Page 109 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

This was what home felt like.

My phone buzzed. I stepped into the hallway to take Marcus's call.

"Your Majesty, the Elder Council is requesting an emergency session. About the cleanup of the Butcher Squad, and... Luna's status."

I nodded. "Tomorrow. Ten a.m., I'll be there." I hung up.

It was time.

Over the past five days, news of Lina's death and the takedown of the Butcher Squad had spread through all of Silver pine. The media went wild—praising the Hale family for eliminating a terror that had plagued the kingdom for over a decade, calling me a hero. But I knew the truth. Elena was the hero.

She'd protected the children. She'd fought beside me. And now I was going to announce to all of Silver pine—she was my mate. She was Reserpine's Luna.

"Lucifer?"

Elena's voice pulled me back. She stood in front of me, bag in hand, worry in her eyes.

"What's wrong? You've been staring at your phone."

I pocketed it and took her hand.

"Nothing." I smiled. "Just... there's an important meeting tomorrow."

She studied me, those amber eyes glinting gold in the light.

"About us?"

I nodded.

"I'm announcing your status," I said, tightening my grip. "Elena, I'm going to make sure everyone knows—you're my mate. You're Reserpine's Luna. And Liam and Anya are my children. Heirs to the Hale family."

Her eyes widened slightly. Her fingers trembled in my palm.

"But... the Elder Council—"

"I'll handle the Elder Council." I cut her off, covering her hand with both of mine. "Elena, I won't let anyone hurt you again. This time, I'm standing with you. The Council, the whole kingdom—anyone who says a word against it can get the hell out."

She looked at me, eyes reddening, lips parting. Then she nodded hard.

"Elena." I leaned down, forehead against hers, only inches between us. I could feel her breath on my lips. "The bond's repaired. You know it. I know it."

"That's because you let me in," I said softly. "Elena, the bond doesn't lie. It healed because you forgave me. Because you're willing to give me a chance."

Her breathing hitched. "Lucifer," she said, leaning into my chest. "That day I told you I wasn't ready..." She looked up, voice even softer. "It was because I was scared."

"I know." I let go of her hand and pulled her into my arms, holding her close. "I know the hurt won't heal overnight. I know you need time to trust me again. But Elena, the bond is repaired. That means even the Moon Goddess approves of us."

She buried her face in my chest, fingers clutching my shirt, smiling. "So now I'm not scared anymore—"

"Mommy," Anya's voice called from behind. Elena jumped back. Anya peeked around the door frame. "Are you gonna say yes to Daddy?"

"Anya—"

Liam's head appeared behind Anya's. Both kids stared at us. Elena laughed helplessly. "You two—"

"Say yes," I said, one hand braced by her face, the other clasping hers, fingers interlaced. "Elena, marry me. A real wedding this time. Not an arrangement. Not a deal. Just you and me. Our family."

She looked at me for a long time.