Page 28 of Bond To The Alpha (Fated Bond #1)

LIANA

Wolves from both packs gather in the moonlit clearing. I stand beside Kane, and our fingers are intertwined in each other's, as we face the sea of familiar and unfamiliar faces.

Kane begins the ancient merging ritual, and while this goes on, I can't help marveling at how quickly life can change. Weeks ago, I was a tavern owner, struggling to keep my past away. Now, I'm about to become Luna of a united pack.

The ceremony itself continues with a series of chants, howls, and solemn vows. Both packs move as one, as we trace the sacred symbols in the earth, mix our blood in the ceremonial chalice, and recite the age-old words that will bind us together.

After the final words of the ritual fade into the wind, the rest of the night passes in introductions and celebrations. Packmates share drinks and stories around roaring bonfires, children laugh and play together, and even in the face of unimaginable loss, we find reasons to smile and hope for the best.

When the sky begins to lighten with the first hints of dawn, a somber mood settles over the pack again because it’s time to face the cost of our victory and honor those who gave everything to ensure our survival.

Sam is the first.

His body has been cleaned and dressed in the formal attire of an Alpha, and he’s laid on a bed of wildflowers. I watch them lower him into the ground and I fight back tears, remembering his kindness and relentless belief in me when no one else would give me a chance.

“Thank you,” I whisper as the first handful of dirt falls on his chest. “For everything.”

Next is Jimmy, whose betrayal cut us very deep, but in the end, he tried to make things right. He is buried next to his father, and I silently hope they find peace together in whatever comes after this life.

One by one, we bury our fallen packmates. Young and old, warrior and healer, they all lie side by side now, united in death as they were in life.

As soon as the last grave is filled, Kane addresses the gathering, honoring all the sacrifices made and the lives lost. He also advises that we all make sure these deaths don’t go in vain.

When it's my turn to speak, I talk about courage and the strength in unity. I speak of Sam's wisdom and Jimmy's final act of bravery. And I make a vow, not just to the living but to those we've laid to rest, that we will build something beautiful from the ashes of their sacrifice.

Kane and I each place a stone on their graves as a symbol of our remembrance and respect. Then without saying a word, he pulls me into his arms, and I let myself sink into his embrace.

“Rest in peace,” I whisper once more.

??????

The full moon hangs low in the sky and twinkling lights are strung between the trees as their radiance reflects off almost everything. Everywhere is alive with excitement. Wolves from every pack within a hundred miles and beyond, both young and old, have gathered for this momentous occasion. Some are busy swaying to the lilting melodies played by a small ensemble, while some are engaged in happy conversations, some are laughing and some who can't resist the delicious scent of delicacies are stealing bites with both their eyes and watering mouths.

At the center of it all stands an arch woven from branches and adorned with moonflowers and silver ribbons. It's here, under this symbol of nature's blessing, that Kane and I will be joined in official matrimony.

I'm hidden away in a special tent at the edge of the clearing. I can’t stop my heart racing from all the nerves and excitement. My dress, which is a creation of flowing white silk and delicate lace rustles softly as I shift from foot to foot, while Mrs. Thompson continues fussing with my hair and accessories, even though there’s not much needed to be adjusted.

“I've never seen Alpha Kane smile so much!” says one of the women from Kane’s household, who are also hovering around to make sure things are in place.

I blush and smooth down my dress for the hundredth time.

I'm getting married….I’m becoming Luna…I'm so nervous...what if I trip while walking down the aisle? What if I stutter during the vows?

“Liana, breathe,” Mrs. Thompson rests her hands on my shoulders as if she’s heard everything I’ve been thinking.

I take in a couple of sighs to calm myself down.

Then comes the soft strains of a violin to the start of the ceremony. My diaphragm almost falters to silence my breath as I’m helped out of the tent. The crowd settles into a hush as I begin my walk towards the arch.

Kane.

When I see him, everything else around me fades away. He stands tall and proud under the arch, not breaking his gaze on me for even a second. He’s dressed in a dark suit accented with silver that matches the moonlight. But it's the look on his face that nearly undoes me, which is one of awe, love, and sheer joy that makes my heart soar.

He extends his hand the closer I get to him.

And I place my palm in his.

The High Priest raises his arms, and his voice is loud in the solemn silence.

"Brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, children, friends, we gather under Goddess’ watchful eye to witness the union of these two great souls: our Alpha, Kane Wolf, Liana White. May the ancient spirits bless this sacred rite."

He turns to us, holding a silver chalice.

“You two should drink from this blessed moon water. Let it bind your souls as one.”

Kane goes first, lifting the chalice to my lips, and I sip the cool tingling liquid. Afterwards, I repeat the same for Kane.

“Now,” the High Priest intones. “Speak the words of your hearts.”

Kane clears his throat as he takes my hand.

“Li, I... God, I had this all memorized…” he chuckles nervously.

I hear the crowd behind us erupt in peals of laughter that soon die down; I can’t help the giggles as well.

“I have a lot to say, but no words are enough for how much I feel. I promise to support your dreams as fiercely as you've supported mine. I vow to honor and cherish you, to protect you with my life, and to love you with every fiber of my being. I promise to be your rock when you need strength, your shelter in the storm, and your partner in joy and sorrow. I'll be your partner in all things— in leading our pack, in raising our pups, and in facing whatever life throws at us….”

I blink back the tears that have begun clouding my sight, he holds my hand tighter and brushes the back of my hand with his thumb soothingly before continuing.

