Outcast: The Alpha King's Beloved novel Chapter 36

Anthony's POV: 

It was time for me to face the truth.

I had to admit that Zane was right.

All this time, I had been deceiving myself by avoiding my feelings for Jennifer.

But after almost losing her several times recently, it was getting harder and harder for me to pretend that I didn't care about her.

This time, when I saw her being publicly humiliated by several she-wolves in the hall, I couldn't help but step in.

Jennifer shouldn't have to endure all this.

She deserved a life that was way better.

I knew that she had suffered a lot in the past, and I couldn't bear to let anyone hurt her anymore.

As her mate, I wanted to stay by her side and protect her.

Although accepting a mate would affect my long-term plans, and I didn't want to let Jennifer be my weakness, I couldn't stop myself from falling in love with her.

I didn't want to suppress my feelings anymore.

I wanted to be with her from now on.

I wanted her to be my real mate.

I would take care of her with my life.

After speaking on stage, I took Jennifer's hand, and led her out of the masquerade ball and towards the garden, where I stopped and turned to her.

"Jennifer, I have something to tell you."

I held her wrists and looked into her eyes, gathering up all my courage.

"I love you.I won't reject you.I...I want you to be my mate, so that we can live together for the rest of our lives."

I kept my eyes fixed on Jennifer, observing her reaction.

I didn't want to miss even the slightest flicker of expression on her face.

To be honest, it was the first time I was confessing my love to someone.

At this moment, I was as nervous as a restless child, and my words and movements were hopelessly clumsy.

What if Jennifer didn't like me? What if she was going to reject me? After a long while, Jennifer still didn't say anything.

I was so anxious that I held her waist, looked into her clear and bright eyes, and asked gently, "Jennifer, can we become real mates?"

Suddenly, Jennifer burst into laughter.

"Jennifer? Why are you laughing?"

I was stunned.

Was she laughing at me? Did she think I didn't deserve to be her mate? "I'm laughing at you."

Leaning against my chest, Jennifer stuck out her tongue naughtily.

"Mr.Jones, you are so cute.It's the first time I've seen someone confess their love like this."

"Is there anything wrong with how I confessed my love?"

I was so embarrassed that my ears turned red.

How dare this girl describe me as "cute"? 

"There's nothing wrong.It's just that it's so formal."

Jennifer poked me on the cheek.

"Mr.Jones, you look so serious, as if you're at a military parade." I fell silent.

No one had ever told me how I was supposed to confess my love to the girl I loved.

"But I like it," Jennifer added while I was lost in my thoughts.

"You like it?" A glimmer of hope warmed up my heart.

Did she mean that she also liked me? Was she willing to be my mate? 

"Yes, I like it.I like the way you confessed your love, and I love you, too."

Jennifer stood on tiptoe and gave me a peck on the lips.

"Mr.Jones, have you forgotten? We are already mates.We are a match designed by Moon Goddess herself.You and I are meant to be together.You've saved me so many times.You've changed my fate, and you've given me a new life.In my heart, you're already irreplaceable."

"Really?"

I pulled her into my arms, wishing I could meld her body with mine.

My heart was about to explode from joy.

"Jennifer, do you really feel that way?"

I was so immersed in euphoria that I could barely think straight.

"How could I joke around when it comes to the mate bond?" Jennifer grabbed my hands and interlocked her fingers with mine.