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Lorena squeezed Thomas’s hands. He stroked his thumb over hers in reply.
“Lorena, you have accepted to be Thomas’s mate. You will honor him, love him, and support him, as well as stand with him against any forces that he may face. And Thomas, you have claimed Lorena as your own. That shows that you need her in your life by your side as your constant companion, and you will value her input and acknowledge her strength when you doubt your own.
“Now, this is where I would offer to show the witnesses your claim marks, but since only one of you is a shifter, we will move on to the bands.”
Thomas noticed Lorena’s blush deepen as Daryl handed them the rings.
Even though you could see the top of her shoulder just barely, he could tell she didn’t feel like pulling down her dress to flash the pride and her father to reveal a sex mark.
The shyness made him chuckle quietly to himself as he thanked Daryl for the rings and faced his beautiful bride again.
The bands were simple, as was their nature. That was what the ceremony and mating of one another was to represent. Nothing too splashy or materialistic.
Each had a plain, smokey gray ring with a dark indigo band running throughout the center of it, which was to represent their pride.
“These rings represent the unbreakable bond mates share with each other. prides will come and go, but mating is for life. Never take the other for granted because you only have one true mate for a shifter’s entire lifetime.
“If you both accept these terms and loyalties that I have laid before you and the pride, please place the rings on one another.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Thomas took Lorena’s long fingers in his and slid her band on. He knew he was sure of everything, especially when it came to her. He didn’t want a moment’s delay to even allow her to question his love for her.
When he smiled up at her, he noticed she had let a tear escape and roll down her cheek. She slid his on as well as another tear broke free.
He resisted the urge to wipe them away. They were close to the end, and right now, he was the only one to see her break with joy. He was close, and he had to keep biting his lips from doing the same.
“I now pronounce you mates for life.”
Thomas grabbed Lorena and dipped her low as he let his emotions flow into that one kiss.
The pride cheered and howled as their alpha claimed his bride.
They stood and held up their hands together to show the union was complete and official for all to see.
More cheers arose as the pride descended upon them in a formal line of congratulations.
They all were to offer allegiance and congratulations to their alpha and his mate, as was the custom. Once they were done and all had gone through, Thomas and Lorena could break from the rest, and the real party would begin.
Finally, the last pride member came through before following the rest to the food tables.
The sun was setting, and the twinkle lights that hung over the gardens illuminated the greenery like glittering fireflies.
Alfredo approached them last.
“I wanted to wait until the official business was done. I’m so happy for you, Lorena.” He hugged his daughter, and her tears fell freely now.
“I love you so much, Dad.”
“I love you too, sweet girl.” He pulled away and shook Thomas’s hand again. “I meant what I said up there. And I know that you did too. I’m happy for both of you.”
“That means a lot,” Thomas said in a sincere, thankful manner.
Alfredo looked once again at the couple and joined their hands together. “You deserve nothing but the best. Let me know if there’s anything I can do. And Thomas, I know you run this pride, but I still have solid connections of my own and plenty who owe favors. Let me know if you need anything at all. My connections have proven to be endless,” he said with a sly wink.
Fresh from the hospital, Lorena’s father still played the game like the original gangster. Thomas had to hand it to him.
“I’ll keep that in mind, sir. Thank you.”
“Well, this has been a long day for me, even though I know it’s quite early for you young folk. I’m afraid I must take my leave. This was a dream, and Lorena, dear. You were as gorgeous as ever.”
