28.

**Emma**

"Why isn't he waking up?" I asked worriedly. Presently I was sitting beside Mason on his bed as he was still unconscious. "He will wake on his own. Don't worry, beauty." Jonah said coming closer to me.

"Don't you and Michael have a date in like an hour?" Noah asked. "I can't leave Mase. Not now," I said brushing his hair away from his face. His body was drenched in sweat, his blonde hair was matted against his skin, I traced the dark circles under his eyes and the guilt-racked my body.

He was going through all this pain for me.

"Emma. This is your first date with Michael. He is really looking forward to having this night with you." Noah said trying to persuade me. I released a deep sigh. I knew he was right, Michael was worried I won't come because spending time alone was what he longed for.

"Come get me when he wakes up," I said standing up and backing away from my friend. "Emma forget about us just for one night, focus on yourself and your mate" Jonah said. I looked at all three of them, what's a couple of hours of not worrying about them.

Mason will be alright. My brothers don't need their sister around them 24/7.

"Okay," I finally said and made my way up to my room.

On the bed, a lovely olive green knee-length dress was draped over with a pair of gold sandals. Madison. The color of the dress reminded me of the dress I bought for my prom. That night was to be our night, Aiden, Mason and I. Will we ever see Aiden again, is he still alive? A tear escaped my eyes as my fingers traced the front of the dress which was low enough to show a bit of cleavage.

I have to find Aiden. I have to find my father.

'Are you okay baby girl?' Michael asked concern in his voice was evident.

'I'm fine. I will see you in a bit' I said trying to sound happy. I cut the link immediately before he could reply.

Taking a shower, I washed my hair quickly then got ready. My hair curled naturally when dried, I applied little makeup that Madison thankfully left. Lip gloss and light makeup were all I needed. Slipping on the dress it clung to my every curve seductively, looking in the mirror I was amazed at how simple yet stunning I looked. The dress and my eyes were a beautiful contrast, spinning around I loved the effect as it swirled around my knees. Giving myself a second look I decided to wear my grandmother's necklace. It felt strange saying that but in a way it was right to acknowledge her.

A bit of nervousness came over me, I laughed realizing it was Michael. Shaking my head I made my way downstairs. I walked outside past the pool to the gazebo near the woods. Paper lanterns lit the path to it in a very serene way. The night air was warm as a gentle breeze blew by lifting up the hem of my dress slightly.

As I got closer, I saw Michael stepping out in dark trousers and a red button-down shirt, the sleeves were rolled up to his elbows while he left a few buttons loose by his chest. He looked every way powerful and masculine as his piercing blue eyes found mine. His dark hair lazily fell over his forehead giving him that dangerous yet sexy look.

He pulled me into his arms as soon as I was close enough. I will never be tired of the way he makes me feel when he wraps me in his arms. Warmth and reassurance always fill me when he does that even his small kisses on my head. I still can't believe he will be mine till the end of our lives.

"You look breathtaking tonight," he said against my neck.

Chills ran down my spine causing me to shiver. "Cold?" He asked holding me tighter.

"No. Can we stay like this for the rest of the night?" I asked snuggling deeper into his chest. He chuckled and kissed my head. "If I do, then it will be wrong to let you starve won't it?" He asked. At that moment my stomach decided to reply by grumbling loudly.

"I think that's a yes," I said softly hiding my face in embarrassment. Michael's laugh echoed around us and warmed my body, even more, he led me into the gazebo where I was truly amazed by his efforts to create our first perfect date.

At the center was a table for two covered in a cream table cloth, the chairs were draped with flowers which were identical that of the flowers on the gazebo. Hanging paper lanterns hung delicately over the table, while few lined the rails. It was simple. Just as I liked things.

I didn't realize I was alone by the entrance until I heard him clear his throat and standing by the table. "So what do you think? Is it to your liking? If it isn't I can try again tomorrow night or even now?" He said nervously.

He was flustered and stumbling over his words, his brows furrowed in uncertainty. "I love it," I said smiling.

He paused in his ramblings, a smile appeared on his face then he sighed in relief.

He motioned me to a seat which he pulled out for me. Before he turned away from me, he gave me a kiss. Not a sexual needy one but a sweet and delicate one showing how much he cared. "I forgot to give you that when I first held you tonight." He said huskily. I touched his cheek in which he leaned into. "My baby," he whispered and kissed my palm.

He went to the side and lifted the food warmer. I laughed at our meal for dinner. With him serving me first I couldn't contain the giggles.

"You know when I asked your brothers what's your favorite food you will love on a date I thought they were joking. But I know your brothers hardly ever do that. I came to the conclusion that you Emma are one of the simplest girls to please." He said grinning as he sat down in front of me.

I bit my lips looking down at my plate.

"Pizza Hut meaty pizza with stuff crust and buffalo wings," I said practically drooling.

Michael laughed as I dug into the hot cheesy goodness. I moaned in delight, Michael shook his head and began to eat. As we ate, his gaze was on me throughout the whole meal. "You're an amazing girl Emma Stevenson," he said. I looked up at him due to the tone of his voice. The reverence and love in his words had me speechless.

"One thing I know for sure is that the love I have for you isn't because of the mate bond. I will still love you without the help of the moon goddess. That's why I still beat myself up for hurting you when we first met. I know you forgave me but I will spend the rest of my life proving to you how much I care and love you and how sorry I am." He said holding my hand across the table.

