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There were several cheers and claps in the crowd as Zach did the same.
“I’m pleased to announce that a new peace treaty has been put into place, and we will continue to work together moving forward. Additionally, I’d like to call Rowan Clark onto the stage.”
I perked up at the mention of my name since I was unaware of what was about to unfold. Willow gave me an encouraging look as she joined the others while they clapped.
Standing up, I made my way to the stage, and Kai put a supportive hand against my shoulder.
“As of now, Rowan’s men will still be an independent group, but he will serve as their alpha, and they will no longer be banned from Rose Valley. Whenever they need a hand, we won’t hesitate to lend it,” Kai said, to which the audience cheered and clapped, hollering their support.
The declaration caught me by surprise, but it meant more than I anticipated to hear it.
From within my chest, my wolf stood proudly, as if accepting that responsibility wholeheartedly. I had been their leader already, but not their alpha. Not since my wolf was taken from me.
Hearing from another leader that the role would be uncontested and completely mine reassured me that I had done the right thing. I fought for peace, and it was finally coming to fruition.
I bowed my head slightly for them, gladly taking on that role.
“We are pleased to be joined by you and your people. Now, we’d like to offer a gift from all of us to you,” Kai said, gesturing to the multiple rows of my men in front of the stage. “We would like to offer you a blessing, straight from our own witches.”
At once, a handful of witches stood and faced the first row of men, all carrying small dishes and incense.
To my delight, Willow joined me on the stage with her items and greeted me with a content smile. She waved the smoking bundle of herbs around me and maintained that adoring eye contact.
She spoke words that I didn’t recognize as she carried out the blessing, and then, when she was done, she dipped a finger in a scented liquid and rubbed it against my forehead in one swipe.
“May you walk the path of blessings,” Willow said at last, brimming with incredible happiness. “Welcome to Rose Valley.”
More applause came from the crowd as I thanked her, and the other witches continued their blessings.
It was almost surreal to receive such a thing from the woman I loved more than anything, and that warmth in my heart had no end in sight.
“Here’s to new friends and allies!” Zach said, to which everyone stood and cheered.
The rest of the day was full of celebrations and well-wishes, and spirits were higher than they had been in some time.
I was able to look my men in the eyes and see how they returned to their normal selves. How they savored the connections they had spent too long without.
At last, they were at ease, and it was one of the most rewarding things I had ever experienced.
“Congratulations on everything,” Sienna said, looking between the both of us.
“You two have such a bright future together,” Alora added, reaching out to squeeze Willow’s hand.
We smiled at them wholeheartedly, both glad that there was no bad blood between any of us. I felt like one of them, and it reassured me there would be no issues moving forward.
“Thank you for your help with everything,” River said to me, to which all the girls agreed. “We’re all lucky to have you not only in Willow’s life, but in ours as well. And same for you, Griffin.”
Griffin sipped his drink from beside me and soaked in that recognition as well. He nodded in acknowledgement.
My heart swelled, and I couldn’t help but stand a bit taller. “I appreciate your acceptance, and I’m glad that’s the case since I’m not going anywhere.”
Everyone chuckled at that, sharing in on the lighthearted banter.
“And don’t think we won’t be throwing a baby shower,” River added, to which the girls got excited at the thought of having another one to plan.
Willow was all smiles as they surrounded her and discussed the future ahead of us.
By the time night began to fall, I managed to find a moment of alone time with my mate.
