Evaline:

The last rays of sunlight of the day streamed softly through the curtains, casting golden ripples across the room. Lioren's laughter filled the air as he played with the folds of the blanket in my arms, his little fingers curling and uncurling like tiny claws.

Draven sat beside me, one arm wrapped securely around my shoulders, his other hand gently stroking our son's hair. Every few seconds, I could feel him brush his lips against my temple, as though he couldn't stop himself from touching me.

And honestly, I couldn't stop leaning into him either.

Ever since the mark was sealed, something inside me had shifted - no, completed. I could feel him in every heartbeat, every breath. His emotions pulsed faintly beneath my skin, a quiet hum of warmth that made me want to melt into him completely. Every time our eyes met, the world blurred until it was just him and me, like the bond had woven invisible threads between our souls that pulled us closer every moment.

I was lost in his quiet gaze when the faint click of the front door made me look up. The next second, a familiar presence filled the room.

I looked up and found Oscar standing there with a fond expression on his face.

"You are home," I said, smiling despite the heat that rushed to my cheeks.

:Yes," he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm home."

Lioren let out a happy squeal, reaching his little hands toward Oscar, who let out a soft laugh as he reached for our son.

I handed him over carefully to Oscar, causing our hands to brush.

Draven's arm tightened slightly around me as though by instinct, and Oscar caught the subtle movement, which made his grin deepen. "Don't worry, brother. I'm not here to steal her away. Yet."

I shook my head, but laughter bubbled out of me anyway.

His eyes flicked to me, and for a moment, the teasing melted away. There was something raw in his gaze... a quiet, genuine happiness that made my throat tighten. "Congratulations," he said softly. "To both of you. I could feel it even from miles away."

Draven gave a slight nod. "I know." His hand brushed over the mark on my neck before he looked back at his brother. "It feels… right, doesn't it?"

Oscar's lips curved in a faint, knowing smile. "More than right."

The warmth of his tone made me realize he had felt what I had earlier - the rush of emotions, the overwhelming connection that had sealed between Draven and me. It made me blush all over again, remembering the intensity of this morning - the way our souls had intertwined until we could no longer tell where one ended and the other began.

Before I could respond, the sound of another car pulling into the driveway reached my ears, followed by hurried footsteps and a cheerful knock.

"Looks like the rest of the pack's home," Oscar murmured, rising just as the door swung open.

Kieran was the first to enter, his long blonde hair slightly wind-tousled and his golden-green eyes glowing with warmth. River followed close behind, looking effortlessly elegant in his dark shirt and coat, though even he couldn't hide the faint smile that curved his lips when his gaze fell on us.

"Well, well," Kieran said, his grin bright and unrestrained. "Our youngest brother finally decided to make it official."

Draven's mouth twitched in amusement. "Took me long enough, apparently."

River arched an eyebrow. "Indeed. I was starting to think I would have to arrange a family meeting to make it happen."

I couldn't stop laughing as they all crowded into the living room, each bringing their own warmth into the space. Kieran immediately came over to kiss my forehead, murmuring softly, "You look radiant, love. The mark suits you."

"Thank you," I whispered, my cheeks warming again.

River's gaze lingered on the faint shimmer of the mark on my neck. "It's beautiful," he said, his tone softer than usual. "The bond feels balanced now. It's strange, but… comforting."

Oscar, who had resumed his usual calm demeanor, leaned back against the wall with a smirk. "Strange how? Because you can feel their emotions bleeding through?"

River gave him a look that said he wasn't entirely wrong. "Something like that."

Kieran chuckled, taking Lioren into his arms when the baby reached for him. "Someone's going to be spoiled by too much love."

"Let her," Draven said simply, his voice a low rumble. He looked down at me, and I could feel that gentle possessiveness radiating through the bond again. "She deserves it."

Oscar made a quiet sound of agreement, his smile softening. "You both do."

The dinner was anything but normal. I was inseparable from Draven, or maybe it was the other way around.

At one point, when I turned to reach for the herbs, Draven caught my wrist, pulling me back gently until my back met his chest. His breath ghosted against my ear. "You are glowing," he murmured. "I don't think I have ever seen you smile this much."

I smiled wider, turning my head slightly toward him. "That's because I don't think I have ever felt this complete before."

He pressed a soft kiss to my neck, right where his mark glowed faintly beneath the skin. "Now you will for the rest of your life. You are mine, Eva."

My heart fluttered. "And you are mine."

From the opposite side, a loud cough broke the moment. "Alright, lovebirds," Oscar said, leaning against the back of his chair with a smirk. "Save that for after dinner."

Kieran, who was carrying Lioren, chuckled. "At this point, they are inseparable. You'll just have to get used to it."

And he wasn't wrong. Even as the night stretched on, Draven barely left my side. His hand found mine every time I shifted, his touch grounding, his presence constant. I could sense his protectiveness, the quiet pride that now colored his every glance toward me.

When the night finally settled, and the others took their leave for the night, Draven turned to me, his gaze dark and warm. "You know," he murmured, brushing a lock of hair from my face, "I'm still not used to hearing others talk about our bond."

"Why?" I teased, smiling. "Embarrassed?"

"Not embarrassed," he said, his lips curving faintly. "Just… possessive."

I laughed quietly, leaning into his chest. "That's fine. Because I'm not planning on going anywhere."

He tilted my chin up, his eyes gleaming under the soft moonlight filtering through the window. "Good."

His lips found mine, slow and deep, and for a moment, I thought maybe this was what home truly felt like - warm arms, soft laughter, and a bond that tied not just our souls, but every heartbeat we would ever share.

And as Lioren stirred faintly in his crib, Draven's hand tightened around mine.

We had finally sealed what destiny had started.