EPILOGUE: Part 1

EPILOGUE: Part 1
Magnus Hale

I let out a laugh, drawing a smile from him too.

I take a deep breath, squeezing his hands, trying to contain the knot forming in my throat.

"Well… I don’t even know what to say," I begin, and I hear a few chuckles from his father and the driver. "Adrian, you forced your way into my life, tearing down everything I believed was my path. I’m blunt, I’m possessive, and honestly, I don't know how to live without you anymore."

My words come out with an open heart, no masks.

"Waking up by your side has been the best part of my days. Being spoiled by you… it’s something I never imagined could feel so good. You came into my life like a hurricane and messed everything up." I sigh and let a weak laugh escape. "And I fucking love you, kid. I promise to make you happy, to be your safe harbor, to spoil you, and to protect you above anything else. I love you, Adrian Hale Kael."

His eyes shimmer, wet, but the stubborn tears don't fall. His hands shake as he picks up the ring and holds my hand, sliding the band onto my finger with a gentleness that deconstructs me from the inside out.

I take the other ring, kiss his finger, and slide it on slowly, feeling the symbolic weight of the gesture.

"I now pronounce you husband and spouse," the priest announces, his voice thick with emotion. "May God bless this union."

Before the priest can even finish, Adrian pulls me into a kiss. I laugh against his lips, surrendering to the touch, and the kiss deepens—hot, desperate, and full of life.

Discreet applause echoes through the church, but nothing matters.

Only him.

Adrian Hale Kael.

My young, beautiful husband.

When we finally pull apart, still breathless and smiling, his father approaches, eyes misty, an emotional smile on his face.

"Happiness to you, my son." His voice breaks. "I am so happy you found love."

He then turns to me, his gaze gentle, almost paternal.

"Please… take good care of my son."

I give a small, sincere smile.

"Count on it," I answer firmly. "I will take very good care of him."

Adrian hugs me tightly, laughing with pure joy.

"Let’s go to our new home, my love," he whispers, his voice hoarse and warm.

Before I can say anything, he leans into my ear, his hot breath against my skin.

"I want to devour you whole."

My entire body shudders at the whispered promise, and when I look at him, the malicious smile on his lips makes my heart race.

"Right…" I say, trying to hide the shiver. "Let’s go, my love."

He turns to his father, who simply smiles and, without hesitation, hands him the car keys. Adrian takes them, thanks him with a quick nod, and pulls me by the hand, anxious, dragging me out of the church.

He opens the car door for me in a gallant gesture that makes me laugh.

"Please, my beautiful husband." The provocative tone I adore so much fills every word.

I kiss his cheek before getting into the car, and he walks around, sliding into the driver’s seat. He starts the engine, hands firm on the steering wheel, and pulls away with a wide grin.

"Finally." His low voice carries contained emotion. "Finally, we are married."

He looks at me with glowing eyes.

"This isn't a dream, is it?"

I let out a low laugh and place my hand on his thigh, caressing it lightly.

"No, my love," I answer. "It’s not a dream. This is reality. We are actually married."

He lets out a sigh of pure happiness, and his laughter is contagious. He holds my hand, brings it to his lips, and kisses it tenderly for a long time.

"I love you, Magnus. And, fuck… when you confessed you loved me, I felt my heart stop. I thought I was going to die right there." He lets out a nervous laugh. "Please, say it again."

I lean in, brushing my lips against his ear.

"I love you, Adrian Hale Kael."

My voice comes out hoarse, heavy with excitement.

"Don't do that to me, love. I almost crashed the car."

I burst into laughter, feeling the joy vibrate in every fiber of my body. I keep my hand on his thigh, my thumb tracing slow circles as I watch the road.

The city begins to disappear in the rearview mirror, and the scenery changes: more secluded houses, tall trees, and silence. Until we enter a massive property. An iron gate rises ahead, and Adrian presses a button on the car's ceiling. The gate opens with a soft creak, revealing a driveway lined with well-kept gardens.

"What the fuck…" I murmur, surprised. "Is this a house or a castle?"

He just smiles, proud.

The car stops in front of the main entrance, an imposing mansion with a modern facade and wide windows. Adrian gets out first, walks around, and opens the door for me with a provocative smile.

"This way, my sovereign."

An involuntary smile escapes me. I take his hand and get out of the car.

As soon as we step inside, I lose my breath. The interior is breathtaking: white marble floors, a gigantic crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, silk curtains, and two staircases that split elegantly toward the upper floors.

"It’s… unbelievable," I murmur, spinning slowly, absorbing every detail.

Before I can lose myself in contemplation, I am suddenly turned around. Adrian stares at me, his gaze dark, dense with desire.

"We can explore later, my love." His deep, hoarse voice slides through the air.

He steps closer, the heat of his body pressing against mine.

"Now..." he continues, his smile turning almost predatory. "I can't hold back anymore. I need you."

He stares at me for an instant, eyes darkened, a wild grin on his face, and then he pulls me in for good, pressing our bodies together.

His hands slide over my shoulders, and the leather jacket hits the floor with a muffled thud. The kiss follows immediately—possessive, hungry, the kind of kiss that steals your breath and your sanity. Adrian devours me without mercy, his tongue invading my mouth, tangling with mine in a hot, desperate rhythm.

The taste of him is addictive—warm, salty, alive. It makes me dizzy.

My hands search for his skin; I pull his shirt up, breaking our mouths apart for a second before returning with even more hunger. I run my hands over his firm chest, sliding down the muscles of his waist and up his ribs, feeling every shiver I provoke.

He grabs my hand, his gaze burning with desire, and pulls me up the stairs. The pace is fast and intense; I almost stumble trying to keep up with him. His laugh echoes low and hoarse as he flings open the door to a spacious bedroom, and, before I can even take in the room, his mouth is on mine again.

We move blindly, stumbling, colliding, kissing as if time were running out. The tension in the air is thick, palpable, and almost electric. His body is hot; mine is on fire.

We fall onto the bed, the impact too soft for the urgency we feel. I stay on top, pinning his wrists for a moment just to see that glint of surrender in his eyes.

Breaking the kiss, I drag my lips down to his neck, biting and sucking hard enough to make him moan loudly. I lick the mark, savoring the salt of his skin, and continue trailing kisses down his chest, nipping at his nipple until I feel his body shudder with pleasure.

Every groan of his makes me hungrier.