Ellie

Opening my eyes, the next morning, I am still in Kayden's arms. He's holding me close to his chest, so he can breathe in the smell of my hair while he sleeps. I kiss his chest, and because it's so enticing, I bring my tongue out to lick along his abs. This wakes him up right away.

He rolls us over, "do I taste good?" He asks as he looks down at me. Nodding my head, I give him a smile.

I'm not fooling him though; he can see the sadness in my eyes. "We will have the proper burial for your brother sweetheart." He says as he tucks my hair behind my ears.

"Thank you, it's the least I could do for him."

"He loved you baby girl, and he would have rather him die then you. He was a good brother in the end." He brings my face to his chest, and I let my tears fall.

Sometime later, I realize I must have fallen asleep because when I open my eyes Kayden is fully dressed. His hair is wet, so he must have taken a shower. He looks down at me and smiles. "Hey baby girl, why don't you take a bath and relax, while I make a few calls. Then, we'll go and see your mother and Liz."

He offers his hand out to me and helps me out of the bed. He gives me a kiss on my lips and walks me to the bathroom, when he opens the door, I see he drew me a bubble bath. "Go ahead, I'll be downstairs in my office. When you're finished come get me and we'll all have breakfast together."

He gives my ass a tap, making me screech. I turn and glower at him, as I watch him walk out of the room with a laugh. I soak in the hot tub until the water runs cold. Once I'm out and dried off I look at my reflection in the mirror.

The woman looking back at me has changed so much. Been through too much these last few weeks. Looking to my eyes, I can see weight of the world in them. I know that Luther is gone, perished as he should be in last nights battle, but there are still monsters that lurk into the night.

Shaking my head, I take a deep breath, and make my way into our room. I see he has clothes laid out for me, getting dressed, I make my way to his office. Opening the door, I see everyone is here. My mother and Liz both run to me, and into my body.

Wrapping me in their arms we hold one another for a while. Hearing a sniffle, I pull back and look into Liz's crying eyes. "It's going to be all right. Kayden is going to give Keith the proper burial, and his spirit will be free into the other world with our parents."

"I know, it's just I didn't get to say goodbye." She cries.

I bring her into my arms, and we hold one another through our shared tears. We both lost a brother last night, and because of that our lives will forever be changed. Holding her face I look into her eyes, "we still have each other. We always will." I vow.

She nods her head and looks behind her. Tony stands from the chair announcing that he's starving. Kayden walks over to me, intertwines his hand with mine, and we make our way to the dining room. Food has already been prepared.

Sitting at the table we all talk about our memories with our fallen brethren. Liz and I share fond memories of Keith, and my mother says she is looking forward to our future. I reach out to hold her hand, "me too mom. I know it will be quite the adventure moving forward." She smiles at me.

Kayden grabs my hand, pulling it to his lips he kisses my fingers. Drawing my attention his way. His eyes are red with fire, I can see all his needs and wants in the depths, but something else lurks in them. I know he's feeling something strong. What ever it is it must be serious because he leans down and kisses my lips.

All eyes are on us, everyone we love and care for witnessing our passionate moment. "Go to your room for that." Liz shouts from the other end of the table, making everyone laugh.

When Kayden pulls away, he brings his forehead to mine. Looking deep into my eyes he says, "we've been through so much sweetheart, and I cannot imagine my life without you in it. I've waited so long to have you in my reach, I don't want to ever lose you."

Before I can say the words on how he won't ever lose me. That I'm his forever, he pulls away and reaches into his suit pocket. He pulls out a little black box, and places it on the table. I look at him, eyes wide. He nods telling me to open it.

When I do it's the most beautiful heart shaped ring with diamonds all around the band I've ever seen. "I know we've had some bad things happen these last few days, but I don't want to wait another moment. I want something good to come out of all of this. Go to the council with me today, and marry me?" He asks.

The entire room is silent. Tears are building in my eyes, as I reach for the ring. Looking up at him I ask, "will you put it on me?"

"Is that a, yes?" His eyes are hopeful.

"Hell yes!" I shout making everyone at the table laugh and cheer.

He removes the ring from the box and places it on my finger. He kisses my hand and stands bringing me with him. He gives me a kiss on the lips and drags me behind him as he walks out of the room.

"We are doing this now?" I ask.

"Yup, I'm not waiting another minute. Come one guys." He shouts over his shoulder.

Martin, Joshua, and Tony all run ahead and get the cars out front. We pile in, with Kayden on one side of me and Liz on the other. "You ready for this?" Liz asks.

Looking to Kayden who has a huge, beautiful smile along his lips. I kiss his hand, and tell her I am. The truth is I cannot wait to be his completely. He may have surprised me with this, but tonight I will have the last laugh.

I'm going to surprise him with the biggest news yet. What he doesn't know is I'm three months pregnant, and I can already see his stunned face. All I know is I hope it's a boy that looks just like his father and will grow to be a strong and passionate man like him as well. A man who will fight for those he loves and protect his blood bond mate their entire lives.