“Well, it would be a little more convenient if some things were universal in the supernatural world,” she snapped.

  “Some things are universal. For instance, there isn’t a being in existence that couldn’t possibly want to take a bite out of your mouthy hide.” Decebel winked at her. Her mouth dropped open, and she paused mid-shuffle. Sally reached over and pushed Jen’s chin up, effectively snapping her mouth closed.

  “Jen, how ‘bout I just take over the shuffling, k?” Sally cautiously took the deck of cards from her while Jen continued to glare at Decebel.

  * * *

  Fane lay next to a sleeping Jacquelyn. The quiet hum of the plane engine hummed like a lullaby. He noticed how much Jacque seemed to have improved after taking his blood twice. The bruise on her cheek had faded to the soft green color they get just before they disappear. He hadn’t looked at her back again to see if the claw marks had begun to heal. Fane didn’t know if she would have scars since she was only half Canis lupus.

  She looked beautiful lying next to him. He gently picked up a lock of her hair and brought it to his face. The soft strands against his skin were like silk, and the scent he breathed in from them was a little piece of heaven. He couldn’t begin to express his thankfulness and joy at having her back with him.

  The plane gave a jerk as it ran into turbulence, the disturbance causing Jacquelyn to stir. Fane watched as her eyes fluttered open and then collided with his own. His breath was drawn from his lungs at the softness and love he saw reflected in Jacquelyn’s beautiful emerald eyes. He saw her eyebrows draw together when a question formed on her pink lips.

  “Why did your parents only have one child?” she asked him.

  Fane took a deep breath. “They tried to have more, but my mother kept losing the pregnancies.”

  “Oh, Fane, I’m sorry. That must have been hard for her.” Jacquelyn took his hand, brought it to her lips, and she gently kissed his palm.

  “You should know, just in case in the future you want to try, it is difficult for our kind to conceive. We don’t know why, but it’s not common for mates to have more than one or two children.”

  “Maybe Cynthia could help.” Her eyes brightened.

  Fane smiled at her forever optimism, but then his eyes narrowed. “Cynthia has a lot to answer for.”

  “Oh, Fane.” He watched as Jacquelyn’s face softened. “I know what she did was wrong, but I understand that she was hurt and angry. She got me out of there, and she could have died fighting Logan so I could get away. Please don’t hurt her.”

  He tilted her chin up so he could look into her eyes. “You really forgive her, even after all you endured?”

  Jacquelyn nodded and searched his face.”I forgive her,” she said simply.

  Fane closed his eyes briefly and pressed his lips gently to hers. “I will discuss it with my father.”

  He watched her lips turn up and her eyes lighten. “Thank you, wolf-man.”

  He inclined his head to her, never taking his eyes from hers.

  “Jacquelyn, how did things go with your father? I didn’t listen in on your conversation with him when you parted ways.” Fane’s eyes softened, and his mouth turned up in a reassuring smile.

  “It was okay. He really felt like he needed to get home and talk to his mate. Apparently, she doesn’t know a thing about me. I’m glad I got to meet him. I’m glad that I know he cares about me, but he isn’t who I need right now. The time for me to have a father has passed, Fane, and Dillon understands that. He is happy for us, and that means a lot to me, but it’s my mate that I need now.”

  Fane leaned forward and kissed her forehead gently as her words seeped into his heart.

  “Can I ask you a question?” she asked when he pulled back.

  “I could deny you nothing, Luna. Perhaps you will allow me to look at the marks on your back to see if they are healing as quickly as the bruise on your face while you satisfy your curiosity,” he bartered.

  She rolled onto her stomach and let him pull her shirt up so he could examine her skin.

  “Do you ever wonder if the Canis lupus want an alpha? Do you think they have ever wanted to be, like, a democracy?”

  Fane chuckled. He ran his fingers lightly across the claw marks that were now red slashes, the skin already closed.

  “Where did this question come from?” He pulled her shirt back down.

  She rolled back onto her side, her eyes downcast sheepishly. “I’m just really scared your pack isn’t going to want me as their female alpha. What if they would rather be a democracy than have a half-breed as a leader?”

