The packhouse was decorated with various flowers, scented herbs, and green leafy tendrils. Both sides of the entrance were festooned with flowers and greenery strings hung from the top. On the porch, various colorful buntings hung from the ceiling.
The walls of the hall were adorned with green leafy wreaths and white floral bouquets. The huge crystal chandelier in the middle of the hall was decorated with trailing flowers and tendrils of leaves, giving the impression of a whimsical suspended centerpiece.
On the 16-seater dining table, various eatables such as sponge cakes, crackers, fries, meatballs, steaks, chicken tenders, and many others were lavishly displayed alongside beverages.
The pack members had already come to enjoy it since the morning. They were all dressed in new outfits, with laurel wreaths on their heads. Some joyfully danced, while others sang. Some were gossiping and drinking.
Children were the most ecstatic. They got full access to roam around the packhouse. They would come and eat something in the middle of what they were doing. Their clothes were stained with brown, orange, and pink from what they ate. But their enthusiasm was not lacking, as though they did not care about their messy appearances.
Guests from the allied packs had also arrived as the day progressed. Dimitri greeted them warmly and escorted them to the hall.
While everyone enjoyed themselves, Lucas sneaked out of the packhouse with Cecilia. He ran into the woods, holding her hands.
They were laughing as they ran.
"Where are you taking me?" Cecilia asked.
"You will find out soon."
They ran and ran, without stopping anywhere. Their feet flew over the grassy, mossy undergrowth. Their breathing was frantic, heart rates higher.
Cecilia became concerned when they crossed the border. Her smile faded as she looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings.
The trees seemed taller on this side. Even the bushes appeared to be bigger and denser. The foliage above their heads formed a dense canopy, preventing the sunlight from reaching the ground. Even when the sun was directly overhead, it gave the impression of dusk.
"We crossed the border," Cecilia said, as if she was reminding him.
"I am aware of it."
"Isn't it risky? We left the pack far behind." Cecilia was taken aback by his casual demeanor and wondered if he was not concerned about the enemies attacking them.
"Do you trust me?" Lucas asked.
"Of course, I trust you. But…"
"We are almost there," Lucas interrupted her. "Come this way." He dashed to the right, pulling her along.
The bushes surrounding them were sparse. The grass was also short. Intermittent clouds could be seen through the cracks in the foliage.
As she proceeded further, she felt the ground was gritty.
They came to a halt on a stony surface.
"Take a look over there."
Cecilia turned to face the direction Lucas was pointing. Her mouth formed a big 'O' as she marveled at the oval-shaped lake lined by pine trees.
The lake was as silver as a teardrop; even the depths were crystal clear. The surface of the water glistened like a diamond in the sunlight. Unruffled by the wind, it was tranquil. The atmosphere was also quiet. The only sound was the birds chirping.
"Wow!" That was the first thing that came out of her mouth. "It is marvellous."
"Will you marry me?" Lucas looked up at her, impatiently waiting for her reply. He had a smile on his face, but he could hardly control his heart from trembling with the fear of rejection.
Cecilia skipped a beat as she shifted her gaze to him. She was so engrossed in admiring nature's splendor that she didn't notice Lucas kneeling in front of her. Her hands flew to her mouth as she stared at the gold ring in his hand.
A wave of joy crashed through her. Tears began to gather in her eyes.
"Of course." Her throat was so tight that she could only utter those two words.
Lucas grinned from ear to ear, breathing a sigh of relief. He took her hand in his and slid the ring onto her ring finger.
Cecilia couldn't hold back her tears as she stared at the ring.
Lucas rose to his feet and reached out to wipe her tears away. "Happy birthday, sweetheart," he whispered.
Cecilia wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his chest. Her eyes dimmed as she recalled her parents. "I thought mamma and papa would return to celebrate my eighteenth birthday. But they couldn't make it."
She sighed in agony, her face clouding with worry.
This morning, she had received a letter from her father informing her that her mother's condition had deteriorated. It would take a few more days for them to return.
She had not told Eleanor because she thought it would upset her. She didn't reveal it to Lucas either.
"I am here with you." Lucas hugged her even tighter, kissing the top of her head. "And I will take you to my parents. They will be happy to see you. We will cut the cake."
"I love the birthday gift," she murmured, mustering a smile.
She dispelled the sadness from her heart. Her long-awaited birthday had arrived. She had always hoped to meet her mate when she reached the age of eighteen. Fortunately, she discovered her mate a week before the big day. Furthermore, the pack was celebrating their victory over the rogue gang.
She wanted to enjoy it.
"There is plenty to come." He bowed and kissed her.
She slipped her fingers through his hair and kissed him back. She was giddy with joy and couldn't stop smiling. Her mouth grew wider.
"Ugh…" Lucas groaned. "Stop smiling." He devoured her lips hungrily.
"Mm…" She whimpered in pain.
He gently sucked her lips as if caressing them. "Would you like to go into the water?" he murmured against her lips.
"Yes," she whispered back.
"Let's go." He took off his clothes in an instant and jumped into the water.
Cecilia blushed, watching him naked. She stood there motionless, debating whether or not to remove her dress.
"Come on," Lucas shouted. "It is refreshing."
Cecilia chewed the insides of her cheeks, still hesitating. After inspecting her surroundings and making sure that no one was watching them, she removed her clothes and joined him in the lake.
Lucas' eyes were wide as he marveled at her impeccable body. His wolf howled, ready to claim her. It made his cock hard. But he held back his growing desire, not wanting to scare her.
He smiled as he swam away. "Catch me if you can."
"Wait for me." Cecilia also swam after him.
They swam side by side all around the lake and then dived deep down.
The water was so clear that the bottom of the lake could be visible. Pebbles of various shapes and sizes glittered like gemstones.
Cecilia grinned and craned her neck out of the water, holding his hand.
Lucas cupped her face and looked at her with yearning. "Do you like it?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
"I love it."
"I came across this location while looking for Zane after he was kidnapped. I have been thinking of bringing you here ever since."
"Thank you for bringing me here," she whispered.
Lucas smiled, his thumbs gently rubbing her cheeks. His breathing became heavier as his desire intensified. The surging hormones raised the heat even though he was in the water.
His lustful gaze made her heart pound even harder. She moved in closer and kissed him, snaking her arms around his neck.
Lucas enveloped her petite form with his arms and kissed her back.
She was lightheaded again. She tilted her head back, giving him easy access to her mouth. A little shudder crossed her spine when he slipped his tongue into her mouth, parting her lips. It was soft, sweet, and silky. Her heart swelled to the point of almost bursting.
There was no more hesitation in her mind.
"Love me," she murmured.
"Are you sure?"
"I am sure."
"Oh, sweetheart." He kissed her again, a half-groan, half-moan sound coming out of his throat.