Whispers ripple through the room as Tanner refuses to let go of Jess.
"Younger Alpha Hale has finally found his mate."
People murmur in disbelief, their voices filled with wonder and judgment.
"They said the Moon Goddess didn't recognize him."
"They said he was cursed, that even the elders wanted to choose someone else from a different family to replace his father."
"But look at him now."
"They suit each other."
"I wish I were that girl."
"I can't believe Younger Alpha Hale is considering that girl as his mate, of all people. He could get anyone he wants."
"That girl is pretty…"
Jess hears them all; every whisper, every bitter comment, every envious word. The admiration and the jealousy fill the room, swirling around him.
He knows he can't escape. It's clear that, in this moment, there's no way out.
And as Tanner holds him tightly in his arms, Jess feels his anger flare up.
He's angry at himself for actually letting the arms of a heartless man make him feel warm and safe.
But the bond is undeniable, and the heat of it, the burning pull, courses through him.
Why? Why would the Moon Goddess do this to him? Why did he even come to this place tonight?
He wants to run, but before he can come up with an excuse, maybe just to escape to the bathroom or maybe to loudly reject Tanner right in front of everyone, Tanner takes his hand and pulls him away, people's eyes following their every move.
Perfect. Jess thinks bitterly. Tanner is going to take him out of here. And the moment they leave this hall, he's going to run. He won't even look back.
But when they step outside, Jess sees the bodyguards; tall, strong men, their muscles flexing under their shirts.
"Bring the car closer," Tanner commands, and the men rush to obey.
Others follow behind them, staying close.
"Alpha, I'm not your mate. I have a mate. I really do! There must be some mistake!" Jess protests desperately, his voice cracking.
He feigns a high-pitched voice, pretending to be a girl, though his heart is racing with fear.
Tanner's smirk never falters. "Rejecting me? Interesting. You're the first person in my life who's shown any resistance. People don't reject me anything. You've got it all wrong. I mean, why would they? I have everything a woman could ever want. You should be honored. And I already like you, with or without the mate bond pulling us together." His voice drops dangerously low as his fingers brush along Jess's face. "If I like you, what gives you the right to say no?"
Jess freezes, the heat building in his chest as Tanner's fingers trace his jawline.
The words, the longing in Tanner's voice, send a shiver through him. His wolf reacts too, the bond between them growing stronger by the second. Jess's mind races and his body betrays him.
Tanner leans in closer, his voice a soft whisper. "There must be a reason you're saying no. Fear that you're not good enough for me? Don't worry about that. I'm the one who decides what's good enough."
Before Jess can respond, Tanner wraps his arm around his waist pulls him into the car.
The moment the door closes, Jess knows he's trapped. He glances nervously out the window, and within minutes, they're driving down a dark, winding road.
His heart pounds as memories flood back, the pack house, the place where he was sentenced to death. The place he ran from.
His breath catches in his throat. He never thought he'd be back here again. But now, the undeniable bond between him and Tanner feels like a trap. And doesn't seem like he would let him go.
When the car finally stops, Tanner takes his hand possessively. "We're here," he says, leading Jess toward the entrance of the pack house.
As they reach the throne room, Jess's anxiety increases. Standing before him is Alpha Marreck and his Luna, the very people who had condemned him for his past actions.
He imagines for a split second what they would say if they knew their son's mate is a male.
The very thought of it makes him want to strike out, to slap them with the truth that they would never accept.
But Jess stays silent, keeping his head low.
Tanner steps forward. "Father, I've found my mate," he announces, his voice filled with determination and excitement. "Now I'm ready to marry."
Alpha Marreck's eyes narrow. "How do we know this is real? You're just trying to avoid your arranged marriage to Charlotte!"
The Luna chimes in, "This one is even prettier, we are going to have beautiful heirs,"
The Alpha turns to her, "It is not about good looking!" He then turns to a servant. "Call the elders. A mate bond confirmation ritual is happening now."
Jess stands frozen, his heart pounding, but on the other hand, Tanner stands tall, as though this is the moment he's been waiting for.
Within minutes, the elders arrive quickly, and the ritual begins. It's a simple one, but Jess can feel the weight of it.
They form a circle around Jess and Tanner, their faces solemn as they begin the ancient ritual.
Each elder takes a turn stepping forward, placing a hand over the mates' joined hands or chests, silently chanting words in the old tongue.
A bowl of sacred herbs is passed around, its smoke curling in the air, symbolizing the Moon Goddess's presence.
Only after this deep spiritual probing do the elders nod in approval, signaling it is time for the final stage: the physical confirmation through contact and the shift.
Jess feels his wolf stirring, the bond undeniable now. And before either of them can summon their wolves in front of the Moon Goddess, their bodies change, shifting into wolves.
The strength of the bond is undeniable, and their wolves stand together, fur shimmering, as the final step of the ritual completes.
The room explodes with applause. Even Alpha Marreck, who has always been rigid and stern, cracks a smile. "My son has found his mate, and now he's ready to take over!" he exclaims, his voice full of pride.
"Let everyone know," He declares. "My son has found his mate, and the wedding preparations begin now! Everyone is invited."
The crowd cheers. The news of the marriage ceremony spreads like wildfire, the servants already rushing to prepare.