74

Gabby stands on the edge of the crowd, her eyes drawn to Hamilton as he stands proudly beside his Alpha. I see her brows furrowed, evidence of deep thinking, and a slight pursing of her lips. Glancing back at Hamilton, I notice his chin lifted, his eyes roaming the gathered wolves as if he senses something more beyond the layer of this reality. I smile to myself, hoping my instinct about them is not wrong.

Squeezing my hand to get my attention, Malachi smiles at me and motions towards Harleen and another gentleman on the stage before us. I remember his face from previous pack events, and notice the almost revered way everyone treats him. Truett is a well-respected elder in the pack, and Malachi gives him a respectful nod.

"Alpha Malachi, it is an honour to witness your acceptance of Ariella as your mate and Luna of our pack. I speak on behalf of everyone when I bestow upon you our highest honour." Truett smiles at me, his face dimpling beneath his neatly trimmed beard. His brown eyes twinkle, creasing with years of love and labour. "We welcome you to our pack, as Malachi formally declares his intentions on this bright and wondrous morning." He nods his head for the Alpha to speak.

"Ariella..." Malachi begins, taking both my hands in his and looking straight into my eyes. I feel my heart flutter and my cheeks grow warm from his unwavering attention to me. "From the day I first saw you in the forest by your home, I recognised your significance to me, and your radiant beauty. Not just on the outside, but inside as well. You are truly the most special, selfless person I know. I was drawn to you in ways I cannot explain," he says softly, yet his voice is strong and can be heard throughout the hall.

"Your light illuminated the darkness in my soul, showing me that you are truly the other half of my fragmented heart. You've pieced it back together by your love and undying loyalty. Despite the dangers, you stood by me. You stood in front of me to save me, when I deserved it least. Ariella, I accept you as my mate. I vow to stand by you for the rest of our days, and I will never again reject you," his voice wavers, his throat convulsing as he admits his actions that broke my heart. I nod my head in understanding, letting him know with a firm squeeze of his hands that he is forgiven. "I will not hide the truth from you, or hold back anything I am feeling. I will be honest with you, I will cherish you as more than my own soul, and never take for granted the time with you.

"From today forward, and every moment of this second chance our King has given us, I will choose to love you and honour you. I, Alpha Malachi of DoubleEdge pack, will abide by the sacred mate bond law that was gifted to us at the beginning of time."

A tear slips down my cheek, and Malachi leans forward to kiss it away. His gentle actions and steady grip on my hands helps to ease the nervous butterflies in my stomach. His bright shining eyes radiate his feelings for me, and I bask in the purity of such a love.

I speak in a determined voice, "From before the moment I ever saw you, I knew who you were to me. In dreams, God showed me just how precious the mate bond was, and how much love I could feel for such a man as He would give me. I wanted you with my whole heart before ever hearing a word from your lips. I knew, deep down, we were made for each other despite the very forces of hell trying to keep us apart.

You were made for me, Malachi. Mind, body, and heart. Yet I will never take our bond for granted. Life is precious and fragile, and I will cherish you every day we have together. I will respect you, honour you, love you, and fall in love with you more each moment I am bonded to you. I, Ariella of ForgedHearts Pack, will abide by the sacred mate bond law gifted to us at the beginning of time by our great King, the God of the universe."

Malachi cups my face with his hands and kisses me, my tears mingling with his own as we relish in this unforgettable feeling of unfettered joy and love. Applause erupts around us, cheers of celebration and blessings echoing from our pack members.

But our bond isn't sealed yet, nor is it official.

"Can I..." I swallow hard, my mouth drier than the rumoured deserts beyond the mountains as I look deeply into his eyes, my own wide open and hiding nothing from him. "Can I mark you now?"

His face broadens in a wide smile, his teeth a flash of white as he bites his lower lip briefly. I hear his heart rate increase, the steady thumping becoming erratic and loud in my ears. "Yes."

This one word breaks the final dam of uncertainty within me, the doubtful feelings rushing away like a tidal wave retreating to the dark sea. I reach up and lace my hands around his neck. Kissing his lips first, I trail my mouth along his jaw, then down his throat. I feel his pulse point fluttering, racing, throbbing. So many times I have teased him, tasting exactly where I want to place my claim. Now the time has come, and my own heart is thundering in my chest, drowning out the sounds and presence of everyone except my mate.

