Then, through gritted teeth, he said, "I accept the bond. I swear it."
He said the words, but they carried no warmth, no promise. They were an obligation fulfilled, nothing more.
My eyes snapped up to look at him. In his eyes burned that same boundless hatred, silently promising me that this union would only make him despise me all the more.
Elder Gianna didn't seem to notice or perhaps she simply didn't care. She raised her hands, calling upon the power of the pack, the blessing of the Moon Goddess.
"Then by the authority vested in me, by the ancient laws of our kind, I bind you together. Alpha and Luna. Mates. Partners. Let the pack witness, let the Goddess bless this union."
She produced a ceremonial blade, silver and ancient, its handle worn smooth by countless hands. "Blood to bl
