The Alpha's Prize

I peered down at Cain, my eyes taking in his exhausted features. Cain wasn't wearing a shirt, only a blanket covering him. I slid the blanket down, revealing his once muscular physique and seeing him in such a withering state made my chest ache. My hand glided along his skin, stopping above his heart, and I could feel his weakened heart slowly beat against my palm.

I reached down for the powder and opened the bottle before sprinkling the yellow substance onto his chest. Then, just as Helena instructed, I grabbed the moon rock next and placed it on top of the powder, in the center of his chest. I closed my eyes for a beat and sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm my frazzled nerves. Next, I repeated the words she told me. “Death be no more and life come forth,” I said aloud, my voice cracking slightly.

I then sat back and watched him curiously. My eyes frantically searched Cain's statuesque frame for any movement, but there was nothing. His chest began to rise and fall heavily, then suddenly stopped. My brows furrowed in confusion, and I placed my fingers on his neck, feeling for a pulse. However, I couldn't feel his heart beating; there was nothing. I put my ear to his chest, listening intently for the sound of his thumping heart, but it was eerily quiet, Cain was no longer breathing, and he was dead.

I jumped up from the bed, moving away from him, as I realized that he was gone and that I had failed him. My lip began to quiver, my chest heaving and tears welled in my eyes. I nearly collapsed from the heartbreak I felt; it had only been a few weeks since I had met Cain, and I had fallen in love with him in just that short amount of time. I had been slowly getting to know the monster himself, the King of rogues, the feared Alpha of the Dead pack. Yet, I was privileged enough to uncover a side to him that others didn't see, and as a result, strong feelings had manifested each day for him. I was Cain's prize, but little did he know that he was my prize too.

A quiet sob came from behind me, and I looked over my shoulder to see Rose standing there and crying. She caught my gaze, and her expression turned into one of sympathy.

Rose lowered her hands. “Oh, Freja.” She said, her voice shaky. I shook my head and raised my hand, silencing her, before turning my attention back to Cain. I walked back to the bed and leaned down, placing a soft kiss on his forehead. Tears were now streaming down my face, and I wiped them away as I stared down at his face. I closed my eyes and sucked in a deep, shaky breath, then covered Cain's body with the blanket.

I turned back to Rose, who was now distraught, tears soaking her supple skin. I couldn't handle all the emotions; I couldn't fully comprehend the situation, the fact that he was truly gone and to be honest, I didn't want to; I didn't want this to be real. So, without saying another word, I walked out of the room. As I walked out and down the hall, I could hear Rose sobbing, but the immense pain I was feeling was greater than my need to comfort her. So I continued through the halls, not sparing anyone a glance or saying a word.

I reached our room and hesitantly opened the door, unsure if I wanted to be in here without him, in the room where we had created so many memories together, where we had gotten to know each other and given a piece of ourselves to one another. Although it was now empty, his scent lingered throughout the bedroom, everywhere I looked reminded me of him, and all I had left of Cain were the memories we had created in such a small amount of time.

I walked over to the bed and sat down on the plush mattress, pinching the bridge of my nose while trying to think of where I had gone wrong. I had followed Helena's directions, did everything as she had instructed, and yet, I had failed. I couldn't save Cain, and now he was gone; I had lost him before I even had the chance to tell him how I felt.

Suddenly, a knock came at the door, I looked up and sighed, not in the mood for company, but apparently, that didn't matter as Gunnar entered the room. I put my head down, knowing if I looked at him, my walls would come down, and my emotions would come out.

Gunnar walked over to the bed and sat beside me. “I heard what happened, and I'm sorry, Freja.” He said solemnly.

I didn't respond, only pursed my lips and nodded my head lightly. He placed a heavy hand around my shoulders and pulled me into him, holding me firmly against his side. We stayed like that for a minute, silently, as Gunnar attempted to console me.

