Chapter 226
Skye’s POV
The winter sun bathed our desert home in golden light as Venus and Lydia helped me prepare for the marking ceremony. Despite my Insistence on simplicity, they had transformed the guest room into a makeshift bridal suite,
“Hold still,‘ Lydia said, carefully adjusting my hair. “We want everything to be perfect.”
I studied her in the mirror, amazed at the transformation. Her nose reconstruction surgery had been successful, and though faint surgical lines remained visible, they did nothing to diminish her exotic beauty. Looking at her now, I understood why someone might have accused her of using magic to seduce Rodrigo. Her features were captivating–dark, mysterious eyes set against caramel skin, with full lips that naturally curved into a knowing smile.
“You look beautiful,‘ I told her.
Lydia laughed softly. “This is your day, not mine. And you look stunning.”
The dress Xavier had sent was simple yet elegant–a flowing ivory gown with subtle silver embroidery that caught the light as I moved. He d included a note apologizing for his absence, explaining he was busy investigating Logan’s medical group and their suspicious activities.
Venus entered, her pregnant belly now prominently displayed in a flowing blue dress. “Your parents just arrived, she announced. “They’re waiting downstairs.”
My heart skipped. Four years. It had been four years since I’d last seen them.
“Did Ethan come?” I asked.
Venus shook her head. “He sends his love, but Lily isn’t feeling well. The pregnancy has been rough.”
I nodded. My brother was going to be a father soon, and his mate needed him more than I did right now.
“It’s time,” Venus said gently.
I took a deep breath and followed her downstairs.
My parents stood in the living room, looking around curiously at the pack house. When my mother spotted me, her eyes immediately filled with tears.
“Skye,” she whispered, opening her arms.
I rushed into her embrace, inhaling her familiar scent of pine and wildflowers–the smell of home. She felt smaller than I remembere maybe I had grown stronger. My father joined our hug, his large hands warm and comforting on my back.
“Look at you,” my mother said, stepping back to take me in. All grown up and so beautiful.”
My father smiled proudly, though I noticed new lines around his eyes and his once deep golden hair had become increasingly lighter. My mother too had aged, with delicate wrinkles framing her eyes and mouth. Four years had changed us all.
“We’ve missed you so much,” my father said, his voice rough with emotion. “I heard about many things from the Alpha King election…)
“I’m fine,” I assured them. “We all made it back safely.”
My mother touched my cheek. “And now you’re getting marked by your Alpha. Is he good to you, Skye? Are you happy here**
“More than I ever thought possible,” I answered honestly. You’ll love Adrian.‘
Chapter 226
As twilight approached, we made our way to the lake. The ceremony site took my breath away. Lanterns hung from the sparse desert fieri. casting a warm glow over the water. The full moon hung low and enormous in the sky, its reflection rippling armes the fakes surfaed. Around the water’s edge, members of Oasisborn Pack gathered, their faces alight with anticipation.
A path of white stones led to a small wooden platform at the lake’s edge where Adrian waited. My breath caught at the sight of him. The sist tall and confident, dressed in an ivory suit that emphasized his broad shoulders. His black hair was neatly styled, and his amber aber socied in glow in the moonlight as they found mine.
“He’s very handsome,” my mother whispered approvingly.
My father offered his arm. “Ready?”
I nodded, suddenly unable to speak past the lump in my throat.
As we walked toward Adrian, I took in the faces of my new family. Ryder proudly stood at Adrian’s side, and compared to a year ag, he had matured significantly. Marcus and Venus watched from the front row, his arm protectively around her shoulders. Lydia stood with Garrett and the other council members. Even Beck and his friends had been invited, standing respectfully at the back.
When we reached the platform, my father placed my hand in Adrian’s, then stepped back to join my mother. Adrian’s fingers tightened around mine, warm and reassuring.
“You look incredible,‘ he murmured, his eyes taking me in with such intensity.
The Elder who had traveled from a neighboring pack to officiate began the ceremony, speaking of union, commitment, and the sacred bond between mates. Though traditional marking ceremonies were often elaborate affairs with lengthy rituals, ours was deliberately simplified- focusing on what mattered most to us.
When it came time for Adrian to place his mark, he surprised me by reaching into his pocket.
“Before I mark you as mine forever,” he said, his voice carrying across the hushed gathering, “I want to give you something.”
He opened his palm to reveal a silver hairpin with a small emerald that caught the moonlight, sparkling like a miniature star.
“This is from our first meeting,” Adrian said softly. “The hairpin you dropped in the snow that day.”
Memories flooded back–that sorrowful day when I had been crying by the lake and happened to meet Adrian while he was winter swimming. He had kept this hairpin all this time, hoping to find me again. I couldn’t believe I had forgotten about it.
“I didn’t know,” I whispered, emotion tightening my throat.
Adrian smiled. “Some connections are meant to be, even if they take time to fully realize.”
He carefully slid the hairpin into my hair, then leaned down to place his lips against my neck. The moment his teeth grazed my skin, I felt our bond strengthen, a warm rush of connection flowing between us. When he pulled away, his eyes glowed with satisfaction at the mark now visible on my skin.
I reached up to touch his face, then returned the gesture, placing my mark on him as the moon shone down upon us. The pack erupted in cheers and howls of approval.
As night fully descended, the celebration began in earnest. A bonfire was lit near the lake, casting dancing shadows across the sand. Pack members brought out food and drinks, music played, and laughter filled the air. My parents were welcomed warmly, pulled into conversations and introduced to everyone.
Adrian kept me close, his arm around my waist as we accepted congratulations. When a slow song began to play, he led me to an open area
near the fire.
“Happy?” he asked, pulling me against his chest as we swayed to the music.
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Chapter 226
I looked up at him, at the man who had become my everything, and nodded. “Perfectly.”
Under the desert moon, surrounded by our pack and with Adrian’s mark fresh upon my skin, I had finally found where I belonged.
