The next morning when I woke up, I reached Alijah’s side of the bed, only to find nothing to hold on to. I slowly and groggily got up, calling for him, but he never answered me back. It was the first time I ever woke up and my wolf was not next to me. Well, since the day I had woken up from my dreams.

To suddenly wake up and not have him next to me made me feel extremely lonely. Especially with what we did after Vera had left for the night. Just thinking about it made me feel even lonelier. Though his warmth still resided within me. His scent was still fresh on me, too.

For a moment, I pondered if to wait for Alijah to show up, but that plan was quickly scrapped. I could not stay still for long. Wanting to go find him, I dressed for the day, running out of my room, only to crash into Caden and Aiden, who were about to knock on the door.

“Have you seen Alijah?” I asked immediately after bumping into them, only to notice backpacks on their backs.

Were they going somewhere? I guess it meant no training for Alijah. Well, it meant he would take me in the afternoon.

Fuck... I’m tired!

“Yeah, he went into town earlier today,” Caden informed, leaving me utterly clueless.

Alijah had gone into Silverant alone.

Why would he go into town like that? And what for? Why did he not wake me up?

It was almost unbelievable that he left without me. He was getting more independent. I should be happy that he could interact with others, but it made me feel lonely.

“What?” I mumbled.

Aiden yawned, walking towards Vera’s room that was down the hall. It was early in the morning too. Ignoring my confusion, Caden continued with what he had come for.

“Did you pack, Rem?” my brother asked.

I was dumbfounded by his question as well.

Pack? What for?

“Pack what?” I continued to mumble, feeling gloomy.

He sighed, crossing his arms.

“I guess you didn’t see your phone.” Caden shrugged.

I had not used that damn thing since I left Silverant in hoping to save Alijah. After all, with everything else happening, the phone was the least of my concerns.

“Mom and Dad sent a text that we were going somewhere today. So, we are to meet everyone in the airship soon.” He added.

I was caught off guard by the whole thing. First Alijah went into town alone. Now we were going somewhere?

Wait… did Alijah even know we were leaving?

“Does Alijah know?” I worried my wolf would be lost.

Caden nodded, answering my question. Though he seemed to keep something from me too. My darling brother was not answering what we were packing for. That was irrelevant when it came to Alijah.

“Yeah, Alijah knows. He should be there already, actually. We came to get you and Vera.” Caden answered, trying to remain vague.

I tilted my head.

He’s suspicious…

Aiden had already fetched Vera, holding her bag while they walked over towards us. Was I the only one who did not get the memo?

“Is this another training?” I mumbled, narrowing my eyes.

My brother seemed unsurprised, shrugging again before gazing away from me.

Suspicious…

“Maybe. I don’t really know.” Caden tried to lie to me.

He was so easy to read. I sighed. They would not tell me anything, though. With Aiden around, it would be difficult to break Caden. He said I had to pack. So, I turned back to the room, only to notice my bag there already ready to go.

Alijah had already done it for me.

Since when has he been up? What is going on? Everything made no sense.

“Oh… I guess I’m packed.” I grumbled, lost in everything, but that was not unusual for me.

Shrugging, I turned back to Caden, who was avoiding my gaze still. Vera walked by us while Aiden grabbed onto Caden.

“Well, let’s get moving.” Aiden saved Caden’s hide from me.

I sighed yet again, grabbing my packed bag. Aiden was the one brother, who was not as much of a pushover or easy to trick as Caden was. Last time, I was lucky that Aiden was placing a tray of food down. Heading out, I could not help to feel lonely, even though my siblings were around.

This was how it used to be before I met Alijah, but now… it was not enough. Nowhere near. It was almost as if a part of me was missing, and I could not live without it. Walking through the manor, it seemed everyone was gone, too.

Aunty Amelia and Uncle Ben, who had gotten to Silverant yesterday with Tania, who usually hanged out in the living room when she was around, were nowhere to be found too. Was this a family trip for training? Or were they taking me to fight a shadow beast?

Fuck… I am not ready for that at all.

Unable to figure it out, I continued to follow with my siblings towards the airship docks. Again, just like every other time I was outside, the glances I got from strangers were unwelcoming. It was almost as if they were saying I was out of place and did not belong in Silverant.

I already felt lonely as it was. This made me feel less wanted. It led to me grumbling under my breath. Noticing my demeanor, Caden suddenly picked me up, bridal style. In an instant, all those looks were secondary.

