129.
**Damon's POV**
After Dexter's death, the next few days was more like a feast in White Tide Pack. Elora really outdid herself this time, and I remained proud of her despite all that. Tonight was a gala to celebrate our victory and also honor the wolves that lost their lives in the battle.
I stood in front of the mirror and glanced at myself. I couldn't deny the fact that I actually looked good in the black pants, White shirt and Black jacket that I was putting on. With Dexter gone, I knew peace had returned to the pack and I would be able to sleep with both eyes closed. While he was still on rampage, I was so busy investigating how to find him and get rid of him that I couldn't sleep a wink, coupled with Elora's deteriorating health and the pack's affairs, it was really a load to carry, but I'm glad it all worked out in the end.
Elora, my beautiful mate, is healthy and bubbling with energy alongside her white wolf, whom the pack's priestess adored so much.
It's been beautiful, and I hoped it remained that way.
I wore a canvas and added a finishing touch to my hair before heading to where the maids were getting Elora dressed. I smiled and opened the door. My eyes widened at what I saw. Elora stood beautiful with her red hair let down in waves, and she was dressed in a stunning black gown that clung to her curves. The gown had intricate bead work along the bodice, and the hem grazed the floor, accentuating her delicate ankles and perfectly shaped feet.
"Damon," she said, her voice husky and seductive. "You look breathtaking." Her eyes were filled with admiration and a hint of mischief as she took in my attire.
"You don't look too bad yourself," I replied, my voice softening.
I took a step towards Elora, letting my eyes roam over her as I slowly circled her. She turned, following my movements as I appraised her. I couldn't help but be awed by her beauty; it was as if she had been created for me and me alone.
"You know, my mate, you don't need a dress to look breathtaking. You could wear a potato sack and still be the most beautiful woman in the room," I said with a smirk.
Elora laughed, a melodic sound that filled the room.
"You're just saying that to flatter me," she said with a teasing glint in her eye.
"Maybe," I replied. "Or perhaps I'm just stating a fact."
"Hmm," she said, stepping closer to me. "Then maybe you should prove it."
I leaned down and kissed her neck, inhaling the scent of her skin. Elora moaned softly, pressing herself against me as I trailed kisses along her jawline and down to her collarbone. My hands trailed down her back, feeling the smooth fabric of her dress and the warmth of her body beneath.
Elora's hands grasped the back of my head, holding me close to her as I continued my exploration. Her breath quickened as I moved my lips to hers, teasing her with soft kisses before deepening the kiss with a passion that seemed to consume us both.
I led her over to the large bed in the corner of the room, and we fell onto it together, our lips still locked in a passionate embrace. Our hands roamed over each other's bodies, pulling at clothes and seeking the most sensitive spots.
"I don't think we should go to the gala," Elora murmured against my lips. "I have a feeling you're going to make me late."
I chuckled and kissed her again, trailing kisses down her neck. "We can always make a dramatic entrance," I said.
Elora's hands found my shirt buttons, unfastening them quickly as I undid the zipper of her dress. The gown fell from her shoulders, revealing the soft curves of her breasts. I let my hands trail over her bare skin, my touch light and teasing.
Elora arched her back as my lips followed the path of my hands, tracing their way down her body. She moaned softly, her breathing quickening as I teased her nipples with my tongue. Her hands tangled in my hair, urging me on as my mouth moved lower.
I slid her panties down her legs and knelt between her thighs, my hands trailing up her legs as my lips met the delicate skin of her inner thighs. Elora gasped as I nipped at the soft flesh, working my way up to her core.
I looked up at her and saw her eyes glazed with desire. With a low growl, I pressed my lips to her core, my tongue lapping at the sensitive flesh. Elora's back arched as I sucked gently, my hands caressing her thighs.
"Oh, Damon," she moaned, her fingers digging into the sheets.
I continued my ministrations, my tongue moving faster as her moans became louder and more urgent. I could feel her body tense as her pleasure built, and I increased the pressure of my tongue, wanting to draw out her release.
Elora cried out as she came, her body convulsing against my mouth as I continued to tease her sensitive flesh. Her hands gripped my hair, pulling me up to her as she kissed me deeply, tasting her own essence on my lips.
"You're amazing," she whispered, her eyes still glazed with desire.
I kissed her again, then moved to position myself over her, my body hard and ready. Elora spread her legs, her eyes dark with need as I pressed against her entrance.
With one smooth motion, I slid into her, filling her to the hilt. Elora's breath caught in her throat as I started to move, my thrusts slow and deep.
"Damon," she whispered, her hands roaming over my back. "Yes, just like that."
I increased the speed of my thrusts, watching the ecstasy play out on Elora's face. Her skin was flushed, her lips parted as she gasped for air, and her nails dug into my back, driving me wild with desire.
As our bodies moved in sync, our passion built to a fever pitch. Elora met my thrusts with her hips, her breath coming in short gasps as our bodies became slick with sweat.
"Damon, I'm so close," she gasped, her eyes locking onto mine.
I moved my hips faster, my own pleasure mounting as I thrust into her. Elora's hands moved to my chest, her nails raking down my skin as she cried out in pleasure.
As Elora's orgasm washed over her, her body tensed, gripping me tight. I thrust a few more times before I found my own release, groaning her name as I spilled my seed deep inside her.
We collapsed together on the bed, our bodies still joined as we struggled to catch our breath. Elora kissed my shoulder, her fingers trailing over the marks she had left on my skin.
"That was... amazing," she said, her voice still husky with desire.
"It always is with you," I replied, kissing her forehead.
We lay together for a while, our bodies still intertwined, until a knock at the door brought us back to reality. I chuckled and rolled off the bed, slipping my pants back on before answering the door. It was one of our maids, looking a bit nervous.
"Your majesties, the gala is about to start," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Thank you, Louise," I said, giving her a charming smile. "We'll be down shortly."
I closed the door and turned to face Elora, who had also slipped back into her gown.
"We should get going," I said, offering her my hand. "But first, I have something for you."
I reached into my pocket and withdrew a small velvet box, handing it to Elora. Her eyes widened as she opened it, revealing a beautiful silver and diamond necklace.
"Damon," she gasped, "It's beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you," I said, reaching around to fasten it around her neck. "But close."
Elora kissed me again, her lips lingering on mine for a moment. "Thank you," she whispered, and I pecked her forehead in response.
"That is a symbol of the love we share, mate. I want to spend my whole life with you because you are my happily ever after."
Her eyes watered. "Oh, Damon!" She embraced me and I wrapped my hands around her.
My love for her is immeasurable.