Only Her- ON HOLD

Chapter 25.

Dani's POV

I pulled us towards the waterfall, swimming behind the crashing water until I found a nook of space. I followed that along the rock's edge with Noah behind me until the tiny space opened into a smaller pool with a cave nestled hidden behind the crashing water. I was about to step out of the small pool when Noah let go of my hand and looked back at the direction we'd just come.

"Hang on a second." He said and disappeared back into the crevice behind the waterfall.

Within a few moments, he was back with his hands full of our clothes. I laughed and shook my head as he finally came clear of the water and stepped into the cave. "You could have left those. No one would mess with them out here."

He nodded and placed our things on the floor before searching through his jacket. "I know, but there's something I have that I don't want to lose. Is there any light in here?" He asked.

I looked back at him questioningly, searching his thoughts but he blocked me, smirking as he shook his head. I finally sighed and tracked down the lanterns stashed in the corner along with some blankets. I picked up the lanterns and placed them along the wall in the back of the cave while Noah placed the blankets for us. We sat down and he turned to me, holding a folded piece of paper in his hand.

"What is it?" I asked quietly, recognizing his change as his face turned more serious.

"Your mother wrote me this for today, and I thought you'd like to read it." He replied, handing the note over to me.

I took it and slowly opened the letter, recognizing my mother's handwriting addressing it to Noah and smiling. "Are you sure?" I asked quietly, looking up at him. He nodded and sat back against the rock, waiting for me to begin. My eyes dropped to the paper and began to follow the elegant script of my mother's writing.

Noah,

I want to take this moment to welcome you to our family, and to thank you for taking care of our daughter when she was at risk of being harmed and at her most vulnerable. Many males would have done exactly as their Alpha had commanded, but you chose your mate over your pack and Alpha as well as your own father, and for that, we will never be able to repay you.

Daniela is the true daughter of an Alpha and is one who doesn't show her weakness easily. She rarely lets others see her when she's anything but at her best and strongest. If I can give you one piece of advice, it is to love her through it and in spite of it. She's been so strong for so long because it's who she is. But she needs a mate who will let her process safely and embrace her strength as much as her weakness, as sometimes they are one and the same. I see you two together and I know that you are that mate for her Noah, even when she doesn't realize she needs it. I see that you are ready to allow her to be fully herself and that you're ready to give her that in return. Lean into one another completely and you'll lead each other and our pack true.

In your coat pocket, I've placed two tokens, one for you and one for my daughter. The first was one that I had hoped to gift to my own son for his mating ceremony, but the moon had other plans for our family. I've placed your initials on the other side. You already mean so much to us because of what you mean to our daughter, and because I know that Wyatt would have loved you. The second item was gifted to me by Eli's mother after my own mating ceremony. It is a necklace containing a gorgeous and bright moonstone. A moonstone is a symbol of new beginnings and protection. It is meant to remind Dani that her home is always close by so long as she is with you. It will always guide her true and bring her back to you safely so long as she wears it. Give it to her when you feel the moment is right.

Take care of our daughter and be a strong leader for our pack and you'll do wonderfully here and in your new life together. Welcome to our home and to our family. Enjoy today and I wish you both a bright and joyful future together.

Selene

I see a tiny drop of water hit the page and realize I'm crying as I read my mother's words. I look up to see Noah watching me with a look on his face that was indescribable. It simply felt as if I was completely understood. Like I was safe, not only in this moment here in this cave with him, but in our life. In our future.

He leaned forward and opened his palm to reveal a dainty gold chain attached to a clouded white gemstone that I've come to know as well as my own two hands. I've seen my mother wear this necklace every day my entire life. The gemstone was especially gorgeous tonight. It was as if it was shining from within, like the moonlight was not only reflecting onto it, but from inside of it.

"Oh Noah. It's beautiful." I whispered as he smiled.

"Well, while I can't take much credit for that, I'm honored that your mother trusted me to gift to you. May I?" He asked, motioning to my neck.

I nodded tearfully, swiping my wet hair from my shoulders and allowing him to clasp it behind my neck before letting it fall gently in place just below my collarbone. "It suits you." He replied with a soft smile.

My hand reached for the stone, feeling it's love and symbolism weighing heavy from it. "Thank you Noah."

He shook his head to dismiss it but I stopped him, placing my hand on his chest and he stilled instantly. "No not just for this. For everything you've done since the second I walked into that hallway on your land. I know we didn't start smoothly, but since then you have been nothing short of incredible and I don't know how I was so blessed by the moon to receive someone like you who loves me, but I'm thankful all the same."

He let out a quiet laugh and brushed my damp curls away from my face, tucking them behind my ear as his crystal eyes met mine. "Dani, you are strong, and kind, and truly unique in who you are in this world that tries to define you. And I will always protect that. I will always protect you. You are a part of me, and I a part of you. Nothing will break that bond or that love I feel for you."

I smiled and leaned forward, placing a deep kiss onto his full  lips. I felt that heat already rising inside of me as he pulled me in closer, deepening the kiss. My body moved on instinct as it followed his lead, lying back onto the blanket while his own followed to hover over mine, completely in sync. Our bodies began to move together as one, in tandem with one another. In this moment, I realized that I really had found my true mate. It was seamless, one beginning where the other ended, even without being connected through our marks. And I was ready to begin a new life exploring life with him by my side. I was ready to start my life with my mate.

Tonight, we would make love in this cave until the sun rose. And then tomorrow, we would begin the journey for our future. And prepare for the fight we'd have to endure to keep it.