The Second Chance

There was great rejoicing in the palace when Ross returned. The enemy faction had been defeated, their remaining warriors taken into custody, and the wolves that had answered Ross's call had finally returned to the surrounding forests.

And Ross couldn't forget the moment she had reached for Knox's hand. She always wanted him beside her. Because, despite everything, some part of her still wanted him.

Knox stood across from her in the private garden that evening. He watched her carefully. "I won't pressure you," he said.

Ross looked at him. "Good."

"I meant what I said."

"Which part?"

"All of it." She remained silent. Knox stepped closer, then stopped several feet away. "I know I can't erase what happened."

"No."

"I know apologies aren't enough."

"They aren't."

"I know you may never trust me the way you once did.” Ross's expression softened slightly. "But I want to try.”

His eyes met hers. Ross took a slow breath. "Then listen carefully."

"I'm listening."

"If I give you another chance, it will be my choice." Knox nodded. "No political arrangement."

"Agreed."

"No obligation because our families are connected."

"Agreed."

"No pretending that we're happy just because the kingdom expects it."

"I would never ask you to pretend again."

Ross studied him. "And if I decide tomorrow that I don't want this anymore?"

Knox's answer came immediately. "Then I'll respect your decision."

She hadn't expected that. The old Knox would have commanded. This Knox simply stood there and waited. Ross looked down at her hands. "I don't know if I can love you the way I once did."

Knox's voice softened. "You don't have to."

Her eyes lifted. "I don't?"

"No." He shook his head. "You don't owe me love because I'm your husband."

Ross's heart tightened. "Then what do you want?"

"You." The answer was simple. "I want you to choose me because you want me. Not because you feel obligated to."

He paused. "And if it takes years to earn that choice, I'll wait."

Ross stared at him then she stepped closer. Knox remained still. "I'll give you one final chance," she whispered.

His eyes widened. "Ross..."

"But understand this." He nodded. "This isn't forgiveness."

He nodded again. "I know."

"It isn't forgotten."

"I know."

"And it isn't a promise that everything will become perfect."

"I know."

She took another step. "This is simply me choosing to see whether the man I loved is still somewhere inside you."

Knox's eyes were already filled with emotion. "He is."

"Then prove it."

"I will."

Ross studied his face. Then she asked quietly, "What happens now?"

Knox looked at her. "Now?"

"Yes."

His expression softened. "Now I choose you."

Ross's breath caught. "Today?"

"Today."

"And tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow."

"The day after?"

"Every day." He stepped closer. "I will choose you every day, Ross."

Her eyes stung. She had spent so long wanting to hear those words and now she was finally getting them.

She suddenly reached up. Her fingers touched his cheek. Knox froze. She could feel his heartbeat beneath her palm. "You really are different," she whispered.

"I'm trying to be."

A small smile touched her lips. "Then let me see how good you're becoming."

Before Knox could respond, Ross leaned forward. Her lips touched his. The kiss was soft. Careful. Almost hesitant. For one second, Knox didn't move. He somehow seemed terrified that if he responded too quickly, the moment would disappear.

Then his hands gently settled at her waist. He kissed her back. There was no hunger in it. It was love.

Ross pulled away first. Knox stared at her. Neither spoke. Then— A massive howl exploded from inside him. "AWOOOOOO!" Ross jumped while Knox's eyes widened. The howl echoed through the palace. Windows rattled. Several birds flew from the palace roof. Somewhere in the distance, wolves answered.

Ross stared at Knox. "Was that your wolf?"

Knox looked genuinely embarrassed. "I think so."

Another howl shook the windows.

Nash's voice suddenly came from the garden entrance. "Oh, absolutely not!" Ross turned. Nash stood there with both hands over his ears. "Can someone please tell your wolf that this is a palace and not a concert hall?" Knox glared at him. Nash pointed toward the windows. "Look at them! They're shaking!" Another howl erupted. Nash sighed dramatically. "Even the wolf is being dramatic."

Ross covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. Knox looked at her. Then at Nash. "I can still order you executed."

Nash shrugged. "Of course. But you'd have to catch me first."

Ross laughed. The sound made Knox's expression soften. She had given him a second chance.