101. Anna

101

Anna

I did as much good at Indigo Peak as I could while I was there, but few of the wolves were happy to see me, so I spent most of my time in my room reviewing Maeve's books in an attempt to help Finn get organized. I ignored all the massive journals the crazed woman had collected. I was no longer the ternary, and they had nothing to do with me.

Lunessa, Irene, and the other witches helped identify the small faction of witches who'd been working against Maeve. Most of them were imprisoned. Some were in the field when Lunessa stole their magic. And some were dead. There were enough that, in a few months, the land might be healed enough to start growing again, just in time for spring.

At least, that was the hope.

Leaving Finn was difficult. I didn't know where he was mentally, but I knew Indigo Peak needed his help, and he would provide it.

And when Amelia returned with us, tears in her eyes, I tried not to get involved. Finn was making a mistake, but he would realize that. In due time.

I hoped. Male wolves could be idiots.

Lunessa officially asked for a home in our pack. London looked absolutely gutted when he'd separated from us, and when I asked Lunessa about it, she just waved her hands and asked if she could build a house near Irene.

Black Diamond greeted us with open arms and a celebration that lasted for three days and nights. Every chance I had, I spent in Jax's arms.

The Fanged Smile officially opened. Every morning, when I stepped in, I took a moment to honor Parker and imagine what he would say if he could see me now.

The old asshole would probably take credit for it, and he should. He gave me roots when I wanted to drown.

We waited until the snow thawed to finally have the mating ceremony. On the first full moon after the vernal equinox, when there was still a chill in the air, but the greenery was just starting to come in, I walked into a circle of a very different ritual. Every alpha was there, except for Finn, who couldn't leave his pack yet, but he'd sent Kenzi, who'd just rolled her eyes when she saw me and said I could have at least put some lipstick on.

I hugged her and thanked her for being my friend, which made her practically race away in the opposite direction.

My belly was round, and I was starting to waddle. The white gauzy dress flowed around me as I stepped down the path created by the moonlight. Jax stood in the middle of the circle with Irene, Lunessa and Jenson. Jenson and Irene were officiating, but I wanted Lunessa there with me. Her magic hadn't returned, and there were days she struggled to get out of bed, but she was my kin, my friend, and she stood there with nothing but joy on her face.

Joy for me.

Jax's love pulsed inside of me through the mating bond, and my wolf howled inside of me as he held out his hands and took mine. "Are you all right?" he whispered. He'd been concerned about having the mating ritual so soon after I was nearly sacrificed in a circle very similar to this one. He offered to make our ring a triangle or a square. Or to even have the ceremony in private.

The nightmares still came, unpredictably, and every time they did, Jax was there to hold me until I could sleep again. I'd held my breath walking toward him, fearing the panic would rise, but these were my friends. My loved ones. The family I never thought I would have. They would never hurt me.

"I'm wonderful," I told him whole-heartedly. Jax leaned in to kiss me, and Jenson cleared his throat. I chuckled as Jax glared at his second, but he just shook his head.

"Black Diamond," Jenson roared. "Today, by the grace and beauty of the full moon, your alpha has chosen. Love. Loyalty. Strength. Partnership. Commitment. Tonight, we honor that mating bond and tie ourselves to them."

Around us, the first ring of people howled, but it was quickly joined by all the wolves in the woods. This was for the pack as much as it was for us, and inside me, the pack bonds quivered. Slowly, I blew out my breath to steady myself.

"My mate," Jax roared. "My equal in every way. She leads you as I lead you. From now until our last breath. You protect her as I protect you. You are loyal to her as I am loyal to you. She is yours as I am yours."

His gaze lowered to mine. "And I am hers, with every breath, with every heartbeat. Magic of the land, hear my love and accept my bond."

The earth trembled, and his hand clutched mine.

"My mate," I echoed loudly. "My equal in every way. I will lead as he leads. From now until our last breath. I protect him as I protect you. I am loyal to him as I am loyal to you. I am yours as he is yours. And I am his, with every breath, with every heartbeat. Magic of the land, hear my love and accept my bond."

Howls of rejoicing filled the sky, and Irene held out her arms. "Goddess, bless this union, acknowledge the fated mates, lovers, and protectors and shine down upon us!"

The sky filled with light almost as if the moon was raining down, and bonfires were lit practically sky high. Filled with joy, I laughed giddily as Jax swooped down, hauled me up, and kissed me before bending down and kissing my baby bump.

We howled, and under the blessing of the land, we were united as one.