Page 113 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

My voice went cold, Alpha authority radiating out. The murmurs stopped instantly.

"From this day forward," I said, "Silver pine will repeal the pure blood Protection Act. Half-breeds will have the same rights as pure bloods. Humans and werewolves can marry freely. Half-breeds can inherit family assets. Positions in Silver pine will no longer prioritize werewolves but will be competed for fairly with humans."

The Grand Elder shot to his feet.

"Your Majesty—"

"Sit down." I looked at him. "I'm not asking your opinion, Grand Elder. I'm informing you."

His face flushed red, but under my gaze, he slowly sat back down.

"Now," I turned to the priest officiating the ceremony, "begin."

The priest was an elderly werewolf in silver robes, holding an ancient tome. He stepped forward and began chanting the old vows in a low voice.

"Under the witness of the Moon Goddess," he said, "Alpha Lucifer Hale and his mate Elena Windsor will forge an eternal bond here today."

He lifted a small silver knife.

"Hold out your hands."

I extended my right hand. Elena did the same. The priest made a small cut across each of our palms. Blood welled up, dark red under the lights.

"With blood as oath," the priest said, "two souls shall be forever joined."

I clasped Elena's hand. Our blood mingled. I felt the bond pulse in my chest, that golden thread growing brighter, stronger.

Elena's tears finally fell.

"With blood as oath," the priest repeated, "never to part, until death."

"I swear it," I said, looking into Elena's eyes.

"I..." Her voice broke. "I swear it."

The bond jolted hard in my chest. The golden thread snapped taut, then steadied. I could feel her emotions—nervous, scared, but also hopeful and warm. All the shadows of the past dissolved in that moment.

The priest lifted a silver tray holding two rings.

"This is the Luna ring, passed down through generations of the Hale family," he said, handing the ring to me.

I took the ring and held Elena's left hand. The ring was white gold with a moonstone set in it, glowing softly in the light. "Elena," I said, sliding the ring onto her finger, "I swear, from this day on, I will protect you, love you, and never let you leave again."

The ring slid on perfectly, like it had always belonged there.

She stared at it, tears falling one by one.

"Now," the priest said, "by tradition, the Alpha may kiss his Luna."

I didn't hesitate. I leaned down and kissed her lips. They were soft, tasting faintly of tears and salt. My arm circled her waist and lifted her off the ground, deepening the kiss. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me back.

Applause erupted—human merchants clapping enthusiastically, noble werewolves applauding reluctantly.

I pulled back, forehead against hers.

"You're mine now," I murmured, for her ears only. "Elena, you're my Luna, my mate, my everything."

Tears glittered in her eyes, but she smiled and leaned close, brushing her lips against mine.