Ersa sighed, his eyes flicking toward Xander, who was watching him with quiet curiosity. “I was going to visit soon,” he said, his voice softening. “And I was going to bring my alpha so you could meet him. He asked me to bond with him, and I said yes.”
The words hung in the air like a spark before a fire, and across the room, Xander visibly jerked, his eyes widening and then darkening with emotion. The storm of surprise, disbelief, and sheer joy that crossed his face made Ersa’s smile spread wider. He hadn’t planned to accept the proposal like this, but seeing Xander’s stunned, radiant expression made the spontaneous moment so worth it.
In an instant, Xander was on his feet, striding across the room. He swept Ersa up with effortless strength and settled him back into his lap, his arms circling him tightly.
“I have to go, Mom,” Ersa said, struggling not to laugh at the way Xander buried his face against his neck, breathing him in like he couldn’t get close enough.
“No… no! You can’t just drop a bomb like that and hang up! We need to talk about this!” his mother protested, her voice rising.
“Later, Mom. My alpha needs me,” Ersa teased, his eyes twinkling as he ended the connection and tossed the connector onto the bed.
Xander pulled back just enough to look at him, his expression a mix of wonder and euphoria. “I… I can’t believe you said yes. Are you sure about this?” His voice was rough with emotion, his hands cradling Ersa’s face like he was something precious.
Ersa tilted his head, his lips curving. “Areyousure? You’re the one who asked me, remember?” The laughter bubbling inside him spilled out when Xander’s eyes softened, filling with something fierce and unguarded.
“Fuck, I love you,” Xander whispered, his voice thick.
“I love you too,” Ersa whispered back, and then there were no more words—only the heat of their kiss, the press of their bodies, and the promise of everything still to come.
A soft knock at the door finally broke the spell. “Excuse me, Master Xander. Dinner is ready,” a muffled voice called through the wood.
Xander exhaled heavily, tilting his head back with a groan. “Alright,” he called back, his arms still tight around Ersa. “We’ll be right there.”
But his lips found Ersa’s one more time before he made any move to let him go.
Then his gaze settled back on him, intense and filled with something unspoken. “We’ll continue this later.”
“Okay,” Ersa murmured.
Xander groaned dramatically, running a hand down his face.
Ersa blinked, then laughed. “What?”
“You drive me crazy when you submit to me so easily,” Xander admitted, his voice husky with a mixture of frustration and desire. Before Ersa could react, Xander closed the distance between them, capturing his lips in a searing, possessive kiss. The heat of it left Ersa dizzy, clinging to the alpha for support.
With reluctance, Xander finally pulled away and got to his feet, tugging Ersa up with him. Their fingers intertwined naturally as they walked toward the door.
Ersa hesitated, his gaze drifting toward the small crib. A pang of reluctance settled in his chest. “Benjn…” he murmured, torn between staying and following Xander.
Xander gently squeezed his hand. “I’ll hear him if he wakes up,” he reassured, leaving the door slightly ajar.
Ersa didn’t doubt it. The alpha had an uncanny ability to hear Benjn’s cries, even when the cub had been sleeping on the far side of the house.
As they made their way down the hallway and descended the grand staircase, Ersa took in the sheer opulence surrounding them. The Quin estate was breathtaking, a seamless blend of elegance and wealth. Ornate chandeliers cast a warm glow over polished wood floors, intricate wall carvings hinted at generations of history, and tall windows framed the sprawling landscape beyond. Everything about the home whispered of power and legacy.
As they entered the dining area, a hush fell over the table. The quiet chattering from Xander’s family ceased instantly, replaced by knowing glances and unreadable expressions. Ersa swallowed hard, a flicker of unease tightening his throat. He didn’t have to ask what they’d been talking about. He could guess.
The memory of Xander’s lips on his, warm and claiming, flashed through his mind, and heat crept up his neck. Of course, everyone had seen it. And judging by the expectant hush hanging in the air, they were all waiting for some kind of confirmation.
“Let’s eat,” Xander’s dad said awkwardly. “Your mother had the chef prepare your favorite, Xander.”
“She did?” Xander perked up, his excitement evident as he reached for the covered dishes. The moment he lifted a lid, the rich aroma of slow-roasted meat filled the air, making Ersa’s mouth water.
A sharp slap landed on Xander’s hand. “Wait for the maids to serve us,” Kora chided, giving him a disapproving look. “Where are your manners? We have a guest.”
A guest? Ersa’s stomach twisted as he realized everyone was looking at him. His throat went dry. “I…”
“Here,” Kora said, carefully selecting a few tender cuts and placing them onto Ersa’s plate. “The meat is perfectly cooked—soft enough to melt in your mouth.”