Alex's POV

Waking up with Maya in my arms is the best feeling in the world. Feeling her warm body pressed up against mine, touching every inch I possibly can, is what I live for.

Last night we wanted to celebrate when the clock struck twelve but she fell asleep before that happened and I couldn't bare to wake her up. My beautiful mate loves her sleep way to much.

And I've learnt my lesson, she's not very friendly when you wake her up in the middle of the night.

It's just before dawn and Maya is still fast asleep but I am wide awake, taking in her intense beauty. I know it's still really early for her to wake up but I want a few minutes alone with her before the day begins.

She probably won't be all that happy with me but I honestly can't wait anymore. It's been her birthday for almost five hours and it feels like time wasted.

We need to start celebrating this special day. 

And what better way to wake up my favourite person on her birthday than giving her what she deserves.

I slowly detach myself from her and sneak under the blanket, down her body. She stirs a bit but luckily doesn't wake up, yet.

I slowly pull down her pants along with her panties, in one motion. I smile at the sight in front of me because my baby shaved herself. I am sure this was more for me than for her but nevertheless, I am so happy. So I waste no time to run my tongue through her folds.

Once again she stirs a bit but I hold her legs and latch myself onto her again. I keep my mouth on her and with every passing second I can taste her arousal on my tongue.

I hear her slightly moan and her hips buck up against my mouth. I feel my eyes glowing and that's how I know she is awake.

"Ahh baby" she moans out in pleasure. I feel her hand in my hair and I smile in satisfaction. She loves this so much, and so do I.

She opens her legs wider for me and it gives me more access to give her what she wants. I flick my tongue over her clit for a few seconds and then suck hard.

"Oh Alex" she moans holding my hair in a tight grip.

I move my tongue down to her entrance and push it deep inside her, moving in and out. I know what she likes, I know what she needs and I am not going to tease her. I am not going to deny my girl her orgasm today. It's her birthday.

"Oh fuck" she screams and the next moment the blanket is ripped off my body. I look up and see a panting Maya staring right at me with those beautiful golden glowing eyes.

I keep my tongue at her entrance and put my thumb on her clit. I rub over it in a slow rhythm and I can feel her body starting to shake. Her breathing is loud and heavy, just the way I like it.

"Baby, don't stop" she breathes out and I take that as my cue too speed things up.

Her body starts to move around and her moans get louder. I can't help but let out a few moans myself. I absolutely love eating her out. She tastes amazing, every time of the day.

Her body goes stiff and she let's out a loud moan. I feel her cum spilling out into my mouth and I suck up every last drop she gives to me.

"Fucking hell" she breathes out as I kiss my way up her body.

I hover over her face and smile down at her. "Happy birthday baby" I whisper and her smile widens before she covers her face.

"Maya" I whisper and softly kiss her hands. "Please look at me"

She slowly opens up her face and she still looks a little flustered from her orgasm but there is also joy in her smile.

"I know it's early" I whisper and lean down to kiss her cheek. "But I wanted to be the first one to wish you a happy birthday."

She cups my face and rubs her thumb over my lips. "Thank you baby" she whispers back. "Nobody has ever said happy birthday to me like that before" she slightly laughs.

"If there were anyone they would be dead anyway" I whisper and give her a wink.

She just laughs and throws her arms around my neck."Was that my birthday present?"

"An orgasm?" I raise an eyebrow and she nods her head.

"Oh no my love" I shake my head. "But you will definitely get a few more of them during the day." I smirk.

"Oohh" she moans in excitement which makes me smile.

"But you can sleep again if you want to" I smile and give her a soft kiss. "I'm sorry for waking you up"

"No" she whispers and runs her hands through my hair. "I would much rather be awake with you."

"Yeah?" I smile.

"Yeah" she nods her head. "But can you order me some coffee?"

"Of course sweetheart" I smile and quickly get out of bed.

I hear her get up as well and make her way to the bathroom.

I open up the door and find Lial on his post. "Lial can you get me two coffees please?"

"Yes, your highness" he bows and then he is off.

