<b>Chapter </b>168
“They’ll be <b>provided </b>for,” I assured her. “The pack takes care of its own, even in cases like this. James is innocent in all this.”
She nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. “Good. That’s good.”
Afortable silence fell between us, her hand still in mine. The moment felt right–I needed to tell her about the mate bond, about what it truly <b>meant </b>that she had marked me. She deserved to know everything.
“Reba,” I started, guiding her to sit beside me <b>on </b>the edge of the bed. “There’s something else you should know– something important about us.”
Her gray–green eyes searched mine, curious but <b>unafraid</b>. “What is it?”
“That night at the bar, <b>when </b>we first met,” I said, “I felt something–a connection I’d never experienced before. My wolf recognized you immediately.” I swallowed, suddenly feeling vulnerable in a <b>way </b>I rarely allowed myself. “You’re my mate, Reba. My true mate. The one person the universe designed specifically for me.”
Her lips parted in surprise. “What? Like… like what I had with William?”
I nodded my head firmly. “Yes, exactly like your mate bond with William. You’re not just his mate–you’re mine too.”
“But how do you know?” she asked, her voice small.
“Because I feel it–here,” I ced her hand over my heart. And because of this.” I guided her fingers to the mark on my neck where she had bitten me during our passion. “When you marked me that night, you initiated the bond, though you didn’t <b>know </b>what you were doing.”
“It means we’re connected now, in a <b>way </b>that goes beyond human understanding. It’s more binding than marriage, more permanent <b>than </b>any humanmitment.” I held her gaze steadily. “I didn’t tell you sooner because I wanted you to heal from William’s betrayal. I didn’t want you to feel pressured or trapped.”
“Is that why I feel <b>so </b>drawn to you?” she whispered. “But I don’t seem to feel this bond.”
I nodded. “I believe the bond grows stronger with time. Eventually, we’ll be able to <b>sense </b>each other’s thoughts, feel each other’s pain and joy.”
“And the baby?” she asked, her free hand moving instinctively to her stomach<b>. </b>
“A blessing,” I said softly, “Human–wolf hybrids are special–they carry the best of both worlds.”
Reba was quiet for a long moment, processing everything I’d told her. I waited, my wolf pacing anxiously within me, fearing her rejection.
9:12 Fri, Sep <b>26 </b>|
“So, she finally said, her voice steadier than I expected, “how do I officially ept this mate bond?”
Relief <b>and </b>joy surged through me so intensely <b>that </b>I had to take a moment topose myself. “There’s a ceremony a marking ritual that’s traditionally performed during the full moon. But we can wait until you’re fully recovered. We
have time.”
“And am I the first <b>human </b>to be a… what did you call it? Luna?”
“No,” I smiled. “There have been human Lunas before. It’s umon but not unprecedented. You’ll face challenges, but you won’t face them alone. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Reba nodded slowly, then reached up to touch my face. I closed my eyes, leaning into her touch, savoring the simple contact that meant everything to my wolf.
“Thank you,” she <b>said </b>softly, “for your patience and for being honest with me.”
I opened my <b>eyes </b>to see her watching me with such tenderness that it made my breath catch. My mate. My Luna. The mother of my child. In that moment, I made a silent vow to spend the rest of my life earning the trust she ced in me.
“We should get some rest,” I said, noting the fatigue in her eyes. “Tomorrow will be difficult enough.”
The funeral. Another trial she would have to face, but not alone. Never alone again.
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