Page 26 of In the Line of Fire

“At least I don’t have to worry about you keeping my daughter happy.” My dad reached out to clap Damien on the shoulder. “Just feed her and send her into the woods when she gets cranky.”

I rolled my eyes. “Ha-ha, you’re so funny, Dad.”

“If only he were joking.” My mom pointed toward the house. “Hurry up and get ready. You have maybe half an hour tops before everyone else gets here.”

“Oops.” I brushed a kiss against Damien’s cheek before I rushed past them.

“She always lost track of time when she was on one of her nature walks.” My dad’s voice trailed after me.

I raced upstairs to take a quick shower and change into my dress. By the time my mom came up to check on me, I was already done with my makeup. “Help me with my hair?”

Her answering smile was blinding as she took the brush I handed her. After she worked through the knots, she gathered my dark locks into three chunks and weaved an elaborate braid. When she was done, I stared into the mirror and turned my head from side to side to inspect her handiwork. “Thanks, Mom. It’s perfect for today.”

“My beautiful girl.” She ran her hand down the length of my braid. “Mated.”

“C’mon, we better get down there before you start to cry. Your tears will set me off, and then we’ll have to redo my makeup,” I warned.

Her sniffle changed to laughter, and we headed downstairs. While I was getting ready, our friends and family had arrived. Since both of our fathers were alphas, Damien and I had decided to blend our family’s traditions.

Damien met me at the bottom of the porch steps. Our guests lined up on either side of us as we walked down the yard to where Dean and my dad stood side by side. Everyone crowded behind us when we reached the alphas. Denica and Trey placed candles in a circle around us, and our moms held a bolt of fiery red fabric over our heads.

Dean deferred to my dad, letting him start the ceremony. “What fate has brought together, let nothing tear asunder. Not even death. Your bond will always find a way to thrive through the ashes, reborn indestructible.”

His words resonated deep within my soul, strengthening the connection between my mate and me.

Damien called upon his dragon’s magic to send a stream of fire toward the candles, lighting them. “Forever and beyond.”

“Through the cycle of death and birth.” The flames lighting the candles extinguished and burst back to life.

While Damien and I stared into each other’s eyes, Dean stepped forward and pressed his palms against our shoulders. “From this day forward, may you bask in the beauty of your mating. May its light give you courage in the darkness and warmth through all of your days together. May the brightness of its flame shine forever and beyond.”

The flames from the candles circled over our heads before streaking into the air to form the shape of a dragon. When it burst into sparks that lit the sky, I felt a rush of power surge through my body. The claiming was complete, and nothing could shatter the bond between us.

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