Chapter 263: Claiming Our Bond Tomorrow
(Connor’s POV)
+25 Points
“Olivia, what do you think?” I asked, my ice–blue eyes filled with warmth as I looked at my newly engaged mate.
The moonstone engagement ring sparkled on her finger, catching the light from the fireworks still bursting overhead. My wolf purred with satisfaction at seeing our mark of claim on her.
Olivia’s amber eyes curved into crescents as she replied, “I think that’s a great idea.”
She reflected silently that if it weren’t for so many unexpected incidents involving Frederick Warner and the pack conflicts, we would have completed our mating bond long ago. The thought of finally making her officially mine sent waves of possessive satisfaction through my Alpha instincts.
Hearing her agreement, the smile in my eyes deepened. “Then let’s go register our mating bond first thing tomorrow morning,” I declared eagerly.
The official werewolf registration would precede our marking ceremony, making our union legally recognized by all packs in the territory. My wolf was practically vibrating with anticipation.
Derek clicked his tongue and teased from nearby, “Look at you, so impatient. You haven’t even had the mating ceremony yet and you’re already coaxing Olivia to register the bond with you.”
His grin was mischievous as he continued, “Aren’t you afraid Alpha Richard will challenge you to a dominance fight?”
Far from being annoyed, my smile only widened. “A lone wolf like you wouldn’t understand,” I retorted, using the werewolf term for unmated males.
Derek shook his head with a series of tsks, “Well, now he’s just showing off his mate bond.” Gabriel Andrews chimed in with a laugh, “In such a hurry to register? You should at least have the marking ceremony first. All of us are waiting for your mating celebration feast.”
calmly replied, “Registering the bond is quick. It won’t delay your celebration drinks.”
The pack members around us erupted in good–natured laughter and howls of approval. Their joy at my successful proposal warmed my heart almost as much as Olivia’s acceptance had.
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< Chapter 263: Claiming Our Bond Tomorrow
+25 Points
After some more lighthearted banter among the pack members, our group returned to the villa’s main hall for the birthday feast to officially begin. I had prioritized my proposal above all else, arranging it before the dinner because I wanted to secure Olivia’s acceptance before celebrating with the pack.
(Olivia’s POV)
After the grand feast, I was pulled aside by my close friends. The dining hall had been filled with laughter and congratulations, but now I found myself in a quieter corner with the women who meant the most to me.
Lily grabbed my hand, admiring the moonstone engagement ring. “This ring is so beautiful! Connor’s taste is excellent. This was custom–made just for you, the only one of its kind in the
world.”
I asked, surprised by her knowledge, “How did you know?”
Lily revealed with a knowing smile, “Gabriel told me.”
Emma Thompson leaned in, her eyes wide with amazement. “Wow, it’s gorgeous! Such a big moonstone, it’s practically glowing with supernatural energy!”
The ring did seem to pulse with its own inner light, responding to my werewolf nature in ways I was still discovering. The craftsmanship was beyond anything I’d ever seen.
I then realized, “So you all knew Connor was going to propose to me today. No wonder you insisted I wear this dress.”
Lily and Rebecca Frost nodded in unison, their expressions filled with barely contained excitement.
Rebecca explained, “This dress was also custom–ordered by Connor over a month ago. It was designed by the world’s top fashion house that specializes in werewolf formal wear.”
She gestured to the intricate beadwork that caught the light with every movement. “Her team spent the last month working solely on this dress, which was chosen from over a hundred design drafts.”
Emma Thompson, looking utterly smitten, gushed, “Wow, Olivia, Alpha Connor is too good to you!”
Lily added with dreamy eyes, “As expected of the world’s top designer. The dress is truly unique, luxurious yet sweet and elegant. I’ll have her design my mating dress when I bond with Gabriel.”
I smiled, running my fingers over the delicate fabric. “It is indeed beautiful.”
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The friends chatted animatedly about mating ceremonies and pack celebrations. Emma eagerly asked to be invited to the marking ritual, her excitement infectious.
(Connor’s POV)
Meanwhile, having been abandoned by Olivia for her friends, I sat alone on the sofa in the villa’s main hall. The leather was soft beneath me, but I found myself missing my mate’s presence already.
Gabriel approached with a bottle of premium moonberry wine, “Congratulations on getting your mate’s acceptance. Let’s have a few drinks.”
Derek joined us, also armed with bottles. “You little Alpha pup,” he said, opening a bottle of strong werewolf spirits.
His tone was mock–threatening as he continued, “You can be happy about your successful proposal, but how dare you call me a lone wolf? I have to get you drunk tonight!”
He poured a full glass of Moonfire Tequila with Silver Lime and handed it to me, challenging, “Bottoms up!”
I simply smiled and downed the glass in one go, my Alpha constitution handling the potent supernatural alcohol with ease. The burning sensation spread through my throat, but my wolf metabolism processed it quickly.
Gabriel was stunned. “Seriously? You actually finished it? That’s Moonfire Tequila, it’s designed to affect even Alpha werewolves!”
I placed the empty glass on the table, a smile playing on my lips. “I’m happy today.”
Derek cheered and refilled my glass immediately. Gabriel also poured two more, raising his in
a toast.
“Good brother, this one is to you and Olivia, for a long and happy life together as mates, and may you have strong pups soon! I’ll drink up, you can do as you please!”
After Gabriel finished his glass, I drank both mine and the one Derek had poured. The alcohol was strong, but my joy was stronger.
Soon, other pack members joined in, surrounding me and taking turns toasting the newly engaged Alpha. The celebration grew louder and more boisterous with each round.
Olivia noticed the commotion and, concerned for my health despite my supernatural constitution, walked over. “Go easy on him,” she said to the group.
Her protective instincts were already showing, making my wolf preen with pride. “Don’t get
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him too drunk, I’m worried even an Alpha’s body won’t be able to handle this much.”
+25 Points
By then, my ice–blue eyes were already getting hazy from the supernatural alcohol. The world had taken on a pleasant, warm glow.
Gabriel and Derek teased her for being a protective mate already. Olivia, however, remained worried, knowing I’d had far too much even for a werewolf.
Soon after, Lily had to help a completely drunk Gabriel leave using her car. I watched them go with amusement, my friend barely able to walk straight.
Olivia then turned to me and asked softly, “Connor, are you still drinking?”
With a smile in my hazy eyes, I turned to Derek. “My mate is here to take me home, so I won’t drink with you lone wolves anymore.”
I then reveled in my friend’s mock annoyance, boasting, “It’s hard to explain to you unmated wolves. You wouldn’t understand the mate bond even if I did.”
Derek waved us off in feigned frustration, muttering about show–off Alphas under his breath.
Olivia extended her hand, and I obediently took it, my Alpha dominance softened by love and alcohol. “Luna, let’s go home.”
Back in the master bedroom of Moonlight Manor, Olivia helped me get a silk bathrobe and moonlight cotton towel. Her gentle care made my heart swell with affection.
“You should go take a shower first to wash off the alcohol scent.”
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