The Alpha's Daughter-in-law

t. The people of Alpha King's Gondar Square were preparing for the yearly mate-calling ceremo

was lit. Young men and women surrounded it, all dressed in their best clothes. They came

ove and longing, their voices rising and falling with the beat of the drums. The music grew louder and m

large gourds. The wine flowed freely, and everyone was feeling a bit dizzy and lightheaded. Merriment con

d a long face with prominent cheekbones, slanted and hooded brown eyes, a slightly plump mouth with a perfect archbow on the top of his lip, a st

e. "You're nervous, but you'll be fine. I'm right beside you,"

ived at the field center, where the Re

close to him. She felt the heat of his body against hers, and her

replied. "

ll away, and in a few seconds, the sting started to fade. For a moment, everything went quiet, and Ayra fe

feel the wound on her neck aching and throbbing now that the evening's air rested on it. Flinn looked down

okay?"

e was happy to be his. The ceremony continued around them, but Ayra and Flinn stood t

is throat and turned

hands raised, and his head slightly bent backwards. Lightnin

you'," and as he was about to continue, a lightning

you," he finished, turning to Ayra and

did nothing to show support. Ayra held his hand, feeling the overwhelm

whelming. It took her a lot of effort to

first than his

howing much reaction tha

ir side of unnecessary convos. Ayra was no longer considered a spinster, and she was q

en she barely knew.Thankfully Melinda was still a

ng her apply a soothing lotion to the wound on

But it's nothing compared to

py for you, Ayra...I mean,

..I'm

g over her. She was grateful for her friend's suppor

not make her feel conten

being her overly

rely close enough to him to be termed friends. Just think of a group

didn't mind their c

ally settling down, Fl

response, only smiles that bo

ness, but there was a note o

roached him. "Young Lord, the Alpha ha

he said, his voice t