Page 60 of Surrendered to Mate

"Hey!" Cassius protests, but he's laughing too.

As the banter continues, I feel a warmth spreading through my chest that has nothing to do with my new vrakken abilities. This easy camaraderie, the feeling of belonging - it's something I never thought I'd have.

Evelyn catches my eye and winks, as if she knows exactly what I'm thinking. She probably does. We've bonded over our shared experiences, both as former humans and as mates to powerful vrakken.

"So, Faye," Evelyn says, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I hear the guys have been talking about trying to take us on. I think we need to remind them that we can kick his ass."

I smirk, glancing at Cassius. "You need the reminder, pretty boy?"

"I'd love to see you try, sweetheart," Cassius murmurs in my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

The conversation shifts again, but I'm only half listening. I'm too caught up in the realization of how lucky I am. From solitary hunter to part of this makeshift family, I've found a place where I truly belong.

As I look around at these people - my mate, my friends, my new family - I can't help but smile. This is home now, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

29

CASSIUS

Istand at the entrance of the temple, one having been built at every base, taking in the unexpected sight before me. The typically austere vrakken halls have been transformed into a space of ethereal beauty. Delicate garlands in shades of midnight blue and silver drape from the ceiling, catching the light of countless floating orbs that pulse with a soft, magical glow. The effect is mesmerizing, like stars twinkling in a night sky.

"Evelyn really outdid herself," I mutter, impressed despite myself.

As I scan the room, I'm struck by the sheer number of vrakken in attendance. Faces both familiar and unknown fill the chamber, their pale skin and dark eyes a stark contrast to the shimmering decorations. There's a palpable buzz of excitement in the air, something I haven't felt among our kind in centuries.

Soren appears at my side, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "Quite the turnout, eh? Who would've thought your surly ass could draw such a crowd?"

I arch an eyebrow at him. "I'm as surprised as you are. I half expected the Council to show up and put a stop to this whole affair."

He chuckles, shaking his head. "Nah, even they can't deny the significance of this. A mating is always something to celebrate — and good for morale. Reminds us why we all fight."

As I take in the gathered vrakken, I'm struck by the genuine warmth in their expressions. There's none of the usual apathy or detachment I've grown accustomed to seeing. Instead, there's a sense of... hope? It's almost unsettling.

"I never thought I'd see our kind like this again," I admit quietly. "United. Almost... happy."

Soren nods, his expression thoughtful. "It's been a long time coming. Maybe this is the start of something new for all of us."

I'm about to respond when a hush falls over the crowd. My breath catches as I see Faye enter the chamber, escorted by Evelyn. She's a vision in a gown of deep crimson, her newly pale skin glowing in the ethereal light. Our eyes lock, and for a moment, everything else fades away.

As she approaches, I'm filled with a surge of emotion I can't quite name. It's more than just desire or affection. It's a bone-deep certainty that this is right. That she is meant to be by my side.

I move to meet Faye, my steps measured and deliberate. As we begin our walk down the aisle together, I can't help but marvel at her beauty. The deep crimson of her gown contrasts starkly with her pale skin, a reminder of her recent transformation. Her long, dark hair cascades down her back, adorned with small silver ornaments that catch the light of the floating orbs above us.

We approach the Priestess, an ancient vrakken with wings so large they nearly touch the ground. Her presence commands respect, her eyes holding the wisdom of countless centuries.

As we stand before the gathered crowd, I find myself unable to look away from Faye. Her golden-brown eyes, now fleckedwith the darkness of her vrakken nature, meet mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.

The Priestess raises her hands, her voice carrying throughout the chamber. "We gather here today to witness the union of Cassius and Faye, two souls bound by blood and choice."

I feel a surge of excitement, an emotion I'd long thought lost to me. The apathy that's plagued me for centuries seems to melt away in Faye's presence.

"Cassius," the Priestess continues, "a warrior of our people, has chosen Faye as his mate. And Faye, once human, now reborn in our image, has accepted this bond."

I squeeze Faye's hand gently, feeling the strength in her grip. She's adapted to her new life with a determination that never ceases to amaze me.

The Priestess turns to address the crowd. "This union represents more than just the joining of two individuals. It symbolizes hope for our kind, a bridge between the old and the new."

As she speaks, I notice the gathered vrakken leaning forward, their usually impassive faces alive with interest. It's a stark reminder of how much has changed since Faye entered my life.

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