Page 51 of The Wolf King's Demand

“All the kids I’ve played with say their parents like you,” Liddy agreed. “One of the kids said their mom told them it was okay to not be a shifter because you’re not a shifter, and you’re the queen.”

“Liddy’s right,” said Tyler. “And you’re a lot more than just the queen.”

Addison couldn’t hide the fact that she was a little choked up. “You should let people in. It’s about time we get things started.”

Tyler gave her a quick hug and kiss, then started for the door.

“See you soon,” he added, walking out into the hall.

The next few minutes were a whirlwind. Somehow, the guests all made it to their places, and so did Tyler and Addison. It was time to begin.

The ceremony was to take place in the castle’s grand hall. Tyler, Addison, the officiant, and their closest family and friends would be on the balcony. Invited guests would fill the first few rows of seats, and the rest of the space would be filled with any of the two kingdoms’ subjects who made the trek to see the ceremony.

The room was decorated with banners of both kingdoms, and somehow, they’d managed to make it feel cheery. The officiant of the ceremony was a minister chosen by Addison’s family. Slowly, the packed room went quiet.

“We are here to celebrate two members of our Great Pack who have found love with each other. Will Tyler Giles, of the Somberglen Kingdom, present himself?”

Tyler stepped up, dressed in a perfectly fitted suit with a crimson cummerbund.

“Will Addison Hart, of the Autumhart Kingdom, present herself?”

She stepped forward.

“Do you, Tyler Giles, declare your love for Addison Hart with the intent to share your life with her entirely and fully?”

“I do,” he answered.

“Do you, Addison Hart, declare your love for Tyler Giles with the intent to share your life with him, entirely and fully?”

“I do,” Addison said.

“And, Tyler Giles, will one who knows you vouch for your sincerity?”

“I will,” said Louis, his beta, stepping forward.

“And, Addison Hart, will one who knows you vouch for your sincerity?”

“I will,” Cassia said as loud as she could, and the crowd laughed and cheered for her enthusiasm.

“Then I declare the bond valid,” the officiant proclaimed. “You may kiss.”

There was no need to ask them twice. Tyler and Addison fell into each other's arms, and as the music began to play, the entire crowd burst into cheers.

A tear welled in Addison’s eye. There was no mistaking the joy of that sound. The people had accepted her just as Tyler and the girls had told her they would.

Just as Tyler had.

A few minutes and many brief greetings later, the two of them were dancing to a slow, romantic waltz. The ceremony was over. The party had already been planned. All they had to think about was each other.

“We really made it,” he said, pulling her tighter against his body. “I guess I always knew we would have a mating ceremony at some point. But I never thought it would make me this happy.”

She relaxed into his arms. “And to think, you only had to fight one family member to the death to make it happen.”

Tyler laughed. “In my defense, he started it.”

“You certainly can’t say we didn’t earn some time on our own.”

“Is that what you want?” Tyler asked, grinning. “Some time with just the two of us?”

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