Page 156 of Bred

"Rowan," Mina's soft voice drifted toward me as she rounded the corner. Her eyes went wide as she almost ran into Nix, and a nervous laugh bubbled from her throat. "You startled me!" she giggled, edging around both of us to get to her mate.

Ivor kissed her, whispering how lovely she was. Mina blushed, fluttering her eyelashes at him. I couldn't wait to hold Lily like that.

"Lily wanted me to give you this," Nix said, holding out a small note. He cut a weary look at Ivor, grimacing as the alpha kissed his sister again. "She gave it to me without a seal or envelope." He held up his hands. "I promise I didn't read it."

"I made sure," Mina quickly added. Ivor pulled at her waist, hugging her from behind. They were hard to watch sometimes.

Nix grumbled at his sister, pushing his dark brown hair out of his eyes. He looked just like Mina. Wavy hair, brown eyes, and the exact same nose. There was no denying they were kin.

I smoothed my hands over the soft, cream-colored parchment. Perhaps Ivor was right, and the kiss was a bit much for Lily's innocent heart. Or maybe she was upset about the earrings, or maybe she was scared of mating me.

I took a deep calming breath and then opened the note.

Summer helped me with the earrings. When you see them, I hope they look as lovely as you had hoped. xoxo, Lily

I ran my thumbs along the edge of my belt for the hundredth time, waiting for the temple doors to open. The packed room of family and high-standing wolves whispered among themselves, waiting. Finally, the priest chimed the bell, and the heavy wood door was pulled open. All thought fell from my head as my soon-to-be mate appeared.

Lily walked toward me in a red dress made of sin. It hugged her in wicked places, pushing her breasts up and out and teasing the top curve of her ass. She normally dressed plain but sweet—her clothes let her natural beauty shine through: her soft lips and dark eyes, long lashes that touched her high cheekbones, and her silky black hair. It didn't matter what she wore because her features outshined everything else in the room.

But this dress….

My sweet omega came to a stop next to me, then tipped her head up, looking deep into my eyes. Her pulse fluttered wildly in the vein in her neck as she slipped her freezing fingers into my hands. I took in her blushing cheeks and rose-tinted lips. Then I noticed her ears.

She was wearing the earrings I got her.

Unable to help myself, I grazed the bottom of her soft earlobe, brushing the pink stone. They complemented her soft complexion.

Lily smiled wide, biting her bottom lip. "Mina put clasps on them so I can wear them."

The priest cleared her throat, and we both turned to her.

The ceremony was quick. We both recited our promises, Lily's mother read a poem, and my sister sang a song. I honestly didn't hear much, too busy staring at the gorgeous omega that was about to be my mate.

Finally, the priest declared us bonded and asked us to kiss to prove our affection to the pack. Lily's lashes raised, her eyes wide as they took in the crowd around us. For a brief moment, the same look from last night shone through her dark eyes. My wolf growled at her slight distress. The urge to scoop her up and run away was all-consuming, but there was nothing I could do.

Ivor was right. This was all too much for my sweet omega, and I suddenly wished we had bonded in a simple ceremony with only family and close friends.

Feeling everyone's eyes on us, I leaned in and softly kissed her. Lily's lips trembled against mine and when I pulled back, tears glistened in her eyes. I hated myself for putting her through this.

A chorus of bells chimed, and we walked down the long aisle as the crowd clapped and cheered. Once outside, Lily sighed deeply, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The cool spring air was a welcome change from the stuffy heat inside the temple.

She brushed a few tears away and then looked up at me.

"Are you okay?" I whispered.

She nodded, clasping her hands in front of her. She looked so small. "I didn't expect so many people in such a small space. The smell of so many alphas was…a bit much."

"Lily!" Summer squealed, bursting out of the temple and straight into Lily's arms. "It was all so lovely!" She leaned, whispering rather loudly. "Would you and your new mate like to tour the temple gardens before the party starts?"

Lily's mouth fell open, and she stuttered out a quick "no" before pushing the young omega away so she could hug Mina and greet Ivor and Nix.

The rest of the guests poured out of the temple, shaking my hand and greeting Lily. Even though the village wasn't as big as some, mine and Lily's families didn't move in the same circles, and I spent quite a bit of time introducing her to my father's colleagues from the packhouse and my brothers in the guard. She was sweet and complimentary, saying all the right things.

She was perfect.

"Rowan!" Dage's unmistakable voice boomed as he slowly exited the temple.

I smiled wide at the older alpha, shaking his hand. He was an advisor to Pack Alpha Caz, just like my father. I had known him my whole life. He was stern, loud, and had many opinions that he freely shared at every opportunity.