Chapter 23: Marry Me?

E M B E R

The cool breeze brushes against my skin as I step out onto the porch of my house. I gaze out into the vast expanse of my territory, and a sense of calm washes over me. It's good to be back here, even if I know my stay is temporary. I feel a twinge of delight and let out a contented sigh, taking in the sights and sounds when a familiar figure walks by. I smile and call out, "Good morning, Landry! How are you today?"

Landry spins around, startled, and then calms down with a smile. "Oh, hello, Alpha! It's good to have you back. How do you do?"

I shrug.

"I'm doing great. Just a little bored. Dexter hasn't let me do anything since I came back."

Landry laughs cheekily.

"We all want you to rest and gain strength, Alpha."

I roll my eyes and cross my arms. "I know, I know... anyway, where are you taking those barrels?"

"Oh, these," Landry looks over at the barrels, then at me. "Christie needs the barrels for a party at the Grim, you know, for one last time!"

"Ahh!" I nod.

Yes, one last time before we become a part of the pack that the union of Sebastion and me would form. That's why I have to return, leaving him against our wishes and wolves' wishes so we can tie up loose ends before forever binding ourselves and our packs together. I faintly smile at the thought when Landry's voice reaches my ears, "Of course, you are most welcome to join us, Alpha! After all, we all exist because of you."

I blink back at him. "Huh?"

"... but it's okay if you don't want to," he mutters, sounding slightly disappointed before quickly recovering. "You need rest, and that's way more important than anything else..." "Sure, I will try to join you guys." I interrupt him and clear my throat, "I feel a little better now, and as soon as I get my schedule sorted out, I'll try to join."

"Oh, Great!" His face lit up. "We all will be eagerly waiting for you, Alpha."

I chuckle. "No worries. Just have a good time!"

He nods in understanding, takes leave, and walks away. I return to staring at the front and notice two boys playing with sticks. They wave at me and say, "Hello, Alpha!"

I raise my hand to greet them when I spot a toddler crawling behind her two brothers. Right before I step forward to assist, Rachel calls out to her children, "Laurie, Joe!" She hurries to discipline the kids and picks up her daughter before acknowledging me and giving a respectful nod. "Alpha," she greets me politely.

I nod and point out, "She's so cute!"

"She sure is."

I watch little Millie coo and snuggle up to her mother. "Anyway, where do you think Dex is?" I ask Rachel directly, without any hesitation.

Rachel looks puzzled and shakes her head. "He said he was going to meet you. Didn't he show up?"

I shake my head and sigh. "No, he didn't." I wonder where he could be. We have a lot of paperwork to finish.

"So, it's happening, isn't it?" Rachel says softly.

"What do you mean?" I glance at her and see her shrug. "I mean, we're joining the Midnight Hunters." Oh. I nod slowly. A brief silence falls between us before I clear my throat. "You're not unhappy about the move, are you?"

Rachel gasps and looks at me with disbelief. "Are you kidding me!?" She exclaims. I raise my eyebrows as she catches herself and apologizes. "Sorry, Alpha, but really? Are you serious?" She breathes deeply, runs a hand through her glossy hair and scoffs, "Why would I be unhappy? We've always wanted you to be happy and have someone to support you. And now you do. It was a bit strange when you first told us about your situation, but it doesn't matter. As long as we're with you, everything will be fine. More than fine, actually."

She smiles warmly, and I can't help but smile back.

"Thank you—" I say and get off the porch. "I need to find Dexter. We have a lot to do."

"Of course, and if I see him first, I'll send him your way, Alpha," Rachel says. I nod and ruffle Laurie's hair before walking down the road in front of the house.

Walking, I keep my hands at the back and my head full of thoughts and memories. I reminisce about the times spent with my parents, hanging out with my friends Clayton and Flora, and thinking about my past as a rowdy rebel. It dawns on me that this could be my last time here as the Alpha of Crimson Shadow.

It's not that I would lose my position as the leader, but rather that I'll lead a pack three times bigger than any other in Northern America. And the best part is that I'll have someone to lean on, rely on, and trust, even if he can sometimes be infuriating and challenging.

Speaking of, I miss him.

Sebastian.

It has been almost two months since our last meeting, and although we have been texting and calling each other for days straight, we haven't been able to chat properly. Dexter, who seems to have vanished, has kept me from talking to him as much as I'd like. We've both been busy, but I miss our conversations... and I know we yearn for each other every day and night.

