Page 83 of Mated to the Ruin King
Now I have Lorenth. Lora. Kova and Kaelan. And Mira.
A family built from choice and love instead of obligation.
"Whatever you want." Lorenth's voice rumbles against my side, lips brushing the top of my head. "If you want Mira here,she's here. If you want to help her find her own place, we'll do that. Whatever makes you happy."
I tilt my head back to look at him, catching the warmth in those golden-ringed eyes. The absolute certainty that he means every word.
This man.
This incredible, fierce, impossibly patient man who tore apart my cage and built me a home instead.
"Thank you." The words are inadequate for what I'm feeling, but they're all I have.
His answering smile is soft. Private. Meant just for me despite Mira watching from across the room.
"Always."
The bond swells with emotion—his and mine tangled together until there's no separation. Just this overwhelming sense ofrightness. Of everything finally, finally falling into place.
I turn back to Mira, who's watching us with suspiciously bright eyes and a wobbly smile.
"So." I clear my throat. "That's settled. You're staying."
"Apparently." But she's grinning now, standing to cross the room. "Thank you. Both of you."
She pulls me into another hug, and over her shoulder I see Lorenth watching us with that small, satisfied smile.
This is it.
This is what happiness feels like.
Not the desperate, stolen moments I survived on before. Not the brief respites between pain.
Just... peace. Safety. Love.
A home built from choice instead of chains.
And I'm never letting it go.