Gunnar released a heavy sigh. “Freja, don’t blame yourself for any of this; you did everything you could, and it's not your fault that it didn't work. I know you wanted to save him, to get him back, but at times, things happen that are out of our control. As much as I disliked Cain, I do know he loved you and cared for you.” He said in a meaningful tone, his words tugging at the strings of my heart.

I bit my inner lip, trying to hold back my tears. “I know, I just...wanted so badly to save him, to get Cain back and yet, he was stolen from me. Our future was taken from us before we even had the chance to create one together. All of this happened because of me, Adela, Erik, it's my fault, and now Cain's gone, for good.” The tears finally fell, streaming down my face now, as my chest heaved erratically.

Gunnar wrapped his other arm around me, pulling me flush to his chest and holding me close. The tears continued to fall, now soaking his shirt, as Gunnar consoled me. I didn't want to believe this was true, that anything of this had happened. Within the short span of a few days, I had lost family, friends, an enemy, my wolf and now, my mate. I couldn't deal with this; I didn't want to deal with this; 1 just wanted the pain to go away.

I reared back from Gunnar, sniffling and wiping the tears away. “I'd like to be alone for a while, please,” I said quietly.

Gunnar sighed. “I don't think that's a good idea; you shouldn't be alone right now.” He told me, worry in his tone.

I closed my eyes. “Please, Gunnar, I need to try and deal with everything on my own. I also need to have a shower.” I told him, hoping he would just give me some time to myself.

I looked up at him, and he was sitting there silently, fighting with himself to give me what I was asking for, but he reluctantly agreed, “Fine, I'll leave you be for a while, but I'll be back later on, to check on you.” Gunnar said, his tone holding promise.

I nodded my head. “Thank you,” I replied, glad that he was respecting my wishes, just as he always did.

Gunnar stood up from the bed and stared down at me intently. “If you need me or anything at all, just holler; I'll be just down the hallway. So, don't hesitate to call for me; I don't care what it's for, understood?” At the moment, he reminded me of our father, and I chuckled inwardly at the resemblance.

I nodded my head. “Yes, thank you,” I told him, giving him a reassuring smile.

He turned on his heel and walked to the door, hesitantly opening it. Gunnar shot me one more glance before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. Once he was gone, I laid down on the bed, letting more tears stream down my face again. I screamed internally at the anger and grief that was consuming my mind and body.

I sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm myself and decided to have a shower. I got up from the bed and started walking to the bathroom but stopped, my eyes drifting towards the balcony doors. I walked over to the doors, whipping them open and stepped outside. There was a storm brewing in the sky, and it was now raining. I stood there, the rain soaking my body, and I fell to my knees. As I rubbed my hands down my face, feeling more overwhelmed and distraught by the second, I looked to the sky and asked why?

Just as I expected, I got no response, no answers, and I felt more lost than I ever have in my life. I closed my eyes and slowly stood to my feet, wrapping my arms around myself. I walked back into the bedroom, kicked the doors closed, then went into the bathroom, took my clothes off, and turned the shower on, allowing the water to flow.

As I stepped under the stream, the water was warm, easing some of my anxiety. I sat on the cold tile floor, bent my legs up before wrapping my arms around them, and then rested my head on my knees—the warm water cascading down my body and wrapping me in its warmth. I stayed like that for a while, just letting the dark emotions wash away, even for this short bit of time.

After what felt like an hour, I decided to get out of the shower. I wrapped myself in a towel and reached for a bathrobe, drying myself off first before putting it on. I walked out of the bathroom and over to the bed, staring down at it apprehensively, not liking the emptiness. I took off the towel and put on a shirt, as well as some underwear.

I laid down on the bed, covering myself with the blanket and facing his side of the bed. I stared at the empty space, missing his big ass, hogging the bed. I attempted to shut off my thoughts as I closed my eyes, but that was pointless. My mind continued to race as I thought about everything that had happened recently, and it was all too much.

