THE ALPHA'S HIDDEN MATE

THE ALPHA'S VOW

Chapter 20

The crumbling manor stood silent under the pale light of a waning moon, the air over Willow Creek, Oregon, heavy with the scent of ash and victory as the Silverfang pack gathered in its shadowed courtyard. Aria rested against Zane, her torn flannel patched with a borrowed jacket, the crescent-shaped birthmark on her wrist glowing softly, its heat a gentle pulse of their enduring bond. The wooden ring on her finger gleamed, a symbol of their hasty marriage, while her hand cradled her stomach, the faint kick of their pup a promise of hope. Zane’s green eyes shone with a mix of pride and caution, his patched black shirt tattered but his arm a steadfast support. The pack link thrummed vibrantly, binding them tighter after the night’s battle, though Mira’s escape lingered as a whisper of unfinished business.

Zane brushed a kiss to her temple, his voice low. “We’ve won this round,” he said, his hand joining hers on her belly. “Our family’s safe.”

Aria smiled, her heart full, the mark tingling. “Thanks to you—all of you,” she replied, glancing at the pack. Lyra cleaned her bloodied knife, her silver hair catching the moonlight, while Sienna tended to Jake, his wounds bandaged, Clara at his side. Torin stood watch, his club lowered, his scarred face relaxed for the first time.

Clara stepped forward, her blonde hair disheveled but her eyes steady. “Rourke’s submitted,” she said, her voice firm. “The Blackthorns will honor the truce. Jake’s safe, and I… I’m sorry for what I did.”

Zane nodded, his expression softening. “Your loyalty’s back where it belongs,” he said. “We’ll rebuild—together.”

A rustle in the trees made them tense, but it was Finn and Jace returning, their faces grim. “Mira’s trail ends at the river,” Finn reported. “She’s gone, but her magic’s weak. She won’t strike soon.”

Lyra snorted, sheathing her knife. “Good riddance. For now.”

Sienna smiled weakly, her braids swaying. “We should head back, fortify the lodge. Aria needs rest.”

Zane agreed, lifting Aria gently, her exhaustion evident but her spirit strong. The pack moved, the forest quiet, the threat diminished. Back at the lodge, the walls shimmered with renewed magic as Aria’s blood reinforced them, the mark glowing faintly. The pack settled, sharing food and stories, their unity a shield.

As the night deepened, Zane led Aria to the ritual room, the stone circle glowing under candlelight. “Our bond saved us,” he said, pulling her close, his hands framing her face. “I want to make this official—again, properly.”

Aria’s breath caught, her wolf purring. “A real wedding?” she asked, her voice soft.

“With the pack, under the moon,” he said, his eyes intense. “When you’re ready.”

She nodded, tears brimming, the mark flaring with joy. “Yes,” she whispered, kissing him, the pack link humming with their love.

Days passed, the lodge buzzing with preparations. On a clear night, under a full moon, the pack gathered outside, stones arranged in a circle. Aria wore a simple white dress, Zane in a clean shirt, their hands clasped. Lyra officiated, her voice steady, reciting ancient vows. “By the moon and pack, I bind you—Zane and Aria, mates and leaders, forever.”

The pack cheered, the mark glowing as they exchanged rings—his a silver band, hers a matching one. The lodge’s magic surged, a protective dome forming, the Blackthorns’ truce holding under Rourke’s watch. Clara and Jake joined, their place restored, the pack whole.

Later, in their room, Zane held Aria, his hand on her growing belly. “Our pup will know peace,” he murmured, his lips on hers.

Aria smiled, the mark dimming, their love a beacon. “And love,” she said, the pack link a warm embrace. Outside, the forest whispered, Mira’s shadow distant, but their family—pack and pup—stood strong, a new chapter beginning in the quiet night.