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“We have,” Donovan and I said together.
“Tonight we witness the joining of Donovan Murry with my daughter, Meredith Molloney. Both have been through many ups and downs in their lives. Through every hardship, my daughter has shown her true mettle. She’s made me proud as her father and Alpha. Having her leave the Wayfarers for another pack—especially one as troubled and notorious as this one—isn’t easy, but I’m confident that Donovan will care for my daughter in a way that I would approve. And if he doesn’t? Well, he’d better hope that day doesn’t come.” Dad said that with a smile and the crowd laughed, but Donovan nodded.
He took my father’s words seriously, his usual grin absent. “That day will never come.”
Dad nodded. “It’s time for the exchange.”
Donovan took my right hand in his left and lifted it to his mouth. I took his left hand in my right and did the same. My heart was racing with equal parts excitement and nerves.
But I was ready to be Donovan’s mate. More than ready. “On three?” I said to Donovan.
He nodded. “One.”
“Two,” said.
We bit down at the same time. I ignored the sharp nip to my arm as I swallowed the hot coppery gush of blood. Together, we said the binding oath.
“What’s mine is yours and yours is mine. From earth to air to fire to water. Moon and sun. I will be yours to the end of time.”
Our bond thickened and strengthened until I was drowning in Donovan’s power. It poured into me and my knees buckled. Power filled every pore in my body until I thought I might explode. Even my teeth tingled. All I could smell was Donovan. All I could feel was his power. And beyond him, I could feel each connection to every pack member.
I could feel his energy. He was ecstatic. I felt how empty he’d been before and how happy he was now. Most importantly, I could feel how thankful he was for me. It made me feel cherished and loved. His power surrounded me in love until I was lost in it.
“Knowing what I have to offer, will you accept me and this bond?” Donovan’s voice pulled me back from the abyss of power.
“Yes.”
And suddenly I was drowning again. Tessa had seen bits of Dastien’s past, present, and future when their bond took hold. I wished I could see those, but I didn’t have any bruja in me. Instead, I saw his hopes. His desires: a quiet life, travel, laughter, and way too many children.
Boy had lost his mind with that one.
“With these words, the bond is complete. I share all my power with my mate.”
I thought it was over, but more power kept coming. I felt Donovan pick me up and hold me in a ball in his arms. It was too much. All his power. I’d thought I had a clue what it would mean to be his mate.
Not even close. “Holy shit.”
There was a rustle of cloth as the gathered Weres shifted forms. Then everyone started howling. Three times their cry ripped into the night, and then the ground rumbled as they started their run.
When I could lift my head up, I stared into Donovan’s glowing blue eyes. We were alone. I was cradled in his lap in the center of the circle.
“We did it,” I said.
“We did.” Donovan’s smile made my heart soar.
“What do we do now?”
“We run.”
We shifted forms, red robes floating to the ground around us. I chased my mate through the woods in the moonlight. Getting here had been so hard. At times, I wasn’t sure I’d be strong enough. Being cursed had been a nightmare. I’d even wanted to give up a time or two. But I hadn’t. Every time I thought I was at my lowest, I’d found a way to keep going.
That moment in Bhrunyz’s lair, I’d thought it was over. But I’d lived. I was here.
I wasn’t sure what was ahead. My new pack needed work. The fey were going into hiding, and I had to find a way to help Cosette. But I’d find a way. I always did.
And now I had Donovan at my side.
I felt like I’d climbed a mountain. I’d been through the hardest part and won. And even though I knew I wasn’t invincible, for once I felt like I could achieve anything and everything.
