Arianna:

Hunter held my hand as we walked toward the gardens. The last time I was here was with Mark. I remember sitting under the cherry blossom trees and he kissed me for the first time.

"What's on your mind?"

"I was just thinking about my last time here. I was having lunch with Mark and you walked by with your mistress."

"I was very jealous."

"You had no right to be."

"I know...still…"

"I knew you were having sex with her. I could smell her all over you."

"You're right...I was. I tried to forget about you, but it never worked."

"Did you really stand outside my bedroom window at night?"

"Almost every night. That's how I caught Mark in your bed. I saw you two together and called the guards."

"So much has happened since then. I don't know what I'm supposed to be feeling anymore. All I ever wanted was a mate to love me and have a family with."

"Arianna...I do love you. As much as I wanted to deny it, I always loved you. From that very first moment I saw you. You are so beautiful and have such a big heart. You should hate me right now. I just don't understand why you don't."

I took a deep breath and turned to him, taking his hands in mine. I looked up into his eyes before I spoke.

"Maybe I should hate you, but I don't. I have forgiven you for everything that happened. You are still my mate, and I really want us to start over. I know there is a kind and gentle wolf in there that is very different from the one who you have tried to be. The real Hunter. That's who I want to be with. That's the man I love."

"Did you just say that you love me?"

"Yes I do. I love you Hunter."

"You have no idea what it means to me to hear you say that. I don't deserve you, but I am just so happy to know you do."

He took my face in his hands and kissed me so gently. As if mother nature herself was listening, just as Hunter kissed me, flower petals started falling around us. Covering us in pink and the scent of the flowers.

"Hunter...I want to be with you. I don't need anymore time to think. I love you and I want you to love me. I want you to make me yours."

"Are you sure you want this? Want me?"

"More than anything in my life."

Hunter picked me up bridal style and carried me to the closest place he could think of. My old cottage. We burst through the door and straight to the bedroom. Hunter placed me on the bed and stared down at me.

"Finally getting me in your bed. Is this what you wanted?"

"You're all I've ever wanted."

We slowly pulled off our clothes all the while kissing, touching, and savouring each other. He kissed all over my body, leaving me in a state of euphoria. Eva purred in my head, wanting more. Our love was sweet, passionate, and everything I imagined my first time to be. After multiple orgasms and Hunter leaving me exhausted, he lifted me into his arms and I straddled over him.

"You're mine Arianna. I want the world to know."

"Then show everyone."

He moved my hair away from my neck, and tilted my head to the side. I watched him bare his teeth and felt him sink them into my neck. I gasped and stiffened, but a second later my body relaxed and enjoyed the incredible feeling of being claimed. When he pulled away, he kissed over my fresh mark and urged me to mark him. Eva screamed her excitement and we obliged by marking him as well. Suddenly, everything clicked. Like the last two pieces of a puzzle finally in place. Feelings swam through me that I never imagined possible. I felt the love that he felt for me and hopefully, he felt mine as well.

"Arianna...my love."

"I love you Hunter."

He pushed me back onto the bed again, and reclaimed me all over again.

HUNTER:

I have the biggest, stupidest grin on my face. I don't care. Just look at this beautiful creature. I completely wore her out, and she fell asleep in my arms. The blanket carelessly thrown over us. She lays so I can stare right at the mark I placed on her. My beautiful mate. Of course it is short lived. Just when I think I finally have some peace, my phone rings. I found it in my jeans pocket laying on the ground. I carefully left Arianna in the bed to answer the phone.

"What's up?"

"Sorry to bother you, but Nigel and Mark's hearings are finally scheduled for Wednesday of next week."

"It's about time. The council really drug their feet on this one."

"You're telling me."

"I really should get back to Arianna. We'll discuss all of this later."

"Well, well..you sound chipper. Could it be that my Alpha has finally marked his mate?"

I grinned even bigger and glanced over at Arianna.

"That could be it."

"Congrats. I'll let you go. Have fun!"

He hung up and I chuckled.

"Hey…"

I looked over to see Arianna laying on her side and curled into the blanket.

"Hey gorgeous."

"What time is it?"

"Nearly 7pm. You hungry?"

"Starving."

"The cottage is still stocked with food, I think. How about I cook us some dinner?"

She perked up and got excited.

"You cook?"

"I can make a pretty mean chili."

"Alright then, Mr. Alpha...show me."

I chuckled at her.

"You got it gorgeous. Daddy's gonna make you the best chili ever."

She giggled at me.

"Yes Daddy…."

I gave her a playful growl and threw my pants on. If I didn't, we'd never leave that bed. About an hour later, Arianna was looking over my shoulder and peeking into the pot.

"Hey you...go sit."

"Hunter, I'm starving!"

"Alright...it's done. Now go sit."

I served us each a large bowl of chili with some garlic bread and watched as she dug in.

"This is delicious! You do make an amazing chili."

"Told ya…"

We both laughed and enjoyed our dinner together.