I make my way to the bathroom and find Maya in front of the sink brushing her teeth. I smile with excitement because now I can finally kiss her how I want to.

I grab my toothbrush as well and quickly brush mine. I was enjoying the taste of Maya in my mouth but I don't think she'll appreciate it that much.

As I dry my face Maya takes a seat right on the counter and I step in between her legs.

"Can I get my birthday kiss now?" She says with a cute smile.

"You read my mind" I grin and pull her body flush against mine.

I put my lips on hers and we both moan at the touch. The kiss is passionate right from the start but I didn't expect anything else.

I gently slip my tongue into her mouth and her hands cup the sides of my face. I feel my eyes start to glow and by the soft moans coming from her, I know she feels is too.

She wraps her legs around my waist and I place my hands on her ass, keeping her pressed up against me.

Our lips move in a slow rhythm and every now and then I give her space to take a breath but it doesn't last long before I attach myself to her lips again.

I would never get tired of this feeling. I could never get tired of kissing her like this. We've come to realise that this current position is our favourite for a quick make out session.

Just as I go in for a deeper kiss, a knock on the door makes me pull back. I remember that we ordered some coffee and Lial will stand there till I come get it.

"Happy birthday Maya" I whisper in a breathless voice as I stare into her beautiful glowing eyes.

"Thank you baby" she smiles and gives me a soft kiss.

"Our coffee is here"

"Yes" she groans and I help her off the counter.

I quickly go to the door and take the tray from him. As I turn around Maya is on the bed, looking at her phone.

"Five am?" She gasps with wide eyes. "I can't remember the last time I woke up this early." She groans and falls down on the bed.

"I know it's early" I chuckle and sit next to her. "But I want to take you somewhere?"

"Where?" She frowns and sits up.

"It's a surprise" I smile and stand up. She gives me a confused look but eventually takes my hand.

I lead her out to the balcony with our coffee in my other hand. Before we step out, she grabs a blanket by the door. I don't think it's cold outside but she might get cold.

"Oh the sun is coming up" she smiles as we look over the field.

"Yes it is" I smile and put the tray down on the table outside. I wrap my arms around her and kiss her cheek. "Hold on"

She gives me a small smile and wraps her arms around my neck. I jump up onto the roof and just like every time she lets out a small squeal as we fly through the air.

I help her sit down on the roof and wrap the blanket around her body. "I'll be right back"

I jump down and quickly grab our coffee. I carefully jump back up, trying not to spill anything.

I hand Maya her coffee and I sit down beside her. She takes a deep breath as we look over the endless fields of the kingdom.

"It's so beautiful" she says in a low voice and leans her body into me.

I smile and wrap my arm around her. "I love watching the sunrise." I whisper and kiss the side of her head. "Especially today"

She softly chuckles and I can tell she is blushing a bit.

"I can't tell you how grateful I am for this day Maya" I say in a low voice and she turns her body to me.

She throws her one leg over my lap and I hold her close to me.

"You were born on this day and for the rest of my life, this will be my favourite day." I smile.

"I'm so mad at myself for missing your birthday last year" I sigh. "I know it wasn't the best and I'm so sorry for what happened, but from now I'll always be here." I smile and cup the one side of her face.

"I can't wait to spend all my birthday's with you" she whispers. "And I want it to start just like this, every time." She smiles and moves closer to me.

"I want to be in your arms when the sun comes up, and when it goes down."

"Okay" I smile and lean closer to give her a kiss.

......

As I walk into the room I hear a familiar squeal coming down the hallway.

"She's coming baby" I smile and look at Maya as she steps out the closet, behind me.

My eyes roam over her beautiful body. She is wearing a gorgeous beige summer's dress and maybe laying in the sun wasn't such a bad idea because the tanned colour of her skin makes her look fucking beautiful in that dress.

"You look amazing" I breathe out and wrap my hands around her waist.

"Thank you." She whispers and gives me a soft kiss but a loud knocking on the door makes us pull apart.

"Come in Lilly" Maya laughs and not a second later the door flies open.

