ty and anticipation. The Golden Crest Pack was on high alert, their preparat

ge filled her with a mix of pride and dread. She admired his strength and leadership, but the risk of losing him was a shadow that loomed ove

tly, closing the door

in her eyes betrayed her. "I'm worri

assuring. "We've prepared for this. The p

lingered, a constant companion in her mind. "I just

ng. "I'll be careful. I promise. But I need you

, her voice barely above a wh

athed in his scent, grounding herself in the familiarity

s voice a rumble against her ear. "

down on them both. But in that shared silence, Arielle found a sense of peace

*

warm glow, Eric and Arielle joined the others for dinner. The mood in

g room at the table. "Hey, y

with Eric before nodding. "

forward. "We've got a solid plan. The

'll hit them hard and fast. Show them what

discussed and refined. Arielle listened intently, absorbing every word. The pac

he weight of the evening settling over them. The moon hung

his expression contemplative. "To

avy with a mixture of emotions.

hers. "There's something I want to as

ed, curiosity and app

now this isn't the most romantic timing, but...I want

s sinking in. It was a commitment, a bond that would ti

used, emotions sw

eady and sure. "I want you by my side, now a

d, her heart full. "I love you too, Eri

reached for her hand, his touch gentle but full of intent. "I know this isn't the per

sponding to the sincerity in his voice and the heat in his gaz

she lost herself in the feel of him.Eric's hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer, and she responded in kind, wrapping her arms around his neck as the kiss deepened. It was as if a dam had broken betwe

le that sent shivers down her spine. "We don't h

ainty. "I've never been more sure of anythin

laid her back against the bed, his hands never leaving her as he moved over her. Arielle's fingers traced the lines of his jaw, feeling the strength beneath his skin and the gentleness in his touch.The wor

movements were slow and gentle, a dance of discovery that spoke to the depths of their connection. Arielle lost herself in the moment, her senses overwhelmed by the feeling of Eric against her, around her, within her

ared desire, Arielle clung to Eric,

d "Don't stop...hrr

nd poured his

ed, the moonlight spilling over them like a silver veil. Arielle rested her head on Eric's chest

nd reverent. "I'm so glad you're here wit

tment. "And you mean everything to m