49. Oran
I never thought I’d wear a crown. Nor did I believe such a family that loved me without conditions could be mine. But Fate has given me so much to celebrate today.
Not one for feasts—or general merriment—I can’t keep the smile from my face as I watch Sloan twirl our Ivy around. The big oaf looks like a different person, dressed in his finery. It suits him, however. As does the love of our omega. He shines from the inside out when her eyes are on him.
Ivy’s attention is miraculous that way, and I’m beyond lucky I get to experience her healing light. She’s changed my packmates and me—given us a chance at living each day with hope and happiness. I can’t wait to watch our bond strengthen as we grow in both love and understanding of each other better.
“Your Highness,” a familiar voice calls— mocking me.
So much for the heartwarming moment of peace.
Tiernan stands nearby, his amber eyes alight with mischief as he sketches a rather dramatic bow.
“Oh, fuck off, you,” I laugh. Feeding into his teasing is exactly what he wants, but today it’s good to let go of the reins of my composure and allow joy in.
“Is that an order, Prince?”
“It will be if you don’t cut the shite,” I retort with a smile.
Prince . Fucking hell, that is madness to hear. I can’t believe Cillian sprung this on us with no warning. It’s a rather momentous thing to contend with after having spent days drunk on my rut and the sweet taste of my omega mate.
I wasn’t even afforded the chance to wipe the sleep from my eyes before I was being rushed into preparing for my surprise coronation. The gesture was unnecessary; Cillian and Ivy will rule on all matters of the kingdom, and I’ll continue to advise when needed. But, being bestowed a title that ties me to my Ivy in an official capacity offers security to my still healing heart. My king— my brother —is good that way. He’s tried to show me from the start that I belonged.
Lilting laughter, feminine and familiar, floats through the air, and Fiona sidles up alongside Tiernan and me. She threads her fingers through his. “What he means to say is that he’s happy for you. Unfortunately, my mate doesn't possess the capacity not to be facetious—a trait you both share.”
Chuckling I nod—she’s not wrong. In the past, I’ve been quite flippant whenever my genuine feelings felt too overwhelming to voice. Now that Ivy’s in my life, lending me courage, I can explore new depths and express myself without fear.
Fiona watches my mate, smiling brightly. “You know it’s quite rude that you haven’t introduced me to our queen. I wonder if you’re hoarding her away so I can’t expose all the embarrassing stories of you as a boy.”
My grin widens—can’t fucking help it. This bloody thing doesn’t seem to want to leave my face.
“By all means, Fi. I’m sure you and Ivy will get on just fine. Can’t say I’ll stop hoarding her away, though.” As much as I’m willing to share my omega with Sloan and Cillian, I’m still a greedy bastard at heart.
“Typical alpha,” she snorts. “While you lot have been in the throes of heat, I’ve been spending some lovely quality time with the princess.”
Fiona’s remark is innocuous at face value, but I know better. She clearly wants me to pry for more information.
“Lily?” I ask.
She nods. “Seems she and Cal are quite?—”
“Omega!” Tiernan interjects, laughing. “Don’t. You. Start.”
I’m not usually one for gossip, but this particular insinuation is quite interesting. I’ll have to ask Ivy if she’s aware of her siblings’ activities while in Namara.
Fiona sighs, smiling at her mate. “Well, don’t mind us then, Prince. Go and dance with your queen. We have a captain to track down, and I’m keen for a demonstrate on how he wields his longsword?—”
“ Goddess, Fi . The mouth on you today.” Tiernan cups a hand around her mouth, kissing her temple.
They’re so happy, my old friends—so lucky and in love. Just as I am to have my pack at my side. I’m pleased for us all to finally be able to live as we’ve wanted.
But Fiona’s right. As much as dancing isn’t my preferred hobby, having Ivy pressed against me for all to see is too tempting to pass up.
I wave off my friends, then weave through dancing bodies until I reach the source of the melodic laughter that makes my heart swell. She’s beaming, my mate—a glowing goddess. I’ll never stop being in awe of her.
“Stop hogging our mate, O’Malley,” I say as I approach. I bow to my queen—the light of my life—and ask for her hand.
Sloan rolls his eyes, kissing our omega before leaving her to me. “That’s McKenna now, Your Highness.”
McKenna . That’s right. A new name for my new family. It means I’m no longer attached to the parents who bore me—the ones who tore me down at any given chance and made me question my worthiness.
Good riddance.
Ivy takes my hand, pink-cheeked and so very pretty. She molds herself to me, looping her arms around my neck. We don’t dance, not really—simply happy to sway in each other’s arms as we bask in the majesty of being together.
Her ocean eyes are misty, overflowing with the love she holds for me. In them I see my whole world, my future—my reason for breathing.
“Will you love me till we die, Oran?”
I chuckle, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, and our bond lights up with shared amusement. She must know that nothing so trivial as death could extinguish the flame of my devotion.
“Much longer than that, love,” I promise. “So much longer.”