"It's your birthday!!!" Lilly yells with her arms up in the air.

She runs across the room and I was just in time to step away before Lilly wrapped her up in a big hug.

"Happy birthday Maya" I hear her say to Maya in a soft voice.

"Thank you Lil" she whispers back.

"Where-" Lilly pulls away and looks behind her. "Baby!" She yells and Marcelo appears in the doorway with a small box in his hands.

"I'm here, sorry" he says with a guilty smile.

"Bring it here" Lilly waves him over and he slowly walks over to us.

Lilly takes the box and hands it to Maya with a big smile on her face. "Happy birthday cupcake"

"Thank you" Maya smiles and softly laughs and she hugs Lilly again.

I smile at their interaction because this is what Lilly always gives her on her birthday. A cupcake.

And I recently realised that's where the nickname came from.

"I have your present downstairs. Let's go" Lilly says with an exciting tone and they start walking to the door.

Maya looks back at me, just to see if I'm coming with her and I give her a big smile. "Let's go have some cake"

We come downstairs and the moment we step outside, Maya is engulfed with hugs and kisses from the rest of the family.

I take a seat at the table and just watch them. This is why I woke her up early this morning. I wanted to be alone with her because I knew this would happen. I knew my family would want every second with her and it makes me so happy.

She needs to feel this kind of love from everyone. She needs to feel worthy and important.

So, I will just sit back and enjoy this moment where my family steals my girl from me.

But only today.

After a few minutes everyone comes to take a seat and my beautiful Maya reaches out to me. I take her hand and leave a few kisses on her palm.

Everyone gets served their preferred drinks and the servants stack the table with all kinds of food for them.

"So Alex, what did you get Maya for her birthday?" Marcelo asks from across the table.

"Well this morning-" I start with a proud smirk.

"No baby!" Maya cuts me off and covers my mouth with her hand. "She said she'll give it a little later today."

"That's exactly what I was going to say" I laugh.

"No it's not" she whispers and gives me a slight glare. "I know you" she laughs and reaches over to her glass of orange juice.

I only laugh at her slight embarrassment but decide to stop and look at Marcelo. "I decided to give it a little later because I don't want yours to look bad."

"I have the best gift" he scoffs.

"Alex stop" Maya squeeze my arm. "It's not a competition."

"You are absolutely right my darling" I laugh. "He doesn't stand a chance."

Marcelo just glares at me and I can see he wants to tackle me to the ground but for the sake of Maya he holds it back.

I love you brother.

I see a small smile on his face and he just shakes his head. He knows I actually appreciate his efforts to get Maya a gift.

The servents bow in respect and walk away.

"I guess that's my cue" my father stands up from his chair.

He turns to look at Maya and her heart rate picks up a bit. She hates being the center of attention but it's her birthday. She will definitely be the center of attention today.

"Maya we want to wish you the happiest of birthdays today." He smiles and raises his glass. "We are so happy that you are here with us. We know this abnormal family of mine wasn't always the easiest thing for you to accept." He laughs and I hear her softly chuckle beside me.

"But what I can say is, you are meant to be here. You bring so much joy in all our lives and we love you for who you are."

I feel her hand start shaking a bit but I hold it tightly in mine. I can feel the emotions running through her body but I know it's only joy.

"I know Lilly can back me up on this" he looks at her and Lilly is crying mess on the other side of the table.

"We've known Maya the longest and Maya" he looks at her again. "You have been through so much but over this past year, you've become someone so special. You didn't let your past hold you back and that is not easy to do. I am so proud of you and I honestly can't wait to see you thrive in this crazy world." He smiles.

"Happy birthday Maya"

"Happy birthday!" We all raise our glasses and Maya just laughs with a blushed face.

I squeeze her hand to her her attention and as she looks at me she blushes even more. I lean closer to her and give her a soft kiss. "Just enjoy it" I whisper and sit back in my chair.

They enjoy their breakfast and I'm just here for the company. I think Lilly is more excited about the presents than Maya. We decided that they'll eat breakfast first, then she can open up her presents.

And there is a whole table full of them.

