Kathie POV

Griffin stopped a few feet away, his piercing silver eyes locked onto mine. In his gaze, I saw the weight of duty, the steel of a man who bore countless responsibilities, and a hint of something I couldn’t quite decipher. He was intimidating, yes, but there was a magnetic pull to him that my wolf recognized immediately.

The elder overseeing the ceremony cleared his throat, bringing me back to the present. The room was silent save for the rustling of leaves outside. The Ludwig Pack’s ceremonial hall was simple yet grand, its stone walls etched with the stories of their lineage. The scent of incense filled the air, mingling with the energy of the gathered pack members watching from the shadows.

Griffin extended his hand toward me, his movements deliberate. I hesitated only for a fraction of a second before placing my hand in his. His palm was warm, his grip firm but not crushing.

“Are you ready?” His voice was low and steady, a question that seemed to carry more weight than the ceremony itself.

“Yes,” I replied, meeting his gaze with as much courage as I could muster. My wolf stirred, an odd sense of calm washing over me.

The elder stepped forward, holding a ceremonial blade. The blade’s edge glinted in the dim light, etched with runes that carried the power of ancient oaths.

“In the eyes of the Moon Goddess,” the elder began, his voice deep and resonant, “we gather to unite two souls, two wolves, into a bond that transcends time. This union is sacred, forged in trust, loyalty, and the blood of your lineage.”

Griffin never took his eyes off me, his gaze unrelenting. It was as if he were silently assessing whether I truly belonged in his world.

The elder turned to me first, offering the blade. “Do you, daughter of the Silverlake Pack, swear to uphold the bond, to stand beside your mate as his equal, and to honor the traditions of the Ludwig Pack?”

My hands trembled as I took the blade, its weight heavier than I expected. The words felt monumental, but deep down, I knew this was a leap I had to take.

“I swear,” I said, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

With a deep breath, I pressed the blade lightly to my palm, the sharp edge biting into my skin just enough to draw a thin line of blood. The crimson drops glistened before they fell onto a small ceremonial bowl below, symbolizing my commitment to the bond.

The elder then turned to Griffin. His expression remained unreadable as he took the blade, his movements fluid and practiced.

“Do you, Griffin of the Ludwig Pack, swear to protect your mate, to stand beside her as her equal, and to honor the traditions of your ancestors?”

Griffin’s voice was calm, but there was an intensity behind it that sent a shiver down my spine. “I swear.”

He watched my actions, drawing blood with the same precision and letting it drip into the bowl.

The elder placed the blade aside and held the bowl high. “The Moon Goddess bears witness to your oaths. May your bond be blessed and your union be eternal.”

Then came the final step: the marking. My pulse quickened as Griffin stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. This part of the ceremony was intimate, a declaration to the pack and the world that we belonged to one another.

“May I?” he asked softly, his voice dropping to a tone meant only for me.

I nodded, my throat dry. I tilted my head, exposing the curve of my neck. My wolf stirred with anticipation, a mix of nervousness and excitement coursing through me.

Griffin’s hand brushed my shoulder, firm yet gentle, as he lowered his head. His breath was warm against my skin, and then I felt the sharp, precise sting of his fangs. My body tensed for a brief moment before warmth spread through me, an unfamiliar but not unpleasant sensation.

My wolf howled within, the bond forming as his mark sealed the union. It wasn’t just a mark on my skin—it was a connection, a tether that hummed with power.

When he pulled back, his eyes met mine again. For the first time, I thought I saw a flicker of something softer other than his cold exterior.

The elder spoke again, addressing the pack. “The bond is sealed. From this day forward, you are mates, bound by the will of the Moon Goddess.”

The pack howled in unison, their voices echoing through the hall and into the forest beyond. I felt the weight of their approval, their acceptance, even if I was still an outsider to them.

Griffin extended his hand again, and this time, I took it without hesitation. Together, we turned to face the gathered wolves.

“Welcome, daughter of Silverlake, to the Ludwig Pack,” the elder said, his tone formal but warm.

Griffin’s grip on my hand tightened slightly, a silent reassurance. As we walked out of the hall, the cool night air greeted us. The forest seemed alive, the rustle of leaves and the distant howl of wolves creating a symphony that felt like it was just for us.

He led me to a clearing just beyond the hall, where a sleek black car waited. I hesitated, unsure of what to say or do now that the ceremony was over.

“Do you regret it?” he asked suddenly, his voice breaking the silence.

I looked up at him, surprised by the question. “No,” I said honestly, though I wasn’t sure if I was convincing myself or him.

He nodded, his gaze shifting toward the distant trees. “Good.”

We stood there for a moment, the silence between us heavy but not uncomfortable. I realized then that this wasn’t just about a bond or an alliance. This was a new beginning—for both of us.

