Chapter 16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

W ulf's chest ached as he looked down at Kari, her warmth and love radiating through the moonlit room. The weight of his responsibilities, which had been crushing him for the past two days, seemed to lift in her presence. He took a deep breath, savoring the moment.

"I would be a fool to reject this blessing any longe," he admitted, the gently cupped her cheek. "I love you, my gemshin."

The words came with surprising ease, a truth he'd been holding back for far too long. As he spoke, he felt a sense of rightness settle over him. This was meant to be.

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but her smile was radiant .

"I love you too, Wulf."

Wulf closed the distance between them in two long strides, gathering her into his arms. The feel of her soft skin against his sent a jolt of electricity through him. He cupped her face gently, marveling at how perfectly she fit against him.

"My mate," he whispered reverently before claiming her lips in a passionate kiss.

As they kissed, Wulf felt the last of his doubts melt away. The curse, his duties, the weight of leadership - none of it mattered in this moment. All that existed was Kari, her love, and the promise of a future together.The realization struck him suddenly - they needed to make their union official, not just for themselves, but for the entire clan.

"We should have a mating ceremony—make it a celebration for the entire clan," he said, and her face lit up.

"To give them hope," she said, and he nodded, pleased that she grasped the significance. "When?" she added,

"Tomorrow." He laughed at her shocked expression. "Merow will help us prepare - and I don't want to wait any longer."

As the words left his mouth, he remembered that there was something he needed to tell her and took a deep breath.

"You should know that I already made my vows - at the shrine, when I first found you."

He watched her carefully, searching for any sign of disappointment or anger. To his relief, her expression remained open and loving.

"But the thought of sharing those vows with you, in front of our people..." he continued. "The idea fills me with happiness. I want everyone to witness our union and to see the hope that our love brings."

Just before sunset the next day, he stood at the edge of the courtyard, his heart pounding. The sky blazed with brilliant oranges and purples, a fitting backdrop for the occasion. Garlands of wildflowers hung from every available surface, their sweet scent mingling with the smoky aroma of roasting meat. Banners bearing the clan's crest fluttered in the gentle evening breeze, a reminder of the legacy they all shared.

He'd tried to help with the preparations, but Merow had forbidden it.

"Not this time," she said, shooing him away with a wave of her hand. "This is your celebration. Let us take care of everything."

He opened his mouth to protest, but the determined set of Merow's jaw told him it would be futile. Instead, he nodded and stepped back, content to observe the joyous chaos around him.

The air filled with laughter and music as clan members rushed to and fro, setting up tables and arranging seating for the feast. His chest tightened as he watched his people come together to celebrate

Merow's voice rang out above the din. "Tonight we celebrate love and unity!"

A chorus of cheers erupted from the gathered clan members, their voices echoing through the night. The sound filled him with a sense of belonging and purpose. This was more than just his and Kari's union; it was a renewal of hope for his entire people.

Firelight from the many torches and bonfires flickered across smiling faces, casting a warm glow over the scene. He felt the vibrant sense of community wash over him, reminding him of why he'd taken on the mantle of leadership in the first place.

His breath caught in his throat as Kari approached, more radiant than he'd ever seen her. The dress Merow had altered hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her beauty in a way that made his heart race. Her blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, adorned with small wildflowers that matched the garlands decorating the courtyard.

As she reached him, he took her hand, marveling at how perfectly it fit in his. They stood together at the center of the gathering, the clan forming a circle around them. Wulf could feel the energy of the moment, the collective hope and joy of his people washing over him like a wave.

Merow stepped forward, her white braids gleaming in the firelight. Her steady voice carried across the courtyard as she began the ceremony, speaking of love's power and the unbreakable bond Wulf and Kari shared.

"Love is a force that can overcome any obstacle," Merow declared, her eyes twinkling. "It is the light that guides us through our darkest times, and the strength that binds us together."

He squeezed Kari's hand, feeling the truth of Merow's words deep in his soul. He gazed into Kari's eyes, seeing his own love and devotion reflected back at him.

Merow turned to face them, her expression solemn.

"Do you, Wulf, promise to protect and cherish Kari?" she asked.

His voice rang out clear and strong as he responded, "I do."

The words felt right, a vow he knew he would uphold with every fiber of his being.

"And you, Kari," Merow continued, turning to face the woman who had brought such joy into his life."Do you vow to stand by Wulf through every challenge?"

"I do," she said firmly.

As soon as the words left her lips, the crowd erupted in cheers. The sound washed over him, their heartfelt blessings enveloping the two of them like a warm embrace. In that moment, surrounded by the love of his clan and holding the hand of his mate, he felt truly complete.

His heart swelled with pride as he led Kari through the throng of celebrating warriors. A grand feast spread before them, tables groaning under the weight of roasted meats, fresh fruits, and hearty bread. The aroma of spices and smoke filled the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and music.

As they moved among the clan, he found himself constantly aware of her presence at his side. Her hand in his felt right, like it belonged there. They shared cups of mead, the sweet liquid warming them from within as they accepted congratulations and well-wishes from the warriors.

Egon approached, a rare smile on his scarred face.

"May your union bring you joy," he said sincerely, but his eyes flickered to Kari, a hint of longing in their depths before he turned away.

His heart ached for his brother, but the feeling was quickly swept away as Kari tugged him toward the area where warriors were dancing. The beat of drums filled the air, and he found himself moving with her, their bodies in perfect accord.

As they twirled and stepped together, she smiled up at him.

"I'm so happy," she whispered, her eyes sparkling, and his chest tightened.

Happiness filled him as well, the joy radiating from his clan amplifying the warmth of their bond, wrapping around them like a cocoon. Yet, as the night wore on, he found himself growing increasingly eager to be alone with his bride. He caught her eye across the gathering, seeing his own desire reflected in her gaze, and could wait no longer. He strode over and lifted her into his arms, carrying her towards their rooms to the accompaniment of cheers and good wishes - as well as a few less elegant wishes.

The sounds of laughter and music faded behind them, replaced by his rapid steps as he carried her into their bedroom. The space had been transformed. Dozens of candles flickered, their warm light dancing off the walls, and the sweet scent of flowers filled the air. More petals were scattered across the bed.

He put her down, then gently cupped her face.

"Tonight is ours," he murmured against her lips.

The weight of his responsibilities, the burden of the curse, all of it melted away in this moment. There was only Kari, only their love. There was only this night, this moment, as they explored the depths of their love, writing the first chapter of their shared story.