The feast was organized quickly, as if the entire pack had been holding their breath for days and could finally exhale. Long tables were filled with food and drink, the scents of roasted meats, fresh bread, and sweet cakes filling the air. The pack gathered, dressed in their finest,
Elara stood by Callen's side, still feeling surreal. She had never believed that Luca would let her go. She had seen it in her eyes, the curse throbbing in then and pulling her toward him. Without her, he would die. He had said!
But he had let her go. Should she ask Callen to meet him? Perhaps she could help with her powers, make a medicine that helps, without being his mate!
Garron stepped up onto the raised platform at the head of the hall, holding a glass in one hand. The crowd quieted instantly.
"My people," Garron said, his voice deep and sure, "we have witnessed dark days, and we stood at the edge of war. But today, we stand together in peace, thanks to the bravery and heart of one woman — Elara."
The room erupted into cheers, stamping feet and howling appreciation. Elara flushed but stood tall, clutching Callen's hand. She pushed her thoughts away for tomorrow. Tonight, she wanted to enjoy this moment where she was finally accepted, where she finally belonged.
"And," Garron continued once the noise had died down, his eyes twinkling, "it is time to recognize another change. We are in need of strong leadership beside me, someone who has proven his loyalty and love for this pack." He turned, smiling broadly at Callen. "I name Callen as the next Beta of our pack."
The crowd roared. Several wolves shifted partly, their wolves celebrating with joyful howls before they pulled themselves back.
Callen squeezed Elara's hand so tightly she almost laughed. His ears turned pink with pride and surprise.
"I never knew father would leave his position for me. I have only believed that I would be announced as the beta when he held his grandchild." Elara flushed instantly and Callen grinned goofily.
Garron raised his hand again.
"And soon, we will celebrate even greater news," he announced, his voice full of meaning. "Our new Beta will soon take his mate in a proper ceremony. A mating of heart, spirit, and soul! But for tonight, they will start the dance."
The crowd burst into another thunderous applause. Someone whistled loudly. Tamara dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, beaming with motherly pride.
Callen turned to Elara, his eyes soft and bright. He pulled her gently to the center of the hall as the musicians began to play a slow, but romantic tune.
"May I have this dance, my soon-to-be mate?" he whispered, bowing dramatically.
Elara laughed, her earlier fear easing in the warmth of the moment. "You may," she replied softly, her voice barely carrying over the cheers.
He swept her into his arms, and they began to move. The music was soft, almost dreamlike. The world narrowed to just the two of them.
Callen's hand settled warmly against her waist, his other hand holding hers firmly. His forehead rested against hers as they swayed.
"I thought I had lost you today," he murmured into her hair. "You were willing to…"
"Don't," Elara whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "We are here now. That's what matters."
He pulled back slightly to look into her eyes. "I will spend the rest of my life making you happy, Elara. I swear it."
Her throat tightened painfully with emotion. Around them, the pack danced and laughed, but for Elara, time seemed to slow again, this time, not with fear, but with an overwhelming sense of belonging.
They danced for a long while, lost in each other, until the rest of the pack began to join in. The floor was filled with happy couples and laughing groups. The music grew louder, more joyous, but Elara barely noticed.
Callen leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Come with me," he whispered, his voice rough, charged with something deeper than the celebration.
Without waiting for her answer, he gently pulled her away from the dancing crowd, weaving through the laughter and cheering for Luca's defeat.
Callen didn't stop until they were far enough that the sounds of music and laughter became nothing but a soft hum behind them.
He turned to her then, his hands still holding hers, but now his touch was more urgent, trembling slightly. His golden eyes searched hers, unguarded, vulnerable.
"I want to make love to you, Elara," he said, voice low and hoarse. "I want to feel you beneath me once again and I could not wait anymore."
Slowly, Elara lifted her hand to his cheek, feeling the slight tremble beneath her fingers.
"I want that too," she whispered, overwhelmed. Someone loved her more than his life. "Oh Callen, I want you every night, for every breath of my life." she wrapped her arms around him and inhaled the masculine fragrance of his mate. Her life, now she was not alone in it.
For a heartbeat, she simply stood there in his arms, under the stars, breathing each other in. Then Callen crushed her against him, his mouth finding hers in a kiss that was both tender and aching with suppressed passion. His hands roamed her back carefully, almost reverently, as if memorizing every inch of her.
When he pulled her apart she was completely breathless.
"To your house or the wood cabin?" his eyes twinkled and she knew that he did not need any answer for that. He grinned and pecked her.
He lifted her easily, carrying her a few steps deeper into the woods. No one seemed to notice them slipping away, or if they did, they smiled knowingly and let them go.
Carefully, as if she were the most precious thing he had ever touched, he laid her down on the small bed and kissed her again, slower this time, savoring every second.
"Elara, you are mine now, my mate!"