"Leon," Voren called out, the corners of his lips curving up into this faint, amused grin while pure excitement lit up his eyes like fireworks. "I gotta admit, I never really liked you much before, but damn, you’re starting to grow on me. At the end of the day, nothing matters more to me than my wife’s happiness. The second this wedding wraps up, I’m transferring the deed to this yacht straight into your name."

He dropped those words so casually that for a hot second, everybody around them froze, wondering if the guy was just messing with them.

Voren just lifted his wineglass with total calm, took a smooth sip, and looked dead serious the whole time.

Right beside him, Seraphine slowly turned to stare at the man who had become her husband only moments ago. Her mouth fell open in total shock.

She scanned every inch of his face, desperately hunting for any sign that he was joking, but there wasn’t a trace. He meant every single word.

Her heart did a wild flip inside her chest.

She couldn’t hold back as she reached out toward the wineglass in his hand, but before her fingers could even brush it, Voren easily lifted it way out of reach. His deep, warm chuckle brushed right against her ear as he leaned in close.

"Easy there, Mrs. Ashkael," he whispered in that soft, affectionate voice that was just for her. "You really shouldn’t be drinking any liquor right now, especially with the chance you could already be pregnant."

Heat flooded Seraphine’s cheeks in an instant, turning her face bright red. It wasn’t just how close his lips were to her ears but the way he openly called her Mrs. Ashkael like it was the most natural thing in the world, the deep warmth pouring out of his voice, and that incredible possibility hidden in his words that sent her heart racing like crazy.

She cleared her throat, trying her best to sound confident even as the blush kept spreading across her face. "I’m a doctor. If I were pregnant, I’d know. Besides, I wasn’t close to ovulation when he got intimate."

Voren raised one eyebrow, pure amusement dancing all over his ridiculously handsome face. "Tell me, Doc... how many gifted wolves have you actually treated in your whole career?"

Seraphine’s confidence vanished in a flash. She opened her mouth, ready to fire back some kind of answer, but nothing came out. She slowly closed it again instead.

He was right. She had treated so many people and plenty of regular wolves over the years, but never a gifted wolf. Never anyone carrying the powerful bloodline of a black wolf. She had zero clue how her own body would even handle carrying one.

When he saw that realization hit her full force, Voren’s smile turned incredibly gentle. "Don’t worry about it," he said softly, lifting the glass again. "I’ll drink your share for you." He took another sip without another word, looking completely content.

Across from them, Leon stood there frozen solid. He blinked once, then twice, like his brain was struggling to catch up. Finally his mouth opened as the words sank in. "You’re kidding me."

His voice cracked hard with disbelief. "The Voren from Ashkael Holdings isn’t the type to just hand out something like this."

Voren turned his full attention back to him, one arm sliding naturally around Seraphine’s waist like it belonged there. "Like I already told you," he replied smoothly, glancing at his wife with so much love in his eyes before looking back at Leon, "I’m in one hell of a good mood today." A smug little smile tugged at his lips. "And you handled your defeat like a champ."

Leon’s jaw tightened up, the reminder stinging his pride all over again. Before he could come up with some sharp comeback, loud laughter exploded across the entire yacht.

Guests were chuckling openly while others tried to hide their big smiles behind their glasses. Even some of the crew couldn’t keep straight faces.

Leon clicked his tongue and finally raised both hands in surrender. "Fine." His lips curved into this reluctant grin. "I’ll wait until the deed is actually in my hands before I believe any of this crazy stuff." His eyes narrowed playfully. "And if I find out you were lying..."

He pointed straight at Voren. "I’ll make sure the whole damn world hears how the mighty Voren Ashkael couldn’t keep his word."

Voren looked completely unfazed, not even a flicker of worry. Without breaking eye contact, he called over his shoulder, "Pete."

Pete stepped forward right away. "Yes, sir?"

"Start the paperwork as soon as you can. Get the yacht transferred into his name."

Pete nodded without missing a beat. "It’ll be done."

Leon looked completely lightheaded, his eyes widening so much they seemed like they might actually pop out of his head.

For the first time in forever, he had nothing clever to throw back. He rubbed the back of his neck and finally let out this big, defeated laugh. "Alright..." He shook his head slowly. "You win this one."

His smile turned totally genuine. "Congratulations, Mr. Ashkael." He stuck out his hand, then added with a huge grin, "I already sent over your wedding gift." He glanced down at the expensive watch on his wrist. "Damn. I’ve gotta run."

Looking back at Voren one last time, he smiled warmly. "And thanks for the unbelievable gift." With that, Leon gave everyone a final wave and headed off the beautifully decorated yacht.

The second he was out of sight, the master of ceremonies stepped up to the microphone, his cheerful voice booming across the deck. "Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for our newly married couple to cut the cake and share their first dance together."

Warm applause exploded through the air.

Voren laced his fingers tightly with Seraphine’s and led her over to the stunning wedding cake. Standing side by side, they gripped the knife together. Their eyes locked in this deep, wordless moment.

They didn’t need to say anything. The huge smiles they shared said it all.

Together they sliced into that first piece as wild cheers erupted from every corner of the yacht.

A little while later, soft romantic music started floating through the air. Without even asking, Voren gently pulled Seraphine onto the dance floor.

She followed him happily, her heart overflowing. His hand settled perfectly against the small of her back while hers rested on his strong shoulder.

Every single step felt completely effortless, like they were made for this. Every movement drew them even closer together. They barely noticed anyone else around them anymore.

To everyone watching, it was crystal clear this wasn’t just some first dance. This was two people who had finally found exactly where they belonged in the world. Their eyes stayed locked on each other the whole time, and their smiles came so naturally, so easily.

At one point Seraphine laughed softly after accidentally stepping on his foot. Voren just grinned even wider and pulled her a little closer, which made her giggle like a teenager, pure joy bubbling up inside her.

The guests watched with warm, heartfelt smiles, a bunch of them quietly wiping away emotional tears.

As the music slowly faded out, tiny footsteps came racing across the dance floor. A small hand tugged gently on Voren’s pant leg. "Daddy..." Esperanza looked up at him with those big, hopeful eyes. "Daughter dance."