Chapter 178 Acceptance

Chapter 178 Acceptance
Finn
 
I stood frozen in place, my heart stopping in my chest. Did I just hear what I thought I heard? Vesper's voice echoed in my ears.
 
"I accept you as my mate, Finn. If you still want me..."
 
Time slowed to a crawl. Her chocolate eyes fixed on me, wide and vulnerable.
 
She wants me. She actually wants me.
 
My body moved before my mind caught up. Three long strides and I was in front of her, my hands trembling as I reached for her. When my arms wrapped around her, something locked into place inside me.
 
I kissed her. Right there in front of everyone, I claimed her mouth with mine, pouring years of patience and longing into that single connection. The pack erupted in cheers around us, but I barely registered the sound. All that mattered was Vesper in my arms, her tears wet against my cheeks.
 
When we finally broke apart, I gently wiped the moisture from her face. "From the first moment I smelled your lavender and chamomile scent, I wanted you," I whispered. "From the first time I saw you, there's been no one else in my heart."
 
Alpha Kairos and Luna Riley approached, Luna Riley wearing a knowing smile.
 
We'll talk later. I need to settle Riley, but I can't believe you kept this from me, his mind-link message came through privately.
 
I didn't want to scare her away, I responded silently.
 
It was true. Vesper had been through hell before joining our pack. The last thing I wanted was to pressure her before she was ready.
 
Luna Grace embraced Vesper briefly. "Welcome to the family," she said softly.
 
After the initial congratulations, Alpha Kairos returned without Luna Riley.
 
"She's asleep, Luna," he said to Luna Grace. "Resting comfortably now."
 
He turned to me. "You have the night off, Finn. Go be with your mate."
 
I hesitated, my sense of duty warring with my desire. "Are you sure, Alpha? With everything that's happened—"
 
"Finn," Alpha Kairos cut me off, "if I've learned one thing through all this, it's to never put anyone above your mate. Riley's in the packhouse. I'll know if she wakes. If I need her, Luna Grace is here too." His eyes held mine. "Go be with your mate. You've waited a long time for this day. Enjoy it."
 
"Thank you, Alpha."
 
I turned to Vesper, suddenly nervous despite the years of waiting. "Will you come with me?" I asked softly.
 
She nodded, looking shy but determined. I took her hand and led her toward the stairs.
 
The walk to my room seemed both eternal and too brief. When we reached my door, I hesitated, suddenly unsure. This wasn't just another night. This was the beginning of everything.
 
Inside my room, Vesper stood just past the threshold, her hands clasped in front of her.
 
"Thank you for accepting me," I said, my voice low.
 
"Thank you for being so patient with me."
 
I stepped closer. "What made you decide? Finally, I mean."
 
"I've been thinking about it for a while," she admitted. "About how kind and loving and thoughtful you are, not just to me, but to the whole pack. I had no reason to wait any longer. I like being with you. I feel safe with you. When things make me sad, you're the one who makes me feel better." A blush crept up her cheeks. "I hope it was okay that I told the whole pack."
 
I moved closer. "I loved you claiming me in front of the pack. I love that you feel safe with me, and that you come to me when you're sad. I want to be everything to you. I want everything with you..." My hand cupped her cheek. "I love you, Vesper. Whatever happens tonight, I want you with me forever."
 
Her brow furrowed slightly. "What do you mean, 'whatever happens tonight'?"
 
"I know completing our mating might be too much for you," I explained. "I want you to know right now that I understand, and if you're uncomfortable, that's okay."
 
The smile that spread across her face was worth every second of waiting. "I do want to," she said, her voice stronger. "I want your mark on my neck so I can proudly show that I'm the mate of the amazing Beta Finn. I want our pack and the world to know that I'm yours and you're mine."
 
My wolf growled possessively at her words.
 
"You're mine whether my mark is on you or not," I told her. "But I'll be happier when my mark is on that pretty neck of yours."
 
The shift in the air between us was electric as I reached for her. My hands were gentle as I removed her clothes, kissing her through it all—her lips, her neck, her collarbone.
 
When she stood naked before me, I knelt, pressing my lips to the place where her thighs met. "I'll be back for more later," I promised, my voice a low growl.
 
I kissed my way back up her body, paying special attention to her breasts until her moans filled my ears.
 
"You're wearing too many clothes," she gasped.
 
I lifted her into my arms and carried her to bed, settling beside her to explore her body with reverent touches.
 
"You're so beautiful," I whispered. "How do you feel? Is this okay?"
 
"It would be better if you were naked too," she replied, her eyes filled with trust.
 
I removed my remaining clothes, watching her carefully for any sign of fear. When she patted the bed beside her, I returned to her side, my hand roaming her body.
 
Gently, I circled her clit with my thumb, watching closely as her body responded. When she finally cried out with her release, I growled possessively, knowing with certainty this was the first of many I'd give her throughout our lives.
 
"I... Are we... Are we finished?" she asked shyly once she caught her breath.
 
I smiled, leaning down to kiss her lips. "Oh, my beautiful little mate," I whispered, "we're just getting started."