Page 60 of Paws for Thought

“Dance with me,” he commanded more than asked, already guiding her toward the center of the ballroom where space had been cleared for their first dance as king and queen.

As the orchestra began to play—a haunting melody that spoke of ancient traditions and new beginnings—Tess let herself be swept into Korran’s arms. His hand at her waist was warm and sure, his other hand engulfing hers as he led her into the traditional steps of a royal waltz.

This is really my life,she thought as they moved together in perfect synchronization, the silk of her wedding gown swirling around them like liquid moonlight.I’m dancing with my mate, my husband, my king, in front of our people, wearing a crown that makes me their queen.

The magnitude of it should have terrified her, but instead she felt only a deep sense of rightness. As if every choice she’d ever made, every struggle she’d endured, every moment of doubt and determination had been leading her to this exact moment in this exact man’s arms.

A sharp pang of grief cut through her joy as she thought of her mother, of how proud she would have been to see her daughter not just surviving, but thriving.

You’d love him, Mom,she thought, pressing her face against Korran’s broad chest to hide the sudden tears.You’d love how he protects me, how he sees my strength instead of trying to diminish it.

Through their bond, she felt Korran’s immediate concern, his arms tightening around her in wordless comfort.

“She’s watching,” he murmured against her hair, somehow understanding without explanation. “She’s proud of the incredible woman you’ve become.”

Tess lifted her head to meet his intense gaze, seeing nothing but love and certainty there. “How do you always know exactly what I need to hear?”

His smile was soft, tender in a way that caused her heart to skip. “Because you’re my other half. Your heart is my heart now.”

As they continued to dance, surrounded by the warmth of their clan’s approval and the promise of their shared future, Tess finally understood. This hadn’t been about saving a dying king or proving her scientific worth.

This had been about finding her home, her purpose, her destiny in the arms of a man who saw her not as someone to be protected, but as someone powerful enough to stand beside him.

This is who I was always meant to be.