chapter 202 The Wedding (2)
chapter 202 The Wedding (2)
Dorian’s POV
Lyra and I turned to face each other fully, our gazes locking as the moonlight seemed to intensify around us. I felt the moment our wolves touched—a electric connection that ran deeper than physical attraction or emotional love. This was soul recognizing soul, the completion of something that had been waiting for this moment.
Mate, my wolf said simply to hers.
Home, her wolf replied with shy contentment.
The spiritual connection was overwhelming. And I knew she could sense my devotion, my commitment, my fierce determination to never again take our bond for granted.
"Now comes the marking," the elder announced.
This was the moment I'd been anticipating most. I drew Lyra close, my hands gentle on her rounded form as I tilted her head to expose the graceful column of her neck. Her pulse fluttered under my lips as I pressed a soft kiss to the spot where my mark would rest.
"Are you ready, my love?" I whispered against her skin.
"I've been ready for years," she breathed back.
I let my canines extend, then bit down carefully at the junction of her neck and shoulder. Not enough to cause real pain, but deep enough to leave a permanent mark.
The effect was immediate. Silver light flowed beneath her skin, spreading outward from the bite mark in delicate patterns that resembled moon phases.
As the marking took hold, I felt our bond solidify into something unbreakable.
But we weren't finished.
"For the final binding," the elder continued, "press your palms together."
Lyra and I each extended a claw, making small cuts across our palms before pressing them together. Our blood mingled as fragments of our souls reached for each other, fusing in ways that made the marking seem simple by comparison.
The sensation was indescribable. I could feel pieces of Lyra's spirit taking root within me even as parts of my own soul settled into her heart. We would never again be completely separate.
When the binding was complete, the entire grove erupted in celebration. Pack members howled their approval while human guests applauded enthusiastically. Elena ran forward to wrap her arms around both our legs. Even Melissa was dabbing at her eyes with tears.
"You may kiss your mate," the elder announced with a broad smile.
I cupped Lyra's face in my hands and kissed her deeply, pouring all my love and commitment into the contact. She melted against me, her arms coming up around my neck despite the awkwardness of her pregnancy.
When we finally broke apart, both breathing hard, I rested my forehead against hers.
"Mine," I whispered. "Finally, completely mine."
"Yours," she agreed. "Always yours."
The celebration moved seamlessly into the reception portion of the evening. Tables had been set up around the grove, laden with traditional werewolf foods alongside more conventional wedding fare. A bonfire blazed in the center of the clearing. Several pack members had already begun shifting to run together in the traditional wedding hunt.
Joey approached us with a mischievous grin, raising her glass of moon wine. "To the happy couple," she called out, drawing everyone's attention. "And to all the fun they're going to have during their wedding night!"
Several people laughed at her boldness, but Joey wasn't finished.
"Of course, considering Lyra's current condition, I suppose the baby might have other plans for your romantic evening," she continued with a wicked smile. "Nothing kills the mood quite like early contractions!"
"Joey!" Melissa gasped, scandalized.
"What? I'm just saying, with the baby this close to due, they might want to keep the hospital on speed dial. Though I suppose there are worse wedding presents than a baby choosing tonight to make an appearance."
Lyra laughed despite her blush. "Thank you for that encouraging thought."
I was about to make my own playful response when Lyra suddenly stiffened beside me. Her hand flew to her rounded belly. Her face went pale, and she gripped my arm tightly.
"Dorian, I think Joey might be more prophetic than she realized."
Looking down, I saw the telltale wetness spreading across the silk of her gown.
Her water had broken.
"The baby," she said. "The baby's coming. Now."