Chapter 6
The bonding ceremony was about to begin.
I stood in front of the mirror, dressed in a full ceremonial robe–deep crimson with silver thread embroidery, the markings of my birth pack glowing faintly under the light. It was the traditional Luna’s attire for a mating bond in our kind. Regal. Powerful. Binding.
Very different from the Western–style wedding Logan and I had once planned.
Richard had only informed me last night that the ceremony would follow ancient Pack traditions. I was surprised. Not because he insisted on the old ways, but because he even cared. After all, last night, I’d watched Logan walk away without once looking back. That familiar ache had flared for a second… and then faded. I wasn’t his choice–never had been.
Fine. Let it be this way.
I had just turned the corner to head home when a fleet of matte–black SUVs rolled into the courtyard, flanked by warriors of the Crimson Claw Pack. The lead vehicle stopped, and Richard stepped out–tall, composed, eyes always calm, always watching.
A strange mix of guilt and curiosity filled me. Had he seen Logan? Did he know?
He spoke, his voice low, warm, with that quiet power only an Alpha born could carry. “Why are you still outside?”
I gave him a faint smile, brushing away the unease. “Just needed some air. What’s going on here?”
“I’ve come to deliver the dowry.”
Dowry. That word felt almost ancient. Before I could react, I heard my mom’s voice calling from inside the den. “Richard’s here? Rae, what are you standing there for? Bring him in!”
Still dazed, I led him into the main house. He sat down with my parents like he belonged there, like he’d always been part of the family. Watching the scene unfold, I couldn’t help but feel like the whole thing was surreal–like the Moon Goddess was playing some twisted joke on me.
Outside, the murmurs from the other packs were getting louder. Our kind may not use social media, but no gossip travels faster than a pack’s collective howl.
“I heard Logan ran off with Emma, said she twisted her ankle and needed healing overseas. Can you believe that? Skipping his bonding ceremony like that?”
“Everyone knows Emma’s his chosen one. Rae’s just the fallback.”
“She was once the most desirable Luna candidate among the Eastern Packs. Proud, beautiful. Look at her now.”
“And get this–Logan’s family said the ceremony’s canceled. But then the Silver Ridge Pack turns around and says it’s still on? Who’s even the Alpha in charge anymore?”
1 kept walking, the words sharp but not wrong. Logan never did care how our bond, or my name, would be dragged through the mud because of his precious Emma. In his eyes, her twisted ankle outweighed our years together.
Time passed
I stepped out of the ceremony den, face serene, spine straight. The wolves outside hadn’t realized the groom had been replaced. They were all waiting for the show.
When Richard appeared, dressed in the red and black Alpha robes of the Crimson Claw, the crowd gasped.
There was a beat of silence. Then chaos.
But Richard didn’t flinch. He raised one hand, and when he spoke, his voice cut through the murmurs like a blade
Chapter 6
+25 BONUS
“The one who is standing beside Rae tonight–who has always stood for her–is me, Richard of the Crimson Claw. From the first howl to the last moon, this bond was always meant to be ours.”
The crowd hushed. Then came the chorus of howls and blessings.
The bonding ritual went smoothly. The Circle of Elders chanted under the full moonlight, and the ancient runes burned with recognition as Richard and I clasped hands, letting our scents blend and souls knot.
This date–August 20th–we had once chosen as a promise of happiness. I used to think I’d share it with Logan.
But tonight, I stood beside Richard. And to my surprise… I wasn’t scared. I was calm.
After the ceremony, I changed into a soft ceremonial robe for the toast round. The Luna duties began immediately–greeting Elders, acknowledging allies, receiving offers from other packs. My feet ached from standing, my head buzzed from wine, but it was manageable.
When it finally ended, Richard scooped me into his arms and carried me back to the Alpha quarters of the Crimson Claw stronghold.
I soaked in the hot spring–bath carved into the mountain cave, letting my limbs go limp. Who knew bonding could be this exhausting?
I nearly forgot I wasn’t alone until I heard the door open. Richard entered, holding a sleep robe, his presence calm but commanding.
I sat up sharply, suddenly aware again. Tonight was our bonding night. My face burned.
He glanced over, robe still in hand, and smiled gently. “Relax. I’m not here to rush you.”
He crossed the room to the other side of the bed, leaving space. “This bond was sudden. I know you’re not ready yet. That’s okay. We’ll go at your pace. I won’t back out, Rae. You have my word.”
I nodded, something tight in my chest loosening. He knew. He understood everything without me saying a word.
Maybe I was a fool for jumping into this. Maybe I’d regret it one day.
But for now… I felt safe!
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