Will you be my mate?

Not many things in this world scared the Lycan Warrior except for this little faerie; he did not want to lose her.

"I've come to realize that Duskvale is more than just a temporary haven—it's a realm where my heart has found a home. I want to stay with you."

Arian, unable to contain his emotions, pulled her into his chest as he peered into her emerald eyes before meeting her lips with his. She was everything he never knew he needed or wanted.

Before she could say anything else, Arian wanted to make sure she understood the weight of her choice, "Are you sure this is what you want? You can always say no, but if you stay, I intend to mark you."

"Then take me as your mate."

As they stood beneath the celestial expanse, Arian spoke of a Lycan tradition—an ancient marking that signified a deep bond, a union of hearts beneath the twilight's glow. 

"We should hold the ceremony soon because my mark will become your shield whenever we are apart. I do not want to take any chances with your safety."

"Why have I never heard of this? I thought your mark was just a way to strengthen the bond between mates."

"That is correct, but it is different for a Lycan warrior. Unlike Werewolves, we choose our mate so we are not bound by a predestined mate bond."

"How soon do you plan on having the ceremony? Can my parents come?"

"Let's make preparations for two weeks from now. Your parents are welcome to attend, this is now their home as well. I will gather the warriors and make the announcement."

"Can we go back to Eudora to tell my parents?"

"Yes, we can go this afternoon if you'd like. I will dismiss the warriors for the remainder of the day after we tell them."

"You want me to be there when you do?"

"Of course, you are not beneath me or anyone else in this realm. As my mate, you have every right to be with me. The warriors will become your sentinels once the mating ceremony is completed. They will lay down their lives to protect you."

"I had no idea. That is a heavy responsibility to put on them. They do not have to do that for me."

"They do and they will. Warriors are bound to protect the leader's family because of lineage. If we have pups, one of them will be next in line as their leader, unless they renounce their claim."