Chapter 196 Dragon POV

Chapter 196 Dragon POV
The after-party tent is massive—pure white and impossible to ignore. A polished hardwood floor stretches beneath our feet, and I have no idea how they managed to pull all of this together in a single day. Inside, sheer white fabric drapes the walls, softening everything, while crystal chandeliers hang overhead, casting warm light across the space. Rectangular tables dressed in crisp white cloths surround the dance floor, each one adorned with delicate pink flowers. The bar runs the entire length of the tent, fully stocked and already busy.

There are three other tents set up outside—one has to be the kitchen, and the others… maybe private suites for Jenna and Frankie? I’m not sure. What is obvious is that Jackson Stone spared no expense for his daughter’s ceremony.

Dustin—I’m starting to like him. Unlike the others, he actually makes eye contact with Lilith when he talks to her. Not once has he looked down at her chest. It’s a small thing, but it matters. I’m glad he found his mate—and already has a pup. Getting distance from Jenna did him good. I’m looking forward to meeting his mate tomorrow.

I help Lilith into her seat and take mine beside her. When I turn to look at her—really look—I’m hit all over again. She’s stunning.

Memories flood in—the first time I kissed her. The way she pulled me closer, her legs wrapping around me, her hands framing my face. When I tried to pull back, she hesitated, like she didn’t want to let me go. The heat that rushed through me, consuming everything. I remember focusing on her black eyes, grounding myself in them—

She’s grinning at me now.

"Was it really that good?" she asks, smiling wide.

I lean back in my chair, matching her expression. "It really was."

Everyone at our table settles in, but not before Ares asks what we’re talking about. She’s really come out of her shell. I smirk slightly.

I’m game. Let’s play.

"The first time I kissed Lilith."

Ares’ eyes widen at my bluntness. I don’t usually talk about us—not like this. I’ve always preferred to keep things private when it comes to her, but maybe I’ve loosened up over the last year.

Lucas glances at me—he knows. That was when Lilith cheated on Damian. Matt knows too; they were close with him back then. Ares props her chin in her hand, waiting for more. Rage drapes his arm over the back of her chair, Nova sitting close beside him. He’s not even trying to hide his favorite. Asteria, meanwhile, is watching Damian’s face turn cold.

"The kiss that sealed our fate." I pause, studying him. "What I didn’t know then… it was the mate bond. Rogues feel fire—hot, consuming fire. Lilith is my gravity. I can’t help being pulled to her."

"Even when she told you she wished you had died instead of Dimitri?" Damian snaps.

Woah. He’s really going for it.

I get it, though. She cheated on him. Both her and Rose fucked him up. I don’t know how he’s still standing—still calm, still collected, still decent. I would’ve turned into a monster by now.

Gasps ripple around the table. Lilith frowns at him, clearly not happy he brought that up.

Jenna and Frankie walk in to loud applause and cheers, with some obnoxious whistling from the Texas guys.

"Even then," I answer calmly. "The tunnel can be dark, but there’s always light at the end."

"How long did you fight the bond?" Lucas asks. "I’ve never asked—you hate talking about this shit."

"Almost as long as you," I shoot back, leaning toward him across the table. "Dimitri fought it for five years. He was one strong fucker." My chest tightens. Goddess, I miss my brother. "Just for me to end up her favorite," I add with a laugh.

"Dragon!" Lilith smacks my shoulder.

"What? You don’t think Dimitri knew? He knew. That’s why he asked for that time alone with you. And yeah, I pouted like a kid—but I’m glad I gave it to him."

"How can you have a favorite?" Nova asks Lilith.

Rage leans back as they start talking, his arm slipping away from Ares. Then he catches me watching him. A smile tugs at his lips. I return it. He knows. I know it.

Jackson pulls the room’s attention with a heartfelt speech, followed by Frankie’s dad, Josh, who leaves barely a dry eye in the place. Dustin fidgets with his fork, glancing at his watch. Jenna and Frankie begin making their rounds.

When they reach our table, Jenna ignores Dustin completely—like he isn’t even there. It doesn’t seem to bother him. He’s scrolling on his phone. I glance over.

Pictures of his daughter.

Ares and Nova show off their Luna gifts—gold bangles set with red rubies. Four each for them as Lunas. The Beta’s mate has three, and it scales down from there. Interesting. Every pack has its own customs.

Jackson stops by our table, thanking Lilith and me for letting them set everything up. His gaze drops to her necklace.

“You outbid me for it?”

I laugh. Did I really outbid one of the richest werewolves alive for something he wanted for his daughter?

"Did I?" I ask, feigning surprise. "You should get into porn—way more money in that than banking."

Dustin bursts out laughing—loud enough to draw attention from nearby tables.

Jackson holds himself together, barely.

"I sold a few cars so I didn’t have to touch other funds. It was worth it—a fitting ceremony gift. When you give a she-wolf your heart, money doesn’t matter." Something shifts in me. I shrug slightly. "Lately, I’ve been thinking she’d rather have the one beating in my chest."

Jackson chuckles. "Pregnant she-wolves. Fun."

Dustin grins but wipes it away quickly as Jackson turns to him.

"Odd man out," Jackson says coldly.

"How do you mean?" Dustin asks.

"The last single guy at this table." And just like that, Jackson moves on.

I glance at Lilith. She’s barely eating, just picking at her food.

I pat my lap. She smiles softly before easing herself onto me. Carefully, I lift her belly, supporting the weight. She exhales, tension melting from her body.

"That is the best feeling," she murmurs.

"Dustin, why didn’t you shut him up?" Matt asks.

Dustin lets out a sharp breath. "Because fuck him. Fuck this whole charade. Fuck her cold-hearted ass." His voice tightens. "She never told me when things changed—just let me look like a fool. They don’t need to know anything about me." He pushes his chair back abruptly, the legs scraping harshly against the floor. "Matter of fact, I’m out. I’ll see you guys tomorrow."

And just like that, he’s gone.

The dance floor floods and the night continues.