Chapter 37
739words
Elena guides me through traditions with patience. Surprisingly, Lyra helps too, her hostility fading into growing acceptance.
"The ritual strengthens what's already there," Elena explains as we prepare herbs. "It doesn't create a bond from nothing."
"Like with Marcus," I say, understanding. "His ritual created an artificial bond because there was no natural connection."
"Exactly. What's between you and Kieran is organic, mutual. The ritual will simply complete it."
The night before the full moon, the pack celebrates—a tradition honoring couples before their private ritual. The great room fills with music, food, and laughter.
I'm passed from conversation to conversation, accepting congratulations from pack members who've become family in my short time here.
"They adore you," Kieran observes, appearing at my side with fresh drinks. "Almost as much as I do."
"I adore them too," I admit, watching the pack celebrate around us. "All of this... it still feels like a dream sometimes."
"If it is, I don't want to wake up." He presses a kiss to my temple. "Dance with me?"
We move to the center of the room where other couples are already dancing. Kieran pulls me close, one hand at my waist, the other holding mine.
"Nervous about tomorrow?" he asks softly.
"A little," I admit. "But excited too."
"Me too." There's a hint of wonder in his voice. "I never thought I'd find this. Someone who fits me so perfectly."
I look up at him, seeing the love shining in his eyes. "We fit because we choose to," I say. "Every day, every moment. It's not fate or destiny. It's choice."
His smile warms. "Wise words from someone so young."
"I've lived a lot in my twenty-six years," I remind him.
"That you have." His expression turns serious. "And I intend to make sure the rest of your years are filled with nothing but joy."
"Not nothing but," I correct gently. "Life will still have challenges. But we'll face them together."
"Together," he agrees. "Always."
Across the room, Lyra watches. When our eyes meet, she raises her glass in a small salute—acceptance if not quite blessing. I nod back, grateful for the peace between us.
Later, as the party winds down, Elena finds me by the windows, looking out at the nearly-full moon.
"Ready for tomorrow?" she asks, joining me in my contemplation of the night sky.
"I think so," I say. "Kieran's been explaining the ritual, but he says some parts are... private."
A smile touches her lips. "As they should be. The mating bond is intimate, personal. But I can tell you this—what you and Kieran have is rare. The way your energies align, the natural bond already forming between you... I haven't seen its like in decades."
"Really?" I'm surprised by her assessment.
"Really." She places a hand on my arm. "My sister—Kieran's mother—would have adored you. She always hoped he'd find someone strong enough to stand beside him, not behind him."
The compliment warms me deeply. "I wish I could have met her."
"In a way, you will," Elena says cryptically. "The ritual connects you not just to each other, but to the lineage of both your wolves. You'll feel her presence tomorrow night."
The thought is both comforting and slightly intimidating. "Thank you," I say. "For everything you've done to help prepare us."
"It's my pleasure." She squeezes my arm gently. "Welcome to the family, Selene. Officially."
As the night grows late, Kieran and I say our goodbyes. Tradition dictates we spend the day of the ritual apart until sunset, so this is our last time together until the ceremony.
In our room, Kieran holds me close, his forehead pressed against mine. "I'll miss you tomorrow," he murmurs.
"It's just one day," I remind him, though I'll miss him too.
"The longest day of my life," he says with a dramatic sigh that makes me laugh.
"Dramatic wolf," I tease, pressing a kiss to his lips.
The kiss deepens, becoming something more urgent, more passionate. Through our growing bond, I feel his desire mirroring my own, creating a feedback loop of sensation that leaves us both breathless.
"One last night before we're officially mated," he says, his voice rough with want. "Any requests?"
I smile against his lips. "Just love me."
"Always," he promises. "For the rest of our lives."
