Chapter 60: Never change
Brandon couldn't contain his excitement for Edgar he wondered how long he had carried these thoughts for Elaine. He grinned mischievously but promised to keep the secret.
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. But you better make sure she says yes," Brandon teased, playfully nudging his friend.
“That can never happen” Eddy said very confident in himself.
“Let’s hope that her feelings haven’t changed since after your encounter with Rachaela” Brandon said and Eddy punched him on the shoulder.
Edgar chuckled, a rare display of light-heartedness amidst their intense situation. They both knew that there were more pressing matters at hand, like convincing Elaine that he and Rachaela had nothing to do with each other and it was only the things she saw happen that actually happened.
The prospect of a future together with Elaine brought a glimmer of hope to Edgar’s heart.
Eddy and Brandon continued their conversation, the tension that had been weighing them down seemed to lift momentarily. They discussed plans for the mating ceremony, with Edgar sharing his visions of what it would be like.
His eyes lit up with excitement as he described the beautiful traditions and rituals that came with the mating ceremony. They remembered their childhood days and how they would always go to mating ceremonies to watch couples solidify their bonds.
Brandon, always the practical one, offered suggestions and advice, wanting nothing but the best for his friend. It was a heartwarming moment, a brief respite from the things that have been happening to them for a while.
But in the back of their minds, the image of Elaine trapped in Rachaela's mystical prison haunted them and they would never let anything ever happen to her again.
***
After an intense discussion about the mating ceremony and the excitement it had brought, Edgar couldn't wait to share his feelings with Elaine. He knew he had to seize the moment, at this point they had no worries, all their enemies were dead and it was their time to do what pleases their own heart.
He made his way to the physician quarters where Elaine was being held. The guards at the entrance recognized him and allowed him to pass, though they remained vigilant, knowing the danger of letting just anyone come into her room.
Inside the dimly lit room, Elaine was sitting on a small cot, her expression a mixture of concern and determination. When she saw Edgar enter, a small smile played on her lips, despite her predicament.
"Edgar," she greeted softly, her voice tinged with relief at his presence.
"Elaine," He approached her, taking her hand gently in his, his gaze locked onto hers.
When she looked into his eyes and saw the red color in them she was more than happy.
“It’s you Eddy, you’re really back?” She said smiling brightly.
“Yes I am, I’m really sorry for what I put you through and how I made you feel, please forgive me” Edgar said holding her hands tighter as he felt that he needed to.
“It’s alright Edgar, I totally understand, it’s not your fault. I just want to know if your love for me changed or wavered because mine didn’t” she said as she waited patiently for his answer as anticipation filled her eyes.
“My love for you will never change, not today, not tomorrow, not forever” Eddy said as he reassured her.
“It better not change, I can’t have you being in love with another” Elaine said and they both chuckled.
"There's something I need to tell you, something I've been wanting to say for a long time." Edgar said gently.
“Is there a problem, what is it?” Her eyes widened, curiosity and hope dancing in their depths.
He took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest, he didn’t know what her response would be and how he could change her mind if she said no but he was going to try anyways, he was going to make sure she said yes to him and forget all other factors that might affect their love for each other.
"Elaine, I've loved you for so long, you mean more to me than anything in this world. And I can't imagine my life without you, you’ve added to the greater part of my life and I intend for that to keep happening” he said with so much emotions in his eyes.
"Edgar, I…" Elaine’s eyes welled with tears, and she squeezed his hand.
"Please, let me finish. I know we're in the midst of a dire situation, and it's not the ideal time for such conversations, but I can't wait any longer. Elaine, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to make you mine in the eyes of our pack, in the eyes of the moon." He gently placed a finger over her lips, silencing her and he spoke.
She stared at him in disbelief, her heart racing. "Are you saying..."
"Yes, I'm asking you to be my mate, my wife, my Luna, the mother of my children and most importantly my partner for life, to stand by my side, to share our lives together. I want to have a mating ceremony, one that will bind us not just as mates but as one soul forever " he replied, his voice filled with determination.
Tears spilled from Elaine's eyes, and she threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Yes, Edgar, yes! I've waited for this moment for so long."
He held her close, feeling a profound sense of happiness and relief wash over him. In the midst of the chaos and drama that surrounded them, they had found a glimmer of hope and love.
“I love you so much Elaine” he said looking deeply into her eyes.
“I love you too Eddy” she replied as she held his face in her palms and he pulled her in for a deep kiss.