The sun had risen enough now to cast a golden hue on us both, I now understood why this spot was chosen as Mating Hill. It really highlighted us as the centerpieces of the ceremony.
Brady took both of our hands and turned them over. In Aiden’s hand he placed a gold band etched with the phases of the moon. In mine he placed a similar looking band with a milky white stone in the center. “It’s a moonstone,” he answered to my unasked question. “Place these rings on your fingers as symbol of the eternal commitment you have to each other.
Aiden went first, sliding the band on my finger. “You and I forever,” he said.
Tears of joy leaked from my eyes as I repeated the same to my love. “You and I forever.” I placed the ring on his finger.
Brady took both our hands again and held them together. “Wolves mate for life,” he said to us, and then turned us to face the crowd and held our hands high above our heads. “I present to you, Alphas of the Olde Town, Aiden and Fallon Whelan.”
The attending pack members cheered and formed a line to greet us. Each person who approached knelt and swore allegiance to us as their Alphas.
For the second time in so many days, pride overwhelmed me. I couldn’t hold back the beaming smile stretching ear to ear
The whole thing was like a blur of smiling happy people and tail-wagging wolves. When the pack was done, the party began. Brady finally brought us some clothes to wear, and I was so thankful for the warmth. As a wolf, I didn’t feel the chill; but as a human I felt a little like a popsicle.
Brady knelt before us and for the first time ever, there was no playfulness in his face. He was uncharacteristically reverent as he gave us his oath of allegiance and apologized again for his previous actions.
“I can’t tell you how sorry I am for doubting you. It will never happen again,” he said.
Aiden placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “I know, brother. Thank you for doing the right thing in the end. I’m glad to still have my second.”
“You both can count on me.” He stood. “And now, I’ll leave you to go off and mate.” His playful demeanor returned as if it had never left. Brady gave me a parting eyebrow waggle before he turned and left.
“He’ll never change, will he?”
“Nope. But do you really want him to?”
“Good point. And what about you? Are you planning to change now that’s you’re official?”
“Nope. I’ll always be the same Aiden, your humble servant.” He kissed the tender spot on my neck. The place that made my heart skip a beat.
“A girl could get used to this,” I practically hummed.
“Good, because this is how it is—you and me for the rest of our lives.”
“I like the sound of that.” I turned and captured his lips in a kiss that promised more to come. I was going to enjoy every moment I had with Aiden as my mate.
About the Author
Katie Salidas is a Super Woman! Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, She can get the munchkins off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons. She can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime … And, She still finds the time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). She can do all of this and still have time to write.
And if you can believe all of those lies, there is some beautiful swamp land in Florida for sale …
Katie Salidas resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother, wife, and author, she does try to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is her passion, and she hopes that her passion will bring you hours of entertainment.