Chapter 184
Chapter 184:
Kade stepped forward, handing Ryder the silver ring. He took it and slid it onto my finger with such care that it felt like a promise. “With this ring, I bind myself to you, Jasmine. As your mate, your Alpha, and your husband p>
My hand trembled as I took the matching ring from Seraphina, my fingers moving on their own as I slid it onto Ryder’s finger. “With this ring, I bind myself to you, Ryder. As your mate, your Luna, and your wife p>
The officiant’s voice rang out. “By the power vested in me and the blessing of the Moon Goddess, I now pronounce you Alpha and Luna of the Lycan Crescent Pack. You may seal your bond p>
The crowd stood in anticipation, but it was as if time slowed when Ryder cupped my face, his thumb brushing against my cheek. Then his lips were on mine, gentle yet filled with a possessive heat that made my breath catch. The kiss deepened, and I forgot about everything else—the crowd, the vows, even the weight of my new title.
In that moment, it was just us. Alpha and Luna. Husband and wife. And nothing else mattered.
Ryder’s POV
I woke up to the warmth of Jasmine’s body pressed against mine. Her eyes were still shut, and her breaths were shallow, following the steady rhythm of her heaving chest as her features lay peacefully. A few black wisps of hair remained plastered to the side of her forehead by sweat, her lips partly open… she’s mine.
I don’t know why, but it felt strange—no, not strange. Unreal. That was the word. It felt unreal to wake up every day with her by my side, for her to be my mate and Luna. Now this was surreal.
Nights like yesterday’s were the kind I knew I’d happily look forward to for the rest of my life, and I couldn’t help but smile as I remembered the way she looked at me with wild passion in those brown eyes. I gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, and she stirred. Her eyelids fluttered a bit before she opened them slowly.
“Ryder,” she whispered, her voice husky from sleep as she rubbed her eyes with the back of her palm.
Even the way she said my name was so sexy, so hot. Cupping her cheeks, I leaned in to kiss her forehead.
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“So how’s today going to be?” Jasmine yawned, stretching her arms.
“Whatever you—” I was about to complete my sentence when my phone beeped. The screen brightened, and my eyes caught the notification. It was a text from Kade. Great.
“What is it?” Jasmine asked. Her small hands were on my shoulders, her head leaning against mine so I could inhale the scent of her shampoo.
“Kade,” I replied lazily, scrolling through the text, a frown growing on my face. “Enzo’s leaving to head back to his pack p>
“Does that mean I won’t have you around throughout the day p>
Even though her face carried a neutral expression, I knew she wasn’t happy about my absence.
“I’ll try to make it before dinner. If I can’t, I’ll let you know,” I promised.
A small nod and a half smile were her only response. I wanted to hug her and tell her not to worry—but the second text from Kade made me hurry.
“I need to catch Enzo before he leaves,” I mumbled, placing a quick kiss on her cheek.
The silence from her annoyed me, and this added to the growing collection of things weighing on me.
There were few moments I wished I wasn’t an Alpha. If this wasn’t important, I swear I’d still be in bed—or maybe in the shower, ramming my cock inside her.
With quick steps, I moved downstairs, hoping to catch Enzo before he departed. I found him on the balcony of the ballroom, his arms resting on the banister as he stared into the orchard.
“I trust you’ve had a nice time in my pack,” I announced my presence.