Chapter 180
180 The proposal … Lyla Everyone on the Festival grounds parted like a wave , creating a path as Nathan approached me guiding the wooden platform that held the proposal .
Around us , people murmured , pointing excitedly at us .
My heart pounded in my chest as he drew closer .
His usual confidence was replaced by an endearing nervousness that made him look younger and more vulnerable .
He carried a bouque of night blooming jasmine , the rarest of flowers youd ever see in our world .
I cant believe he remembered .
Of course he had .
Wed spent countless nights in the garden as teenagers , where Id told him how the flowers reminded me of the sweet memories of my childhood .
Finally , the platform rolled to a stop and Nathan stepped off as he came to stand directly before me .
The bouquet trembled slightly in his hands as he extended it toward me .
For you .
he said , in a tone softer than Id ever heard .
I accepted the flowers , burying my nose in it .
He inhaled deeply , his gaze still holding mine .
The he lowered himself onto one knee .
Gasps rippled through the crowd , but my world had narrowed to just the two of us .
Lyla , he began , his voice was steady despite the nervous smile he flashed me .
I know we agreed to keep our relationship private , but I cant contain my heart any longer .
Every day , I wake up thinking of you .
Every night , I dream of our future together and I cant hold it in anymore .
Not when every fibre of my being screams , youre my mate .
My knees weakened at the sincerity in his tone , so much so that I was trembling .
Ive dreamed of you every day … he continued … of what it would be like to wake up beside you to share my life with you , to be the one you turn to in everything .
I know its not perfect , but Lyla , I dont want it any other way .
Youre my heart , my soul , my everything .
Tears welled in my eyes as my grip tightened on the bouquet .
As my mate , you would never know a day without love , without protection , without absolute devotion , his voice grew stronger , more certain with each word .
Ive seen your strength , your kindness , your fierce spirit .
Ive watched you overcome every challenge fate has thrown at you , and I fall more in love with you each time .
He reached into his pocket , producing a small wooden box carved with the same ancient symbols as the proposal platform .
I promise you , Lyla , that I will never hurt you or break your Trust .
I will never let you face your battles alone .
I will cherish every moment we have together , whether in joy or hardship .
So please … He flipped open the box to reveal a ring that sparkled like the Harvest Moon above us .
Holding it towards me , his eyes locked on mine .
C 150 The proposal .
Please , give me your heart , as I give you mine .
Be my mate , my partner , my everything .
My lips parted , but no words came .
My emotions were all over the place joy , disbelief , and overwhelming sense of love for the man before me .
I think I may have fallen in love with Nathan .
I know how devastated I had been when Clarissa had said I wouldnt marry him .
It had taken him several assurances from both him and Clarissa in the end to assure me it was just a tease .
Even then , my heart had been uneasy .
But with this proposal , every seed of doubt had disappeared .
Slowly , I nodded , as tears spilt freely down my cheeks as I extended my trembling hand toward him .
Yes , I whispered , then louder .
Yes , Nathan ! I will .
The crowd erupted in cheers as Nathan slipped the ring onto my finger .
Rising to his feet , he cupped my face in his hands , his touch as gentle as a summer breeze .
Our eyes met , and in that moment , nothing else mattered .
He leaned in , and our lips met in a passionate kiss .
The intensity of our kiss blurred the world .
around us , conveying everything we felt .
The crowds cheers and claps became a distant hum as we melted into each other .
When we finally pulled apart , Nathan rested his forehead against mine .
His smile was so wide it lit up his entire face .
I smiled back , my cheeks were stained with tears but my heart was fuller than it had ever been .
A few Alphas came to congratulate us , alongside other pack members .
I tried to keep up with congratulatory words and warm embraces from all the well wishers .
But then , amid all the joy , something tugged at me .
A half remembered moment from just before Nathans arrival .
Ramsey he had been about to say something .
I turned toward the stage .
expecting to see him waiting his turn to speak .
