He brought my hands to his face, nuzzling my palms. “I promise you, Tala, I will never hurt you again. I vow to protect you, to be loyal, to be present, not just physically but emotionally, and always be there for you and our children. And to love you every single day like it’s my last.”

His thumb brushed away a tear I hadn’t even realized was falling.

“The Moon Goddess blessed me the day she made you my mate,” he murmured. “And I’ll spend the rest of my life proving that I deserve the second chance you’ve given me.”

“It’s time for the most sacred part of this ceremony,” the elder’s voice drew me out of my haze. “Alpha Damian, it’s time for you to mark her as your mate.”

Damian didn’t hesitate. He wrapped one hand around my waist and pulled me into him before sinking his teeth into the skin on my neck. A sting shot through me. But almost as quickly, it melted intosomething else. Euphoria. Warmth. A connection so deep it felt like fire and electricity surging from him into me, sealing us together. Forever. It felt like home. Like belonging in the truest, most undeniable way.

Damian’s tongue brushed over the mark, soothing it, as he pulled away.

“It is done. The bond is sealed,” the elder announced with a smile. “Before the Moon and the pack, you are now bound as mates.”

The crowd erupted, claps, howls, and cheers filling the air.

Damian cupped my face and pressed his lips to mine in a kiss that was nothing short of breathtaking. He pulled back just enough that our foreheads touched and murmured. “I love you, Tala.”

I smiled. “I love you more, Damian.”

In that instant, there was nothing else. No fears, no uncertainty. Just us. And I wasn’t afraid to love him anymore. Because despite everything, I was bound to my mate. To the only man I had ever loved. And I couldn’t wait to build forever with him.