"I swear by the moon and the earth beneath our feet that I will never take you for granted. I'll fight for you, laugh with you, and grow old with you. You are my home, Liana, now and forever. I love you, Liana,” he says.

This is followed by deafening cheers and roars from the crowd. I blink back the tears as I begin my vows.

“You’ve seen me at my weakest and my strongest, and you've loved me through it all. I stand here today not just as your bride, but as your Luna, ready to take on the responsibilities and joys that come with leading our pack. I vow to support you when you falter and challenge you when you need it and love you fiercely and without reservation. I promise to be a fair and compassionate Luna to our pack, and to nurture our children together."

The words have now begun to flow unstoppably.

"I swear to you, Kane, that I will stand by your side through every full moon and new. I'll run with you under starlit skies, hunt with you in the deepest forests, and curl up beside you in the quiet moments between. I give you my heart, my body, my soul—now and always."

The High Priest nods, producing a length of red silk cord, and he begins winding the cord around our wrists.

“By the power of Moon Goddess, Pack, and laws of our kind, I pronounce you mated, married, Alpha, and Luna.”

Kane's hand cups my cheek and kisses me deeply while the loud howls rise, seemingly breaking everything else asunder.

The celebration that follows is with congratulations, dancing, and a feast. Kane and I move through the crowd, accepting well-wishes and sharing quiet moments of affection.

When Kane finally leads me away from the party, a chorus of good-natured whoops and whistles follows us. We head to the pack house, now our home as Alpha and Luna. Kane lifts me into his arms as we cross the threshold and my laughter echoes in the quiet hallway.

He carries me up the stairs to our bedroom and then sets me down gently just inside the door. The room is awash in soft candlelight, with rose petals scattered across the floor and bed and their sweet scent mingles with the woodsy aroma of the candles.

Kane closes the door behind us.

“Finally,” he murmurs, his voice low and husky.

He steps closer and his fingers begin tracing the line of my jaw. I lean into his touch, my eyes fluttering closed as his lips find mine. I melt against him, my arms winding around his neck as his hands span my waist as we forget ourselves in the kiss and the feel of each other. And as the moment intensifies, his fingers find the zipper of my dress, slowly drawing it down.

“May I?”

I nod.

The dress slips from my shoulders, dropping at my feet in a whisper of silk. Kane's sharp intake of breath against my neck sends a shiver down my spine, and his hands skim over my skin with gentleness.

I also reach for him as I work my fingers at the buttons of his shirt.

“Your turn,” I murmur playfully.

When I push his shirt off his shoulders, I take a moment to admire him. The moonlight streaming through the window highlights the planes and angles of his body, the faint scars on his body.

I trace one particularly long scar on his chest seductively and Kane catches my hand bringing it to his lips for a kiss.

Then he lifts me again, carries me to the bed, and lays me down among the rose petals. He then joins me on the bed, holding his comforting weight atop mine again as we spend the rest of the night ravaging each other's bodies.

??????

“You're doing great, Liana,” Kane comforts me frantically, wiping sweat from my brow as I scream in pain.

“Just a little more.”

The midwife nods encouragingly.

“I can see the head. One more big push, Luna.”

Gathering all the strength left in me, I bear down. The pain is excruciating, but then suddenly...relief as a sharp cry pierces the air. I collapse back against the pillows, exhausted but elated.

“It's a boy!” The midwife announces, her voice full of joy.

Kane kisses my forehead, “You did it, love. You're amazing.”

The midwife places our son on my chest, and I'm overwhelmed by a rush of love so powerful it takes my breath away. He's perfect with that little tuft of dark hair, tiny arms, and tiny legs.

Kane’s large hand gently cradles his head.

“He's beautiful. Just like you."

I can't take my eyes off our little miracle. After everything we've been through, all the pain and struggle, this moment feels like a reward.

“Want to hold him?” I ask Kane, smiling at the eager nod he gives in response.

Kane lifts the baby into his arms with utmost care and his eyes are so full of wonder as he gazes down at our boy.

“Hello, little one,” he sings. “We’ve been waiting for you for so long.”

A soft knock at the door interrupts our little bubble. Kane calls out permission to enter, and a nurse pokes her head in.

“There's a very excited big sister out here,” she says with a smile. “Is it okay to let her in?”

At our nod, she opens the door wider, and Lina bursts in, her eyes wide with excitement, but she approaches the bed cautiously.

“Come here, sweetheart,” I say, patting the bed beside me.

“Come meet your little brother.”

Lina climbs up carefully as if afraid she might disturb the baby. Kane lowers himself to her level, now allowing her a clear view of her brother.

“He's so small,” Lina whispers, reaching out to poke his cheek gently.

“You were once this small too,” Kane tells her.

Lina's face scrunches up in disbelief, making us both laugh.

“What's his name?” she asks and looks between Kane and me expectantly.

Kane and I exchange a glance. We've discussed names, but haven't settled on one yet. But now, looking at our son, strong despite his size, a fighter from his very first breath, I know.

“Aiden,” I say softly.

Kane's eyes light up in understanding and approval.

“It means 'fiery.'”

“Aiden,” Kane repeats. “Aiden Wolf. I like it.”

“Me too!” Lina chimes in, beaming.

“Hi, Aiden. I'm your big sister, Lina.”

As I watch my family— Kane holding Aiden, Lina leaning against my side, her little hand resting protectively on her brother's blanket, I'm overwhelmed by a sense of completeness.

This is everything I ever dreamed of.