Tatiana's POV The ball was a grand affair. The men were all dressed in Tuxedos and the women in gorgeous gowns. When Duncan first saw Sadie in her dark blue gown, you could see the affection between them. Tia was pleased to see how happy they were together. They both deserved to find love. She couldn't imagine two people better matched for each other. Tia felt like a queen on the arm of the most captivating Werewolf in the room. Zeta Luca, however, was less impressed by all the attention but handled it admirably. As the event began to wind down, Tia noticed Duncan & Sadie had already snuck away. She could tell Luca was ready to be freed from his admirers. She obliged, and they quickly snuck away before anyone else caught him. Tia grabbed a bottle of bubbly on the way out. They were laughing as they reached her door. Successfully escaping his admirers was exhilarating. Once she caught her breath, she was about to ask Luca in for a nightcap when she remembered they

Tatiana's POVTia and Luca packed their bags and joined Duncan and Sadie for breakfast. Surprisingly, Duncan apologized for his behavior. Tia could tell he was still struggling with it a bit, but he seemed sincere. She glanced at Sadie, who winked at her, and suddenly it became clear. Sadie had talked sense into him. Duncan would have arrived there eventually, but Sadie had helped move it along. Tia was grateful. She did not want to fly out on bad terms with Duncan.After breakfast, Duncan and Sadie dropped them off at the airport for the two-hour trip home. Tia gave Duncan a big hug."I hope you have a great time at the bonding ceremony. Take good care of this one, and bring her home safe," She said, nodding toward Sadie.She turned to hug Sadie and whispered in her ear, "Thank you!"Sadie smiled, "What are sisters for?"Luca stepped in and hugged Sadie, and they waved goodbye.Luca's POVThe flight was uneventful, as was the

Tatiana's POVTia returned to the house the following morning after searching for Luca all night. No one was awake yet. She popped her head into Luca's room, but he wasn't there. She tiptoed to her room and flopped on the bed. There was a light rap on the door. Tia looked up to see Gaby standing in the open doorway of her adjoining room. Tia motioned for Gaby to join her."Good morning! This place is beautiful, and I have never slept in such a comfortable bed in my life.""I am glad you slept well. You needed it.""Yes, I did. I appreciate what you have done for me, and I apologize for yesterday."Before Tia could protest, she held up her hand and continued, "I don't want you to think I am ungrateful because nothing could be further from the truth. However, I need to go back to the Village. If I stay here, I will be hiding. I don't want to hide. I want to face this and get through it."Tia nodded, "Okay. I understand. However, I want you to

Luca's POVThe Alpha and Luna had gone to bed, so Luca finished up the last of his paperwork and call it a night. He quietly crept upstairs and stopped in front of Tatiana's door. Her light was on, so he knocked. She opened the door, surprised to find him standing there. Tia took his hand and led him inside. Before he could speak, she pulled him to her and crushed her lips against his. He responded hungrily as his hands slid under her nightgown and pulled down her panties. Tia's lips trailed down his neck. Her teeth grazed the skin on his neck where his mark was, sending shivers up his spine. She pushed him back onto the bed and pulled her nightgown off over her head. Her eyes stared deeply into his as they flickered between blue and violet. The backlight made her body appear to glow. She kneeled in front of him and started to unbuckle his pants. As he looked down at her, Lux strained against him. A guttural groan reverberated from him. Her tongue softly lapped at the head of

Duncan's POVAs they arrived at Sea-Tac Airport, Duncan was glad to be home. He had been away longer than expected. Sadie was quieter than usual. He gave her hand a quick squeeze, and she smiled up at him. Luca was picking them up from the airport. So they headed to baggage claim."Are you nervous?""Yes, but in a good way. I am looking forward to this new life.""You know you can always fly back home for a couple of days if you are feeling home sick?""I know. I love you for that," Sadie said as she stood on her tippy toes and kissed him."Hey, get a room you two," a familiar voice said behind him.Sadie squealed and ran to Tatiana. She winked at Duncan."I thought Luca was coming.""Yes he is here," she motioned toward the baggage carousel. Luca stood there patiently waiting for it to shudder awake.Duncan gave Tia a big hug, lifting her off the ground, "It is good to see you are still in one piece."She