His body is pressed against mine, his hands on my hips holding me close. I feel his breath warm on my neck, causing shivers to race down my body. His own skin reacts to my touch, and I watch goosebumps rise as I lick and nip on the perfect spot above his collarbone.

Then my teeth extend, and with a rush of possessiveness, I sink them into his skin. This strong Alpha male is mine, and no one will take him from me.

Malachi grunts, his fingers digging into my waist, and I hear his heart stop for a second. When it starts again, a loud throb of blood racing through his veins, I feel electricity sparking between us. He lowers his head, nuzzling my own neck as I kiss my mark on his skin.

It heals quickly, leaving a white scar I'm proud of. I'm lost in the closeness of him, of this new hyper-awareness as his thoughts and feelings come rushing into my mind and body. I can feel him, feel every emotion he has towards me; the doubts, fears, excitement, love, raw energy of dominance yet respect, and tenderness. I have no doubt of his care and gentleness towards me. He would never hurt me, whether physically or emotionally, and I trust him with every cell in my body.

We cling to each other, wrapped in one another's arms, our faces nestled together as we revel in this bliss. Everyone around us begins cheering and we look up to smile at them. When they finally quieten down, Truett steps forward again with a folded piece of paper in his hands.

"It is time for the declarations and blessing," he tells us, and I recall Malachi telling me of the tradition in his pack. Not only is this our formal acceptance ceremony of each other as mates, but the pack's acknowledgement and pledging to us as Alpha and Luna.

Truett begins reading the statement written by the elders, having consulted with the Beta, Gamma, Head Guard, and other ranked leaders of the pack. "Alpha Malachi, we vow to serve you and remain loyal to your leadership as long as we live. For a while, we had our doubts, and we apologise for that. It was hard knowing how to trust after being subject to your father for so long. We should have seen how different you were from his arrogant and cruel ways. We doubted you, and that only drove you into an abyss of darkness even more.

"Though we mourn your mother Seneca, we felt the heaviness in this pack shift when her spirit departed. None of us knew her true nature as a demon, and we can't imagine the torment you went through of carrying her demonic blood in your veins," he pauses and takes a deep breath, clearly hesitant at what he has to say next.

"It's alright. I won't be offended," Malachi tells him softly.

Truett looks at the other elders and they nod in encouragement, their faces a mixture of remorse, pity, yet relief at what today signifies—a new beginning. "What you've done, how you killed our pack brethren in your dark rages, is terrible and unforgivable. As Alpha, you're meant to protect us, punishing those who deserve it yet only after a fair trial and judgement."

Malachi bows his head under the condemning truth of the words. "I understand. You should hold me accountable for what I did. I don't deserve to be your Alpha."

"That is not where I'm going with this," Truett quickly says, an amused gleam entering his eyes. However, he remains solemn as he responds, "Yes, we will keep you in line and let you know if we believe you aren't doing things in the best interest of the pack. But we too understand the curse you were under, through no fault of your own. We all concur that you are strong and wise enough to lead us, and humble and kind enough to treat us fairly. The darkness is gone from your life. It is clear the sacrifice of your mate changed you so profoundly, that we would be foolish to punish you now. The battles we've fought together have led us here.

"They have strengthened us all, and the path now leads us to a bright future with you as our Alpha. Your courage and humility have earned you the title. We will always look to you as Alpha of DoubleEdge pack," Truett sinks to one knee and places his forearm across his chest.

The other elders follow, a slight rustle echoing softly around us as everyone kneels and places their arm over their chest in the salute of respect and submission.

Malachi blinks back the emotion that I see glistening in his eyes. His arm tightens around my waist, and I rest my head on his shoulder while twining my fingers through his. I don't need words to understand how he is feeling. Every emotion and thought flows through our strengthened bond, and I impress upon him my own gratitude and amazement at the pack's forgiveness and loyalty towards him.

Truett rises, everyone following shortly after. "Ariella," he turns his smile to me. "We have seen your kindness and dedication to this pack the moment you stepped foot on our territory. Before we even knew of your relationship to our Alpha, you carried yourself with dignity and courtesy. Treating everyone equally and fair, you reminded us what a true Luna is like. We are forever in your debt for how you saved our Alpha from a threat we weren't even fully aware of.