I want to see him... ASAP.

I rake my fingers through my tousled hair and stamp my feet in frustration. "Damn it, Dexter!" I exclaim, then I sigh, "Ugh, I miss him so much."

"Please tell me you are missing me, not him."

I halt in my tracks and tilt my head as I look up and scan the surroundings curiously to figure out the source of the voice. I cautiously begin to take small steps down the trail, and as I get closer, I gasp at the sight of someone leaning casually against a jeep. His arms are crossed over his muscular chest, and his smirk is infuriating.

"Sebby!" I exclaim, locking eyes with his familiar dark green ones that shimmer under the light. He looks up and sees me, his face lighting up with a smile. I grin as I don't hesitate to run straight into his arms towards him. He draws in a sharp breath but laughs softly, "Only you can call me that." His voice is warm and reassuring, and I wrap my arms around his neck.

"Of course I can," I whisper, feeling him shiver slightly.

He holds me still and tight, his chest rising and falling rapidly. "Ahh! I have missed you so f*cking much!" He exclaims, his breath tickling my neck.

I feel a wave of calm wash over me as I hug him tighter, murmuring, "I missed you too."

We stay like that until I gently pull away, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. I smile brightly at him, his eyes reflecting my happiness. "What brings you here?" I ask, curious.

He looks at me with a tender expression, his voice sincere. "Oh, you." He says, making my heart skip a beat. I stare at him in awe, unable to speak, as he leans down and leaves a soft kiss on my forehead. "Why are you so surprised? Of course, I am here to see you." He says, his voice gentle and loving. I feel my face heat up as his fingers trace my cheek, and he continues, "Though I don't like Dexter bossing me around. I don't get that sudden ban on us not meeting, but I am delighted to see you right now."

I raise my eyebrow in surprise, unable to believe his words. "He let you meet me?" I ask, wrapping my arms around his torso.

Sebastian tilts his head and shrugs, "Apparently."

I scoff and gasp in awe, "Wow! I thought I was going to see you next year."

He twirls my hair around his finger, then scowls, "No chance. I would have gone crazy if he had done that, maybe even killed him..."

"No, you wouldn't do that. He has a family." I interrupt him, giving him a mocking, deadpan expression.

He narrows his eyes and sneers, "Oh, yeah, that stopped me."

I can't help letting out a cheeky laugh and notice him smiling at me until I grow self-conscious and shut my mouth. I then clear my throat and look at him, "So, what's your plan? What should we do today? I mean, there is this party at the Grim I am invited to or do you—" I trail off, noticing him look at me. It makes me self-aware, and I feel my cheeks warming up. I clear my throat and blurt out, "What is it?"

He blinks and doesn't tear his eyes off me. "What do you mean?"

"What are you looking at me like that?" I call him out with a casual shrug.

He jestingly frowns and smirks, "Like what?"

I roll my eyes.

"Like a lovesick puppy."

His smirk widens as he states, "I'm a lovesick puppy. Well, a lovesick wolf is better."

I scoff and throw my head back as I let out a laugh. I twirl his hoodie string around my index finger as I blush and murmur a question. "Hahaha, anyway, what should we do then?" He startles me by abruptly pulling me closer with his hands on my waist, and I gasp as he whispers into my ear, "Well, I'm here to take you out on a date."

"Okay, I am listening." I slyly grin.

A couple of beats of silence pass as he takes his sweet time to answer and then clicks his tongue, locking his eyes with mine, "It's a do-over."

Confused, I frown and then stutter, raising my eyebrows, "Do-over? Of what?"

Sebastian smacks his lips, "Yeah, a do-over of our first date."

My frown deepens, and I murmur, "Our first date? Why?"

He shrugs, "Why not? It sort of got ruined in the end."

"True that, but I still liked it," I mutter and pout as the two of us stick together, and he then leans down to tuck my hair behind my ear.

"I know," He gives me a nod of understanding, then shrugs. "And it's not like we're hurting anyone with a do-over, right?"

His eyes sparkle with hope as they meet mine, and I feel a flutter in my chest. I can't help but agree with him. I nod slowly and whisper, "Right."

A moment of silence passes, and he leans in closer, his eyes shining with anticipation. "So, will you go on a date with me?"