The glares from the female Lycans intensified. He was one of the most sought-after bachelors, next to Aiden, who was known to only had eyes for Sophie. Well, known to everyone but Sophie herself. Instead of being bothered by my complaints and demands to be let down, my brother ignored them, happily grinning.

Annoying big overprotective loaf!

“Whoever dares to foul mouth, my adorable little sister, will be hated by me for an eternity.” My brainless brother suddenly announced, placing his forehead against mine.

I instinctively tried to shove him away to free myself, but he was not letting me go. Even after knowing I was the reincarnation of a god, it did not bother them at all. To my family, I would always be Rem. It did not matter who I was in my past life.

“Oi, are you trying to make me public enemy number one!?! Let me go! This is embarrassing!” I growled.

He threw me over his shoulder like I was a little doll, carrying on his day. I could not be any more annoyed at him. Though, the moment he said that, all the gazes from the female and male Lycans suddenly went away. I found myself saved from them because of it.

Stupid loaf of a brother…

I did not need protection from the outside world. I was already somewhat used to it if I had Alijah by my side. However, without him here, this was second best, I guess. Caden was the strongest Lycan compared to my brother Aiden. Because of that, he was respected and seen as the future alpha.

Well, after Dad passed on the crown down, of course. Aiden did not mind being the slightly weaker one. This brother always thought of taking over Cerberus more than the packs. Something Caden did not mind at all.

In fact, if it was up to my captor, he would just live a chilled life away from all of this. Taking a deep breath, I elbowed the back of his head, causing him to tumble onto the floor, allowing me to get off him before pointing at him, fuming somewhat.

“Don’t treat me like a doll, stupid brother!” I snapped, turning away from Caden.

He struggled a bit to recover from that. Vera could not help but laugh at him while Aiden rolled his eyes.

“That’s what you get for treating her like a damsel in distress.” Vera giggled.

Caden stood up from the floor, rubbing the back of his head. I huffed, not looking at him. Vera was right. I was no damsel or in distress. I did not need him to save me. Though… it did warm my heart. But that was something he would never know!

“Ow… I would still do it again though.” Caden assured Vera with a bright smile, still rubbing where I had hit him.

My sister wondered if he had some type of brain damage at that point, though.

“You’ll never get a girl if you act like that. Everyone will think you are a creep.” Aiden pointed out, though he was very much single too.

He had the hots for Sophie, but he never had the guts to tell her. And Sophie herself was not interested in relationships. She worked with her father in Cerberus, trying to raise her ranking. Her end goal was to be Caden’s and Aiden’s right hand when they ascended to either position, just like her dad was to mine.

“I do not need a girl when I have two beautiful sisters.” Caden declared, sounding somewhat proud.

Vera and I both felt creeped out by him. He really was special.

“Oi! Sister complex wolf, get a life and wife!” I chided, storming off.

They followed along.

“Yes, yes.” Caden sighed, feeling rejected.

I did not look back to see his pathetic face, even though I was not angry at all. His actions had left a warmth within me that was more precious than I thought it would ever be. My darling brother was one of a kind. All of them were.

Aiden probably would have yelled at people if Caden had not done that. Before my captor went into action, my slightly more stuck-up brother had given a slight red hue. Probably would have shouted at them, asking what the fuck they were looking at. Or perhaps even started a fight with strangers.

For these siblings of mine, I would give the world too. I mean, we came into it together. And we would always be together, no matter what. It only took us a couple of more minutes to get to the airship docks where Alijah was waiting right outside.

The moment he spotted me; a gentle smile rose on his lips, washing away all the previous resentment that I had for him leaving me alone. Instinctively, I ran to him, only to be greeted with the warmest embrace I could have had. I could hear Caden grumble behind me, disappointed I did not have that reaction to him.

Alijah picked me up suddenly before jumping onto the ship. Aiden and Caden helped Vera up as well. However, the moment that they brought her up, she spotted someone who she did not expect to see here.

“What are you doing here?!?” Vera yelped, seeing Leonard with his umbrella on the deck of the ship.

He seemed to be annoyed by the sunlight, but the moment he heard Vera, it was almost as if the sun had gone away.

“Ah, there you are. I ran into Alijah this morning in town, and he told me we were taking a trip to… somewhere.” Leonard began with the largest smile on his lips but quickly stopped, waving at me.

