Chapter 10 - Forever at Midnight
One year later.
The penthouse balcony of the Crawford Tower overlooked the glittering, jewel-toned lights of downtown Seattle. The late-night autumn air was brisk, carrying the familiar scent of saltwater and impending rain, but inside, the living room was filled with the warm glow of a crackling fire.
Helga stood by the balcony railing, dressed in a soft silk robe, sipping a cup of chamomile tea. She smiled down at her phone, watching an old archived video Lincoln had posted years ago—which had long since been buried under news articles detailing his and Jessica’s sentencing for corporate fraud. The two were currently serving five years in a federal penitentiary, completely forgotten by the society they had tried so hard to swindle.
A quiet step behind her announced Alaric’s arrival. He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his chest. His touch, as always, sent a delicious jolt of warmth through her skin.
""It is nearly midnight,"" he murmured against her neck, his lips brushing the sensitive spot just below her ear where his mating mark rested permanently. ""Should I be worried that you are texting other strangers?""
Helga laughed, turning in his arms and wrapping her hands around the lapels of his suit jacket. ""I don't need to text anyone. I already summoned the most dangerous man in the city. Why would I ever need another?""
Alaric smiled, his storm-gray eyes softening into the rich, liquid gold that only she could summon at will. He rested his large palm against her stomach, where a faint, gentle second heartbeat was beginning to thrum with a tiny, undeniable spark of wolf magic.
""How are you feeling?"" he asked softly, his voice full of fierce reverence.
""I feel complete,"" Helga whispered, leaning up on her tiptoes to press her lips against his. ""And surprisingly hungry. Maybe for noodles.""
Alaric chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that vibrated straight through her soul. ""I will have the finest chef in the city prepare whatever you desire. No cold takeout on a dirty rug ever again.""
""Good,"" she teased gently. ""Because I don't think our little pup would appreciate it.""
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Alaric pulled her tighter against him, his golden eyes gazing out over the glittering empire they ruled together. Exactly one year ago, she had been a brokenhearted woman crying into her sweatshirt, ready to surrender to despair. But one wrong number, sent in the darkest hour of the night, had led her straight into the arms of the king who would burn the world down just to keep her safe.
As the clock struck midnight, the rain began to fall softly over Seattle, washing away every ghost of the past, leaving only an empire built on love, power, and an eternal, unshakeable bond."
