CHAPTER 488: HIS PROPOSAL

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Chapter 488

~Ella’s POV~

And there he was. Richard.

Tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in a dark grey shirt with the sleeves rolled up to reveal the strong lines of his forearms.

His intense gaze still flickered with restless energy as it locked onto mine, and something profound shifted in his expression.

He didn’t speak, didn’t ask for permission. He simply stepped forward and kissed me.

There was no prelude, no gentle approach. Just the immediate heat of his mouth on mine, the firm pressure of a man who had clearly been wrestling with his desires for far too long.

My breath hitched, a jolt of surprise momentarily freezing me.

I didn’t return the kiss immediately, not even as his hand slid to the curve of my waist, holding me with a possessiveness that spoke volumes of his unspoken fears.

Perhaps I should have pulled away, or perhaps the thought even flickered through my mind.

But something deep within me began to stir, and a slow, undeniable warmth spread through my chest.

The matebond.

It pulsed through me, electric and terrifyingly right. Before conscious thought could intervene, I kissed him back, Vicky’s triumphant hum echoing in my mind.

His lips curved into a faint smile against mine—a fleeting moment of victory—before he drew back, his eyes searching my face, as if seeking reassurance.

"I wasn’t sure if you’d be here," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Didn’t want to wait until I returned from the kingdom again."

I stared at him, still slightly breathless, the unexpectedness of his arrival and his actions leaving me momentarily speechless. "You came without warning."

"I know."

"You kissed me."

"I know that too." I watched Richard tense slightly. He was guaging my reaction.

I folded my arms across my chest, attempting to project a composure that belied the chaotic flutter in my chest. "I haven’t decided if I’m mad or not."

"I’m hoping for ’not.’" A hopeful glint entered his eyes.

"Hmm."

He smiled again, softer this time, edged with an uncertain vulnerability. He reached past me and nudged the door a little wider. "Can I come in?"

I rolled my eyes, a small, involuntary smile tugging at my lips even as I nodded and stepped aside, allowing him entry into my newly claimed space.

The living room was bathed in the warmth of the late afternoon sun, golden streaks painting the simple décor.

Richard’s gaze swept over the space—the stack of books on the coffee table, the slightly neglected plants on the windowsill.

He didn’t sit, didn’t break the silence.

Instead, he stood by the edge of the couch, turning to face me, his expression earnest.

"My wolf didn’t want to leave," he confessed, sincerely. "Not even for a few days. And I couldn’t understand why until I started driving back here."

"And?" I prompted, intrigued by his unusual vulnerability.

"And I realized the kingdom doesn’t feel like home anymore." His eyes met mine, steady and unwavering. "Not unless you’re in it."

His words struck a chord deep within me, a sharp, sweet resonance. I swallowed, trying to contain the sudden rush of emotion. "You’re not just saying that because of the bond?"

"No," Richard dismissed the thought with a shake of his head. "I’ve felt this for a while, Ella. I just... didn’t know how to articulate it without risking everything. And I wanted to give you the space and time you deserved."

A heavy silence settled between us, filled with unspoken feelings and a fragile hope.

Then, I closed the distance between us, taking his hand in mine and gently tugging him down to sit beside me on the couch.

"I don’t know what this is yet, Richard," I admitted, my fingers lacing with his. "I don’t know what it’s supposed to be or what I am building towards now. You’re my mate, yes but..."

His grip tightened on my hand, his gaze holding mine with unwavering intensity. "I’m here, Ella. You don’t have to doubt. Just trust me."

My gaze flickered downwards, my lashes casting shadows on my cheeks. "Trust?" The word felt heavy with history.

Unbidden, my thoughts drifted to Kent Wayne—my unfortunate friend-with-benefit guy—Zara’s pointed warnings echoing in my mind.

Richard’s lips curved into a slow, understanding smile. "My wolf never wanted to leave. And when I did, it felt like leaving half of myself behind."

That made me blink, a surprised warmth spreading through me.

His thumb traced a gentle line across my knuckles, and I whispered, a small smile finally breaking through my reserve, "You’re really not good at subtle."

"No. Never been my thing." A matching smile touched his lips.

"Okay," I conceded, as optimism bloomed in my chest. "I’m willing to find out."

Richard’s thumb continued its soothing rhythm against mine. "Then that’s enough for now."

We sat there, two wolves finally finding a moment of calm. And for the first time in a long time, neither of us felt the need to run.

"But..." I began suddenly, and I felt Richard’s hand tense in mine. "Relax," I chuckled softly. "No need to be so on edge." He exhaled slowly, the visible relaxation in his shoulders making my own lips curve upwards.

"Okay."

"What aren’t you telling me?"

"What do you mean?" A flicker of confusion crossed his features.

I shook my head, my gaze steady on his. "Don’t do that. Something is going on. You have to tell me, Richard, please. I want a relationship built on trust, with no lies. Can you do that for me?"

He nodded before answering. "Surely. I promise.’

"Okay. I’ll take your word for it. Then please tell me. What’s bugging you?"

Richard hesitated for a little while until finally he inhaled and exhaled, then locked eyes with me.

"Ella, my love. I know we have only known each other for a couple of weeks, but it doesn’t change how I have felt for you since I laid eyes on you and now. Will..." He paused.

I smiled reassuringly at him. "Go on."

"Will you travel back to the Lycan Kingdom with me?"