"Your strength and courage signifies your inherent goodness, and we could never doubt your true position as Luna of this pack. We pray you will be blessed with many children, and with gentleness and kindness you will be like a mother to us all." He again bows and, taking my hand, he places it on his head. The gesture signifies his commitment under my guidance and care.

His proclamation of absolute trust and allegiance touch me, and I try not to cry but the tears have already started. I tug on his hand, then pull him in for an embrace.

"We can't do this without your words of wisdom. Will you guide us as we serve the pack?" I look up at his kind eyes that crinkle in a happy smile.

"It will be an honour, my Luna."

I move back to Malachi's side, and together we face the pack. Our pack.

Beta Hamilton approaches us with a long object in his hands, hidden by thick black material. "My Alpha," he says, his voice deep and thick with emotion, "as rightful leader of our pack, you now wield the double-edged sword, our ancestors' artefact for which our pack is named." He unwraps the cloth and reveals a long sword, each side sharp and deadly, the handle inscribed with swirls and patterns of ancient origin.

My eyes widen. "You didn't tell me about this!" I exclaim under my breath.

"Well..." Malachi bites his lip. "I wasn't sure you'd like the idea of such a deadly weapon," he explains while taking it in his hands and examining it solemnly. "But after seeing you wield that knife," his eyes slice to mine, full of pride and affection. "I'm sure you can handle anything."

I beam, my heart stuttering under the heated look my mate is giving me. I am trapped in his gaze, ensnared by the strengthening connection that hums between us, the electricity pulsing and flaring as our bodies and hearts reach for each other. I am both excited and terrified of these raw and powerful feelings, but I embrace them and place my hand over his. "Yes, I think I can. Especially if I'm with you."

His azure blue eyes continue to keep mine locked in a daydream until he looks down at the sword in his hand.

"What's its story?" I whisper, the atmosphere around us hushed and reverent.

Hamilton speaks, "It was forged by the first Alpha of our pack, Elek. He was a fierce warrior, yet since the time he was a young boy, his people were dominated by a tyrannical king from a neighboring land who'd conquered them and ruled them unfairly. One year, Elek was chosen to present their tribute to the king, and he took the opportunity to free his people. He made this double-edge sword and strapped it to his thigh, hidden under his tunic. When in the presence of the king alone, he ran the sword through the king's fat belly and escaped before anyone realised what he'd done.

"Then he returned to the city with all the warriors from his pack and they took the enemy by surprise, overcoming them and ending the cruel reign. Elek became the leader of his pack, and ever since then, the names of our Alphas and Lunas have been engraved on the blade as reminders of what we stand for."

I lean closer, inspecting the blade and noticing details I didn't see before. Halfway down one sharpened edge is my name, and Malachi's beside it on the other edge. Above our names are Dennison and Krystal. Above that, a couple more names before Darius and Maylene. The list continues back to the hilt of the sword, where Elek and his Luna Nelda are forever etched into the memory of this pack.

"Strength and humility. Protection and love. Valour and courage," Hamilton lists the qualities needed in the Alpha and Luna, and I feel the weight of responsibility grow with each word he speaks. "Unity and individuality. Truth and integrity. Fortitude and faithfulness. Fierceness and kindness. Respect and understanding." He looks at Malachi, "Justice." Then he turns to me for the final word, "And mercy."

I understand now. We both should embody the different qualities that make up the perfect balance required for leadership of a pack. Our traits are sometimes opposite—upholding justice yet showing mercy—like the double-edge of a sword.

Malachi grips my hand as he holds the sword up high. "We vow to serve this pack to the best of our ability, and we swear our lives to protect and lead you no matter what the future holds. The principles we base our actions on are different to my father's. We will be fair and gentle; firm against cruelty yet merciful towards you. Under the instruction of our King, we will care for the vulnerable and weak, orphans and widows. We will punish those who stand against us, protecting our land from those within and without who seek to harm us."

As I listen to my mate, I recall Joaquina and her alliance with the demons. There might still be those among us who have fallen for the deceit and dark promises of the demonic realm and are working against us. How will we guard ourselves against them? It will be a long road ahead, but we will fight for peace and goodness every step of the way.