As we got into the car, my wolf stirred again, a quiet but firm reminder that whatever lay ahead, we were in this together.

Kathie POV

After the mating rite, my mum and everyone else insisted I leave with Griffin and spend a few days. Usethe opportunity to get to know each other.

The car ride was quiet, except for the soft hum of the engine and the faint rustle of trees outside. Griffin sat beside me, his posture relaxed yet commanding. The air between us felt charged, though neither of us spoke. My neck still tingled where he had marked me, a reminder of the bond we had just sealed.

I tried not to fidget, clasping my hands tightly in my lap. The silence was growing heavier, so I finally decided to break it.

“Where are we going?” I asked, my voice soft but curious.

Griffin glanced at me briefly, his silver eyes unreadable. “You need a dress,” he said simply, his tone matter-of-fact.

“A dress?”

“For tonight’s banquet,” he elaborated. “It’s tradition for the newly bonded to present themselves formally to the pack.”

Of course. A public display to affirm my place within the Ludwig Pack. My wolf stirred uneasily, the prospect of being under scrutiny daunting. Still, I nodded.

The car pulled to a smooth stop in front of an upscale boutique nestled between towering glass buildings. The shop’s display windows showcased elegant gowns that practically radiated sophistication and wealth.

Griffin exited the car first, moving with a grace that made it impossible not to watch him. He walked around to open my door, a gesture that seemed out of character given his reserved aura.

“Thank you,” I murmured, stepping out.

Inside the boutique, the air was perfumed with the scent of fresh flowers and expensive fabric. A tall, impeccably dressed woman greeted us with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Mr. Ludwig,” she said, her tone deferential. “What an honor. How can we assist you today?”

Griffin gestured toward me. “She needs a dress for tonight.”

The woman’s sharp eyes turned to me, assessing me in a way that made me feel both self-conscious and defiant. “Of course,” she said smoothly. “Right this way, madam.”

I followed her into the main showroom, where racks of gowns in every imaginable shade and style awaited. The woman began pulling dresses that she deemed “appropriate,” each one more extravagant than the last.

Griffin remained near the entrance, his arms crossed as he observed silently. His presence was a constant weight, a reminder that this wasn’t just shopping—it was preparation for stepping into a role I hadn’t asked for but had chosen nonetheless.

I tried on dress after dress, each one more ornate than the last. The boutique staff flitted around me like bees, adjusting hems and draping fabric over my shoulders. But no matter what they brought, nothing felt quite right.

When the woman held up a midnight blue gown with intricate silver embroidery, I hesitated. The color reminded me of Griffin’s eyes, deep and piercing.

“This one,” I said, surprising myself.

The moment I stepped out of the fitting room, Griffin’s gaze flickered to me. His expression didn’t change, but there was a subtle shift in the air around him, as if he’d momentarily forgotten to keep his mask in place.

“That’ll do,” he said after a pause, his voice steady but quieter than before.

The staff quickly packed the gown, and soon we were back in the car. I leaned my head against the cool glass of the window, my thoughts swirling.

Just as I began to relax, Griffin’s voice cut through the quiet.

“Do you still feel uneasy about the bond?” he asked, his tone unexpectedly gentle.

I turned to look at him, startled by the question. “It’s… a lot to process,” I admitted. “But I don’t regret it.”

His lips pressed into a faint line, as if he were weighing my words. “Good,” he said simply.

We got back to the car and got in.

The car pulled into a parking lot outside another boutique, this one catering to bridal wear. My brows furrowed in confusion.

“A dress for the banquet wasn’t enough?” I teased, attempting to lighten the mood.

Griffin gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. “You’ll see.”

We stepped into the store, where rows of white gowns shimmered under the soft lighting. Brides-to-be floated around the showroom, their laughter and excited chatter filling the air.

As we walked further in, something caught my eye—or rather, someone.

Across the room, a woman stood on a small pedestal, surrounded by attendants. Her auburn hair was swept into a loose updo, and the lace of the gown she wore glinted under the lights. She radiated confidence, her smile easy and genuine.

It was Emma.

The blood drained from my face, my wolf growling softly in the back of my mind. I hadn’t seen her for a while, not since the fallout with Jason. Yet here she was, trying on wedding dresses.

She hadn’t noticed me yet, too engrossed in whatever her consultant was saying. But as if sensing my presence, her gaze suddenly lifted, her green eyes locking onto mine.

The air shifted, the lively chatter around us fading into the background. For a moment, neither of us moved, caught in the tension of an unspoken history.

Griffin noticed the change in my posture and followed my gaze. His expression hardened slightly, though he said nothing.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Emma, memories of betrayal and heartbreak flooding back in an instant. My wolf bristled, protective and wary.

Emma’s smile faltered, her confidence replaced by something else—unease, perhaps? Or maybe guilt.

