Page 59 of The Wolf's Captive
“Our wolf spirits recognise one another instantly,” Joseph went on, “inciting the mating bond. Once it has been established on the surface, we enact the ritual to bind the wolf spirits together for life. In doing so, they merge as one, forever entwined.”
A happy sigh fell from my lips as Malone gazed into my eyes, searching for my spirit within. I did the same, seeing his wolf eyes behind his human ones. The concept was purely fairy tale, and yet, my insides quivered in excitement as Joseph offered Malone the goblet.
Taking it, Malone set it on the floor between us and took out a small dagger from his pocket. He sliced his hand before I could protest and held it above the cup, allowing the drips of his blood to pool in the bottom.
When there was a small puddle, he held out his hand, which had already healed and gestured for me to extend mine. I did, almost flinching when our skin touched and sparks of electricity flew between us.
“Can I?” he whispered, holding the blade over my palm.
Sucking my bottom lip into my mouth, I nodded. The last time I’d seen a blade, I’d almost died. At least I could trust my mate with my life, even if the sharp sting made me wince.
My blood dribbled into the goblet, mixing with Malone’s. A light swirled within the red as Joseph picked up the goblet and held it to my lips. Opening them, I swallowed the bitter metallic liquid.
Malone took the drink from his elder and downed the rest. I wasn’t sure whether I liked that particular part of the ceremony, but at least it was over.
“Now,” Joseph said, “I call upon the wolf spirits of Malone Blakesley and Della Mason. Feel your DNA in each other and allow your wolves to meet in the middle.”
Smiling, Malone held my hands and leant forward, staring into my eyes. I did the same, looking for his wolf as its shadow emerged and slipped into me. A gasp escaped me as the caress of him heightened my senses, stroking my insides. Malone’s essence danced within me as mine did in him. I could feel him in every single nerve, every muscle, and every thought. And the pleasure was immeasurable.
“I welcome you, Della, into myself,” Malone muttered, his hooded eyes devouring me.
“I welcome you, Malone, into myself,” I repeated, my whole body vibrating with a soft love I’d never felt before.
Holding his arms out, Joseph interrupted our staring session. “And to bind you even further, I gift you the charm of the alpha. Two white gold wolf heads, entwined together.”
I looked at the wooden box he held open and sucked in a breath. The wolves were nestled into each other, the female’s neck tucked into the male’s. The craftsmanship was incredible, but so was the age of the piece. It must have been ancient, handed down to each alpha.
Pulling them apart, Joseph handed the female to Malone, who indicated that I lift my hair. Doing as I was told, I smiled as my mate leant close and fastened the clasp around my neck, kissing my ear as he pulled back.
The metal grew warm against my skin as I glanced down at it, delighted in receiving such an incredible gift.
“Your turn,” Joseph said, handing me the thicker chain.
Stretching up on my knees, I wound my arms around Malone and clipped the necklace on. The masculine wolf sat on his shirt, almost winking at me when the sunlight hit it.
“These symbols of union can never be removed.” Joseph gestured for us to stand. “And so the ceremony is complete.”
I felt around the back of my chain, raising my eyebrows when I couldn’t feel a clasp. Wow, the wolves really knew how to do romance.
Stepping forward, Malone threaded his arms around me and lifted me in the air. I giggled as everyone started to clap and cheer. I still felt him inside every part of me, sitting comfortably. Could he feel me the same way?
Lowering me, he planted his lips on mine and kissed me before ripping away. “I told you,” he said, placing his mouth near my ear, “I would make you mine.”
“Always,” I replied, winking up at him. “Although, we might need to cement that.”
The werewolves were whistling and chanting, encouraging us back to the camp for the celebration. Malone lifted his attention from me and waved them forward. “Let’s go drink!” he shouted.
Everyone quickly moved away from the lake, too interested in partying to congratulate us. Not that I minded, it was nice to have something positive happen for a change.
I followed Joseph off the jetty, marvelling at what had happened in such a short space of time. Everything had changed. I was no longer broken. In fact, I was more whole than Della the witch could’ve ever been.
Malone’s hand grabbed me back as the others disappeared into the woods. He held a finger to his mouth and nodded his head to the side, inviting me to follow him. A spark of excitement slipped through me as I went, treading around the lake to the small waterfall.
The sun glistened on the lake, dancing and shining on its surface. The small crash of the falling water was music to my ears as we drew near.
Malone turned to me as we reached the lake’s edge and placed his hands on my shoulder, slowly turning me away from him. His hands dug under my hair and unzipped my dress. I held back a gasp as he pushed the material down, his strong hands caressing my sides and hips as it dropped to the ground.
The cool air brushed against my skin, causing me to shudder. Who was I kidding? It was my wolf husband who had me trembling.