Page 52 of A True Mate Bond

He smiled even more and laid his head back down. She looked around and saw that Seth, Lyliann, Layla, and Michael had joined them. Layla was holding Aaron in her arms, leaning against Michael with Alizia’s head in her lap. Aaron and Alizia were wrapped in warm blankets and were fast asleep.

Lyliann was sitting by Seth’s side and was quietly talking to Layla. “We should make this tradition.”

“I do like it. Since Alizia was born, I always had the feeling I was missing out because I had to leave and put her to bed.”

Lyliann must have seen Niev’s confusion, and quietly explained. “We usually bring the kids to bed when they get too tired. We never thought of just letting them sleep outside. We would take turns so at least one of us could stay out and enjoy the night, but it still felt like we were missing out. We saw you with Darron in your arms and thought it might be a nice idea to stay and let the kids sleep out here.”

“It’s a beautiful night. Maybe we can do it again in the future if the kids allow us,” Layla added.

Niev turned and kissed Blake by his ear. “Is this not boring you?” He gently shook his head and she leaned against him, holding Darron in her arms. She wanted to talk to Blake and have him answer. It bothered her to be so close to him, yet not close enough.

“Niev, have you thought about your ceremony yet?” Lyliann asked curiously.

“Mayra and I talked about it. She had plenty of ideas but I still don’t really know how it works or what will happen.”

“Oh don’t worry, we can talk you through it,” Lyliann offered excitedly.

Layla chimed in. “Mayra probably got so excited about the whole thing that she forgot that you don’t know how they are set up.”

“Blake told me they happen here,” Niev was embarrassed that she yet again had a knowledge gap.

“Yes, you and Blake will vow your commitment to each other right here with Selene by your side,” Lyliann softly explained. “It’s up to each couple how they would like to celebrate their commitment, but the main part is always the same. You’ll each cut into your palm with a knife. The woman into her left hand first, and the man into the right and say, ‘I am yours’ while pressing your palms into each other, letting your blood mix. Then, you repeat the cuts with the other hand and say, ‘And you’re mine’ pressing your palms together again.”

“What happens before and after that?”

This time Layla explained. “It’s up to the couple. Some want their families to bless their relationship before the blood vows, others want the alpha of the pack to bless them. Some women might even be accepted into the pack before the blood vows if they come from another pack.”

“Did you do that before you and Seth…” Niev paused looking for the right words, “Vowed each other’s commitment?”

Lyliann smiled. “Yes we did.”

“And you Layla, how did you do it?”

“Since I was already part of the pack and Father was the alpha, I asked him to bless us as Alpha Tanner and then again as my father. Michael’s father also blessed our commitment.”

“I asked Blake if we could exchange wedding rings. Human couples wear rings to show everyone that they are married and remind themselves of their commitment for one another.”

“Oh, that’s a beautiful idea,” Lyliann cheered.

“Yes, that sounds like a wonderful idea,” Layla agreed.

“What would I wear?”

Niev had always seen herself in a white dress walking down the aisle. Even though she’d never been as religious as her parents, she’d always seen herself marry in a church. The thought of her family not being able to see her now, maybe even never knowing that they had grandchildren, dampened her excitement. It felt like a stab to her heart, and it didn’t matter that they’d banned her from their lives. In the end, they were still her parents, the people who’d raised her and loved her.

As if Blake could feel what she was feeling, he lovingly nudged her and licked her cheek with the tip of his tongue. She leaned into him, his soft fur ticking her face.She was glad when Layla answered her question and stopped her from going down a dark spiral.

“You can wear whatever you like. It’s up to the couple how they would like to dress. Did you have anything in mind?”

“Kind of. I always pictured myself in a white dress. That’s what a traditional bride would wear in her wedding.”

Layla seemed to like that idea. “I’m sure you and Blake will find something amazing for the both of you to wear.”

Niev blushed a little. “The groom usually isn’t allowed to see the dress before the ceremony–it’s bad luck.”

Lyliann giggled, delighted. “Well, I guess we need to take you out without Blake being around.”

Blake’s chest rumbled in agreement.

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