Suddenly, I heard the bedroom door open, and I sighed, knowing Gunnar was checking up on me again. I didn't move, not having the energy to do so. “Gunnar, I told you I wanted to be alone for a while,” I said, but no response, only the sound of soft footsteps approaching the bed. I groaned internally at his shitty listening skills, then the bed dipped down, and I could feel him sitting next to me now. Growing irritated with him, I went to roll over, only to be caged between two strong, muscular arms and shivers coursed through my body as I stared into those familiar alluring, green eyes.

He stared into my eyes, and a smirk spread across his face. “Did you really think you would get rid of me that easy, love?” Cain said, and I didn't know if I wanted to slap him or kiss him. Instead, I reached my hand up, caressing his cheek softly, and Cain closed his eyes, leaning into my touch before a low growl rumbled from his chest.

Numerous emotions started to rise within me, sadness, happiness, anger, love and lust, all of them consuming me. Then, without thinking, I pulled my hand back and slapped him across the face. “I thought I lost you. Don't ever fucking do that to me again.” I shouted, angry at him for sacrificing himself as he did.

The impact of my slap had caused his head to turn to the side slightly. He turned his head back in my direction, grinning mischievously, and I rolled my eyes at him. Cain then gripped my wrists tightly and pinned them above my head.

He bent down, his lips brushing against my ear. “Now, now love, don't be so feisty or do I need to teach you a lesson so soon?” Cain whispered, his voice deep yet soft.

Cain pulled back and stared into my eyes before engulfing my mouth with his, kissing me tenderly and passionately. I melted into him, embracing this moment I longed for before pulling back to gasp for air. “You scared me; I thought you were dead. Why did you sacrifice yourself?” I told him honestly and asked the question that had been heavy on my mind.

He rubbed the back of his neck and gave me a commiserating stare. “I thought I was dead too, if I am being honest, but I just suddenly woke up, feeling dazed, lost and a little feral. No one else knows I am awake; the nurses checked me over after I calmed down and said I'm fine now. Rose then told me how upset you were, so I came straight here.” Cain cupped my cheek, his features softening. “Freja, I know what happened scared you, and that was not my intention, but I would die 1000 times, in the most brutal of ways, if it meant saving your life. You are my mate, and although you are a pain in my ass, I love you and would do anything for you.” So he told me, and I felt a pang in my chest from his words.

Cain leaned down again, his lips gently rubbing against mine before he froze. He reared back, his brows furrowed, and Cain stared at me with a bewildered expression. “Something is different about you; something has changed.” He said curiously.

I swallowed hard, afraid to tell him what had happed, fearing his reaction. “What do you mean?” I asked, playing dumb.

His eyes roamed my face. “I can't scent your wolf.” Cain's tone was clipped, and I could see it in his eyes that he didn't believe me.

I glanced away from him, not wanting to tell him the truth, but he placed a finger under my chin and turned my gaze back to his scrutinizing stare. “Freja, what the fuck happened?” He demanded to know.

I exhaled heavily. “Well, the knife you were stabbed with was rare and also cursed to kill any supernatural. However, it barely penetrated your skin and was instead killing you slowly. I couldn’t bear it; seeing you like that was tearing me apart inside, and then someone told me that there was a cure. So, Gunnar and I travelled to the forest of the damned and got the cure, but I had to pay the price to get the cure. Unfortunately, the price was my wolf.” I regretfully told him.

He sat up on the bed and looked away from me before abruptly standing to his feet. Cain started to pace around the room, making me anxious, and I wondered what was going through his mind. I sat up, my eyes following his every move. “Say something,” I asked him, disliking his silent treatment. Cain walked over to the dresser and slammed his hands down on the wooden piece of furniture, then hung his head. His whole body tensed. “How could you do that?" He asked through gritted teeth.