I blush and murmur, "Well, I do, but what's your plan again?"

He clears his throat, "Um, there is an interesting movie about werewolves at the town theatre—" I grimace and groan as he sneers, "Or we could go for a run?"

"A run?" I raise my eyebrow inquisitively. "Go on."

He smirks, "Yeah, we can run as long as we want and check out the sunset and stay there for a while, you know, what do you say?"

I pretend to take my time thinking as I tap on my chin and pout when he smugly narrows his eyes. I look back at him and smack my lips, exclaiming, "It isn't bad."

"Isn't bad? You do not want to go?" He asks, slightly disappointed.

He looks cute with that pout, but he is only pretending.

Don't fool yourself, everyone! I narrow my eyes at him, and our eyes lock when I surprise him by shifting into my form and then looking over at him.

Of course, I want to. So, let's go, then!

I use the mind link to talk to a stunned Sebastian, who gapes at me, making me want to challenge him: The winner gets to ask any truth or dare the loser.

He blinks in amazement momentarily before the arrogant, cocky guy I know replaces the confused self as he shifts into wolf form.

Ha, get ready to do the dare, then.

He teases me.

Aww, you took my words.

I tease him back.

His wolf's red eyes look straight into mine, and I feel a smug attitude off him when he takes his place to go steady and mockingly taunt me: We'll see.

With that, we spare no time to sprint and stay side by side in the woods.

***

We run through the woods, feeling the wind in our fur and the earth under our paws. We run for hours, and neither of us wants to stop. The thrill of the chase, the wind in our fur, the bond between us. It was exhilarating and intoxicating.

We were free and wild and happy. And in love, Rayne adds with a purr. That's right! The Alpha of the rival pack that I once hated but now love.

We reach a clearing where a majestic waterfall cascades down from a cliff. The sun shines through the mist, forming a brilliant arc of colours, and the sound of the water is soothing; the spray feels refreshing on our faces. I have been here before. I slow down with that thought and approach the pool at the base of the waterfall when Sebastian's wolf nudges me with his nose, and I look at him. His eyes are sparkling, and he has a playful grin on his muzzle.

He shifts back to his human form, and so do I. "Here," he speaks politely, offering me a shirt.

A sense of deja vu washes over me, and then I look at him and notice how he isn't looking at me... being considerate and all.

I accept his shirt, feeling a soft fabric in my fingers, and thank him in a low voice. I feel a bit shy, as I remember the last time we were here.

"We've been here, haven't we?" I muse, breaking the silence. I take my time to pull it over my head. It's a bit big for me, but it covers my body.

He nods and smiles. "Yup, we have. Do you remember what we did?"

I look at him and see that he is wearing brown shorts but no shirt. His chest is bare, and I can see his muscles and scars. He is handsome, and he is mine.

I blush and look away. I do remember. He had found me in my wolf form, and we had argued about our packs, our territories, our loyalties. But then, something had changed. We had felt a pull, a connection, a bond. We had kissed and forgotten everything else. We had slept in each other's arms, under the moonlight, in the middle of the forest.

Sebastian reaches for my hand and intertwines his fingers with mine. He squeezes my hand gently and says, "Let's go." I nod and follow him.

He leads me to the waterfall, and we walk behind it. There is a hidden cave behind the curtain of water; inside it, a hot spring awaits us. The steam rises from the water, creating a misty atmosphere. The air is warm and cosy. The walls are covered with glowing crystals, and the floor is soft with moss.

"Wow! It's beautiful!" I exclaim, looking around in awe.

He lets go of my hand and jumps into the water, splashing and making me gasp.

I turn to look at him and see him laughing.

His hair is wet, and his eyes are shining. He looks happy and free. "What are you waiting for?" He teases with a playful smirk.

I roll my eyes and join him. I dive into the water and feel the heat envelop me. It soothes my muscles and relaxes my mind. The water feels good on my skin, and I enjoy the sensation.

"You're so hot!" He says with a smirk.

I blink and splash at him.

"Did you just splash me?" He laughs, and I nod, splashing him again. He shakes his wet head and lunges for me under the water. His long arms hook around my waist and pull me under.

We emerge seconds later, Sebastian is cracking up, and I can't help but laugh with him.