"We want everyone to embrace honesty, love, and kindness, so our pack will remain strong and true. Thank you for pledging to serve under our lead," Malachi looks everyone in the eye, and I feel the intensity of his dominance spread through the room. "Thank you for welcoming a new era in our pack's journey together. May we continue to be unified, helping each other in our time of need, and fighting together for a bright future. Thank you."

The crowd claps again, the sound reverberating through the room and echoing in my ears. My eyes wander over the happy smiles and excited hugs that everyone shares, but are arrested by the back door when it suddenly opens. Gasps replace cheers; shocked silence replaces the happy chatter.

Dressed in a classy suit and an amused smirk, Zander walks boldly in, flanked by a small army of well-muscled men.

His dark eyes meet mine and he flashes a roguish smile. "Did you begin the ceremony without me?"

"What are you doing here?" Malachi holds the sword out firmly, the deadly sharp tip aimed straight at Zander's throat.

Everyone around us has stepped back, remaining silent and leaving a gaping space in the middle of the room, filled now by Malachi and me with Hamilton and Hendrik on either side of us. Standing across from us are Zander and his men. Each is tense, alert, fists clenched and muscles coiled for action.

"Malachi, we invited them, remember?" I clutch my mate's arm yet keep my eyes on the other Alpha male in the room, making sure no one makes any funny moves. All my senses are heightened from the new and stronger connection to Malachi, and I evaluate every small emotion that cross Zander's face, every small twitch of his muscles or shifting movement of his eyes. I'm reading him like I never have anyone before, and I don't sense a real threat.

Despite this, Malachi has already pushed me further behind himself, shielding me with his body. I appreciate the protective gesture, though it is definitely unnecessary. I know Zander would never hurt me.

"Yes, we received the invitation, isn't that right, Flynn?" Zander quips to the man beside him, never taking his eyes off Malachi.

"Hey, you said it," the powerfully-built wolf lifts a shoulder in a nearly imperceptible shrug, his brow creasing in a manner that betrays his objection in the matter.

"A beautiful pink envelope with rose-scented paper, and signed in a glittery pink pen," Zander winks at me and I frown, unamused with his jokes and unsure where he's going with this.

"We only planned this yesterday. So there's no way we had time to even think about sending out invitations," Malachi growls, gripping the sword tighter.

When Zander just presses his lips together, suppressing a chuckle, I roll my eyes and step forward.

"Malachi, this is ridiculous. We spoke to Zander just yesterday and told him he could come to our ceremony," I say sternly, tugging on his arm to encourage him to lower the deadly sword.

"I didn't think he'd actually accept your offer!" Malachi continues glaring at Zander with dark intent.

"Yeah, neither did we. Good to know someone else has sense around here," the warrior called Flynn mutters., bravely casting a sideways frown at his Alpha. I can see despite Zander's relaxed attitude that his men don't share the same ease in being here, surrounded by the pack that took away their territory. They have reason to distrust us, and are fearful our invitation was just to lure them here in an ambush.

"How'd you even get past border security?" Malachi demands, his stance unrelenting.

Zander restrains himself from rolling his eyes, and instead folds his hands in a gentlemanly fashion. "Your guards had been informed of our invitation, and allowed us safe passage over your territory," he replies calmly, sharing a knowing smile with Hendrik.

Alpha Malachi glares at his Gamma, but I throw him a thankful look.

Then I walk boldly up to Zander, despite Malachi reaching for me, and wrap my arms around him in a hug. I feel a sense of peace wash over me, and I know there is nothing to fear from this unpredictable and roguish yet courteous Alpha. I can hear Malachi growl lowly, the sound rumbling around with small vibrations, so I step back to put distance between us. Looking up at the tall Alpha, I give Zander a warm smile. "It's good you could make it. But you missed the ceremony," I say, disappointment colouring my voice.

"I'm sorry, Luna. I really wanted to be here for it, but these knuckleheads wouldn't let me leave our territory," he motions to his men, and I smile at them in understanding. "I think they were afraid your Alpha would try to kill me. Can't imagine why," he throws a glare over my shoulder towards Malachi, who still stands close by with the sword in one hand and his claws extended from the other, a murderous glint in his azure eyes.