I stood up from the bed. “I was told that there was a chance I could save you, and I took that chance without hesitation. Yes, the price was devastating, but my wolf and I agreed on the decision together. She and I wanted to save you, and we were willing to do whatever it took.” I told him, proud of the decision because we did it, we saved him, which meant her death wasn't for nothing. Cain straightened himself, standing to his full height. “What if you had died?” He growled out.

I sucked in a deep breath. “But I didn't.” I had known the risks and that there was a chance I wouldn't make it, but Cain was worth taking that chance.

A deep growl rumbled from him, reverberating throughout the room, and it was clear that he was pissed with my decisions. Cain turned around, facing me now and stormed towards me. He gripped my wrists firmly, then spun me around before bending me over and burying my face into the bed. Cain laid on top of me, his hard cock pressed against my ass, and my whole body felt alive from the contact. He gripped my hair tightly in his hand, yanking my head back before his soft lips brushed against my ear and causing goosebumps to spread across my heated skin. “I think you need to be taught a lesson.” He said in a seductive and husky tone.

I squeezed my thighs together as the lust for him grew. “Yes, I do,” I whispered, and Cain released a satisfactory growl before nipping my ear. He reared back, then flipped me over and onto my back. Cain straddled me, careful not to put his full weight on me and then ripped my shirt in half. I wasn't wearing a bra, and he seemed pleased with this, as a smile spread across those plump lips while he cupped my breasts in his hands and rolled my nipples between his thumb and forefinger.

Cain stood from the bed and removed what was left of my shirt. He ripped the torn fabric in half again before flipping me back onto my stomach. Then, straddling me once again, Cain tied my hands together with a piece of the shirt before tying the other end to the bed post.

My panties were soaked from my juices, as the desire to have him was stronger than ever. Once he was finished tying me, he rubbed his hands down my body, sending shockwaves across my skin. Cain ripped my underwear off and pulled the fabric out from under me. My ass was now bare to him, and he squeezed it roughly.

Cain's hand reached between us, his fingers gliding along my inner thigh, and I spread my legs as much as I could, giving him better access. His fingers slid down my wet folds, then gently rubbed my clit, and my breathing hitched. Cain pushed a finger inside of me, pumping it in and out at a steady pace. Then, he added another finger and picked up his pace.

My moans filled the room as Cain continued his assault on my throbbing core, stroking my clit and pumping his fingers inside of me with skill. His thumb rubbed against my asshole, gently and my eyes widened, wondering what he was doing. Then, Cain slowly slid his thumb inside of me, and I released a loud gasp as it burned a little.

I squirmed beneath him. “Cain, what...” He didn’t let me continue my questioning.

He leaned down, the heat of his body radiating on my back, as he wrapped an arm around my neck and covered my mouth with his hand. “Shh, be a good girl and be quiet,” Cain whispered sweetly and softly.

Cain continued to fill me, pumping his fingers in and out of both holes. My orgasm was peaking, my heart racing, my breathing erratic, and my legs began to shake at the immense pleasure building within me. Then, abruptly, he stopped, rearing back and pulling his hand away from me, leaving me to sit there on the edge of sensual bliss.

I lifted my head and tried to look over my shoulder, watching as Cain stood from the bed before stripping his clothes off, revealing his muscular and toned body. He was naked now, his cock hard and throbbing.

Cain gripped my legs and bent them, putting my ass in the air as he spread me wide open. Then, he climbed back onto the bed and rubbed his tip against my wet folds, causing a jolt of raw ecstasy to rocket throughout me. I gripped the fabric wrapped around my wrists, holding onto it like a lifeline. Next, Cain gripped my hips firmly and held me in place as he teasingly pushed himself inside of me. He continued inching his cock inside, taking his sweet time, and it was now becoming agonizing, as I needed more of him.

I wiggled my hips. “Stop being a tease and fuck me,” I shouted, getting frustrated with Cain's games, as the need to release was becoming excruciating now.

Cain stilled, then smacked my ass hard, causing me to moan. He then gripped my hair forcefully and leaned down. “Do not give me orders; I'll do as I please, and you, my love, will be a good little girl, taking every inch I give you, no matter how slow.” He whispered seductively, and my body shook.

