Chapter 168
“They’ll be provided for,” I assured her. “The pack takes care of its own, even in cases like this. James is innocent in all this.”
She nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. “Good. That’s good.”
A comfortable silence fell between us, her hand still in mine. The moment felt right–I needed to tell her about the mate bond, about what it truly meant that she had marked me. She deserved to know everything.
“Rebecca,” I started, guiding her to sit beside me on the edge of the bed. “There’s something else you should know– something important about us.”
Her gray–green eyes searched mine, curious but unafraid. “What is it?”
“That night at the bar, when we first met,” I said, “I felt something–a connection I’d never experienced before. My wolf recognized you immediately.” I swallowed, suddenly feeling vulnerable in a way I rarely allowed myself. “You’re my mate, Rebecca. My true mate. The one person the universe designed specifically for me.”
Her lips parted in surprise. “What? Like… like what I had with William?”
I nodded my head firmly. “Yes, exactly like your mate bond with William. You’re not just his mate–you’re mine too.”
“But how do you know?” she asked, her voice small.
“Because I feel it–here,” I placed her hand over my heart. And because of this.” I guided her fingers to the mark on my neck where she had bitten me during our passion. “When you marked me that night, you initiated the bond, though you didn’t know what you were doing.”
“It means we’re connected now, in a way that goes beyond human understanding. It’s more binding than marriage, more permanent than any human commitment.” I held her gaze steadily. “I didn’t tell you sooner because I wanted you to heal from William’s betrayal. I didn’t want you to feel pressured or trapped.”
“Is that why I feel so drawn to you?” she whispered. “But I don’t seem to feel this bond.”
I nodded. “I believe the bond grows stronger with time. Eventually, we’ll be able to sense each other’s thoughts, feel each other’s pain and joy.”
“And the baby?” she asked, her free hand moving instinctively to her stomach.
“A blessing,” I said softly, “Human–wolf hybrids are special–they carry the best of both worlds.”
Rebecca was quiet for a long moment, processing everything I’d told her. I waited, my wolf pacing anxiously within me, fearing her rejection.
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9:12 Fri, Sep 26 |
Chapter 168
“So, she finally said, her voice steadier than I expected, “how do I officially accept this mate bond?”
Relief and joy surged through me so intensely that I had to take a moment to compose myself. “There’s a ceremony a marking ritual that’s traditionally performed during the full moon. But we can wait until you’re fully recovered. We
have time.”
“And am I the first human to become a… what did you call it? Luna?”
“No,” I smiled. “There have been human Lunas before. It’s uncommon but not unprecedented. You’ll face challenges, but you won’t face them alone. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Rebecca nodded slowly, then reached up to touch my face. I closed my eyes, leaning into her touch, savoring the simple contact that meant everything to my wolf.
“Thank you,” she said softly, “for your patience and for being honest with me.”
I opened my eyes to see her watching me with such tenderness that it made my breath catch. My mate. My Luna. The mother of my child. In that moment, I made a silent vow to spend the rest of my life earning the trust she placed in me.
“We should get some rest,” I said, noting the fatigue in her eyes. “Tomorrow will be difficult enough.”
The funeral. Another trial she would have to face, but not alone. Never alone again.
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