Fiancé

As the night passed, Leandra also watched the lovely couple and wished for someone to look at her the way Zayne looked at Aubrianne. She could see the love emanating from where she stood. And this was the third or fourth time she'd thought of this.

She knew it was no pretense. What she witnessed was natural.

She thought the proposal was so sweet and sudden, but she was happy for the pair. They were goals.

Alpha Theodore Thornton soon wrapped things up with Shawn, and then, surprisingly, Zachary stopped him with the intent of saying a few words, and he halted.

Alpha Thornton was expecting this. He was surprised when the old man did not seek him out when he arrived earlier.

But here he was, and Theo told himself he could do this. He would not have to carry out this charade for long.

So he would act his role the best way he can. He was not much of an actor but a straight shooter. But Goddess, he would try...

"Alpha Thornton, so nice of you to join..." Zachary started but was abruptly cut off by Theo.

"Of course, I would. It's MY daughter's Luna Ceremony and engagement, might I add."

"Yes, it is, indeed it is, I misspoke. It is nice to see you of all people here after all this time." Zachary got straight to the point. However, he was not here to dredge up old woes. He simply wanted Alpha Thornton to give his boy a fair chance.

So Zachary babbled, wanting to take up only a little of the high and mighty time. He rolled his eyes inwardly, but his demeanor was relaxed and casual, one hand in his pant pockets as he occasionally gestured with the other.

"But never mind that," Zachary waved one hand, "I simply wanted to ask you to please don't hold my son at arm's length because of my misgivings."

Alpha Zachary paused briefly, wanting the right words. He held and matched Alpha Thornton's serious gaze, "My boy is innocent in all this, and he refuses to deal in shady business. I am so proud of him."

"I assure you, for the time you are here, you could witness for yourself." Zachary's eyes widened at a thought, "I am sure you have witnessed tonight that this community is not what it once was." He piped up, almost a challenge to deny it.

"We have grown as a people, and it was because of my son. The people love and respect him. They also care for his wellbeing, and you want to know why?"

"It's because my boy is a fantastic leader, a great man, and he will be a terrific mate," Zachary looked at Alpha Thornton in his brown eyes and squared with him as he boasted about his son.

Both men dressed for the occasion in their soft cotton pants and shirt, sandals on their feet. However, Alpha Thornton looked more polished than Alpha Steele Senior.

Bother shaved and trimmed.

Nevertheless, as Alpha Zachary said those words, based upon Alpha Theodore Thornton's recollections of tonight's events and how things were today when he arrived, he had to admit that Alpha Zachary had a point.

However, he still needed to see the books to make such an assessment that there was indeed no foul play.

But he would not stand there and pretend to be blind to that fact. It was unbecoming of him. "Alpha Zachary, I'd be lying if I said I was not skeptical about this union. But I can admit that I have only seen people who love and adore their Alpha here tonight."

"A community thriving against all odds and the struggles they face. Tonight, I even witnessed how they welcomed my daughter with open arms, accepting her into the fold and taking a liking to her, which is a good thing."

Alpha Theodore Thornton's right hand touched his chest over his heart, "I am forever grateful." His voice and demeanor were earnest. Thornton was happy that they accepted her and that she was not in any immediate danger from hateful members.

Her safety is his top priority when it comes to his one and only daughter. Most might argue it was all that mattered to him.

"Yes, they have," Zachary nodded and acknowledged a genuine smile plastered on his lips, recalling the people's request to spend time with their Luna. His son was delighted with his Mate, and he was thrilled for his boy.

"Indeed, so I would keep an open mind," Alpha Thornton expressed. He could not carry on as if it was all kumbaya and a bed of roses. He had resignations about this union, which would not suddenly change in one day.

But he could promise to keep an open mind. However, he did not know for how long. But right now? He can.

The night was in full swing. Everyone had eaten, including Zayne and Aubrianne; their meals were personally brought to them. The pair lovingly fed each other and cooed in each other's ears.

And it was so that the foreplay heightened between the two. Already anticipating what's next.

Aubrainne had basked in her acceptance, and as they sat next to each other, they welcomed all who wanted a moment to say a few words or more.

Daniel had disappeared, along with Daniela and Raphael. Mekhi had sat with them for as long as he could, but after eating, he wandered off in a sulky mood and refused to bring down the vibes for the lovely, engaged couple.

At one earlier point, Aubrianne had managed to slip away with Daniela's phone in tow to try to get on to Jada. She'd watched Mekhi's depressed state and wanted to at least try to get on to her for him amid all this.

But unfortunately, she did not, and after the fifth try, hoping for some miracle, Jada suddenly switched on her phone. Aubrianne had given up and made her way back to the celebrations.

And at that moment, she wished their connections would work at such a long distance.

The night was quickly winding down, and by midnight, Zayne felt he had waited long enough and was eager to slip away with his fiancé. He smiled at the thought of saying 'fiancé' and abruptly stood up.

He mindlinked the DJ, and as soon as the music stopped, he addressed the members still present, "Can I have everyone's attention, please." His voice was loud enough to carry across the expanse.

All eyes quickly found him at this point, and they listened intently, including Aubrianne's curious brown ones.

"Aubrianne and I would like to thank you all for joining us on this extraordinary night in more ways than one." Zayne looked at his Mate and smiled. It was breathtaking.

There were acknowledgments from the crowd now inching closer.

Aubrianne stood beside him, holding on to his waist from behind him but more to the side, "Yes, and I want to thank you all for the love, kindness, and respect you have all shown me and for accepting me into the fold. I am thrilled to be your Luna, Zayne's Mate AND fiance." Aubrianne was beaming.

She continued on a little longer with her heartfelt speech, and then the people acknowledged and expressed their gratitude, and Zayne turned and kissed her forehead.

"Now, it is time that we took our leave for the night as we embark on the next journey in completing the process of the mate bond." Zayne wrapped things up.

And Aubrianne squeezed her thighs as her core clenched madly at the idea.

She did that trick that Jada taught her to quickly mask the scent of her arousal.

While Zayne eyed her and continued, "As such, we say good night, and we wish you all a fun night."

He gestured around, "Stay as long as you like and have some fun, enjoy the food and music. We will see you all in the morning at breakfast."

It'd been a long time since he had breakfast with the community, but with his Mate beside him, he was ready to do all sorts of things.

Things that would bring them back to the olden days. The root of their traditions and things wolf communities usually do together.

He could undoubtedly start with breakfast.

Nevertheless, the pair said their goodbyes, excused themselves, and headed to Zayne's home using one of the jeeps present.

Their journey was short, and they reminisced about their shared evening, but as soon as Zayne pulled up in his driveway, the atmosphere became charged with sexual energy.

It was tangible.

Soon, they were stumbling through Zayne's front door, hungrily kissing and hurriedly undressing each other, desperately with need and desire.

Moaning sweet words of endearment as they make known their longings and appetites...