The Mermaid's Unexpected Mate

Chapter 32

 Michael's POV:

 It's mine and Marina's anniversary in about a week. I'm planning a special surprise for her. I went down to the beach, scouting out a good place for the surprise. I then caught sight of Darnell, sitting on the rock I always went to when I needed to think. 

 "What's Darnell doing here..? I thought he was hanging out with Aerwyna today..." I remarked to Flame, my wolf. 

 "I have no idea. He looks troubled though." Flame stated.

 I walked over to him. "Hey, want some company?" I asked. 

 He jumped and looked up at me. "Oh! Alpha Michael! I'm sorry, I didn't know you were there," he exclaimed. 

 "That's fine, Darnell. Is everything alright?" I asked, sitting down. He shrugged. "Is it about Aerwyna?" 

 "How'd you know?" he asked, looking up at me. 

 I chuckled. "Well, I can't help but notice how you're here when you were supposed to be with my daughter." 

 "I guess your right...I guess I'm just...scared..." 

 "Of what, Darnell?" I asked, with a slight frown. 

 "I'm scared that I haven't changed as much as I hope..." 

 "What makes you think you haven't changed?" I asked. 

 "I did so many horrible things...I made Aerwyna not want to accept me! Why she accepted me, I'll never know...I just....don't think I'm worthy of her...I just don't think I deserve her..."

 At this, I chuckled. He stared at me, confused as to why I was laughing. "Darnell, if Marina and I had felt that way, I wouldn't be with her and Aerwyna wouldn't even exist. I did a lot of stupid things. I never deserved her. I'm sure there's a lot of people who do stupid things and feel they don't deserve their mate. But, that's the thing about mates and love. They give you a chance to do things right. Marina gave me a chance. And so did my daughter. I changed. And I know you have too. You don't bully Harmony anymore. I also know, Aerwyna loves you very much. Some people, they don't take the forgiveness their loved one is offering, because they feel they don't deserve it. Which, is true, but they don't take it because they can't forgive themselves. When they don't, they don't lead a very pleasant life. Their life is full of regret and sadness. Aerwyna has already forgiven you. We all have. Including Harmony. Will you forgive yourself?" There was silence for several minutes. 

 Finally Darnell stood up. "Thank you, Alpha. And now, with your permission, I'd like to ask Aerwyna if I can mark her." 

 I nodded with a smile. "Of course you can, Darnell. I know you will take good care of my little girl." 

 "I sure will, Alpha Michael. Thank you." With that, he ran off. I smiled as I watched him leave. Aerwyna was gonna have an unexpected surprise. A really good one.

 Darnell's POV:

 I don't know if I really can do this. But I'm gonna try. I hurried to the pack house and knocked on the door. It was opened by Earwyn. 

 "Darnell! There you are! We were wondering what kept you! Aerwyna is in her room. A little upset," he told me. I nodded and thanked him hurriedly before hurrying up the stairs. I stopped before my mate's door, taking a deep breath before knocking. 

 "I'm doing my homework." Aerwyna's voice called. 

 "Are you really? Are you too busy to come hang out with your mate?" I heard a thud or two from inside the room before the door swung open. 

 Aerwyna stood there, wide-eyed. Tears stained her cheeks. Her hair was a mess and she wore pajamas. "Darnell! I thought you weren't coming!" she hugged me tight.

 I smiled and we entered her room. "Well, I'm here now....And, Aerwyna, dew drop, I have an overdue question for you.." 

 She looked at me curiously. "What is it?" 

 "Aerwyna, can I mark you..?" 

 Her eyes went wide. Suddenly, without warning, she jumped into my arms. I looked up at her and she looked down at me. She had a smile on her face. "What took you so long, Darnell?? I was beginning to think you didn't want me!" she exclaimed. 

 "Of course not...You are the only girl for me, dew drop.." I set her down on her feet and leaned down, grazing over her neck. She tilted her head, giving me more room. When I found that sweet spot, I bit down. She jumped, gripping my hand tightly. I'm pretty sure I lost circulation in that hand. She calmed down and smiled at me. 

 "I love you, Darnell...Thank you..." 

 "Of course, dew drop...I love you too..." I whispered, leaning close to her. I felt her lean down into my neck. I frowned a little, wondering what she was doing. I groaned as she ran over a particular spot on my neck. I then felt her bite down. I yelped, squeezing my mate's arm. I hope I didn't cut off her circulation. I guess I know what she was doing. And honestly, I couldn't be happier...I finally feel complete. I can't wait till she's older. We can finally have the mating ceremony and become full mates.

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 Hey everyone! Thanks so much for sticking with me this far into the story. I hope you'll stick around for the end and, for the third book, 'Delia's Forbidden Mate'. In the last chapter, I threw in an unknown pov. All of you are probably wondering who it is. But don't worry. You'll find out eventually. Hope you all have a great day!