As they eat I can feel Maya relax a bit. Her hand never left mine but it's not in a tight grip anymore. I can feel that she's enjoying herself more and that makes me happy.

.......

After breakfast Maya opened up all her presents. She almost cried after every single one she opened. There were clothes, shoes, jewelry, books and so much more. I could tell she was a bit overwhelmed but nevertheless she enjoyed every second of it.

Everyone spent the whole day next to the pool, celebrating her birthday. I was particularly happy about all the cake and desserts that was served to us.

Some of the cake ended in the pool after a little food fight broke out. All I can say is, Maya still looks beautiful with her face full of cake frosting.

But now it's my turn to give her, her birthday present from me.

She's a little quiet because she is probably trying to figure out where we are going. She has never liked going for a hike and normally I carry her to the destination but not today.

"Where are we going babe?" She asks me again but this time it's with a slight frustration in her voice.

"Can you please just trust me?" I chuckle and pull her closer to me.

"I do trust you but I'm honestly a little nervous" she admits. "Especially when you bring me into the woods."

"Nothing with woods I promise. We are almost there."

"Fine" she sighs and her hands slips back into mine.

A few minutes later, as promised, we reach my intended destination. I have lead us to a big oak tree on top of a small hill. The view from here looks over an open field with the ocean in the distance. There is a beautiful treeline surrounding the field and as she's noticed, the area behind us are dominated by trees. A thick forest lays between us and the castle.

I grab the blanket from my backpack and place it on the ground.

"Did you bring us out here for a picnic?" She says with a soft smile.

"Well if you're offering, I wouldn't say no for a little snack" I smirk and she just rolls her eyes with a small smile.

"No, come sit here with me please" I smile and grab her hand to sit down with me.

I lean back against the tree and wait for her to sit between my legs. She leans back against my chest and I leave a few kisses on her cheek as I hug her tight around her waist.

"It's really beautiful out here" she says taking a deep breath. "It's so quiet"

"I'm glad you think so" I softly chuckle in her ear.

"Why?" She smiles and looks back at me.

"Well" I smile and give her a soft kiss. "I wanted to show you this place because my father gave us this piece of land."

She doesn't say anything and a small frown appears between her eyes.

"I want to build you a house Maya" I say in a gentle but serious tone. 

"What?" She asks in a breathless tone.

"We don't have to live here if you don't want to. I promised I'd take you anywhere in the world and I can't wait for that but I want you to have a place where you can come home to. A place that is yours, a place where you feel safe"

She doesn't say anything and she turns her body to me. I see the tears in her eyes building up so I cup her face, ready to catch them if they fall.

"I promised myself that I'll give you a normal life for as long as I can so I'm starting with giving you your personal space. Well ours, if it's okay that we live together." I laugh.

She slightly laughs but takes a deep breath . "Alex, are you serious?" She asks in a soft tone.

"Yes I am" I smile and wipe a tear from her cheek. "I know you like the castle but-"

She cuts me off with a hard kiss. I smile and pull her closer to straddle my lap.

"I wanna live with you" she mumbles and kisses me again. "In our own house" she says again but her lips stay hovered over mine.

"Our own house" I whisper and place my hand softly on her cheek.

"I love you so much" she whispers and I pull back to see her smiling through her tears.

"I love you too" I whisper and run my thumb over her cheek.

"I've actually been thinking about this for a while." She moves back and tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. "I definitely want to see the world with you but I love it here." She shrugs.

"Yeah?" I smile and run my hand up and down her back.

"This is where everything and everyone comes together. This is the heart of the family and for the first time in my life I actually feel like I belong." She breathes out and I can feel the relief running through her body.

"I was going to ask you, if we could stay here." She smiles. "Well I would've meant in the castle but now..." She pauses and looks behind her to the piece of land before us.

"I just want you to be happy Maya" I whisper and she immediately looks at me again.

Her hands find my face and she rests her head against mine. "You make me happy Alex. As long as you are there with me, I don't care where we are."

"So is that a yes to moving in together?" I ask in a teasing tone.

