Page 215 of Fated to the Wolf Prince
I took a deep breath and squeezed Ty’s hands. “Ty, my love, from the moment we met, I knew you were different from anyone else I’d ever encountered. You’ve proven time and time again that you will always be there for me, enjoying the good as well as supporting me through the bad times. Together, we will face whatever challenges come our way, bound by our love and devotion. I vow to cherish you, support you, and honor you as my mate and king.”
My voice wavered slightly, but I pushed through, pouring all my emotions into my words. “You are my rock, my safe harbor, and I promise I will always trust in your strength and lean on your wisdom. I promise to be everything for you that you are for me. I vow to love you with all that I am.”
A collective sniffle rippled through the crowd.
Dominic stepped forward, the ceremonial sash in his hands. “As you embark on this journey together, may the moon shine down upon your path.”
He handed Ty one end of the sash, then walked around us, wrapping it around our waists. When he reached the front, he took the end from Ty and brought the ends together in his large hands. “This sash is a symbol of your life, your love, and the eternal connection that the two of you have found together.”
Dominic tied the ends. “It is knotted beneath the full moon, symbolizing your commitment to each other and to the pack. When the night is dark and challenges arise, like the moon, your love will be a source of constant light. You will be a guiding beacon of hope and support to the pack, casting away shadowsof doubt and fear. And with each passing lunar cycle, your bond will deepen.”
Dominic’s clear voice reverberated through the air. “The ties of this vow aren’t formed by this sash, or even by the knots connecting it. They are formed, instead, by your pledge, your souls, and your two hearts, now bound together as one.”
Ty wrapped his arms around me, holding me close and giving me a long, languid kiss as Dominic declared, “Keller pack, I have the honor of introducing you to your new king and queen, Alpha Tyson and Queen Liza.”
They cheered as we reveled in the moment. Our family moved forward to congratulate us first, my mom hugging me so hard I couldn’t take in any air. “I’m so happy for you, honey. You’re absolutely glowing.”
My brothers, who’d made a special trip back into town for the ceremony, gave me high fives and bowed playfully.
Across the yard, the live band began to play as Dominic grabbed the microphone one last time. “We’d like to invite everyone to the reception just down the hill as we celebrate Ty and Liza’s union.”
We formed a line, Dominic and Persephone—the retiring alpha and his mate—then Ty and me, the new alpha king and queen, giving pack members an opportunity to share their congratulations. Persephone stood next to me, running a discreet commentary on names and tidbits about the pack members. I stifled a grin. It seemed lessons in being the mate to the alpha were continuing despite it being my wedding day.
The reception was in full swing, and Sabrina’s tear-streaked face glistened under the soft glow of the lanterns. She clutched my hands tightly, her voice cracking as she spoke. “I can’t believe my best friend is a queen now!” Her emotions were contagious. My own eyes welled up with tears as we embraced.
“All right, ladies, don’t start crying or else you’ll have me joining in.” Bryce approached us with Ty by his side. He pretended to toss his non-existent long hair over his shoulder and batted his eyes. “You know how emotional I get at weddings.”
Sabrina rolled her eyes and sniffled, trying to regain her composure. “Well, some people fear commitment and just like to play games,” she grumbled. “I wouldn’t call those peopleemotional, just simply assholes.”
Bryce’s smile disappeared as he turned his intense stare to Sabrina. “Some men can’t help but be assholes when they’re dealing with snippy little women who can’t make up their minds about what they want.” His eyes twinkled with mischief as I took a step back, not wanting to get caught in the crossfires of whatever the hell was going on between these two.
As Sabrina huffed and crossed her arms, Ty came up behind me and leaned in close, his warm breath tickling my ear. “My queen, may I have this dance?” His deep voice resonated within me, sending shivers down my spine.
“Of course, my king.” The warmth of his strong hand enveloping mine made my stomach flip. We glided across the dance floor, our bodies swaying to the rhythm of the music. The world faded around us, until it was just me and Ty, and his warm embrace.
Slowly, I became aware of other couples joining us on the dance floor, including my parents. I watched them as they laughed and moved across the floor. For the first time in a very long time, they seemed carefree, and I hoped it would stay that way. They deserved the world.
Once the song was over, we made our way around to the tables, visiting the various pack members that had been unable to attend the ceremony but had joined us for the reception. Remembering my lessons from Persephone, I took the time tohold eye contact with each person, gracefully greeting them with confidence and a gentle smile.
“Have I mentioned that I’m quite impressed with your ability to handle the pack?” Ty whispered in my ear. “You’ve grown so much since we first met.”
I laughed. “You can thank your mother for that.”
Ty’s eyes softened as a proud smile spread across his face. “Together, we’ll be unstoppable,” he murmured before pulling me closer.
As we finished making our rounds, Ty gently guided me toward the grand staircase leading to our private quarters. The excitement in the air was electric as the pack members watched us ascend, their cheers and well-wishes echoing through the hall.
Upon entering our bedroom, I was greeted by the sight of rose petals scattered across the floor, and a bottle of champagne chilling on the dresser.
Ty pulled me into his arms, his lips brushing against mine in a tender, passionate kiss.
He pulled out his phone and turned on soft jazz music that poured from the Bluetooth speakers around our room. “May I have another dance?” he asked, bowing in front of me.
“I thought you’d never ask.” I giggled as he pulled me flush against his broad chest, then pushed me away and twirled me into a dip. He rested his hand on the small of my back, and I twined my arms around his neck until our movements became one.
As we danced in the silvery glow of the moonlight streaming through the window, I allowed myself to bask in the joy of being loved and cherished by my alpha, my king, my mate.
Ty’s fingers grazed the small of my back as we swayed to the music, his touch causing shivers to race down my spine. Icouldn’t resist commenting on the changes I’d seen in him since his father had transferred the power and he’d become alpha.