It was undeniable… they were all keeping a secret from me. Vera was not happy with that, though, telling him to stay away. He simply chuckled at her before following her inside. However, what interested me more was where we were going and for what.

For a moment I would leave those two be as I turned to Alijah. Though... when I asked my wolf about this trip, he avoided the topic, smiling, telling me I would have to see for myself. The journey to our destination was fast. All airships could get to places in a matter of hours.

Alijah again was not comfortable at all. The noises were still too much for him. Luckily, the earplugs once again helped. It was incredible to think that this was Alijah’s third trip in an airship. It made me happy to see him handling it better than the first time.

The moment the airship stopped, an hour or two passed since we had taken off. During the trip, I had somehow dozed off on Alijah’s shoulder, who gently nudged me up. There I noticed; everyone was getting ready to get off.

Taking off the earplugs, Alijah shook his head, grabbing my hand, leading me out of the airship. The first thing that hit me before we made it out was the scent of salty water in the air. Moments later, I would not believe my eyes. We were on the same beach in Azear that I had dreamt about the day that Alijah came to rescue me.

He...

“With some help from your parents, I kept my promise to you.” Alijah smiled at me.

I could not help myself but jump on him as he caught me. The pink sand below the ship was marvelous. The different shades of color made me realize it was way prettier in person than I could have ever dreamt about. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pulled him into a kiss that he gladly returned.

Although it was short and sweet. Vera complained while she got off the ship, followed by Caden and Aiden. Alijah chuckled at her protest, softly letting me down onto the sand. There he led me to the cabin at the beach to change into swimwear. In the dream, it had been I who did that, but it seemed our roles were reversed.

The whole beach seemed isolated, since Mom and Dad rented the entire thing for the day. Caden and Aiden both ran ahead to the cabin. Vera slowly made her way there, too. Once inside, in my backpack, there was a new bathing suit I had never seen before.

Then again, I did not own any before today, so it meant Alijah had gone and bought it a previous day. Probably one day I was training with Leonard or one of the many mornings I woke up late, but it only led me to wonder what he had gone into town for today. Releasing a sigh, I took off my clothes, unwrapping the suit to see it was color black and covered in gardenias.

For a moment, my heart felt like it was about to go off on its adventure. I slowly wormed my way into the suit. It was a one-piece with shorts at the bottom, something that matched my personality other than the flowers. It even had a hole for my tail, too.

After I was done, I put on a pink shirt before I got out of the changing stall. There, I saw Alijah waiting outside in a black trunk and a teal shirt. It seemed I was the slowest one to come out since everyone else, but Vera, for obvious reasons, had finished changing into their bathing suits.

Vera took longer because of her belly, but was out soon after me in this beautiful blue two-piece suit. Caden had a brown trunk on, while Aiden had a green one. Dad also had his own, which was grey.

Mom had normal clothes. Sadly, she was never comfortable with a bathing suit, thanks to the scars on her body. Although they seemed nothing more than tattoos. Well, minus the one she got while giving birth to me. Instead, Mom sat next to Tania and Leonard, who were under a bigger umbrella and a beach chair.

Shade joined Ruzgard by the shore. Though the cat would not go into the water. Leonard, although away from the sun, was also in a trunk, a pink one. While Tania had a beautiful two-piece red swimsuit that made me wish I had a body like hers.

Though both of the vampire's skins were too fair to be true. Flawless almost. It made me wonder more about the magic that they used to possess, too. Something I could ask Alijah later if I wanted to know.

However, the view in front of me was more alluring than that curiosity. I could not help but grab onto my wolf’s hand, dragging him with me to the water’s edge. My feet sunk into the sand below. I still could not believe the sand below was purely pink.

The beach water was bluer than the sky, if not crystal clear. Where the water met with the sand, though, turned into a different shade of pink. The whole thing was a beautiful sight to behold. However, before I could drag Alijah too deep into the shore, he pulled me out, sighing.

I almost growled at him when Caden threw him a bottle. Rolling his eyes, he helped me with the sun protector. I could not help but pout because of it. Though he did not budge. Burns was one of the slowest healing wounds a Lycan could get.

