Chapter 20 Tessa's cruise had docked in Naples for two months , and it seemed Aaron had also found his destination . For him , this may have been just another simple vacation , yet he had encountered someone he felt was truly important . They spent their time together exploring every corner of Naples . It was as if this was the life Tessa had always wanted . She longed for the person she loved to be by her side , for a life filled with freedom . But for the past twenty years , this had seemed impossible . For the first time , Tessa opened up about the pain of her past - being bullied by her pack , betrayed by her sister and mate , rejected by her parents . She spoke about it as if telling someone else's story , her voice calm , almost detached . But Aaron looked at her with so much sympathy , his eyes full of compassion . As she spoke , she suddenly smiled , her gaze meeting Aaron's . But even as she smiled , she couldn't hold back her tears . " Do you think it's ridiculous ? " she asked softly . Aaron reached up and gently wiped the tears from her eyes before pulling her into his embrace . " I don't think it's ridiculous , " he whispered . " I only regret that I couldn't be there for you sooner . " Tessa froze . In the past two or three months , their conversations had drawn them closer , but this was the first time Aaron had hugged her . She didn't pull away . The warmth of his embrace soothed the deep wounds in her heart . She wasn't afraid to show him her scars ; what she feared was his rejection . " Aren't you willing to be my Luna ? My Luna Queen ? " Aaron asked , his voice trembling with emotion . " My wolf can't wait to meet yours . " Chapter 20 Dreame - Read Romance Stories I looked at my hand still oozing thick sticky red liquid . I'm a werewolf . 4.4 FREE Installed Open 36.52 % As he spoke , the crew of the ship began to appear , carrying flowers toward the deck . A sea of 999 roses spread before her eyes , scattered across the ship's floor . It took Tessa a moment to realize what was happening - Aaron had planned this proposal all along . She found herself at a loss for words , staring at him . Aaron's gaze was filled with affection as he stood before her in a custom - made suit , his broad shoulders and narrow waist giving him a commanding presence . " I've been waiting for my mate , " he said , his voice soft but filled with sincerity . " I've been waiting for the little girl who used to share apples with me under the tree . " " If you're willing , you can help me rule this kingdom . " Tessa had never considered managing a werewolf kingdom . All she had ever wanted was honest love . Why fear failure just because of a past heartbreak ? She had to face her heart and trust the goddess of the moon's plan for her . Seeing Aaron nervously holding the bouquet , his hands trembling , she finally found her voice . " Yes . " The moment the word left her lips , Aaron sighed in relief , a smile spreading across his face as he swept her into his arms . At that moment , Tessa felt certain - they were the happiest people alive . Just then , a voice called out , breaking the moment of joy . " Aaron . " A woman's voice , soft but firm , reached them . Aaron's eyes widened in recognition . " Mom ! You're here ! " he exclaimed . Scarlett walked toward them , her eyes scanning Tessa from head to toe . It was a look Tessa knew all too well . Chapter 20 Dreame - Read Romance Stories D I looked at my hand still oozing thick sticky red liquid . I'm a werewolf 4.4 FREE Installed Open 36.52 % She had seen this same judgmental gaze from Olivia before , followed by mockery and sarcasm . Tessa braced herself for rejection , but Scarlett surprised her by not saying a word of criticism . Instead , she walked straight up to her and took her hand . " You must be Tessa , " Scarlett said warmly . " Aaron talks about you all the time , " " Today's the day he's proposing , so I made sure to come and see it for myself . " Scarlett's smile was genuine , and there wasn't a hint of falseness in her eyes , Tessa , stunned , looked at the graceful former Luma Queen , a pang of longing stirring in her heart . Before meeting Audrey , she had always thought her own mother would be like Scarlett - loving , kind , and understanding . Seeing Aaron playfully bantering with his mother , Tessa felt a strange yearning . If she had a mother like that , would she have been happier ? Scarlett then reached into her purse and pulled out a small box . When she opened it , a stunning diamond necklace with sapphire inlays gleamed before Tessa's eyes . It was a necklace worth at least a million dollars . " Tessa , this is a personal gift from me , " Scarlett said , smiling warmly . " I hope you like it . " Tessa's eyes widened in disbelief . She never expected Scarlett to give her such an expensive gift . " No , no , this is too much ! " she protested . Scarlett just chuckled , taking Tessa's hand and pressing the necklace into it . " Aaron told me about your past , " she said kindly . " Maybe you've had a rough time , but from now on , you are my family . " " You're my daughter . " Tessa had never felt so truly cared for . Her eyes welled up as she felt the weight of Scarlett's words . " All this money - don't worry about it . It's all for you , " Scarlett added . " We never have to worry Chapter 20 36.52 % Dreame - Read Romance Stories 0 I looked at my hand still oozing thick sticky red liquid . I'm a werewolf . 4.4 FREE Installed Open about money . " Tessa had never been treated like this before . Growing up , no one had ever truly cared about her . Even the gifts she received were usually the leftovers from Chloe . Everything she wanted , she had to buy with her own effort . She felt a deep sense of gratitude for this bond - especially toward Aaron . Just then , a warrior approached with urgent news . " Alpha King , we've received a report . An Alpha from another pack violated the rule against unmated werewolves having children . To cover it up , he pushed his lover down the stairs , causing a miscarriage . " " Which pack's Alpha ? " Aaron asked , his tone serious . " Silver Moon Pack . Alpha Ryan . " " Ryan ? " Aaron turned to Tessa , his expression hardening . " Isn't he your first mate ? " Chapter 20