Page 188 of Unforgivable

Jax moves away. He already told me that he wouldn't stay and watch. He doesn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable with his presence.

Dad steps up next, glaring at the retreating alpha's back. He took a couple of days to recover from killing Daan. It sits raw on his shoulders, but his wolf needed retribution for what he sees as his failure to protect his pup.

"Hi, Dad," I whisper as he hugs me tight.

"You look beautiful," he says back in a choked voice. Tears are streaming down his face, unchecked.

It makes tears prick at my eyes, too.

"Go get your males, honey."

I pull back from his arms and smile. My males. It's time.

---

Thjis

"Goddess, thank you," I breathe out when I see Lyri enter the glade. A gift, she's a divine gift in a tiny package. Her strength and humor amaze me every day.

Right now, it's her beauty that stuns me. She is wearing light blue to match the moon's glow tonight. Her hair is curling and twisted into something fancy. Her eyes are luminous, shining with happiness at us.

"Hello, Bear," she whispers to me when she arrives next to me.

I take a deep breath, unable to speak. I'm so fucking nervous; my hands are shaking when I pick up the knife. I'm first. It was Lyri's choice. She's always pragmatic, our Luna. I am less likely to get jealous, like Ezra, and we're all afraid Rhet's Mark may not settle if he goes first.

I'm scared shitless I'll fuck this up until she smiles at me. I'll do this again and again until we get it right.

"I swear, under the Moon, to cherish you as my mate," I say in a hoarse voice. I slice my palm, letting the blood drop to the ground.

"I swear, under the Moon, to cherish you as my mate," she repeats softly, slicing her own palm.

My heart beats frantically as we press our hands together. I feel tingles, but maybe it's just wishful thinking? Before I lose my nerve, I lean over and press my canines to the delicate skin on her left shoulder. We drew straws to see who got to Mark where. I hesitate, but my Luna purrs, arcing into my touch, and my canines sink in naturally.

Fucking mother-fucker. How delicious can one little female taste? I thought I knew. I thought I prepped myself for this. I'm a fucking idiot. Moaning, I grab my Luna to my chest, licking the Mark, my wolf rumbling in a sort-of shocked contentment.

"I love you," I tell her over and over.

She's moaning, twisting in my arms, burrowing deeper, as if we can meld our bodies together the same way our souls are. Sharp teeth pierce my flesh, in the same spot I Marked her.

Now, that feels damn nice.

Hands have to pull her away from me. Both of us are fighting them, Lyri whimpering in need to stay in my arms. "No, my Bear, I love you," she tells me.

"No, no, don't take her," I gasp out, frantic.

"Easy, brother. Easy," Rhet mutters in my ear as I struggle. "It's Ezra's turn. Let our brother have his chance."

I force myself back under control. A zinging pain darts through me at the loss of her.

---

Ezra

I rush through the words as fast as I can, "I swear, under the Moon, to cherish you as my mate." I already sliced my hand open, too deep, judging by the amount of blood. Oh well, fuck it. I can't wait. It was torture waiting for Thjis. I thought he was going to screw her standing up before I got my turn.

"I-I swear, under... under the Moon, to c-cherish you as my mate," Lyri stammers through her vow. I can see the desire in her eyes to rush back to Thjis.

It hurts, but I knew it was going to happen. That's why he went first. I lung at her, too fast, it's all too fast. I wanted to savor this moment, and instead, I'm rushing to get it over with so she's mine.

---