That meant he was taking no chances with me. Picking up my hair again in a ponytail, he placed some protection on my exposed skin and face before asking me to do the same for him. That part I did not mind. Only after the lotion was applied, I finally could go into the water, where I had a blast splashing everyone.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Sophie was wearing a beautiful two-piece white suit. Melody, her mom, was wearing a yellow one. Uncle Liam had red trunks while Uncle Ben was wearing a white one. Auntie Amelia was wearing a somewhat too showing black piece.

Honestly, all the women on this trip were making me annoyed. I was the one lacking all the features! The gall of my genes... To get over it, I tried to be playful towards everyone. Though the only person I regretted doing so was Vera, who almost drowned me in a water bubble.

I did not know how many times I had to apologize for her to let me go. While the traitor, Alijah, let her do as she pleased with me. She truly was a terrifying being. Even though I was going around getting on everyone’s nerves, well, mostly my siblings.

I still did not know why they hid this from me. I mean, it was a surprise to get a day off like this. To come to such a beautiful place was a dream come true, but at the same time, it would have changed nothing if they had told me. By the time Mom called us over to eat, it was already past noon.

Starved, I was one of the first ones in line to get food. Aunty Melody was the one serving us. Much to my surprise, Aiden and Sophie were missing. I searched around to see them nowhere to be found. For a moment, I had thought Aiden had gotten ahead of his game. But was quickly told that they went into the nearby village.

They had gone for something that had been forgotten back home. Perhaps he would get his shot there somehow. Though I felt bad for Caden. For some reason, I always felt like he might have been attracted to Sophie. But said nothing because of Aiden.

After scarfing down my food, I jumped on Caden, who was unsuspecting of my approach, while he sat on the sand. He seemed somewhat lonely without Aiden around.

“Don’t worry, Caden, you’ll always have me and Vera,” I reassured him.

He growled a bit because of it. If he wanted anyone, he could probably have them. Was it really because of Sophie or something else?

Hm… wait… did he…

Even if he did, it was not part of my concerns. I would love him no matter what.

“Where is this coming from?” Caden grumbled.

I snuggled him. Alijah sat next to us. Luckily, my wolf was not bothered by the affections I showed my brothers. Or the ones they showed me. Although earlier when I elbowed Caden, it made it seem like I hated it, but it was more because we were in public.

I did not want them to be looked down upon because of me. They had an image to uphold in Silverant. Although I suspected they could not care less about it. Even so, I did not want to cause them trouble.

“It feels lonely to not have Aiden here, no?” I teased Caden.

He rolled his eyes, grabbing into my arms. I pouted a bit. My tease did not work.

“We weren’t born joined to the hip; you know.” My brother informed.

I chuckled, hugging him. They were the only ones in the quad that were identical, though. While Vera and I were fraternal. I knew how to tell them apart because of how long I was with them, but people who did not know them would use their earrings, which were also used to dampen the ring of spells.

Living with which spells could be annoying, yet Dad never wore one. He had always been dedicated to my mother.

“But you were born together. I mean even developed in the same sac.” I joked.

He sighed, shaking his head before reaching back to pat my head.

“You were also born that day, sis.” Caden pointed out.

I frowned. It was not something I felt good about. After all, I was the one who caused the most trouble that day.

“Well, I almost strangled myself coming out of Mom. So, I guess I did.” I mumbled.

Caden probably wondered how that had to do with any of it.

“Rem, you really are an idiot sometimes.” He sighed again.

Vera, who had finished her meal, slowly made her way towards us in her effort to avoid Leonard, who watched her from the shade.

“Hey… do you really not know what day it is today?” Caden asked.

Shrugging, I tilted my head a bit. I had not been keeping up with when we were at. I was living day by day and that was enough. Though I knew the blood moon was coming soon. I mean, a month away, almost.

“Nope. What day is it?” I replied.

Caden chuckled. It bewildered me.

“She’s clueless, pup.” Alijah crackled, having had enough of the sibling affections, peeling me off Caden, tugging me onto his lap.

“Oi, what day is it?” I questioned them, trying to worm my way out of Alijah's grip.

They both chuckled again. In response to my question, Alijah wrapped his arms around me to secure me into place without giving me an answer.

“Yes, she is.” Caden agreed with my wolf.

I growled, annoyed no one was answering me.

“Damn it! Don’t ignore me!” I continued to squirm in Alijah’s arms.

