Chapter 57: The Marking Ceremony Day (2)

~ Cameron/Constantine ~

Father returned to his seat, beaming and patting Alpha Fred’s shoulder. I wondered what he discussed with Lisa. But then I didn’t ask him as a guard announced, "Here comes the bride!"

I walked forward to hold Lisa’s hand. She was beautiful. I wished Nate was here and had the marking ceremony with her instead of me. I held Lisa’s hand and sat next to her as an Elder greeted the guests.

"You look beautiful," I said to Lisa, more out of chit-chat and politeness than the true admiration.

"Thank you." She blushed and giggled. "I spent days choosing the dress. I’m glad you like it."

It was odd, as Lisa looked happy with the ceremony. I thought she would be gloomy, as it was not an event she expected. Yet maybe she tried to maintain a good image before our people. So, I squeezed her hand. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"I know it’s difficult for you, as it’s not easy for me either. So, thank you for being strong. I promise you that after this, you will find your days more pleasant."

"What do you mean? Having the one I love as my mate surely is easy for me." Lisa kissed my palm and gripped my arm.

"Lisa—" Either she was trying so hard to show a happy face or maybe she was drugged again. I didn't know which one happened right now.

Before I could say anything, an Elder who led the ceremony glanced at Lisa and me. "Beta Cameron Black and Delta Lisa Shadow, please come forward. We will start our marking ceremony."

We walked over and faced each other. The Elder asked me, "Do you prefer to say your personal pledge or follow my words?"

I glanced at Lisa. As it was only a formality, I didn’t prepare a personal pledge. "I will follow your words."

"Okay then." The Elder looked around. "It’s a lovely event we gather here to celebrate the union of two wonderful people, Beta Cameron Black and Delta Lisa Shadow, but also two great packs, the Wild Wolves Pack and Hurricane Dawn Pack. The marking ceremony is the beginning of a new life for both Cameron and Lisa, as they will be mates from now on."

Lisa smiled at me and clenched my hand. I opened the mind link to Nate so he could follow what was happening right now. Because though later they would have their ceremony, today’s event was theirs.

Then the Elder said, "Please follow my words. I, Beta Cameron Black, pledge to love, respect, and protect you, Delta Lisa Shadow." I followed the Elder and added something afterward in my mind, ‘as my sister-in-law.’

Nate let out a sigh. ‘Thank you, Cam. I appreciate it.’

The Elder continued, "With both packs as our witnesses, I promise my loyalty to you. No one will come between us till death do us apart."

Again, I repeated the words and added in my mind, ‘because you are my sister-in-law and I will not cross you and my brother, Nate.’

Nate said nothing. Then the Elder asked me to mark Lisa. I bit her neck, as it would raise suspicion if I didn’t do it. Then I licked it to heal a little wound because of my bite.

Lisa then followed the Elder’s words, "I, Delta Lisa Shadow, pledge to respect, honor, and love you, Beta Cameron Black. With both packs as our witnesses, I promise my loyalty to you. No one will come between us till death do us apart."

Then Lisa bit my neck. She smiled and whispered, "Now you are mine."

Nate must have heard it because he groaned and said, ‘What happened to her? Why did she say that?’

‘I think she’s drugged or brainwashed because she’s weird today.’ Then I suddenly remembered a secret note from Susanne, Lisa’s maid. ‘Nate, Lisa’s maid gave me a note. She said Lisa might be drugged. So you can ignore whatever Lisa does or says today.’

‘I wish I could. It hurt me to hear her say it lightly, that you were hers. While we know it well, she’s mine, not yours.’

‘I know. We will solve this in time. Meanwhile, please calm yourself. I will bring her to our pack. Hopefully, she can regain her right mind once she leaves her pack.’

Then Lisa’s squeeze on my hand, stopping my conversation with Nate. Alpha Fred hugged Lisa and shook my hand. My father hugged both Lisa and me.

Then Alpha Fred said, "I have an announcement to make. The last time, after Lisa and Cameron’s marking ceremony, I would retire. Today I will give the leadership to my son, Bill Shadow." Then he said, "Bill, come forward."

The werewolves from the Hurricane Dawn Pack howled to express their excitement at having a new leader. It wasn’t a surprise for them, as they knew already Bill would be the new Alpha.

Bill walked over and grinned. He stood next to Alpha Fred. Then Alpha Fred patted Bill’s shoulder. "It’s time for you to step up as our pack’s new Alpha. Please lead our pack well. We all count on you."

Bill kneeled and bowed his head to his father. "I promise you, Alpha and my people. I will do my best to lead our pack to be better."

Alpha Fred put his hands on Bill’s shoulders. "I have no doubt about that." Then he howled and said, "Please welcome your new Alpha!"

"Long live Alpha Bill Shadow!" all his people said.

After Bill hugged Lisa and shook hands with me, my father said, "I also have an announcement to make. It’s time for my son to replace me. He’s a great young man who focuses himself to prepare for the responsibility he will have in the future. Now, it’s the right time, as he already has the right person beside him to help." My father smiled at Lisa. "Son and daughter-in-law, please come here."

I kneeled before my father. Lisa also followed my suit. He placed his hands on my shoulder and Lisa’s. "From now on, Beta Cameron Black will be the Wild Wolves Pack’s Alpha and Delta Lisa Shadow will be the Luna of our pack. Please lead our pack well."

Our people howled and shouted, "Congratulations, Alpha Cameron! Congratulations, Luna Lisa!"

Then I took a deep breath as Nate said in a low voice, ‘Congratulations, Cam. You finally got what you prepared for so long.’

‘I wish you were here with me, Nate.’

‘Yeah, but at least I could hear from here. I’m happy for you.’

‘Thanks, Bro!’