Page 78 of Daddy Wolf's Secret Baby

“I wondered if you wouldn’t mind a simple ceremony, just us, with our immediate family, here and now,” Josiah said.

“Before you change your mind?” Zahra asked.

“No. I almost lost you and Jace. My life is empty without you two. We could wait weeks or months and plan an elaborate ceremony if you’d like. But I wish for nothing more than to make you mine right here, right now.”

Zahra grinned widely. “I would love that, too. Before we do, though, I have an announcement.”

Josiah stood and looked at her puzzled. Zahra thought he looked a little worried, too.

“Jace is going to have a little brother or sister.”

“Sister,” Taryn called out.

Everyone laughed. Taryn was never wrong about someone being pregnant and the gender of the baby.

“Sister, it is,” Zahra said, smiling.

“You’re pregnant? I’m going to be a daddy again?”

“I get to be a big brother?”

“Yes,” Zahra said.

“Woohoo,” Jace yelled, jumping up and down and clapping. “I get to have a baby sister.”

“Be careful about being so excited about that. Some baby sisters get themselves into a whole heap of trouble,” Conner said.

“I’ll protect her, just like you and Uncle Zac protected Mom.”

“I’m going to have a daughter. Is she going to be stubborn like you?” Josiah asked.

“Likely. It’s a family trait.”

Everyone laughed.

Josiah glowed with happiness. “So, what do you say about the mating ceremony, right here, right now? The bright orange full moon is coming up over the mountains, a good omen.”

“I’m wearing jeans and a T-shirt.”

“I’ll give you ten minutes to change. Your mom brought the traditional wedding tunic for you.”

“What if I take fifteen minutes?” she asked.

“I’ll still be waiting. But too much longer than that and the food will be getting cold. Everyone’s been cooking all day for this celebration.”

Zahra grinned. “You were awfully sure of yourself.”

“No. I was sure of our love.”

Zahra and Isobel went inside the house. Seven minutes later, she came out wearing the tunic. Her hair curled down her back and she wore a wreath of flowers.

Josiah had also changed into the traditional garb. When she saw her man standing in front of Zac and the makeshift altar, he stole her breath away.

His scent wafted over her and she was drawn to him. John put her hands in Josiah’s and they faced each other.

Zac began. “Family, we are gathered beneath this moon to witness the sacred union of Josiah Findley and Zahra Curry. Since our first shift, when our ancestors first felt the power of the wolf course through their veins, we have honored the sacred bond between true mates. It is a bond that strengthens our pack, that feeds the magic in our blood, and ensures that our lineage endures.

“Tonight, Josiah claims Zahra to be his mate, completing the circle ordained by the fates. In their union, we see the strength of the warrior and the wisdom of the moon joined as one.

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