92. Take 2.

Fleur stirred as the first golden rays of morning filtered through their shared space, her body warm and content in a way she had never experienced before. A deep sense of fulfillment settled over her, the primal ache she had endured for months finally soothed. Her Veela bond with Ryan had fully taken root, and for the first time, her inner Veela was utterly satisfied, no longer clawing at her mind with restless need.

Yet, even in this peaceful haze, she was acutely aware of the comfortable fullness inside her—the presence of her beloved still intimately joined with her. A slow, pleased smile curled her lips as she pressed closer, her soft, bare skin molding against his warmth.

She nuzzled into his neck, placing featherlight kisses along his jawline, reveling in the steady rise and fall of his chest. Her fingers traced idle patterns over his back, savoring the way his muscles tensed slightly beneath her touch. He was hers now—completely, irrevocably—and the knowledge sent a pleasant shiver down her spine.

Fleur shifted slightly, rolling her hips in a slow, languid motion, feeling the deep connection between them stir to life once more. If last night had been a wild, primal claiming, this morning would be different. This morning, she would show her beloved the depth of her love, the slow-burning passion that would always smolder between them.

Her movements were unhurried, sensual, each gentle grind a silent declaration of devotion. She pressed her forehead to his, her breath mingling with his as she whispered, "Mon amour…"

Ryan's eyes fluttered open, a slow smirk playing on his lips as his hands found her hips, holding her close. His grip was warm, steady, grounding her even as she lost herself in the rhythm of their shared love.

Fleur's glowing blue eyes locked onto his, a quiet promise shining within them. This was not just about pleasure—it was about them, about the bond they had forged, the love that had taken root and would never wane.

And as the morning light bathed them in its gentle glow, they moved together in perfect harmony, sealing their bond not just with passion, but with love.

~~~~

Fleur shifted in her seat, her cheeks still warm with a lingering blush. Sitting across from her parents at the Three Broomsticks, she felt the weight of her mother's knowing smirk and her father's disapproving stare. She knew exactly why they were looking at her like that—yesterday, she had completely lost herself, her Veela instincts overwhelming her the moment she had seen Ryan battle a dragon with raw, effortless strength.

She wasn't ashamed of what had happened—far from it. Her Veela had chosen, and she had never felt more complete. But that didn't mean facing her parents afterward was any easier.

Desperate to hide from their scrutiny, she buried her face into Ryan's shoulder, inhaling his familiar, comforting scent. He chuckled softly, his arm wrapping around her waist in a reassuring hold.

"Fleur," her father, Jean Delacour, finally spoke, his deep voice laced with a mix of exasperation and reluctant acceptance. "Would you care to explain yourself?"

Fleur peeked up at him, biting her lip. "Papa…" she started hesitantly, glancing at her mother, Apolline, who merely sipped her tea with an amused glint in her eyes.

Ryan, ever composed, met Jean's gaze without hesitation. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, sir. I know this isn't the ideal circumstance, but I assure you, I will always take care of Fleur." His voice was steady, confident, carrying an unshakable sincerity that even Jean couldn't ignore.

Jean exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Taking care of her is not the issue, boy. Do you even understand what claiming a Veela truly means?"

Ryan's grip on Fleur tightened slightly, his steel blue eyes steady. "I do," he said without hesitation. "And I don't regret it for a second."

Fleur's heart fluttered at his unwavering conviction. She turned to face her father fully, sitting up straight as she intertwined her fingers with Ryan's. "Papa, my Veela chose him. I chose him. Nothing will change that."

Jean studied Ryan for a long moment before sighing, rubbing his temple. "Mon dieu… I should have expected this the moment I saw you jump at a dragon like it was a minor inconvenience."

Apolline finally set her cup down, smiling warmly. "Jean, let it go. It was bound to happen. Our daughter has always had strong instincts." She turned her gaze to Ryan, her expression soft but assessing. "Ryan, mon cher, do you truly understand the responsibility of being bonded to a Veela?"

Ryan nodded. "I do. And I'll prove it to you, however long that takes."

Apolline's smile widened, pleased with his answer, while Jean sighed in resignation. "Then I suppose there's nothing left to say."

Fleur beamed, squeezing Ryan's hand. She may have been embarrassed, but in the end, she had no regrets. She had her mate, and nothing else mattered.

Meanwhile Gabrielle was equally excited. "Does this mean I have a new big brother?!"

Ryan chuckled at Gabrielle's excitement, reaching over to ruffle her platinum-blonde hair. "That's right, Gabby. You've got a big brother now."

Gabrielle beamed, rocking excitedly in her chair. "Oui! This is the best!" She then grabbed another bite of her chocolate-covered pancakes, utterly unfazed by the tense atmosphere between her parents and sister.

Fleur, however, was struggling to keep her composure, her face now completely red. And just when she thought she might recover, her mother's next words shattered that illusion.

Apolline smirked knowingly. "And several big sisters, non? I do recall you having quite the harem, Ryan."

Jean looked like he had just sucked on the sourest lemon in existence, his jaw tightening as his grip on his fork visibly strained.

Ryan, to his credit, didn't flinch. Instead, he sighed with a small, amused smile. "It's… a bit complicated," he admitted. "But yes, I do have people in my life who are important to me."

Gabrielle gasped, her eyes sparkling. "More sisters?! Fleur, why didn't you tell me?!"

Fleur groaned, covering her face with both hands. "Maman, must you?"

Apolline merely chuckled, sipping her tea, clearly enjoying every second of her daughter's suffering. "But of course, ma chérie. What kind of mother would I be if I did not properly tease you?"

Jean, however, was not amused. He set his utensils down and fixed Ryan with a pointed look. "And what exactly are your intentions with my daughter? Because from what I have seen, you have… many commitments already."

Ryan met his gaze without hesitation. "Fleur is my mate. That's not something I take lightly. My bond with her isn't just some casual relationship—it's permanent. And I will treat her with the love and respect she deserves, just as I do the others."

Jean studied him for a long moment, then sighed heavily. "You're not going to be intimidated, are you?"

Ryan smirked. "Not even a little."

Gabrielle giggled. Fleur groaned again. Apolline looked delighted. And Jean… well, he just looked tired.