Page 27 of Claimed By the Bookstore Alpha
"What does the ceremony involve?" he asked.
"It's binding and I would officiate here on pack land. Both of you would shift—well, Flynn would shift. The marking happens while his wolf is present, usually where the neck and shoulder meet. It will leave a small scar that identifies you both as mated."
Shifter bonds were more significant than marriage.We’d become connected, able to sense each other's emotional states and physical wellbeing.This was so much to ask of him. He wouldn’t be just accepting who I was, but joining his life to mine.
"Your relationship with the pack would involve monthly gatherings if you want them, holidays together and pack support when the baby comes. You'd have a whole network of shifter parents to learn from. And if your child manifests as a shifter, we’ll be here to guide them,” Alpha explained.
Clark looked at me. “I’m willing.”
"I want you to be safe and for everyone to know that we're building a life together." Also my wolf had been increasingly agitated when we’d been in public.I was a fool for not picking up on what he was telling me.“Let's do it."
The ceremony took place behind the lodge. A few pack members had gathered, some of whom I knew. Alpha’s mother, Mrs. Lewis, made sure she arrived in time. Everyone formed a loose circle around us.
Alpha led us to the center of the clearing as candles flickered in the growing dusk. Someone had scattered wildflowers. I sensed a connection to generations of shifters who'd made similar promises in similar places.
"Clark Branigan,” Alpha began, his voice carrying the weight of tradition. "Do you come here willingly, understanding what you're choosing?"
"I do.” Clark’s voice was steady despite the tremor in his hand.
"Flynn Tolliver, do you claim this man as your mate, your partner and part of your pack?"
"I do.” The words were a vow I'd been waiting my whole life to make but hadn’t been aware of it until I fell for Clark.
"Then let the bond be witnessed and sealed."
After removing my clothes, I shifted, letting my wolf come forward as Tiberius had instructed. My wolf was calm and understood the importance of the ceremony.
Clark knelt beside me, his hand resting on my neck. "I'm ready," he whispered.
The marking was quick, more symbolic than painful. A small bite, just enough to leave a scar. A sharp intake of breath was the only sound my mate made.
When I shifted back, there were tears in his eyes, but he was smiling as Mrs Lewis dabbed at his wound with a cloth.
"Now you.” Tiberius handed Clark a small, ceremonial blade.
His hand was steady as he made a corresponding mark on my shoulder. The sting was nothing compared to the connection I experienced, not just to my mate, but to the pack.
"By the old laws and the new understanding, I pronounce you mated. May your bond be strong and your love eternal.”
The pack members stepped forward to offer congratulations. My mate and I belonged here. Not that we would live on pack land but we were connected and would take part in pack activities. And us mating had banished the past.
Alpha approached us. “Clark, if you're comfortable sharing, I'd like to hear what you experienced during the bonding. It helps the pack understand the strength of your connection."
Clark looked at me uncertainly, then back at Alpha. "I... it's hard to describe. At first it was just the physical sensation, but then..." He paused, as if searching for words. "It was as thoughFlynn was suddenly part of me. And there was this sense of... rightness?"
As we drove home in the darkness, I asked my mate how he felt.
"Different. Complete, I guess."
“Me too.” The bond was subtle but undeniable and I could sense his contentment and love.”
"No regrets?" I asked.
He reached over and kissed me. "None. We're really doing this. We’re mated, pregnant, and building a life together."He settled back in his seat with a satisfied sigh. "I can't wait to see what comes next."
Neither could I. But for the first time in my life, I wasn't facing the unknown alone.
TWELVE
