#Chapter 70: A Lifetime

Olivia’s POV
Waking up next to my mate was something that brought a smile to my face every day. I roll over and move closer to his slumbering form. I inhale his scent and think about everything that has happened to us.
A year has passed and Gabriel and I have had no issues with our marriage. He even surprised me by saying that next spring we would renew our vows. He wanted to mate with me completely, as he did with Rebecca.
I do not hear her wolf anymore, but I know she is still with me. The last time I shifted, I went to the forest and rank from the river bank. When I looked at my reflection, I could see the colors of gold and purple staring back at me.
Since Alicia’s death, Mara has opened up more with me and Celine. We have become great friends despite the distant between us. She is studying to be a botanist so she can identify different plants and flowers dangerous to the packs.
Celine and Mara have started helping me to plan the wedding. Mara is now the Luna of the pack and fully mated with Rowan. She comes by every now and then to help with charities and the wedding preparations.
Celine has found a new beau, and they live together in the flat that we rented. She had told me over and over that she does not see it last long, but I can see the devotion in his eyes. I hope she lets him down easily.
Reese has never been better since the treatments. He has decided to go to school and study to become a doctor. Even though he found out about Eugene, he says; “That I still owe everything to the man that saved my life.” I am really proud of his ambitions.
The treaty between the Vampire King and us is still in effect, and Eugene has no desire to break his alliance with us. He has allowed the wolves and families that Herold had sent away before the invasion to return. Eugene has agreed to make amends for Herold’s death, but he has not apologized for taking his brother’s life.
“Tell me, my love, what are you thinking about?” Gabriel says as he brushes his thumb across my lower lip. As he pushes his finger inside of my mouth, I cannot help but smile as my fangs graze this digit. I slowly suck on his finger, enjoying the darkening of his gaze.
When he removes his finger from my mouth, I laugh at his groans. “You tease me when I ask you what’s on your mind. You have truly become a force to be reckoned with, my love.”
I raise myself on my elbows and throw my head back and laugh. “Do not act like you do not enjoy the teasing now that you do not have to chase me.” I say as I completely sit up to get out of bed.
I flip my hair back and stare at my mate, still in bed. His gaze takes in my appearance completely, and I cannot resist the blush that spreads across my face. As he rises from the bed his arms wrap around my waist and I rest my head on his shoulders. I sigh as in comfort as I inhale the scent of sandalwood and lavender.
“I was just thinking about everything that has happened. Everything that you and I have been through.” I tell Gabriel as we make our way to the balcony. He has not released me from his grasp and truth be told, I do not want him to.
Gabriel decided to take me on a vacation away from the palace for a week. It might as well be a honeymoon because we have been here almost a month.
“Don’t you think you should be getting back to the palace? You have legislation to focus on and I have several charities to run.” I say, but I start to lose focus as his tongue licks my mark. I hiss and moan in sheer pleasure.
“They can fare without us. YOu have Mara and Celine looking over the charities and galas. I have my Beta and secretary taking care of my affairs.”
I laugh at his words. He is right. We have people taking care of everything, but I do not want to forsake my responsibilities on others.
“And besides, if I leave you here on this island by yourself, you might surprise me.” Gabriel chuckles.
“And how would I do that?”
“Knowing you, love, you will bring back other suitors to challenge me for your affection.” I tilt my head back and laugh at his remark. We can laugh at it now that Gabriel is more trusting of my intentions and devotion.
“If you are lucky, maybe I will let you worship me and make up for the men that will never be able to do so.”
I feel his arms loosen around my waist and his hand slid up my throat and grabs my chin. He gently pulls my head back into a kiss that tastes sweet and bitter. He is gentle as he turns my body around to face him.
His gentleness turns into demanding as he pushed me into the wall and commands my mouth to open so he can explore my mouth with his tongue. We battle for dominance before letting go for air. My breath is ragged and I smile at the possessiveness that my Alpha continues to show me.
“I worship the ground that you work on from the moment you came to me, Olivia. I will show you every day for the rest of our lives how much you are, my Queen.” Gabriel says as he pulls my body into his.
I look up at the man in front of me and move my hands into his hair. I pull his face closer to mine and shower him with kisses.
“I know my king. I with love you for the rest of our lives. I will continue to show you that you are the only man that claims me as his own.” I recite part of my vows.
Gabriel chuckles as he grabs my hands and kisses my knuckles. “Oh, my pet, you have shown me and every man that has wanted your affection that you are not to be claimed. You are not a wolf that any Alpha or King can tame. No man or wolf owns you, but you give yourself and your love only to me, and that is all I ask.”
I smile at Gabriel’s words. I had spent so much time running away from him when all he wanted was my love. I let my past trials and tribulations from Herold harden and blacken my heart to a true love that was in front of me.
And while I am sad that I will never see Herold again, I am happy that he has found peace. Herold as Emanuel resigned from his position as bodyguard for the Royal Gaurd before we left for our vacation.
I am happy that we both got a second chance at happiness.