I writhed beneath him as the lust and desire intensified. “Pretty please, I need you, Cain,” I whined, needing to feel him inside me and craving the release.

He growled approvingly before slamming into me. Cain tilted my head back and nipped on my neck as he pulled out slowly, only to slam into me once again. I gasped at the mixture of pain and pleasure. He straightened himself, gripping my hips tightly and started thrusting into me with a gentle force. His pace picked up, fucking me harder, faster and deeper, pushing me closer to the edge.

My body vibrated, almost dizzying, and the heat between my legs grew, feeling as though I was on fire. Cain's hand slid along my sensitive skin, reaching beneath me and started to skillfully rub my clit, in a circler motion. My orgasm was climbing, reaching its peak, and my legs weakened.

"Oh, Cain.” I moaned out, unable to keep silent, as I neared the edge of pure bliss.

Cain released a groan, his breathing becoming heavy. He gripped onto the fabric wrapped around my wrists and tore it from me, freeing me from my restraints. Cain then pulled out before flipping me over and onto my back. The look in his eyes was carnal and hungry as he stared down at my naked body. I bit my lip and writhed under his watchful gaze, anticipating his next move.

He caressed my exposed skin and sent jolts of electricity throughout my body as his fingers glided along my sensitive skin. Cain leaned down, and his supple lips kissed my stomach before trailing upwards. Cain squeezed my breast with his hand while taking the other in his mouth, sucking and biting on my taut nipple.

Finally, he captured my mouth with his, kissing me with a fiery passion as he thrust into me again. Cain bent my legs, and his hands slid under my ass, causing him to go deeper inside of me. This new position sent me into a frenzy, feeling every inch of his hard length inside me now, and I couldn't get enough of it or him. Again, Cain thrust into me furiously, driving me over the edge. My insides constricted, and my legs shook as my orgasm finally reached its peak.

As I climaxed, I screamed out his name, and my head spun from my release. Cain's fingernails dug into my skin as he held on for dear life, pumping into me at a rapid pace. His breathing was erratic, his grunts filling the room as he continued his assault on my swollen and throbbing pussy.

Cain released himself inside me with one final, deep thrust, reaching his own climax at last. Then, Cain's arms wrapped around me, lifting me up and pressing our bodies together. He held me close and firmly against him while we both came down from the high of our climaxes.

He reared back, brushing the hair from my face and gazed into my eyes. Cain's eyes held so much emotion, and I knew this was the moment for me to open up to him finally.

I sucked in a deep breath and pressed my forehead against his. “I love you, Cain. You are my mate, with or without my wolf, and I know you are mad about the decisions I made, but if I were given a chance to redo things, I wouldn't change a fucking thing because it was worth it for you. Just like it was worth you sacrificing your life for me.” I told him honestly, not holding anything back.

His features softened, and he sighed, “I love you too, Freja, but you shouldn't have done that. I have done a lot of bad and fucked up things during my time on this earth. Giving my life for yours was my way of doing the right thing for once in my existence.” Cain said, his tone deep and firm.

His words struck a chord with me, and I understood where he was coming from, but I still stood by my decision. “I stand by my decision, Cain. I did it for all the right and wrong reasons, you might not like my choices, but you will have to learn to suck it up. I've never felt something so deep within me like 1 do with you; it nearly killed me at the thought of losing you. I didn't want to exist anymore without you.” I confessed, telling Cain exactly how his decision had affected me and its toll on me emotionally.

His upper lip twitched before his lips curled up and into a smile. Cain entangled his hand within my hair, gripping the strands with his fingers, and he closed the distance between us, capturing my lips with his.

Cain lifted me up and off his lap. He laid down on the cool sheets, flat on his back and pulled me into him, wrapping his arm tightly around me as he yanked me closer to him, leaving no space between us. Cain kissed the top of my head, lingering there for a moment.

