Chapter 65

The Beta behind me growls at the threat in the Lycan’s voice and I stop breathing from the anticipation.

“Eric, back down.” Ellen snaps as she strides forward. Eric lowers his head and steps back though it’s clear that’s the last thing he wants to do. “My queen, you have your meeting between your elders and your mate. What is it you wish to say?”

Adrian looks at each and every Lycan before him, then says in a clear voice. “In the past, mistakes were made by both sides. My parents were killed because of those mistakes, as were your queen’s. Our alliance fell apart and the bear people killed many Lycans. I regret my decisions then. I should not have allowed your people to suffer like that. What I want now, is to find peace and a way forward.”

There is a murmuring around the clearing. The werewolves are silent as the Lycans confer with each other. I listen in and catch snippets.

“…tired of fighting and living this way. We have to try something.” I hear someone reasoning with another.

“Our queen is mated with him. That changes things.” Another says.

“…only feeling this way because of her. He wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her.”

“Why would we trust you?” Someone calls out. “You betrayed us once, what’s to stop you from doing it again?”

“The bear people are moving again. They are hunting us down and if we don’t act soon, they will destroy us entirely.” Ellen says. “We don’t need any more enemies. We need assurance that the events of the past will not happen again. Why should we trust your alliance now?”

Adrian looks at me and reaches out a hand to take mine. My left hand, with his ring still gracing my finger. He raises our joined hands up so everyone can see.

“Because Lily and I are engaged. Her people will become my people and mine will be hers. This alliance will be made through our union.” His voice is clear and allows for no argument.

There is silence in the clearing from both sides, and then chaos erupts. Combined shouts of cheers and congratulations are joined with protests and outrage. It’s hard to tell who is in favor of the plan and who would rather be at war.

My head is throbbing, and the wolf wants to howl in agitation. My heart is threatening to burst out of my chest, and I’m only held steady by Adrian’s firm grip on my hand.

Finally, a loud booming voice commands the attention of the entire assembly, “Silence!” and everyone immediately stops shouting.

I turn around surprised and look at the Beta who quirks a grin at me as he ushers Phillip ahead to address the assembly.

“Phillip, I’m shocked your still around.” Eric looks at the old man with an obvious disdain.

Phillip surveys him with a cool, polite expression. “Eric, I could say the same about you.”

I hear a small tittering of laughter at the edge of the clearing and Eric frowns in irritation.

“I am gifted with senses to the matters of fate. I can confirm that Adrian and Lily are indeed mates. A bond that is sacred and cannot be divided once it has been accepted by both parties.” The clearing is silent as Phillip addresses them. “Perhaps it is because I am old, but I believe these matters to be of a serious nature and not taken lightly.”

Heads nod in agreement and hope surges in my heart.

“I believe this was a union orchestrated by fate for exactly this reason. To preserve and protect both species!”

A sound of protest comes from the werewolves and Adrian turns to address them.

“Think he’s wrong, do you?” He challenges the scoffs. “Who do you think the bear people will come for next once the Lycans are wiped out? We stand better chances of surviving if we are allied together. That’s one thing the last generation had right. It’s something we can do better. If we are allied together, the bear people will not only fail, but I don’t think they will even try.”

There is a murmuring from both groups as they consider Phillip and Adrian’s words. I turn around and meet Phillip’s eyes in silent gratitude. He seems to understand because he gives a small bow of his head.

“Is this what you want, my queen?” Ellen asks.

The group silences again and all eyes stare intently at me, waiting for my response.

I think for a moment. What do I want? I meet Adrian’s encouraging gaze and then back at the people before me. My people. The family I have been searching for my entire life.

“I want peace.” I finally say. “I want to be with my family, my people, and to know them. I want to marry my mate and live a happy life with him. I want us to be allied together.”

The Lycan’s murmur together, each keeping their voices quiet as they confer with one another.

Then Ellen steps forward, the voice of the Lycans, “We are willing to go forward with this alliance with you, my queen. But we must be clear, we are your people, not his. We follow you.”

My heart fills and relief floods over me in a wave. I let out a long breath and smile at my people with as much light as I can hold. Adrian’s arm wraps around my shoulders and I sink into him, realizing that I’m shaking with relief.

And as I walk forward to greet my people, I feel truly free for the first time.

Adrian POV

“Stop moving.” My Beta chastises as he adjusts my tie. He’s been fussing all day and I’m starting to get impatient.

I look out at the guests scattered about the back yard of my country house. There aren’t many, but it’s all the people that matter. Only close friends and family were invited to the quiet and intimate wedding. My wife doesn’t like a lot of attention, and I refused to allow the snobs of each of our groups to do anything to ruin this day for her.

There’s only one face that’s missing. The one I always thought I would see on my wedding day. Though I suppose this situation is a bit more complicated than I thought it would be. I haven’t heard from Julian since the day I banished his fiancé and her father. I doubt I’ll ever see him again, but I hold a small flicker of hope. A father’s hope that refuses to extinguish.

The two packs seem to be getting along tentatively. It’s hesitant and fragile, but after so many years and everything that has happened between them, the fact that they aren’t actively trying to kill each other is a big improvement.

True to my prediction, the bear people have completely disappeared. I’ve tried looking for them to see where they went, but so far I haven’t had any luck. Perhaps it’s for the best. So long as this alliance holds, they should stay gone.

Finally, everyone quiets down, and the pianist plays a soft tune as the assembly turns to watch as Lily appears at the door and walks down the aisle.

She is absolutely beautiful, and I couldn’t stop the smile on my face if I tried. The wolf is quiet as she gets closer, content to just enjoy this moment with satisfaction that I finally get to call her mine.