Stephen Buther's POV:
Time to confront reality. Cara was correct.
I'd been misleading myself by ignoring Daina's sentiments.
After almost losing her lately, it was difficult for me to pretend I didn't care.
This time, when I observed her being openly by numerous she-wolves in the corridor, I couldn't resist but jump in.
Daina shouldn't suffer. She deserved more.
I knew she'd been injured before and couldn't allow it happen again.
As her mate, I'll defend her.
Accepting a mate might impact my long-term objectives, but I couldn't help falling for Daina.
I stopped suppressing my emotions. I want her immediately.
She's my true love. I'd protect her life.
I walked Daina out of the masquerade party and into the garden, where I turned to her.
"Daina,"I peered into her eyes and grasped her wrists to collect confidence.
"I love you. I won't reject you. I... want you to be my mate so we may live together forever."
I watched Daina's response. I didn't want to miss her tiniest emotion.
I confessed my love for the first time. My words and motions were awkward because I was so frightened.
What if Daina disapproved? Suppose she rejected me. Daina didn't speak for a time.
I was so concerned that I softly asked her, "Daina, can we be genuine mates?"
Daina giggled.
Did she believe I wasn't her mate? "I'm laughing"
Daina poked out her tongue while leaning towards my chest.
It's the first time I've seen someone declare love like Mr. Stephan Buther.
"Was my love confession wrong?"
Daina puffed me.
"Mr. Stephan Buther, you appear so serious, like you're at a military parade."
No one advised me how to tell my girlfriend I loved her.
While I was thinking , Daina said, "I like it."
"It's good?"
She liked me?
I admire how you declared your love, and I love you too.
Daina kissed me on tiptoe.
"Have you forgotten, Mr. Buther? You and I are intended to be together. You've rescued me so many times. You've altered my destiny and given me a new life. In my heart, you're already irreplaceable."
"Really?"
I wanted to blend her body with mine as I held her.
My delight was bursting.
"Daina, really?"I couldn't think straight from exhilaration.
"How can I laugh about mate bond?"
Daina interlaced her fingers with mine.
"I didn't anticipate you to proclaim your love to me. I'm thrilled. Mr. Stephan Buther, I'm prepared to be your mate forever."
I felt like I owned the universe while holding her delicate hands.
Daina begged me not to jeopardize my life again.
I nuzzled her cheek.
"Mr. Stephen Buther, I'll try to become stronger and not bother you,"Daina swore.
I admired her dedication and skill.
I lifted her chin and kissed her lovely lips.
"Don't call me Mr. Stephen Buther. It's too formal."
"Okay."
Daina couldn't resist my lips.
Her cute gasps drove me crazy.
I bit her bottom lip and sucked her tongue.
I soon got a massive erection.
Daina's lips were full, wet, and delicate as I broke away from the kiss.
Would you date me? Touching her hot face, I asked.
Let's have a romantic date somewhere quiet.
"But I have daily training," Daina remarked.
I smiled and caressed her head as I said, "I'll tell everyone."
"Hurray!"
Daina sprang into my arms, elevating her feet.
"Thanks, Stephen Buther."
I raised an eyebrow.
"What? Why call me Mr. Stephen Buther? "
"Thanks, Stephan, my friend."
Daina kissed me.
"Good girl"I caressed her long hair while still holding her waist.
I love the small girl in my arms.
This was how loving someone felt.
Daina was like holding the universe in my hands.
Invincible.
POV: Daina
Prince Stephan Buther and I were buddies.
I never thought he'd adore me. Stephan Buther has saved me numerous times.
Despite wanting retribution, I was touched by the flawless lycan.
Maybe I fell in love with him long ago and didn't confess it.
Why weren't we together if we loved each other? We had to keep our connection secret since Stephan Buther was the prince.
The truth would have terrible implications. The date came soon.
Stephan Buther announced a holiday for trainees.
He brought me to his own island on a boat.
He owned the island, therefore no one else could enter.
It was reported that the prince's private island was even more magnificent than Marge Island.
I enjoyed the sea breeze from the luxury yacht's deck.
"Stephan Buther, I love sailing. It's liberating."
I squinted while inhaling the sea wind.
"I'll bring you here regularly if you enjoy it."
Stephan Buther massaged my shoulder.
"We can come here when we're not training," I said.
Stephan Buther amusedly tapped my nose.
What do you think about going fishing and then having a candlelit dinner? You haven't tasted my cooking."
I was stunned.
"Try,"
Stephan Buther wrapped his arms around me and murmured.
"Don't worry. I won't accidentally murder you."
"Okay," I stuttered. If the prince wants to cook, I'll encourage him. I'd still eat bad stuff.
"I won't fail,"
Stephan Buther led me inside the cabin.
The cabin was tastefully decorated with plush wool carpet, a leather couch, a European-style bed, a double-door closet, and a bookshelf full of literature.
Every piece of furniture appeared handcrafted, making the place seem regal.
I took a random book from the shelf and flipped over a few pages.
Prince Stephan Buther was well-educated.
I wondered what he read.
I hugged him.
"I'm happy we met."
"Yes, honey."
Stephan Buther embraced me.
"You make me the luckiest guy alive."
I hid my head in his chest when he called me "honey."
I was overjoyed.
Buther wasn't as frigid as he appeared. He may be kind and loving with his girlfriend.
As I listened to his heartbeat, I automatically caressed his chest.
My face heated up. His heart was racing; mine was out of control.
Stephan Buther's respiration quickened as our heartbeats merged.
"Don't move," he whispered gruffly, biting my earlobe.
"I've lost control"
I felt something huge and hard stab my thighs after he finished speaking.
"Do you really want me?"Biting my lip, I asked.