And Then The River Went Dry (Wolf Creed Pack, 1)
Chapter 11

Bonding Ceremony

Earlier in the day, the pack house was bustling with activity in what seemed to be everyone preparing for the bonding ceremony. Now everybody was in the artistically designed flower garden watching as both couples entered. Carmeta wore a beautiful Chantilly lace backless dress that swirled delicately around her ankles with a deep side slit that showed off her caramel-toned legs. Stephanie opted to go with a simple but elegant vintage French white dress that went below her knees with petal sleeves. Max and Miles wore loose-fitting linen white shirts with Mandarin collars and the respective sigil pin of their bloodline. Both couples looked like royalty as they went to each group of people to mingle. Almost the entire pack was there plus Stephanie's and Carmeta's family and friends gathered at the garden that led to the ceremonial site where the Crystal Pool was. All wore their best but easily removable clothing as they prepared to witness half of the leading heads of the Wolf Creed Pack get sealed to their mates.

The ceremony began with Don and Finn leading it. Each couple entered the Crystal Pool bare feet, this was so that they could be one with the earth and its elements. Then Don and Finn used the bonding cord of five strands to bind both couples' hands together as they spoke the ritual words that came naturally to them. The five strands in the bonding cord presented the five entities that made up the existence of all werewolves. These entities are the god of the werewolves, the moon goddess, mother earth, and the mated pair of souls as one. Both couples recited the bonding ritual words as their mind, body and soul became one entity.

"You my mate I claim. You my mate belong to me. You my mate have my heart, soul, mind, body, and spirit animal. You my mate will have my protection. You my mate I belong to. You my mate are bound to me in all your life cycles."

As they spoke the words to each other, the two couples felt the pull of the binding words as their souls mended themselves together to become one perfect whole. They bathe each other in the arms of the Crystal pool, embracing in the arms of the Moon Goddess. When they were finished, the bonding cord had melted away but they still felt its binding effects. All the wolves and shifters alike howled to the sky and tore the clothes from their bodies to transform into their spirit animal counterpart.

In the cool night air, sounds of bones snapping and cracking traveled into the deep forest. The thick furs of some shifters could be heard rubbing against trees and leaves as the playful yelps traveled across time. Even Peter, who usually kept to himself when he transformed was out with the pack, purring as his mate, Lilith, rubbed herself against his fur. Alpha Max gave the signal to everyone and all wolves took to the deeper forest for a run.

Mile's wolf looked longingly at his pack members galloping into the thickness of the deep woods. He really wanted to go for a run with them and maybe play with them, something that was new to him since he finally was bounded with his mate. His mate! He turned back to watch his mate watching him with a slight tilt of her head.

"If you wish to go with them, it's fine. I really don't mind. I can head back to the pack house and curl up with that book I was reading until you return."

Mile's wolf let out a low growl in annoyance. He would be damned if he let his mate out of his sight without proper protection. Not when there was a serial killer or killers among their kind that targeted half-breeds and human mates. No, he wouldn't want to risk losing his mate just because he wanted to frolic with his pack. His loyalty has always been with his pack but he will always pick his mate above all else even himself, the alpha, or the Luna.

"Don't you dare growl at me! You really seemed like you wanted to go and I wanted you to be happy. I am your mate after all and your happiness means everything to me." Stephanie scold Mile's wolf who hung his head to show his submission, something that was totally out of character for him.

He nudged her in the opposite direction of the pack members, towards the wildflower field. They walked in silence for a long while, both admiring how the moonlight reflected against the petals of each flower, ringing forth different shades and patterns from different angles. The scent was even heavenly with various plants having their own signature fragrance but blended together into one harmonious perfume. Before long he noticed that she started to shiverer has the night air plus her wet clothing dropped her temperature a few degrees. He nudged her to stop and he laid down in the middle of the field of wildflowers then looked at her pointedly, expecting her to follow suit. She sat beside him and he used the warmth of his body to warm her up. They both stayed like that, in silence, as she gently and lovingly stroked his fur while he rested his head in her lap. His wolf nibbled gently on her inner thighs before licking the spot, the beast was finally at peace after years of inner turmoil.