But it was empty .
Hey ! Nathan murmured in my ears , snaking his hand around my waist .
Immediately , I froze .
I still havent gotten used to his touch .
I bought your favourite wine .
We could take the celebration to my room .
As he spoke , he nuzzled my neck , pressing tiny open mouthed kisses .
I tried not to squirm at the meaning of his words .
In our world , an engagement is as good as getting married .
And I know we will not stop at drinking just wine in his room .
Sure thing , dear , I smiled woodenly , I still need to ask Mother Liora if she … She doesnt , he stopped me halfway .
I already asked her Oh ! I swallowed hard .
I didnt have any other excuse .
I allowed him to lead me toward the pack house .
Just as we almost left the festival grounds , Nanny called out to me .
I turned to her immediately , 180 The proposal ….
glad that she was saving me and also feeling a wave of guilt at what happened between her and Nymeris .
* Can you give me a few seconds with her ? she pleaded with Nathan , who didnt look pleased .
For a moment , I thought he would refuse , but he simply nodded and continued towards the pack.
house .
Alone , I and Nanny looked at every other place except at each other .
Finally , she cleared her throat .
Congratulations dear , she said , trying to sound happy .
Are you happy about your engagement ? If I wasnt , I wouldnt have accepted it , I mumbled .
Dont worry , Nan ! Another round of silence ensued .
I decided I was going to apologize for hiding my wolf away from her .
Im so sorry for not … Im sorry … Both of us started speaking at the same time .
Finally , our gazes met , and we burst into laughter .
You first , Nanny nudged me .
I shook my head .
No , you first , I insisted .
She nodded and took a deep breath .
Im sorry for using the pearl on you .
Honestly , I didnt do it on purpose .
I thought I could protect you , but I was .
Im so sorry about that .
I nodded .
I am sorry too .
I should have told you .
Is she that dangerous ? I asked .
She stared at me for a few seconds and reached for my hands , pressing it on her lips .
It helped us , thats what matters .
Saved the priestesses from the attack , saved the pack … youre amazing .
You dont need to concern yourself with the negative .
Whats her name , by the way ? She asked , changing the topic .
Nymeris ! I said with a bright smile .
Shes a good wolf , Nan .
She was just pissed that shes been kept under lock all these years .
Nanny nodded .
Dont worry , well talk about all of that soon .
You should go and meet Nathan , else he might have me punished , but before you leave … she reached for my palm and pressed something into it .
I wanted to open it and check , but she shook her head and whispered .
Not here ? Why ? I whispered back .
What is it ? An embarrassed blush rose to her cheek .
In case you and him get intimate tonight , you should use that .
Its good .
We wouldnt want a baby in the way before the official mating ceremony .
It was my turn to blush now .
I dont think … I didnt finish the rest of the words as Nanny was staring at me pointedly .
Hes not like that , Nan .
He said well just drink wine .
180 The proposal … And youll be the wine glass , my dear Lyla , she chuckled .
Have you seen the look in his eyes ? That man is ready to pounce on you .
Fun fact , a lot of babies are made during the Harvest Moon .
It turns everyone into a horny beast .
I blushed to my root again .
I have never imagined lying naked in that way with Nathan .
Its going to be awkward , I sighed .
Cant you help me out ? At least for tonight .
Im not mentally prepared for this .
Nanny stared at me for a few seconds before sighing .
I cant believe this , giving you permission to go be with a man .
When did you grow , Lyla ? Yesterday , I smirked .
Im out of practice .
I heard Alphas are big … do you think hell fit in ? Nanny blushed crimson .
How am I supposed to know ? I havent been with him .
What ? I scrunched my brows , giving her a weird look .
Thats not what I mean .
Of course , your havent , but you always have men over every weekend … she tried to protest , but I raised my index finger at her .
Dont lie , Nan … for a middle aged woman , youre too active .
No wonder left the Moon Temple .
Wanted to explore life a bit , right ?