Both of us were comfortable, feeling content in each other's arms as the heavyweight of sleep wrapped around us. This moment almost felt surreal, like everything was a dream. Cain had nearly died, I had almost lost him, and I could've died, to be honest, a piece of me did. I got Cain back, but I had lost something that meant just as much to me as he does. I could only hope that she was alright and happy wherever she was.

I woke up, and the bed was empty; slight panic stirred within me, as I didn't know where Cain was. I jumped out of bed, frantically looking around and noticed a letter on the back of the door. Walking over to the door, I ripped the paper from where it was placed and read it. “Something came up; it's important. I'll be back later. Love, Cain.” Great! I just got him back, and already he is running off. I threw the paper on the floor and walked into the bathroom. Just as I was finishing up, a knock sounded at the door. I walked over to the door and opened it. On the other side of the door stood Rose, a saddened expression on her face.

Panic started to rise inside me, automatically thinking the worst. I fully opened the door, furrowing my brows. “What's the matter, Rose?” I asked, concern lacing my tone.

She stepped into the room and turned to me, straightening herself, “I'm sorry to tell you this, but Samara is dead.”

My stomach churned, and my chest tightened. “What? When? How?" I frantically fired off questions, my eyes searching her face.

Rose sucked in a breath. “Samara’s body was found down in the cellar. One of the guards said they had seen her with Calyx, the day of the attack. Her neck had been snapped, and we presume that Calyx killed her. I'm so sorry, Freja. I know you were close to her.” Rose walked up to me and hugged me, and I froze in my spot, her actions catching me off guard. I wasn't much of a hugger, but it felt nice to have someone comfort me right now.

I patted her back in an awkward way, trying to comfort her as well. This sudden news was not expected, and I felt distraught. Samara was meeting with Calyx because of me; it was my fault that she was dead. I felt sick at the thought of losing someone so special and dear to me, especially when their death was because of my actions. I had never meant for her to get hurt or lose her life.

I reared back from Rose, needing some space. “Will there be a funeral?” I asked, my voice slightly cracking.

Rose sniffled and wiped the tears from her face before nodding. “Yes, of course. Tomorrow there will be a final goodbye, and she will be given back to the earth.” She told me, still trying to control her emotions.

I scrunched my brows. “What do you mean, given back to the earth?” I asked, confused

"Well, when a pack member passes, they are given a final farewell before being buried in the ground. Once again, becoming one with the earth, just as we are before being born.” She informed me, and I found this interesting as our way of burying the dead was completely different.

I pursed my lips. “Do all packs bury their dead differently? In my old pack, we would say a final goodbye and then send them off on a handcrafted pyre, which was lit on fire by the member's spouse or closest relative. The smoke, carrying them up to the moon goddess.” I told her and then remembered Mikael's funeral.

Rose raised her brows, seeming to be intrigued by this. “I guess I would have to assume that each pack does it differently. Each pack having their own traditions and ways of saying goodbye.” She said, giving me a small smile, and I liked the idea of that.

I nodded my head. “Please let me know where and what time the funeral will be,” I asked of her. She gave me a curt nod. “Of course I will.” Rose then hugged me again, squeezing tightly, before releasing me and walking out of the room

I went over to the bed and sat down, realizing I had just lost another person. Was I cursed to continue losing people? Was everyone around me doomed to die? I rubbed my hands down my face, feeling overwhelmed and defeated. Finally, I laid down on the bed and closed my eyes, trying to ease the turmoil that clouded my mind.

Sometime later, I was woken up by Violet barging into the room. “Enough of that, time to get up, my dear.” She thundered, making me groan at her bubbliness.

I hadn't meant to fall asleep, but I guess I was more tired than I had thought. I covered my head with my arm. “Why? I don’t want to.” I whined, still feeling the effects of sleep.

Violet smacked my foot. “Too bad, you need to get ready, and we don’t have much time.” She scolded me, and now I was confused.

