Kamrynn’s POV
The heat of the bonfire warmed my skin as Calvin and I stepped closer to it, our hands still clasped together. The flames crackled and leapt, casting golden light over the room, but all I could focus on was him.
His green eyes were fixed on me with an intensity that made my breath catch. It was like he could see straight into my soul, and in that moment, I felt completely and utterly his.
Franklin’s voice broke through the haze, calm and steady. “In the presence of Selene, the Moon Goddess, we bear witness to the union of Alpha Calvin and Kamrynn, his fated mate. As they walk around the sacred fire, they will make their vows to one another, pledging their love, loyalty, and devotion for all eternity.”
Calvin gave me a gentle squeeze, silently asking if I was ready. I nodded, my heart swelling with love and determination.
He led me forward, and together, we began our first round around the fire.
With each step, the weight of what we were doing settled deeper into my chest. This wasn’t just a ceremony-it was a sacred promise, witnessed by our pack, by the Moon Goddess herself. And I meant every word I was about to say.
As we completed the first round, Calvin’s voice rang out, clear and strong. “I vow to love you, Kamrynn, with all my heart and soul. To never put anyone above you, you will always come first.”
My throat tightened, and I had to blink back tears.
We continued our walk, hand in hand, our steps slow and steady.
“I vow to protect you with my life,” Calvin said, his voice softening slightly, but no less sincere. “From any danger, from any harm. For as long as I live.”
Another round. The heat from the fire seemed to seep into my bones, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It felt… grounding.
“I vow to provide for you,” he continued. “To give you a home filled with love, laughter, and peace.”
My chest ached with emotion as we moved into the fourth round, Calvin still leading.
“And I vow to support you,” he said, his voice rough with feeling. “In your dreams, in your choices, in everything you do. I will stand by your side, always.”
We completed the fourth round, and it was my turn to lead. My hand trembled slightly in his, but I lifted my chin and stepped forward, pulling him gently along with me.
“I vow to love you, Calvin,” I said, my voice trembling slightly but full of conviction. “With everything I am, and everything I will be.”
The fifth round. I could feel the heat of the flames on my skin, but all I could think about was the warmth in Calvin’s eyes, the way he was looking at me like I was his entire world.
“I vow to be loyal to you,” I continued, my voice stronger now. “To stand by your side through every trial, every triumph, every moment.”
The sixth round. My heart was racing, but not from nerves. It was racing because I was so, so ready for this.
“I vow to be your partner, your equal, your mate,” I said. “To share your burdens and your joys, to walk through life with you, hand in hand.”
As we began the seventh and final round, I felt a surge of emotion so strong it nearly knocked me off my feet. This was it. This was the last step.
“And I vow to be the mother of your children,” I said softly, glancing briefly at the twins in Amara’s arms before turning back to Calvin. “To raise them with love and wisdom, to build a family with you that will always be strong, always united.”
When we completed the seventh round, we stopped in front of the fire, facing each other. Calvin’s eyes were bright with unshed tears, and I knew mine were too.
Franklin stepped forward again. “You have made your vows before the Moon Goddess, before your pack, and before each other. Now, you will complete the bond by marking one another.”
Calvin reached out and gently brushed my hair to the side, exposing the base of my neck where my mating gland pulsed beneath my skin. His fingers lingered there for a moment, his touch warm and comforting.
“Are you ready?” he whispered, his voice barely audible.
“Yes,” I whispered back, my heart pounding.
He leaned in, his lips brushing against my neck in a soft, lingering kiss. And then I felt his fangs sink in.
A sharp, stinging pain shot through me, but it was over almost as quickly as it began, replaced by a rush of heat so intense it made my knees buckle. My entire body tingled, and I gasped as a wave of electricity jolted through me, locking the bond into place.
I could feel it-the bond. It was like a thread connecting me to Calvin, glowing bright and strong. Our heartbeats synced, thudding in perfect unison, and for the first time, I felt Fenrir, Calvin’s wolf, fully connect with Aryna, my wolf.
The connection was overwhelming in the best way. I could feel Fenrir’s strength, his protectiveness, his love for Aryna-and through the bond, I could feel how much Calvin loved me. It was pure, undeniable, and all-consuming.
When Calvin pulled back, there was a faint smear of blood on his lips, but his eyes were full of concern. “Did it hurt?”
“A little,” I admitted, breathless. “But it felt… amazing.”
He smiled, and there was so much love in that smile it made my heart ache.
Now it was my turn.
I reached up and gently tilted his head to the side, exposing the base of his neck. His skin was warm beneath my fingers, and I could feel his pulse thrumming steadily against my palm.
“Ready?” I asked softly.
“For you? Always,” he said, his voice rough.
I leaned in and bit down, my fangs piercing his skin.
I tasted blood, warm and coppery, but before I could even process that, the bond snapped into place, and another wave of heat rushed through me. Calvin shuddered against me, his hands tightening on my waist as the bond locked in, cementing our connection.
When I pulled back, I saw that his eyes had darkened, glowing slightly with the presence of his wolf.
“Kamrynn,” he breathed, his voice thick with emotion.
Before I could respond, Franklin spoke again. “You are now officially mates, bound together for life.”