Esme's POV I woke up in Ethan's arms and somehow, it felt like a dream. In an instant, I recalled everything that happened the previous day and I blushed upon remembering everything we did. I already crossed the devil's line and now there's no turning back, I just hope that this will only improve my relationship with Ethan. My body feels relaxed and a lot lighter, though I can't ignore the ache between my legs when I try to move them. He really went all out, I just hope I'll be able to walk properly today. If anyone figures it out then I'll probably die of embarrassment. It's pretty early and the sun is almost up so I should try to get things done. Ethan is still asleep but he looks so peaceful and handsome. I take a moment to stare at him in admiration, the beating of his heart and the rising and falling of his chest as he takes every breath is beautiful to watch. I'm tempted to touch him but I resist, knowing that he's a light sleeper so he might wake up if I do. I carefully mo

Ethan's POV It's been two weeks. Two fucking weeks since I last saw Esme in the garden and it feels like a part of me has gone away. I haven't been able to concentrate fully on anything as the thoughts of her keep flashing into my mind, especially memories from the night we shared together. Ren has been restless within me since the time she ran off from the garden, he claims that Esme's wolf, Solar won't speak with him because I hurt Esme. I've done various activities, running, hunting but nothing seems to be able to calm him down. He seems to have lost his zeal for everything and just wants us to go see Esme and apologize. But I can't, I'm not in the wrong here so why should I apologise? Ren is the cause of all of this in the first place, this is why I hardly let him take control. He always tends to make decisions without thinking about the consequences in the long run. He knows my stand when it comes to carnal relationships, especially with females but he still went ahead to sedu

Esme's POV Life has been wonderful thus far. Ethan and I have finally settled our differences and we've become closer than ever. He even shares his plans with me and asks for advice about certain things before making a decision. It's really nice to be relied on. My sex life has also been amazing. I'm having to compensate for his years of celibacy because we have sex often and usually more than once at a time, his stamina is off the charts. But I can't complain though because I enjoy every bit of it, he always puts my satisfaction above everything else and I could have never asked for a better mate. When life is rosy, we often lose track of time. Looking at the calendar right now, I almost can't believe the one year period is almost up. I have less than a week before the stipulated time of our bet expires and though I'm confident that Ethan feels the same way as me, I still have my doubts. I believe that life becomes a little bit easier if we always remind the people we care about

Ethan's POV Alexei kept rambling on about Alpha Cullin's proposal but I found myself continuously distracted. "Excuse me, Alpha but are you even listening?" He questioned and I finally turned my attention over to him. "We should discuss this later, I'm not in the right state of mind to talk about this right now." I answered and he nodded, taking a bow. "As you wish, Alpha." He responded and just then, the doors to the room threw open and Rachel stormed in. "Ethan, I'm sorry to interrupt your meeting but we have to talk right now." She said in a stern voice. She had never done this before. She always called me Alpha in the presence of everyone else but only called me by my name in private and she had never once raised her voice to me but rather than get angry about this, I felt nervous. Probably because I know exactly what this is about. The others in the room stared at her wide eyed but I gave the order and all of them left immediately, leaving Rachel and I alone in the room.

Esme's POV "You're not lying, are you? This isn't a prank, right? It isn't a dream?" I asked, tears gathering in my eyes. "It's not, it's all real. I'll say it as many times as you want me to. I love you Esme and I never want to let you go." He said, his voice displaying his sincerity. "But why so suddenly? Why are you realizing this only now? Did you have to put me through all this first? Did I have to face death one more time before you finally accepted it?" I asked, tears rolling down my cheeks. "I'm so sorry, Esme. I'm really an idiot, I didn't realize sooner because I chose to turn a blind eye to it. I thought letting myself love and expressing that love would be a weakness but now I know better. You're my greatest strength and I'll do anything to keep you by my side. I never wanted to hurt you or put you in harm's way, I was just so scared." He said. "Scared of what? That I would betray you? That I would sell all your secrets to your enemies? Do you really think so little o