We begin to splash and play with each other, laughing and teasing, swimming around and exploring the cave, discovering its wonders. We marvel at the glowing crystals, watch a firefly glow and dance in its wings, enchanting us with its light, find a hidden alcove, and kiss under the small waterfall, feeling the water massage our backs.

A clever idea lights up in my mind. Then, I move toward him and try to push his head underwater. Of course, he doesn't budge, so he only laughs harder, showing all his beautiful white teeth, until he takes me by surprise when he grabs my waist and lifts me into the air.

"Sebastian!" I gasp, kicking my legs and flailing my arms, and he responds to me by laughing and tossing me into the water.

I land a few feet away, and when I come above water, I see his eyes are bright with glee.

I narrow my eyes and snap, "You're going to pay for that!"

"Sure," he mocks me with a fake yawn. I growl and swim at him, and he grabs me again, but this time, I wrap my thighs around his waist without realizing it.

I hear a gasp escape from his lips.

"Oops," I mutter and unhook my legs, but he grabs them and folds them back around his waist. The electricity between us is more intense than ever before. I put my arms around his neck to steady myself when he pulls me close, and I feel his chest against mine as he presses his lips softly, at first, then passionately, then hungrily.

His lips touch my chin, making me tremble, and he whispers, "You're fucking beautiful, you know that?"

Sebastian continues a line of kisses along my jawline, and I nod. I melt into him right away, and his breath is hot on my skin. I moan, prompting him to press his lips against the spot below my ear and suck the skin.

"Sebastian!" I moan again and squeeze him with my legs. I bring my hands down his back and graze my nails against his skin. I might explode just from him kissing my neck alone. He takes my earlobe between his teeth and nibbles it gently. His hand travels down my body and slides under the shirt that I am wearing.

He caresses my skin, making me shiver, but he briefly leans back and looks into my eyes.

"Do you want me to stop?" He asks slowly, seductively. His green eyes are darkened with desire as he stares at my face, searching for my reaction, waiting for my answer.

"No..." I rush the word with a moan before he even touches me. I shudder and press my body against his under the water, and he smiles against my neck, his mouth continuing its gentle assault.

He doesn't say anything and instead grabs my thighs, lifting me higher onto his torso as he walks out of the water. When he reaches the bank, he lets me go and climbs out. I whine at the lack of his touch, and I don't really care about inflaming his ego.

All I know is that I want him. I need him.

He reaches for my hands and pulls me onto the bank with him. He dips down a little from where he stands to meet my eyes. He looks anxious for some reason.

I frown. "What is it?"

"Are..." His voice is low.

I narrow my eyes and scoff, "If you ask me if I am sure, I will rip you apart, Sebastian."

Relief washes over his face, and I see him smile and laugh. "Okay. I won't."

I study his gorgeous features and how he steals my breath away. He leans down, and his mouth closes over mine, and we begin to kiss like we just can't get enough. Because we really can't.

We kiss like we want each other. We fucking need each other. His lips are soft and warm, and his tongue is gentle and teasing. He kisses me like I'm his everything, his world. He kisses me with passion and devotion, with love and desire. He kisses me like he wants to make me his.

He cups my face and deepens the kiss when he groans through it. "Oh, baby!"

I melt into him and kiss him back. I kiss him with all my heart and all my soul. I kiss him like I want to be with him, to be his. I kiss him like I love him because I do.

He brings his hand to my neck and trails it down, touching me only with his fingertips, down the valley of my breasts, down my stomach until he stops just on my midriff.

A hundred thoughts race through my mind but disappear as soon as his hand reaches further down, and I hear him suck a breath through his teeth, and his mouth is hungry and back on mine. His fingers move a little, pushing my knees apart with a greedy look in his eyes.

"Fuck, baby! You're already so wet for me."

It fills warmth through my core. I whimper.

"We were just in the water," I murmur, throwing one arm over my eyes as I lay back. My body responds to how good his touch is, and so does his mouth, and in no time, I find myself writhing and moaning.

I want him to claim me as his own. I want to claim him, to sink my teeth into that sweet spot on his neck, but he seems intent on taking his time.

"Such a smart mouth. It makes me want to put it to some other use, sweetheart..."

"I want to feel you inside of me, Sebastian." I arch my back as my hands come down, tugging on his hair lightly.

