Bound in Ash and Moonlight

PACK TERRITO

y. Her mating ceremony. A day she'd dreamt of since she was a little girl when she attend

stay still. She had done her hair countless times because she kept r

d always found them to be calming, and the action reminded her of her childhood with her mothe

th and unwavering resolve, had always

ough and the feeling her father resented her for being responsible for her mothe

e knew she was hopelessly in love with him, and she believed, with every fibre of her being, that he loved her too. Fr

ny," her father's voice echoed from the bottom

ed back, quickly grabbing

for the first time, that she was more... striking and confident like her best friend, Rebecca. Rebecca had fiery red hair and an ability

er insecurities. Today was about Philip, about their futu

ern in his usually stern gaze. "Today is the ma

I have over an hour until dusk," sh

ched to the other. She knew her father didn't approve of her casual a

to the back of the waiting wagon. The wagon rumbled along the path, the

e hem of her dress, her

om the corner of her eyes,

barely a whisper, "are you... are y

readable in the fading light. "Things a

l frown creasing her brow. "It all

n the road ahead. "It's natura

ce small. "It's just... I j

e that offered little comfort. "Today is a big day, Madeleine.

ivity, werewolves milling about, their scents mingling in the air. Some were on guard duty, and

he quickly changed into the simple white dress she'd chosen for the ceremony. It was plain, but it was her favourite. She felt a pang of

edarwood and it reminded her of Philip. She recognised the earthy scent of arousal, and a blush crept

a low hum in the air. Madeleine watched as the elders arrived, their presence commanding res

on her lips. Rebecca's hair was slightly tousled, a few strands clinging to her forehead, and her l

ing at her lips and her voice a little breathless. She gave

down the simple white fabric. "What'

just...plain. You know? For such a big day, I just expected something a lit

ecovered. "It's comfortable," she said, lifting her ch

always were one for tradition, besides that's just a personal choice. Come on,

replied, a genuine smile

esent?" she asked, glancing around at the

mated," Rebecca said, her tone matter-of-fact. "They'

pride washed over her. Her Philip, her mate, would be the leader of their pack. She co

p down from the alpha positi

hange, huh?" Madeleine asked, a

g glance, her smile widenin

art was pounding in her chest. She could feel the eyes of the pack members on her, their whispers like a gentle breeze.

d her arm from Madeleine's and moved away, leaving Madeleine st

nfidence. He was even more handsome than she remembered. Her heart swelled with love. He

and took her seat. She looked from Philip to Madeleine, her eyes pierc

ed. Finally, the moment

world tilted on its axis. "I wis