Page 104 of Claiming His Rejected Mate

I step toward him, every movement deliberate, weighted with the knowledge that this moment—this bond—will last beyond lifetimes. Itis our legacy and our lineage of shifters will hear stories of us for years to come.

The Elders begin the rites, chanting in low, reverent tones as the ceremonial dagger is passed between us. The blade is sharp when I press it against my palm, a single drop of blood pooling before Kieran does the same.

Then, we press our hands together.

Blood mingles.

The bond sears into place.

The connection between us strengthens, solidifies until I can feel everything—his love, his pride, his devotion. There is no partition between us anymore. I am finally one with my Mate.

Kieran pulls me into him, his lips brushing my ear. “Mine.”

I shiver. “Yours.”

The pack howls in celebration, voices filling the night, echoing across the mountains.

Elara steps forward, her gaze shining with pride. Magnus follows, his expression heavy with unspoken words. He bows his head to Kieran, then to me, before stepping back among the warriors.

One by one, the pack members approach, pledging their loyalty, their faith.

They see me now.

Not as an outsider. Not as a burden.

But as Luna.

As their Luna.

The chamber is quiet when we return, the air thick with something new.

Something unbreakable.

Kieran watches me, his silver eyes gleaming under the candlelight. “Come here.”

I step into his arms, his warmth enveloping me. His fingers trace lazy patterns against my skin, his breath fanning over my cheek.

“You’re mine,” he murmurs, voice rough, possessive.

I smile, pressing my lips against his jaw. “Show me.”

I can barely stand the fact that we have had to be away from each other for so long. The freedom that we now have, with nothingkeeping us apart, fills me with a new kind of desire for him. We have declared ourselves before our packs, before our families, before the entire shifter territory.

He pulls me in and our kiss is full of the passion of newly bonded Mates. I don't want to let go. I always want to be this way with him. Soft. Tender. Gentle. But there is news bursting within me. And I cannot wait to let him know.

I lead him onto the balcony, the cool night air wrapping around us. There are two lights hanging from the eaves and flowers all around, just as I requested for this moment.

“You did this?” Kieran asks, his eyes wide, chuckles erupting from him, a smile breaking out on his face. He looks like a young boy again, full of wonder, full of life. I feel my heart falling for him again. My wolf purrs in that motherly way.

I nod.

Kieran pulls me close, nuzzling my neck, still drunk on our newly bonded energy. “What are you up to?”

I hesitate.

Then, I take his hand and press it gently against my stomach.

Kieran stills. His gaze snaps to mine, wide, disbelieving.