Chapter 44

FORTY-FOUR

T he sun cast shadows across abandoned tablets that Emma attempted to document everything about the upcoming clan acceptance ceremony. The formal gathering would officially recognize her and Lucas’s enhanced mate bond now that the council had changed its mind about human/shifter relations.

Time to begin their future together. Time to celebrate their triumph. Time to show everyone exactly why their unique connection made them unstoppable.

“The ceremonial dress is unlike anything I’ve seen,” Emma noted while Amelie helped her into layers of traditional clan silk. “Though technically, we should analyze these textile frequencies when I’m not actively trying to avoid tripping over them.”

“Only you would try to document the scientific properties of your acceptance gown,” Amelie laughed, adjusting delicate folds.

Iris’s elegant laugh carried centuries of knowledge as she entered with more ceremonial pieces. “Indeed. Though I suspect you’re the first mate in clan history to attempt documenting their quantum frequency distribution rather than simply wearing them.”

“But the harmonic variations are remarkable!” Emma brightened, fingers already reaching for her tablet on the table. “If we adjust the sensor arrays to match traditional energy signatures and?—”

A new voice entered the room. “My brilliant mate is trying to revolutionize supernatural fashion science ten minutes before her own acceptance ceremony,” Lucas’s voice carried through the doorway, rich with fond amusement.

“No peeking!” Amelie called out. “It’s bad luck to see your mate in ceremonial dress before the ritual.”

“Children,” Iris interrupted with elegant precision, though her eyes held warm approval. “Perhaps we could focus on the acceptance ritual before conducting further research into mate-bond dynamics?”

Emma’s attempt at a professional response dissolved into a soft gasp as Lucas’s power wrapped around her like a heated caress. “The intimate contact harmonics show interesting adaptation.”

The ancient runes in her ceremonial dress had begun responding to their enhanced connection, creating patterns of light that made Iris and Amelie freeze in wonder.

“Well,” Amelie managed after a moment of stunned silence. “I guess the old legends about true mate bonds affecting traditional magic are actually true.”