  “There are flaws in your logic, my love.” Fane relaxed on his back, his arms folded behind his head. “First, Canis lupus, like our cousins the natural wolves, thrive under the leadership of an alpha. Because of our violent and dominating nature, we need the leadership and direction of one that is stronger and more in control than each of us. Without an alpha, there would be chaos and anarchy. We aren’t human, Jacquelyn, not even you. We would not survive if we tried to live as humans do. The pack will respect you and follow your leadership. You are strong, and that is what they look for in a leader. This also explains why a democracy wouldn’t work, why Canis lupus could not elect a leader. Wolves only follow the strong. The leader has to prove he can lead. His strength cannot be based on others’ opinions. He has to be able to demonstrate that he is the most dominant and most capable to care for the pack. The female alpha, by nature’s design, comes into this position naturally because she is mated to the alpha. You were chosen by fate to be my Luna, and because of that, you must be strong enough to lead, strong enough to take control when others would try to bring disarray into the pack.”

  * * *

  Jacque was quiet for a few minutes after Fane had finished talking. She thought about what she had gone through since meeting Fane and wondered if it was fate’s way of showing her that she was indeed strong enough to lead, to take control. After all, she had survived two psychotic alphas, and although she hadn’t walked away unscathed, she remained whole. She was still Fane’s mate. She was still strong. She looked down at Fane who was patiently waiting for her response. His eyes softened as they met hers, and she couldn’t help but let her eyes wander on his beautiful face. They traced over the markings that flowed across his neck and disappeared under his shirt and then met his eyes once again.

  “I can do this. I’m not saying I’m not scared, but I got this. As long as you are by my side, wolf-man, I’m game.”

  Jacque curled up next to Fane, content to be in his arms, and continued to think about her future, about their future. She wasn’t going to worry. She was going to trust Fane and herself, and she would give it her all and be the best mate and alpha female when her time came.

  “You will be amazing, Luna. Never doubt that.” She heard Fane’s voice and the love he poured into his words in her mind.

  “I wouldn’t dare,” she replied confidently. His response was a gentle squeeze and low chuckle under his breath.

  OceanofPDF.com

  Chapter

  Nineteen

  Jacque stood in the room she shared with Jen and Sally in the mansion where Fane and his family lived. It had been a week since they landed in Romania, and the whirlwind of preparing for the bonding ceremony had begun. Tonight, in less than an hour, those preparations would finally bear the fruit of their purpose. In fewer than sixty minutes, Jacque would tie herself to Fane for all eternity. Needless to say, she was a little anxious. She was also a bit jumpy, scared that some crazy wolf would spring out of the woodwork to steal her away in some freakish attempt to make her his mate. Okay, if she took a minute to really think about those fears, she might break down into hysterical laughter knowing that three months ago she didn’t even know werewolves existed. She looked in the mirror at the simple, green gown adorned with embroidered flowers stitched in a darker green thread. It had gold thread mingled in, working its way up from the hem of the dress up and growing sparser the higher up it went. It was cut low in the front but had a high back that would cover her markings. Alina chose this dress as the replacement for the original one ruined in the accident. The green accented her eyes and complimented her red hair. Although it wasn’t the first dress, it was still just as stunning in its own way.

  Today was not only the Blood Rites ceremony, but it was also her eighteenth birthday. Who would have thought that on her eighteenth birthday, she would be in Romania getting ready to bond with a werewolf? Ya, her either.

  “How you doing over there, wolf princess?” Jacque heard Jen ask from the bed. The blonde was lounging while Sally finished painting her toenails.

  Jacque turned to face her two best friends, thankful beyond words that they were here to support her, and if nothing else, to give her sarcastic remarks to help keep her nerves under control.

  “I’m nervous, but honestly I’m so beyond ready to be bonded to Fane.”

  “Well, believe us when we say we wish you would hurry up already because the whole ‘crazy alphas knocking down your door to get in your pants thing’ is getting old,” Jen told her dryly.

  “Classy, Jen, real classy.” Sally rolled her eyes.

  “Well, better Jac than me, that’s all I’ve got to say.”

  “Wait a minute,” Sally began. “If I do recall, inebriated Jen was all about some wolf trying to get in her pants. What happened?”