However, they would not answer me no matter how many times I asked. Not until Aiden came back with Sophie from the village. They had brought some extra plates. That was when Mom suddenly pulled out a birthday cake bigger than I had ever seen. It was beautiful too.

Probably made by Melody, she had become a famous baker, and even owned her shop in Silverant. It was always packed. My siblings all gazed at me, unimpressed. I realized I had forgotten our birthday with all the training that I had endured.

It had been an entire year since… that fateful day; I took my fate into my hands. Vera, Aiden, Caden, and I all were turning twenty-one. A year older, a year wiser. Or so they say. I felt no different, though. No… that was a lie.

I was different, happier, freer than ever before. After all, I had the man that I adored beside me as well as the family who continued to push me forward even when I failed. People who believed in me surrounded me. Most importantly, people who loved me even though I was a fuckup. Something I thought I would never have, yet always had.

I was blind to it. That moment would be one of the happiest I would ever be. The way everyone was together, singing the birthday song was always going to be imprinted into my mind forever. The truest bliss I had ever felt was when I saw all of them happy and together. I could not ask for anything more.

When the sun-kissed the sky goodbye, Tania and Leonard finally could enjoy the water and sand without a bother. With that, we continued to celebrate the day we had been born. The day I met Alijah, who had been with me until this point. He who had grown to love and cherish me, too.

Everything was so perfect that at one point Vera went to sit with Leonard by the shoreline. They were speaking about something my ears could not reach. I doubt it was anything serious, since Vera was smiling while they chattered, but it was a start. If anything, I hoped that their friendship would survive even if their love did not.

We had placed little tiki lamps to prevent the night sky from consuming our view. Though the moon was also shining brightly. After dinner, though, Dad, Ben, and Liam all set off fireworks into the night sky. They were beautiful and of different shapes, although loud.

Alijah seemed annoyed by the noises, but was compelled by the beautiful lights. The fireworks mesmerized everyone when my wolf suddenly pulled me to the side. For a moment I gazed at him, who suddenly got on one knee.

I tilted my head, confused about what he was doing. In an instant, everyone gazed towards us, noticing him on his knee. His tail wagged a bit, struggling to find the right words. Had he always been this adorable? His fluffy ears made me want to touch them, too. Then again, I always touched them.

“It has been an entire year since that day when you swooped me off my feet.” Alijah began.

The girls knew what to expect. Soft squeals were filling the air. Yet I could not comprehend where he was getting at. I had never allowed myself to think of this moment. After all, I always thought it would never come true.

“Will…” My wolf tried to continue, but his words seemed to not want to come out.

He pulled a small blue box from his pocket. Thanks to the little tiki lamps, I could see his cheeks were light pink. His voice seemed to shake a bit. For a moment he cleared his throat, before shaking his head, gazing at me intently with those crimson orbs that I adored.

“Will you be my wife, Rem?” Alijah finally asked.

It left me utterly speechless. Leon’s teases from the day before had gotten to him, which bothered me a bit. If that was why he said this, then I…

“Is this because of what Leonard said to you?” I asked, glancing away from Alijah.

He seemed to be completely surprised by my question.

“What no. I…” he sighed, growling.

His words caused me to gaze back at him.

“I have been planning this for two months ago. Your family helped me out a bit since you know I am not a romance kind of guy. Leon also helped me find a good ring. I could not decide on one. And that was a week ago. He teased it because he knew…” my wolf confessed, growling.

His cheeks seemed redder than a rose. I was utterly astonished by what he had said but could not help but jump him soon after.

Two months, eh?

My wolf had been planning this moment for two months. Probably went with Leonard this morning to pick up the ring so I would not see it. Finally, everything was making sense.

Gosh… this Wolf…

This wolf, who always believed he sucked with words, blew me away. He kept his promise, and now. He wanted… Wrapping my arms around him tightly; triggered him to hold me back. I shook my head, trying to hold the tears of happiness back.

“Alijah… you should have shoved that ring on me. Aren’t we already past that point?” I tried to not cry, though my voice was shaky.

He chuckled, also nervous too. Did he think I would say no to him? Was he crazy? Probably. We both were silly in love after all. That was a stupid thought, though. We were made for each other before we were even born.

“I was specifically told that women like this kind of stuff,” Alijah informed.

I could not help but giggle, tugging away from him. The tears would not be held back any longer. Instantly, my cheeks were cupped by his hand. He worried about me, not knowing why they were running down my cheeks. This Lycan knew how to throw me off the rails.

