Chapter 149 Chapter 149
Chapter 149 Chapter 149
NO MORE WAITING
ETHAN'S POV
I sat alone in my office, staring at the stack of reports from the palace guards.
Everything looked peaceful on paper. Patrols had been increased around the borders. The rogue threat had been completely eliminated, and Lucas was no longer a concern after his restrictions.
The pack and the family was safe. Yet my Alpha instincts refused to settle.
My wolf paced restlessly inside me, growling and scraping his claws against the confines of my control.
However, It was not reacting to danger. It was reacting because I had continued delaying the inevitable for far too long.
I dismissed the guards with a wave of my hand and remained alone in the quiet office. The moment the door closed, my wolf pushed forward again.
"Mark her."
The words echoed in my head, stronger than ever.
I leaned back in my leather chair and closed my eyes, letting memories flood through me. Suddenly, I began to remember the day I had first ignored Tiana as my mate.
I had believed foolishly that pushing her away was the noble choice, protecting her from the burdens of leadership, the political games, and the constant threats that came with our world.
I recalled the fear that had gripped me. Fear of what completing the bond would mean for our family, for the pack’s stability, and for her fragile heart.
However, every delay, and every hesitation, had only exposed her to more danger.
If I had accepted her sooner, fully and without reservation, perhaps she wouldn’t have suffered so much. The guilt weighed heavily on my chest like an iron chain, tightening with every breath.
A soft knock suddenly pulled me from my thoughts.
The door opened, and Ezra and Ezekiel walked in together. They were casually discussing future pack matters, strengthening border alliances with neighboring territories, updating training schedules for the warriors, and planning the next full moon ceremony to reinforce pack unity.
I listened for a moment, their voices a comforting rumble in the background, then suddenly cut in. “Have either of you thought about marking Tiana?”
My brothers stopped mid-sentence and turned to look at me, raising their eyebrows in surprise.
Ezra was the first to recover. He rubbed the back of his neck, as a rare expression crossed his face.
“Every single day,” he admitted quietly. “But I’ve been waiting. I wanted Tiana to choose freely, without pressure. After everything she’s endured. The pain, the betrayal, the fear, and... I didn’t want to rush her. I wanted her to feel safe first.”
I turned my gaze to Ezekiel, who simply nodded, though his eyes burned with the same intensity I felt.
"I’ve thought about it many times. More than I can count. And to be honest, my wolf has been driving me mad with the need.”
I took a deep breath, and finally spoke the words that had been burning inside me for too long.
“I’m done waiting.”
Both brothers looked at me, their expressions shifting from surprise to deep understanding and quiet relief.
“I intend to officially accept Tiana as my mate very soon,” I continued, my voice gaining strength.
"I want to mark her. I want to complete the bond fully and irrevocably. She belongs with us. And I’m tired of holding back out of fear or misplaced nobility. She has suffered enough because of my hesitation. It ends now.”
Neither brother objected. Instead, genuine, relieved smiles spread across their faces, easing the tension that had lingered between us for hours.
“It’s about time,” Ezra said softly, his voice warm with approval. “The family is finally moving toward real happiness. Toward wholeness. Tiana deserves to feel that bond, and that security.”
Ezekiel placed a firm hand on my shoulder, squeezing it in brotherly solidarity. “We’ll stand with you, Ethan. Whatever you need, planning, support, or simply giving you space, we’re here. To be honest, this is right for all of us.”
After they left the office, I sat alone for a few minutes longer, with a determined smile on my face. The restlessness in my wolf eased, replaced by a calm, focused purpose.
No more delays. And no more second-guessing.
This time, I would make her mine. I would show her through actions, not just words, that she was cherished, protected, and eternally bound to us.
I stood up with renewed energy and called for one of my most trusted aides. The young man entered quickly, bowing respectfully.
“I want to take her away from the palace for the entire day. Somewhere peaceful, the secluded meadow by the crystal river, perhaps. No guards, no royal duties, no interruptions. Just the two of us. Pack a basket with her favorite foods, soft blankets, and anything else that might bring her comfort.”
The aide bowed again and left swiftly to carry out my orders, closing the door with a soft click.
I walked over to the tall window and looked out at the vast forest beyond the palace walls. My wolf was calm now, content with the decision I had finally made.
Tiana had suffered enough.
It was time to protect her the way I should have from the beginning. Time to embrace the mate bond with my whole heart and soul.