Bonds at War: The Virgin is Mine Novel

Chapter 289 Before Everything Else Chapter 289 Before Everything Else ROWAN 民 區 45 Free Coins Today was the day I was finally going to attain what I had been wanting for my entire life - the official Alpha title of the South . However , on this monumental day , all I could think about was Tessa . I was inside my room , getting dressed by myself . Tessa wasn't with me because she was busy greeting the endless wave of guests pouring in not only from Fenra but also from Ylarc and Montrose . She belonged to everyone at this moment .

But earlier , just before the sun rose high in the sky , I had caught a glimpse of her in a pale dress . Her shoulder was bare , and her hair was like silk tumbling down her back . God , she was beautiful . I ... I wanted to ruin the dress . I wanted to tear it off , scatter the careful braids , and mark her again and again until there wasn't a doubt in anyone's mind that she was mine . It actually felt pretty weird . I wasn't even this horny when I was younger . Yet , Tessa seems to bring out this side of me . A knock came , breaking my thoughts . Then the door creaked open .

My parents stepped in , making me purse my lips . We had been speaking more casually for the last couple of weeks , and it was still a pretty surreal feeling for me . It definitely feels lighter with them now . However , I couldn't lie and say presence . I was fully comfortable with their They froze at the sight of me , already dressed in the ceremonial uniform that was only worn every crowning of a True Alpha . For a moment , none of us moved . With that , I did the only thing that felt right . I bowed . I lowered my head in acknowledgment before greeting them . " Mom . Dad .

" When I straightened , I expected their usual expressions . But instead , my mother's eyes glistened and my father's shoulders softened . " Rowan , " my mom whispered . Her voice somehow touched me more than I expected . She stepped closer , hesitating like she was afraid I'd push her away . 1/4 12:10 Fri , Oct 3 d Chapter 289 Before Everything Else And maybe , on any other day , I would have . But not today . A 67 +5 Free Coins She lifted her hand , trembling , and brushed her fingers against my jaw . " You look ... grown and so strong .

You look like the man that you would be proud of ." My throat burned . I hadn't prepared for this moment . My dad cleared his throat , his voice uncertain . " We've made mistakes , " he started off . Each word seemed dragged from the deepest part of his heart . " So many mistakes with you , son . For that , we are sorry ." I felt breathless . My dad was actually apologizing ? This man didn't admit weakness ; yet he was doing it so effortlessly in front of me . I wanted to be angry .

To remind them of every wound , every lonely night , every time I had begged for their approval and received only silence . But my chest cracked wide open , and all that spilled out was the boy who had once wanted nothing more than this . My mom stepped in then , her voice breaking . " We are proud of you , Rowan . Do you hear me ? Proud . Of course , it isn't because of the title , or this day , or the power you currently hold . We're proud of you . Thank you for surviving us and becoming someone better than we ever were . " I clenched my jaw , fists tight at my sides .

I wouldn't cry - I swear that I wouldn't . But when she opened her arms , awkward , hesitant , I didn't think . I just moved . I folded into her embrace . My father hesitated only for a second before his arms came around us , too . " I'll do better , " I rasped . " I swear I'll become better than the man I've been - better than what you made me ." My mom pulled back just enough to look into my eyes , her own shining . " Rowan , don't you see ? You already are . You're already the best of us . " I realized I'd been waiting my whole life to hear those words .

And now , standing here , wrapped in the arms of the two people who had failed me the most , I realized that forgiveness wasn't about forgetting . It was about finally letting go of what had kept me chained for the longest time . *** Golden light spilled through the tall windows of the South's Great Chamber . Arden and Cade 2/4 12:10 Fri , Oct 3 d Chapter 289 Before Everything Else 67 +5 Free Coins were in the front row with Jared . Calla was right next to them , and it seemed she was telling Jared stories ; although , as a two - month - old , he definitely didn't understand her just yet .

Owen was in the row behind them , wearing a scowl . However , I caught him wiping the corner of his eye once , so I knew this day meant more to him than he'd admit . And Tessa - my Tessa - stood among them . The moment my eyes found her , I nearly forgot the crowd and the crown waiting to be placed on my head . The ceremony began with the Elders , their voices deep as they spoke the vows of unity and protection . My parents stepped forward to present the traditional crest of the South - a heavy medallion forged generations ago . I bent my head , allowing them to place it around my neck .

" Rowan Wrenmoor , " the Elder's voice boomed , " do you vow to lead not for yourself , but for your people ? To fight not for ambition , but for peace ? To protect even when it costs you blood , and to love even when it costs you pride ? " I spoke clearly . " I vow it . With everything I am ." The chamber erupted in cheers . My name echoed against the walls like thunder . For a second , I just stood there , drinking it in - the sight of my people smiling , of my friends clapping , of the family I had chosen and the one I had been given . I never thought I'd get this or even deserved it .

When the noise finally dimmed down , I stepped forward to the podium . " Thank you ," I began , my voice carrying over the crowd . " Thank you for believing in me , even when I didn't believe in myself . Thank you for letting me grow , letting me fight , letting me become the Alpha I hope to be . Today isn't about me , but you . Every single one of you who stood when times were darkest . Every single one of you who still stands now . " The crowd clapped , but I lifted my hand , my eyes never leaving hers .

" And there is one person here who has stood by me most of all , " I said , softer , but somehow the chamber grew quieter , straining to hear . " Tessa Fen . " Her eyes widened . Her lips parted as though to stop me , but I couldn't stop now . " You are my light . When I was lost , you found me . When I was broken , you pieced me back together . When I doubted myself , you believed enough for both of us . Today , I become an Alpha , but before anything else , I am yours ." I stepped down from the podium , my steps echoing through the chamber . The crowd murmured . But , I didn't care .

All I saw was her , frozen in place , tears already shining in her 3/4 12:10 Fri , Oct 3 d .. Chapter 289 Before Everything Else eyes . When I reached her , I dropped to one knee . " Tessa , " I whispered , " will you marry me? " Sara Lili Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland's breathtaking cold.