Filed to story: Luna Graced Book by KristiferAnn Thorne
She dropped a bath bomb in the water and inhaled the light fragrance as she stepped into the tub and sank into the heat.
The water amplified sound, so she could hear Roman sniffing around the tower of chocolate, which made her smile.
She took her time with her routine, wanting to make sure her skin was soft.
But when she heard him rattling a box, she decided shed better get out.
She put on a black lace bra and underwear set the alpha hadnt seen yet and slipped into the silk pajamas.
With her face bare and her hair in a knot at the top of her head, she felt natural and pretty.
When she came out, Roman was exactly where she thought hed be, standing in front of the tower of boxes with his nose on the top one.
Alpha,really ? He grunted and looked up, his eyes flashing in appreciation as he took her in.
How in the world have you been keeping chocolate hidden from me, Luna? Its a secret.
I could command you to tell me, he grumbled.
You could, but where would the fun be in that? Plus, youd lose out on being surprised.
You wouldnt take away your mates fun, would you? He grinned and held his hand out to her.
Dirty fighter.
When necessary.
She took his hand and a strong pulse pushed through them.
Please, Alpha, sit.
Id like to give you your gifts now.
She was nervous.
He hadnt talked much about Remi and their unborn pup, and she wasnt sure how hed react to the necklace shed bought him.
He pulled out the chair to his right, signifying her luna position.
She thanked him and waited for him to sit down, then placed a small square box in front of him.
ROMAN Roman looked at the box, then at Abby, before pulling off the simple ribbon.
He opened the lid to reveal an ornate wolfs-head pin.
He ran his thumb over the smooth, polished surface.
The piece was masculine, even with the elaborate design of the wolfs mane.
Its gorgeous, Abby, I… He squeezed her hand, at a loss for words.
He hadnt expected her to get him anything.
I…very much admire it…thank you.
She pushed the tower of boxes hed been sniffing toward him and cleared her throat.
Open these next.
She seemed a little nervous.
Didnt she know how much he loved chocolate? He was thrilled to discover that, indeed, the boxes were filled with all kinds of different chocolates.
No surprise there.
He purred so loud the windows shook.
Seems like you found out my secret.
I may have had some help.
She shrugged, a little smile tugging at her lips, and he burst out laughing.
We have a wonderful pack.
Im very proud of them.
Theyre amazing, and Im proud of them too.
I never, ever expected anything like today.
She took a deep breath and let it out before sliding the last box toward him.
Ah.This was the source of her nervousness.
I… She cleared her throat.
I wanted to honor you.
He stared at the long, rectangular box, hesitant to open it.
But when it was obvious that he wasnt going to get any more from her, he slipped off the plain ribbon and pulled off the top.
Inside was an ornately carved pendanta crescent moon the same color as the wolfs-head pinon a braided leather necklace.
He picked it up and angled the pendant toward the light.
There were two tiny gold stars on one side and a single one on the other.
He picked up the wolfs-head pin.
The eyes were also gold, matching his own.
He looked at the pendant again, rubbing his thumb over the gold stars, and he suddenly understood.
Remi and the pup were on one side, and Abby was on the other.
He closed his eyes and dragged in a deep breath.
Letting it out, he opened them again and found green, glowing eyes looking at him intently.
He nodded his head slowly and smiled.
Closing his fist around the pendant, he brought it to his lips and kissed it, then moved his clenched fist to his heart, where he held it quietly.
His purr was low and steady.
Thank you, Abby.
For not only thinking of them but including them.
I will cherish this forever.
He slipped the necklace over his head, and the moon sat in the middle of his chest.
He held his hand against it for a moment.
Youre welcome.
She smiled, more relaxed now.
Id like to hear about her one day, when youre ready.
It took me a bit to understand that theres room for their memory and for you.
I never imaginedor even allowed myself to think aboutthe possibility of having another mate.
And now, I cant see myself without you as my mate.
He took her hand.
This has all been very accelerated.
Weve missed out on dating and a courtship, but I dont regret any of it.
Just because were mates chosen by the Moon Goddess doesnt mean I wont work to earn your affection.
I want to earn your affection as well, Roman.
Its important to me that we have faith and honesty.
I must trust you, as you must trust me.
I want open communicationand no others.
No others.
I wont tolerate that, Abigail.
You are mine and I am yours.
She reached a hand out, and when she touched him, the pulse knocked their chairs back.
They grinned at each other and started laughing.
Well! Abby said, eyes wide.
I guess we just got emotionally closer.
He chuckled.
I guess so.
Are you still up for that drink by the fire pit? Absolutely.
Did you see your cigar and whiskey? I did, thank you.
Im saving them for tomorrow night when Im officially a marked and mated alpha.
Abby blushed under his gaze, and he drew her close and let his lips brush hers.
Are you ready, mate?
ABIGAIL
Abbys heart pounded as Roman settled her between his legs on the large chaise lounge.
The fire crackled, and brightly glowing stars dotted the clear night sky.
The moon was high.
The sweet anticipation of their marking each other could be felt all around them, though she knew the warriors guarding the house had moved farther back into the trees to give them privacy.
Romans purr was low and comforting, and she leaned back against his bare chest and relaxed into his embrace.
I enjoyed my bath bomb.
