Part eighteen: Proposal. 

‘Good going.’ Lorry said, but it was only a whisper, marring her sarcastic tone. She could feel the anger from both him and his wolf, and it weakened both of us.

I stood slowly, and turned around, meeting his blue eyes with my regretful, sorrow-filled green ones. “Damian.” I whispered, my voice just as weak as Lorry’s.

Gabriel pat my shoulder. “You’ll want to talk to him alone.”

I smiled weakly at him and watched as he walked away. Going back to take watch.

I turned back to Damian, grimacing at his angry look.

I sank to my knees, watching as he stared out at the forest, his expression brooding. He stood like that for seconds that seemed like hours, before finally speaking,

“You won’t die.” His voice was determined, his decision had been made.

“You don’t know that.” I whispered.

He growled, turning sharply to face me. “You won’t!”

I flinched at his furious tone, looking away from him. “Look. I don’t know what is going to happen. The Wolven Goddess hasn’t confirmed anything yet…but I have a terrible feeling that…this is how it’s going to be.” I whispered.

“She won’t take you away from me, I promise you, she won’t. If I have to lock you in the basement I swear I will!” He shouted.

I was about to open my mouth to argue, but the door slid open, and we both looked back to see Mom and Riley looking out. “Is there something wrong?” Mom asked softly.

I stood quickly, shaking my head. “Nothing is wrong, Mom. Go back to bed.” I told her softly.

“Why was Damian yelling?” Riley asked.

I sighed heavily. “No reason. Go on back to bed, guys.”

They both looked dubious, but obeyed. I waited until their footsteps faded before turning back to Damian. “I understand you are angry…maybe…maybe I don’t have to die. Like I said, the Wolven Goddess hasn’t confirmed anything yet.” I said, setting my hands on both of his arms. 

He furrowed his eyebrows, lifting his hands to set on both sides of my face. “But what if you’re right?” He whispered.

I blinked hard, tears welling in my eyes. “Then I’m sorry. For everything I ever said to you. I love you more than anything in this world, and I can’t imagine you out of my life.” I had to catch my breath in a little gasp as I held back a sob. “God, I’m so scared, Damian. I don’t want to lose you!”

He grabbed me around my waist and pulled me into him, rubbing my back comfortingly as I sobbed into his chest. “I know, sweetheart. I know.” He said, burying his face in my hair and taking a deep breath. 

He pulled his arm down to the back of my legs and swept my feet out from under me, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

As he walked upstairs, my cries quieted, soothed by the soft, rocking movements of his arms, and his quiet voice whispering comforting words in my ear. Hiccups were the only thing that escaped my lips now as we entered his room; he sat down on the bed with me still cradled in his lap. His knuckles rubbed my back as he pressed kisses to every part of my face, ending with my lips. “Don’t cry, sweetheart, we’ll figure this out.” He said softly.

“I just wish she would tell me something. I feel like I’m waiting for results from a doctor.” I said, sniffing.

“Then what am I to do? I’m going to get your mind off of it.” Damian said, kissing my forehead again.

I looked up at him, wiping the tears from my cheeks. “What?”

He laughed nervously. “You know, I can’t imagine my life without you either. And, though I wanted to do this a little more…officially, I guess it doesn’t matter where I ask you, as long as you say yes.” He said, stroking my cheek with the tip of his finger.

I sat up in his lap slowly, raising my eyebrows. “Ask me what?”

His eyes bored into mine, and he smiled, He leaned forward and captured my lips in his, kissing me softly for what seemed like a full five minutes. When he pulled back, I didn’t notice he was holding something until he took my hand and set a small satin box in my palm. “Catalina Grace Harington,” He started.

“Oh my God!” I gasped as he kissed the top of my other hand.

“I love you more than life itself. Will you do me the most wonderful honor I can think of, and be my wife?” He asked softly.

Now tears ran down my cheeks for a different reason, as he opened the box in my shaking hand, I heard an involuntary gasp escape my lips. The band was encrusted with jewels, the centerpiece of the ring being a beautiful round diamond, shining even in the moonlight. “Damian…I-I….I mean….” I gave up trying to form words and finally nodded my head with a laugh. “Yes!”

He let out a deep breath and pulled me into him, pressing his lips to mine. He kissed me with abandon, caressing my cheek with gentleness only he could give. “Thank God. For a second there I thought you were going to say no.” He said when he pulled away. 

A giggle escaped my lips, and I kissed his cheek. “Never.”

“Good, because if you had said no, I would have been extremely disappointed.” He said, giving me a light smile.