When I stood, my father was a beta, and the entire pack took a knee, acknowledging me as their alpha.
63
LIZA
Pride swelled inside me as I watched Ty taking on the alpha powers Dominic transferred to him.
My heart overflowed after witnessing him take his place, and I had to fight back the prickle of tears. Persephone would kill me if I messed up my makeup.
She and her glam squad had spent hours fluttering around me, getting me all dolled up for the occasion. It was the most makeup I’d ever worn in my life, but I was happy to do it for this once-in-a-lifetime event.
I was wearing a dress in deep red, the color of the alpha. The silk sheath had a deep V neckline and fell down to my knees, accentuating my curves. A purple lace overlay covered my décolletage, the pleated skirt flaring down to my ankles. It could have looked tacky, but it was elegant and cost more than I’d make if I cooked dinner for every family in town every night for a month. Persephone had chosen it, but I had to admit the style suited me and the occasion.
From my place to the back of the pack, where I’d been sitting with my dad, Dominic’s voice reverberated clearly.
“Today, we come together not only to witness the transfer of power but also to celebrate love,” Dominic announced to the gathered crowd.
My breath hitched as I glanced at Ty, standing tall and proud before our pack. His newfound authority radiating from every pore, making him appear larger than life.
As if he felt my stare, he turned, and his eyes met mine briefly. The warmth in his gaze sent shivers down my spine.
The ceremony had an undeniable similarity to a human wedding. My father would give me away, and Ty and I would recite our vows. Instead of exchanging rings, a ceremonial sash would wrap around us, symbolizing the eternal bond that would tie us together.
“Are you ready?” my father whispered, squeezing my hand gently as he helped me to stand.
“More than ever,” I replied, and I could barely hear my own voice.
As we began our walk down the aisle, Ty’s gaze never wavered from mine. My breath caught in my throat.. He seemed bigger, wider… and I wasn’t exaggerating.
His newfound alpha powers had transformed him, making him even more captivating than before. Ty chuckled at my wide-eyed expression, and his infectious smile set my heart racing. This was truly happening; I was about to become his mate. His queen.
“Who gives this woman away?” Dominic asked when we reached the front.
My father didn’t hesitate. “I, Scott Mims, give this woman away. With her birth parents, Josef and Portia Wylde, in spirit.”
His words were a balm to my soul as he acknowledged not only his role in my life but also that of my birth parents.
My heart swelled with love for him, and I glanced up at my father, silently thanking him for being the constant anchor in thewhirlwind that was my life. The lump in my throat threatened to choke me, and I bit the inside of my cheek, willing the tears not to fall.
With one last tender kiss on my forehead, Dad released me and took his place next to Mom. Persephone stood beside them, clutching a tissue as she battled her own tears.
“Thank you,” Dominic said, nodding in respect. He turned to Ty and me, his expression softening. “Are you both ready to begin?”
“We are,” we replied in unison, our gazes locked on each other.
Dominic began the ceremony, addressing the gathered crowd. “We are here today to witness the union of Tyson and Liza. Fate brought them together, and love has united them as mates. Their bond is one of loyalty, honor, and devotion—the foundation of our pack’s strength.”
As Dominic continued to speak, Ty reached out and took my hands, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through me. His thumbs traced lazy circles along the back of my hands.
Dominic continued. “The bond between mates is one of the most sacred connections in our world. Today, we celebrate your union and acknowledge the love and loyalty that will guide your lives together. Are you prepared to share your vows?”
We nodded in unison, and Ty cleared his throat. “I’d like to go first,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
He turned to me, his eyes blazing with the emotions his voice had held, his gaze never leaving mine.
“Liza, the first time I saw you across the room at the country club, I knew you were destined to be my mate and queen. Every day, you continue to blow me away with your tenacity and strength, not to mention your ability to make me smile with your presence alone. I promise to stand by your side, to guide and support you through every challenge we face. You are my heart,my soul, and my reason for being. My life is yours, now and forever. I will stand by your side through all that comes our way. I love you.”
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes and spilled down my cheeks. To hell with the makeup.
