Page 81 of The Wolf

I'm already married to Julia in my mind. We’ve been through hell and back in such a short time together. I don’t need some formal bullshit to make this any more real than it already is.

But she wanted it that way and I respect that.

Today, she’s taking her place by my side.

Her place as Queen.

And I know, with absolute certainty, she’s going to be the most incredible one this realm has ever known.

I can feel her before anyone else—her heartbeat, the sound of her breath, her sweet vanilla smell approaching. She’s a fucking siren to my senses, and no matter how many times I’ve seen her, she still makes my heart stutter.

The door creaks open and my breath catches while the room keeps spinning. The air shifts. The rapid beat of her heart syncs with mine. Her powerful scent fills the space between us, pulling me closer.

Then, with beaming Clara holding her arm steady, Julia moves forward. Delicate black lace overlays the ivory silk of her gown, while golden threads weave through it, shimmering like the damn stars with every step. The fitted bodice clings to her like a second skin, tracing her curves before flaring out into a dramatic skirt, layered with black tulle. A lace-detailed train drags behind her, and her face remains hidden behind the semi-sheer veil, adding an air of mystery to her haunting beauty.

I can’t tear my eyes away. The way she’s walking toward me like she’s ready to take over the world—yeah, that’s my Queen right there.

Once they close the distance, Clara gives me Julia’s trembling hand as she stands beside me.

Breathe.I tell her through our bond.You’re stunning.

I’m freaking the fuck out.Her panicky voice rings in my head.

Hey, look at me.

I slowly remove the thin mesh material from her face, pulling it to the back of her head. When the veil lifts, everything stills. I’m holding my breath, my heart clenches, and I see her—truly see her—as if everything that came before has been building to this. Nothing exists but her. This is the woman who will rule beside me. My wife. My mate. Mother of my children.

Perfection.

Her glossy gaze catches mine, and for a brief moment, the entire noise of the world around us fades away, like the universe itself has paused. It’s just me and her—no one else matters.

Then—shit. She does that little thing of hers. Her eyes soften, and there’s now a mischievous gleam in them.

Finally seeing you with some clothes on.She quips.

Getting excited over clothes, meanwhile, I can’t wait to rip that dress off you.

She grins.Clara worked hard on it!

I don’t give a damn.

After clearing her throat, Farah steps up before us to officiate, raising her arms in an ancient, powerful gesture. The magic in the room seems to bend toward her, vibrating across both of our bodies. Julia and I face each other, hands clasped, as the words we speak flow into the stillness, echoing through the charged air. We exchange simple vows of honor and love, pledging to stand as equals, to protect one another, and to cherish the bond that unites us. The atmosphere thickens with the weight of promises, and our soul tie is made almost tangible in the silence that follows.

Then, Farah’s voice sounds through the hall, “By the power granted to me by my ancestors and the realms beyond, I now pronounce you husband and wife…”

Penny approaches from the side with the crown, resting on the velvet pillow. Farah places it on Julia’s head—diamond and gold, delicate yet heavy—as an instant symbol of her new role, and continues, “And I declare Julia to be Queen by the King’s side. May their reign be long and prosperous.”

I watch as the crown rests on her copper curls, and for a split second, I see the flicker of hesitation on her face, as though she’s still unsure whether she truly belongs here. It disappears once she catches my gaze again, and I know—she is ready.

I lean in for a kiss, our lips meeting softly at first, then deepening into something unspoken, a promise sealed at that moment. Her warmth fills me, grounding and electrifying all at once.

The room is still for a heartbeat before it erupts in cheers. I can’t help but smile, a burst of pride swelling in my chest, and my heart beating louder than the applause.

She’s here. By my side. As my equal.

Farah steps back, giving us a small nod, and the entire room moves to make way for us. We walk up a few steps to the thrones, then turn to face the crowd.

“Bow to your Queen,” I announce to the entire kingdom, my voice steady and commanding.

---