Claimed by the Alpha || Bang Chan

Chapter 16: Stronger Together

"(Y/N), would you marry me?"

There's a solidness to Bang Chan's voice. A certainty to his voice. A certainty to his stance and gaze as I stare at him in shock.

"What?" I ask in shock.

"It's the only thing that could make us stronger. The one thing that could bring us to our peak." he tells me.

"Bang Chan...that's a big step."

"It is."

A beat of silence passes between us both. He stares down at me sharply in the dark.

"And what happens if I say no? Do you plan on forcing me to marry you if I refuse? Like Hyunjin? Like my father?"

He meets my gaze head on.

"What do you think?" he asks with a smile.

"I think you're better than Hyunjin."

"Thank you. I'm glad you think so."

Gently, he takes my hand in his. I feel the callouses, the years of work on them, but I also feel the warmth, the safety.

"(Y/N), I would never force you into something like that. Never."

His conviction almost unsteadies me.

"That said...would marrying me really be that terrible?"

He says it teasingly, but there's an uncertainty behind his words, a vulnerability. Unable to stop myself, I reach up, tracing my fingers along his perfectly sculped face. The feeling lingers in the air that whatever I say to Bang Chan here and now, he'll take to heart.

"(Y/N)?"

"Bang Chan, I could see myself marrying you."

He stares at me in muted shock.

"You could?" he begins to smile.

"Yes. You're kind, a good leader, a good friend. You're just...good, Bang Chan."

His eyes glint with affection, his mouth parted in awe.

"Is that hard to believe?"

"It's not that."

His smile is infectious, and I can't help but return it.

"It just feels too good to be true." he says, unable to stop smiling.

"Bang Chan...is that another pickup line?" I ask jokingly.

"When have I ever used a pickup line?"

His eyes widen playfully, and I can't help but smile.

"(Y/N)..."

My heart races at his words, at his smoldering gaze, at the bond thrumming between us.

"Would you be my wife? My mate in body and soul? Be mine forever?"

Breathless, I nod.

"Yes!"

I shout with tears of joy and happiness.

"Then..."

He steps forward, cupping my chin and leaning my face up to meet his expression.

"Would you like me to show you what you could look forward to?"

He kisses me then, his lips meeting mine as his hands move to my waist. My pulse pounds in my ears, my breath quickening as he sweeps me off my feet. Moaning, I snake my arms around his neck, pulling him close until we are chest to chest. He smirks into the kiss, pulling me impossibly close, drawing into his warmth, his scent.