There was no one else but him for me. Now and forever.

“Eh, by whom? My idiotic brothers?” I mumbled, raising my eyebrows.

Alijah wiped away my tears. It seemed like he was about to apologize for placing me on the spot, but I stopped him with a quick peck on his lips, before smiling brightly at him.

“Alijah, being your wife was something I once thought would be impossible for me. So… Of course, I would love to be that. I love you more than anything in this world.” I cried happily.

He pulled me into his arms again.

“I love you too, Rem.” His voice broke.

We separated so he could place the ring on. One he had custom ordered from the shop Leonard had taken him to. It was made of platinum and had a flower design resembling a gardenia. It was almost too beautiful for me, but in Alijah’s eyes, it was perfect.

In an instant, Caden and Aiden jumped at us, congratulating us on our engagement. I turned to Dad, who smiled gently, acknowledging us, too. Ben and Liam continued with the fireworks show. Everything was so warm and loving.

After everyone congratulated us, I could not help but wonder why this was happening. Though… it only hit me soon after Alijah’s proposal. The reason they had made this birthday to this extent was that it could be my last. After all, if everything went horribly the following month, I would...

The blood moon was only a couple of weeks off. When the merge happened, perhaps I would cease to exist. Pushing away Caden, who had hugged me without wanting to let me go, I grabbed onto Dad’s hand, who had gone back to my uncles. There, I tugged him along towards where Alijah was with Aiden and Sophie.

After dragging him towards them, I pulled away from his hand, smiling.

“Marry us, Dad.” I suddenly declared.

The moment of it all seemed almost to break my father. He was not the only one, either. Alijah and everyone else seemed to be surprised by my sudden request, too.

“What?” Dad mumbled.

Mom's eyes softened. She seemed to understand right away where I was going with this. Her blue orbs were tearful, triggering Shade to hop into her arms to comfort her. I felt horrible for making this joyous occasion like this, but I also wanted to be selfish once again.

“You’re the alpha of the pack, so surely you can vouch for our vows. So please marry us.” I requested again.

Dad winced a bit, finally getting what I was saying.

“Wait, we don’t need to rush. We can have a wedding wherever you want, love.” Alijah assured, grabbing onto my shoulder.

I shook my head.

“I want it now.” I stood firm, turning towards my wolf slightly.

He seemed completely off guard.

“But Rem we can-” he started only for me to stop him.

There might not be another day.

“Here is fine. And it’s a hassle to have an anniversary another day.” I stopped myself, knowing I was going off on a tangent to protect myself.

Shaking off the emotions that wanted to swell within me, I closed my eyes, turning to Dad.

“Rem…” Vera called out to me while I took a deep breath. I had to stop trying to make a joke and get straight to the point.

“I’m sorry for making this all about me, but as you all know, I might be stupid… but I’m not brainless. You all know that this might be my last birthday with you all, as I am now. Even though my soul is based on another god, what I’m facing is another divine.” I sighed, trying to not feel.

Everyone was so quiet now.

Shit… I’m fucking everything up again.

“So… please, Dad, grant me this wish at least?” I simpered.

Dad engulfed me in his trembling arms. My name left his lips while Vera hugged me, too.

Ah… I ruined the night. I’m sorry for being so selfish.

For a moment, they held me close. I could hear Mom sob a bit. Melody held onto her, too. Taking a deep breath, Dad slowly released me, sighing. His crimson orbs were glossy, too.

“Fine…” Dad smiled somewhat bitterly.

I wagged my tail happily after hearing that. Vera softly let me go, running to Caden and Aiden, who received her with open arms. Even though I was happy with how everything had turned out. It seemed that I soured everyone’s mood, including Alijah’s, who tightened his grip on my shoulder when the words left my mouth.

However, Dad shook his head, gazing at Alijah.

“That’s if the groom is up for it. Last chance to run away from this family.” Dad jested, trying to lighten the mood.

Alijah growled.

“Are you crazy? Of course, I am.” Alijah declared, causing Dad to smile at him.

It took a moment, but when we all were positioned correctly, the ceremony began. Holding onto Alijah’s hands in this beautiful scenery, Dad recited what was needed. Though when the moment came to giving our vows, I could not help but cry.