"Hmmm" she sits back and taps her chin while she thinks. "You can be my roommate but I have to warn you, my girlfriend is really good in bed so you might hear her name echoing through the whole house."

I laugh and throw my head back against the tree. I feel her hands on my chest and as I look at her she has this beautiful smile on her face.

"Thank you Alex"

"Anything for my love" I smile and sit up closer to her.

She cups my face and gives me a slow, meaningful kiss. I hold her tight against my body and enjoy the excitement flowing through us.

She pulls back after a few seconds and her hands stay on my chest as she takes a few breaths.

"Are you ready for your other gift?" I smile and she gives me a confused look.

"Baby you didn't have t-"

"Shhh" I cut her off. "Just one more" I smile. "For now"

"Alex" she sighs.

"No baby, please" I smile and pull her closer to me. "This was my actual gift"

"Okay" she says with a soft smile.

I reach into my backpack and get out a small box with a ribbon tied around it. She carefully takes it from me and I can see the curiosity on her face.

"Baby?" She questions.

"Just open it" I smile and put my hands on her lower back to keep her steady.

She slowly unties the ribbon and I watch her open the box. Her eyes go wide and then she looks up at me. "Alex?" She asks in a breathless voice.

"This is not me proposing to you, yet" I say in a gentle tone and take the box from her. "But" I pause and take the two rings out from the little box.

"I know you want something more than just a mark or an invisible bond that only you and I can see" I smile. "I know you want something physical, something the world would understand."

"So, this is my way of telling the world that I am yours." I smile and see her eyes fill with tears again.

"This is my promise to you and I will wear it with pride" I smile. "I will always be yours Maya." 

She covers her mouth and her head falls to my shoulder. I hug her tight against me as she cries.

"I really don't like it when you cry baby" I whisper in her ear. "Especially on your birthday"

"No,no" she sits up and wipes her tears away. "I'm just overwhelmed" she chuckles and takes a deep breath.

"I'm sorry-"

"No baby" she cuts me off and shakes her head. She cups my face and gives me a sloppy kiss. "Thank you so much" she whispers against my lips and I feel her smiling with me.

"You're welcome" I smile as she sits back.

She grabs the rings from my hand and takes a closer look.

"It's just a simple design but you change it if you like" I quickly add, hoping she isn't disappointed because it's just two slimline silver rings with my crown engraved on the inside.

"No, it's perfect" she smiles at me. "I love it"

She takes one of the rings and surprisingly slips it onto her ring finger.

"Are you picking that finger?" I question with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, is that okay?"

"Of course baby but-" I say a little hesitant because I don't really know what to say.

"I am yours Alex" she cuts me off and shows me the mark on her neck, my mark. I can't deny the smile on my face and run the tip of my finger over the white crown.

She takes my hand and turns it around. "And you are mine" she whispers and slowly puts the other ring on my ring finger.

"Yes I am"

"I know this isn't you proposing to me but this means so much to me, I can't even explain it to you" she smiles. "So, I want to wear it like this."

"You can wear it on which ever finger you want." I smile and give her a gentle kiss.

"But I still want you to propose to me one day" she quickly adds. "I want a diamond ring as well." She chuckles.

"So demanding" I roll my eyes and she hits my chest with a slight gasp.

"I'm joking baby" I laugh and hug her tight around her waist. "You will get your diamond ring. I promise."

She wraps her arms around me with a big smile on her face.

I know how much she wants to get married someday. Hopefully these rings will give her the assurance she needs. She has given so much to me and I will always be grateful for that. Wearing a ring to show the world I am hers, is something I will gladly do for the rest of my life.

And if she wants a big white wedding someday, then that's what she will get.

The End

.....

A/N

Thank you for everyone who read this book. I really appreciate your patience with the updates. I know it took some time but we eventually got there.

Thank you for every vote and comment throughout the whole book. I read every single one of them.

I really enjoyed writing this and I'm a little sad that it's over.

Alex and Maya's happy ending can live on in your own imagination. Maybe I'll share my version with you someday 😉

Thank you again!

Much Love 💜