Page 161 of Claimed By the Rival Alpha
“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 guestlist 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.
“And mine is yours.”
“With these words,” Elder Patrice declared, “you two are bound in the eyes of the witnesses, the Elders, and the pack mothers. With a kiss, the ceremony is sealed.”
This time, using our tied hands as leverage, I was the one who pulled Night in close. We kissed to the sound of resounding clapping and cheering, and as we parted we pressed our foreheads together. Inside, my wolf gave a keening, joyous howl, and I could feel an echoing one from Night’s.
Another celebration began, but this, too, was limited to our guests. We had thought about inviting both packs to the celebration, but Night made the wise point that alcohol plus animosity did not equal a good time. So, we kept things intimate and private.
Because we were officially bound, the scarf that Violet had used to tie us together was removed. I now wore it tied around my waist like a belt. The soft, snow-white went well with the lilac of my dress.
To start off the party, Night and I began to dance with our guests. I’d learned a few of the traditional dances, but there were still a few that were a mystery to me. Night and I stayed close to each other though we occasionally danced with other partners. We couldn’t stop looking at each other or touching each other as we passed by. We danced for hours and hours, until the sky grew dark.
I hadn’t eaten anything since that morning’s tea and scones, so before long, hunger sent me to the buffet. I took Night’s hand and we walked together to load up our plates. Sausages and steak and pork loin, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes—all of it cooked to perfection. Flavors melded together on my tongue in a way that made me hum with pleasure. Beside me, Night leaned over to nuzzle my ear.
Tavi stayed a bit longer than she had after the Alpha ceremony, but she left early again. This time, she was able to use our telepathic bond to let me know that she was headed out. That was an eerie, new experience, being able to hear someone else in my thoughts. But just like finding out I had a wolf, I was sure I’d get used to the sensation soon.
I scanned the party until I met her gaze. I nodded, and she slipped away. I caught Night’s eye, and I saw that he understood even though I hadn’t explained what’d happened. I guessed this was what having a soulmate was like.
Shortly after Tavi left, Evan approached our table. He bowed slightly. “Congratulations, love birds,” he said. “I have to admit, Night, I hardly recognized you standing next to such a beauty.”
We laughed. “You’re telling me.” Night looked at me. “I don’t think I’ll ever stop feeling like this is all part of some wonderful dream.”
My heart sang as I reached to touch his cheek. “I think I’m the lucky one here,” I said.
Night’s eyes started to glow that wonderful jewel-green, and I felt desire begin to stir inside me. I knew Night felt it, too; I saw it in the slight shift of his eye color from jewel- to pine-green. Evan cleared his throat, interrupting the connection.
“I’m sorry to do this to you two, but I have a report.” He leaned forward and spoke in a hushed voice. The smile he wore for us had already disappeared. “Two more of the Kings have slipped away.”
My eyes widened. “Two more?”When did the first group leave?I looked from Night to Evan and back. I saw a slight twitch in Night’s cheek, and I knew he’d kept that information from me.
