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“Do you, members of the West Mill pack, family, and friends of Aaron and Marshall, agree to this union and offer your support and loyalty?”
Unconsciously, Aaron held his breath as he waited for the response, even though he knew that the Pack were happy for them. The news he not only found his mate, but a soul bonded mate at that, had been received ecstatically by the Pack. Marshall gave his fingers a gentle squeeze, and Aaron gave him a smile as the Pack gave a resounding affirmation.
Alice then stepped forward and laid a hand over their joined ones.
“Alpha West, Alpha-Mate Marshall, by the grace of the Goddess, you are soul bound for this lifetime and beyond. May you always be in her favor.”
Both men dipped their chins in acknowledgment of the blessing.
“Now, this is normally where the ceremony would end. However, Aaron has something he wishes to do.”
Marshall looked at him in question, and Aaron gave him a wink in return before turning to Josh. He turned back to Marshall, the plain gold bands nestled in his palm. Marshall’s eyes widened in surprise.
Aaron passed the rings to Elder Lee before retaking Marshall’s hands.
“Marshall, I never gave much thought to who my mate would be, and I certainly never expected to be soul bound to a human. I know you never expected to be the Alpha-Mate of a large pack, but I hope you will find your home here.” He reached over and took one ring from Elder Lee.
“I know it is tradition for humans to exchange rings to show their love and commitment to each other. It’s not as common for shifters, however, I would be honored if you would wear this ring as a symbol of our bond, and I will also wear one, so everyone can see that I belong to you as you belong to me.”
He gently pushed the ring onto Marshall’s finger. Marshall cleared his throat, and his eyes were brighter than normal. He reached over, took the other ring, and slid it onto Aaron’s finger.
“Aaron, it is my honor to stand beside you today and confirm our bond and our commitment to each other. I will be proud to wear your ring and take on the mantle of Alpha-Mate of the West Mill Pack.”
Joy burst through Aaron at his words, and he sealed his mouth over Marshall’s.
“Members of the West Mill Pack, may I present to you your Alpha and his Mate.” Elder Lee’s voice rang out across the grounds and was met with cheers and whistles.
Aaron dragged himself away from Marshall, both of them grinning like idiots. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“Okay, enough of that,” Saint said. “You’ve got people to greet.”
Together they turned towards the cheering Pack and Aaron grinned as he held his mate’s hand up in the air triumphantly.
The full solstice moon stood high and bright in the sky, illuminating the inky blackness. Aaron led a small group of people to the edge of the woods, his mate by his side. Marshall was dressed in loose workout pants and a long-sleeved top that Aaron was itching to get him out of. Marshall grinned and gave him a lingering kiss. “Hurry up and shift, Alpha.”
Aaron growled low before he quickly shifted. Once in his wolf form, he nudged Marshall’s hand.
“Gorgeous as always,” Marshall crooned, rubbing a gentle hand over Aaron’s head. Next to him, Saint’s large white tiger brushed against his leg, and Marshall’s other hand trailed along his back before tugging gently on his best friend’s tail. Saint raised a lip in a silent snarl, making Marshall laugh.
From behind Aaron, two midnight-black panthers emerged from the darkness. In the low light, Marshall couldn’t tell which twin was which, until one plonked on his haunches and glared at Saint, tail twitching.Ah, the one on the right was Rafe.
Aaron threw back his head and howled, and across the property, howls, roars, and growls responded. With a last look over his shoulder, Aaron dived into the forest. Marshall grinned and took off after him, as the twins and Saint bounded ahead into the underbrush. Marshall knew they’d stay close, but his eyes were only on his mate as he ran beside Aaron, for now and and forever.