My brows furrowed, and I looked up at her. “Get ready for what?” I asked curiously.

She smiled at me, giving me an enigmatic stare. “The Alpha has requested your presence and has asked me to help you get ready. Now, come on, he doesn't like to be kept waiting.” Violet clapped her hands, urging me to get up.

I wrinkled my nose at her words, as I had no idea what the fuck she was talking about right now. “Requested...” Violet cut me off, silencing my questions.

Violet held up a hand. “No more questions.” She said while placing a dress on the bed and then directed me towards the bathroom. I was baffled as to what was going on, and the fact that she wouldn't tell me anything was a bit irritating.

After Violet had done my hair and makeup, which I was against, but apparently, I had no choice, she told me to put on the dress that she laid on the bed earlier. Violet handed me the dress, and I went into the bathroom to put it on. The dress was black in colour and had flecks of red near the bottom. The material reached the floor and had an A-line bodice, as the straps rested just off my shoulders. The dress wasn't poofy or too girly and conformed to my body perfectly, making me feel beautiful. I stared at myself in the mirror for a moment, for once, liking what I saw reflecting in the glass. Then, I smiled at myself and walked out of the bathroom.

Violet stood there, tears brimming her eyes, as she clutched her hands to her mouth. “Oh, Luna, you look absolutely radiant.” She said, smiling broadly.

I looked down at the dress and then back up at her. “Will you tell me why I am wearing this? And what is going on?” I begged her, needing information.

She shook her head furiously and grinned wickedly. “Nope, no time for that. We need to leave, or we are going to be late.” She said in a rush, and now, I was even more curious, wondering where it was we needed to be?

Violet grabbed my hand before leading me out of the bedroom, through the halls and out the back doors. She abruptly stopped as we exited through the doors. “I need to cover your eyes.” She told me.

I furrowed my brows. “Why?” I asked hesitantly.

She gave me a warm and comforting smile. “Just trust me.” Violet requested of me, and although I was reluctant, I did trust her.

I nodded and allowed her to cover my eyes with her hand, knowing that I would be safe with her. Violet held my hand in hers and guided me through the yard, warning me of any obstacles in my way, so I didn't trip and make a fool of myself. Not knowing where we were going or what the fuck was going on made me feel quite uneasy. My heart rate increased, my chest rising and falling heavily, as we continued to walk.

I huffed in frustration, becoming impatient now. “I don't like this, you know,” I told Violet honestly, and she chuckled at me. Did she think I was joking?

After a few moments, we finally came to a stop. “Are you ready?” Violet whispered, barely holding back her excitement.

As if knowing that the suspense and anticipation were killing me, Violet took her time in lowering her hand from my face. I slowly opened my eyes, only to be utterly astounded by what was now before me. We were at the willow tree, and I couldn't believe my eyes as I looked upon Gunnar, mom and dad standing beneath the tree. Twinkling lights were strung throughout the low hanging leaves, and a wooden arch stood beside the tree, decorated in white silks and dahlia flowers. Finally, standing within the arch was Cain, a broad and satisfied smile plastered across his face.

I rushed over and engulfed my parents in a tight hug, embracing their presence. I had missed them both so much, and it was a huge relief to see them, to be able to hug them once again.

I reared back, my eyes flickering between the many faces and the scenery before me, confused more than ever now. “What's going on?” I asked.

Mom clasped my shoulders, tears brimming in her eyes, and a proud look appeared on dad's features. “Honey, this is your mating ceremony.” Mom said gleefully.

My brows furrowed, and I looked to Cain, who was now grinning from ear to ear, clearly proud of himself. Was this the important business he had to take care of today?

Dad held my hands in his, and I softened, thankful they were here with me. “Alpha Cain had asked your mother and me to come here, informing us that he planned to mate with you officially,” Dad told me, gratitude lacing his tone.

