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Darian and I take our vows, promising to counsel our Alpha and Luna with honesty, be fair in our judgment, protect Silver Moon against all enemies, defend the weak, and faithfully serve the pack as its Betas.
Damian and Darlene take their vows next, promising to help lead the other children of Silver Moon down the right path, treat them fairly, and be examples for them to follow.
Darlene looks up at me the second she finishes. “I remembered all of it.”
I squeeze her hand. “You did.”
Arian babbles from Darian's arms.
Darlene looks at him. “Arian didn't say his.”
“He's a baby,” Damian says.
“I know. I'm just saying.”
Laughter rolls through the crowd. Even Justin laughs while Jace and Jocelyn grin from the other side of the stage.
Selena and Rylan step forward together.
“Silver Moon,” Selena calls, “meet your Betas, Arlene and Darian Carter.”
Rylan gestures toward our children. “And Damian, Darlene, and Arian. Your Beta family.”
The clearing erupts. Cheers and howls crash around us as Darian wraps an arm around my waist. Damian grins beside his father while Darlene immediately starts waving at the pack.
I look down at her. “What are you doing?”
“They're cheering for us.”
“I noticed.”
“So I'm saying hi.”
She waves harder. Of course she is.
Arian kicks his little legs in Darian's arms as the cheering gets louder. Damian tries to look serious, but the smile spreading across his face ruins it.
Darian leans toward me. “Our family.”
I look at our pups. “Our family.”
His fingers find mine. Familiar sparks race between us as love and pride flood our mate bond.
We leave the stage together. Justin, Jace, and Jocelyn come down behind us.
Jace walks straight to Damian. “You did good.”
Damian grins. “I didn't do anything.”
“You said your vow in front of the whole pack.”
Jocelyn turns to Darlene. “You did good too.”
“I remembered my whole vow.”
Darlene beams.
Jace and Jocelyn head toward Paige, where Milo and Piper are already waiting. Paige has baby Jude in her arms when Selena brings her daughter over. Darian follows a moment later and hands Arian to her.
