Christian's POV ~

After bringing Layla back to the pack house and ensuring she was settled comfortably in the alpha suite, I finally felt it was safe enough to tackle a few tasks. First on my list was my bike—I preferred to handle any repairs myself. I dedicated the afternoon to fixing it, eager for more rides with Layla enjoying the thrill of sitting on the back of my bike.

I was putting the finishing touches on my bike when Layla approached.

Her scent, reminiscent of strawberries and champagne, stirred feelings of euphoria and happiness in the pit of my stomach.

As I admired the radiant woman before me, I was taken aback when Antonia wrapped her arms around my shoulders and planted a sloppy kiss on my cheek. The revolting scent and touch almost made me gag, and my wolf was in complete disagreement. His growl prompted Antonia to swiftly retract her hands—his loyalty to Layla was unquestionable.

I couldn't fathom what she was thinking when she touched me; I had never shown any interest in her. In fact, I had always regarded her with disdain. Despite her outward beauty, her inner cruelty tainted any potential allure.

It wasn't all bad though... 

Layla's Wolf was pissed when her lips and hands made contact with my body because I was obviously 'hers' and no other woman should be touching me. 

Suddenly, Layla made her way over to Antonia. My initial thought was "oh shit." I was certain Layla would become upset and walk away. However, I was pleasantly surprised when she did something else.

"Get your filthy hands off my mate!" Layla declared, wrapping her hands around Antonia's throat and lifting her into the air. I swiftly placed my hand on Layla's arm. "Baby, calm down. She caught me off guard, that's all. I was busy and didn't know she was there," I said, attempting to soothe Layla in the hope that she would release Antonia.

I was happy and relieved because Layla became extremely possessive, which was something I had been waiting for and it took a long time to happen. Not to mention it would be really hard for me to bring this up to Layla. I swear I didn't plan this. 

The average guy wouldn't be happy about the jealousy and possessiveness but I was because it forced Layla to admit her feelings. And that gave me hope, it meant Layla was beginning to feel the mate Bond.

Suddenly, Layla released Antonia, apologizing, "I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me," before quickly running away. I contemplated going after her, but I decided it would be best to let her cool down.

I was so happy I couldn't help but smile afterward she finally said I was hers.

I think I made her mad because I seemed happy about it. Layla just misread the situation. I didn't want to have to piss her off to get her to this point, but now I would have to make up for it.

So, I went to a local flower shop and purchased aconite, red tulips, tiger lilies, black-eyed Susans, sunflowers, jasmine, yarrows, zinnias, and yellow carnations. 

The lady at the flower shop told me "these were the best flowers to buy to apologize to someone," and I couldn't choose so I just bought them all.

I had her arrange them beautifully grabbing the biggest box of chocolates I could find.

I would give these to her and hopefully, she would accept my apology and wouldn't think I was happy about her touching me. Hopefully she will finally go on that date with me.If not it's going to be incredibly awkward living with her, but I have faith in these flowers.

I took a quick shower, straightened myself up, and hastily gathered the flowers and gifts I had bought for her before making my way to Layla's room.

Making my way to her bedroom door I knocked.

I heard a little bit of banging around a few moments later she came to the door. I was astounded when I saw her. 

Layla's beauty was breathtaking. Dark, lustrous locks cascaded around her shoulders, framing a pair of eyes that seemed to hold entire galaxies within them. Today, they shimmered like vivid veridian pools, reflecting the depths of her emotions. She was right her eye color changed depending on her mood. 

Layla stood before me, nervously biting her bottom lip, a gesture that captivated my attention. In that moment, I found myself lost in a daydream where our lips met in a passionate embrace, and I held her against the wall, overcome by an irresistible longing. I imagined the sweet sound of her voice, moaning my name in ecstasy, her whispered pleas for my mark.

Then, she spoke softly, "Christian, what can I do for you?" Her voice, like a melody, washed over me, carrying an ethereal quality that stirred my soul.

Looking down, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, she continued, "I want to apologize for the way I acted yesterday. I was out of line."

I couldn't bear to hear her apologize.

"Don't ever apologize for standing up for yourself and claiming what's rightfully yours," I reassured her, my heart swelling with admiration for her strength.

I said handing her the ridiculously large bundle of flowers, and chocolates.

Layla smiled, "so you think that you belong to me?"

"I don't think anything, I know." I said confidently, Causing her to chuckle and Arch an eyebrow at me. 

I wanted her to feel the spark, so I placed my hand on her shoulder, gently rubbing it, hoping the sensation would remind her that she was undeniably mine.

I watched as her eyes changed colors, witnessing her wolf inching closer. With trembling lips, she whispered, "mate," at first quietly, and then with increasing volume.

"MATE!"

A smile spread across my face. Finally, she realized it—I was overjoyed. The torment and agony of waiting for this moment were finally over.

As she returned, pushing her wolf to the back of her mind, tears welled up at the corners of her eyes before streaming down her cheeks. I swiftly took the gifts in my hands and placed them on her bed before hurrying back to comfort her.

Enveloping her in my arms, I could feel the relief in my wolf as we finally held her close.

"Why are you crying?" I asked, cupping her face in my hands and using my thumbs to wipe away her tears.

She stammered, "I can't handle another rejection."

I perked up. "Who said I was going to reject you?"

"I'm not good enough, you know that! I'm ruined!" she exclaimed, her voice choked with tears.

Gently, I lifted her chin with my index finger and thumb, guiding her gaze to meet mine. "You're not ruined, Layla. Can't you see that I'm utterly captivated by you?" I whispered, my eyes reflecting the depth of my feelings for her.

"The fact that you're still standing here, adorned with a smile despite the challenges you've faced, is a testament to your incredible strength and unwavering resilience," I continued, my voice filled with admiration. "You're perfect in every way."

As I held her delicate gaze, an overwhelming desire to kiss her arose within me, but I hesitated, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. With a tender sincerity, I asked, "May I?"

"But... I've never kissed anyone before. Well, Mike doesn't count," she mumbled softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"I'm afraid I'm not any good at it. I don't know how," she confessed, casting her gaze downward in shame.

Little did she know, her apprehensions only fueled my desire to show her the beauty of a first kiss. I longed to be the one to share that intimate moment with her, and the thought thrilled both me and my innermost desires.

Driven by a surge of emotion, I leaned in slowly, capturing her bottom lip with mine, hoping to convey my unspoken affection. Gently, I traced her lip with a tender nibble, savoring the sweetness of the moment.

Cradling her face in my hands, I drew her closer, seeking permission to deepen the connection. As she parted her lips, I delicately introduced my tongue, and with a rhythmic dance, our mouths intertwined, our tongues finally meeting in a sublime and passionate embrace.

She quickly caught on, her lips becoming sweet and soft, igniting an insatiable craving within me. Soon, her kisses became fervent and eager, expressing a newfound hunger and passion that left me yearning for more.

Causing my member to swell, I knew she felt it when the air became thick with her arousal.

Her hand instinctively found its way into my hair, drawing me nearer, while her other hand explored my form with a tender urgency.

As we reluctantly parted, both of us left breathless, I couldn't help but chuckle. "And you said you didn't know how," I teased, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "That kiss was the best I've ever had."

A rosy blush spread across her cheeks, adding a radiant warmth to her already captivating expression.

I never was this happy before, she finally knew she was mine and I was hers.