"Patience, sweetheart. Patience." He murmurs, sounding smug. "I want to make sure you're ready." But right now, I don't care. I am just... "Sebastian, please?" I moan, already so close to coming. "I need you. I'm so close."

"Go for it," he says, pulling away for a moment, but I stop him. "No, I want you, Sebastian. Give it to me. I need you. We've already waited too long." I roll my hips into him, wanting to feel him hard against me when he pauses our kiss and looks me in the eye. I'm still moving against him, and how he's looking at me is piercing my core.

"Fuck! You're so perfect." He moistens his lips, popping his fingers into his mouth, not breaking eye contact with me.

He takes no time ripping the shirt off me, and then his shorts are off. I wiggle, urging him desperately when he grips and squeezes the inside of my thigh. "So eager!" He mutters. "It's true. We've waited for too long. Wasted too much time because I have been picturing taking you like this since I first laid eyes on you." I tremble under his gaze as his fingers trail against my skin.

My voice comes out barely audible as I moan. "Yes, please?"

"Yes, what, sweetheart?"

"Yes, I want more of you, Sebastian."

"I think that can be arranged." He bends down, his hot breath tickling in my ear. "You, ready?"

"Mhmm."

"Speak up, Emmy." He snaps slowly and seductively.

"Yes," I practically slur the words in my pleasure-filled state, on the cusp of coming undone.

Sebastian lowers himself, and we're no longer easing into the kisses. He grabs my hips and thrusts into me all at once, and with the very first thrust, I come undone, crying out in pleasure as his fingers dig into my hips.

He bends forward and continues thrusting as his hands weigh my breasts against his calloused palm of one hand, one at a time, while his mouth marks my shoulders with kisses that leave me breathless.

"Sebastian. Fuck. Sebastian. It feels so good."

I wrap my legs around his waist as he plunges into me repeatedly, his eyes roaming over my body. He now bends lower, pressing his lips against mine, keeping his weight on his elbows as he hovers above me. I can't get enough of the raucous side of him. I look through my eyelashes as we lay naked, staring at each other. I like this position. I like how he holds himself up on his elbow, hovering over me. I like the grin in his eyes as if I'm a treasure, he claimed, the reward he deserved.

"I'm going to claim you as mine." His thrusts are still as he stays buried deep within me. I can't tell where I end, and he begins when he whispers those words, his lips brushing against my earlobe. "I'm going to sink my teeth into that gorgeous neck of yours so that all the world can see that you are mine."

He pulls back and locks his eyes with mine. My chest is heaving as I try to catch my breath. Sebastian is breathing heavily, too, but I need a minute to recover before I can do anything about it.

I bite my lip and nod at him.

Reaching up with one hand, he frees my lip between my teeth and shakes his head at me.

"Words, sweetheart. Give me words."

"Yes," I say confidently, not breaking the eye contact. I feel a wave of heat and submission and tilt my head to expose my throat.

He doesn't need confirmation because the next second, his tongue flicks across the spot before he sinks his teeth into my neck, just above my collarbone, and I gasp as the pain of the sharp intrusion rapidly turns into something else entirely. The breath I have drawn in turns into a moan of pleasure that my dizzy mind just can't even think to suppress. It's the height of anything I have ever felt before, and it comes crashing down through my body as I cling to Sebastian, unable to think or do anything other than feel.

If there are rogues in the area or any other person, they would have a good idea of where to head as our voices carry through the mountains and valleys surrounding the hot springs.

He licks the wound, soothing the bleeding. I grip his shoulders tighter and whimper as he positions himself better to resume thrusting in and out of me in hard, deep thrusts. He holds me up, then rolls his hips forward and up until I feel the pressure of him inside of me.

I nuzzle against him, breathing down his neck when I press my mouth against his hot skin. My tongue flicks across the spot, and then I bite him gently, earning myself a grunt of pain and pleasure escaping his lips.

Now that we have marked and claimed each other, Sebastian lifts me and holds me in his arms as I face him. My legs wrap around his waist, and my face flushed up as I return to my senses, every part of my body sensitive after what we just experienced.

Pushing him backwards against the rock, he lays on his back, and I sink, taking him slowly. I hear his heavy breathing mingle with mine, and so do our sounds and moans that echo in the cave, and I can feel his burning gaze on me, watching me ride him.

