Chapter 42
It was the day of our mating ceremony. Members of the pack surrounded a platform in the middle of the pack grounds.
It was a stage of sorts, and it put us at the center of attention.
It was a cool spring day. The breeze ruffled my hair, blowing strands into my face.
Dominic was nowhere to be seen. Liana stood beside me, fixing my dress.
It wasn't white like a wedding dress. It was an emerald green that Dominic picked out for me.
"He'll be here soon, honey. He's just running late." Liana reassured me.
It was awkward to stand on a stage in front of the pack, waiting for Dominic and Garmon to show up. Who was late for their own mating ceremony? I was fuming. I considered running off that stage and forgetting about this whole ceremony.
That's when I felt him. I felt him before I saw him.
He was a warmth that filled my darkest parts.
It calmed me so much that I forgot about all of the people around me.
I looked off into the distance and saw him and his father approaching.
The world started to blur as he was my only focus.
He winked at me as he climbed the steps to the stage.
He wore a black dress shirt and black slacks that showed off his lean build.
He was beautiful. The most handsome man I had ever seen, and he was all mine.
He was soon by my side. His father stood by us as well, holding a dagger in his hand.
I was confused by the dagger. Dominic never mentioned anything about a dagger in the ceremony.
The only thing he mentioned was about the mark, but I already had one.
"Today is a special day. Today we celebrate my son and his mate's union as well as officially welcoming Elaine into the pack." Garmon announced.
No one mentioned about me joining the pack today. I thought this was just the mating ceremony. Dominic grabbed my face and made me look into his eyes.
"Relax. Everything is going to be okay. I'm right here." He reassured me.
I took a deep breath and nodded. Garmon cleared his throat.
"My son already gave Elaine her mark, so today will just be a celebration of their union and a reading of vows between the couple. Dominic, would you like to start?" Garmon asked.
"Yes. Elaine, I knew from the first moment I saw you that you were perfect.
You were so beautiful, even from a young age.
I don't regret marking you in seventh grade.
I wanted everyone to know that you were mine.
The only thing I regret was staying away for so long.
I plan to make up for lost time." He winked.
"I'm glad you chose me in the end. It was a long road to get here, and now you're finally mine. I'm not letting go. Not ever. So don't even try to leave." Dominic squeezed my hands.
"I love you, and I promise to stay by your side. Forever." Dominic declared before leaning forward and kissing my head.
It was time for my vows, and all of the words felt stuck on my tongue. I stared at him for a few minutes, and I saw his eyes flicker with worry.
"Dominic..." The only word I could muster at that moment.
"It's okay, baby. Breathe." He whispered.
"I love you. Thank you for everything. I don't deserve you at all, but you still want me anyway. I'm so blessed." I had so many things I wanted to tell him, but that was all I could get out at the moment.
Suddenly, Dominic grabbed my face and kissed me like a starved man in front of everyone. His kiss took my breath away, and I didn't want to come up for breath. He only broke the kiss when his father cleared his throat.
Garmon chuckled at us. "That's my son for you."
Liana laughed and pulled us both into a hug. "I'm so happy to have you join the family, honey."
"Thank you." I told her.
"Now it's time for Elaine to join the pack officially." Garmon announced. "Give me your hand."
I gave him my hand and watched him lift the dagger. Upon seeing it, I ripped my hand back.
"It'll only be a small cut. Nothing to worry about." Garmon assured me.
"Okay." I said with a shaky breath as I gave him my hand again. Dominic grabbed my free hand and kissed it.
Garmon cut my palm, and did the same with his own hand. He brought both of our hands together, blood mixing. I then heard his voice in my head.
"Welcome to the pack." He said in my head.