I could not hold the feelings that were flowing through me. In my heart, I did not want this to end. If I could, I wanted eternity with them all.

My wolf went first.

“I promise to be here for you. No matter what situation we find ourselves in. I vow to love you until the cosmos above stops shining. I offer to you myself, as broken as I may be. Even so, I pledge my entire life to you. I’m fully devoting myself to making you happy.” He paused, gazing at me with those orbs full of adoration.

My heart was too full. Nothing of this was legal.

“I’ll cherish and support you until the end of time.” A soft chuckle left his lips.

“Fuck, Rem, I’m the luckiest man alive to stand next to you for this life and the next.” Alijah simpered, eyes glossing.

This vow was an eternal one. Though it was hard for him to not stop the ceremony to comfort me. My hands were tightly intertwined with his. It was my turn.

“And you say you aren’t a romantic person.” I tried to shake the tears.

Alijah’s expression turned into one of tenderness. I readied myself for my vows.

Please… don’t break.

“I promise to love you until the end of time. I pledge to be here no matter what. If you are broken, I’ll patch you up no matter how many times you shatter. I’ll cherish and support you in anything we may encounter. You are my world and freedom, Alijah.” I sobbed, trying to keep it together.

But my voice was breaking. I wished this moment on this beautiful beach would last forever.

“Even if our time is short or long. I’ll always be by your side. Even when we argue and fight about the stupidest of things. I promise you’ll never regret choosing me.” I wept.

There was no holding it back. These emotions were too strong. Alijah struggled to not hold me.

“Stupid… Regret choosing you? You’re the only choice in my heart!” He huffed, glaring at Dad, who seemed to want to cry too.

“Alijah, will you take-” Dad tried to finish his question, but Alijah did not let him.

He wanted to get this over with so he could engulf me in his arms.

“I will.” He answered.

Dad chuckled, gazing down at the mess that I was.

“Rem will you take Alijah as your husband?” Dad petted my hair slightly.

I softly nodded.

“Yes.” I voiced through my sobs.

Once again, Alijah glared at Dad, wanting him to hurry.

“Then, with the power invested in me, as leader of the Lycan tribes. I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride, Alijah.” Dad finished.

My wolf did just that. Under the moonlight… surrounded by everyone who loved us, Alijah and I were married. This beautiful beach was where we shared our first kiss as husband and wife. After a few pictures, instead of sticking around for the congratulations, my wolf grabbed me, yanking me away from everyone.

Heading towards a side of the beach where no one was, my wolf stopped, letting me go free. Clenching his hands into fists, I dried my tears. Perhaps… I had drowned the mood too much.

Is he going to yell at me for forcing him on the spot like that?

I probably deserved that.

“Ah… we need to get you a ring, don’t we?” I tried to lighten the mood a bit.

He turned to me, grabbing onto my shoulders. His eyes seemed in pain. It hurt to see him like this.

“We can do that once we are in Silverant. Right now, I want to make you mine.” Alijah suddenly declared, leaving me flustered because of it.

His eyes were glowing slightly red, too.

“Wait, our family is here,” I whispered, realizing I already added him as part of it.

He shook his head, pinning me near a palm tree behind us.

“Fenris won’t allow them to come here. Plus, none of them is stupid enough to do so. They know what we’ll be doing.” Alijah assured, removing my pink shirt and the sleeves of my bathing suit, lowering it enough to expose my breasts to him.

Not that they were anything compared to what he had seen today. Though, of course, they were all covered. Though bathing suits usually left little to the imagination.

“But they’ll hear us,” I mumbled, not resisting his touch.

He fondled my chest gently, playing with my nobs that were already hard because of the chilly breeze hitting them. It made his hot skin on mine even feel more pleasant, though.

“We’re far enough. I can’t even hear them unless they scream which your sister Vera is doing so right now at Leonard.” Alijah chuckled, suddenly suckling on my breast.

I grabbed onto his hair that was silky smooth. Although it had the scent of the sea on it. Even though we had washed with fresh water to get rid of the sand and salt on our bodies in the cabin showers, the scent of the ocean still lingered on our skins. He used his free hand to take off my suit, exposing me fully.

“Today, your taste is salty.” Alijah teased.

I gazed at him slowly, tracing kisses down to my vulva.

“It’s because of the ocean water,” I informed him.

