forever.
And then, right on cue, my stomach betrayed me with a loud, needy growl.
Damien pulled back, chuckling. "Someone’s hungry."
I pouted dramatically. "I can’t help it. You wore me out."
He grinned mischievously before disappearing from the bed in a flash. I blinked, still groggy, and by the time I managed to swing my legs over the side of the bed, he was already back, carrying a tray filled with food.
The rich aroma of coffee hit me first, making my mouth water instantly.
"Is this... breakfast in bed?" I asked, raising a brow at him as he set the tray down in front of me.
He only smiled and shrugged like it was the most normal thing in the world.
"Is this how Alphas treat their Lunas? Or mates?" I teased, reaching for the cup of coffee.
He chuckled, still not answering, just watching me intently like I was the only thing that existed in his universe.
I narrowed my eyes playfully. "You’re avoiding the question, Damien."
"I just want to take care of you," he said simply, his voice low and genuine.
Warmth flooded my chest, and I looked down, trying to hide my stupid grin as I dug into the food.
He didn’t eat. Instead, he watched me with a soft expression, like seeing me enjoy my breakfast was nourishment enough for him.
"So," I said between bites, "in your world, is everything the same as here?"
He leaned back on his elbows, stretching his deliciously bare chest. "Almost. Some traditions are different."
"Different how?"
"Well," he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, "in our world, mating bonds are sacred. They’re... permanent. Unbreakable."
I swallowed, feeling the weight of his words. "So... we’re permanent now?"
He smiled, slow and sure. "You’re mine, Anna. Always."
My heart stuttered in my chest, but I kept my voice light. "And where would we live? Here? Or... in your world?"
Damien laughed, a deep, rich sound that made my toes curl. "Wherever you want. I’ll follow you anywhere."
I tilted my head, studying him. "You’d really give up your world for me?"
He leaned forward, his face suddenly serious. "You are my world now."
Before I could respond, his phone rang, slicing through the heavy moment like a knife. He cursed under his breath and stood up.
"I have to take this," he said apologetically.
I nodded, watching him leave the room. A strange pang hit me at his absence, but I shook it off and finished the last of my breakfast.
Stretching lazily, I made my way to the bathroom, eager to wash off the remnants of last night’s passionate chaos. I turned on the shower and was just about to step in when the door burst open.
"Damien!" I shrieked, clutching the towel to my chest.
He grinned like a devil and scooped me up effortlessly, tossing me onto the bed.
"What are you doing?" I gasped, laughing breathlessly.
"Can I take you again?" he asked, crawling over me with a playful gleam in his eyes.
I shook my head, trying to look stern. "No! You’ve had enough!"
He pouted, the expression so ridiculous on his handsome face that I almost caved. "But I can’t get enough of you."
I giggled, pushing at his chest weakly. "Too bad, Mr. Alpha. You’ll have to wait."
He leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. "I’m very, very bad at waiting."
I shivered and fought the urge to drag him back down to me.
"Go," I said, laughing. "Let me take a bath in peace."
He sighed dramatically and rolled off me. "Fine. But don’t be long. I miss you already."
I stuck my tongue out at him before disappearing into the bathroom.
As the hot water cascaded down my body, I closed my eyes and let my mind drift back to last night.
Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word. Damien hadn’t just made love to me, he had worshipped me. Every inch of my skin, every curve, every scar and flaw. He had made me feel beautiful and treasured in a way I never thought possible.
By the time I was done, my skin was flushed and my heart was aching to see him again. I wrapped my hair in a towel and slipped into a soft white robe.
I stepped out of the bathroom, and immediately, I froze.
Damien was on one knee in the center of the room.
My heart leaped into my throat.
He was holding a small velvet box in his hands, his face serious and vulnerable all at once.
"Damien," I breathed, clutching the doorframe for support.
He smiled up at me, his eyes shining. "Anna... from the moment I met you, I knew you were different. Special. Mine. Last night just proved what my heart already knew."
I covered my mouth with my hands, tears welling in my eyes.
"I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy," he continued, his voice trembling slightly. "I want to wake up next to you every morning, hold you every night, and love you in every way a man can love a woman."
He opened the box, revealing a simple yet stunning diamond ring.
"Anna... will you marry me? Will you become my wife in this world... and my Luna in the other?"
A tear slipped down my cheek. I laughed softly, overwhelmed.
"You forgot something," I whispered.
He blinked. "What?"
"You didn’t ask me to be your mate," I said, my voice breaking.
He shook his head with a tender smile. "I didn’t need to. You’re already my mate, Anna. We sealed that bond last night. You’re mine, forever."
More tears slid down my cheeks as I nodded fiercely. "Yes. God, yes!"
He surged to his feet, lifting me into his arms and spinning me around. I laughed through my tears, feeling lighter than I had in my entire life.
When he finally set me down, he slipped the ring onto my finger, his hands trembling slightly.
"It’s perfect," I whispered, staring at the sparkling ring.
"You’re perfect," he said, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him into a deep kiss, pouring all my love and gratitude into it.