Tears blurred my vision as he brushed his lips across my knuckles.

"You're the real definition of a perfect mate. Well, not perfect like step-ford wives perfect but MY perfect" he said. I laughed through my tears.

This was the love every girl dreamed of by her man. The unconditional love being professed to her with the truth behind his words.

"Michael. You just made me the happiest girl in the world. Do you know how much I wanted my mate to love me like this? Like you do. Thank you for this." I said crying, he quickly came to my side, wiping my tears away.

"Don't cry, my princess" he said softly kissing my cheek.

My fingers went through his silky curls as he gazed up at me.

"Why were you sad earlier?" He asked.

I kissed his head and shook my head. " I don't want to ruin our night with bad thoughts," I said.

"Nothing can ruin what we have now. Tell me," he said standing up to go to his seat.

"I was thinking about how my friends and I missed our prom and graduation. I already had a dress picked out I remember how long we searched for that dress. Mom..... Mom and the twins stayed until I found it. When I tried it on, I saw how proud she was of me, it brought her to tears..... That's when everything changed." I said looking out at the darkness of the woods.

"It may not be much but I can still give you a dance just like your prom," he said using a remote to play music.

He held out his hand while I gently took it. The melody of Christina Perri's A thousand years began, my eyes shot to his. It was my favorite song, Aiden always played it for me whenever we were together. Now I'm sharing it with Michael. Two loves, one song.

His arms went around my waist protectively yet lovingly as my arms went around his neck. Our eyes held each other gaze as we swayed to the song. The words of the song reflected us in every way. We got off to a rocky start but we were strong and mature enough to see the bigger picture.

"Emma?" He whispered against my cheek.

"Hmmm," I answered loving the warmth and the way how his scent was strong around me.

"I-I know... We just met... But.... " he said releasing a sigh, placing his forehead on mine. "Emma, you do know that I'm yours till the day my heart stops beating right?" He rushed out.

"Yes I do" I answered pecking his lips.

"And... And... You being my m-mate says that I'm yours no one else and you're mine...." He continues.

He held my face in his hands with eyes closed. " Y-you don't have to answer now but I will love one... I mean we've only been mates for a few days but that doesn't mean a thing to me because I've dreamed of you for so long and basically the only woman I've been with knowingly. I love you so damn much my heart aches when I'm away from you. I mean no one else but my mate would cause so much sweet pain... Ughhh I - I want you by my side forever Emma. " he said frustrated for some reason he pulled back from me running his hands a through his hair.

"Michael?!" I called out somewhat amused.

"Marry me!" He said abruptly.

Wow.

My mate wants to marry me. Wait isn't that redundant but its a sign of commitment isn't it?! I know its a human thing but its a binding of our love. Michael stood there, eyes wide waiting on an answer, he really saw a future for us.

"Emma?" He said confused.

"Yes." I simply said but he didn't catch on that it was my answer to his first question.

"Yes to what?" He asked.

I laughed out and ran to him. "Yes I will marry you, Michael," I said in his ear. "Thank heavens" he breathed out.

"Wait," he said checking his pockets before he pulled out a blue velvet box.

"Michael just how long did you want to propose to me?" I asked raising my eyebrow at the box he held in his hand.

"Bout five years?" He said shrugging

I laughed out and shook my head, life would never be dull with this mate of mine.

"After all this drama is cleared up I'm looking forward to making you my wife not only my mate. I've been cheated of first dates and meeting the parents but I've found you. My true mate and that ring have been kept for you since I saw it. It has always been you, my love, " He said placing a gold band with ruby and diamonds encrusted in an intertwining design of both stones.

"Its beautiful baby" I cooed. "Its nowhere compared to you," he said bringing his lips to mine.

****************************************

**Aiden**

My body was about to give up on me but I fought to stay out of the oncoming darkness.

"Come on son. Make it easier for both yourself and me. Where is Landon's precious daughter?"

This guy has been asking me the same question over and over for a few days now. I can't even tell if it was night or day down in this dark hole.

"I don't know who you're talking about" I breathed out. Who was this guy asking about my Emma?

I never saw his face only his British accent which was thick.

A lash of pain went through my back as the whip of my tormentor hit my bareback. The burning sensation came normal to me, the whip was dipped in silver every new mark it made on my back the silver found its way in the fresh wound.

My knees went weak, my breathing shallow my vision became blurry, I couldn't see my tormentor anymore. I felt for Ace in my mind but he was weak and whimpering for his friend. Worrying if they were okay, so was I. I longed to hold her in my arms, I longed to kiss her lips which erases every bad memory I ever have. I want my Emma.

"I can tell that you're lying young alpha. Her scent was on you when we caught you. What is she to you? Mate? No... A lover?" He taunted.

My body tensed on instinct, how does he know her scent.

"You sure have good taste. Landon's daughter is surely exceptional isn't she?" he continued.

Someone else came into the room, whispering something to the British guy then left.

"I have great news young alpha," the man said his footsteps louder as he came closer. A frail finger tipped my head up.

Those eyes. So much like Emma's.

"Guess we are going on a little road trip," he said grinning his green and gold eyes shone with the little light that made its way in from the hall.

Malcolm is alive after all.