He chuckled, knowing that already, kneeling in front of me again. Suddenly, he lifted my right leg a bit, caressing my sensitive bell with his tongue. All I could do was hold on to his hair as he sent pleasure down my spine.

I tried to not mewl as loud as I usually did since my family was not that far. Though it was a perfect opportunity to touch his ears, that responded to my touch by slightly twitching. It was cute until he suddenly sucked on me down there.

The sudden suction, causing me to gasp, gazing down at him. A soft smirk was on his lips, triggering my cheeks to burn. Lapping my slits, his tongue made love to me soon after. Once again it felt like he was about to transform, causing silva to drip down my legs and off his chin.

Mewling, I could not help but gaze at the sky. There I saw the most beautiful waxing crescent moon staring back at me. In three weeks, the next full moon would happen, and it announced the blood moon.

Trying not to think about it for much longer when, I gazed down at Alijah, who was fully concentrated on trying to make me feel good. Watching him do this made me remember how he said he had never done this with anyone else. I still could not believe this man was mine alone.

The thought alone pushed me further into ecstasy. The realization that we were finally married also setting in. He was my husband, for life, and it was not because of the bond, but because he married me. I was his wife too, the person he spent the rest of his life with.

Is it okay for me to be this happy?

Tears fell down my cheeks again when I gently pulled on Alijah’s hair, causing him to gaze at me.

“It isn't enough. I want your kissed and your heat filling me.” I whimpered, feeling flustered.

He pulled away from there, licking his lips.

"Okay..." my wolf smirked playfully, picking me up, so my legs rested on his hips.

He kissed my neck when I helped him out of his trunks. He slipped himself against my slits.

“You’re so wet, my love. Ready for me?” he teased, triggering me to growl.

“Don’t make me say it twice!” I huffed, feeling flustered.

“Help me then. Unless you want me to rub it out with you.” He chuckled, kissing my cheek.

Much to his word, he kept rubbing himself on my slits, pressing the entrance on the way up. Although, it felt good. I did not want it to stop there. Reaching down, I grabbed onto his heat, causing him to sigh. It was wet, like me.

Shaking off the embarrassment, I guided him to my entrance. Licking my lips, he pressed his heat against it. It took little for it to give away, allowing him to caress my walls. A moan left his lips, causing him to nibble gently on my ear.

A second later, he suddenly moved passionately. Pulling his face away from my skin, I met my lips with his. We feverously kissed each other like there was no tomorrow. It was like trying to quench hunger for each other. A feeling that would never die no matter how many times we held each other.

This made me wonder if Fenrir and Valdios ever reached this feeling in their previous lives. Even though I knew they made part of us, I could not help but think we were separate beings though. But that was probably because I did not have any of the memories that Fenrir lived with.

And even if I experienced them, it would not change me into him. Every reincarnation made the souls different, but even then, my one and only was Alijah, who also was Valdios. We were eternally entwined with one another.

I could not count how many times we found our release together under the moonlight. Though Alijah did not let me rest that night. No matter what, he made sure that I knew how much he desired and loved me.

When the sun rose to greet us, Alijah was still pounding himself into me, holding me up from the sand. Calling my name, I knew what he was going to say. Instinctively, I clung to him, only for him to thrust himself deep into me before triggering a knot.

Even though it was useless, since I was not fertile, he always did so for the finale of our embrace. He did not do it to impregnate me. It was to fill me with ecstasy, which it did. Feeling him twitch in my walls when he released his seeds into me always sent me over the edge.

However, as soon as the knot was over, he helped me into my suit before heading back. There everyone was sleeping in camping tents. There was one setup for us, too. Crashing inside of it, we rested for a couple of hours before it was time to go.

Once we got to Silverant, Alijah and I went to the shop he picked my ring. This time it was to pick his out. Although he usually only wore earrings for accessories, the platinum ring I picked for him fit him perfectly, too. Those would be the last moments of peace before my training began yet again.

Though at the start of the dreaded month, Vera felt the babies' first movements, making it another moment of celebration. I think I spent the entire night with her and Alijah, who slept in the sleeping bag on the floor. With that, time went on as the moon continued to develop.

Before I knew it, it was the day the blood moon would show up. The day Midnight and I would have our showdown too. I did not know… what would happen, but I headed towards it with no fears or regrets.

I was pleased with how my life was, but I would not give it up without a fight. No, this life was mine.