Page 64 of A True Mate Bond

“He’s usually a man of few words. He truly likes you. I’ve never seen him so open toward anyone aside from Lyliann.”

“I think I’ll cry a lot today and I didn’t bring any tissues.” Her voice shook, still trying to fight her tears.

Blake’s chest rumbled in amusement. “If you like, I’ll go back and get some.”

She tilted her head and kissed his jawline. They watched as the clearing slowly filled up, Olivia being the last Skadu member to arrive. She looked scared, holding on to Tristan’s arm who was leaning down to whisper into her ear.Niev’s heart couldn’t help but ache for her.

“She’s terrified.”

“Father has asked her to be the first. She has asked him to do it on another day, but Father reassured that nothing will happen to her.”

“It’s so sad. No one deserves to be as frightened as she is.”

“No, but I believe it’s Tristan’s intention to show her the love she deserves.”

Right before the ceremony started, Mayra came toward them and pulled them closer to the front of the crowd where Layla, Michael, Lyliann, and Seth were already standing.

The ceremony was beautiful. Each family was asked forward and Alpha Tanner made them the same promises he’d made with Niev. After everyone had joined the pack, wolves started howling all over the clearing, welcoming their new members.Tanner turned toward the crowd, signaling them that he had a few more words to say and everyone fell silent.

“As many of you know our pack has been blessed with a new member that I’ve already welcomed weeks ago. Since joining us, she has shown courage, bravery, true love, and kindness toward our pack and each of its members. Some of us even owe her their life. Even though she has already accepted my request to join our pack, I would like to renew my vows to her in front of all of you.” Tanner now looked directly at Niev and continued speaking. “Niev, would you please step forward?”

Niev was glued to the ground. She hadn’t expected that. No one had told her that she would be part of the ceremony. She felt Blake gently tugging her forward, leading her to his father.

Tanner smiled down at her, his eyes sincere and joyful. “I, Alpha Tanner of the Timber Pack, ask you, Niev, mate to my second son Blake, heal bringer, and wolf slayer to join my pack. I will vow to provide for you, to keep you safe, and protect you from all evil. My vow will naturally extend to both of your unborn children, Emlyn and Aruna.”

Waves of whispers echoed through the clearing as people realized what Alpha Tanner had just announced.

“And now I ask you in front of everyone: will you accept?”

“I accept.”

Her words came without hesitation and as soon as they’d left her mouth, the clearing burst into euphoric cheers and howls. Blake hugged her and spun her around, his face showing pure pride.

“I love you, Blake Timber, to the moon and back”

“I love you, too,” he beamed before his lips crashed onto hers.

For just a moment, the world stopped spinning and it was just her and Blake. His love poured into her, and her heart started racing in her chest. He gently set her back down on the ground and let her feet carry her weight. Only then did she realize that everyone was watching them, her cheeks suddenly feeling hot.

“You knew about this?”

“Yes. Mother thought it would be nice for you to be welcomed in front of everyone. We all know you’re part of the pack, but you were never welcomed by all of us.”

“Thank you.” She turned to Mayra and hugged her. “And you too.”

Mayra smiled and gently squeezed her. “You’re very welcome. I’m glad you’re not upset about us surprising you.” Mayra then whispered in her ear. “I believe there are a few people who would like to congratulate you and Blake.”

Mayra was right, some pack members approached to congratulate the two of them. As she’d suspected, the twin pregnancy was very sacred to most pack members. Niev was overwhelmed by everyone’s responses.

Kai was the last to come closer. “I think there is nothing all others before me haven’t said yet, so I’ll just hug you both and let you two be on your way.” He spread his arms and pulled both of them into a hug.

“Thank you, Kai. That’s very sweet of you.” His words were actually the ones she appreciated the most.

Before Kai could leave, Blake stopped him. “Have there been any lone wolves on the territory lately?”

Kai’s eyebrows fused curiously. “Not that I know of. We had the Skadu members… well… our new pack wolves run around but I don’t believe any other lone wolves. Have you seen anything?”

“I scented one this morning, but I wasn’t sure of it. Niev suggested it might be a…” he paused clearly struggling with his next words. “That it might be a new member of the pack, but I wanted to be sure since it was quite near to our home.”

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