Page 89 of Sanctuary

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The crowd dispersed into the reception hall, where tables laden with food and drink awaited. Music filled the air as clan members mingled, congratulating Connor and sharing stories of MacGallan history. I found myself momentarily alone, watching the celebration unfold from a quiet corner near the windows.

“I never told you how gorgeous you looked tonight,” Connor’s voice came from behind me, warm and intimate.

I turned to find him standing there, resplendent in his formal kilt and jacket, his eyes holding mine with an intensity that made my breath catch.

“The ceremony was beautiful,” I said, reaching up to straighten his brooch. “You were magnificent.”

He captured my hand in his, pressing a kiss to my palm. “Dance with me?”

Without waiting for an answer, he led me to the center of the floor just as the band transitioned to a slower melody. Other couples stepped aside, creating space for us as Connor drew me into his arms.

“When I accepted this position,” he murmured as we began to move, “I wasn’t just making a promise to the clan.” His hand tightened at my waist, drawing me closer. “I was making one to you, too.”

“What promise?” I asked, my voice barely audible above the music.

“That no matter what comes—threats, danger, uncertainty—I will choose you. Every day, every moment.” His forehead touched mine. “I love you, Mia. Not despite your past, but because of who it made you. The woman who fights for what matters, who protects fiercely, who loves completely, even when it terrifies her.”

Tears pricked my eyes as we swayed together, the world around us fading into a distant blur of sound and color.

“I choose you too,” I whispered. “Today and always.”

As the final notes of the song faded, Connor kissed me—a promise sealed before our family, our clan, our future. Whatever challenges awaited us beyond this night, we would face them together, bound by a love stronger than fear, deeper than duty, more enduring than the ancient traditions that had brought us to this moment.

And for the first time in my life, I was exactly where I belonged.

The song ended, and he grabbed my hand, tugging it as he started walking off the dancefloor. When he proceeded through the doors and into the foyer, I stopped in my tracks.

“Where do you think you’re taking me?”

He flashed me a wicked grin. “To Lucy’s bingo hall. It’s date night, remember?”

The end