The weight of her gaze pinned me in place, and I suddenly felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. Whatever came next, I knew it wouldn’t be simple.

Kathie POV

The moment Emma’s eyes locked onto mine, I knew she wouldn’t let this go. I turned my back on her, pretending to inspect a display of fabric swatches near the counter. My heart raced, my wolf pacing with restless energy. This wasn’t the time or place for a confrontation.

“Kathie?” Emma’s voice called out, hesitant yet insistent.

I closed my eyes briefly, willing myself to stay calm. But when I turned around, she was already walking toward me, her white gown billowing slightly with each step.

“I thought it was you,” she said, stopping a few feet away. Her smile was nervous, like she wasn’t sure whether to be happy or apologetic. “It’s been so long. How are you?”

I crossed my arms, my posture stiff. “What do you want, Emma?”

Her smile faltered. “I—I just wanted to talk. I didn’t know you were back in town.”

“That’s because I didn’t tell you,” I said, my tone sharp. “What are you doing here?”

Emma looked down at the dress she was wearing, then back up at me. “I’m… getting married.”

The words hit harder than I expected, but I kept my face neutral. “Good for you,” I said coldly. “Why are you talking to me?”

Her shoulders sagged slightly, and she took a cautious step closer. “Kathie, I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I want to apologize for what happened with Jason . It was a mistake—”

“A mistake?” I snapped, cutting her off. “Sleeping with my mate was a mistake? That’s what you’re calling it now?”

Emma flinched but didn’t back down. “I was wrong. I was selfish, and I hurt you. I’ve regretted it every day since.”

I laughed bitterly, my wolf growling low in the back of my mind. “Regret doesn’t erase betrayal, Emma. You didn’t just hurt me; you destroyed everything we had.”

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I’m not asking for things to go back to the way they were. I just want to make amends.”

I took a step closer, my fists clenched at my sides. “Amends? Do you even hear yourself? You think an apology will fix this? If I never see you again, it’ll be too soon.”

Emma opened her mouth to say something else, but I wasn’t in the mood to listen. My wolf was clawing at the surface, demanding action.

“Leave,” I said through gritted teeth. “Before I do something we’ll both regret.”

She hesitated, her hands wringing together. “Kathie, please—”

“Is there a problem here?” a deep voice cut in, steady and authoritative.

I turned to see Griffin standing a few feet away, his piercing blue eyes scanning the scene. His presence was like a bucket of cold water over my simmering anger.

“No,” I said quickly, forcing myself to relax. “No problem.”

Griffin didn’t look convinced. He stepped closer, his broad frame exuding quiet strength. “Are you sure? It doesn’t look that way.”

“I said it’s fine,” I replied firmly.

Emma glanced between the two of us, her face pale. She looked like she wanted to say something else, but Griffin’s imposing presence seemed to hold her back.

An awkward silence settled over us, thick and heavy. I could feel Griffin’s gaze on me, steady and assessing, but I kept my eyes on Emma.

Before anyone could speak again, the boutique door opened with a soft chime. I glanced over, and my breath caught in my throat.

Jason walked in.

The room seemed to shrink, the air around me charged with tension. Jason ’s eyes scanned the boutique, landing on Emma first before shifting to me.

My wolf stirred uneasily, the tension in the room thickening with every step. Of all places to run into him, why here?

Jason’s presence was commanding as always, but his proud smile carried the arrogance that I’d learned to despise.

Griffin, standing close to me, shifted slightly. His sharp eyes flicked between Jason and me, his body rigid with silent readiness. It was clear he was prepared to intervene if necessary.

Jason walked straight toward us, his smile unwavering. “Kathie,” he greeted smoothly, as if nothing had happened, as if he hadn’t ripped my heart out and left me in pieces.

I straightened my shoulders, refusing to let him see how unsettled I felt. “What are you doing here?” I asked coldly.

He chuckled, the sound infuriatingly casual. “I could ask you the same thing. But fate seems to have brought us back together.”

“Fate?” I said, my voice laced with disbelief. “You think running into you here is fate? Don’t flatter yourself, Jason.”

He raised his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just saying, it’s good to see you again.”

“I can’t say the same,” I snapped, turning away from him.

Before I could take a step, his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. The contact sent a jolt through me—not from any lingering affection, but from sheer anger.

“Kathie, wait,” he said firmly, his grip tightening slightly. “We need to talk.”

I whipped my head around to glare at him. “Let go of me.”

Jason’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t release me. “You can’t just walk away like this. We have unfinished business.”

“Unfinished business?” I hissed. “You made your choice, Jason. There’s nothing left to say.”

Before he could respond, Griffin stepped forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over Jason. “You heard her,” Griffin said, his voice calm but dangerously low. “Let go.”