Kane chuckled softly. “You were incredibly focused on your work. Always so serious, so dedicated. I used to find excuses to walk past the healing ward just to catch glimpses of you.”
“I remember you had this little frown of concentration when you were working on difficult cases. And the way you’d push your hair back when you were frustrated.”
My heart skipped a beat. “You remember all that?”
“Every detail. You were treating a young wolf who’d been mauled by rogues. You worked on him for hours, never taking a break. When you finally saved him, you cried.”
The memory came flooding back. “Marcus. His name was Marcus.”
“You cried because you were so relieved he would live. That’s when I knew.”
“So you were the one who applied to the Alpha Council back then?
“Yes, I think it was love at first sight.”
His confession made my chest tighten with emotion.
“The moment I saw you, I knew I would marry no one but you in this lifetime.”
“That’s quite a bold claim for someone I’d never even spoken to,” I said, trying to lighten the mood despite the emotion in my
voice.
Kane’s smile was soft. “Maybe. But I’ve never been more certain of anything.”
“After I returned to Dark Moon pack and inherited the Alpha position, the first thing I did was apply to the Alpha Council for this. I just didn’t expect you to refuse then.”
The pain in his voice was barely concealed. I reached up to touch his face.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“Don’t apologize. You were happy with him. That’s all that mattered to me.”
“So you’ve been waiting for me all these years? Weren’t you afraid I would hold a mating ceremony with Damon?”
Kane smiled warmly, but there was a shadow of old hurt in his eyes.
“So what if you did?”
“I decided on you the moment I first saw you. I decided to inherit the Alpha position for you too. Didn’t I just say? You were my only candidate for a mate.”
“When I learned I was rejected, I secretly went to see you. But you were very happy then, so I quietly left.”
“You came to see me?” My voice was barely a whisper.
“Just once. You were laughing with him in the Red Stone pack market. Your smile was so bright, so genuine. I knew I had no right to interfere with your happiness.”
Guilt twisted in my stomach. “Kane…”
“I stood there for maybe ten minutes, just watching you. Then I turned around and went home.”
“That must have been painful.”
“It was. But seeing you happy was worth it.”
“If my mate couldn’t be you, then I’d rather remain alone for life.”
“What if I had never come to you? What if the memory potion had never happened?”
Kane was quiet for a long moment. “I would have waited anyway. Forever, if necessary.”
“Fortunately, the Moon Goddess favors me and gave me this chance.”
I leaned against his shoulder, listening to him speak tenderly. His arm tightened around me protectively.
“To me, you are a treasure. You were before, you are now, and you always will be.”
The fireworks continued to light up the sky, but all I could see was the love in his eyes.
“Kane,” I said softly. “I need to tell you something.”
“What is it?”
“When I first lost my memories, I thought I could never love again. I felt empty, like something had been carved out of my heart.
He tensed slightly. “And now?”
“Now I realize it wasn’t love that was missing. It was the right person to love.”
Kane’s breath caught. “Aria…”
“I love you,” I said simply. “Not because I’ve forgotten him, but because I remember everything and I still choose you.”
“I love you too,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “More than I thought possible.”
I smiled, hot tears welling in my eyes.
“Kane.”
“I must be a girl with excellent fortune to meet such a wonderful mate like you.”
He wiped away a tear that had escaped down my cheek.
“I’m the fortunate one, Aria. You chose me despite everything.”
“For the rest of our lives together, please take care of me.”
Kane’s smile was radiant as he pulled me closer.
“Always,” he promised. “For as long as I live, I’ll protect you, cherish you, and love you.”
“Even when I’m old and gray?”
“Especially then.”
“Even when I’m cranky and difficult?”
“I’ll love you through every mood.”
“Even when I burn dinner?”
Kane laughed, the sound rich and warm. “I’ll teach you to cook.”
“You might regret that promise.”
“Never.”
Another firework exploded above us, this one forming the shape of a heart.
“Did you plan that?” I asked.
“Maybe,” he said with a grin.
“Show off.”
“Only for you.”
I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him, pouring all my love and gratitude into the gesture.
When we broke apart, both of us were breathing hard.
“I have something for you,” Kane said suddenly.
“What now? You’ve already given me everything.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
3/4
“Kane, we’re already mated.”
“This isn’t a mating gift. It’s a promise.”
Inside the box was a simple silver ring with a single moonstone.
“I promise to love you, honor you, and stand by your side through everything life brings us.”
I was crying again as he slipped the ring onto my finger.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Like you.”
“I love you, Kane.”
“I love you too, Aria. Always.”
The fireworks reached their grand finale, filling the sky with brilliant light.
And I knew this was just the beginning of our story together.
