Chapter 7

WREN ASHWOOD

Finally, the day of the mate-bonding ceremony arrived

I woke up before sunrise, staring at the ceiling.

Today was supposed to be the happiest day of my life.

For ten years, I had imagined this moment.

The day I would stand before the Moon Goddess and bind myself completely to my mate.

Instead, I was preparing to destroy everything.

A small smile appeared on my lips.

I pushed myself out of bed and walked toward the bathroom.

My body had healed considerably since the accident, although there was still some soreness whenever I moved too quickly.

The Valmont healers had done more than enough to ensure I recovered before returning home.

By eight in the morning, my bedroom no longer looked like someone lived in it.

I had packed everything that belonged to me into suitcases, determined to erase my existence.

I picked up the final suitcase and dragged it toward the back entrance of the apartment.

The Grey Route had sent someone earlier that morning.

My belongings would be transported separately.

I wouldn't be carrying anything that could slow me down later.

Once I crossed the territorial border tonight, none of this would matter anymore.

Soon, Wren Ashwood will no longer exist.

The thought of this should have scared me, Instead it brought me relief.

...

By five, the ceremonial grounds were already filled.

Members of the Ashwood pack filled the venue.

Amongst them were also members from neighbouring packs, council members and other dignitaries who had shown up to act as witnesses.

The moment I stepped out of my car, several heads turned toward me.

Elder Yvonne walked towards me, wrapping her arms around me. "I was terrified when I heard about the accident."

"I'm fine now," I answered, wasn't she aware that I was in that situation because of Becky.

She pulled away and examined me carefully, her expression softening. "I am glad that you could make it. And darling, you look so beautiful."

"Thank you, Elder Yvonne."

With her hands wrapped around mine, we both walked into the venue.

Soren was already standing at the ceremonial altar, dressed in a black tunic that showed off his masculine figure.

Behind him was the large ceremonial screen, the screen where our wonderful videos will be played.

Soren glanced toward me, his lips blooming into a relieved smile.

Despite the fact that we're staying in the same apartment, this was the first time we had seen each other face to face since the accident.

He probably thought I wouldn't show up for the ceremony.

"You are here," he said the instant I was within earshot.

"I can never miss this day for anything," I whispered to him.

The instant we stood side by side, the priest began the ceremony.

He spoke about the Moon Goddess, about the bond between mates.

Then he spoke about the responsibilities and duties of the Alpha and Luna of the pack.

Then the priest turned toward Soren.

"Soren Thorne, do you willingly accept Wren Ashwood as your chosen mate and future Luna?"

Soren looked at me, his voice firm. "I do."

Applause erupted briefly from the crowd as the priest turned towards me.

"Wren Ashwood, do you willingly accept Soren Thorne as your mate and future Alpha?"

The entire grounds became quiet as everyone turned towards me, all waiting for my answer.

My lips parted. "I..."

My heart began to pound loudly in my chest, it was now or never.

"I don't!"

There was pin drop silence, then the venue burst into loud murmurs.

Elder Yvonne stood up. "Wren. What are you doing?"

I laughed softly, almost doubling over. "Something I should have done a long time ago."

Soren's eyes narrowed, his fists clenching. "Stop this."

The priest stepped forward. "Lady Wren, this is a sacred ceremony. If there is an issue, it should be discussed privately."

I shook my head, my gaze moving towards the Thorne family members who each had a twisted look on their faces.

"If Soren wanted privacy, he should have thought about that before repeatedly humiliating me in private and deceiving me."

Fear flashed briefly in Soren's eyes before he reached for me but I shook his hands off.

I turned toward the screen, then pressed the remote I had discreetly hidden in the sleeve of my dress.

A small crept to my lips as the screen flickered to life.

"What are you doing?" Soren growled, marching towards me but a sound made him stop dead in his tracks.

With widened eyes, he looked at the screen, his face turning pale as she staggered back.

"No..."