Queen Lyra looked across the battlefield at her cheering people before turning toward Vikram.
"You arrived just in time."
Vikram smiled faintly.
"It was a joint victory. If your pack hadn't held out this long, we wouldn't have been able to break the siege."
Lyra walked toward him until only a single step separated them.
"So… I owe you my pack's gratitude."
Vikram looked into her eyes. Without another word, he gently leaned forward and kissed her.
Lyra was caught off guard for a brief moment. Then, instead of pulling away, she closed her eyes and accepted it.
When they finally separated, neither of them spoke. The surrounding warriors looked at one another before smiles gradually spread across their faces. Among the werewolf packs, such an action carried a meaning far deeper than simple affection.
It was a declaration of acceptance, a male claiming his mate, and the female willingly agreeing.
---
