MATES FOR LIFE

*Warning: This chapter contains explicit language and sexual descriptions.*

**Third POV**

The moon was round and bright, casting a silvery glow over the forest.

In a clearing amidst towering trees and wildflowers, a huge bonfire crackled and crackled, its flames dancing in the night. Gathered around it were dozens of werewolves in human form, dressed in simple yet elegant leather and fur garb. Beyond them, a ring of guests attended the wedding - witches, leaders of other shapeshifting clans, invited by Wyatt.

Compared to the grandeur of previous kings and queens' weddings, Wyatt and Harper had chosen the most traditional of ceremonies, one that was natural and unpretentious.

Many werewolves had chosen human-style weddings recently, but for Harper, pledging her love in the moonlight was the image she had cherished since childhood. But little did she know that the man standing beside her would be the Alpha King of the Wolves.

The clamor gradually subsided and the guests rose to look towards the depths of the forest, where a winding passageway led to the gathering. At the far end of the corridor, Harper walked towards them, dressed in a pearly white gown.

Wyatt wore a black suit with a champagne-gold tie to match his golden eyes. He stood in the centre of the crowd and his eyes held nothing but his beloved.

Harper's gaze met Wyatt's fiery gaze, her eyes glistening with tears. After all they had been through, they had finally arrived.

As the groom finally took the bride's hand, the guests burst into applause.

Harper and Wyatt stood in front of the fire, hand in hand, looking into each other's eyes.

"Nervous?" Wyatt looked at Harper, her cheeks flushed in the firelight.

"Yes, very. Look who I'm marrying, my king." They both chuckled.

"I love you, Harper," Wyatt's eyes were tender and loving.

"I love you too, Wyatt."

Behind them, Aldricus the Elder in his fur cloak cleared his throat and waited to officiate the ritual.

Wyatt and Harper nodded at him, signaling their readiness.

Aldricus intoned solemnly, "Tonight we gather here to witness the sacred union of Wyatt, our Alpha King, and Harper, our Luna Queen. They have proven their love and respect for each other and have chosen to share their lives and souls as one.

By the power of the moon and the fire, I bless their union and pray that the spirits will protect them from all harm."

Aldrius turned and asked,

"Wyatt, do you swear to regard Harper as your wife, to love her, respect her, cherish her, and protect her until the end of your days?"

"I do," Wyatt replied firmly.

"Harper, do you swear to regard Wyatt as your husband, to love, respect, cherish, and protect him until the end of your days?"

"I do." Harper looked into Wyatt's eyes and gave the same answer.

Aldricus nodded and said, "Please hold out your hand."

Wyatt and Harper did as instructed. Aldricus sliced their palms with the dagger and pressed them together so that their blood would mix.

He said in a holy and low voice, "By the power of the moon and the fire, you are now one in body and soul. May your love be eternal and your bond unbreakable."

After the blessing, Aldricus raised his hand and smiled, "As the Elder of the Werewolves, I declare you to be mates for life. Now, you may kiss each other."

Wyatt and Harper leaned in and shared a passionate kiss, eliciting cheers, applause, and wolfish howls from the exuberant crowd.

Some of the werewolves couldn't contain their excitement and transformed to join in the celebration. The newlyweds waved to the enthusiastic guests, and someone had already eagerly uncorked the alcohol. Tonight was clearly a night of celebration.

Harper and Wyatt could barely hear each other over the excited chatter and laughter. The joyful noise drowned out everything else.

Harper shouted into Wyatt's ear, "I bet if we eloped right now, no one would notice".

Wyatt's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Sounds like you're hoping for a wild night, my dear."

Harper blushed and pouted, "That's not what I meant."

The wedding party went on long into the night. After receiving countless blessings, Harper and Wyatt finally returned to their private room.

There was a faint scent of roses in the air, more than usual.

Wyatt hugged Harper from behind and kissed her lightly on the neck. "My beautiful lady, how was your day?"

Harper smiled, "It was wonderful. I met a man, incredibly handsome and mysterious."

Wyatt's deep voice echoed against Harper's collarbone, "Really? It sounds like you two had a connection." His hands slowly undid the zip of Harper's dress.

Harper put her hands on Wyatt's shoulders, "I hear he's a married man with a terribly scary wife." She turned in Wyatt's embrace to face him.

Wyatt raised an eyebrow, "Really? How scary is she?"

Harper put her hands on Wyatt's shoulders, "I hear she's a very, very picky witch. If she doesn't like something, she flies into a rage."

"Looks like I'll have to do my best to keep this terrifying woman happy." They locked eyes, passion flowing quickly between them.

Wyatt seemed to be more ravenous than usual. His kisses became more forceful, tangling Harper's lips and teeth with his tongue until he bit her tongue. By the time Harper realized, their clothes were completely gone.

"Wya-" Harper had barely uttered a syllable before her lips were on his again. Wyatt was half kneeling between Harper's legs, his hands caressing both of her breasts. Then down, caressing that slit.

Harper's calves stretched out, trying to resist his attack. But Wyatt immediately grabbed her ankles and spread her legs. Then his fire entered her.

He was quick, giving her no chance to cushion. He pushed his part into her deepest part. He draped one of her legs over his shoulder and continued to thrust. He thrust so hard that all Harper could do was throw her head back and gasp violently. "W-ya-tt," Harper begged.

Wyatt's eyes had turned slightly red as he slowed down and put a hand on the side of her body, a thumb rubbing her clit.

His voice was low, "Harper, tell me you're mine."

Harper's eyes were out of focus from the alternating onslaught of pleasure and pain as she gripped his firm arm. "Wyatt, I'm yours."