Even after losing my wolf, Cain still wanted to mate with me, tying us together for life and making me his Luna. My chest ached at this realization, and he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, someone who accepted me the way I am.

Mom hugged me tightly, nearly knocking the wind out of me. “I'm so happy to see you again, honey, and you look stunning.” She said, sniffling.

Violet then walked over, placing her hand on mom's back. “Please, follow me.” She told my mother. Mom kissed me on the cheek before walking away with Violet.

Dad linked his arm with mine. “Are you ready?” He asked and I nodded, swallowing my nerves down harshly.

We started to walk towards the arch, and Gunnar leaned down as we walked past him. “Don’t trip!" He whispered.

I glared at him. “Shut up,” I whispered yelled while shoving him in the shoulder. Gunnar chuckled, and I stuck my tongue out at him.

Dad glanced between us, silently scolding us, and we immediately ceased our childish behaviour. As we neared the arch, I was able to get a better look at Cain now. He was wearing a white shirt with a casual black vest that formed perfectly to his muscular arms and chest, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The shirt was unbuttoned at the top, revealing his sculpted chest and causing me to drool over him internally. In addition, he had on a pair of dark jeans that hugged his curves and showcased that gorgeous ass of Cain's.

Cain's hair was slicked back lazily, and his green eyes sparkled under the light; he looked breathtaking. Finally, dad stopped, just feet away from Cain and turned to me, kissing me on the forehead, before turning to Cain and giving him an approving nod. Cain then held out his hand, and I willingly took it.

We now stood under the arch, facing each other, and I couldn't be happier at this moment. Suddenly, Ryder approached the arch, a grin on his face, as he glanced between us.

He raised his hands in a welcoming gesture and looked at those gathered around us. “Today, we are here to bind Cain Lucian Ryker and Freja Revna Forrester together as one,” Ryder said aloud, and he continued to speak, but my focus was set on Cain as I stared into his eyes and lost myself within those green pools. He had done all this for me and was now giving himself to me.

"Alpha Cain has a few words that he would like to say,” Ryder said, catching my attention.

I scrunched my brows together as Cain's grip tightened around my hands. “Before I had met you, I was contempt to live the rest of my life in solitude. I thought I was better off without a mate, but when I saw you that day in the woods, everything changed for me. My future doesn't exist without you in it because you are my future. Freja, you are my everything, and I love you with all that I am.” Tears now streamed down my face at his words, at his whole-hearted confession.

I smiled at him, my bottom lip slightly quivering. “I love you too,” I choked out.

Ryder looked at me. “Freja, do you take Alpha Cain as your mate?” He asked.

I nodded. “Yes, I take Alpha Cain as my mate, my lover, my friend and my everything,” I replied, meaning every word and Cain growled approvingly.

Ryder looked to Cain. “Alpha, do you take Freja as your mate?”

Cain grinned. “Yes, I take Freja as my mate, now and always.” He said confidently.

Ryder then clapped his hands together. “Then, by the powers of the Moon Goddess, we ask that she bind you both together as one for the rest of your days.” He said gleefully, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Cain wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into him. His hand snaked up my back before he gripped the back of my head and captured my lips with his, taking my breath away. After consuming my mouth for a moment, Cain pulled back from me, smiling like an idiot, and as I looked up at him, I couldn't stop the goofy smile that appeared on my lips.

I couldn't believe we had just done that; we had bonded ourselves to one another, something I never thought would happen for me, and when I did think about it, I wasn't sure if it was something I truly wanted. However, tying myself to this god-like man was one thing I didn't second guess; there was no hesitation, he was mine, and I was his.

Ryder howled. “It's my pleasure to announce Alpha Cain and Luna Freja.” He beamed happily.

Cain and I had done it; we had beaten the odds and overcame the impossible. We had faced situations that should have broken us, but we pushed forward with the strength we gave to each other and came out standing side by side. I wouldn't have it any other way or with anyone else; it was him and me forever and always.