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She got on her tiptoes, laid her hands around his neck, and pressed her lips to his. Her anxiety instantly calmed down as his love poured into her soul. Out of the corner of her eye, Niev saw Mayra look the other way, trying not to stare at them. Niev blushed and ended the kiss.
Before turning to leave, Blake turned to his mother. “Spoil her for me.”
“Of course.” Mayra pulled her son closer and kissed him on the cheek. “And you enjoy your run. We’ll see you tonight.”
He nodded and gave Niev one last kiss on the forehead before leaving. Niev watched as he walked down the hill and disappeared into the village, heading toward Seth and Lyliann’s house.
Mayra gently touched her arm. “Come, you must be hungry.” Niev turned to her and followed inside. “Were you able to sleep at all?”
“Not really. I was up early and couldn’t fall asleep again.”
“We’ll make sure to give you enough time to rest.” Mayra led her into the living area where Layla and Lyliann were already waiting for her at the table, while Tanner was sitting in one of the armchairs looking over some papers.
“Where is Ann?”
“She offered to take care of Darron and Alizia today. She hasn’t seen them in quite some time and wanted to spend time with them. She also wanted to give you a little breathing space while we make sure everything is perfect for tonight.” Then Mayra gave Tanner a stern look. “I thought you said you would take a break from pack business for today and concentrate all your energy on your daughter.”
Niev liked how Mayra always seemed to refer to her as “daughter” and not just “daughter-in-law”. It was the greatest compliment Mayra could’ve ever given Niev. To her surprise, Tanner set the papers aside and stood up.
“Where am I needed?”
“First of all, you can come have breakfast with us. Then we’ll go through all the formalities again. I hope you have rehearsed what Niev and Blake have asked you to say?”
“I have.” Tanner came over and sat at the table motioning for Niev to sit next to him. “How are you feeling?”
“Nervous, but excited.”
He nodded and handed her a plate. “Have we planned everything to your liking? Blake mentioned that our ceremony is quite different from a wedding.”
“Yes.” Her voice was a little shaky as she thought about all the intricate wedding elements they’d incorporated into the commitment ceremony.
Tanner seemed pleased and filled his own plate. “I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together tonight.”
The morning was actually very relaxed. Mayra had them all go through the details of the ceremony again. She was especially strict with Tanner, who seemed to take it with grace. The ceremony was different from everything the pack had seen so far, and Mayra seemed to be afraid that Tanner would do something wrong.
The closer the evening came, the more nervous Niev was. She was barely able to eat anything for lunch and by the late afternoon, she was a wreck, sitting on the couch unable to process anything that was said around her.
Layla seemed to notice and quietly sat next to her, handing her Aaron. “Will you hold him for a minute while I go to the restroom?”
Niev nodded and looked down at Aaron, who was smiling up at her. When he saw his mother leave he got a little fussy, so Niev walked out of the glass doors and into the fresh air. She held Aaron in a sitting position for him to be able to see and look around. It seemed to calm not just him, but Niev as well. She walked toward the large tree Blake’s grandfather had planted and took deep, calming breaths as she moved.
“One day, Alizia and Darron will show you how to climb up there. And when you have learned to do so, you’ll show Emlyn and Aruna how to chase you up there too.” She looked down at him, his eyes wide open as he listened to her voice.
She heard something move off to the side and looked up. In the shadows of the tree line stood a pitch-black wolf with beautiful chocolate eyes. Their eyes locked and she felt Blake’s love pour into her heart and soul. She smiled at him, and lifted Aaron up just a little more.
“Look Aaron! Uncle Blake is being mischievous again.”
Blake grinned but before Niev could say anything else, Seth’s large black wolf showed up next to Blake. He softly growled at him and pushed him back into the shadows of the woods.
Niev stared at the spot where the two wolves had disappeared, imagining Seth scolding Blake for breaking their mother’s rules. It warmed her heart, making her laugh.
She turned toward the house again and walked inside where Mayra was already looking for her. “Niev, I was thinking you should try to eat something again before you get dressed. I don’t want any chances of your dress getting dirty, so no more food and nothing but water after you have the dress on.” Her gaze fell on Aaron. “And it would be best not to hold Aaron either.”
Niev looked down at Aaron who was innocently smiling at her. With a playful tone she said, “Aaron did you hear that? Your grandma is looking for an excuse to have you all to herself.”
Layla giggled from behind Mayra. “Niev hold him as long as you like, or until you’re ready to get dressed–whichever comes first.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be ready.”