  Jen rolled her eyes, her mouth going tight. “We all know that’s never going to happen. Besides, I’m beginning to think I wouldn’t look good in fur anyways.” Jen snorted at her own comment. “Get it? Fur? Wouldn’t look good in fur? No? No takers, huh? Ok, then. Tough crowd.”

  Jacque walked over to Jen and knelt down in front of her, eyebrows raised. “Jen, um, about that. I need to tell--” Just then, the door to their room opened and Decebel stepped in.

  * * *

  Jen jumped up off the bed, causing Sally to fling nail polish all over the blanket. “Decebel, how good of you to join us in our private room, where we could be naked at any given moment. I was just saying to my two friends here how badly I wished that a grumpy, cocky, condescending, conceited, werewolf would barge in uninvited. So, thanks for that. Really, thanks.”

  Decebel just stared at Jen, his eyes taking her in from head to toe. Jen felt heat rise in her face under his scrutiny. “What, have you never seen a girl in a dress?” she snapped.

  Decebel growled low. “Not a dress like that. Is it missing a jacket … or … some material?” He waved his hand in the general direction of her chest area.

  Jen’s jaw dropped open, her eyes going wide. Sally coughed into her hand, and Jacque just flat slapped her hand over her mouth.

  Jen looked Decebel straight in the eyes and pulled her already low cut dress just a tad lower, daring him with her lethal glare to make another comment.

  Decebel walked over to her, standing directly in front of her. Jen had to lean her head back to look up at his towering form. “This conversation isn’t over, Jennifer, and you aren’t leaving this room until you put on a sweater or a robe or a parka for all I care. But you are not going out there like that.” He then turned to Jacque. “It’s time. He is waiting for you. Once Jennifer adds some material to her body, I am to lead you and your friends to the gathering hall.” Without another word, he turned and walked back into the hall, waiting for them to follow.

  Sally was already pulling out a soft, cream, short-waist sweater that would go with Jen’s navy blue dress. “Just put this on and let's go. It’s Jacque’s day, okay?” Sally whispered to her fuming friend.

  Jen snatched the sweater from Sally and jerked it on, never taking her eyes from Decebel’s stiff form. Finally, she wrenched her eyes away and looked at Jacque. Her face immediately softened. “Okay, Jac, let’s do this. I’ve got your speech thingy, so we’re good. And you look amazing!”

  Jacque beamed at the compliment. She nodded her head, took a deep breath, and turned to follow Decebel out to where Fane waited for her.

  * * *

  As they approached the gathering room, Jen and Sally both gave Jacque a hug. Neither spoke as they had already said all that needed to be said. Jen handed Jacque the sheet of paper containing her vows and gave her a quick wink. Decebel escorted Jen and Sally to their places in the hall, leaving Jacque standing there alone.

  Jacque stepped up to the entryway and looked into the hall, noticing it was dark. As she continued to watch, one by one, small lights lit up on the floor. She realized the lights were candles being lit, and they created a circle. All around the circle were people. She could see the first couple of rows, but then the rest of the faces faded into the darkness that the light of the candles didn’t reach. She also saw that in the center of the circle was a chair, a basin of water, and towels. But the most important thing standing amidst the soft candle light was Fane.

  He wore relaxed jeans and a white button down shirt untucked, the long sleeves rolled up, showing off his strong forearms. And he was barefoot. She could see his tattoos like a vine crawling up from beneath the collar of the shirt, hugging his neck and face in a loving caress. Jacque took a deep breath and then walked into the hall. With every step she took, a candle was lit on either side of her on the floor, creating a lighted path. It was quiet. Unlike a wedding, there was no music heralding her entrance. But that didn’t matter because all she could hear was her heartbeat getting harder and harder. Finally, she stood in front of Fane. She looked at his handsome face and a big grin broke across it. Jacque giggled, remembering how he had told her he would be the one with the big goofy grin. Only he didn’t look goofy, he was breathtaking.

  “Hi,” she whispered breathlessly.

  “Hello, Luna.” His voice was a caress across her face. Fane took her hand and then turned to face Vasile who had been standing there the whole time. She hadn’t noticed him, as she had only had eyes for Fane.

