Page 72 of The Wolf I Sworn To Hate

“Since you’re human, we’ll have the standard something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,” Jade said.

Xyla giggled. “I think I have the blue covered.”

“I put my diamond pins in your hair. You are only borrowing those because I want them back.”

Everyone laughed.

“I have the new for you. Sean’s father and I bought this necklace and earring set for you.”

Willow opened a velvety jewelry box, revealing a sapphire necklace and earring set.

“Wow. They’re gorgeous. Thank you.”

Willow clasped the necklace around her neck. Xyla took out the pearl earrings she had been wearing and replaced them with the sapphires.

They were startled by a knock on the door.

Willow opened it and stared at the man standing in front of her. “Yes? Can I help you?”

Xyla turned around and gasped. “Dad? What are you doing here?”

The four women stared at him.

“I was hoping we could talk.”

Abby crossed her arms over her chest and said, “No. You aren’t ruining this for her.”

“I’m not here for that. I want to apologize.”

Xyla’s jaw dropped. “Really?”

“Yes. Sean has proven himself to be a great man. I want to be a part of your lives if you’ll let me.”

She flew over to her father and hugged him tightly. “Of course, I’ll let you.”

“I know this isn’t a traditional wedding, but I didn’t know if there was an aisle to walk you down. If there was, I would be honored.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

Willow tapped her watch. “It’s time to leave.”

Although it was a short drive to the open area where the ceremony was to take place, the trip seemed to take forever.

Xyla gasped when she saw the fairy lights twinkling in the trees. There were so many people present to see the ceremony take place, because, as Willow explained, the pack was family, and family was always present at mating ceremonies.

At first, she was nervous, but then she saw Sean standing in front of all the people near a natural rock altar, with Sawyer and Edward standing next to him.

He smiled at her and then noticed her father. Sean raised his eyebrows and she shrugged. He nodded.

Jade and Willow took their seats. Abby walked in front of her. Xyla lightly held her father’s arm as they walked through the sea of wolf shifters.

She almost giggled at the thought of her father being in the middle of an entire wolf shifter pack, but then reminded herself that she was at her own mating ceremony.

Elliot put Xyla’s hands in Sean’s. The two men locked eyes for a second, and then Elliot nodded and took his seat.

Zac, the alpha of the Nightshade Wolf Shifter Pack, led the ceremony.

“Tonight, we gather under the light of the moon to witness the mating of Xyla Hanson and Sean McCollum. It is a bond that will make two hearts one heart, and two souls one soul. They wish to say their own vows. Sean.”

“Xyla, I never would have guessed that being caught in an avalanche and snowed in with a bunch of strangers would ever be one of the biggest blessings in my life. You taught me that people can change, hearts can change, and that love can conquer evil. You taught me how to love again and how to live again. I promise to love you, to stand by you in every storm, and hold you in every calm. I vow that no matter what challenges come our way, my love for you will overcome it all. You are my mate, my partner, and my forever.”

Zac looked at Xyla and nodded.

“I let hatred stand in the way of the truth and true love. You tore down all that negativity and all the walls I had built around me. You took away my blinders so that I could see the real you and the incredible man you are. I promise to love you and to fight for us with everything I have, even when we feel like the world is against us. I vow to stand beside you, to trust you, and to believe in us and our love. You are my mate, my partner, and my forever.”

“As you have spoken your vows, you are now bound to each other, through this lifetime and all those to come. You have declared your love, your commitment, and your promise to facewhatever comes your way together in front of this entire pack. Now, Xyla, as alpha, I welcome you to our pack.”

Sean looked into her eyes and pulled her against him. As the pack erupted in cheers, he pressed his lips to hers, sealing their eternal bond.

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