But three certain words rose from Eddie. She didn’t hold back. She wanted to make sure that Liana knew exactly what she felt for her.
“I love you, Liana.”
Silence settled around them. Liana’s breath shuddered out of her, and tears filled her eyes.
“Eddie…”
But Eddie wasn’t going to stop with your just those words.
“I’ve loved you from the moment I first pulled you from that car. When you screamed for me after falling into the creek. When you tried to talk me into letting you go with me to get your things from the car. The point I’m making is that I have been falling for you since the moment I sensed there was someone in trouble who needed my help.”
That was the honest truth. Her bear hadknown. Fate had known she’d deposited Eddie’s mate for her to find.
A tear slid down Liana’s cheek. Eddie gently brushed it away. She hadn’t meant to make her cry. She bit her lip, for once unsure of what to expect. She was an alpha, a bear who was in control of an entire clan. A woman who was strong, determined, fierce, and had fought to preserve her position in her clan, and now, here she was, unsure if the woman in front of her loved her.
“I love you, too,” Liana whispered. Her voice trembled. “I love you so much it scares me. Here I was, thinking that all of this happened so fast?—”
“Because it was mean to be,” Eddie interrupted. “There is no need for you to fear anything when it comes to me and you.”
Liana melted into her. She slid her hands up Eddie’s back and gripped her tight. They stood there for a long moment. Eddie leaned back slightly so she could look at her.
“The clan will want to meet you soon. As much as I want to delay it, I won’t be able to. Once word it out that you are here, we will needto hold a meet and greet. I’m sure the council will arrange it.”
“I can handle it. Especially if it is your clan,” Liana said.
“Our clan,” Eddie corrected her. She wore Eddie’s claiming mark, and that signified she was a member of the clan as well. Eddie pressed a kiss to Liana’s forehead. “Are you sure you don’t mind moving your life here? This will be a big change from Denver.”
“This is where you are and where I need to be.”
The words wrapped around Eddie like a warm hug. She scooped Liana into her arms and carried her deeper into the house.
“Welcome home, my love,” Eddie whispered.
Liana’s arms draped around her neck as she held on. From the moment she’d met Liana, she’d wanted to do this.
“I’m going to assume we are about to consummate our mating in our home?” Liana whispered. She nuzzled Eddie’s neck while sprinkling hot little kisses along it.
Eddie inhaled and sped up her pace. Her mate somehow always knew what she was thinking.
Epilogue
The community center buzzed with celebration. Laughter, clinking glasses, upbeat music, and the hum of the townsfolk of Lurton gathered for a night they would be sure to remember. Everywhere Liana turned, someone was smiling at her or reaching out to clasp her hands or pull Eddie in for a hug.
She had never been the center of attention before like this. Weddings she’d attend had all been small, intimate affairs. Family celebrations were cozy dinners. But this was a full-on clan celebration for the mating of their alpha.
Eddie and her.
And the entire town had to be there. If she hadn’t already been in love with Eddie, shecertainly would have fallen in love with her tonight. The devotion to Eddie was breathtakingly beautiful. Everyone loved their alpha.
Compliment after compliment washed over her. Each one filled her chest with an overwhelming sense of belonging.
Eddie stood tall and proud with her and firmly clasped her hand around Liana’s. Her thumb stroked slow circles against Liana’s skin. Every time Eddie looked at her, her amber eyes softened. Her bear appeared to be content. She didn’t growl as much as she used to.
Selen approached wearing a dark sweater and jeans, while her mate, Rose, was in a deep-green dress.
“It’s a beautiful celebration,” Rose said.
She reached out and squeezed Liana’s hand. Her eyes were bright and welcoming. They had met several times since Liana had arrived in Lurton. It had only taken the council a week to organize their mating celebration.