  * * *

  “Fane, Jacquelyn,” Vasile began, his voice strong and deep, “you are here today to complete the mate bond. Though fate has brought you together and destined you for one another, you have both chosen of your own free will to be here to profess your love and commitment to your mate.”

  “We have,” Fane answered for them. Jacquelyn looked up at him, and he squeezed her hand in reassurance. “As the alpha, I will answer for us as a mated pair. When my father addresses you directly, then you speak.”

  Jacquelyn nodded her head once in acknowledgment to his thought. Fane returned his attention to his father just as Vasile said, “Fane, it is time for you to recite the formal vows to your mate. Jacquelyn, you will sit in the chair while Fane recites the vows. While doing so he will wash your feet. This symbolizes his willingness as the leader and alpha to serve you, his mate. To care for your most basic needs no matter how big or small, and to give you the honor you are due as his Luna. Once she has answered you, Fane, you may stand and recite the vows you have written.”

  Holding her hand, Fane led her over to the chair. Jacque pulled her dress up, baring her calves and feet. Jacque watched as he brought the basin of water and set it on the floor next to her. Next, he removed the slippers she had been wearing and took one of the towels and placed it under her feet. She watched in awe when he took a small cloth and dipped it in the water, picked up her foot and began to wash it. As he washed her feet, he spoke, “On this day, I kneel before you, as a servant to my mate, to ask if you will make me whole. Will you give yourself to me? Finally calming the beast inside, bringing order to chaos, shining light where there has been only darkness? Will you bind your life to mine, your fate to mine, and your soul to mine, and in doing so, complete the mate bond?” Fane waited for Jacquelyn’s response. He rinsed her feet and began patting them dry with the towel. When she finally did respond, it knocked the breath out of him.

  Jacquelyn got down on her knees so that they were face to face. She placed her hands in his, holding his gaze with hers and recited the response that Alina had taught her. “On this day, I kneel with you, my mate. I will make you whole as you will make me whole. I will give myself to you, calming the beast, bringing order to chaos, and shining light where there has been darkness. I will bind my life to yours, my fate to yours, and my soul to yours and complete our mate bond. I will take you for my own, my mate, and my alpha.” Fane couldn’t breathe, and for a moment, his mind went blank. He stared into the face of his own personal miracle. He realized he had been quiet too long when Jacque squeezed his hands to get his attention. She waited patiently for him to read the vows he had written to her. Neither one of them stood. Instead, they remained on their knees, staring into each other’s eyes. He cleared his throat and then he spoke.

  * * *

  “Jacquelyn, Luna, Mate. You have many names. Each of them holds a special meaning, but the only thing I want to call you is mine.” Fane paused briefly, watching the emotions play across Jacquelyn’s face. He wanted to look into her mind and see what she was thinking. Instead, he continued to look into her deep green eyes. “I wasn’t sure how to tell you all that I feel for you nor the depth of those feelings, but someone very wise helped me. So, I now pass along her words and add some of my own. I don’t know if there is any way to explain or truly understand the bond between mates. It’s not human. It’s beyond the realm of reason, and that makes it hard to believe it is even possible. I know I haven’t known you for long. I know we are both young. But we will grow closer faster than either of us can imagine. You will become my best friend, my lover, and I will become yours. Even now, I know you feel it, that no one in this world will ever love me as you will and no one will love you as I will. We were born to love each other, and that love will grow stronger as time goes on. I worry that I won’t make you happy,” Fane’s voice was soft, laced with tight emotions, “but that wise voice helped me see that I will. I will also make you mad, sad, annoyed, and probably a little claustrophobic at times.” Jacquelyn grinned at him, an expression full of adoration. And he pressed on, encouraged by her response. “But I will do everything in my power to make you happy. My wolf will step in when my human side steps out of line. The wolf only sees black and white. All he understands is that you are our mate. He will love you, protect you, provide for you, play with you, and make you content, while my human side fills in the gaps of emotions the wolf does not understand. You will make me a better alpha, a better man. I will give you what no other man ever could, the other half of your soul.” When Fane finished, he saw that Jacquelyn had tears running down her cheeks, her eyes full of love. He reached up with the hand that was holding hers and gently wiped the tears away.