The leader of the group 296

Chapter 296 – Ever After

–ZANE’S POV–

I stood at the altar, my palms damp even though I kept rubbing them against my trousers.

Aaron was right beside me, trying to whisper stupid jokes under his breath, but I couldn’t focus on anything except the doors at the back.

Any second now, they were going to open. Any second, and she’d be walking down to me.

It was unbelievable, really, standing here waiting for her.

Even after everything we had been through.

I kept thinking about when we were kids, back when she was just some human girl I barely noticed. The Hounds used to push her around, say things they shouldn’t, and I’d just stand there watching. I never joined in, but I never stopped them either. That part always twisted in my chest. Back then, I didn’t care enough to. She wasn’t mine, she wasn’t my problem.

And now… she was everything.

The thought of anyone looking at her the wrong way, let alone hurting her, made something in me want to tear the world apart

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The music started, and I could swear my heart stopped beating for a bit.

The doors opened and there she was.

Lia Snow.

Soon to be Lia Adams.

My mate. My anchor. My life and entire world.

She looked unreal. I didn’t even know how to describe it.

The dress clung to her in all the right places, then flowed to the ground, trailing behind her. The veil barely covered her face, and I could still see the way her eyes locked onto mine the second she stepped forward. It was like the whole room faded, like every breath and heartbeat lined up with hers.

Her Dad walked her down the aisle, his hand steady on hers, and for a moment I thought about how different things might’ve been. How she could’ve chosen Blake, or walked away, maybe never trusted me after everything the Hounds put her through.

But she was still here, walking to me, and I promised myself I’d never let her regret it.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught my parents.

My mother had her hand over her mouth, while Father just smiled like he already knew I didn’t stand a chance of keeping it together.

Selene was present too, looking regal and human, with John by her side.

Lia’s Mom was barely holding in her tears, and honestly, I felt

the same.

Aaron leaned over, tapping my shoulder firmly, “Breathe, mate. You’re looking like you’ll pass out before she even gets here.”

I let out a shaky laugh but I couldn’t answer him. My throat was too tight.

By the time she was halfway down, my eyes were stinging.

Not that I cared.

She was smiling, her eyes glittering as usual, and that was everything I would ever need.

When she finally reached me, her Dad handed her over with this look that said more than words could. Like he was trusting me with something priceless, something I had no right to touch unless I understood what it meant.

And I did. Goddess, I did.

I took her hand, warm and trembling in mine, and the world seemed to fall into place.

It took every bit of self control to not lean in and kiss her at once. To keep my eyes from going black and starting our honeymoon right here, right now.

This was it. This was what it had all been leading to.

The danger, the nights where I thought I’d lose her, the way we stuck close no matter what.

She was mine.

Not because of the bond, not because fate said so, but because she chose me.

And as I stood there looking at her, I knew I’d spend the rest of my life proving she was right to.

–LIA’S POV–

I stood there, clutching Zane’s hands like they were the only thing keeping me upright.

on was the shade of his eyes.

That clear blue that felt like home. Felt like comfort. Peace. Bliss. All at the same time.

A small smile played on his lips, but what made my heart race quicker was the tears in his eyes. Read full story at fındnovel.net

After everything, we were finally here. Getting married.

It was perfect. And he’d managed it all in just one week’s time.

All because I asked him to.

Before I knew it, it was time for the vows, and my heart pounded as he began.

Zane’s voice was steady, low and certain. “I promise to love you, protect you, and stand by you, no matter what storms come our way. You are my best friend, my mate, my heart, and the only person in the world who matters. I choose you, Lia Snow, every day, for the rest of my life.”

My throat burned.

It was simple. Short. Just like it needed to be.

Because everything else spoke volumes.

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I blinked fast, trying not to cry.

My turn.

“I promise to love you with everything I am, Zane Adams. To walk with you, to fight with you, and to keep choosing you, even when it isn’t easy. You’re my partner, my safe place, and my home. I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure you never forget how much you mean to me.”

Zane’s thumb brushed over my knuckles like he was memorising the words with his skin.

The minister smiled. “By the power given to me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Zane didn’t waste a second. He leaned down, his lips warm and sure on mine, and the whole world melted away. My parents clapped somewhere in the background, but I barely heard it. It was just us, our vows still lingering in the air, and the way his kiss told me he meant every single word.

We were married.

I was Lia Adams now.

Officially, completely, his.

The moment we walked into the bedroom, my breath caught.

Zane had gone all out.

The whole place was glowing softly, lit up with little candles tucked on the shelves and dresser, and roses scattered everywhere, even across the bed. The air smelled sweet, and music played low in the background, the same song he’d played when he’d asked me to prom years ago.

A smile stretched across my lips, wide and unwavering.

“This is incredible, Zane,” I whispered, because I honestly didn’t have better words.

His lips curved into that smile of his, the one that made the corners of his eyes crinkle, and somehow made him look even more handsome than he already was.

He closed the door behind us, then came to me, taking my hand in his. He didn’t rush, just led me towards the bed like it was the most important walk we’d ever take.

His eyes were darker now, watching me in that way that made my knees feel weak.

I could feel the heat coming off him, his thumb brushing over

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my hand, slow and careful, as if he wanted to savour every second.

I swallowed, nerves and excitement all tangled together. “You managed all of this in a week for me,” I whispered as he gently pushed me down on the bed.

“For us,” he corrected softly, gently pulling my veil off, his arms wrapping around me to find the zip of my dress.

. I took in a deep breath as he climbed in bed with me, heat

spreading in my eyes, making them glow purple.

Zane’s eyes turned completely black as he undid his buttons, ripping most of them.

My heart thumped, and when his lips finally touched mine, everything else faded away.

The music, the roses, the candles–it all blurred out.

It was just him and me, the warmth of his mouth against mine, the promise in the way he kissed me.

He drew me down with him, his hand at my waist, and the world seemed to spin slower, softer.

And then there was nothing but us, the night, and everything else we could ever want.

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