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“You know, honey, the fated mate bond is something that’s destined. The fates plan it long before the souls find each other. Fated mates are a perfect match of strength, love, loyalty, and passion. Sounds like you found yours.”
“I did, Mom.” Butterflies rushed to fill my stomach. Soon Night and I would swear our bond to each other in front of everyone, but the butterflies weren’t just for excitement. Talking about fate and destiny made me remember that I had an important role to play in the future. “Mom, Violet and the Wargs’ Elders think I’m descended from the pack mothers. They say that I’m destined to do something more, but they don’t know what that is.”
Mom nodded, fixing my hair with rollers. “I’m not surprised. I’ve always known that fate had a huge hand in my finding you. I’ve also suspected that you might be a pack mother’s daughter, but there weren’t any texts in our libraries that helped me confirm my theory.”
“The Wargs have tons of literature. I think Violet brought some stuff with her. Maybe you guys could compare notes?”
“I’m sure we will.” I heard the smile in her voice. “Alright, now I just need to blow dry your hair so it sets the curls.”
Soon, my hair fell in full, luscious waves over my shoulders, shining in the light every time I turned my head. My makeup was soft and minimal, just enough to enhance my features, and I wore some of Mom’s homemade rose perfume. When it came time to put on the dress, Mom told me to open the box that Violet had left for me. When I did, I found a gorgeous, lilac-colored gown.
I put it on and admired myself in the lobby mirror. Pressed white, baby pink, and lavender flowers were sewn into the flowing hem and at the waist. The bust clung to me, but the fabric was so breathable it felt like a second skin. Spaghetti straps held it up, and across the bust were dozens of tiny, glittering beads. When I walked, a slit came all the way up to my hip. My eyes watered the longer I stared at myself.
Violet knocked on the door and Mom called for her to come in. I turned to Violet, near tears, and took her hands in mine. “Where did you find this?” I asked.
“I made it myself,” she told me. “It was for my own binding ceremony, but I never got to wear it.”
I gasped. “Violet, I can’t possibly take this! It’s too precious, and I—I’m—” I didn’t know how to put it.
“You’re my new daughter,” she finished. She used a tissue to dab at the corners of her own eyes. “I think this dress was always meant for you, Bryn. That’s why I brought it along in the first place. Why else would you be the exact same dress size as I was when I made the thing?” She laughed and pulled me in for a hug. “You look beautiful, honey.”
I couldn’t say anything but, “Thank you.”
A short time later, Tavi knocked on the door. She was wearing another sheath dress, this one in blue denim. Like me, she was barefoot. She let me hug her.
“I wanted to give you this,” she said, handing me a flower crown. My jaw dropped as I lifted it. The crown was made from the branches of nearby trees. It had fairy slipper, shooting star, as well as western springbeauty woven through it.
She blushed when I continued to admire it without saying anything. “It—it might be kind of silly. I mean, it’s kind of childish for me to do, and you don’t have to wear it.”
“I love it!” I exploded. I put it on right away, and it fell neatly over my curls. “Thank you, Tavi.” I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. I fanned at my face with both hands. “It’s too early to cry.”
Tavi smiled, and this time, she initiated the hug. It was only for a couple of seconds, and then she quickly pulled away again. I couldn’t believe how fortunate I was to have so many friends and loved ones at my side.
Our ceremony would take place next to my mom’s gardens, so when I opened the door, the guests were assembled right outside. I stepped off the porch, my hair lifting in the cool breeze. Not that long ago, I would have had to wear layers to be out in this weather, but now my wolf kept me warm.
I walked through the guests with Violet, Mom, and Tavi following behind me. It was a private ceremony with only the Wargs and the Elders of both packs to officiate because this day was for Night and me. The last thing we wanted was a large guest list that included the Kings pack; if we had invited them, there would no doubt be snide comments and maybe even a fight or two. We wanted to avoid that at all costs.
I felt like I was floating rather than walking as I neared where Night and Dom stood. Both men wore slacks and loose button-up shirts tucked in. The moment Night looked at me, I saw his eyes widen and his face flush red, and I knew that everything was perfect. Behind me, I heard sniffles and quiet sobs, but I tried hard to keep it together.
“Bryn, Night,” Elder Patrice of the Wargs began, “please join hands.”
We did so immediately, both of us eager to touch after spending the night apart. Once our fingers were intertwined, Violet approached with a white silk scarf. She wrapped it around our joined hands.
I looked up at Night and bit my lip when it began to tremble. It was time now for us to speak our love for each other. I’d spent so long thinking of what I wanted to say, and now I was just trying to keep it together.
One traitorous tear slipped free, but Night leaned forward to kiss it away. “You are stunning,” he whispered just before he pulled back.
That was the encouragement I needed. “Night,” I began, “so much has happened in my life that I never expected, but almost all of it has ended up being a blessing in one way or another.” I squeezed his hand. “The last thing I expected in the midst of all of the chaos and laughter and tears and joy was to fall so hard for you. From this moment, I will treasure you forever, and I intend to spend every second of the rest of my life by your side.”
He let out a long breath and squeezed my hand back. “When I first met you, I was a mess. I had schedules and promises to keep, and a goal in mind that I was prepared to die for. But the moment I saw you, everything shifted. I had thought that love was a luxury that I couldn’t indulge in, but you chased me in my dreams, baby,” he said. “How could I not fall for you?”
I bit my lip again, my heart swelling with love for my mate.
“I know our relationship started with me stealing you away into the night, but it’s because you stole my heart that we’ve made it to this moment.”
That brought laughter in addition to the sniffles, from me as well as the crowd.
“It’s yours to keep for as long as you want it,” he said, a whispered promise between the two of us.