As I work on him, I feel his hands grabbing my hips as he thrusts into me from below, the tight sensation and wetness pushing him over the edge as he comes undone, and I cry out again, burying my face against his chest, this time to muffle the sound.

Sebastian unleashes his wild side on me for several minutes until we're both exhausted and gasping for air. He says nothing as he pulls out of me and lowers me to the ground. He is on his back, and I'm curled into him, my leg draped over his thigh.

***

We lie in each other's arms, soaking in the warmth of the hot spring and the heat of our passion. The sound of the waterfall fills the cave, creating a soothing rhythm. My head rests on his chest, feeling his heartbeat. His fingers caress my arm, sending shivers down my spine.

Sebastian kisses my hair softly and breaks the silence, saying, "There's something I want to ask you."

I lift my head and look into his eyes. They are dark and intense, hiding a secret. He looks nervous and hopeful at the same time. I wonder what he wants to ask me.

"What is it?" I ask, curious and a bit anxious.

He takes a deep breath and reaches into his pocket. I tense up, sensing something important is about to happen. He pulls out a small velvet box, revealing a beautiful ring.

It has a silver band and a diamond-shaped like a crescent moon. It sparkles in the light, reflecting our bond. It is the most stunning thing I have ever seen.

"I know we had a rough start. You pretended to be human because you didn't want a mate, and so did I, treated you like shit. We hated each other, fought and even tried to resist, but how could we fight destiny, right?"

Sebastian pauses and takes a deep breath, looking into my eyes with so much love and hope. He continues, "We got a chance to open our hearts and let one other in and to have something strong and completely real because I know that you fell in love with me, just as I fell in love with you."

Sebastian smiles and says, "You make me happy, you make me whole, you make me better. You are the most beautiful, brave, and smart woman I have ever met. You are the only one who can challenge me, understand me, and accept me. You are the only one who can make me feel this way, this intense, this alive, this complete. You are the only one for me. So, Ember Hemming, the best thing that ever happened to me, the love of my life, my mate, my soul, my everything," he says, his voice is sincere and earnest, full of love and hope, then he holds out the ring in front of me, and I gasp.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you, to support and comfort you, to challenge and annoy you, and I just want to be yours, and only yours, forever." He holds the ring closer to me and says, "Will you marry me?"

I feel time stop as I look into his eyes.

Sebastian's gaze is full of hope and love but also uncertainty and fear. He is asking me to choose him, open my heart to him, and follow him wherever he goes. And I realize how much he means to me. How much he has changed me.

For six years, I was consumed by one thing: revenge. Revenge for the bastard who murdered my parents and forced me to become an Alpha at 16. Revenge for the blood and tears I have shed. Revenge for the rage and hate I have carried. For the loneliness and emptiness I have felt.

But Sebastian showed me another way.

He challenged me. He matched me in strength and power. He made me feel things I never wanted to feel. Fear, pain, lust, love. He made me feel weak.

Only to realize that relying on someone and loving someone isn't a sign of weakness but strength.

He made me feel things I never thought I would feel again. Joy, laughter, warmth, passion. He made me feel alive. He showed me that I can be happy.

Sebastian is my mate. My nemesis. My everything.

Tears spill from my eyes as I break down. I have never been so scared and so happy at the same time. Never in my life have I felt so much love, happiness, and hope. It makes me tremble.

Sebastian wraps me in his embrace, saying "Hey" softly. He gazes at me with hopeful and worried eyes, wondering if he has hurt me somehow, as he runs his fingers through my hair, soothing me with his gentle touch.

His lips press softly against my temple, making me realize the truth.

Sebastian wants to marry me. He wants to spend the rest of his life with me. He wants to share his pack, world, and everything with me. He wants to make me happy. He wants to give me everything.

And I want to give him everything.

I nod silently, giving him my answer. He sees my nod, and his smile lights up, his eyes sparkling with happiness. He gently slides the ring on my finger, then bends down and kisses my head, sending a wave of love through me.

"You really want to be stuck with me, huh?" He teases, holding me close to his chest.

I laugh and press my lips against his skin, feeling his heartbeat.

This is perfect, Rayne thinks. He is perfect. We are perfect.

I agree with her and snuggle into his chest. He strokes my hair and sings a song. I close my eyes and listen to his voice. We are happy, and we are free. We are one.